Expansion plans at Gloucester stone crushing site opposed by residents

Many residents are objecting to expansion plans by Allstone because of dust and noise

Residents against a planned expansion by a stone-crushing company are concerned it could increase air pollution if it is approved.

Allstone, a firm based on Myers Road in Gloucester, crushes sand and gravel to make building materials.

It has submitted plans to expand its site to Gloucestershire County Council.

But resident Lorraine Trigg warned: "The increase in tonnage will only increase the sand, dust and noise we live with now.

"It's like living constantly in a Sahara sandstorm 24/7.

"I can't enjoy the summer months as I'm constantly cleaning to keep the dust under control."

"Also sitting in my garden in the summer is no pleasure due to the dust and noise coming from Allstone," she added.

Complaints about the quality of air because of the activities on the firm's site have been made for a number of years.

In May 2023, Gloucester City Council previously said it would work with residents to set up air quality monitors. The action was taken after residents contacted the authority in May and June 2022 over dust emissions.

Noise levels are also a concern for people living nearby, but Allstone is proposing measures to address it in its planning application.

If the application is approved, it would install an acoustic fence to help reduce unwanted and excessive noise.

'A negative impact'

But resident Jason Stanton is unconvinced. He says there is lots of noise already and it is affecting people's mental wellbeing.

"Every day except Sunday, noise can be heard coming from the site from 6.30am," he said.

"This has a negative impact on the environment and the mental health of residents in the area, causing a lack of sleep."

Mr Stanton also said he thought the application had been "covertly rushed through and not advertised well enough to the residents".

Gloucestershire County Council said it was unable to make any comment on current planning issues. A date for when a decision will be made on Allstone's application has not yet been given.

Allstone has been approached for comment.