Councils object to reconsultation of Brockley Wood Quarry

In August, the Royal Court of Justice quashed the approval given by Suffolk County Council to allow the facility at Brockley Wood, between Belstead and Bentley.

This was after legal action was launched by Bentley Parish Council, Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council and a small group of residents in May. 

However, the applicants have now submitted an addendum to their plans that looks to address the issues of landscaping picked up by the court. 

As a result, the plans have been brought into re-consultation until October 19, which has disappointed the parish councils. The Royal Courts of Justice had accepted the legal challenge. (Image: PA)However, Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council believes that the resubmitted plans are "unchanged".

A parish council spokesperson said: "Individuals may wish to give their own perspective on why Brockley Wood represents a valued landscape to them or raise their own concerns about the woefully inadequate traffic management plan that will see 160 HGV’s given unfettered access to Swan Hill and other narrow and completely unsuitable rural lanes."

Cllr Bamford said the plans could also affect their Grade II* listed hall. (Image: Bentley Parish Council) Councillor Michael Bamford from Bentley Parish Council said in addition to the issues HGVs could cause he was concerned the waste facility included in the plans could harm the Grade II* listed hall.

He said: "This proposal for siting a waste processing plant in a valued landscape, adjacent to two of Bentley’s ancient woodlands, and to Bentley Old Hall, a 13th century, Grade II listed building is totally unacceptable.

"The waste processing plant is unnecessary for the running of a gravel pit and is not included in Suffolk County Council’s Waste and Minerals Plan for this site."

Both councils say they will continue to work together to oppose these plans. 

Bentley and Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council had taken legal action against the plans. (Image: Bentley Parish Council)

Cries of shame were heard when the county council's planning committee approved the decision for the 35.7-hectare site off the A12 in March. 

However, in August the decision was overturned, and Suffolk County Council asked for additional information on how biodiversity and geodiversity have been taken into account while creating its plans. 

The addendum addresses these concerns by looking into adding details of how they will protect and enhance the special qualities stated by the planning policy. 

The applicant's addendum also states: "It is my opinion that the site and surroundings do not form a valued landscape."

As a result, they believe that with the additional information, the plan should be approved.