QUARRY PROPOSAL UPDATES
7th May 2026
19 March 2026
The consultation may be over...
The formal consultation period may be over but the fight goes on! This website will be updated as and when we get new information, however we do not expect much to happen until KCC have digested all the arguments for and against the proposal and presented the case for and against to the KCC Planning Committee. The likelihood is that this will happen around August but we will keep you informed. Please use the contact form if you have any queries or suggestions going forward. Over 1200 objections were submitted to KCC, a great result so many thanks to all of you who registered.
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 Benefits of Nature are at risk
“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
It’s wonderful to see a growing number of residents using the local footpaths for their daily exercise, and being able to enjoy the wonderful countryside. The developers have a poor record of managing footpaths near to their existing developments so there is no reason to suppose that this current proposal will be any different.
Top tip - May 2026
Currently we recommend taking a walk to see The Roughetts ancient woodland and the beautiful bluebells out in bloom there. It won’t be long before they are dormant again so see them while you can! Please remember that bluebells are a protected species so please don’t pick them.
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 or Twitter, or tag us in your photos on Instagram! Note this might not actually work just yet but trust me I'm working on it
Protect Your Home-Protect Your Health-Protect Your 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.
