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Oil & Gas exploration and quarrying in Charnwood Forest too!
New plans that will allow sand and gravel extraction from the Soar River Valley were approved by Leicestershire County Council on the 21st May 2008. Residents of the Soar Valley villages will be outraged to discover that the plan will allow 'mineral development' on Green Wedge land. Calls by Labour Councillors to protect Green Wedge land from mineral extraction were rejected by the Conservative Majority.
Green Wedge land provides a natural barrier between villages and urban areas; and is supposed to be protected from development. Despite this environmentally important safeguard, the policy document states “Mineral extraction would be acceptable within a Green Wedge if appropriate measures are taken to minimise severance and adverse effects on amenity.” This new Conservative policy will allow quarrying companies to apply for the right to literally cart away Green Wedge land. Labour believe that once the door is opened for quarrying, all future protection afforded by Green Wedge designation will be compromised.
This environmental disaster is made more likely as another policy 'CS2', requires Leicestershire to “Make land available to meet the sub-regional apportionment of 26.25 million tonnes of sand and gravel and 344.5 million tonnes of crushed rock over the 21 year period 2001 – 2021”. The associated map covers almost the whole of the River Soar valley; threatening the environment surrounding the villages of Hathern, Barrow, Sileby, Syston and Thurmaston.
The last attempt to expand dredging of the River Soar for sand and gravel near Hathern was successfully defeated by a well organised local campaign. The plans were rejected by a Government Inspector because there was no road structure to take the minerals out of the area. The new Tory policy to lift Green Wedge protection opens the way for a new plans to extract sand and gravel from Loughborough northwards.
The other great landscape area under threat is Charnwood Forest. The Conservative administrations' policy will allow proposals for quarrying, and for oil & gas extraction to be allowed within this area of natural beauty. The document excludes the National Forest from quarrying and gas exploration; on the grounds that this region is to be developed for tourism. Charnwood Forest, which forms part of the National Forest has specifically excluded from this protection by the Tories.
Charnwood Labour Party remain committed to campaigning for the designation of the Soar River Valley as a Linear Park, to be developed as a landscape for amenity, recreation and tourism.
Andy Reed MP for Loughborough said:“I am very wary of the plans to allow Green Wedge land to be excavated for sand and gravel. I will work with the residents of all the Soar Valley villages, and especially Hathern, to stop this proposal going forward.”
Eric Goodyer, Labour's Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Charnwood said:“These plans will destroy the natural beauty and tranquillity of the River Soar; ruining the quality of life for the residents of Thurmaston & Syston. The river valley should be developed sustainably, offering jobs and skills in recreation and leisure. All that dredging does is to provide short term employment and a big hole.”
“The possibility of drilling and quarrying in Charnwood Forest is vandalism. We demand that this area of natural beauty should be given the same protection as the rest of the National Forest.”
Latest News
Robbery at off licence | |
|---|---|
 | Robbery at off licence Police are appealing for witnesses after a robbery at an off licence. The incident happened at around 3.... 19 Jun 2009 Robbery at off licence |
Austin powers into town to open new children's centre | |
 | 16 June 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre Rugby legend Austin Healey is getting ready to waltz into Melton to open a new children s centre. The Leicester Tigers and England star, also famed for his foxtrot after an appearance on last year s Strictly Come Dancing TV show, will cut the ribbon at Fairmead Children s Centre, in Drummond Walk, on Thursday, June 25.... 18 Jun 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre |
Appeal following assault in Melton | |
| Appeal following assault in Melton Police are appealing for witnesses following the report of an assault on a woman in Melton. The incident happened at around 12.... 17 Jun 2009 Appeal following assault in Melton |
Recycle week 2009 | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 16 June 2009 Recycle week 2009 An action packed week aimed at encouraging people to reduce the amount of waste they produce is to be held. Recycle Week, themed Let s waste less , runs from Monday, 22nd June to Sunday, 28th June.... 16 Jun 2009 Recycle week 2009 |
Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally | |
| Community Services 16 June 2009 Farmers fined 14,000 for moving sheep illegally Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service has prosecuted two Leicestershire farmers for failing to comply with a prohibition notice previously issued to them about moving their sheep. Thomas Geoffrey Skinner and Joseph David Skinner trading as the Skinner Brothers of Hazeltongue Farm, Holwell, Leicestershire were each fined 7,000 plus costs of 187.... 16 Jun 2009 Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally |
Related News
Dreaming of a green Christmas? | |
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| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 2 December 2008 Dreaming of a green Christmas? - photo opportunity - Tips for a green Christmas and waste-free New Year are being given out at roadshows across Leicestershire. Experts will be on hand to give out advice on environmentally-friendly gifts and recycled wrapping, cards and tags.... 01 Jan 2009 Dreaming of a green Christmas? |
Dreaming of a green Christmas? | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 2 December 2008 Dreaming of a green Christmas? - photo opportunity - Tips for a green Christmas and waste-free New Year are being given out at roadshows across Leicestershire. Experts will be on hand to give out advice on environmentally-friendly gifts and recycled wrapping, cards and tags.... 04 Jan 2009 Dreaming of a green Christmas? |
Dreaming of a green Christmas? | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 2 December 2008 Dreaming of a green Christmas? - photo opportunity - Tips for a green Christmas and waste-free New Year are being given out at roadshows across Leicestershire. Experts will be on hand to give out advice on environmentally-friendly gifts and recycled wrapping, cards and tags.... 07 Jan 2009 Dreaming of a green Christmas? |
