As mentioned in previous posts, local residents from Bepton and Woolbeding have formed a campaign group to argue against the proposed Severals East and Severals West Soft Sand Quarry Sites.

The sites are included in the consultation of Issues and Options of the joint South Downs National Park Authority/West Sussex County Council Minerals Plan (Soft Sand Review).

The campaign group have covered a large amount of ground and have provided us with a summary of what they have done, which will be of interest to Bepton residents.

” Katherine Steele said: We are grateful to Bepton PC for allowing us to publish, on their website, this summary of our action.

So far, we have :-

formed Severals Against Cowdray Quarries Group;

co-ordinated efforts with Bepton and Woolbeding with Redford PCs and are now engaged with Trotton, Stedham & Rogate PCs;

welcomed the letter which the Chairs of Woolbeding with Redford PC and Bepton  PC wrote to Lord Cowdray, although we were disappointed with the response;

provided material to update info on the Bepton PC website;

used our resources to better understand the analysis underpinning the Consultation Document. For example, going through the  RAG document (red, amber, green) with input from experts – environment, geology, flora and fauna etc and engaged with the Minsted minerals expert. This will help inform responses from individuals and the Parish Councils; 

attended two Midhurst Town Council Meetings – they will now robustly oppose & write to Cowdray;

written to Lord and Lady Cowdray, Trevor Beattie CEO SDNPA, the National Trust and the Sussex Wildlife Trust. The latter two organisations have said that they will oppose;

had excellent support from our WSCC Councillor Dr. Kate O’Kelly, who has facilitated a meeting with our local MP, Gillian Keegan, with a Councillor from each of the five local Parish Council, Midhurst Town Council &, of course, our County Councillor;

created and distributed 2,700 “Say No” leaflets through the Midhurst Local; handed them out at the Severals, to Doctors and local cafes;

placed “Say No” posters at strategic places;

created a Facebook Page “Stop The Quarries” – regularly updated by social media expert and us; and

engaged with the Midhurst & Petworth Observer resulting in several articles:  Parish Councillors and WSC Councillor working together; poor negative response from Cowdray Estate to parishes letter to Lord Cowdray; and one describing the plight of
the Gibson family at Severals House.

We are also proposing an article about pollution monitoring and specifically the higher pollution levels due to increased lorry numbers. And we are organising a petition.

We would welcome any feedback, help, technical expertise, or contributions. Contact Katherine Steele. “

Bepton PC will try to keep you updated on developments through this site. Previous posts give links to the consultation document and information on how to respond. As ever we welcome feedback.