Extensions to quarries near Grantham and Caistor approved
Extensions to two new quarries have been given approval.
Ropsley Quarry, near Grantham, and Kettleby Quarry, in West Lindsey, have both been granted extensions which will see work continue for years to come.
The application for Long Hollow in Ropsley will excavate 1.9million tonnes of limestone over the next six to seven years.
Kettleby Quarry on Brigg Road, near Caistor, will excavate 2.4 million tonnes of sand and gravel, with the project expected to last around 14 years.
Both applicants told Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee that the quarries were nearly exhausted, and extensions would safeguard jobs for the future.
Applicant Johnston Quarry Group has promised to work with the local community after hearing concerns from councillors about the Ropesly project.
The authority’s leader councillor Martin Hill (Con), who represents the area, said he was worried about HGVs using unsuitable routes.
“I’m glad to see some pragmatic changes have been made,” he told the meeting.
“But the state of the road to the north is pretty grim, and it’s costing the council a lot to maintain a road not suitable for HGVs.”
General Manager Mark Sutherland said the company had entered into a voluntary legal agreement to send all HGVs by the best routes.
If hauliers refused to follow these instructions, they wouldn’t be used again.
“We have a strong reputation for professional management. By extending current quarries rather than new, we can build on their responsible infrastructure and minimise disruption to communities,” he said.
The distance to a nearby farm had also been extended from 50 to 100 metres after hearing concerns.
Breedon Trading Limited, who is behind the Kettleby extension, also faced questions about the loss of nearby woodland.
Coun Marianne Overton (Ind), who voted against the application, said she was ‘uneasy’ about 16 hectares being felled “without adequate replacement”.
Neil Kelly, speaking for the applicant, said the area would be restored to a nature conservation area once work was completed.
