Gravel extraction - local MP urges residents to make their voices heard

Last month, Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) raised concerns over sites put forward in the recently published Minerals Site Allocation Document, and urged his constituents to make their voices heard.

The publication of Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth Councils’ Minerals Site Allocation Document (MSAD) on 17 October, which sets out possible sites for the future quarrying of building materials, has caused almost as much controversy as the unpopular South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).

Following a similar timeline to the RSS, the final result of the MSAD Discussion Paper (which forms part of the joint Minerals and Waste Development Framework) will be a document that identifies specific locations for mineral extraction in Dorset, and one that will ‘provide specific planning guidance throughout the plan period until 2026’.

Bob feels that those sites identified for sand and gravel extraction in East Dorset by landowners, consultants and mineral companies are of particular concern - especially those at the Cannon Hill and Uddens Plantations and several others on designated Green Belt.

Problems regarding the proximity to residential areas, the burden on infrastructure, the protection of biodiversity and the character of the local landscape have all already been identified in a council-led sustainability appraisal. For this reason Bob believes it essential that everyone who currently uses any of the proposed sites or cares about the future of the local area takes part in the consultation process.

Bob says: “I am genuinely concerned about several of the proposed sites, as even a quick glance at the online MSAD Sustainability Appraisal document shows the negative points of the East Dorset sites considerably outweigh the positives.

“Many of the sites contribute enormously to the beauty and character of this area, as well as providing important places for recreation – something that even our area’s RSS ironically recognises as essential to our quality of life.

“Although this discussion process is in its very early stages the whole point of the consultation is to gauge local opinion on the proposals. So it is really important that as many users of the proposed sites and affected residents take this opportunity to put forward their views.

“The County Council is also giving a series of exhibitions between now and 27 November where people can find out more and put questions direct to council officers. I would definitely recommend that affected Wimborne and Colehill residents attend their nearest event, both of which will be held locally on 21 and 25 November.”