News Residents encouraged to have their say on Kent Mineral Sites Plan consultation
Maidstone Borough Council is encouraging residents to take part in Kent County Council's consultation on the Pre-Submission Draft Kent Mineral Sites Plan.
The six-week consultation, launched on 30 July, and includes land south and west of Hermitage Quarry near Aylesford that could affect ancient Oaken Wood. The consultation will close on 11 September.
KCC says the consultation responses will be considered as part of the independent examination of the Plan by the Planning Inspectorate.
In July 2024, Maidstone Borough Council formally objected to proposals for the extension of Hermitage Quarry into Oaken Wood following a decision by the council's Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management.
The council's previous response raised concerns about the potential loss of ancient woodland, impacts on biodiversity and the effect on wildlife habitats.
Maidstone Borough Council will consider its response to the current consultation through the council's decision-making process before submitting its formal comments to Kent County Council ahead of the consultation deadline.
Residents wishing to understand the council's previously agreed position can view Maidstone Borough Council's July 2024 Cabinet Member decision, the supporting response submitted to Kent County Council, and the consultation documents available through KCC's consultation portal.
Residents are now being encouraged to submit their views as part of the consultation process.
Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Councillor Stuart Jeffery, said: "The council has already made its position clear and objected to the proposed extension of quarrying into Oaken Wood. We remain concerned about the potential loss of irreplaceable habitat and the impact this could have on wildlife, biodiversity and the wider landscape.
"This consultation is an important opportunity for local people to make their voices heard. Whatever your view, I would encourage residents, businesses and community groups to take part and ensure their opinions are considered as part of the independent examination process."
Councillor Tony Harwood, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management, said: "The designation of Oaken Wood as a Local Wildlife Site recognises its critical importance for Kent’s natural heritage and reinforces the significance of this sylvan landscape.
“If confirmed, the planned quarry extension would result in the single greatest loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland in the British Isles for a generation."
Councillor Rachel Rodwell, Cabinet Member for Climate and Nature Transition added: "We believe Oaken Wood should be protected and that the environmental impacts of any proposal affecting it must be carefully scrutinised.
"I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Oaken Wood to take the time to respond to the consultation."
The consultation relates to the draft Kent Mineral Sites Plan. Any future quarry extension would still be subject to a separate planning application process, environmental assessments and further opportunities for public consultation.
Residents can view the consultation documents and submit their comments via KCC's consultation portal: Let's Talk Kent.