A controversial new draft gravel extraction strategy for Oxfordshire was narrowly approved last night.

The new local plan for aggregates recommends that 1.015m tonnes of sand and gravel be extracted in the county each year for the next 15 years.

The figure rose from the previous 812,000 tonnes following a consultation this year with gravel extraction firms and neighbouring county councils.

Parish council leaders and campaigners from villages across the county petitioned the Oxfordshire County Council cabinet to reject the new scheme.

But in the end it was approved by five votes to one with three abstensions. 

Our top stories

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.