Quarry extension plan sparks objections
Englefield Estate's plans to extend quarry at Benyon's Inclosure by 85 hectares has angered parish councils
ALDERMASTON and Silchester parish councils are among many objectors to plans to more than double the size of a Mortimer quarry.
The proposals include an extension to sand and gravel workings at Mortimer Quarry, to the West of Mortimer West End and adjacent to Welshman's Road, on land known as Benyon's Inclosure. The site is owned by Englefield Estate - Newbury MP Richard Benyon's family's business.
The application, which would increase the existing 54.5 hectare site by 88.5 hectares, to 143 hectares, also includes plans for a temporary crossing off Welshman's Road, the retention of the existing quarry plant site, the construction of additional silt lagoons and restoration to commercial forestry and biodiversity.
Aldermaston Parish Council has objected to the plans on several grounds, including: noise, nuisance and HGV traffic along local roads, and has concerns about restrictions placed by the Health and Safety Executive on any development that lies within 3km of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Aldermaston.
“Although technically in Hampshire, this large site will be adjacent to our parishioners living in Pinelands and along Soke Road,” said Aldermaston Parish Council chairman, Dave Shirt.
If the application is approved, however, the parish council has requested that a substantial developer's contribution be given to West Berkshire Council, to improve the junction of Reading Road, Welshman's Road and Red Lane, with a maximum life of 12 years set on the bridge over Welshman's Road, notification of path closures, or diversions and improved noise mitigation, such as increasing a belt of protective trees.
Silchester Parish Council has raised similar concerns along with loss of amenities, including footpaths.
“It will be like walking along an industrial complex,” said councillor John Harrison at a parish council meeting in the village on Monday evening (7).
Land agent for Englefield Estate, Kenneth McDiarmid, said the 12-year project, which would be completed in six stages, would not lead to any increase in traffic movements and he pointed out that gravel extraction had been carried out in the area since the 1970s.
He said: “There will be less commercial forestry, once restored, but we will have heathland, rich in flora and fauna,” adding that footpaths may be affected due to health and safety concerns.
“Its basically an industrial site and you can't have people wandering about, it's a little dangerous,” he said.
Mr McDiarmid also said the site was included as a preferred area in Hampshire County Council's Minerals and Waste Plan, although Mr Shirt said this plan was pending a review and approval.
A total of 21 other objections have been submitted against the plans by local residents. The Environment Agency has also objected on the grounds that an inadequate flood risk assessment has been carried out.
Hampshire County Council's decision on the proposals is not likely to be made until May at the earliest.
