Quarry plans are outlined

Owners of a sand quarry at Washington say they are convinced plans to turn it into a nature reserve are ‘the best solution’ for its future, despite protests by concerned residents.

Owners of a South Downs sand quarry say they are convinced plans to turn it into a nature reserve are ‘the best solution’ for its future.

Dudman has operated Rock Common Quarry in Washington under lease from landowners The Wiston Estate for the past 10 years.

Now - as the quarry starts to run out of sand - the Wiston Estate says it needs a restoration plan.

Initially Wistons had planned to create a lake by filling the empty quarry with deep water - but are now seeking planning approval from West Sussex County Council to fill it with ‘inert material.’

Protesters maintain: “This is not restoration, it is landfill.”

The Wiston Estate outlined its proposals at a public exhibition last week as objectors protested outside.

A spokesman said: “The estate hopes to restore the quarry to a nature reserve, which will eventually be open to the public. The public exhibition was a great opportunity for the estate to engage with the Washington community, and share the positive future developments for the quarry.

“For decades Rock Common has been quarried to provide building sand for local homes and, as the sand is running out, now the area needs a restoration plan. Wiston Estate’s proposal for the site is to create three shallow lakes which will be rich habitats for wildlife, and to open up footpaths through the area.”

It says the new plan will involve around 10 years’ work, and it wants to set up a liaison group with residents and the parish council to ‘ensure clear communication’. “The estate understands there is concern about the impact of the works in the short term, but firmly believe this is the best longterm solution for the site and the local community.”