Have You Signed Our Footpath Petition?

Have You Signed Our Footpath Petition?

By Admin Comment Closed
Over 580 people already signed the petition calling to protect the footpath across Bengeo Field. Unfortunately, the landscape planning assessment focuses on the potential impact of the latest quarry application on the landscape from the roads surrounding the Field. We argue, that the quarry along the footpath will be unacceptable and will permanently damage the amenity of the bengeo Field. Look at the photo attached - taken by CAGE in 1990-ies in one of the quarry areas around Rickneys. Please sign the petition to protect the landscape and views North of Hertford. » Click here to view and sign the petition Updated 18/3/18 with revised figure for people signing the petition (was 360 when originally published)...
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Minerals Plan: Make Your Voice Heard

Minerals Plan: Make Your Voice Heard

By Admin Comment Closed
Herts County Council listened to our concerns and refused planning permission for the quarry last year. They are now recommending that Bengeo and Rickneys are removed from the Minerals Local Plan as a "preferred area for minerals working". You can now help to protect Bengeo from quarrying for good. All you have to do is add your name, address on page 1 of the attached Representation Form, sign and date on page 2, then post it to the address on page 2, or deliver the form to County Hall before 5pm Friday 9th February. This form supports the plan to remove Bengeo and Rickneys as a "preferred area for minerals working". Once the Minerals Local Plan is adopted and the area is no longer designated a "preferred area" it is very unlikely that any future applications for quarrying in the area would be approved. By signing and returning this form you will play a vital part in ensuring that Bengeo never again has...
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Landscape Officer Expresses Concerns

By Admin Comment Closed
The County Council's Landscape Officer has expressed concerns about access to the quarry site and the negative effects on Bengeo Field. Whilst not opposing the planning application in principle, The Officer states: "... there is concern for the permanent negative landscape and visual effects as a result of the proposed access and haul route that lies outside the preferred area and requires further mitigation." The report also raises concerns about restoration and a lack of detail in the planning application. » Click here to read the Landscape Report...
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Statement Of Case

By Admin Comment Closed
We have now submitted our Statement of Case to the Planning Inspectorate. This document outlines our case against the quarry and evidence supporting our belief that the appeal should be refused. Separate and similar documents have also been submitted by the County Council and Cllr.Andrew Stevenson. » Read our Statement Of Case...
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District Councillor Opposes Quarry

By Admin Comment Closed
District Councillor for Bengeo Ward, Peter Ruffles, has written to the County Council detailing his objections to the proposed quarry north of Bengeo. In his letter, Cllr Ruffles highlights the adequate supply of gravel, the benefits of the field for community use, environmental damage, highways issues and the potential withdrawal of the field from the Local Minerals Plan. Peter Ruffles' letter is reprinted below. (more…)...
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Minerals Plan Consultation Opens

Minerals Plan Consultation Opens

By Admin Comment Closed
A year and a half ago we were told that the only way to stop applications to quarry in Bengeo Field would be by getting it taken off the Minerals Local Plan (MLP). And it was considered impossible. Today the new MLP recommends that neither Bengeo Field nor Rickneys are to be considered as "preferred areas" for quarrying in the next 14 years. No doubt there will be developers and landowners who win't agree with this HCC recommendation. We, of course, are delighted that finally it is recommended that this land should not be threatened to become a quarry. Please respond to this consultation and let them know that we AGREE with the HCC MLP recommendation NOT TO include the land North of Hertford on the preferred list. » Click here to respond to the consultation...
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District Council Withdraw Objection

District Council Withdraw Objection

By Admin Comment Closed
East Herts District Council have written to the County Council withdrawing their earlier objection against the Bengeo quarry. In their new letter they comment: "East Herts Council has no objections in principle to the proposed extraction, and in respect of the associated temporary built structures considers that the benefits of extraction and subsequent housing delivery would represent very special circumstances that would clearly outweigh the harm." AND "Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed office buildings, bunds, and associated equipment would fail to preserve the openness of the Green Belt, and therefore represent inappropriate development, these are only temporary structures." However, the letter goes on to raise some concerns about the application: "In respect of the detail of the proposed scheme, the Council does have some concern, as mentioned previously, that the site is of an open aspect in an elevated position, publicly accessible, and in the immediate surroundings of Hertford and links to Bengeo and other villages and is less contained...
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Bengeo Field Usage Survey

Bengeo Field Usage Survey

By Admin Comment Closed
We are carrying out an updated survey about Bengeo Field is used by the public. Please can you respond to this very short questionnaire on Surveymonkey & share with everyone you know in Hertford & surrounding areas. If we want to influence the decision about the future of Bengeo Field, we need to provide the results of the survey before Christmas. » Follow this link to fill out the survey...
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Campaign Report

Campaign Report

By Admin Comment Closed
The new quarry application is due to be considered by Hertfordshire County Council Development Control Committee on 25th January 2018 at 10am at County Hall (as before in March). Stop Bengeo Quarry (SBQ) invite the attendance of all local residents to demonstrate to members of the deciding Committee the strength of local opposition against the new plan. County Councillor Andrew Stevenson commented: “The strength of community feeling about the quarry applications is illustrated by the huge support the SBQ campaign has received. SBQ has been very organised, exploring every facet of the issues, and this is important. A quarry this close to an urban area is simply unacceptable. I fully support SBQ and will continue to work with them in my capacity as County Councillor to oppose these applications. I urge everyone who has not already done so to email your views to the County Council and the Planning Inspector.” The case is currently being considered by the HCC Planning Officer and relevant...
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