Residents express outrage over Tippers R Us plans for new quarry between three villages near Ipswich

Dozens of residents have expressed their outrage over plans for a new quarry between three Suffolk villages.

Tippers R Us, based in Kesgrave, has submitted plans to Suffolk County Council to extract and process sand and gravel on land between Westerfield, Witnesham and Tuddenham St Martin, outside Ipswich.

If approved, it would see the land used for 16 years before being filled back in, with the applicant estimating 125,000 tonnes could be extracted per year.

However, 35 residents have filed objections to the plans.

Traffic congestion along the B1077 was one of the most common topics raised by residents, alongside damage to the countryside and air pollution, as well as the impacts on road safety HGVs travelling to and from the site could cause.

Others felt the development would devalue their homes or lead to too much noise.

Simon Barker, of Westerfield, felt the village was being ‘thrown under the bus again’, making reference to the Henley Gate development in the north of Ipswich.

He said: “This is mindless, a ludicrous proposal, just for profit, that should have been quashed.”

Mr Barker raised concerns for dog walkers in the area, as well as the dangers to wildlife and the noise pollution which would stem from an industrial project, as well as how increased congestion would lead to more crashes.

“Save our village,” he added.

Katie Allen, who lives in Witnesham, described it as an awful proposal.

She said: “The roads struggle to cope with traffic as is, especially with the amount of road closures causing more traffic through Westerfield.

“Also, there are the health implications due to dust to all local residents.”

She urged Suffolk’s planners to think of the impact the development could have on local businesses, such as pubs and the golf club.

Planning documents stated access would be granted via the B1077 and a southern parcel of land would be changed from agricultural use.

The land earmarked for the development falls within the jurisdiction of both East Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

The applicant estimated that 126 HGVs would move through the site each day, plus 30 vehicles for staff and visitors.

Dr Michael Reynolds, also of Witnesham, felt industrial quarrying around a peaceful and small village was ‘wholly inappropriate’.

He said: “16 years of noise, dust, displacement of materials and landscape and constant vehicle movement is not acceptable and would make a mockery of the Neighbourhood Plan which is in the course of formal adoption.”

He also felt the plans would lead to more congestion on an already busy road and raised concerns over dust and air pollution.

“I trust this application will be rejected on any or all of the above grounds,” he added.

The proposals will go before planners soon.