Former model and photographer joins calls to protect Surrey villages
Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd are looking to extract clay from the site in Loxwood Woods
A former model and photographer is joining a campaign to protect woodland in a West Sussex, which would have a knock-on effect for some villages in Surrey.
Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd is preparing to submit a planning application to West Sussex County Council, proposing clay extraction from Loxwood Woods and the development of a construction materials recycling facility.
Clay will be trucked out by HGVs from the site, while construction waste/landfill will be trucked in.
HGVs will reportedly travel along forest tracks and through the villages of Loxwood, Rudgwick and Alfold.
Now, Pattie Boyd has joined the high-profile figures speaking out against the proposals:
"Imagine the tranquility of this woodland, enjoyed by all of us, as well as wildlife for hundreds of years, replaced by heavy machinery and noise disturbance, six days a week from 08:00 to 18:00."
She has described the woods as "an enchanted forest", and added:
"I love being here and hate to think of it being destroyed.
"It is so peaceful and beautiful, the air clean, no sound, it’s wonderful."
She said a fundraising campaign had been set up to fight the proposals.
A Stop Loxwood Clay Pit campaign has also been set up.
Last month, rock musician Mike Rutherford also spoke out against the plans for the woodland and his fears for wildlife should permission be granted.
Developers say the proposals are 'small' and will not have a major impact on woodland.