Further Anger From Residents To Wootton Gravel Extraction Proposal As Public Meeting Looms

After two years of protest, residents in Wootton are renewing their efforts to fight the proposed extraction of gravel at Palmers Farm.

Wight Building Materials have submitted an amendment to their previous application including a revised access route onto and along Palmers Road to and from Lushington Hill.

The 20 tonne, 4 axle lorries will generate an average 38 two-way trips per day.

A public meeting which will discuss the changes submitted and allow residents to raise their concerns will be held at 6pm on Thursday 30 May at Wootton Community Primary School. 

The meeting will be chaired by local Councillor, Sarah Redrup.

A spokesperson for WAGE (Wootton, Whippingham and Arreton Against Gravel Extraction) said:

“The unsuitability of access routes is one of multiple reasons why we have argued for the IOW Council to reject this application.

"The proximity of the proposed site to current and new housing, the nearest being just 50 metres away, is unacceptable given the potential risk to health from dust and silicates and in terms of noise and nuisance.

“We are not convinced by Wight Buildings Materials claims that extraction at Palmers Farm is critical to the continued production of construction materials on the Island.

"Future needs could be met from increased recycled and marine aggregates from existing sites and these options should be fully considered.”

Sarah Redrup, Councillor for Wootton Bridge said:

"Since the planning application was first submitted in 2022, there have been 106 objections lodged from residents, community groups and three Parish Councils.

"They have numerous legitimate concerns over the possible health, environmental and traffic implications of this application which should not
be ignored."

A further public consultation will take place between 24 May and 14 June.

Residents wanting to submit their objections to the plans should do so using the Isle of Wight Council’s planning website or writing in to the planning department.

WAGE can be contacted via email: [email protected]