In its plans to quarry Straitgate Farm, Aggregate Industries has made clear that:
The applicant is the Landlord of the Agricultural Tenant at Straitgate Farm who has the benefit of an Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 Tenancy Agreement.
Aggregate Industries plans mineral extraction in phases over 10-12 years, during which time dairying operations would continue with cows grazing on remaining pasture surrounding any workings. The Devon Minerals Plan specifies that "the site should be restored to enable resumption of agricultural use... the working and restoration phasing should minimise the area of land not in cultivation". In its Transport Assessment, the company said:
Cow tracks will be installed over Straitgate Farm by Aggregate Industries prior to access being taken for quarrying works to commence to enable the Tenant to continue to farm and carry out their day to day business activities, namely dairy farming.
The mix of quarry and dairy operations would elevate the risks for all concerned, and safeguards would be needed. The dangers were highlighted recently, when a farmer suffered multiple injuries after falling into a quarry while tending livestock.
Farmer in hospital after falling 40m into Penygroes quarry https://t.co/3m55fzzcp3 #BusinessNetworkWales
— Business Network Wales (@BizNetWales) November 16, 2020
