COUNCILS across Berkshire have joined forces in a quest to find new sites for minerals, gravel and sand.
Last week, Hampshire County Council sent out the request on behalf of Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, and Wokingham Borough Council asking for information that could help form a new Joint Minerals and Waste Plan.
The letter says: “Hampshire County Council are asking mineral and waste site operators and landowners to put forward site proposals for consideration for minerals and waste uses, including any aspirations for existing sites to either extend or widen the range of operations or facilities.
“We would therefore like to invite landowners, agents or potential developers, to put forward minerals and waste sites for consideration.”
There are two elements to the call for sites: the mineral supply which includes sand, gravel, mineral railhead and aggregate recycling facilities. It is also asking for waste proposals that include composting, waste transfer and waste to energy facilities.
Interested parties are being asked to submit their sites by Friday, May 5.
One site that could be included is Bridge Farm in Shinfield. A planning application has been submitted for the 190 hectare site to extract sand and gravel.
As part of the plans, there will be the installation of an aggregates processing plant, a ready mix concrete plant and parking for HGVs. A public footpath will be diverted during the works.
Residents have sprung into action to express their concerns over the plans.
A Facebook action group has been set up, Shinfield & Arborfield Residents Against Bridge Farm Quarry.
Elsewhere , The Arborfield Community Forum discussed the matter when it met at Henry Street Garden Centre on Monday, March 20 and Arborfield Parish Council will debate it when it meets on Tuesday, March 21 at Arborfield Pavilion.
Residents have also been adding comments to the planning application on Wokingham Borough Council’s website.
One has said: “I think it is extremely irresponsible to agree a planning application for a quarry so close to a residential area.”
Another noted: “I object most strongly to this proposed planning application on the ground of the excess noise, dust and increased traffic it will cause through and around Arborfield.”
There are also fears on the Facebook page that no survey has been carried out over badgers.
Group admin, Andy Hallett, said: “We are encouraging all residents of Shinfield and Arborfield to be aware of the horror planning proposal being put forward by Cemex.
“Shinfield and Arborfield are villages that seem to be bearing the brunt of Wokingham’s housing plans, but this is one step too far.
“Please make sure you have your voice heard on this application. It is number 170433.”
