By Isle of Wight Observer
There was a mix of anger, frustration and disbelief at yesterday evening’s public meeting for Wootton residents concerned about the latest changes to the planning application to extract gravel at Palmers Farm.
Despite the school holidays, it was standing room only with more than 120 people attending the meeting organised by WAGE (Wootton, Whippingham and Arreton Against Gravel Extraction). Top of the agenda were the amendments submitted by Wight Building Materials, to revise the access along Palmers Road onto Lushington Hill.
Those living along the proposed route were incredulous that a residential road, where large vehicles already struggle to pass oncoming traffic and with a narrow pinch point just before the junction with Lushington Hill, is now being proposed as a viable access route for 32 tonne, 8-wheel lorries for 38 two-way trips each day.
A spokesman for WAGE said: “The lack of a suitable access route has always been a key objection to this application. Local residents are willing to contribute to a new ‘Fighting Fund’ for further legal and specialist reports now needed. We continue to urge the IW Council to reject this application on multiple grounds and consider the other options available to meet the Island’s future aggregates needs.”
Sarah Redrup, councillor for Wootton Bridge said: “There have been over 200 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 to the planning application is now open until the 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.