West Sussex County Council
(WSCC) and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) are developing a joint "Minerals Local Plan” for future mineral provision for this area. This aims to ensure that sufficient raw
materials are available to support such activities as house-building, road
development and new airport runways.
Mineral extraction could have
significant adverse environmental implications so it is clearly an issue that should
concern residents and conservation
bodies alike. At present the plan is at
an early stage and a wide range of potential extraction sites (quarries) are
being considered prior to any formal site allocation. Nevertheless, sites are now being discussed
and there is a need for local people to understand the implications and make
their views known.
In this regard The Wiggonholt Association is organising a meeting at 7pm on 3rd November 2014 at
Pulborough Village Hall. Speakers
include Richard Bate (an environmental planner and specialist advisor on silica
sand and sand extraction) and Pat Arculus (West Sussex County Councillor for
Pulborough).
Pulborough is under particular
threat as an extraction site is proposed just to the east of Pulborough
opposite Mare Hill and Broomer’s Hill.
The mineral here is silica sand, which is particularly sought after so
there is a high likelihood that this site will go forward – with the consequent
noise, disturbance and environmental damage.
I am unable to attend the
meeting (although I hope someone from SWT will be able to go), but I recommend
that anyone worried about having a quarry on their doorstep does go along to
find out more.