Following the recent visit by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman MP, who came to see the flood damage in Ottery St Mary and the newly built flood defence scheme at Thorne Farm Way, Hugo Swire MP also visited Ottery last week to see the affected areas. He too was briefed by the Environment Agency, and felt it important "that we double our efforts" to prevent a repeat.
Straitgate Farm near Ottery St Mary in Devon was bought in 1965 in the hope it would yield 20 million tonnes of sand & gravel. Straitgate Action Group was formed in 2001 to oppose a quarry due to concerns over water supplies, ancient woodlands, protected species, road safety and more. After finally gaining permission for just 1 million tonnes on appeal, Holcim UK – formerly Aggregate Industries – abandoned its plans in 2025. This blog records the long path to victory.