Have your say on Dorset’s future quarries and waste facilities

Dorset County Council, with Bournemouth and Poole councils, is encouraging people to give their opinions on a mineral sites plan. The document sets out potential mineral sites nominated by quarrying companies and landowners. People can have their say and highlight any local issues before the preferred sites are decided on.

A second document, the waste plan issues paper, has also been published and people are being asked to help shape future plans for waste and recycling.

Residents can find out more by attending a public exhibition, or by going online.

The sites out to consultation include possible locations for sand and gravel quarries across South East Dorset, as well as ball clay pits and Purbeck Stone quarries on the Isle of Purbeck, which could contribute to national, regional or local requirements.

The locations include an extension to Hurn Court Farm Quarry at Hurn and a new sand and gravel site at Parley to the north of Muscliffe. In Christchurch there is a proposed gravel site east of Burton, known as Roeshot, a sand and gravel site in Ringwood Forest, Verwood, known as Purple Haze and an area of search close to Horton Heath. Around Wareham there are also a number of possible sand and gravel sites being considered.

People can see the plans at the following exhibition venues:

• Wareham Corn Exchange, Monday 13 Jan, 3pm-7pm
• Verwood Memorial Hall, Thursday 16 Jan, 3pm-7pm
• Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Tuesday 21 Jan, 3pm-7pm
• Langton Matravers Village Hall, Wednesday 22 Jan, 3pm-7pm
• Poole Civic Centre Committee Suite, Monday 27 Jan, 2:30pm-6:30pm
• Muscliff Community Centre, Wednesday 29 Jan, 3pm-7pm

The second document, ‘the waste plan issues paper’ considers what kind of waste is being produced in Dorset, how it is currently being managed and how it might be likely to change. It identifies the need for a new material recycling facility in the Poole/Bournemouth area and for new or improved household recycling centres at Christchurch, Wareham, Blandford and Wimborne.

Mike Garrity, head of minerals and waste planning policy said: “We strongly encourage people to come along and view the plans so they are aware of what is being proposed in their area. This will help us to decide on the most suitable sites to take forward to meet the need for minerals.”

To have your say on either or both documents, submit your comments online at www.dorsetforyou.com/mwdf or by completing a response form which can be requested from the minerals and waste planning policy team on 01305 228571 or by emailing mwdf@dorsetcc.gov.uk.