by Anna White

awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk

Plans to quarry ancient woodland are now in the hands of the government.

An application to extend Hermitage Quarry in Barming into more than 70 acres of nearby Oaken Wood, between Barming and East Malling, were today referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Kent County Council's planning committee ruled in favour of the development but the decision could be reviewed by the Secretary of State Eric Pickles as the site is not identified within Kent's plan for mineral extraction.

If he raises issues with KCC's decision, a public inquiry could be held.

KCC and the applicant, Gallagher Aggregates Limited, would support the proposal together at a public inquiry.

Today's vote, which was 10 to six, was met by disappointment from campaigners against the extension.

Sarah Cooper, from Barming, is the leader of the Save Oaken Wood group.

She said: "I am really disappointed with the councillors' decision but we have come this far and I intend to fight it all of the way."

Committee chairman Cllr Richard King (Con) said: “This was a difficult and finely balanced decision. Local residents and environmental groups have argued that the loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland and impact on the local wildlife site is unacceptable.

"On balance, however, members felt the job prospects and the economic need for ragstone to support construction in the county in future, and benefits of the project, outweighed these objections.”

Read Friday's Kent Messenger for the full report.