VILLAGERS in Woodham Walter are opposing the possible building of a huge quarry on their doorstep.

A campaign group has been launched to oppose the potential inclusion of a large site in Woodham Walter, and a smaller neighbouring site in Essex County Council's 2024 Minerals Local Plan.

The sites are at Whitehouse Farm in Woodham Walter and Little Smiths in Danbury.

The proposals are currently at the consultation stage, with the 138-acre site at Whitehouse Farm among the dozens of proposed quarries being evaluated for mineral extraction.

Woodham Walter is designated as a conservation area by Maldon District Council.

A spokesman said the village is of “special architectural and historical interest” and is one of only six designated "Arcadian" settlements across the Maldon district.

Woodam Walter Parish Council is holding an extraordinary meeting at the village hall next on February 27 at 7pm.

Residents of Woodham Walter have created a website called stopthequarry.co.uk.

They have also set up a register of those opposed to the sites. 

Since launching, the site has registered the opposition of 117 individuals as of writing, with only around 240 homes in Woodham.

A spokesman said: “Several previous applications for mineral workings at Whitehouse Farm have been refused and upheld on appeal.

“It is clear that there were good reasons in the past to not allow extraction at the site. 

“In the latter case, the inspector concluded that the need for sand and gravel was greatly outweighed by the environmental disadvantages to the community.”

It is imperative that adult individuals opposed to the proposed inclusion of these sites into the MLP enter their objections."

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet member for planning a growing economy, said: “Like other Planning Authorities across the country, Essex County Council is required to publish a Minerals Local Plan.

"This provides planning policies for minerals development in the county and identifies future sites for mineral extraction or quarrying.

“In 2020, we started a review of the Essex Minerals Local Plan, to ensure it is up to date and fit for the future.

"This led to a decision to extend the Plan end date to 2040 which means that new sites are needed in the county to meet the forecasted demand for materials – otherwise known as aggregates.

“We have now opened a consultation so residents and stakeholders can have their say on the sites submitted for inclusion, as well as the revised Plan itself. The consultation is available at www.essex.gov.uk/minerals-review.

“No decisions on the allocation of any sites have been made at this stage, and we will take the views of our communities into account as the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan is finalised.”

In a previous consultation in 2012, the reason for not including Whitehouse Farm in the shortlist for quarries was the "significant negative impact on landscape that is not capable of mitigation.”

Residents can have their say at consultations.essex.gov.uk/planning/42a7d44e/consultation.