Stop The Riverside
Gravel Pit
Find out how you can help fight the planning appeal seeking to extract gravel next to the Thames between Cholsey, Wallingford and Crowmarsh
Decision made,
permission granted
In May 2026 we heard that the national Planning Inspector has allowed London Rock’s appeal. Sand and gravel extraction next to the Thames will go ahead for around 5–6 years, followed by restoration.
The Inspector concluded that the negative impacts were sufficiently temporary and reversible, and that Oxfordshire’s requirements for sand gravel supply outweigh the harm.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who got involved in so many ways. Our voices were heard. We are so disappointed that it was not enough to protect this beautiful place by the Thames.
The permission includes a range of strict conditions that London Rock must comply with at the site. Please contact Cholsey Parish Council or Wallingford Town Council - both objected strongly to the proposal - to raise any concerns as works get underway.
Join the mailing list and Facebook group to keep in touch
Join the following events!
PUBLIC INQUIRY: 15-17th July 2025, at Cholsey Pavilion, Station Road, Cholsey
15th July, 9AM: Wave placards with us to welcome the Public Inquiry team
15th July, from 10AM: Speak at the Inquiry (get in touch if you would like to find out more about speaking)
Remember, you can come along to the Inquiry for as long as you like - dropping in as and when you can over the 3 days.
Sign the online petition
Sign the petition here to help fight the planning appeal. Over 1900 signatures!
Thank you!
Over 100 people turned out on 2nd July for the STOP the Riverside Gravel Pit community photo!
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took the time to show their support for the campaign.
A special thank you to Niall Hammond for the stunning drone shots and to Eleanor Sayer for the beautiful photos from the ground.
Also, to speakers Johnny Hope-Smith on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council and Beryl Guiver on behalf of the ‘Rule 6’ team (Cholsey Parish Council, Crowmarsh Parish Council and Wallingford Town Council) who are working to defend OCC’s decision in Sept 2024 to refuse permission for the pit.
About the proposal
We believe:
- the proposed gravel pit would cause unacceptable harm to the landscape, ecology, hydrology and recreational use of this precious green space and river corridor
- that proposed mitigation measures are inadequate and intrusive
- that there is no demonstrable need for gravel extraction at this site, and the speculative application is not in line with Local Minerals Plans
We already have a quarry nearby at New Barn Farm. Click below to read views from our community.
About the campaign
Stop the Riverside Gravel Pit is a campaign group for South Oxfordshire residents to oppose the approval of a gravel pit application that endangers our riverside environment.
The planning application by London Rock Supplies Ltd to extract gravel at White Cross Farm next to the Thames at Cholsey/Wallingford was refused in September 2024 by Oxfordshire County Council.
London Rock have now appealed to the Secretary of State and the outcome will be decided through an Inquiry in July 2025.
Planning documents can be found at Planning Register | Oxfordshire County Council
Crowd funding
If you are able to help our small team raise awareness e.g. through banners, posters and website hosting, any donation would be gratefully received!
