Leaton Quarry's life extended to 2041

The life of a Shropshire quarry has been extended by about 30 years after controversial plans to almost double its output to 750,000 tonnes a year were approved by planners.

Leaton Quarry, in Leaton, Telford, has been in use since the 1960s and had permission to extract 400,000 tonnes of crushed rock each year which is used for road surfacing across the country.

But last night Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board approved a request to allow Ennstone Johnston Ltd to remove 750,000 tonnes a year, which will also see the life of the quarry extended until 2041.

The council received 40 letters of objection, including one from the nearby Overley Hall School which said it was concerned about the effect the increased activity would have on its students.

In a letter to the plans board, the school said: "Our primary concerns regard the impact of noise and dust generated in close proximity to our highly valued outdoor learning and recreation areas."

But during the meeting, Councillor Terry Kiernan, who is a member of the liaison committee between the quarry and local residents, said: "With the new entrance and the way the quarry is trying to avert any problems with the school I think this plan should be approved."

As part of the planning permission, the quarry will donate £29,000 towards road improvements at the junction of the B5061 and Holyhead Road, and £37,500 for a biodiversity project.