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SPECTRES of future gravel pits and landfill on greenbelt sites bordering Highcliffe have been partially exorcised by a government planning inspector.

Following a public inquiry earlier this year, the controversial Hampshire minerals and waste strategy has been approved with amendments and conditions reducing the likelihood that areas at Walkford Farm and Roeshot Hill will be exploited within the next decade.

But while raising hopes that local areas will be safe, at least until the strategy is reviewed in 2016, the inspector has not ruled out any specific sites.

And local campaigners who have given a guarded welcome to the inspector's findings have pledged to fight on to avert the environmental damage, health risks and traffic congestion gravel workings would inflict on the area, its residents and road network.

Peter Martin, chairman of the WRAGE - Walkford and Roeshot Against Gravel Extraction - lobby group, which gave evidence at the inquiry, said the publication of the draft strategy had generated 5,000 protest letters locally.

"We will make sure that is not forgotten when it comes to planning for specific sites," he said.

Mr Martin, who will be giving a presentation to Highcliffe Residents' Association at its meeting on Monday evening, said the reduced gravel quotas imposed by the inspector meant that current demand could be met from existing quarries in the Avon Valley and New Milton areas of the New Forest.

Falling demand nationally, regionally and locally for aggregates and moves to reduce reliance on landfill for waste disposal also lifts the pressure for digging new sand and gravel pits.

Mr Martin was also pleased to note the inspector has insisted that plans for future gravel pits will have to take account of the setting, the impact on the health and quality of life of local residents and the effects on local roads. "There are still serious reservations about the strategy but we are relieved that there is now a firm basis to oppose specific sites," said Mr Martin.

"The whole process starts over again but the rules of the games are far more clear now."

7:00pm Friday 8th June 2007

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