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Ryarsh villagers hold latest meeting to oppose 3.6million tonne sandpit off Roughetts Road as Kent County Council consultation goes on

14:05, 13 February 2019

updated: 10:46, 14 February 2019

Villagers in Ryarsh have held their latest meeting to oppose plans for a 3.6million tonne sandpit.

Kent County Council is currently consulting on potential sites for mineral quarrying, and has already recommended the proposal off Roughetts Road be abandoned.

But with a final consultation underway, locals are keen to make their voices heard one last time.

Protest against the propposed sand quarry..Ryarsh Protection Group..Picture: Gary Browne. (5566343)
Protest against the propposed sand quarry..Ryarsh Protection Group..Picture: Gary Browne. (5566343)

Since proposals were first put forward in December 2017, public protests have been held and a petition in opposition to plans was brought to the Houses of Parliament.

Tom Tugendhat, Tonbridge and Malling's MP, brought the petition to the House of Commons after it gained more than 3,615 signatures - more than five times the population of Ryarsh.

KCC's initial consultation last year had more than 1,299 individual objection letters concerning the Ryarsh site, leading to the council deciding to not recommend it for future consideration.

The area off Roughetts Road, Ryarsh, which could be turned into a sand quarry (5808903)
The area off Roughetts Road, Ryarsh, which could be turned into a sand quarry (5808903)

Last night Ryarsh Village Hall held a meeting to discuss how residents could respond to KCC's consultation, which ends on March 8.

Oonagh McCullagh-Boyle helped form the Ryarsh Protection Group (RPG) in opposition to sandpit plans.

She said: "The representation from the community last night showed again that everyone continues to be against these plans."

The RPG intends to hold workshops to help show people how to respond to the consultation on February 23 or March 1.

Find out more at tinyurl.com/ryarshprotectiongroup.

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