RESIDENTS have expressed their anger over a proposal to turn fields in Slade Farm, Hedgerley, into gravel pits.

The planning application was received on Wednesday, June 26 by Hedgerley Parish Council. Permission is sought by RJD Limited, a quarry operating company based in Harlow, Essex.

This is the second time this company has sought permission, the last time being at almost the same date two years ago. In addition to the gravel extraction, the proposal asks permission for “the installation and use of mineral processing plant, a concrete batching plant and soil treatment plant”.

Resident, Alan Morgan, 54, of Hedgerley Green, said: “Hedgerley is a very pretty little village. This plan will involve 12 lorries, plus the noise of extraction. When it’s dry, the roads will be covered in dust, when it’s wet, they will be covered in mud. Hedgerley will be absolutely destroyed if this plan goes ahead.”

Fellow resident, Ian Selby, 50, said: “There’s going to be a big environmental impact. Pollution, damage to the road, not to mention damage to the water table.

“The trucks will have to come down a lot of narrow roads, ones people walk down. The road is in a dreadful state already – what will it be like when dozens of trucks are using it ever day?”

Although the previous application failed, the site is now considered a preferred site by the draft Bucks County Council Minerals and Waste Plan, granting RJD a stronger bargaining position. However, the land is considered Green Belt, making the building of processing plants more difficult.

Mr. Morgan drew attention to the inconvenient timing of the application, which coincides with the peak of the holiday season; preventing residents from voicing their concerns.

Residents have until Wednesday, August 23 to submit their objections to Bucks County Council.