Residents voice concerns on Breedon's quarry extension plan for West Deeping

Villagers opposed to a quarry extension say they have been left with ‘more questions than answers’ after a sit down with the developer.

Breedon, a construction materials company and quarry operator, plans to dig a 36-hectare sand and gravel quarry near West Deeping.

If allowed, it would extend the existing King Street Quarry and would use its road access.

The Leicestershire-based company held a community engagement meeting at West Deeping Village Hall on Monday.

Glenn Fuller, who lives in the village, has been opposing the extension and did not feel re-assured by Breedon.

He said: “Detail provided by Breedon was scarce and left us with more questions than answers.”

Glenn said the plans would “destroy all of the remaining land to the east of the village” and that a new processing plant was “as close to the village houses and gardens as they can locate it”.

Nearly 100 residents attended the meeting to hear a presentation followed by 90 minutes of questions.

Breedon had planned to submit an application early this year but is delaying this until September.

Concerns raised by villagers include dust, noise, road safety due to heavy vehicles, pollution of water courses and damage to the ecology.

People are also worried about the close proximity to Molecey’s Mill, the Granary and other listed buildings.

Glenn said: “

Breedon did attempt to answer most of the residents’ questions, but their answers only seemed to further alarm the community and most of the resident’s legitimate concerns were brushed over.”

Residents of West

Deeping are calling on the quarry company to find alternative sites to extract minerals from and to listen to the community’s

concerns.

A spokesperson for Breedon said: “As an active member of the local and wider community, and as outlined at the last liaison meeting, Breedon is continuing to operate in the West Deeping area and is considering options for further quarrying in the locality.”

The spokesperson added that the business will continue to keep the community informed as plans progress.