QUARRY PROPOSAL UPDATES
25th July 2026
The future impact of hot, dry summers
You will all have seen the recent communications from Southern Water: "In July so far, we have had zero rainfall in Kent, and the number of days where temperatures have been above 30 degrees has surpassed that of the historic and infamously hot summer of 1976. This means our water network is under extraordinary pressure". The increasing incidence of hot dry summers as a result of climate change will increase the likelihood of hydrological drought conditions during summer months- under such conditions water supply managers are required to limit the amount of water extracted from underground aquifers. It is precisely these sources that the rapacious developers, Borough Green Sandpits, intend to use to provide the necessary water for their operations rather than using potable water supplies. What will happen when the wells run dry? We know what will happen- uncontrolled dust pollution. Please write to Southern Water and your MP expressing your concerns!
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.
The land is extremely dry
“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. Unlike other sites we are not on low lying ground and therefore it is difficult to understand how this water supply can be assured. There will be requirements for the developers to limit the amount of water extracted, so how will they wash the lorries wheels. We all know the answer to that question.
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Protect Your Home-Protect Your Health-Save the Countryside
The Consultation Period is over
Please use this website to keep you informed.
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.
