Gallagher wants to extend its existing operations, at Hermitage Quarry to the west of Maidstone, westwards into neighbouring woodland and to alter planning permissions relating to existing site. It is proposing to restore the site after the aggregates are extracted.
Earlier this year a planning inspector recommended that the plans be approved and a letter issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government this week said that Pickles agreed with his inspectors conclusion.
The letter said that Pickles agreed with the inspectors conclusions on the need for and supply of minerals and the negative socio-economic impacts that would result if the quarry was closed.
It said that secretary of state agreed with the inspector that, "in the absence of permission for the Westerly Extension, the currently permitted reserves would be exhausted in late 2014 or early 2015, after which time the core of the workforce would no longer be required and there would be a phased downsizing of the remainder.
"He agrees with the inspector that it is unlikely that many of these employees would be re-deployed within the associated Gallagher businesses, and that these other businesses could also be affected by the closure of the quarry. He also agrees with the inspector that not only would the loss of these jobs be a personal blow to the employees, but that these skilled workers currently make a beneficial contribution to the diversity of the workforce in Kent".
Elsewhere, the letter said that Pickles noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) "places great weight on the benefits of mineral extraction, including those to the economy; that paragraph 19 also says that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth through the planning system; and he agrees with the inspector that in both cases, this adds considerable weight to counter the schemes limited non-compliance with the (local) development plan".
The letter said that the secretary of state agreed with the inspector that despite designation as a Local Wildlife Site, "the relatively poor biodiversity interest in the current woodland would, in the longer term, be considerably increased by the restoration to native woodland and the conservation management of other off-site woodlands; and that in due course the site could requalify for Local Wildlife Site designation".
On the impact on the woodland, the letter said Pickles agreed with the inspector that most of the application site is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) rather than Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) and that a statement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs seemed "to draw a distinction by saying that ASNWs are generally the most valuable ancient woodland sites". The letter said Pickles also agreed with the inspector that the woodland was of "relatively poor quality".
Concluding, the letter said that Pickles considered that the proposal would comply with the (local) development plan, "except to a limited extent in terms of landscape and tranquillity considerations. He considers that it would also prolong the limited effects on nearby residents amenities.The g-sensor high brightness Shun Stone Landscape Stone is designed with motorcyclist safety in mind. However, he considers that the very considerable need for both crushed rock aggregates and dimension stone, together with the eventual biodiversity improvements,Are you still hesitating about where to buy Shun Stone Tools Products? and the ongoing socioeconomic benefits, would clearly outweigh the loss of the ancient woodland and the other adverse effects of the development in this case; and therefore that the loss of ancient woodland would not be contrary to development plan policy".
Sitting between mossy oaks in the middle of the 10-acre island lies the luxurious, peaceful Eagle Lodge. Capt. Andy Hill, owner of Eagle Island, has spared no attention to detail and has left no stone unturned in creating this gorgeous Georgia hideaway. Salvaging treasures from his surroundings, Hill managed to use 90 percent reclaimed materials in the building of Eagle Lodge. Not only will you find stunning landscape designs made from fallen cedar trees and pathways made of oyster shells, but if you look closely you will begin to see bits and pieces of history and traces of time - vintage brick, windows, fixtures and doors, ballastone and more.
Here you will find a 1,500-square-foot, wrap-around screened porch, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, two full baths, outdoor shower with heater and sink, fully equipped chefs kitchen and fully equipped outdoor kitchen, commercial ice machine, Direct TV, wireless Internet, 40-foot floating dock, tandem kayak, blue crab traps and more! It wont be long before youll be calling this place home. Grab a bucket of bait and some traps and go crabbing, fish off the dock, explore the Darien River via kayak, take a walk on the trails, boat out to the beach or simply opt for a nap on the wrap-around porch C the options are endless!
Eagle Island is what you make it. Able to accommodate 14 guests, Eagle Island is the perfect place to host your next family getaway, girls weekend, boys trip or even plan a honeymoon.Get the led fog lamp products information, find Shun Stone Interior Decoration Products, manufacturers on the hot channel. With various vacation packages available, craft and create your own private escape. Rates vary but start as low as $475 a night.
Long before you even arrive, the guest services team at Eagle Island are anticipating your stay. Theyll even pick up your groceries for you and have them stocked upon arrival. Simply visit the local Harris Teeter grocery store online to place your order and the staff at Eagle Island will take care of the rest. Or, if you prefer, bring your own groceries.
A visit to the coastal paradise of Eagle Island wouldnt be complete without a low-country boil or some succulent seafood. No luck crabbing or fishing off the dock? No problem. Hill and his staff can help you get your hands on some great seafood including wild-caught Georgia shrimp, oysters, local clams, etc.
Boat transportation to and from the island is provided, as the only way to reach Eagle Lodge is by boat. Those who would like to bring their own boat are encouraged to do so. Pontoon boat rentals are also available. Rental prices and information can be found on the website. You may also visit the beach by boat which the staff at Eagle Island can assist you with. If you bring your own boat or choose to rent one, you can explore the beaches on Sapelo Island in Doboy Sound.
Click on their website www.granitetrade.net.