Help Protect our
Riverside Environment

“This is a sensitive floodplain landscape that regularly floods with deep, fast-moving water. The quarry would pose serious risks to local hydrology, water quality and biodiversity. The small amount of gravel it would provide to the regional supply simply does not justify the irreversible environmental harm. We believe there are less damaging options available to meet future sand and gravel needs.” (BG - local resident)

“The Thames Path here is a peaceful, much-loved stretch of countryside where people walk, run and reconnect with nature. This land has huge natural capital – it stores carbon, absorbs floodwater, supports wildlife, and it gives people a deep sense of calm and connection. All of that would be lost to years of noise, disruption and damage.” (WT - local resident)

A four-metre-high wall of straw bales and a security fence would separate the quarry from the Thames Path. “I am worried about the impact of the barrier on river ecology. During winter storms and flooding the straw bales are likely to break up and be washed into the river where straw will decompose and increase the bacterial load, so reducing water quality and destroying wildlife." (LR - local resident)

“This isn’t a case of ‘not in my backyard. It is about protecting a beautiful and tranquil stretch of riverside that is important to our community. There is already a gravel pit across the road. If this plan is approved, it will feel as though our landscape is not truly valued anymore.” (CB - local resident)

“I have lived in Wallingford my entire life and have enjoyed the riverside between Wallingford and Cholsey since I was a child. The thought of destroying this beautiful site for the short-term financial gains of a company extracting gravel fills me with horror! Despite what is said about site restoration, the area will be permanently disfigured by the extraction of gravel, which will alter the soil's makeup, disturbing plants and wildlife that depend on them. Please, please don't grant permission for the gravel pit planning application. (JW – local resident)”

“This is such a beautiful stretch of the Thames Path. The situation of a gravel pit in this location will destroy the natural habitat of many species of wildlife, disrupt the peace and tranquility of the area and no doubt increase run off into the river. It would be an eyesore on the landscape. So many green areas have been destroyed - please do not let this become another one.” (JJ – local resident) 

“The field is frequently used every day by local hikers, dog walkers and families. It is an important and popular local amenity. These plans disrupt this amenity while the pit is in operation and then later replace something natural and beautiful that is already in place with something artificially designed that will be inferior to what Nature has already provided. This is an unacceptable impact on the local community.” (HB- local resident)

“We already have a gravel pit in the area and with the substantial expansion of Wallingford green spaces are getting scarce This would have a considerable negative impact on wildlife and quality of life for residents.” (RS – local resident)

“As a resident of Wallingford and having enjoyed the riverside all my life I object to this proposed gravel pit as it would undermine an area of outstanding natural beauty along with the flora and fauna and diminish the rural settings of both Cholsey and Wallingford.” (MH – local resident)

“The proposed gravel extraction is one of the most ludicrous and crass planning applications / appeals I have seen in almost 30 years of being involved in developing land. The appeal should be summarily dismissed and the applicants left in no doubt that this land will never be brought forward for gravel extraction or any other change of use.” (MB – local resident)

“I object to the speculative proposal to build a gravel pit/quarry between Wallingford and Cholsey. This will have a negative impact on the local communities, the river and wildlife. The river frequently floods, if there is a gravel pit there, any toxins from the pit will flow into the Thames. There is already a quarry nearby and further ones in Ewelme, so I don't believe more required in the local area and are not in community plans. Many bird and animal species live along the river, and their habitats will be removed/impacted. The paths are popular with locals for sports, walking and engaging with nature.” (DL – local resident)

“This section of river must be an area of outstanding beauty. There is the Thames Path and many people enjoy walking that way. Our countryside is too precious to lose in such a way. The river has already seen too much pollution. Enough is enough. We already have a gravel pit and huge amounts of development. Leave our river paths in peace.” (MT – local resident)

June-July 2025