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.
This is the view that visitors to East Devon's AONB currently enjoy, looking from East Hill - AONB - towards Aggregate Industries' workings at Venn Ottery - AONB - with Tipton St John in the foreground.
