VILLAGERS in Wasperton and Barford will have to wait until later this year to find out if a quarry will be opened on their doorsteps.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is currently considering potential sites to quarry millions of tonnes of sand and gravel – but residents fear their peace being shattered by some 80 lorries a day rumbling along the A429 transporting minerals for up to 15 years.
Council chiefs say the final draft of its Local Mineral Plan for 2017-2032 will not be presented to councillors until ‘ater this year to allow opinions from a recently-concluded public consultation to be considered. Over 400 people expressing concern about several sites earmarked for quarrying.
Concerns focused mainly on the impact on communities from issues such as noise and extra traffic, to fears about the possible effect on people’s health and property prices.
Council transport and planning spokesman Coun Peter Butlin said: “The county council has a duty to produce a plan and have to allocate sand and gravel sites for future quarrying sites. This is not easy and difficult decisions have to be made.
“When the consultation started I wanted local people to comment on our proposals and I am pleased that they have done so in great numbers.
“Many issues and concerns have been raised and all of these will be addressed. Responses to all of the issues raised within the consultation process will be published.
“A final draft plan of these proposals will be presented to WCC Cabinet for approval later this year. At that stage the county council will then again consult local people before the plan is presented to Government next year.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mlp for more information on the Minerals Plan.
