Hanson Cement holds consultation on plans to expand top quarry at Ketton cement works

Plans to expand a cement works to secure its ‘long-term future’ sparked positive feedback from neighbours.

Hanson Cement is planning to extend its quarry in Ketton.

The plans have been brought forward as mineral reserves are running out at the quarry, which has been supplying the company’s Ketton cement plant for nearly 100 years.

Two new areas, already in Hanson’s ownership, known as Field 14 and Northwest Land, have been identified as suitable extensions.

A consultation event was held yesterday (Thursday, July 13) to explain the plans to people living nearby and gather feedback.

Peter Austin, who has lived in the village for eight years, attended the consultation to get more information on the plans.

He said: “I think Hanson seems to be extremely good at representing themselves in a very constructive and meaningful way.

“They need to make money and seem to be quite open about what they are proposing.

“By doing that it makes people more sure on what to expect.”

Describing himself as ‘nature conscious’ he believes the plans will be good for the environment and the local economy.

Hanson’s proposals include enhancements to biodiversity, additional footpaths and bridleways to increase public access to nature.

Peter’s wife Gill also shared his positive feelings.

She said: “I think they are good neighbours.

“We knew it was a quarry area when we moved here.

“You don’t move here if you take offence to it.”

Zar Sheikh, a resident of Ketton for 20 years, was also impressed by the plans.

He feels positively about the new bridleways and pathways, as he already uses the existing ones to walk his dogs, and believes the cement works is important to the economy.

“I think it is great,” he said. “I don’t object to it at all.

“We have got to push on.”

There will also be a new access road from the plant to a new roundabout junction with the A606 to stop lorries travelling through Tinwell.

For a number of years both areas have been recognised by Rutland County Council as potential areas for mineral extraction for cement manufacture.

However Julian Watkins, who moved to the village 18 years ago, believes the development of Field 14, which his house backs on to, is too close to properties.

“I understand the need for keeping the cement works going but the Field 14 proposal is way too close to the houses and incoming development,” he said.

“I already feel the house shaking from the extractions and [the current quarry] is further away.”

The expansion of the quarry will provide around 25 years supply of limestone and clays for use as raw materials in cement production.

It is expected that a planning application will be submitted in Autumn this year to Rutland County Council.

Mark Page, land and mineral resources manager at Hanson Cement, said: “It has been a really positive day engaging with local people.

“We listened to their thoughts and comments and answered their questions.”

People have until August 10 to submit feedback.