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.
Devon County Council's Flood Risk Management Team – in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority – has objected to the proposal by Aggregate Industries to quarry Straitgate Farm:
It is now the second time the LLFA has objected to the application:
