Quarry expansion recommended despite objections

Aggmax Transport said it would run the expanded site in a similar way as its previous operations

Plans for a quarry expansion in Suffolk have been recommended for approval despite objections and a 2,000-strong petition.

On Tuesday, Suffolk County Council will discuss plans for the northern expansion of Lawn Farm Quarry, in Wetherden, near Stowmarket.

The plans have attracted strong opposition with a wide variety of concerns raised, including air quality, noise, traffic, environment, public safety and the historical management of the site.

Aggmax Transport, which has submitted the plans, said the site would be restored and returned to agricultural land and the plans included ecological enhancement areas.

Sixty-four residents submitted a total of 274 comments on the plans while a public petition received 2,016 signatures, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

One objector said they feared there would be "no indication of an intention to change working practices" and they would like to be reassured that policy constraints would be met and enforced.

The county council has received objections from Elmswell, Wetherden Haughley and Woolpit parish councils.

A statement submitted by Elmswell Parish Council highlighted a "fraught relationship" with the quarry operator and stressed a lack of promise it could change.

Minimising disruption

A statement on behalf of the company said the operations would be "undertaken in much the same way as the existing quarry has been worked and restored to date".

It said this would "minimise any unacceptable disturbance or nuisance" in the area.

There are an expected 750,000 saleable tonnes of sand and gravel.

Documents submitted by the applicant stated there would be no additional traffic pressures when compared to current levels and added impacts from dust particles would be negligible once mitigations were in place.

It would also have surface water drainage management plans in force.

A representation from Suffolk Wildlife Trust also argued the restoration proposals could deliver more for nature recovery.

Weighing up the proposals, county council planners concluded there would be no significant impact on the environment or residential amenity, but highlighted the need for a condition restricting the commencement of the development until sufficient restoration has been achieved within the existing site.