Additional written evidence has been provided for the Minerals Plan Examination.
DCC's response to questions raised by the Inspector: What are the circumstances that have led to the selection of Straitgate Farm as the one specific site for sand and gravel extraction? and Is the site specific designation of Straitgate Farm unsound? can be found here.
We argue here and here that even designating Straitgate Farm as a 'Preferred Area' would be unsound; planning permission for processing cannot reasonably be anticipated when it relies upon exceptional circumstances, particularly when, as Natural England has just confirmed, it would have the capacity to significantly impact a Natura 2000 site.
