ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have criticised developers and local authorities over the controversial reopening of a Devon quarry.

Aggregate Industries has decided to begin extensive quarrying again at Venn Ottery Hill, East Devon, after closing the site in the 1970s.

CONTROVERSIAL: Extensive quarrying will begin again at Venn Ottery Hill

Campaigners say the work will have an "appalling" effect on the area, and are angry at Devon County Council for giving the company the go-ahead to restart their operation.

The area to be quarried provides a breeding habitat for several rare and endangered bird species including Dartford Warbler and Nightjar as well as a host of insects from glow worm and dragonflies to several varieties of fritillary butterflies.

It is also home to adders and is an important site for breeding toads and other amphibians.

In addition to the wildlife implications, residents are concerned the estimated 60 HGV vehicles that will be needed to transport stone from the quarry every day will impact walkers, cyclists and horse riders who use the currently quiet lane on a daily basis.

Campaigner and local resident Bob Butler said: "This is one of the most scenically beautiful and wildlife rich areas of East Devon and the kind of activity planned will have a devastating impact on the quality and diversity of the natural environment.

"It beggars belief that this work can take place within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"It will lead to the willful destruction of one of East Devon's last really wild places."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "Planning permission to quarry sand and gravel was granted in 1965 and although the site has been inactive for a number of years, the planning permission is still valid.

"A review in 1998 imposed new conditions in relation to the operation and restoration of the site.

"The operators have to comply with it."

A meeting is due to take place on Tuesday, September 7 at 8pm at Newton Poppleford village hall, with residents being urged to attend and make their views known.

Devon Wildlife Trust has previously stated it will do all it can to minimise any impact of the fresh quarrying and it is working with Aggregate Industries.

The firm recently awarded the trust £5,000 to help improve the habitat for damsel flies at the nature reserve at Venn Ottery.

The money came from the Aggregates Sustainability Levy Fund which compensates for the impacts of quarrying.