RESIDENTS of a small dale village have voiced concerns about the possible impact the extension of a large neighbouring quarry would have on the landscape.
Kearton Farms Ltd has submitted proposals to extend Hulands Quarry, near Boldron, by 50 hectares – almost doubling the size of the site – to extract more than 14 million tonnes of limestone in the next half a century.
A public consultation event was held in Boldron Village Hall before the plans were lodged, which resulted in a number of environmental issues being raised.
Some 15 people attended the public consultation, after which four written responses were received by the applicants.
Kearton Farms says residents' concerns are addressed as part of the proposal, and will include open water and wetland habitats and the planting of native broadleaf trees and shrubs which will encourage “natural regenerating” within the quarry.
A new area of woodland is proposed to replace one which currently lies between the existing quarry and extension site.
“The scheme has been carefully designed to provide and environmentally-led extension to Hulands Quarry,” states the application.
In 2009, Durham County Council granted the operators of Hulands Quarry planning permission to extract limestone for 15 years and complete restoration of the landscape within 18 months.
If given the go-ahead the quarry life would be extended by 48 years from 2024 to 2072, with the current level of 300,000 tonnes of limestone extraction per year maintained.
The quarry is currently operated by Aggregate Industries. Hulands is one of the few limestone quarries in the region and produces roadstone for County Durham and markets further afield.
There are currently 18 people employed at the site and the jobs would be safeguarded if the extension gets the go-ahead.
The planning application is currently available for public comment. To view the proposals go to the planning portal at www.durham.gov.uk.
