Proposals

Introduction

We are proposing to develop a new sand and gravel quarry on the site which would operate for 20 years, with an additional two years to complete the final restoration. The site would also have an on-site processing plant, as well as a concrete batching plant to replace the one at Shawell Quarry. A new site access off the A4304 would be constructed.

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Operations

The initial works would include the preparation of the site for extraction operations, including the construction of the access and the establishment of the plant site. Advanced screening measures would also be put in place at this stage.

We would adopt a phased approach to extraction, with extraction taking place in seven different phases, with each phase restored once extraction is complete. This means we minimise the amount of land in operation at any one time and can start delivering the benefits of site restoration as early as possible. This also means that we can safely manage any public rights of way interactions, ensuring that accessibility across the site is maintained.

Our operation would start within the north west of the site (Phase 1), progressing to the southeast of the site (Phase 7). The plant site, located to the north east of the site, would be worked as a final phase.

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Extraction

Sand and gravel would be removed using conventional methods. We would reduce the groundwater level to enable the sand and gravel to be extracted “dry”. We would then use an excavator to dig the sand and gravel from the ground, which would be transported by a combination of dump trucks as well as a central conveyor system for processing.

As we work across the site, soil and overburden (layers that need to be removed to access the minerals) would be stripped as operations progress across the site, starting with the plant site area. This material would be used to create screening bunds for the working phases, minimising visual and environmental impact.

Transport

We are proposing that the site would be accessed via a new purpose-built access off the A4304, which is part of the strategic road network, ensuring that site traffic would be led directly towards the M1 and the strategic road network. The majority of traffic leaving the site would turn left towards the M1, with only a few turning right toward Walcote, which would be for local deliveries.

The fact that Misterton Quarry would be a direct replacement for Shawell Quarry would mean there would be no increase in traffic in the wider area but there would be a local re-distribution of movements. We recognise it would lead to an increase in lorry movements locally on the A4304. We would ensure that these movements are distributed across the working day and where possible avoid rush hour peaks.

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Minimising our impact on the surrounding area

Reducing the impact of our operations on residents is of the utmost importance to us and we would ensure steps are taken to mitigate any impact on local residents and the environment. As part of our application, we have conducted extensive environmental impact assessments in a range of technical disciplines. These include: air quality, noise, landscape and visual, and ecological impact, amongst others. You can read more about this on our information boards or download by clicking here.

In the event that the planning authority grant consent, it is intended that the site is operated in accordance with a range of detailed planning conditions to safeguard and protect local amenity and surrounding environs.

If planning permission is granted, we intend to operate Misterton Quarry at the same hours of operation as Shawell Quarry. These are as follows:

  • 0700 to 1900, Monday to Friday; and
  • 0700 to 1400 on Saturday.

There would be no working on Sundays, Public Holidays or outside of the above hours except for water pumping and routine maintenance of plant and equipment.