West Sussex rock star fighting to protect woodland from clay pit plans
The Genesis guitarist speaks about the impact the proposals could have on the community and environment in Loxwood.
Last updated 18th Nov 2020
A rock star from West Sussex is supporting a campaign to protect his local woodland.
There are plans from Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd to build a clay pit and landfill recycling plant in a 300-acre woodland in Loxwood, which is crossed by public footpaths and bridleways.
The project is expected to last 33 years.
Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics guitarist, Mike Rutherford is now speaking out about the impact the plans could have on the local community and environment.
Mike, who was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, has lived in Loxwood for the past 40 years and said he fears the plans would "destroy the countryside and woodland":
"The change locally would be so incredibly bad that I think it’s important we try and stop it."
Local campaigners also argue the area is a greenfield site, and have raised concerns about the increase in lorry movements on rural roads if plans are given the go ahead.
An action group ‘Stop Loxwood Clay Pit’ has been to fight the proposals, as well as an online petition which has been signed by more than 4,000 people.
Dr Jill Sutcliffe, an environmental scientist, added:
"This is an important area for wildlife and a Biodiversity Emergency was declared last year.
"We must look after what we have and encourage more wildlife, not remove habitat so we have less."
At a recent public consultation webinar, the agent for Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd, ProTreat Ltd, described the proposals as "small" and dismissed claims they would impact locals and wildlife.