Wootton Bridge Councillor, Sarah Redrup, is calling for the Isle of Wight council to listen to residents on the proposed plans to extract sand and gravel from Palmers Farm in Wootton.
In 2022, Wight Building Materials first submitted their planning application for the site on Palmers Farm. In May 2024, they submitted an amendment to their application with a revised access route onto and along Palmers Road, to and from Lushington Hill. This will mean there will be 20 tonne, 4 axle lorries taking an average of 38 two-way trips per day along this route.
Redrup: Not the only ones with concerns
Councillor Sarah Redrup pointed out that Wootton residents aren’t the only ones concerned about gravel extraction quarries:
“We aren’t the only community who are concerned about gravel extraction happening so close to people’s homes, we only need to look over the water to see what has happened in Hamble.
“39 Health Professionals signed a petition protesting plans to dig a quarry on the former Hamble Airfield.”
Similar application refused on health grounds
In May 2024, Hampshire County Council rejected plans by building firm Cemex’s application. This followed objections from residents, schools and doctors who were concerned about the potential health, environmental and traffic implications close to a residential area.
Doctors in Hamble raised concerns about air pollution and the risk of Sicilia dust arising from quarrying activities, which is a carcinogen and can be toxic when inhaled.
Like the Palmers Farm application, which is sited near Wootton Bridge Primary School, the Hamble Airfield application was also close to a school. Over 600 pupils and teachers in Hamble signed a petition which was delivered to 10 Downing Street.
Redrup: Urge IWC not to ignore very real and legitimate concerns
Councillor Redrup said she is urging the Isle of Wight Council to listen to Islanders:
“So far there are over 100 objections to the plans to extract gravel at Palmers Farm from residents, community groups, charities and three Parish Councils. I am urging the Isle of Wight council not to ignore the very real and legitimate concerns that the community are raising.
“I have asked the Local Planning Authority to take this application to the Isle of Wight Planning Committee, because the community deserve an opportunity to be heard.”
Public consultation
The public consultation period runs until the 14th June.
Residents wanting to submit their objections to the plans should do so using the Isle of Wight council’s planning website or writing to the planning department using the reference 22/00654/FUL.
News shared by Sarah, in her own words. Ed
