A quarry at Bentley off the A12 in Suffolk is expected to be approved

A quarry at Bentley off the A12 in Suffolk is expected to be approved


The 35.7 hectare site off the A12 at Brockley Wood, between Belstead and Bentley, has been identified as one of nine designated sand and gravel mining sites in Suffolk, with 2.8m tonnes planned to be extracted over 15 years.

There have been 124 objections submitted to the council about the plans, with residents and councilors vowing to fight the proposal.

Councilor Michael Bamford, on behalf of the residents of Bentley and Bentley Parish Council, said: “This appalling proposal is for an industrial plant which Suffolk County Council accepts is unnecessary, in a completely unsuitable rural setting.

“The proposal will have a negative impact on the countryside and wildlife in the isolated rural environment with significant eye, noise and light pollution.

“It would have a negative impact on village life in Bentley through the HGV traffic it would generate for many years through the single lane and Quiet Way in the village, which would endanger pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who use the path for leisure.

East Anglian Daily Times: Michael BamfordMichael Bamford (Photo: Newsquest)

“Bentley Parish Council urges Suffolk County Council to reject this highly damaging and unconscionable proposal, which could lead to the industrialization of an irreplaceable piece of countryside that is so valued by its residents.”

The saga began in 2017 when Belstead was identified as a mining site according to a study by Geological Maps of England.

Some 24 wells were drilled throughout the area over the next four years to determine the presence of sand and gravel.

The current application, submitted on behalf of Brockley Wood Ventures Ltd in 2022, originally included a cement factory, but this was dropped last December.

But residents have raised frequent concerns about noise, biodiversity loss, traffic, and loss of public access to the site, which is proposed to operate from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 7am to 1pm on Saturday.

One objection submitted to the county council said: “The quarry will increase HGV congestion on roads that are already over capacity. This in turn will increase pollution levels in the area.

“I also feel the destruction of the environment. Trees and wildlife habitat will be lost.”

Another said: “It will not only affect those who enjoy this beautiful area, but the wonderful habitat of the animals, including foxes, wolves, deer, snakes and all the other wonderful creatures that live here.”

Brockley Wood is an ancient woodland with many rare species including hazel dormouse, white admiral butterflies, and barn owls.

Suffolk County Council’s Development and Control Committee will meet to discuss the plans next Tuesday.

The council said it could not comment before a decision was made, but the proposals had been recommended for approval.