Objections over quarry access plans for site near Newport
Plans to change access arrangements to a proposed quarry near Newport have been lodged, sparking objections that it will add to problems facing a busy road already plagued by accidents.
About 200,000 tonnes of sand and gravel would be extracted from the planned quarry at Woodcote Wood, Weston Heath, each year – but residents say an entrance off the A41 would increase the risk of accidents.
Planning permission for the quarry at the Woodcote Wood site was granted in 2006, however a formal decision was not issued due to an agreement on conditions not being completed.
The site has now been leased by a new operator, Atherstone-based company NRS, which has submitted a new planning application to Shropshire Council.
Access was originally proposed off the B4379 but, due to a land issues, NRS wants to change this so vehicles access the site off the A41.
A report, submitted with the planning application, states that the proposed access has been designed around a number of environmental constraints.
But a number of objections have already been raised.
Gordon Tonkinson, of Weston Heath, lives less than a mile from the proposed site and has objected due to highway safety concerns.
He claims there have already been numerous accidents in the area, including some fatalities.
He said: "I believe that this new entrance will significantly add to the possibility of accidents occurring with traffic exiting the quarry site and turning right and being unable to complete the manoeuvre due to traffic travelling in close proximity southbound on A41, with the distinct possibility of the driver having to stop with not all of the vehicle being in the central reservation and some of the lorry still blocking the northbound carriageway."
He said it could also lead to other "dangerous" traffic movements.
A public meeting is being held at Sheriffhales Village Hall on Thursday at 7.30pm to discuss the proposals.
The plans state that the site would be in operation for 13 years and will create 20 jobs, together with work for contractors, drivers and hauliers.
The new application also includes plans to install a mineral processing plant and machinery.
The processing plant would sort and wash the mineral and separate the different sizes of sand and gravel into stockpiles, ready to be loaded onto HGVs.
Telford & Wrekin Councillor Andrew Eade, who represents the Church Aston and Lilleshall ward, has urged the applicant to take on board the concerns of residents.
He said: "They need to make sure that access is safe and it's right."
Separate plans for a quarry off Pave Lane, Chetwynd Aston, will be going to a planning inquiry in November.
It would involve hundreds of lorries and other vehicles having to gain access via the A41 and fears over traffic dangers have been voiced by both councillors and residents.
To comment on the planning application for the site at Weston Heath visit new.shropshire.gov.uk/planning, using reference number 17/03661/EIA
