Campaigners Hope for Victory as Rutland Quarry Expansion Decision Delayed
Local campaigners opposing the expansion of Top Grange Quarry in Ketton are hopeful that a recent Supreme Court ruling could influence Rutland County Council's decision on the controversial proposal.
Heidelberg Materials, the company behind the expansion plans, seeks permission to extract minerals from additional land near the quarry and extend its operations for another 30 years. The proposal has sparked significant opposition from local residents and environmental groups who are concerned about the potential environmental and cultural impacts on the area.
Originally scheduled for a decision on October 31st, Rutland County Council has postponed the decision until March 2025. This delay coincides with a landmark Supreme Court ruling in Surrey, where a planning permission was deemed unlawful due to the lack of assessment for downstream greenhouse gas emissions.
Matthew Eatough, a leading figure in the 'Stop Grange Quarry Expansion' campaign, believes this ruling could force Rutland Council to reconsider the quarry expansion. He argues that the proposed expansion is unnecessary, environmentally destructive, and would harm Rutland's tourism industry.
Campaigners fear that the expansion would spoil iconic views of Rutland Water and increase the risk of pollution to the water body, which recently achieved Blue Flag and Seaside Award status. They also highlight the potential impact on the area's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Heidelberg Materials maintains that the expansion would secure jobs, boost the local economy, and ensure the long-term future of the cement works. However, the intense public debate surrounding the project underscores the significant environmental and social stakes involved.
As the decision on the quarry expansion is delayed, the 'Stop Grange Quarry Expansion' campaign continues to mobilize public support and advocate for the protection of Rutland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
https://stopgrangetopquarryexpansion.co.uk/#ae142ab3-95f0-4ffe-b12f-081486c8b301
A local resident, Jay Naylor, has taken the initiative to create a video summarising the key issues surrounding the proposed expansion of Grange Top Quarry by Heidelberg Materials. The video aims to provide balanced information for residents to form informed opinions on the application.
Ketton Cement, the company behind the expansion, is a major employer in the region. However, the expansion proposal has sparked debate due to potential environmental impact on the local area, including concerns about air and water pollution.
Naylor's video highlights the contrasting aspects of the application. He acknowledges the economic benefits of the quarry's continued operation but emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and cultural heritage. He specifically mentions the potential loss of "spectacular areas of natural beauty" if the expansion goes through in its current form.
The video encourages residents to engage with the decision-making process. It provides links for commenting on the application through the Rutland Council website and contacting the council directly. Additionally, Naylor highlights the importance of advocating for the preservation of specific areas like "Redwood Grove," identified using the what3words location system.
This resident-made video serves as a valuable resource for the Ketton community. By presenting both sides of the argument, it empowers residents to participate in the crucial discussions surrounding the quarry expansion and potentially influence the application's outcome.
If you wish to comment on the application please use this link:
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