Application for concrete crushing plant withdrawn

A petition against the plant closed with more than 1200 signatures

Campaigners are celebrating "a win for local community action" after a planning application for a concrete crushing plant was withdrawn.

Thame and Lea Park Estate residents gathered on Sunday to protest against the proposed facility at the top of Moorend Lane, off Tythrop Way.

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed that building company Clark Contracting Ltd had withdrawn its application.

The company did not reply to the BBC's requests for a comment.

Lea Park Residents' Association chair, Mark Goodall, said the application withdrawal showed it was possible for a community to "make its feelings known"

The Lea Park Residents' Association (LPRA) campaigned against the proposal in partnership with Thame Town Council.

The main concerns were around health risks and potential damage to the environment.

The association said an increase in the number of HGVs visiting the site would "increase congestion around the junction and along Tythrop Way (A4129), and increase [the] risk of accidents".

The demonstration over the weekend was supported by about 130 residents and Henley and Thame MP Freddie Van Mierlo.

The LPRA also raised awareness of the issue via a petition, which closed with more than 1200 signatures.

Chair of the LPRA, Mark Goodall, said he was "thrilled" that the application had been withdrawn.

"It just shows that it is possible for a community to come together and make its feelings known successfully."

He said the campaigners hoped the applicant "will realise that this site simply isn’t suitable for this kind of facility as it’s so close to homes and the places where children play".