Witham MP Priti Patel has met with local residents in Copford Village Hall concerned about proposals for new quarrying sites in the Colchester area and around the A12.
As part of a review of Essex County Council’s Minerals Plan, a consultation is taking place where local communities and residents are being asked to comment on the 52 candidate sites, 20 of which fall within the Witham constituency. Those sites have been put forward by landowners and developers and following this consultation will be subject to further consideration from Essex County Council and from an independent planning inspector. Also attending the meeting were Cllr Kevin Bentley, who represents the Stanway and Pyefleet division on Essex County Council, and representatives from Tarmac, who are promoting sites for quarrying. Speaking after the meeting Priti said:
“Local communities across this part of Essex have raised concerns and questions about the level of quarrying activities proposed, the number of sites and the impact that more quarrying will have. We already experience the impact of high levels of quarrying from sites around the A12 and the A120 and communities close to existing sites and those under consideration are worried. These concerns include issues over the increase in traffic, dust and particles in the air, and the impact on the environment. I will be making representations on their behalf to Essex County Council to highlight these concerns and the issues raise with the sites proposed.”
