THE community is being urged to speak out against plans to reopen Westdown Quarry near Frome, which one resident says will have a “devastating environmental impact”.
Hanson Aggregates UK has applied to Somerset County Council to reopen the quarry that has been disused for 40 years.
The proposed site adjoins Asham Wood, an ancient woodland that is described as “the largest and most diverse” in the Mendips. It is also a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’.
Nunney resident, Keith Harrison-Broninski, has raised concerns that if Westdown Quarry were to reopen, it would result in three operational “super quarries” in the area – including Whatley Quarry, Frome; and the Torr Works Quarry, Shepton Mallet.
He says that the “cumulative effects” of the three “super quarries” could result in increased noise from sirens, blasting, and machinery; increased traffic on roads that are already congested; a possible negative impact on the health of local people from pollution including dust and dirt; “unpredictable changes” to the ecosystem as a result of changes to the water table; disruption of local wildlife and plant life ecosystems both on land in watercourses, in Asham Wood; and increased Co2 emissions.
He has also questioned how reopening a “massive industrial carbon extraction” quarry would fit into plans for a ‘carbon neutral’ Somerset. “Westdown has 160,000,000 tonnes of proven reserves,” said Keith. “Read that number again.
“If this application is allowed, forget net zero in Mendip. On the contrary. By opening a third super-quarry just as global leaders finally start to combat climate change, our area will go down in history as infamous.
“This seems to be a desperate attempt to secure planning permission before public fears about the climate crisis force changes in government policy (recently agreed at the G7 in Cornwall) that prevent any possibility of it ever being granted in future.
“Extractive industries are responsible for half of the world’s carbon emissions and more than 80% of biodiversity loss Do you want our area to become infamous in the global fight against climate change – a case study that helps hold the door open for continued environmental damage by multinationals?”
The deadline for comments on the application is Wednesday 30th June. To view the application and to comment, visit the website planning.somerset.gov.uk using the reference number SCC/3795/2021.
