Large numbers of local residents responded to the planning consultation by the Vale of White Hose District Council on Wicklesham Quarry SSSI with a fantastic display of outright opposition. In the wake of a flood of objections the applicants have withdrawn their planning application.

Residents from Faringdon and the Western Vale villages expressed outrage and disbelief at the proposal by Tom Allen-Stevens and Spencer Cooper to develop a massive industrial and office complex (B2/ B8 uses) on agricultural land at Wicklesham Quarry SSSI, Faringdon’s most important environmental site, and an internationally famous site for earth sciences.

Members of the public described how important this area was to them- its wildlife, spectacular views across the Vale, and footpaths and bridleways that lead from Faringdon around the Quarry, to Galley Hill, Ringdale, Little Coxwell and Fernham. Many spoke of their desperation at the increase in traffic this would bring on the over-burdened A420, where pedestrians trying to negotiate the road, and drivers in recent years have lost their lives. A Professor of Geology and resident of Faringdon expressed “violent opposition” to the destruction of the SSSI- which was the scene of a globally unique, highly localised evolutionary event on the edge of this ancient coral reef. Many people objected to air pollution, loss of landscape and amenity, and were amazed at the idea of putting a vast array of grotesque buildings, including a data centre, many times the size of any in Faringdon, plus multistorey car parks, in area that they care deeply about. People objected to the principle of building in a Conservation Target Area, and reminded Councillors that this is a Priority Habitat, with breeding colonies of Great Crested Newts.

Last week local supporters responded to a call by the Campaign to come together to notify as many residents of Faringdon as possible. Until then they had received no notification about this planning application from Faringdon Council or from the Vale District Council itself. Once people learned about this proposal the response from Faringdon was an overwhelming "NO"! 

INVITATION to supporters of the Campaign and everyone who has contributed to this great result! Please come to LITTLE COXWELL VILLAGE HALL on FRIDAY 28 JULY at 7.00pm and CELEBRATE this victory with a bring-and-share supper! Please bring a bottle of your favourite tipple and one dish (sweet or savoury, hot or cold). I look forward to welcoming you to a celebration supper and to talk about the long-term protection of Wicklesham Quarry SSSI.

Please get in touch at: protectwicklesham@gmail.com