by Anna White

awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

Campaigners pleaded with planning officers on Tuesday night to vote against a proposal to quarry ancient woodland.

More than 100 people filled Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Maidstone, for a public consultation with Kent County Council's planning committee.

The meeting was held for officers to hear local views on Gallagher Aggregates' application to quarry 74 acres of Oaken Wood.

The company wants to extend its exisiting quarry in Hermitage Lane, Barming, which would mean digging up land in Oaken Wood.

One of the main concerns among residents is the increase in blasting to access the aggregate, which can already been heard and felt by nearby homeowners.

Gallagher carries out the blasts, on average, three times every two weeks.

Pat Donoughue, who lives in Rede Wood Road, Barming, said: "It is like thunder. My house might as well be in a bomb zone.

"They've already had a real good bite out of this, how much cake do they want?"

Richard King, chairman of the committee, said Gallagher would need to prove a need for the extention in order for it to be approved.

Representatives from the quarry firm sat in the audience at last night's meeting, including chief executive Nick Yandle and several employees.

Speaking after the consultation, Mr Yandle said: "The comments were what we expected. We understand a public consultation is an important part of the process."

Mr King said the committee is likely to have made its recommendation by February.

For a full report on the meeting, pick up Friday's Kent Messenger.

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