Ashton Keynes residents fight quarry plans at inquiry

The plans are being defended by Earthline, after Wiltshire Council refused to grant permission in January, but later came to an agreement with the company in what the residents described as a “shocking U-turn”.

After hearing both sides of the debate, the inspector has adjourned the inquiry for conditions to be submitted by Monday, October 28, but Ashton Keynes Parish Council says the experience of the inquiry so far has been a “tough” one.

READ MORE: Residents oppose 'horrifying' plans for Ashton Keynes quarry

The residents were not consulted on Wiltshire Council's decision to no longer contest the proposal. (Image: Jessica Moriarty) Chairman Dave Wingrove said: “The data provided by Earthline was very detailed, but ambiguous at best.

“They are proposing to fill the quarry voids after gravel extraction with inert landfill, comprised of brick, concrete, industrial waste, and clay.

“We do not see how this impermeable waste will lead to flood reduction.

“If you put a plug in a bath and fill it, is it not going to overflow?”

SEE ALSO: Earthline Group in row with Wiltshire man over land

View of flooding from a resident's garden towards the proposed quarry site. (Image: Jessica Moriarty) The residents report that the area to the south of the village already becomes “a functional flood plain” for five to six months of the year, extending northwards to The Derry.

They fear that the work will increase the flood risk to the homes, with the disturbance of the quarry affecting the health of nearby residents as well as the environment.

According to the residents, the site would come to within 50 metres of some recently built houses.

The quarry would be set within 27.2 hectares, including fields to the east of the High Road, as well as fields to the west of the High Road across to the B4696 Ashton Road, where the processing plant would be located.

Ashton Keynes Parish Council said Wiltshire Council’s U-turn has been a “complete bombshell” that would have a “devastating effect” on the village.

Wiltshire Council has stated that its previous reasons for refusal were addressed by Earthline’s provision of technical reports.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “As part of Earthline Ltd’s appeal they have provided technical reports in relation to flood risk; the impacts on heritage assets and archaeology; how noise and dust impacts could be avoided; how the visual impact of residents would be protected; how areas of biodiversity interest and protected species would be affected; and how the proposed floodplain meadow restoration scheme would be achieved.

“These technical assessments demonstrate to Wiltshire Council that the impacts could be effectively managed, meaning that Wiltshire Council’s reasons for refusal have now been addressed.

“However, this does not mean that local residents cannot attend the inquiry or submit evidence themselves if they feel that this would harm their quality of life.

“The Planning Inspector will consider all issues before reaching a decision.”

Cllr Chuck Berry previously suggested that insufficient attention had been afforded to the residents’ concerns, whilst Cllr Gavin Grant claimed they had been left in an “impossible position” with “very little chance of success”.

Referring to the residents’ experience of the inquiry so far, Mr Wingrove said: "I’m so proud of what we managed to achieve in a very short time, and of those who were prepared to take issue with the expert witnesses whom Earthline have no doubt paid handsomely to appear on their behalf."

Earthline has been contacted for comment.