Save Portland Coastal Strip
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Article which appeared in 'The Portland News', June 2007
| A Ticking Time Bomb on Portland |
| The quarrying company, Stone Firms Ltd, is currently directing its attention towards the coastal strip between Southwell and Portland Bill. It has lodged extensive plans with Dorset County Council to quarry in this area. According to Stone Firms land agent, Mr Tim Clotworthy, "quarrying could start tomorrow." He also told a Southwell resident that her "view will be totally devastated". But of course it's not just her view; it's everyone's view. And it may be far more than the view that's devastated. Many local people believe that the coastal strip is a protected environment. Sadly this is not the case. Quarrying rights were granted back in 1951, when there was much less awareness of the need to protect the environment. The result is that 56 year old quarrying rights override many environmental restrictions such as Sites of Scientific interest (SSSI) status, which applies to part of this coastline. As we all know, stone has been quarried on Portland for hundreds of years and has traditionally been of economic importance to the island. However increasing mechanisation has meant that the work force has declined significantly. Meanwhile the center of Portland has been ravaged by stone extraction; in many places restoration seems conspicuous by its absence. Trashing the natural beauty of the island would be a terrible and costly mistake. The peace and tranquility that we cherish will be replaced by incessant noise. Rare flora and fauna will be obliterated. An industrial wasteland will depress tourism; and it will also depress property values. If you care about Portlands future, please help. Don't think that this can't happen. Unless we protest, it will happen. A time bomb is ticking. It's up to all of us to stop it. Southwell Action Team (S.A.T) For further information please email: mimariposa@hotmail.co.uk or contact the Portland News on 01305 821151 |
Articles that have appeared in the 'Weymouth Echo'
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Echo Article Dated 14th July 2008
Transcript below
| Quarry firm must provide statement |
| WE NOTE with interest, the article "Quarrying plans for coastal strip" (Echo, July 7) regarding proposed quarrying of Portland's "coastal strip", from Southwell village to Portland Bill. Former Dorset County Council planning chief Andrew Price refers to "paying compensation from council tax." Our understanding is that only central government has deep enough pockets to pay the amount of compensation that Stone Firms (despite Tim Clotworthy's protestations of innocence!) are in the process of seeking. Central government has recently updated the law on Review of Old Mineral Permissions (Romp) including existing permissions. This more stringent law comes into force on July 22. Stone Firms is required to provide a comprehensive environmental statement. Our understanding is that, to date, they have not done so. Portland’s coastal strip is a unique area of ecological and archaeological importance, vital to tourism. For the past year, Southwell Action Team (Sat) has been campaigning to stop it from being devastated. We have helped to make the National Trust aware of the problem and they are currently in negotiation with Stone Firms regarding purchase of the land to safeguard it for the future generations. We are a non-political organisation, with supporters not only from Portland but also from all over the UK. Our website, www.saveportlandcoastalstrip.org.uk, gives details of the ongoing struggle. MICHELE IRELAND Southwell Action Team |
Portland News Article - August 2008
| The Ticking Time Bomb - July Update |
| At a public meeting, held at Easton Methodist Church Hall on July 15th, we heard yet again from Mr Tim Clotworthy of Stone Firms Ltd that quarrying of the coastal strip was due to start. For over a year now, we have been waiting with apprehension for the rumble of lorries and heavy machinery through Southwell village. At this meeting, Mr Clotworthy stated that Stone Firms “can start quarrying this summer”. Under the terms of the old planning permissions, in principle Stone Firms can quarry. In practice, at present, they cannot gain legal access either to or from such “quarrying”. Thus, on closer examination, Mr Clotworthy’s bold claim has a distinctly hollow ring to it. On July 22nd additional regulations came into force which mean that, to comply, Stone Firms, must complete an environmental statement. To date, they have failed to do so. They now have a few months to comply with the new legislation. We understand that, at a Planning committee meeting on September 5th, a report will be submitted to Dorset Country Council on the Habitats Regulations review of Portland. The outcome of this may be that further constraints are introduced regarding access. Southwell Action Team (SAT) continues to oppose the wanton destruction of Portland’s precious environment. In early August, there will be a meeting of leaders of local protest groups to elect a Portland Alliance to stop quarrying of the coastal strip. Later in August, there will be a public meeting, which we hope will be well supported. The date is yet to be arranged. Southwell Action Team |