In July, despite recent groundwater levels that put Aggregate Industries’ quarry plans for Straitgate Farm underwater, the company told us that it would not be submitting revised plans "following discussion with the EA and DCC". The Environment Agency confirmed that revised plans would only be required "immediately before operation of the quarry begins". All DCC would say was:
I have asked AI and the EA to discuss the groundwater situation and if the final working "grid" which the EA has asked them for affects the working area then amended plans will be required.
As this issue is currently being discussed between AI and the EA, the County Council would not wish to commit to anything until its resolved. If the final methodology affects the mining area then amended plans would be required but if not (and this is what the EA and AI are currently discussing) then there would be no requirement for additional plans.
We posted Is this heading for an almighty stitch-up? saying:
It is utterly ridiculous that this sort of thing – a fundamental part of any quarry design – should not be resolved BEFORE determination, when the drinking water supplies of more than 100 people are at stake.
We posted It should be really simple. So why isn’t it? pointing to the fact that the Environmental Statement "must include at least the information reasonably required to assess the likely significant environmental effects of the development" and wondering:
Why would the EA and DCC not want to have up-to-date and correct information in the public domain before this planning application is determined?
MP Sir Hugo Swire wrote to the Chief Executive of the EA on the issue. We have now received a copy of the EA's reply. The stance of the agency has not changed. Fortunately, however:
Devon County Council have written to Aggregate Industries requesting them to submit revised plans showing the extent of the working area, taking into account the elevated groundwater levels recorded in March and April 2018, prior to determining the planning application. The purpose of this is to establish the extent of the working area. This meets the Straitgate Action Group’s request for this to be provided pre-determination.
