The leader of the council, the cabinet member for planning and the Isle of Wight MP have reacted to the news that Highways PFI contractor Eurovia have entered into a joint venture with Aggregate Industries (parent company of Bardon Vectis).
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member for planning and regulatory matters, said:
“We are delighted that Eurovia has listened to both our concerns, as well as those of the residents we represent, and reached an agreement to develop a new asphalt plant at Blackwater Quarry, St George’s Down.
“The location of the asphalt plant on the banks of the River Medina has always been a contentious issue and it was made clear in our Framework for Change that this had to be addressed. I hope that this will mean the current planning and license applications in relation to that site will now be withdrawn in due course.”
Councillor Ian Stephens, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“As well as providing quality local materials for the important job of improving and maintaining our roads over the next 25 years, the new joint venture will safeguard existing jobs, something we welcome.
“We would like to thank Eurovia and Aggregate Industries for working together to reach this important agreement which we believe is the right decision for the Island and one that will be welcomed by residents.”
Island MP Andrew Turner, who supported the campaign against the plans, said:
“This is a victory for ordinary people standing up for what is right and I am delighted that common sense has finally prevailed as building an asphalt plant at this ecologically sensitive location so close to many homes was always an ill-conceived idea. There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to reach this agreement, and I would like to thank all those involved.
“I do still remain concerned about some messages that were given out by the company during this process. I would still like to meet Scott Wardrop, Eurovia’s managing director, to have a proper discussion about this.”
