A FRESH battle over the Island’s countryside could be set to begin following concerns that a new bid is being prepared to expand a quarry.
Field MY966 in St Peter’s Valley had been earmarked for the potential extension of the adjacent La Gigoulande Quarry – operated by Granite Products – as part of the Bridging Island Plan. However, the move was blocked by then Senator Kristina Moore before she became the Island’s Chief Minister. She brought a successful amendment to prevent the expansion, which was also opposed by a number of States Members and the Action Against Quarry Expansion campaign group.
Now, residents and politicians have said they are willing to revive the campaign to block the expansion of the quarry – after Granite Products began drilling works that would help form a planning application.
A letter signed by Granite Products’ general manager Simon Clowes – which the JEP understands was sent to residents in the area last month – revealed the company had started undertaking technical studies to ‘consider our proposals for the development of the quarry into Field MY966’.
‘Clearly any proposals for the development of the quarry would necessitate planning permission. If planning permission were to be pursued, it would be necessary to submit a planning application which would be supported by a thorough environmental statement prepared following a detailed environmental impact assessment which would be based on a series of technical studies carried out over several months,’ it read.
As part of the data collection process, Granite Products has been drilling boreholes to test water samples in Field MY966, which it purchased in 2019 for £1.65 million.
St Peter Constable Richard Vibert, who was among those who backed Deputy Moore’s successful amendment, said: ‘My understanding is that any application would be in contrast to the Island Plan. We will obviously be opposing any expansion attempts and will reinvigorate the campaign if needed.’
He noted that the Assembly had voted heavily in favour of Deputy Moore’s amendment, which was backed by 40 votes to five.
‘I think it is important the clear intention of [States] Members at that time is respected and that if it is not necessary, the quarry is not extended,’ Mr Vibert added.
Deputy Moore said: ‘Local residents have made me aware that there is some drilling going ahead. They have received letters. I don’t think I’ve had any direct communication from the quarry themselves but I remain in communication with the residents and understand why they might be concerned about this.
‘I would join [the Constable] in opposition, yes. I brought the amendment and argued the case last time, so he would have my support.’
Susana Rowles, who lives near the quarry, said: ‘My house shakes when a blast takes place.
‘It’s not about nimby-ism, we should be looking at better materials and moving towards more sustainable building practices.’
Robert MacKenzie, managing director of the CI Travel Group, who previously raised concerns about the impact of the extension of the quarry on the Greenhills Country House Hotel, said: ‘My position has not changed.
‘This is a very rural, peaceful countryside hotel and clearly the potential impact [of an expansion] in terms of noise and dust would have been significant.’
A Granite Products spokesperson said: ‘There are preliminary studies taking place at the moment to provide the necessary data should a planning application be brought forward.
‘La Gigoulande Quarry has helped provide the local market with resources for use in infrastructure, housing and civil engineering projects for many years. The need for quality, reliable and sustainable sources of building materials for future development and regeneration on the Island and their provision locally remains critically important.’
