QUARRY PROPOSAL UPDATES
28th May 2026
Site visit by our MP
This month saw a site visit by our MP Tom Tugendhat. Tom visited Ryarsh (for picture see our Gallery) to view the site with Cllr Betts and Cllr Jon Sutton. His trip to Ryarsh gave him an idea of the impact such destructive and unnecessary quarrying would have on the peaceful and rural life residents are currently extremely fortunate to enjoy. We would urge residents to write to our MP - the developers are lobbying hard, pushing their commercial agenda.
Going forward we need your help, particularly chair, treasurer and secretary duties. If you can help please use the Contact Form.
The formal consultation period may be over but the fight goes on! Over 1300 objections were submitted to KCC, a great result. In addition, formal technical and legal responses to the planning application were submitted by the Protection Group together with objections from Ryarsh Parish Council. The next step is that KCC Planning will collate all the responses for submission to the Planning Committee, we believe around September. In the meantime we intend to leave the banners up- if you have objections as to whether we should continue to do this, please use the Contact Form.
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.
Sheep will not safely graze!
“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
Tt is wonderful to see lots of sheep back in the field, this is exactly what the land should be used for - not for just more financial gain for a greedy landowner. It’s great to see residents and ramblers 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.
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 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.
