Controversial plans for a quarry in Wootton have been submitted to Isle of Wight Council planners.
The application, by Wight Building Materials (WBM), seeks to use land at Palmers Farm, off Brocks Copse Road.
Developers argue the ten-year plan is "vital" as the site is "the Island’s last known significant resource of available sand and gravel left."
However, campaigners have raised concerns about lorries accessing Palmers Farm, as well as loss of habitat and wildlife.
A campaign group, named Wootton/Whippingham Against Gravel Extraction (WAGE), was set up last year.
WBM has now submitted plans with measures, it says, will "alleviate local concerns over site traffic and protect and enhance the local environment."
Steve Burton, WBM general manager, said:
“While this is an application of Island-wide significance, we have taken great care to listen to - and minimise the impact on - nearby residents.
“But our business – and the Island – needs sand and gravel and we can only source that where it exists. The Palmers Farm deposit is unique as it’s the last known significant resource capable of meeting the Island’s over the next decade in a tightly-controlled and highly sustainable way.”
WBM says steps to control traffic include limiting site movements to between 8am and 4pm on weekdays only and then only via a designated route from the site via Brocks Copse Road and Alverstone Road (Racecourse Roundabout section). Traffic will not use Palmers Road.
Lorry movement will be co-ordinated so site vehicles do not meet each other on Brocks Copse Road or Alverstone Road and a new site access will be created on Brocks Copse Road, away from the properties in the road.
In addition, passing points in Alverstone Road will be improved while WBM will also fund the preparation of a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce a 30mph speed limit on Brocks Copse Road.
Two employees will use three vehicles (a dozer, a digger and a dump truck), according to WMB, and there will be no quarrying at the weekends nor bank holidays. No processing will be undertaken on site.
A spokesperson said:
"The plan therefore commits to minimising the ecological impact both before quarrying begins (work will be undertaken in four mini-phases each restored before work on the next begins) and also afterwards when the site is re-instated to create a more diverse habitat than it is currently.
"These steps – assessed by Island ecological experts ARC as being a 23 percent habitat net gain - include planting 1.5 hectares of native woodland and 1.8km of native hedgerow, creating a designated new reptile habitat and two small ponds/wetland areas."
WBM says if approved, the scheme will "protect at least 36 local jobs".
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
