Sharon Jackson writes.

 

Thank you for your interest in the proposed mineral extraction in the Upper Ouse Valley around Carlton and Chellington. Following the period of consultation there has been a decision  that Chellington sites MD46 and MD49 are not on the DRAFT plan preferred list. This is certainly encouraging news, but this is still only a draft and  it is highly likely that the sites that have been selected may try to appeal. The critical element for us  now is to ensure that the "presumption against mineral extraction in the Upper Ouse valley" is firmly reinstated in the final plan. To that end, a few of us think we need to rally the village to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) once more to support the presumption against...   This is what needs to be done next

 

QUARRY MATTERS – NEXT STAGE

 

DRAFT MINERALS CORE STRATEGY –  is at

http://consultation.limehouse.co.uk/bedfordshire/drafts/11/chapter_459.html

Go to point  6.  Spatial Strategy

Consultation Responses

6.7 There was strong support for the retention of the presumption against mineral working in the Upper Ouse, in recognition of the extreme transport constraints and general environmental sensitivity of the area. Some respondents noted, however, that should demand for minerals continue at present levels, then it may be necessary to lift this presumption as other resource blocks become depleted. Others noted that the bar on working in the Upper Ouse would increase the demands on other mineral producing areas.

 

Chellington sites MD46 and MD49 are not on the preferred list because of this presumption. The sites that have been nominated as preferred sites will probably try to object  (we would) and may put forward an argument against this presumption. The reinstatement of this presumption is vital for longer term preservation of the area.

 

WE HAVE UNTIL 31st OCTOBER TO GIVE OUR SUPPORT TO THIS STATEMENT

Statement 3

Overall Spatial Strategy

There will be a general presumption against mineral working in the Upper Ouse valley (i.e. West of Bedford).  Aggregate minerals will be sourced from the river valley sands and gravels of the Lower Ouseand Ivel valleys, the glacial sands and gravels of the Biggleswade area and the cretaceous sands of the Greendsand Ridge. Specialist silica sands will be sourced from sites in the vicinity of Leighton Buzzard / Heath and Reach. These preferred areas are shown in the Key Diagram on the next page. Within these areas sites will be selected to ensure that the plan area as a whole can supply a balanced range of mineral types.

Within the above framework, sites will be allocated for mineral working according to the following prioritised sequential test:

  1. extensions to existing mineral extraction sites
  2. "satellite” extraction sites serving an existing processing plant site
  3. new sites not connected with any existing operation

Brickclay and chalk will be sourced from existing permitted reserves and there will be no further working of fullers earth

Question 3  Do you agree with the preferred option? Please give reasons in your answer.

If you don’t want to use email, please send your written  comments to:

MW Plans, Minerals and Waste Planning Team, Bedfordshire County Council, County Hall, Cauldwell Street, MK42 9AP

 e-mail MWPlans@bedscc.gov.uk

 I

Finally, for your information, clicking this linkhttp://consultation.limehouse.co.uk/bedfordshire/drafts/12/index.html  takes you to the Bedfordshire on line web site where you can read the full text.

Clicking this link www.carltonwithchellington.co.uk takes you to the Parish Council website.