The Friends of the South Downs believe that there is not a rising demand for ‘soft sand’ and that we see no reason why further sites should be allocated in West Sussex; especially those in the National Park.
What’s at stake? The review shortlisted 9 sites. 7 inside the National Park and 2 just outside (starred *) the Park:
- Buncton Manor Farm (new site), Washington
- Chantry Lane (Extension), Storrington and Sullington*
- Coopers Moor (Extension) Duncton
- Duncton Common (Extension) Duncton and Petworth
- East of West Heath Common (Extension) Harting and Rogate
- Ham Farm (new site) Steyning and Wiston*
- Minsted West (Extension) Stedham with Iping
- Severals East (new site) Woolbeding with Redford
- Severals West (new site) Woolbeding with Redford
These, as well as those soft sand sites previously considered during the preparation of the Joint Minerals Local Plan, will be assessed for their suitability for potential allocation. The ‘soft sand review’ sets out three main issues for consideration which are:
- the need for soft sand;
- the strategy for soft sand supply; and
- potential sites and site selection.
The review relies solely upon the ‘Local Aggregates Assessments’ (LAA) to predict ‘needs’ from 2019 to 2033 (14 years). This LAA also relied up historical sales of the material to assess annual demand alongside the usage and to extrapolate future demand.
