Plans for an asphalt plant on the banks of the River Medina have been formally withdrawn by the Eurovia Group following planning permission being granted for a new, low-emission plant at Blackwater Quarry, to replace the existing plant.
Scott Wardrop, the company’s Chief Executive, wrote to the Island’s MP Andrew Turner yesterday (Monday) confirming the news, which followed a long campaign by residents of Cowes, East Cowes and Northwood opposing the original planning application.
Andrew Turner supported the residents in their campaign and said:
“I met Mr Wardrop for the first time last October and he promised then that their plans would be formally withdrawn once they obtained planning permission for their new low-emission plant at Blackwater Quarry. He was as good as his word.
“I was pleased to lend my support to the campaigners, and would like to pay tribute to them for the professional way in which they took on Eurovia and dismantled their case on a piecemeal basis. It was a real case of Daniel taking on Goliath – and as in the bible parable – Daniel won. Isle of Wight Councillors and officers have also put in a great deal of effort to reach this outcome and I thank them for their work.
“Mr Wardrop was very candid that the application had not been handled well up to the time we met and also told me that they had never met with such determined opposition to similar plans elsewhere in the country. He has asked me to consider formally opening the new plant later this year. I will accept his invitation on behalf of all those who worked so hard to get the right result for the Island and in the hope that this announcement will herald in a more collaborative and productive relationship between Islanders and the company ultimately responsible for delivering the improved roads that the Island needs.”
