Plant's working hours likely to rise to support HS2

Pyford Brook's owners have asked to operate outside of its permitted hours to support HS2 work

Plans for a concrete plant to extend its operating hours to support the construction of HS2 look set to get the go-ahead.

Pyford Brook Quarry near Alrewas, Staffordshire, has applied for permission to operate beyond its permitted hours, until 31 March.

The site can currently work from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, but owner Cemex said it needed extended hours to support work on HS2 near Streethay.

Planning officers at Staffordshire County Council have recommended the proposal for approval with a decision set to be made on Thursday.

Concrete from Pyford Brook is being used for the construction of the south Staffordshire HS2 line overbridge, the A38 southbound slip road overbridge and the A38 Rykneld Street overbridge.

Cemex said the site could not provide concrete for the HS2 works in a "timely manner" inside its current operating hours, potentially leading to deliveries coming from further afield, causing increased carbon emissions.

Lichfield District Council previously objected to the application, claiming Cemex should only need to extend its operating hours to between 07:00 and midnight on weekdays, and 07:00 and 19:00 at the weekend.

Recommending that revised plans be approved, planning officers said use of the plant between 19:00 and midnight should be limited to no more than nine days in 15 and 40 in total, until the end of March.

Lorry movements would also be limited to 170 within a 24-hour period, Monday to Friday, 86 on Saturdays and 17 during each evening and night-time period.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.