A quarry between Chelmsford and Maldon would result in the "complete destruction of the character and landscape of a special village", according to campaigners.

The proposed 138-acre site in Woodham Walter is among dozens of potential quarries being evaluated by the county council for minerals extraction in the county through to 2040.

Essex County Council says new sites are needed in the county to meet the forecasted demand for materials.

However, campaigners are encouraging people to respond to the county council consultation asking them to oppose the quarry off Curling Tye Lane they say will lead to the loss of open countryside and valuable agricultural land.

This includes the appearance, quality and character of the landscape and "the complete destruction of the character and landscape of the special village of Woodham Walter".

The county council has said it is important for the county to have a proper minerals plan in place to secure an adequate supply of minerals to support the development and future growth of Essex.​

The suitability of the 52 candidate sites has been assessed by independent consultants. This work determines the suitability of the sites and will help decide which sites should be allocated for mineral development in the Replacement minerals local plan.

Braintree has 13 proposals, Chelmsford has eight, Colchester has five, Epping has three, Maldon has eight, Tendring has 13 and Uttlesford has six.

Cllr Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: "Like other planning authorities across the country, Essex County Council is required to publish a minerals local plan.​ This provides planning policies for minerals development in the county and identifies future sites for mineral extraction or quarrying.

"In 2020, we started a review of the Essex Minerals Local Plan, to ensure it is up to date and fit for the future. This led to a decision to extend the plan end date to 2040 which means that new sites are needed in the county to meet the forecasted demand for materials – otherwise known as aggregates.

"We have now opened a consultation so residents and stakeholders can have their say on the sites submitted for inclusion, as well as the revised Plan itself. The consultation is available at www.essex.gov.uk/minerals-review.

"No decisions on the allocation of any sites have been made at this stage, and we will take the views of our communities into account as the Replacement Essex Minerals Local Plan is finalised."