Ryarsh proposed site of 3.1m tonne sand quarry for 24 years of excavation

Kent County Council are considering Ryarsh as a location for a sand quarry. The site, on the western side of Roughetts Road will be subject to 24 years of excavation and 5 years of restoration. Lorries will be entering from the A20 and then using Roughetts Road when fully loaded to exit the site. The location that will be dug up is a part of the Kent Downs AONB (Area of Natural Beauty) and includes ancient woodland, public footpaths and agricultural land and will border directly onto homes on the road, some of which are listed properties.

The Council have also identified a site in Lenham as another source to fulfil their soft sand requirements and a further 7 sites around Kent for sharp sand and gravel. Their requirement is for 5m tonnes of soft sand, Ryarsh has 3.1m and Lenham has 4m.

Ryarsh Parish Council were informed of this yesterday and very pro-actively have arranged a public meeting at the Village Hall on Monday the 29th January 2018 at 8pm and we encourage as many people as possible to attend.

You can view KCC’s plans on their website here and below are images of the proposed location.

Your views to the council are of vital importance. Please ensure you contact them through their consultation portal at:

http://consult.kent.gov.uk/portal/second_call_for_sites_2016/mineral_sites_plan_-_options_consultation (preferred method)

or email your comments to mwlp@kent.gov.uk, or post your comments to:

Minerals and Waste Planning Policy

1st Floor, Invicta House

County Hall

Maidstone

Kent

ME14 1XX

Click below to enlarge.