Coggeshall quarry plan campaigners hold human chain protest

More than 200 residents formed a human chain along Essex Way in Coggeshall, north Essex, on Saturday to oppose a quarry proposed for inclusion in the Essex County Council Replacement Minerals Local Plan. 

Campaigners said they fear the quarry would change the landscape of the village forever, as well as destroying natural habitats, displacing wildlife and impacting heritage.

It comes after separate plans for a quarry off the A12 at Bentley in south Suffolk have been recommended for approval by the county council.

A Coggeshall Residents Against the Quarry spokesperson said: "Today we showed just how unpopular this proposed site is with residents.

"The consultation gives us an opportunity to express our views and prevent approval of the quarry by ECC."

Campaigners on Saturday (Image: Coggeshall Residents Against the Quarry)

Consultation on the plan was due to close at 5pm on March 19 but on Wednesday, the council said this was to be extended to April 9 due to "significant public interest" and to allow residents "additional time to provide feedback". 

During the consultation, residents and other stakeholders are being invited to feedback on the sites submitted for inclusion, as well as the revised Plan itself.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “Public interest in the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan has been very high and I’m pleased that we’ve moved to extend the deadline for responses, giving residents longer to feedback on the proposals. 

“I would once again stress that no decisions on potential sites have been made at this stage and we will take the views of our communities into account as the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan is finalised."