by Chris Hunter

A quarry company has hit huge opposition over plans to dig up woodland near Barming in the search for more ragstone.

More than 1,000 people have joined a facebook campaign against Gallagher Aggregates' plan to extend its quarry at Barming into 74 acres of nearby Oaken Wood.

Objectors have until Friday, September 3 to register their opinions with Kent County Council, who will make a decision on whether to grant the application permission.

Although Gallagher Group says it will quarry the woodland in stages and restore as it goes, opponents say the landscape will be permanently damaged and that sections of ancient woodland will be lost forever.

Facebook member Steve Howard said the company "must be stopped from raping the Kent countryside," while others expressed fears for wildlife, including deer and badgers.

See Gallagher's planning application here.

What do you think of the Oaken Wood plan? Comment below or call the Kent Messenger on 01622 695666.