Cries of 'shame' as quarry plans approved

There were cries of "shame" as the plans were approved

Plans for a new quarry which some fear could have a "devastating effect" in Suffolk have been approved.

A 36-hectare quarry on the east side of the A12 at Brockley Wood, near Ipswich and the village of Bentley, has been proposed and could see 186,266 tonnes of sand and gravel removed each year.

There were calls of "shame" as Suffolk County Council approved the plans earlier.

Michael Bamford, a Bentley parish councillor, said the plans had left the local community "extremely concerned".

"If this proposal was approved it could almost completely change the face of Bentley," Dr Bamford said prior to the council's approval.

"It's another example of devastating desecration of a rural landscape."

Councillors approved the plans with six in favour, two against and one abstention.

Bentley Parish Council added it feared an increase in HGV traffic through the village might "endanger walkers, cyclists and horse riders" using the surrounding single-track roads and lanes.

The council also fears it might harm the countryside and wildlife around the village.

"This appalling proposal is for an industrial plant for which Suffolk County Council acknowledges there is no need, in a totally inappropriate rural setting," a parish council spokesperson said.

Mr Bamford fears "there is very little" the parish council can do about the plans.

"I think we've got to batten down the hatches and expect it will become an industrial hinterland to Ipswich," he said.

The plant would be involved in the extraction, processing and sale of sand and gravel along with processing of waste materials.

The site is one of nine identified as an allocated sand and gravel extraction site in the Suffolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

Suffolk County Council has been approached for comment.