Huge opposition to Loxwood clay pit plans

Plans for a clay pit and construction materials recycling site at Loxwood have been met with huge opposition.
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Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd wants to extract the clay for use in brick-making and also wants to build a facility on the site over a 33-year period.

The proposed site is on the old Pallinghurst Estate, north east of Loxwood and west of the A281 and the company is seeking views before submitting a planning application to West Sussex County Council.

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An action group ‘Stop Loxwood Clay Pit’ has been formed to fight the proposals and an online petition objecting to the clay pit has already been signed by more than 4,000 people.

Gareth Evans, a district councillor for LoxwoodGareth Evans, a district councillor for Loxwood
Gareth Evans, a district councillor for Loxwood

Objectors argue the area is a greenfield site of broadleaved woodland, grassland and native scrub with multiple wildlife habitats, all of which could potentially be destroyed, and adjoined by ancient woodland.

They have also raised concerns about a significant increase in lorry movements and the impact on surrounding roads if the proposals went ahead.

Gareth Evans, Lib Dem district councillor for Loxwood, said: “Over the last weeks I have been bringing concerned community members together to set up a campaign group to save our woods.

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“We’ve already recruited lots of amazing, skilled and hard working volunteers and will do all we can to present strong arguments to protect our wildlife.

“This is also a very concerning application in terms of health and safety including safety on public rights of way, road safety, industrial noise and dust pollution.”

Campaigners have pointed out that HGV traffic could not only affect Loxwood, but also Rudgwick, Alfold, Bucks Green, Tismans Common and all along the A281.

Cllr Evans added: “These woods take hundreds of years to establish and once they are gone, they are gone. 

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“Families with children, residents and visitors, walkers and cyclists make extensive use of the established public right of way and the different walking tracks zig-zagging the woods on the site; all of that is now at risk.”

You can also register to watch a webinar by Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd on Tuesday October 27 at 5pm.