A PROPOSAL to dig a new quarry in Ryton-on-Dunsmore has been branded a “silly joke” slammed by parish councillors
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has added the18-hectare site to a list of areas proposed to meet targets for future sand and gravel quarrying and is looking for views on its suitability.
Coun Ian Spiers, Chairman of Ryton-on-Dunsmore Parish Council, said they were opposed to any more developments in the surrounding green belt.
He said: “Ryton has over many years sustained lots of sand extraction with little gain. All we get is dust and noise.
“If it goes ahead, we would like to make sure that the terms that were negotiated for the existing Wolston Lane site are continued: a lorry exclusion zone around the village, restricted working hours, and road cleaning.
“Ryton Organic Gardens must be concerned, because it would wrap their entire site up with more sand. When you consider that it’s supposed to be a safe haven for seeds, it seems like a silly joke.”
Other proposed sites, including at Wasperton and Bourton-on-Dunsmore, have also met with fierce opposition from residents.
WCC planning spokesman Coun Peter Butlin said: “The county council has a duty to allocate sand and gravel sites for future quarrying so we have the materials to build homes and roads for the next 15 years.
“Difficult decisions have to be made. The issues and concerns raised are being addressed by colleagues at WCC and by the promoters.
“A final draft plan will be presented to WCC Cabinet for approval in the autumn.
“After that the county council will again consult local people before the final draft plan is presented to Government and examined by an independent inspector at an Examination in Public late next year.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mineralsplan for more information on the new proposals.
