Application for quarry between Greatford, Baston and Langtoft to be decided by Lincolnshire County Council

A controversial application to quarry sand and gravel from a new site will be decided next week.

The proposed development relates to 55.5 hectares of agricultural land west of King Street, between Baston, Langtoft and Greatford, which could result in three million tonnes of material being dug up over 16 years.

During this time the land would be restored to agriculture, nature conservation and an agricultural reservoir.

The application has been made by Dr Charles Daniel Lane from Ashton near Oundle.

A report on behalf of Andy Gutherson, Lincolnshire County Council's executive director for place, concluded "the principle of the extraction of sand and gravel is acceptable and in line with the approach of providing an adequate supply of minerals", adding: "In relation to light, noise and dust, measures are proposed, or are recommended to be secured."

While the quarry would result in a loss of quality agricultural land, the site currently has "little nature conservation value", the report said, and its restoration "can offer biodiversity enhancements".

The report said consideration is given to improving King Street and that it is proposed that all heavy goods vehicles arriving and leaving the site follow a prescribed route to avoid villages.

The report concludes by recommending the application is granted permission, subject to the applicant completing a Section 106 planning obligation through which certain effects of the development would be mitigated.

While South Kesteven District Council has not lodged any objections, it "strongly endorses" the serious concerns raised by local residents and Greatford Parish Council over noise, dust, air quality, health, wildlife and ecology and highway safety. The parish council has objected in the strongest terms.

The application outcome will be decided at a meeting of Lincolnshire County Council's planning committee on Monday, July 5.