Following the success opposing the planning application for a gravel quarry north of Bengeo, we’ve had some great feedback on the campaign.

“I have so much admiration for you all. [SBQ] have done such a fantastic piece of work. So incredibly proud of you, [SBQ] brought everyone together to fight for what you all believe to be right for the future of not just Bengeo but surrounding villages and hamlets. But maybe more importantly future generations.”

Cllr Patricia Moore, East Herts District Council

“Well done everyone with the result today – well deserved and befitting of a great campaign.

With the withdrawal of the application in 1997 and the rejection of this one I suspect we all hope this is now a dead subject.”

Tom McMullen, Joint Managing Director. McMullens & Sons Ltd, Hertford Brewery

“Bengeo owes you much. [..] Critically important was the relationships [SBQ] developed with a range of people in widely differing professional and personal situations. [..] But this is really to thank [SBQ] for doing so much to ensure that the cases were made intelligently, and responsibly. No mean achievement.”

Cllr Peter Ruffles

“What a tremendous result. You must be all so very proud with this outcome. I have been so impressed with [SBQ] team.

With the combined speeches there really was no other decision to be made. Not only that, but the possibility that Bengeo field could come off the plan is a testament to the considered and thoughtful approach that you have all taken.”

Julie Starkiss, Headteacher Bengeo Primary School

“On behalf of all the residents of Molewood – congratulations on a great result and take great pride in what you’ve achieved through grit and determination.

I’m sure we’ll have new challenges ahead of us and here’s hoping we can harness this community energy to delivering more success in the future. Well done.”

Ben Penrose, Molewood Residents’ Association

“Congratulations for organising such a successful campaign.”

Cllr Andrew Stevenson

“Congratulations on such a positive outcome yesterday and on harnessing the most amazing team of people! [..] Just incredible to get every Councillor to vote the same way! [..] You can now take a very well deserved rest and just enjoy Bengeo!”

Terry Mansfield, Chapmore End Residents’ Association

“A brief email to congratulate [SBQ] pressure group on the amazingly successful outcome of your representations against the granting of planning permission for the quarry. A well-deserved success following a thoughtful and extremely well informed campaign with the objections convincingly presented. My thanks to all concerned for their hard work; [..] much relieved at the outcome and grateful for all the hard work that made it possible.”

Russell Norris, Chapmore End Residents’ Association

“I’d just like to say thank you for all you’ve done keeping Bengeo the way it should be. It was a terrific effort.”

Hani Abdellatif, Hertford & Ware Labour

“I wanted to send a heartfelt congratulations to the whole SBQ team on a community triumph. The campaign was very professional and focused and both Andrew and I have been delighted to be able to support you through it all. Please extend my very best wishes to everyone.

Of course, the applicant may come back in the future, though the unanimous decision will be difficult to overcome.”

Mark Prisk, MP

“It was a great pleasure to be part of your highly organised, and informed campaign. I look forward to working with your group on a Neighbourhood Plan for Bengeo to use all the knowledge gained to provide a healthy and successful future for Bengeo and the surrounding area.”

Cllr Steve Counsins

“[SBQ] led this community to a great collective achievement. I’m still celebrating.”

Bryan Lovell