Comment
Preferred Options consultation document
Representation ID: 98247
Received: 30/10/2019
Respondent: Mr Adrian Bramwell
Silica Sand Extraction Policies and Controls
Living with the results of NCC Silica Sand Extraction Policy has generated a number of concerns which are best illustrated by reviewing the state of play of various former extraction sites.
The NCC has attempted to control the outcome with Covenants and/or S52 documents with very little effect. The Police and BCKLWN have had to be called to intervene on many occasions.
See attached plan:
A These two lakes were part of land originally leased by Sibelco and following excavation of Silica Sand were returned to the land owner without restoration. They are in an appalling state with polluted flooding and equipment remains.
B Is the main Bawsey Lake now owned by the Bacon family and only very recently reopened to the public, is the location where two drownings occurred which may have involved the equipment left at the bottom of the lake following the sand extraction. There is a long history of anti-social and inappropriate behaviour and the dumping of rubbish around the lake which is what originally caused Sibelco to sell the lake and surrounding land.
C The location of the original Golf Club, which was converted to a Sailing Club following the extraction of Silica Sand by Sibelco/BIS. The property was sold in 1999 to the current owners. The club was closed a few years later, which has been followed by criminal entry and activity leading to the mysterious fire destroying all the Club buildings.
The owner has now achieved outline planning {BCKLWN 18/00053} to build 7 dwellings with the commitment to provide a minimal members only sailing club house at the lake edge. This proposal will provide little to no discouragement to any criminal activity since any club facilities will be totally separate and invisible from any of the proposed dwellings. The net effect is the community asset originally protected by Covenant & S.52 agreements is no longer.
D This lake, following extraction has now been used for water skiing causing noise nuisance to the local inhabitants.
In conclusion the Silica Sand extraction sites as currently monitored and controlled has led to: generation of waste land/lakes, inappropriate behaviour, some criminal activity, dumping of waste and obstructive road side parking. Thus a new strategy and controls are required before any further extraction should be permitted eg. SIL 01
Silica Sand Extraction Policies and Controls
Living with the results of NCC Silica Sand Extraction Policy has generated a number of concerns which are best illustrated by reviewing the state of play of various former extraction sites.
The NCC has attempted to control the outcome with Covenants and/or S52 documents with very little effect. The Police and BCKLWN have had to be called to intervene on many occasions.
See attached plan:
A These two lakes were part of land originally leased by Sibelco and following excavation of Silica Sand were returned to the land owner without restoration. They are in an appalling state with polluted flooding and equipment remains.
B Is the main Bawsey Lake now owned by the Bacon family and only very recently reopened to the public, is the location where two drownings occurred which may have involved the equipment left at the bottom of the lake following the sand extraction. There is a long history of anti-social and inappropriate behaviour and the dumping of rubbish around the lake which is what originally caused Sibelco to sell the lake and surrounding land.
C The location of the original Golf Club, which was converted to a Sailing Club following the extraction of Silica Sand by Sibelco/BIS. The property was sold in 1999 to the current owners. The club was closed a few years later, which has been followed by criminal entry and activity leading to the mysterious fire destroying all the Club buildings.
The owner has now achieved outline planning {BCKLWN 18/00053} to build 7 dwellings with the commitment to provide a minimal members only sailing club house at the lake edge. This proposal will provide little to no discouragement to any criminal activity since any club facilities will be totally separate and invisible from any of the proposed dwellings. The net effect is the community asset originally protected by Covenant & S.52 agreements is no longer.
D This lake, following extraction has now been used for water skiing causing noise nuisance to the local inhabitants.
In conclusion the Silica Sand extraction sites as currently monitored and controlled has led to: generation of waste land/lakes, inappropriate behaviour, some criminal activity, dumping of waste and obstructive road side parking. Thus a new strategy and controls are required before any further extraction should be permitted eg. SIL 01