In a bid to address concerns over environmental breaches and contamination at Queen Charlton Quarry, a resident’s group, Protect Our Keynsham Environment (POKE), is rallying support to push Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) into action.
The site, originally designated for inert material restoration in 2014, has been embroiled in controversy due to evidence of unauthorised activities, including the introduction of contaminants and exceeding permitted height limitations.
“The breach of planning conditions at Queen Charlton Quarry is a significant concern for our community,” stated Kerry Morgan, spokesperson for POKE. We’re urging B&NES to take decisive action to ensure the remediation of this land, in line with the original planning permission.”
Recent developments have left the land in a state of limbo, with administrators disclaiming ownership and passing it into Escheat – a medieval law allowing landowners to disclaim property, transferring it to the Crown. However, complications arise from a charge on the land held by Privilege Project Finance Ltd (PPFL), raising questions about potential future ownership and control.
Kerry Morgan, spokesperson for POKE said: “Time is of the essence and without intervention, the unauthorised activities on this land could soon become lawful, posing further risks to the environment and public health.”
POKE has been persistent in its efforts to prompt enforcement action from B&NES, citing legal opinions confirming the council’s authority to address the contamination and enforce remediation measures. Despite repeated requests, B&NES has yet to respond to calls for action.
Counsel opinions obtained by POKE also highlight B&NES obligations under the Environment Act 1995 and Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate and address suspected contamination. Supporting evidence, including a Court Transcript and contamination reports, underscores the urgency of the situation.
“We implore B&NES to fulfil its duty to protect our environment and community health by swiftly investigating and remediating the contamination at Queen Charlton Quarry,” concluded Kerry Morgan, spokesperson for POKE.
Protect Our Keynsham Environment 