Two UK quarries have received key approvals from Lincolnshire County Council to expand their operations.
Johnston Quarry Group, part of SigmaRoc, had an application for its Ropsley Quarry to extract 1.9 million tonnes of limestone across the next six to seven years. The application had been recommended with conditional planning permission before the meeting, and the councillors then passed it.
Johnston Quarry Group general manager Mark Sutherland attended the meeting to present his company’s case for approval.
“Our quarry at Ropsley is a source of pride, not only for supplying vital resources and contributing to the local economy but also for our commitment to minimising the impact on community and environment,” he said.
“Ropsley Quarry has a strong reputation for professional management and responsible practices … by extending our existing quarry rather than establishing a new site, we build on responsible management and established infrastructure and minimise community disruption.
“We recognise there are substantial economic benefits to extending the quarry, including local employment opportunities and essential minerals for regional infrastructure growth. However, we also understand that these benefits must not come at the cost of the local community or environment.
“The current quarry is exhausted, and without an extension, we risk losing jobs and vital resources for sustainable development.”
Sutherland said the group had addressed concerns raised by the local community to ensure the quarry worked well within the community, including improving a nearby footpath.
“We’re commited to developing without unacceptable impacts on the local amenity of the environment and ensuring our operations contribute positively to our community,” he said.
At the same meeting, Breedon’s Kettleby Quarry’s application to extract 2.4 million tonnes of sand and gravel over the next 14 years was examined.
The application had been recommended to be granted with conditional planning approval prior to the meeting, which was then supported by councillors.
“(The existing quarry) has nearly exhausted all of its existing reserves,” Breedon’s planning and estates manager Neil Kelly said.
“Permitting this application will go a long way to ensuring the continuity of supply of sand and gravel in Lincolnshire. Once the site has been worked, it is proposed to restore it back to a series of water bodies and agricultural land.
“The proposal will also result in the retention of seven jobs and further downstream roles associated with the production of concrete, and these will also be safeguarded.”
