Dear Sirs,
Reference: Draft Minerals Plan Consultation - Objection

I am writing to confirm my objection to Policy MP2 Sand and Gravel and inclusion of site MP2s Mill Hill near Barton in Fabis.

My objection is made on the following grounds:

1. Environmental Damage
a. On your own assessment the site is one of the most environmentally damaging sites that were evaluated. This is both during the operational phase and subsequently. This is supported by the objections made by the Ramblers Association, RSPB, CPRE, and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Association to the recent planning application.
b. The environmental assessment has not included an assessment of the impact on the newly designated ancient woodlands at Brands Hill and Clifton Woods.
c. The proposal will adversely impact the Attenborough Nature Reserve SSSI, Home Pit SSSI and other local wildlife sites.
2. Subjective and not objective decision making
a. Having consulted on the criteria for assessing the sites the Council has ignored the public preference and elected to use an arbitrary criterion described as geographical spread.
b. The council has implied there needs to be a geographical spread across the county without substantiating why that is necessary. This has no objective assessment criteria and has led to flawed decision making. No consideration was taken of:
i. Demand
ii. Existing Supply
iii. Provision from neighbouring counties
c. The council appears to have applied what appears to be similar criteria to assess the merits of the sites which were included in the previous properly consulted draft plan. The conclusion of the assessments appears to be broadly the same but the decisions that have flowed from that have been changed without good reason or explanation.

3. Impact on Local Communities
a. The area is a popular recreational area for local residents walking and cycling in the countryside. It is geographically close to build up areas and provides a convenient green corridor for Clifton, Barton Green, Clifton Green, Barton in Fabis and Thrumpton.
b. The processing site at the top of Mill Hill will generate dust and the prevailing wind will carry that into the residential areas of the City Council, including the Lark Hill Site.
c. Barton in Fabis has no community land and residents rely on the countryside around the village for relaxation and community activities. This would be restricted by the activities of a quarry adjacent to the village and on the main route into the city of Nottingham.
4. Sustainable transport.
a. The council has failed to follow its own policy and take the opportunity to transport sand and gravel by barge which is available elsewhere in the county.


Yours faithfully