MORE than 100 residents marched through the village of Cookley in protest against plans to build a sand and mineral quarry at Lea Castle Farm near Kidderminster.

NRS Aggregates Ltd is looking to occupy around 45 hectares of land between Cookley and Wolverley to extract 300,000 tonnes of sand and gravel per year before restoring the land once each stage of the operation is complete.

Applicants say materials from the quarry will supply aggregates to maintain local roads and build new housing, but residents are concerned about the effect it will have on green belt land, as well as the increase in traffic and the impact dust pollution and noise could have on local schools and businesses.

Neighbours turned out in force with high-visibility jackets and placards this morning (Saturday) for a march down the A449 to protest against the plans.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

A spokesman for the Stop Lea Castle Quarry campaign group, set up in response to the quarry plans, said: "We're worried about the noise, the increased number of HGVs on our roads, and we're not convinced by claims there will be no environmental impact. There are trees with tree preservation orders which we are led to believe would be removed.

"In a nut shell, our problem is with the potential dust hazard, HGV traffic and safety there of, and the environmental ecological issue.

"This isn't a case of NIMBYism. We are genuinely concerned about the proximity of this site to our residential communities. Our concern is that this might not be done right."

The group has delivered 10,000 flyers to local residents and a new Facebook page 'STOP LEA CASTLE QUARRY' has attracted more than 150 members in 24 hours.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

NRS Aggregates say the process will take approximately 10 years, plus a further year to complete restoration.

They say extensive noise and air quality monitoring would be undertaken and that no HGVs will travel through the villages of Wolverley, Cookley or Caunsall.

The quarry would deliver eight full-time jobs in the area.

Ian Pearson, estates manager for NRS Aggregates, said: “We have spoken to over 400 residents so far as part of our public consultation to understand their views on our proposals.

"We recognise that there is concern locally but want to reassure people that any future operations would be subject to stringent conditions that are set and monitored by the Council.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

“We are a responsible operator that manages a number of quarries across the Midlands all of which are operated to the very highest standards. 

“The mix of the materials on this site is ideal to supply aggregates to maintain local roads and build new housing – materials which local people need and are in short supply in the county.

“Our public consultation closes at the end of this month and we encourage residents to submit their comments if they have not done so. We will look to address concerns and refine the scheme further to feedback prior to submitting a planning application to the council.”

The consultation closes on July 1. Responses can be sent to lucy@eqcommunications.co.uk or by calling 020 3397 0105.