What’s At Stake
FORESEEABLE CUMULATIVE IMPACT
2022
SG11: 2nd site in West Deeping listed in the’ potential mineral sites nominated for allocation in the new plan’. LCC Doc 2022
Quarrying by Stealth, as we know, is common practice in Lincolnshire.
Over the past 70 years we have witnessed a predictable cycle of planning applications for quarry extensions which are never fully scrutinised in the context of other surrounding & historic activity.
We have seen gradual modifications and expansions, resulting in significant delays and substantial deviations from the original application. Just one more field, or the addition of a vehicle maintenance site, or an extension of hours, perhaps a reduction of stand off areas. All of these applications have a significant CUMULATIVE IMPACT.
Historically, County Councillors, advised by the LCC Planning Officers, have evaluated each application or amendment in isolation. The planning process has therefore been marked by a narrow focus; to meet aggregate targets. The consequence, broader considerations related to community well-being, human health and environmental preservation have been ignored.
With the current proposal for expansion ever closer to homes within the parish, and the potential approval of additional site(s), the cumulative effect of these decisions will see a staggering 75% of the parish succumb to quarrying and no foreseeable end in sight to quarrying around West Deeping.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Excerpt: Breedon confirming intention to mine SG11, extension to SG17
Excerpt: Letter from Chris Burgess (Breedon Reg. Land & Mineral Resources Manager - Wales and South.
Once a quarry is in place, it is much easier for quarry operators to extend the quarry with minimal scrutiny … extension by stealth. Planners prefer extensions over new sites. Once quarrying starts it just keeps going. Extensions are seen as only replacing the disruption already signed-off by the main quarry site approval.
HEALTH
Ensuring a safer, healthier living environment for communities requires safeguarding against noise, dust, carbon, and light pollution, which can cause respiratory problems, sleep disturbances and mental health issues. It's about protecting quality of life.
ECOLOGY
Ecology is crucial because it sustains biodiversity, regulates ecosystems, and provides essentials to life such as clean air and water. It ultimately underpins the health of our planet and the well-being of all living organisms, including humans.
LANDSCAPE
Our landscape, part of our amenity and crucial for maintaining biodiversity and providing recreational spaces for communities. Protecting these elements not only fosters environmental sustainability but also promotes physical and mental well-being across communities.
HYDROLOGY
Natural hydrology plays a vital role in regulating groundwater levels and sustaining river ecosystems by controlling the flow of water through precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. Understanding and preserving these processes are essential for ensuring water availability, biodiversity, and ecological balance in the environment.
HERITAGE
Our historic and cultural heritage includes not only buildings, archaeological remains, and their landscape setting but also a complex story of a farming community and village life through the ages.
HIGHWAYS
HGVs on local roads lead to increased dust, spillage, noise, and carbon pollution, negatively impacting the quality of life and health of communities residing nearby. Addressing these issues is crucial for mitigating environmental degradation and ensuring the well-being of affected residents.
Mineral Safeguarding Area - West Deeping Land
Lincolnshire Mineral Waste Local Plan - 5.81
“A Mineral Safeguarding Area is not a proposed area of extraction and does not mean that proposals will be permitted within the area. The main purpose of the MSA is to protect a mineral resource for the long term for future generations. It should also be borne in mind that just because there may be no economic need for the minerals now that may not be the case In the future.”
West Deeping
conservation area