THE PROPOSAL
This page outlines what is being proposed. To take action, be sure to visit our Guide to Objecting, which explains how to submit an objection.
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
The proposed pit would:
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Cover 22 football pitches of farmland, and create a hole the size of 420 Olympic swimming pools.
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Bring air and noise pollution, and silica dust which could affect the health of the local community.
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Operate for 16 years, with 400 - 500 HGV lorry movements every working week, affecting the residents within the local community and users of the local road networks.
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Extract sand and gravel, leaving behind a scarred landscape until extraction ceases
WHERE WILL IT BE?
The proposed site is located next to the Fynn Valley Golf Club, just a couple of minutes drive from Valley Road, Ipswich – near Westerfield.
©Crown copyright 2025 Ordnance Survey. Media 027/25.
The image above shows the site location and its proximity to homes and businesses. However, an industrial pit of this size will likely affect all residents north of Ipswich.
The images below shows the proposed route and aerial shots of the proposed site:
HOW COULD THIS AFFECT ME?
Traffic and Safety
400 - 500 HGV lorry movements every working week, up to 32 tonnes, for 16 years are likely to travel on narrow roads like B1077 (Westerfield road), the A1214 (Colchester Road), and the B1078 (Coddenham to Otley).
This could add to congestion, particularly at the Westerfield Road rail crossing, increasing wear and tear, and a risk to pedestrians, cyclists, children walking to school, and horse riders.
A Threat to Your Health
Constant noise and vibration from industrial machinery and frequent lorry movements is likely to disrupt the peace and quiet of the area.
Silica dust from the pit, and pollution from machinery and transport is likely to harm air quality, posing health risks, particularly to children and the elderly.
Damage to the Environment
If the planning application is granted, the local community will have to suffer noise, pollution, and HGV movements, for at least 16 years.
Local wildlife will disappear from the locality, with habitats destroyed and ecosystems irreversibly disrupted.
Risk to Property Value
Proximity to a pit could reduce property desirability, leading to a significant drop in property value.
Noise, dust, and heavy traffic caused by the pit could make the area less attractive to potential buyers, creating long-term financial impact for homeowners.
Would you buy a house near a gravel pit?
The information on this page is obtained by the initial screening and scoping request.