The battle at Betchworth

Despite strong objections from local residents and CPRE Surrey, planning permission has been given by SCC for the extraction of 700,000 tons of sand from a site on the historic Common Field at the centre of the attractive village of Betchworth, near Dorking

 

Despite strong objections from local residents and CPRE Surrey, planning permission has been given by Surrey County Council for the extraction of 700,000 tons of sand from a site on the historic Common Field at the centre of this attractive village, located at the foot of the North Downs near Dorking.

 

The Planning Committee, although recognising the harm to the village, Green Belt and views from the Surrey Hills AONB, considered the need for the soft sand was the key consideration. Surrey has less than the required seven years landbank, and few sites for soft sand have been identified.

 

CPRE Surrey argued that the site was inappropriate because of the impact on the landscape. We also told the committee that in our opinion the proposal is premature as Surrey is currently preparing its Minerals Plan and, as part of that process, there will be a detailed investigation of all the controversial sites proposed for quarrying. As extraction at Betchworth is not due to commence until 2012 and as the Plan is programmed for adoption in 2010, we consider that any decision on this site could and should be deferred.

 

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Government is reviewing the sand and gravel targets for the South East. It would seem therefore to be premature to reach a decision at Betchworth whilst this work is in process. However, even with the availability of more recycled materials and the import of an increasing amount of marine sands and gravels, the demand for silica sand is likely to rise because of the high targets the Government is setting for house building.

 

It is proposed, after extraction, that the quarry site will be filled with waste and eventually restored to agricultural use by 2022 so disruption will be ongoing for many years.

 

The South East England Regional Assembly has recently considered a report on apportioning the extraction of sands and gravels throughout the region. Consultants have been appointed to look at the best method of deciding the amount for each county. Originally, the calculation was based primarily on past rates of production but it is now recognised that this is a flawed approach. The consultants together with a steering group and aggregates working party have considered a range of six options and carried out sustainability and habitat appraisals on each.

 

They will now recommend to the Assembly’s full plenary committee that there should be public consultation on three options. These place different emphases on demand, the environment and, thirdly, demand and resources. The environment constraint option is limited to national and international designations, and excludes the Green Belt as a consideration. Consultation will take place between May and July 2008, before advice is finalised for submission to the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) in December. In addition to re-examining the apportionments, it is known that demand is falling. Between 2001 and 2005, there was a fall in demand of excavated aggregates of 38%, due largely to the use of alternatives. It is therefore likely that the target for the South East will also fall. Figures of between 15% and 55% have been suggested but these figures may be too high and, no doubt, will be objected to by the producers.

 

Unfortunately it is apparent from recent documentation produced by Surrey County Council, yet to be considered by the Executive and which in due course will become part of the Surrey Minerals Plan, the provision will have to be made for an increase in the production of silica sands. These are found only in an area between Betchworth and Bletchingley where there is already extensive quarrying. The proposed modifications to the Plan also refer to the Government’s emphasis on increasing gas storage requirements and, as members will know from previous newsletters, there are several potential sites along the foot of the North Downs in the greensand deposits.

 

CPRE Surrey will continue to monitor reports from the Regional Assembly and Surrey CC, and respond to forthcoming consultation documents.