Ketley Quarry wins backing for recycling scheme
Bricks will be crushed and recycled at a Kingswinford quarry after the controversial development was given the go ahead, despite opposition from hundreds of residents.
People living near Ketley Quarry have been locked in a dispute with the owners for more than three years over complaints of noise and heavy traffic. And they claim the problems would be made worse if a recycling unit is created. #
A 1,200-name petition was handed to Dudley Council's development control committee against plans to crush and recycle bricks on-site.
But the plans were given approval at a meeting last night. Ward councillor Patrick Harley said: "Approving this plan is condemning Kingswinford residents and businesses to misery on a daily basis."
Bosses at quarry owners Hinton Perry and Davenhill insist they have always addressed complaints from residents and have co-operated with council officials.
But residents claim lorries waiting to enter the site are causing long tailbacks and blocking the pavements.
The firm was warned by council chiefs earlier this year when lorries were caught entering the site before 7.30am. Locals say this new development would make the situation worse.
Ketley Road resident Shirley Goodwin said: "Surely there's more sense in having a recycling facility far away from residents.
"People here feel powerless to do anything about it, that's why I'm so angy."
A report to the council's committee said: "The application for the recycling and re-use of secondary aggregates is linked to the restoration and phasing proposals for the future beneficial use of the site."
It goes on to say there should not be an adverse impact on traffic or noise for residents. Part of the application is for screening round the site to cut noise.
Andrew Morris, speaking for the quarry, said the options for the quarry's future would then be up to the council. He added: "The site could be used for residential housing or, alternatively, the council may want something like an open forest.
