Council accused of 'ecocide' over quarry plan

A county council has been accused of "ecocide" by a councillor over plans to turn 100 acres (40 hectares) of ancient woodland into a quarry.

Opponents have been battling Kent County Council (KCC) for years over the proposed future use of Oaken Wood in Barming, which is a nominated part of the council's Mineral Sites Plan.

Friends of Oaken Wood chairman, and KCC Green councillor, Stuart Jeffrey said he was "horrified" by the plans, but the Reform administration said "no decision has been made".

KCC said: "If the site is considered suitable for allocation, it would be subject to strict national and local planning policies that provide strong protection for ancient woodland."

The Mineral Sites Plan is a legally binding agreement to ensure sufficient commercial building materials are generated locally, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

This marks the latest stage of a long battle which started in 2014 when the local Gallagher construction group secured 80 acres (32 hectares) adjacent to the current woodland for commercial extraction.

Jeffery, who is also leader of Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), says the plan demonstrates Reform's "hatred of the natural world and their disdain for planning policy.

"Ancient woodland cannot be replaced or moved. Once it is lost, it is gone forever. Reform's plans are an act of ecocide," he added.

MBC councillor Allison Sweetman, a founder of the charity, said: "I am furious... This is home to turtle doves, night jars and dormice."

KCC said its priority was "to balance the county's long-term need for construction materials with the protection of the environment and local communities, in accordance with planning policy and legislation".

Sean Connor, managing director of Gallagher Aggregates, said there would be "a careful and considered approach to environmental protection, while at the same time providing critical building materials, securing local jobs and investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth".

He said the proposals would see "more than double the tree planting in restored, native woodland".

The matter is due to go before the growth, environment and transport cabinet committee on 7 July, and eventually to government inspectors for examination.

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