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.
Yet more evidence today – if any more were needed after the accidents here, here, here and here–that this dangerous stretch of the B3174 Exeter Road is not suitable for Aggregate Industries' plans for up to 200 HGV movements a day.
