Kent council backs plan to quarry 41 hectares of historic Oaken Wood

In a recent vote, Kent County Council added 41 hectares of the centuries-old Oaken Wood to its revised mineral sites plan, effectively earmarking the ancient woodland for ragstone extraction to support historic building repairs. The decision paves the way for the Hermitage Quarry to expand, prompting resistance from local campaigners, wildlife charities and Maidstone Borough councillors who claim the loss would exceed the environmental impact of HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing combined.

Gallagher Group, the quarry owner, suggests mitigating damage by relocating topsoil and planting double the number of native trees, a plan dismissed by lawyers and green politicians as insufficient to recreate the woodland’s soil, fungi and wildlife networks. Under national planning policy, projects must demonstrate an “exceptional” need and a credible restoration scheme, standards opponents say the proposal fails. Over 25,000 residents have already voiced concerns, and a consultation period ending in September will determine whether the plan proceeds to central-government approval.