THE PROPOSAL

TRU7 Group has applied for planning permission to extract sand and gravel from farmland beside Fynn Valley Golf Club at Westerfield and subsequently restore the land using imported soils and clays.

Planning application: SCC/0093/25SC

WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?

The submitted application proposes:

an application site of approximately 16.34 hectares;
extraction of approximately 1.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel;
approximately 13.1 hectares of extraction and infilling;
progressive extraction, infilling and restoration over approximately 16 years;
operating hours of 7am–6pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am–1pm on Saturdays; and
substantial additional HGV traffic associated with both the removal of minerals and the importation of restoration material.

The application estimates an average of approximately 86 HGV movements per working day when mineral extraction and infilling take place concurrently. An arrival and a departure each count as one movement.

These are figures from the submitted application. Further documentation from TRU7 is expected and we will update this page if the proposals change.

WHERE WOULD IT BE?

The proposed quarry would be located on agricultural land beside Fynn Valley Golf Club at Westerfield, north of Ipswich.

WHY ARE WE CONCERNED?

TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY

The proposed development would introduce additional HGV traffic onto local roads including the B1077 through Westerfield.

There are substantial concerns about narrow sections of the road, safe HGV passing, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, congestion around the Westerfield level crossing and the cumulative impact of other developments.

THE NEED CASE

TRU7 argues that additional sand and gravel supply is needed.

But the figures are manipulated. Questions must be asked about the assumptions and figures used to make that case, including projected demand and the amount of existing and recently permitted mineral supply.

Mineral need is important in the planning balance, so the evidence must be robust.

EXISTING BUSINESSES AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY

The site sits immediately beside established local businesses, most notably Fynn Valley Golf Club.

The potential effects on existing businesses, employment, leisure and the wider local economy must be properly considered alongside any economic benefits claimed for the pit.

LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE

The development would operate within a rural landscape close to listed buildings, including Grade II* listed Westerfield Hall.

Extraction, machinery, stockpiles, screening and HGV movements would alter the character and setting of this area for many years.

The effect on the landscape and nearby heritage assets therefore needs to carry appropriate weight in the planning decision.

NOISE, AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH

A development of this scale raises legitimate questions about noise, dust, emissions and the effects of additional HGV movements.

The campaign believes the application must demonstrate that impacts on nearby residents, businesses and users of the surrounding countryside can be adequately controlled, monitored and enforced throughout the life of the quarry.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The application will not be considered by Suffolk County Council’s planning committee in October.

TRU7 will submit further documentation and another public consultation will follow.

When that information becomes available, we will review it and update our guidance.