Ibstock meets BALI again

On 26th November 2008 we held our second meeting with Ibstock. At our first meeting on 23rd May 2008, we agreed to meet on a six-monthly basis. At this latest meeting, Stephen Hardy, Ibstock Company Secretary was accompanied by Steve Chapman, Ashdown Site Manager. Representing BALI were Nick Hollington, Mike Rosner and Judy Murray.

While the detailed minutes of these meetings are kept confidential to BALI members, some of the main threads of this second meeting were as follows:

• Ibstock has had no new approaches re: a landfill at Ashdown. (It is understood that Ibstock would not themselves operate a landfill, but make a commercial arrangement with a waste contractor such as Veolia, Cory, Viridor etc.)
• There has been no charge of policy since our previous meeting when Ibstock promised full consultation with BALI and the local community before making any planning application for a landfill.
• Ibstock summarised how it was coping with the recession in the brick making industry. The worry expressed by BALI was that the decline in demand for bricks might force an earlier consideration of the Ashdown site for landfill
• Ibstock repeated their belief that London waste would not come to this area (proposed under the South East Plan) and that, if it did, they would only accept it if requested by the East Sussex County Council
• Other Ibstock sites are being more actively considered for landfill e.g. Laybrook in West Sussex, where they are already consulting with the residents and a local action group
• Ibstock have made a submission to the ESCC WMDF (as BALI has). We asked if BALI might see it.
• The Rother District Local Development Framework document (Consultation on Strategic Directions) was discussed, which outlines a proposal for a country avenue in North Bexhill, extended to provide the transport infrastructure required for a landfill at Ashdown
• Stephen Hardy outlined his work as Chairman of the Landfill Tax Trust

BALI has found these meetings with Ibstock frank, useful and informative. We hope to arrange a further meeting for May 2009.

Land to West of Bexhill Cemetery

15/02/07: Planning Permission Granted for Change of Use

Rother District Council Planning Committee granted planning permission (subject to conditions) for change of use of land at St. Mary's Lane from agricultural use to use as a cemetery. The land is adjacent to the Ashdown Brickworks site.

The permission is in accord with the Rother District Local Plan and supports the Council's desire to provide sufficient provision for burial needs for the area.

The Planning Committee approved the grant despite a letter of objection from Ibstock, the owners of the Ashdown Brickworks site.

The Planning Agenda and Minutes from the Committee on the 15th February can be read on the Rother Council Website. Download the minutes from the Rother Council website. (Word format). If you download the Word format Minutes, you will need to refer to page 10 to read the specific grant Ref: RR/2006/3294/3R.

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BALI letter re: Pebsham Tip Proposals

Read the letter by BALI Chair, Nick Hollington in response to the Planning Application to redevelop the Reprotech Pebsham site.

Turkey Road Battle Not Over Says BALI

Turkey Road battle not over, says BALI

Visitors to a Spring Fair organised by Bexhill Against Landfill / Incineration (BALI) have been warned that the fight against the use of the Turkey Road brickworks quarries continues.
Introducing Town Mayor Cllr. Eric Armstrong, who was accompanies by his wife and Mayoress, Jeanette, BALI Chairman, Nick Hollington said; "Someone said as they came in "Are you still fighting, then?".
We are very much fighting. From our letter in the Bexhill Observer, you will see that we are still very much alive".
Referring to the objection lodged by brickworks owners Ibstock to Rother Council's plan to extend the Bexhill cemetery, the chairman said "Ibstock, quite clearly, are still thinking of using the quarries for landfill.
It is very difficult to run a campaign over a long time. People get tired and people get bored.
We have been going five or six years but we are still very grateful for the support we get from the community. The BALI 100 Club, where people can put in £100 towards our fighting fund and have it returned with interest if no application is made for landfill, is going well."
Cllr. Peter Fairhurst, Cllr. Paul Lendon and county council member Cllr. Martyn Foster were also present as the chairman added:"It is nice to see so many councillors here this morning."
The Town Mayor said "In the role of Town Mayor I am not allowed to make political statements but the issue BALI is fighting affects everyone in this town.
We don't want landfill and we don't want incineration in Bexhill."
Referring to the existing Pebsham tip, he said:"I live close to it and I can see no positive aspects for anyone."
He urged supporters to spend their money in supporting a worthwhile cause.
In addition to a stand loaded with recycling literature and a welcome display in the foyer of St. Martha's hall which included press cuttings and photographs, Saturday's event included cakes, jewellery, tombola, raffle and china and glass stalls in addition to bird boxes.