There are new proposals from Surrey County Council for development at the Oxted Sandpit in Barrow Green Road and for continuing activity at the nearby Oxted Quarry in Chalkpit Lane.They are contained in a draft document just published for consultation called the 'Surrey Minerals Plan.'
The Plan proposes extending the Sandpit for further sand extraction and, in addition, making it into an aggregates recycling centre for construction and development waste. This waste would be brought in to the site by HGV where it would either be dumped as landfill, or recycled and driven away again - by HGV.
It seems inevitable that if either the extension and/or the recycling centre goes ahead it will mean a large number of extra lorries on our roads. These will be as well as the lorries using the Chalkpit site. That site is only referred to in the Plan as a continuing source of chalk. The main problem, the huge number of HGVs already involved in the landfilling going on there, is not mentioned. In fact the Plan makes no attempt whatsoever to address the HGV issue, nor does it consider the cumulative impact on the community and the environment of this new plan to operate the two sites together.
There has been a consultation process and both Tandridge District Council and East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth have strongly objected to the proposals.
The residents' group was not notified of the consultation but did find out about it at the last minute and managed to submit a few comments. Surrey County Council has apologised for leaving us out and has allowed further time for the group to give its views - until 22nd January.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is still considering whether to issue a permit for landfilling at the Sandpit. It had been originally expected to make a decision by the end of June.
News that the Agency was likely to issue a permit for a second landfill site close to the Chalkpit one prompted widespread protests because of the increase in lorries and the serious risks of yet more environmental damage from noise, HGV traffic and dust pollution
The Minerals Plan also names Mercers Farm, Nutfield Marsh as a preferred site. This is totally unsuited for access by large numbers of HGVs. It is in the Green Belt and is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. The site is important for great crested newts and over-wintering lapwings - their habitat would be destroyed if the proposal goes ahead.
The County Council says that if anyone wants to be sent updates on the Plan they should email mdf@surreycc.gov.uk with their name and address - and email address if they want to be updated by email.
