The proposed SDA will have a very significant adverse effect on the local and wider environment. We are studying the following areas, and in each of them, have clearly identified valid arguments against the SDA : 

• LOSS OF FARMLAND - At a time of growing food imports and climate change affecting world food production, the UK cannot afford to lose more prime farmland to urbanisation. The SDA will lead to the closure of a number of farms and the loss of local food production. Large areas of concrete and tarmac on the Hamble drainage area could cause flooding downstream.
  
  
• WATER RUN-OFF - The Hamble and its tributaries run adjacent to or within the SDA area. The SDA will cause increased polluted surface water drainage into these channels, and water tables will be affected.
  
  
• CARBON FOOTPRINT AND POLLUTION - The Government has declared that all new major developments should have an added “carbon cost”. PUSH and SEERA have not acknowledged this. The SDA will lead to increased local air and water pollution.
  
  
• RECREATION AND AMENITY - A number of footpaths, and routes frequently used by local cyclists and horse riders, cross the SDA area. Many people from the urban fringe of Southampton come out to enjoy the local countryside. All this will be lost if the SDA proceeds.
  
  
• BIODIVERSITY - Within the SDA area there are a number of identified sites of ecological importance, containing wildlife habitats, flora and fauna and soil types which will be lost or damaged. A number of threatened wildlife species exist in the area, ranging from badgers to damsel flies.
  
  
• HISTORICAL FEATURES - The SDA area contains water mills, listed buildings, old farm buildings, Second World War features, ancient hedgerows, old woodlands and many other features of historical interest which will be lost or damaged.  

• OTHER POINTS
  Open gaps between existing developments and the SDA will be lost.
  The special panoramic qualities of the unspoilt Hamble Valley will be severely compromised.
  Air quality will be affected.
  The landscape will be destroyed.
  Streams and rivers are at risk from pollution.
  There are hazardous fuel and gas pipelines crossing the site.

This Development is not Sustainable.