• Jason Simon, Business Owner, Simon Sand and Gravel

The company is seeking permission to extend its excavation area, warning about a shortage of sand for the building industry unless the government changes its mind.

In a statement, they added that current permitted sand reserves would be “insufficient to maintain supply at current demand levels”.

I currently can’t dig anymore sand, although there are reserves available, without putting in a further application. Knowing that the government wants to shut the site doesn’t allow me the time to put in a sufficient application as the application process is going to take a good 15, 16 months. Jason Simon, Business Owner, Simon Sand and Gravel Ltd

Environment Minister Deputy John Young said the company had known for 30 years “there would be an end” to quarrying “because of environmental issues”.