Controversial quarry plans set to go ahead - despite 150 complaints
A controversial quarry set to double in size under new expansion plans has prompted almost 150 complaints in the past two years, a report has revealed.
But county bosses are set to give the work to extend Saredon Quarry in South Staffordshire the go-ahead as long as the owners stick to a catalogue of conditions involving its operating hours, mud on the roads left by lorries and other issues raised by neighbours.
The quarry was granted planning permission at district level in May but is due to go before Staffordshire County Council next week.
The bid by Breedon Aggregates involves extracting 600,000 tons of mineral within the currently permitted area and the working of an extra 1.5 million tons of aggregate in a 12-hectare extension to the east. The quarry lies in green belt close to the M6 motorway, three miles from Cannock.
The expansion would give the quarry a 15-year life at an average output of 150,000 tons a year.
Quarrying started at the site in 1962 but it had been inactive until 2012 when Breedon relaunched operations. Since then a number of complaints about mud on the road have been received as two lorries passing each other on the approach to the quarry have to mount the grass verge.
Large concrete blocks have been placed on the verge to prevent this taking place but these are considered a hazard and only a short-term solution.
Complaints had also been made about blasting at the quarry. The council plans to to apply controls, limiting blasting times to between 10am - 3pm. Planners have also recommended refusal of the company's application to extend its hours by an hour on weekdays, starting at 6am instead of 7am, and until 2pm on Saturdays instead of 1pm.
A report to go before the planning committee has revealed that 145 complaints have been made since 2012 - 16 in 2012-2013, 87 in 2013-2014 and 42 since April.
Bosses say the development of Saredon Quarry is vital to secure jobs and ensure reserves of minerals do not run out.
But people living near the site have voiced fears that it will lead to an increase in noise, dust and lorries entering the site.
The plan has been opposed by nearby residents who have the backing of three local MPs.
Gavin Williamson, who represents South Staffordshire , has said he 'fears the adverse impact on local residents and potential damage to nearby historic properties.'
The plans have been recommended for approval by the council's planning committee on Thursday.
