Quarry plan threatens ancient woodland, charities warn

Ancient woodland has been included in a draft minerals plan despite warnings from campaigners that quarrying could destroy the site.

Kent County Council (KCC) is consulting on its draft minerals sites plan, which identifies locations that could be suitable for future sand, gravel and stone extraction.

Conservation groups have urged people to object to the plans, warning a proposed extension of Hermitage Quarry into Oaken Wood could destroy more ancient woodland than HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing combined.

Gallagher Aggregates, which runs the quarry, said the decision would help protect jobs, support the economy and ensure Kent had a local supply of building materials.

The draft plan carries forward three existing sites at Chapel Farm, Lenham, for soft sand, and at Stonecastle Farm, Hadlow, and Moat Farm, Capel, for sharp sand and gravel.

It has also proposed a new site for the extraction of Kentish Ragstone on land south and west of Hermitage Quarry near Aylesford, where part of the land is designated as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site.

Sean Gallagher, managing director of Gallagher Group, said the council's decision would bring benefits for the economy, environment and heritage buildings, while protecting jobs and reducing reliance on imported materials.

He said the company planned to protect the environment through measures including soil translocation and new native woodland planting.

Kent Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, CPRE Kent and Friends of Oaken Wood all called on people to respond to the consultation.

Nick Trower, planning and policy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said ancient woodland was a "living part of our history", adding: "Once it is gone, it is gone forever."

Friends of Oaken Wood described the decision as "heartbreaking".

Jay Henderson, campaigns manager at Woodland Trust, said: "This quarry extension would cause the biggest loss of ancient woodland in England this century."

Maidstone Borough Council has formally objected to the proposal, citing concerns about the loss of ancient woodland, habitat fragmentation and impacts on biodiversity.

KCC said Kent is expected to need about 19.9 million tonnes of hard rock up to 2039, while existing stone reserves are forecast to be exhausted by about 2033.

Linden Kemkaran, KCC leader, said: "The plan must balance future mineral needs with environmental, social and economic considerations, which is why it is important that people take the opportunity to share their views through this consultation."

People can comment until 10 September.

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