After the Severals sand extraction sites were removed from the WSCC/SDNPA Minerals Plan, we were hoping that was the end of them. However, the Planning Inspector found that WSCC/SDNPA had not made enough provision for soft sand.
So WSCC/SDNPA were ordered to do a Soft Sand Review. They have now published their Issues and Options Consultation . In that document, both Severals East and Severals West have been identified as potential soft sand extraction sites. The consultation runs until 18th March 2019.
The Parish Council met informally and confirmed their continued objection to these proposals. The Chairman was interviewed by the Midhurst & Petworth Observer.
He said, “Bepton Parish Council were very disappointed to learn that the Severals East & West sites, which had been previously ruled out, were now back on the agenda. Our objections to them remain. They are unsuitable for a number of reasons and would have a serious detrimental impact on the environment, the natural habitat & the lives of people in Bepton, particularly along Severals Road. The South Downs National Park Authority has a statutory duty “to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area”. Sand extraction in the Severals would fly in the face of that. “
The Parish Council will be discussing their response at their meeting on 24th January (7pm at the Park House), which is, of course, open to the public.
In the meantime, the Council would encourage all local residents with views on the proposals to respond to the consultation exercise.
Bepton, West Sussex 
Congratulations Bepton PC, your graphic approach will help people become aware of the threat to their unique South Downs landscape and environment. The risks to wildlife and fauna will stir all of us to react, whether hikers,bikers,walkers,twitchers,dog walkers, joggers or simply young families who enjoy the sounds and charms of such beautiful surroundings.You can count on the support of our members at The Midhurst Society
Thanks Mike!
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As the new owners of Severals House, we are utterly shocked and devastated by the current planning application for two sand quarries on the Severals which will effectively both border our property. The impact they will have on the surrounding countryside, community and environment is unimaginable and we find it unbelievable that Cowdray can propose such a destructive plan.
We wish to formally register our views that we are against the possible proposal of sand quarries in the Severals Midhurst. This is a protected area of outstanding natural beauty. Please do not abuse the trust we place in those in authority. It is an increasingly rare part of precious countryside and once gone it is gone.
Thank you for this. However, we are not the planning authority. In order to register your views you need to respond to the West Sussex County Council/South Downs National Park consultation exercise. There is information on these pages as to how to do that.Here is a link to the WSCC page -https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/about-the-council/policies-and-reports/environment-planning-and-waste-policy-and-reports/minerals-and-waste-policy/soft-sand-review-consultation/ . You can also email your comments to mwdf@westsussex.gov.uk – please make it clear which questions from the consultation document you’re answering and provide the details they ask for (name, address etc) on the website.
Should not be allowed in such a beautiful place!!!!! We should be looking after the National Park.