Council Rejects Quarry For A Second Time

Hertfordshire County Council have refused planning permission for a quarry north of Bengeo, following a second application by RJD Ltd and Gowling Trust.

Campaigners in the Council Chamber applauded as members of the Development Control Committee voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the quarry on land to the north of Bengeo.

The proposed quarry would have been just a few hundred metres from the local primary school. The threat to air quality and the local aquifer were high amongst the concerns raised by local residents. Children from Bengeo Primary School were among those in the chamber.

Members of the local community, campaign representatives and expert witnesses all spoke at the meeting, along with school govenor Libby Mountford.

There were no presentations to the committee from either RJD or Gowling. Committee Member Seamus Quilty said that it was the first time he had sat on a development committee where the applicant had not attended to answer questions.

The Council similarly rejected a larger quarry application last year - on that occasion also members were unanimous in their decsiion.

Members were told that the applicant filed a 96 page Health Impact Assessment as late as last weekend, following objections from Public Health officials.

The plans will now be the subject of a Public Enquiry starting next week, after the applicants submitted an Appeal earlier in the year against the council's planning refusal last year.

For further background see our Local Issues article about gravel extraction.