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20 December 2023 |
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Reference from Council – Notice of Motion – KCC’s Draft Minerals and Waste Plan – Inclusion of Oaken Wood (Barming Woods) as a Further Extension to Hermitage Quarry |
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Wards Affected
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Barming and Teston |
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Executive Summary |
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At the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 29 November 2023, a motion relating to KCC’s draft Minerals and Waste Plan, specifically the inclusion of Oaken Wood (Barming Woods) as a further extension to Hermitage Quarry, was referred directly to the Cabinet for consideration.
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This reference makes the following recommendation to the Cabinet: |
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That consideration be given to the motion relating to KCC’s draft Minerals and Waste Plan, specifically the inclusion of Oaken Wood (Barming Woods) as a further extension to Hermitage Quarry.
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1. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
1.1 At the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 29 November 2023, the following motion was moved by Councillor Jeffery, seconded by Councillor English:
The full Council has not had the opportunity to express its opinion on KCC’s draft Minerals and Waste Plan, specifically the inclusion of Oaken Wood (Barming Woods) as a further extension to Hermitage Quarry.
This area of ancient woodland covers 50 hectares, the loss of which would be the largest loss of ancient woodland this century, larger than HS2 and Lower Thames Crossing combined. The NPPF describes ancient woodland as irreplaceable and Natural England guidance states that “Planting new trees and creating new native woodland is not a direct replacement for lost or damaged trees or woodland.” According to the Woodland Trust there is no real evidence that translocation of soil is an effective mitigation.
The quarry produces around 1 million tonnes each year and 98% of it is used as crushed aggregate. Just 1% is for heritage restoration. At its current rate of production, the current quarry has 7 years left and the extension would increase this by a further 20 years. This is therefore a finite resource that will be exhausted by 2050 at the current rate.
While KCC’s Reg 18 consultation has now closed, MBC still holds a position of significant influence over this plan and needs to be clear on its majority position particularly as this is a decision with national implications. We therefore need to be sure that the right message is given to KCC.
I therefore move the following motion:
This Council states that Hermitage Quarry should not be further extended into Oaken Wood in Barming, an irreplaceable ancient woodland, and asks that the Cabinet reconsider its support for KCC’s plans.
1.2 In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.9.2, when moving the motion, Councillor Jeffery proposed with the agreement of his seconder that the matter be referred directly to the Cabinet for consideration.
1.3 In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.4, five Members present requested that a recorded vote be taken on the proposal to refer the matter directly to the Cabinet. The voting was as follows:
For (28), Against (21), Abstentions (2)
The motion therefore stands referred to the Cabinet.
2. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND WHY NOT RECOMMENDED
Not applicable.
3. REPORT APPENDICES
A copy of the Briefing Note which was prepared to assist Members in their consideration of the motion is attached as Appendix A.
4. BACKGROUND PAPERS
Minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 29 November 2023.