Isle of Wight's Wootton Council to discuss gravel extraction

The ten year scheme would see 12.2 hectares of agricultural field set aside, with an additional 1.2 hectares used for temporary soil storage.

Sand and gravel would be transported to St George's Down for processing, with a route proposed to get it there taking in Alverstone Road, the Racecourse roundabout, Lushington Hill, Station Road, Wootton and Briddlesford Road. 

There would be to 50 movements per day on and off the site those behind the plan have confirmed, in their formal submission to the Isle of Wight Council.

• Read more: Wootton gravel quarry plans submitted to Isle of Wight Council

A planning notice at the spot where an access road would be created for the gravel and sand extraction scheme.

The plans submitted by Wight Building Materials show the proposed site and access..

When the scheme was first announced, worried residents formed WAGE (Wootton, Whippingham and Arreton Against Gravel Extraction) to campagin against it.

Members say they plan to attend this week's local council meeting.

In November, Wight Building Materials argued its only alternative would be to import sand and gravel.

It also argues the operation would be sustainably managed and would protect around 40 local jobs.

Read more:

• Wootton campaign gears up as gravel and sand extraction plan draws closer
• Letter: Home-quarried gravel and sand is better for the Isle of Wight
• Group forms to oppose gravel quarry plans for Wootton

Rural Palmers Brook is just up the road and is a popular route for cyclists and walkers.

Meanwhile, WAGE is worried about the potential impact of thhe scheme.

"Although the planning application states gravel trucks will not meet each other along Brocks Copse Road or Alverstone Road, there is no mention of other lorries, vans and farm vehicles or the safety risks to horse riders, walkers, and cyclists," it said.  

Isle of Wight Councillor for Wootton Bridge, Daryll Pitcher said: "We cannot understand why a full, independent Environmental Impact Assessment has not been carried out. I will be calling on the Isle of Wight Council to request this immediately."

Today (Sunday), Brocks Copse Road was busy with cyclists on the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee.

How to comment on the Wight Building Materials Isle of Wight gravel and sand extraction plan

The official deadline for public comments to the Isle of Wight Council is May 16.

• CLICK HERE to see the plans in full

Wootton Parish Council meets at 7pm on Tuesday, May 3 at Wootton Primary School, on Church Road.

• Read more: New Isle of Wight homes should be made from local and sustainable materials, says building business

Steve Burton, from Wight Building Materials.

A WAGE campaign sign on Brocks Copse Road.