ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
100s HGV TRIPS EACH WEEK
6 DAYS EACH WEEK
LOCAL LANDSCAPE DESTROYED
FOR 30 YEARS +
More Quarry proposals, over 30 more years of quarrying!
SG17, the latest application from Breedon, is classed as a ‘replacement site’ and no longer classed as allocated due to the addition of a processing plant and ancillary facilities. The area replaces the previously allocated MS29-SL, which remains allocated until any update or change to the plan.
Ancillary facilities include but are not restricted to a processing plant, offices, a car park, a weigh bridge, vehicle maintenance facilities, wheel wash facilities, vehicle depots … have a look next time you drive along King Street North … all of those facilities will be relocated to be adjacent to the village.
This application is the first of what is expected to be multiple applications to the South of the A1175 and adjacent to West Deeping.
The Lincolnshire County Council Draft Minerals & Waste Plan update (June 2022) included a nomination by Breedon of SG11, which combined with SG17 equates to 100 hectares for quarrying. These two site are larger than 200 football pitches. Breedon also confirmed they do intend to apply to mine SG11 as an extension to SG17. The FOI request to LCC confirmed it has been nominated by Breedon.
Based on established patterns of local mineral operator behaviour it is expected quarrying will continue for decades with SG17 & SG11 and potential further extensions. West Deeping is surrounded by Sand & Gravel, behind both sides of King Street. Please see the Mineral Safeguarding Map at the bottom of the page. To be clear, this is for safeguarding minerals, not safeguarding the village.
Currently, 51% of West Deeping Parish has been or is approved to be quarried. SG11 & SG17 will increase this area to 75%.
Residents rightly question the safety, fairness, and environmental impact of such extensive quarrying, especially with a heavy-duty processing plant near homes and ongoing pollution concerns. They wonder how the community can endure decades more of quarrying so close to homes and destroying the local landscape they currently enjoy everyday.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
SG17 - Breedon - Key Areas of Consultation:
The Proposed Development
Determining Location of Plant
Plant Site
New Access
Phased Programme
Restoration
Environmental Impact Assessment
Timing - Next Steps
We have uploaded Breedon Proposal Marketing visuals and statements, below. They do not reflect the views of residents!
The Proposed Development
Breedon is preparing to submit a planning application for the quarrying of approximately 1.8 million tonnes of sand over a period of eight years (with a further two years to complete the site’s restoration) from land to the south of the existing West Deeping Quarry.
The key points of the proposal are:
A new independent quarry operation to the south of the current West Deeping Quarry for the extraction of approx. 1.8Mt of sand and gravel
Extraction to take place over a 7 – 8 year period (based on current maximum extraction rates of 330,000tpa) and progressive restoration over a further two year period
The creation of a new site access and relocation of the plant site from King Street to the southern working area
Plant site relocation will incorporate new efficient low level plant to maximise screening in the local landscape
Progressive restoration to wetland, ecological and leisure after uses including reinstatement and improvements to public rights of way
Stand off to important environmental features including the canal, river, perimeter trees, vegetation and heritage assets
Demarcation of the former Canal route including public information display boards
Advanced landscape planting; and
No import of inert waste materials for infilling
Delivery of enhancement to historic features including information boards for the old lock and canal route
Extensive advanced planting and improved/new hedgerows to be delivered prior to commencement of extraction
Three locations were considered for the new, low-level plant: Options A, B and C. We wanted to ensure the final location supported the most efficient operations with the least impact on the community and ecology whilst also ensuring the least impact of facilitating restoration as swiftly as possible..
Determining Location Of Plant
Note: Breedon may yet amend their plan design and content detail at application stage. The information below is copied from Breedon Documentation, made available via their Website, at this time.
Option C for Plant location
(eastern side) – the first to be discounted. Whilst it benefits from being the furthest location from West Deeping village, the ancillary screening required would potentially harm the setting of the listed building.
This field location one of Breedon’s preferred options for plant location
Option B for Plant location
(central location) This would be the most visually prominent location. The plant would have to sit at current ground level to avoid impacting the River Welland, the canal and the historic asset of the former Stamford Canal route. It would also impact the timescales required to restore the site.
Option A for Plant location
(northern/western location) Although it is closest to the village of West Deeping, the plant sits at a low level to ensure it is the least visually prominent within the local landscape. Whilst there are heritage assets within the village, the standoff (min. 200m) and impact is considered to be less and any amenity impacts associated with mineral extraction activities can be adequately mitigated through bunding and advanced planting.
Plant Site
The proposal would involve the commissioning of a new, low-level plant. The plant is where the mineral would be processed, including washing and sifting it into different sized products. The new plant will meet much higher environmental standards. This includes: operating to lower noise levels; and better dust filtration and management - meaning cleaner, quieter and more efficient operations.
New Access
Detailed phased working and restoration plans (including location of new access and plant) will initially commence in the west with the preparation of the plant site. The site will then be worked from east to west with restoration being carried out in a progressive manner
Phased Programme
Restoration
The restoration scheme includes the following habitats and features:
Reed beds, Grasslands, Enhanced/new hedgerows, Seasonal ponds and scrapes, Native woodland, Nature lakes, Fishing lakes Additional permissive footpaths
THE REALITY BEHIND THE GLOSSY MARKETING
Dig a little deeper and find a very different picture!
BREEDON’S FLAGSHIP RESTORATION
Displayed at exhibition
The Area saturated with Quarrying. Breedon Extension App below, for more - huge area!
