I am so pleased and relieved that the Straitgate quarry planning application was rejected yesterday. 
You may have seen on my councillor facebook page that I was particularly concerned because a week ago DCC officers recommended it for approval https://www.facebook.com/JessBaileyOtterValleyDevonCountyCouncillor.
I had written and re-written my speech many times and hoped that it would resonate with the planning committee members. There were many strong reasons for rejecting this proposal but in the time available I focused on road safety and designated heritage assets – Straitgate Farmhouse and Cadhay House and Gardens.
I also provided a list of reasons for refusal – impact on health relating to private water supplies, lack of surface water management, lack of up to date protected species report, damage to heritage assets, loss of mature trees and 1.5km of important hedgerows and road safety issues arising from the cattle crossing and children’s bus stop.
Other speakers who also addressed the committee included Cllr Roger Giles for Ottery St Mary Town Council and Cllr Amanda Townsend for West Hill Parish Council and residents Chris Wakefield, Monica Mortimer and Rupert Thistlethwayte. All spoke powerfully against the proposal.
I’m so glad that the planning committee listened to all the concerns expressed on this highly damaging application. And when it came to the reasons for refusal the committee used all of the ones I had put forward and added a further ground of objection relating to lack of sustainability.
Very well done to the Straitgate Action Group and many others for battling for literally *years* in opposition to this awful proposal.
I am very happy that the application was refused. I do stand ready though to continue with my opposition should the application resurrect itself in some way in the future 
Jess Bailey 