Dreaming of a green Christmas? | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 2 December 2008 Dreaming of a green Christmas? - photo opportunity - Tips for a green Christmas and waste-free New Year are being given out at roadshows across Leicestershire. Experts will be on hand to give out advice on environmentally-friendly gifts and recycled wrapping, cards and tags.... 07 Jan 2009 Dreaming of a green Christmas? |
Dreaming of a green Christmas? | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 2 December 2008 Dreaming of a green Christmas? - photo opportunity - Tips for a green Christmas and waste-free New Year are being given out at roadshows across Leicestershire. Experts will be on hand to give out advice on environmentally-friendly gifts and recycled wrapping, cards and tags.... 11 Jan 2009 Dreaming of a green Christmas? |
Relevant News
£500,000 scheme to tackle flooding | |
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 | A 500,000 scheme to reduce flood risks in key parts of the county will be discussed by Leicestershire's ruling Cabinet... 02 Apr 2008 £500,000 scheme to tackle flooding |
LEICESTERSHIRE BURIAL MOUNDS REVEAL ANCESTRAL INSIGHTS | |
 | Researchers from University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) have recently completed work on the results of three closely related Bronze Age round barrows excavated at Cossington, Leicestershire.... 10 Jun 2008 LEICESTERSHIRE BURIAL MOUNDS REVEAL ANCESTRAL INSIGHTS |
David Cameron to visit Loughborough | |
 | Conservative Leader David Cameron will be paying a visit to Loughborough this Tuesday, giving local residents the chance to ask him questions on both regional and national issues.... 19 Jul 2008 David Cameron to visit Loughborough |
Free Childcare to help the Low Paid to Work Scheme to be Piloted in Leicestershire | |
 | Leicestershire's selection as part of the pilot scheme to support low income families with free childcare, so they can access training and return to work, has been welcomed by Eric Goodyer, Labour's Prospective MP for Charnwood.... 09 Sep 2008 Free Childcare to help the Low Paid to Work Scheme to be Piloted in Leicestershire |
Wardens signal community approach to flood planning | |
| Chief Executive's 5 November 2008 Wardens signal community approach to flood planning The increasing threat of climate change means that extreme weather events are happening more frequently. With the risk of recent floods across the country becoming more regular, it is essential that local people are prepared before any flooding occurs in this area.... 30 Dec 2008 Wardens signal community approach to flood planning |
Most Read News (today)
Great Central Railway | |
|---|---|
 | It will be a cavalcade of memories at the Great Central Railway this weekend (17th / 18th May) as a special gala event recreates the sights and sounds of four decades ago. Star of the show will be BR Standard 7, Oliver Cromwell which hauled Britain s last steam train back in 1968.... 14 May 2008 Great Central Railway |
Stop for the lollipop - it's the law | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 5 June 2009 Stop for the lollipop - it's the law Photo opportunity Drivers are being reminded that is it the law to stop for a school crossing patrol. New signs with the message Stop for the Lollipop, it s the law will go up around the county in the coming weeks.... 06 Jun 2009 Stop for the lollipop - it's the law |
Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally | |
| Community Services 16 June 2009 Farmers fined 14,000 for moving sheep illegally Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service has prosecuted two Leicestershire farmers for failing to comply with a prohibition notice previously issued to them about moving their sheep. Thomas Geoffrey Skinner and Joseph David Skinner trading as the Skinner Brothers of Hazeltongue Farm, Holwell, Leicestershire were each fined 7,000 plus costs of 187.... 16 Jun 2009 Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally |
Appeal following assault in Melton | |
| Appeal following assault in Melton Police are appealing for witnesses following the report of an assault on a woman in Melton. The incident happened at around 12.... 17 Jun 2009 Appeal following assault in Melton |
Austin powers into town to open new children's centre | |
| 16 June 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre Rugby legend Austin Healey is getting ready to waltz into Melton to open a new children s centre. The Leicester Tigers and England star, also famed for his foxtrot after an appearance on last year s Strictly Come Dancing TV show, will cut the ribbon at Fairmead Children s Centre, in Drummond Walk, on Thursday, June 25.... 18 Jun 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre |
Most Read News (this month)
Most Read News (alltime)
Great Central Railway | |
|---|---|
| It will be a cavalcade of memories at the Great Central Railway this weekend (17th / 18th May) as a special gala event recreates the sights and sounds of four decades ago. Star of the show will be BR Standard 7, Oliver Cromwell which hauled Britain s last steam train back in 1968.... 14 May 2008 Great Central Railway |
Stop for the lollipop - it's the law | |
| Highways, Transportation & Waste Management 5 June 2009 Stop for the lollipop - it's the law Photo opportunity Drivers are being reminded that is it the law to stop for a school crossing patrol. New signs with the message Stop for the Lollipop, it s the law will go up around the county in the coming weeks.... 06 Jun 2009 Stop for the lollipop - it's the law |
Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally | |
| Community Services 16 June 2009 Farmers fined 14,000 for moving sheep illegally Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service has prosecuted two Leicestershire farmers for failing to comply with a prohibition notice previously issued to them about moving their sheep. Thomas Geoffrey Skinner and Joseph David Skinner trading as the Skinner Brothers of Hazeltongue Farm, Holwell, Leicestershire were each fined 7,000 plus costs of 187.... 16 Jun 2009 Farmers fined £14,000 for moving sheep illegally |
Appeal following assault in Melton | |
| Appeal following assault in Melton Police are appealing for witnesses following the report of an assault on a woman in Melton. The incident happened at around 12.... 17 Jun 2009 Appeal following assault in Melton |
Austin powers into town to open new children's centre | |
| 16 June 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre Rugby legend Austin Healey is getting ready to waltz into Melton to open a new children s centre. The Leicester Tigers and England star, also famed for his foxtrot after an appearance on last year s Strictly Come Dancing TV show, will cut the ribbon at Fairmead Children s Centre, in Drummond Walk, on Thursday, June 25.... 18 Jun 2009 Austin powers into town to open new children's centre |