Signed by: Maria Cotton
22/01468/EIAWM
Willington Parish oppose “unacceptably close to the village”
Environmental Impact Assessment
All of our detailed reports will be available on the Lincolnshire County Council website once the final application is submitted and validated. Potential effects and benefits of the proposed development have been assessed through the preparation of the environmental impact assessment (EIA). This includes:
Landscape and visual
Extensive study of the landscape and assessment of the impact of the proposal throughout the development and into restoration - considering residential and PRoW views into the site
Ecology and nature conservation
Thorough study of the existing ecology and habitats with extensive delivery of diverse restoration to ensure a greatly enhanced biodiversity gain on final restoration
Effects of transport and access
In-depth study of existing and proposed highways movements – delivery of reduced traffic at the King Street junction once the new plant site is established
Noise
Detailed survey showing the maximum noise levels expected from the new operational site. Highlighting proposals to reduce the noise impact on sensitive receptors (residents and ecology)
Air quality and dust
Detailed survey showing the maximum dust levels expected from the new operational site. Highlighting proposals to minimise dust impact on sensitive receptors (residents and ecology)
Archaeology and cultural heritage
Extensive review of all historic assets and evaluating the potential impact on assets and their setting. Conclusion fed into the design of the proposal to ensure a sensitive approach. Reinstatement of historical woodland and hedgerow boundaries
Water environment
Detailed review of the impacts on the surrounding areas of dewatering the proposed site during extraction. Water management during and after development to ensure no detrimental impact on surrounding areas
Public rights of way
Existing footpaths to remain throughout the proposed development and additional permissive paths to be delivered on final restoration
Soil resources and land use
Assessment of land and soil grade/quality which will feed into management of soil handling throughout the proposed development
Climate Change
Assessment of Breedon’s strategy/commitment to be net zero by 2050 including site specific operational techniques to reduce the impact on climate change
If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please speak to one of our Project team of expert consultants or fill in a feedback form and we will respond directly
Timing and Next Steps
A draft planning application and environmental impact assessment have been prepared. This exhibition forms part of our strategy to consult our neighbours about our plans along with holding a webinar, quarry liaison group meetings and placing the exhibition on the internet. We’ll consider any comments we receive from this strategy and revise our plans as appropriate before submitting the final version.
It is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted to Lincolnshire County Council before the end of July 2024. Following its submission Council officers will undertake a formal consultation process including the local community, nearby residents and other public bodies such as the Environment Agency, English Heritage and the County itself as Highway Authority. Should the Council be minded to grant planning permission it is anticipated that operations could start during 2026.
We encourage you to:
Complete a feedback form with your comments on the proposal Visit our Replacement Quarry website: https://www.breedongroup.com/wd-replacement-quarry-public-consultation
Contact us with your comments at enquiries.breedon@breedongroup.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you want to create a new quarry here? Quarrying is an important part of the Lincolnshire economy as construction materials are needed everywhere to build homes, schools and roads, and can only be extracted where they are found naturally in the ground. West Deeping is surrounded by sand and gravel deposits, hence the long history of quarrying in this area. The site will replace Breedon’s existing site at West Deeping to continue to meet the demand of the local market with sand and gravel.
Who will decide whether your plans can go ahead? Our planning application will be decided by Lincolnshire County Council, which is the Minerals Planning Authority. In addition to making representation directly to Breedon at this exhibition and via our other consultation channels, you will also be able to make comments directly to the council once the application is submitted.
When will quarrying take place in the extension area? Breedon is aiming to complete quarrying at the site over a period of 7-8 years, with a maximum 330,000 tonnes of mineral extracted annually. If permission is granted, quarrying operations will begin in 2026 with the site fully restored by 2036 at the latest
What is in it for us, the community? The land would be leasehold, meaning Breedon is limited on what we can offer as part of the restoration scheme. The plan for permissive paths for future public enjoyment has been kindly provided at the discretion of the landowner. On site jobs and apprenticeships would be secured for the duration of our operations as well as those indirectly supported in the supply chain, generating revenue and employment for the community. Breedon will continue to support the community and has previously provided sponsorship for a range of local groups and activities including: local sports groups; donations to mother and toddler groups; flower bulbs for grass verges; and machinery support during recent flooding. Contact us if you have a project you’d like us to help with.
Will the quarry area be publicly accessible? The land will not be publicly accessible whilst it is being quarried. Existing footpaths will remain open during working. The restoration plan includes potential permissive paths in addition to the existing rights of way
During what hours will the quarry be operational? The operating hours of the quarry will be the same as those currently used at West Deeping Quarry. Operations will take place between 7am - 5pm, Monday - Friday and 7am - 12pm on Saturdays. There will be no operations on Sundays and Bank Holidays. These will be controlled through conditions imposed by Lincolnshire County Council.
How do I have my say? Please direct any questions towards members of the project team present today. You can also fill in a feedback form with your comments or get in touch via the phone number and email address detailed below.
What are Breedon doing to help reduce impact on Climate Change? As a company, Breedon are committed to reaching net zero by 2050, with a target of a 25% reduction in tonnes of CO2 by 2030 and 70% reduction in tonnes of CO2 by 2040. At site level, West Deeping will be aiming to reduce carbon emissions with the delivery of a new and more efficient wash plant, carbon offsetting with the planting of trees both in advance of commencement and during restoration and electric vehicle charging points amongst other carbon reduction initiatives.
Will dust and a reduction in air quality be an issue? Independent air quality consultants have been employed by Breedon to ensure that there would be no exceedance of air quality objectives at any residential properties close to the site, and a good standard of amenity would remain. Monitoring of dust emission will be carried out throughout the life of the site so we can be certain dust isn’t impacting the surrounding areas and sensitive ecology. Best practice dust management will be the focus of all site operations and mitigation measures, such as wheel washing and water sprays, will be adopted to reduce any impacts.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Two New West Deeping Sites Page 31 & Page 24
