That's according to the Mineral Products Association, the trade association representing 90% of aggregates production in the UK. The MPA sales survey results showed a fall of 9% in aggregates, cement and ready mixed concrete markets in 2012. Road construction fell by 44% in the first nine months of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011. How foolhardy then, following the lowest aggregates sales since 1965 - ironically the year that all our problems started when English China Clays bought Straitgate Farm, that AI is still pushing ahead for a brand new sand and gravel quarry.
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.