FOLLOWING a three year wait, the controversial proposal to create a new mega quarry at Westdown outside Nunney will be heard on the 6th June.
Over 500 people have written objections to the plan, and participated in the dozens of acts of creative resistance – from 200 strong demonstrations in the depths of winter to samba performances and orchid walks.
The two ecological statutory consultees to the process also recently reasserted their objections, which they say will destroy 100 acres of farmland and ancient hedgerows, home to a wide range of protected species, including a lesser horseshoe bat nursery and the only known population of dormice in East Mendip.
They have pointed out that the original ecological surveys are now out of date and that Heidelberg Materials, who are seeking permission to open the quarry, have failed to abide by the guidance to create a ‘BioDiversity Net Gain’ of 10%.
The local campaign group, Stop Hanson Expansion at Westdown Quarry (SHEWQ) understands that an ad hoc strategic planning committee meeting to consider the applications has been scheduled for 10am on Thursday 6th June in Shepton Mallet.
“Questions are being asked after changes to the process itself appear to be being rushed through in preparation,” said the group. “The new unitary authority position has been that all planning applications would be determined where regional knowledge and accountability could be most in play – at the local area committee level.
“Now a vote is expected at the full council meeting on May 22nd to force through a reversion to the old system, with decisions being determined by the Somerset strategic planning committee.
“It is believed that the quarry is the single biggest proposed carbon emitter currently awaiting permission in Somerset. Approving it would run contrary to the national climate emergency, Environment Act and Somerset County Council’s own Climate Emergency Plan.”
Jenny Peterson, a local resident said, “Whilst quarrying is a vital industry in the area, Westdown is different. It’s the wrong pit in the wrong place at the wrong time and being pushed through at the expense of our water supply, our climate targets, our road safety and our wildlife. We call on everyone to let their local representatives know that the decisions of the Strategic Planning Committee will be regarded as a litmus test of party commitments to put environment and community before corporate profit.”
Henry Parr, another local resident commented: “There are four huge quarries within two miles of Westdown; Whatley, Torr Works and Halecombe, and the reopened Bartletts right next door. Added together these cover an area of land nearly as big as Frome itself. If this expansion is approved, it will be a disaster, a triumph of money and power, a defeat for nature and for all our futures”
Locals did however received a boost earlier this month with the news that Heidelberg Materials have officially withdrawn their application to dump waste from the proposed Westdown quarry into a regenerating forest next to the last remaining of section of the ancient Asham Wood.
“This significant victory is the result of legal investigations by the campaign, which revealed that the licence for industrial activity in the area had actually lapsed in 1998,” said the group.
Somerset councillor and the Green Party’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new Frome and East Somerset constituency, Martin Dimery commented, “We are delighted that Asham Wood is to be preserved. It is an important area of natural beauty and bio-diversity.”
