Plans to reopen Bradwell Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme are set to be approved despite objections. Local residents fear the clay extraction will cause a significant odor and pollution similar to Walleys Quarry in Silverdale.
The plans, submitted by Old Red Developments Ltd., will see 150,000 tonnes of Etruria marl being quarried from the site every year. Following the extraction, the quarry will be filled with demolition waste, construction materials, and other forms of ‘inert’ waste.
Bradwell Quarry is located between Bradwell Wood and the A500.
Before the plans were submitted, 37 of 40 consultation responders said they were against them. Additionally, Staffordshire County Council has also received three objection letters.
In addition to pollution, residents are also concerned about restoration, air quality, and transportation issues.
Plus, concern has been raised over the former director of the company, Joe Frizel, who was jailed for two years over waste offenses.
Frizel had been found guilty of being involved in an illegal waste operation that took place on Bonnie Braes Farm in Bignall End.
In response to the concerns, planning officers have stressed that this project will not be similar to Walleys Quarry and that they aim ‘’to safeguard local amenity, highway safety and biodiversity interests’.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk