THE Island needs to look at alternative ways to source building materials – such as recycling – a politician has said after the States voted to block the extension of a quarry.
Members voted heavily in favour of Senator Kristina Moore’s Bridging Island Plan amendment to prevent the extension of the La Gigoulande Quarry, which is located at the top of St Peter’s Valley, into neighbouring Field MY966.
The proposed expansion was opposed by a number of local States Members, residents, and the Action Against Quarry Expansion campaign group.
One of the politicians, Constable Richard Vibert, said he hoped Jersey could move to a position where it no longer relied on quarrying for building materials.
‘I actively supported the parishioners and worked with them on this, and very early on I supported the removal of this extension from the Island Plan,’ he said. ‘What we need now is a review of how we produce aggregates and new building methods.
‘We need to look at using recycled materials and whether we are using them to the extent that we should. There has been a big investment by a local company here in recycled aggregates and there needs to be change in people using them.’
Senator Moore said she was ‘delighted’ the States had backed her proposition by 40 votes to five.
‘I think it really shows the importance of people power and community action,’ she said. ‘The campaign group was really well organised and almost 40% of the comments to the inspector covered this one subject.’
On the Action Against Quarry Expansion Facebook page, lead campaigner Manuela Milson posted: ‘Ministers had clearly researched the matter thoroughly and we are very grateful for the time and support that they have put into this and for listening to the Islanders.’
