Over the years, concerned constituents have made various representations to Hugo Swire on the subject of Aggregate Industries' proposal to quarry Straitgate Farm.
The latest representation was in late summer of 2018, on the subject of hydrogeology, and highways and site access concerns. The MP subsequently met with a representative from Aggregate Industries and Horizon, the company's traffic consultant. It was apparently a "good meeting":
Good meeting with Aggregate Industries regarding their planning application and proposals for the access road to Straitgate. pic.twitter.com/eyEP2mo5fq— Hugo Swire (@HugoSwire) October 24, 2018
Read into that what you will. Others also wanted to know what he meant:
Are you able to provide any details of what discussed that made it a 'good' meeting. I'm sure residents of Ottery very interested to hear any potential impact on road infrastructure and road safety.— Jim Gregory (@JimGregoryUK) October 24, 2018
What was the outcome Hugo? It would be good to know as this whole process has been going on for years and years... and neighbours are understandably anxious - thanks @straitgateactgp— Claire Wright (@ClaireWrightInd) October 24, 2018
We have written to Hugo Swire three times since that meeting, asking him to shed light on what was achieved. We've received no reply.
Having now had sight of the latest Transport Assessment, readers may not be surprised to learn that, if it was a "good meeting", it had no bearing on the site access or the concerns that were raised.
