WOKINGHAM borough’s top planning boss has had his say on new plans to mine for sand and gravel at land in Spencers Wood.
Two sites from across central and east Berkshire have been put forward for consideration by a land agent as four of the county’s local authorities search for more places to dig for minerals.
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One of those sites is 25 hectares of land west of Basingstoke Road in Spencers Wood, which was nominated after a proposal to mine 3.6 million tonnes of sand and gravel at Bridge Farm in Arborfield was chucked out in August 2019.
Councillor Wayne Smith, Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) planning boss, said at a meeting: “We keep finding sites but they are not practical or suitable.
“Considering we took a very large site out, we went out and called for sites and this one was put forward.
“I’m not an expert and I can’t say if this site is suitable for the need.”
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It is not yet known how much sand and gravel could be extracted from the Spencers Wood site as council officers need to work with landowners to work this out.
The land is currently used for farming, according to a report, and wildlife including birds, newts, badgers and bats have been found at the site.
WBC leader Cllr John Halsall asked Cllr Smith if the site being put forward implied this was the council’s recommendation.
Cllr Smith replied: “Absolutely not. That’s proven with Bridge Farm.”
Responding to a question about what may happen if the site was deemed unsuitable, Cllr Smith added: “We haven’t got the minerals.
“In our local area we are building houses — so where do the developers get the minerals from to build these houses?
“I think what we will end up with, if this site isn’t suitable, is having to extend the net and look elsewhere.
“I fully understand the concern. We are going to have an event in Wokingham where we talk to residents and get their feedback like we did with Bridge Farm.”
Councillors approved a consultation on the two new sites proposed for mining at a meeting on Thursday, January 30.
The consultation runs between Monday, February 10 and Friday, March 20.
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