Construction output in the three months to November was "down 9.8%" on the same period in 2011. Furthermore the BBC reports on an industry lobby group that "doesn't anticipate the industry returning to its former levels until at least 2022". Something DCC should bear in mind when forecasting aggregate shortfalls for the years ahead.
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.