In October 2015, leading environmentalist Jonathon Porritt added his objection to those of many local people who protested against Grundon Ltd’s latest application to delay restoring Wicklesham Quarry. Quarrying finished around five years ago, and objectors argued that this application was an abuse of process. Quarry operator Grundon has made a series of applications attempting to avoid restoring the quarry in accordance with its planning conditions, while the landowner pursues a seven year campaign to turn Wicklesham, “one of Britain’s most important palaeontological sites”, into a 20 acre industrial warehousing site. Although Oxfordshire County Council HAS granted a further 12 months extension to the quarry operator, this time, they say, restoration MUST be carried out. Deputy Director for Strategy and Infrastructure Planning, Bev Hindle, has heeded valid public objections. She states: “There is local concern that the activity on the site continues to go on and on without restoration being achieved. To encourage restoration within the timescale I recommend two things: firstly that a condition be attached to prevent any further soils leaving the site; and secondly that there be no restriction on the amount of soil material imported to the site. This would focus all activity on the restoration of the site.” The Deputy Director states: “The County Council as Mineral Planning Authority has a clear responsibility to seek to ensure that in granting any mineral permission, it is of primary importance for the environment that provision is made for the satisfactory restoration of the site. A number of extensions of time have already been granted for the final restoration. The mineral has all been worked and I therefore consider that the need to see the site restored satisfactorily and expeditiously is now of primary importance for the environment and constitutes an imperative reason of overriding public interest. “ Oxfordshire County Council’s report states that it intends to uphold its obligations to “protect the landscape of the area”, and “restore and enhance biodiversity” in accordance with the Local Plan. The County Council also reaffirms its commitment under the National Planning Policy Framework, to “provide for restoration and aftercare at the earliest opportunity to be carried out to high environmental standards, through the application of appropriate conditions, where necessary.” This time we shall be holding them to their word, and objectors are determined that any further planning applications or delay tactics by Grundon will meet a legal challenge and enforcement action. Is Grundon willing to risk its already damaged reputation further? Or even lose its licence as a quarry operator? We don’t think so, and we shall send them this update to let them know we’re watching their activities at Wicklesham quarry. Supporters of the campaign to PROTECT WICKLESHAM QUARRY FROM DEVELOPMENT thank Oxfordshire County Council for its clear statement of the environmental responsibilities of quarry owners and operators under the law, and we expect the Independent Examiner of Faringdon Neighbourhood Plan to recognize their legal weight. The full report can be found at the link below.