Cool reception for scheme to restore Slindon quarry

Fareham-based company L&S Waste Management said it hoped to fill the former gravel pit on the outskirts of the village with ‘inert’ material, before welcoming applications from conservation organisations, such as the National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, who may be interested in the future management of the area following its restoration.

However, John Brown, chairman of Slindon Parish Council, has spoken of his concern over the proposals.

Cllr Brown said: “The land in the quarry is greening over naturally. Yes, there are holes that need to be filled, but there’s plenty of wildlife already using the site.

“It’s not a dreadful scar on the land. My concern at the moment remains with this ‘inert fill’ material.

“We’d like to know what this is, how it’ll be transported to the location, and how long the process will take.

“I appreciate the sentiment of their plans but the Devil is in the detail.”

L&S Waste is offering a lease of 99 years or more on the restored site.

The move will ensure that the land will be safeguarded against any future development, and become accessible for the future enjoyment of the local population and the public.

Initial suggestions received from parties include the possible introduction of a new bridleway running north to south, parallel with the Slindon Bottom Road and east to west, running parallel with the existing footpath.

Managing director of L&S Waste, Mick Balch, hoped the company’s announcement would ‘alleviate’ concerns of residents in Slindon.

He said: “I realise that over the years the site as been allowed to become derelict and that little, if any, attempt has been made by previous owners or the local planning authority to restore the site.”

He added: “L&S waste has no interest in applying for or operating a waste plant from the Slindon site and the site will categorically not be used for landfill. Our only intention is to engineer the restoration of the land using appropriate inert fill material.

“We simply aim to restore the derelict site as quickly and efficiently as possible for the benefit of the local and wider community.

“By offering to lease the restored land as a whole we are protecting the land from being used inappropriately for generations to come.”