QUARRY PROPOSAL UPDATES
30th September 2026
KCC site visit
The KCC Planning Applications Committee conducted a site visit on Monday the 7th September. Representatives from Ryarsh Parish Council, the Ryarsh Protection Group and local residents were present and expressed their views to KCC. There seemed to be considerable confusion regarding HGV access to the site and the impact it would have on Roughetts Road users: the RPG has written to KCC requesting urgent clarification on a number of points regarding access. Importantly, August and September has come and gone with no word on a date as to when KCC Planning will be presenting their report to the Planning Applications Committee, a significant delay. Please keep checking the website for updates- the threat has not gone away.
19 March 2026
On the 9th of March 2026 the Ryarsh Protection Group (RPG) was informed that Bowyers Field Developments (aka Borough Green Sandpits) has submitted a formal planning application and Environmental Statement (ES) for development of a Quarry on Land West of Roughetts Road. Many of you will be aware that an Information Brochure on the development was published two years ago and many of you will have responded with comments as part of a consultation process. The planning application can be viewed in full on the KCC Planning portal https://www.kentplanningapplications.co.uk/Planning/Display/KCC/TM/0116/2025
The proposed development is for the extraction of a large quantity of sand for a period of a minimum of 14 years. This is followed by a 5 year period of 're-instatement' of the land to roughly it's current aspect, but with as little enhancement to biodiversity that the company can legally 'get away with'.
The impact on the local community if this development goes ahead will be devastating: 100 HGV movements per day, 6 days a week , early morning to evening, are predicted for the operational life of the quarry. The air will be polluted with fine particulate matter (silica sand) with its well understood adverse health implications, the roads will be covered in sand (you will have seen the state of the roads along the A25 leading into Borough Green) and there will be the significant impact of noise during the works.
We are in drought conditions and it's going to get worse
“Having more green space (parks, trees, forests, gardens and fields) in your local environment is linked with better overall health”
– Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Feel Better In 5
The proposed area is extremely dry at this time of the year. The developers intend to dig a borehole to supply the high amounts of water required for quarrying operations and to support the vegetation growth on the screening 'bunds' that is their limited extent on mitigating the impacts of the development. There will be requirements for the developers to limit the amount of water extracted, so how will they wash the lorries wheels to reduce the pollution from wind blown dust. We all know the answer to that question.
Share your photos
Our aim is to shine a bright light on our beautiful countryside and community. We would love it if you can share your photos. Whether they're from your daily exercise, something you've snapped on a walk, cycle or a run, a view from your home or even your dog enjoying his exercise!. You can share your photos with us on our Facebook page or by using the Contact Form
Protect Your Home-Protect our Children-Save the Countryside
Awaiting news of when KCC planning will present their report to the Planning Applications Committee-watch this space!
About Us
The Ryarsh Protection Group (RPG) is an action group working alongside Ryarsh Parish Council and surrounding communities, comprising local residents from Ryarsh.
We are here to help you, your family and our community with local issues. Our priority currently is to continue with the objection campaign to the proposed ‘West Malling Sandpit’ / Ryarsh Quarry and to save and protect our community.
The RPG supports Ryarsh and surrounding communities including Addington, Birling, Leybourne, Trottiscliffe, Snodland and West Malling
Information will be posted on a regular basis so please visit this website frequently and follow us on social media.
