Why Object ? | Stopmistertonquarry

We Don't Need This Quarry

The proposal appears driven by corporate interest rather than genuine local or regional need.

Tarmac claims the proposed quarry is essential as a replacement for Shawell Quarry. However:

No evidence of exhaustion: Tarmac has not substantiated the claim that reserves at Shawell are nearing depletion. Planning permissions remain valid until 2044, with viable extensions identified in the Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (LMWLP).
Alternative resources available: Other operational sites in Leicestershire could meet the county's aggregate requirements without opening a new greenfield site.
Contrary to planning policy: Extensions to existing quarries are prioritized over new sites to reduce environmental disruption.

Contrary to Planning Policy

This proposal is inconsistent with established planning policies and does not justify deviating from these guidelines.

The proposal conflicts with several key planning documents, including the Misterton with Walcote Neighbourhood Plan, the Harborough Local Plan, and the Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

The Misterton with Walcote Neighbourhood Plan prioritizes protecting the rural character of the area, opposing inappropriate development such as a quarry.
The Harborough Local Plan emphasizes sustainable development and protecting the natural and historic environment, which the quarry would fail to achieve.
The Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan gives priority to extending existing quarries over developing new greenfield sites. Tarmac has not demonstrated why extensions at Shawell Quarry or other sites are not viable.
Unallocated land: Policies strongly favor using allocated or existing sites for mineral extraction to minimize environmental and community disruption.

Location

The site selection disregards the well-being of local communities and planned developments.

The quarry's proximity to residential areas and the proposed Lutterworth East development raises significant concerns:

Misleading distances: While Tarmac states that Walcote lies 1km from the site, numerous properties are within 100m of the boundary and less than 300m from the extraction zone.
Impact on Lutterworth East: This high-quality development would be compromised by its adjacency to an industrial-scale quarry.
Prevailing winds: Dust and noise pollution are likely to be carried directly into Walcote and the surrounding areas.

Air Pollution

The proposal fails to address the full extent of the health implications.

Dust from the quarry poses serious health risks:

PM10 and PM2.5 particles: These fine particles, especially silica dust, can aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Long-term exposure: Residents, unlike workers, would face prolonged exposure without monitoring or mitigation.
Disproportionate impact: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Noise Pollution

The scale and duration of operations would have a severe, lasting impact on community well-being.

Despite assurances, the quarry’s operations would bring substantial noise pollution:

Extended hours: Operating for 67 hours per week, including early mornings and evenings, would disrupt residents’ peace.
Health risks: Studies link prolonged exposure to noise pollution with stress, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
Cumulative impact: Noise from equipment cleaning and additional traffic would compound the problem.

Wildlife and Nature

The quarry conflicts directly with policies protecting the area's ecological integrity.

The proposed development would devastate local biodiversity:

Heritage Assets: The proposed quarry would destroy some of the last remaining ridge and furrow fields in the parish. These fields are recognized as non-designated heritage assets and are a rare remnant of medieval agricultural practices.
Biodiversity: A vital wildlife corridor along the eastern boundary of the site would be disrupted, impacting habitat connectivity and the overall health of the local ecosystem. This corridor is protected under the Misterton with Walcote Neighbourhood Plan and is essential for supporting local biodiversity.

Hydrology

This vital environmental feature and the surrounding community are at significant risk.

The quarry threatens local water systems:

Lake disruption: Runoff to the large lake north of the site would be affected, with artificial pumping unlikely to replicate natural water flows.
Subsidence and flooding risks: Groundwater disruption could damage nearby properties and increase flood risks.

Traffic

The proposal fails to address the full impact on local traffic, safety, and infrastructure, making the development unsuitable for the chosen location.

Impact: The proposed quarry would generate approximately 167 vehicle movements per day, including HGVs transporting sand and gravel, deliveries, and staff movements.
Congestion: The A4304 is already a busy route, linking Market Harborough, Bruntingthorpe, and nearby villages to the M1 and serving as an alternative to the A14 during congestion. Increased quarry traffic would significantly impact road capacity.
Safety: The proposed access point on a high-speed section of the A4304 does not meet full visibility standards, posing a safety risk for vehicles entering and exiting the site.
Access Area: The location of the access would require the removal of additional vegetation and trees, further impacting the landscape and safety.
Full Scope: Traffic associated with site restoration activities has not been considered in the application, underestimating the full scope of vehicle movements over the quarry’s operational lifespan.
Isolated Planning: There is no evidence that traffic impacts from the nearby Lutterworth East development have been factored into the plans.