Campaigners trying to save woods being turned into a ragstone quarry have been offered a “glimmer of hope” by Kent County Council (KCC).

The council has decided to look for alternative sites to Oaken Wood at Barming, Maidstone, after a huge public outcry.

Potential operator Gallagher Aggregates would like to extend nearby Hermitage Quarry by 96 hectares – a scheme which KCC is examining.

That process will now involve a second “call for sites” to see if other areas locally are put forward by landowners.

KCC cabinet member for the environment Cllr Susan Carey vowed to “shake the tree” to see if another can be found.

But she warned if the search is unsuccessful, the alternatives would be to import the stone from Norway or Scotland which would create four times the carbon emissions in transportation.

More than 26,000 objections have been received - many from outside Kent - and it has become a cause for the influential Woodland Trust. Four hundred responses were in favour of the scheme.

Green Party activist and borough councillor Stuart Jeffery said: “It is a glimmer of hope and we’ll keep our fingers crossed. The only cause for hope is if someone comes forward.

“What it tells me is that they have been taken aback by the strength of opposition.”

KCC is the minerals and waste planning authority for Kent and required to “prepare and maintain planning policy concerning waste management and minerals supply in the county.”

The current scheme under consideration at Barming is the only one to emerge from the original call for sites exercise.

Papers before the KCC Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on September 14 stated: “Land south and west of the existing Hermitage Quarry, near Maidstone, was nominated by Gallagher Aggregates (potential site operator) for extraction of hard rock and was subject to an initial...assessment of its suitability.

“Public consultation on the nominated site took place in early summer which resulted in approximately 26,200 representations. Further evidence gathering including a second call for sites and detailed technical assessment on the suitability of the nominated site is now needed over an extended period.”

Cllr Carey told members: “We have heritage sites that need it (ragstone). We do have to follow this process and make sure that whatever decision is taken, it’s one that can be fully justified.”

Opponents have raised concerns about the plan including the impact on Oaken Wood, which grows on “ancient woodland soil”, the loss of an amenity to walkers and cyclists as well as the effect it would have on wildlife and biodiversity.

Earlier this month, Maidstone borough councillors rebelled and voted to rip up a letter approving the controversial extension of the quarry. The letter had stipulated that the quarry would have to be reinstated after use.

But opponents said its planning status would alter and could potentially see it turned into housing.

KCC’s Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee agreed to ‘note’ the officers’ report and the second call for sites.