BROCKLEY WOOD QUARRY AND INERT WASTE PROCESSING DEVELOPMENT - LEGAL CHALLENGE
Residents will be aware that, despite overwhelming local opposition and a number of significant omissions and shortcomings in the planning process, Suffolk County Council gave approval to this application at their planning meeting on the 19th March.
Along with a wide range of local bodies and individuals, Bentley Parish Council had campaigned against industrialisation of the wonderful tract of valued landscape which is now proposed not only for the working of sand and gravel, but a major waste processing and concrete crushing plant sited right next to our ancient woodlands (with their protected species) and residents living in Grade 2* listed buildings.
It is deeply concerned, as are residents, about the impacts of 160 HGVs per day “at the gates of the village” and the potential for these HGVs to travel through our narrow lanes which are totally unsuited to accommodate this traffic, but to which navigation systems will undoubtedly direct this traffic when the trunk roads are congested, as they routinely are.
The Parish Council was so dismayed by Suffolk County Council’s treatment of the planning application and its lack of respect for our local rural communities that, quite exceptionally, it has taken advice from Leading and Junior Counsel who are well versed in the field, and requested the bringing of judicial review proceedings to challenge this decision together with a Bentley resident. This action is supported by other ‘interested parties’ including Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council and other local residents, all of whom are making financial contributions towards the legal costs. Due to this, Bentley Parish Council’s financial liability is limited.
Now that the claim has been formally lodged with the Royal Courts of Justice, a High Court Judge must consider whether the case is sufficiently "arguable" as to be given permission to proceed to a full hearing. This decision should be known by 26th June and the Parish Council will continue to keep residents updated of any developments in the interim.
Cllr Marianne Munday
Chair Bentley Parish Council
25th May 2024
