Welwyn Hatfield's Labour MP Andrew Lewin has spoken out against "unsuitable" plans for a quarry in Ellenbrook Fields at a public inquiry.

Ellenbrook Fields are part of the former Hatfield Aerodrome site that Brett Aggregates want to quarry – as part of plans to extract eight million tonnes of sand and gravel over a 32-year period.

Although the application was turned down by the county council earlier this year, that refusal is being challenged at a public inquiry which started yesterday (November 19) and is expected to last 10 days.

After giving evidence, Mr Lewin described the plans as "unsuitable", and was keen to thank the more than 500 residents who have petitioned to put a stop to the quarry.

"Ellenbrook Fields is a green oasis for Hatfield and an important natural resource for local people," he said.

"There are compelling reasons why this isn’t a suitable site for a quarry and I have long argued its future would be best served as a country park.

READ MORE: Planning inquiry to scrutinise quarry application is now under way

Mr Lewin speaking at the public inquiry.Mr Lewin speaking at the public inquiry. (Image: Office of Andrew Lewin MP)

"I was pleased to stand up for Ellenbrook at the Planning Inquiry today and make my case in person. Our case was strengthened by the support of more than 500 signatories to my recent petition.

"I want to thank all the community groups who have been seeking to protect Ellenbrook Fields over so many years and for their continuing support through the inquiry process."

Back in September, Hertfordshire County Council withdrew its reasons for refusal for the quarry, and have now told the inquiry that it supports the plans under certain conditions.

Mr Lewin said Hatfield residents have been "badly let down" by this decision and campaigners are now "up against it" in their efforts to stop the quarry going ahead.

"The truth is that we are up against it," he added. 

"As the MP, I do not have a formal role in the final decision and we have been badly let down by Hertfordshire County Council.

"By first withdrawing their objection to a quarry and now offering qualified support for it, they have made our task far more difficult and a quarry far more likely to be approved."