WBB have now withdrawn their planning application - read update!

AQUA: No Teign-Bovey Diversion!

In June 1997, environmental activists set up direct action camps at Teigngrace in South Devon in an attempt to stop quarry company Watts Blake Bearne (WBB) diverting a kilometer stretch of the river Teign and 600 metres of the river Bovey in order to extend their ball clay quarry. Ball clay is the raw material for toilets.

There are several species which are protected under European legislation present in the area, including otters, kingfishers, sea lamprey, atlantic salmon, bullhead, and several other rare and nationally notable species. There have also been significant archaeological findings in the area.

Just north of Newton Abbot,
(National Grid Reference SX8575).

The development will mean:

The re-routing of nearly 1km of the river Teign
The re-routing of 600m of the river Bovey
The destruction of 120 acres of beautiful flood meadow, natural river beds and banks
The destruction of badger setts and otter dens
The loss of nesting sites for kingfishers, sand martins and a wide range of bird life
A tip which will be a major eye-sore for surrounding villages and towns
Possible increased flooding in Teigngrace, Kingsteignton, and Newton Abbot
Many rural areas in the Bovey Basin being at risk from potential quarry proposals in the future
More air-bourne and noise pollution
The fish population being affected, particularly salmon and sea trout

The protesters' presence was welcomed by local residents who have been fighting the plans for years through the "proper channels" to no avail. There had never been a Public Inquiry into the plans. An environmental impact assessment had been carried out, but it was conveniently selective about information. For example, bats, which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, were not surveyed in the course of the assessment, even though it is stated in the assessment that it is probable that there are bats living in the area.

An assessment of WBB's environmental statement has been done - read it here

Following an intensive letter writing campaign during which John Prescott's secretary was lost for three days under the pile of post received, huge amounts of public and press interest, various actions designed to bring public concern about the plans to WBB's attention including attempting to present company director John Briggs with a "Golden Toilet Award" at WBB's headquarters, and a group of protesters including local residents walking to London to present a letter of protest to John Prescott, a Public Inquiry was called in October 1997.

After much celebrating, the eight protest camps were packed up and most protesters moved on, to allow the Inquiry to see the site in all its natural glory. Several protesters stayed on to help research and plan for the Inquiry.

Read one protester's reaction here.

Read about the protesters' and locals' march to London.

The Inquiry will begin on July 21st 1998.

Photo by Petra.
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