A PROPOSED expansion of a quarry towards a Teesdale village has been scaled back.
Kearton Farms Ltd has re-submitted proposals to extend Hulands Quarry, off the A66 near Boldron. The eastward extension would generate 9.79 million tonnes of carboniferous limestone until 2057, when restoration would be carried out at the site, which is run by Aggregate Industries and produces roadstone.
Planning agent John Dickenson, from Dickenson Planning, said the previous application was for a larger expansion. The latest plans are to pull back the eastern site boundary by about 250 metres away from Boldron.
There would also be an
increased “stand-off” from properties not under Kearton’s control.
It comes after concerns were raised by Boldron villagers who were concerned about the environmental impact. Mr Dickenson said: “In contrast to the previous proposals from May 2022, [the new scheme] has a number of revisions including a reduced site area of 96.8 hectares of land (previously 111.9 hectares); the amount of mineral to be worked is 9.79 million tonnes of carboniferous limestone (previously 14.3 million tonnes).”
He said landscaping proposals would also be enhanced.
Mr Dickenson said the benefits include providing materials for highways projects, safeguarding 18 jobs and providing opportunities for businesses to supply goods and services to Hulands Quarry.
A public exhibition was held last year in Boldron to tell residents about the original proposals. Concerns raised by people who lived nearby included the landscape and visual impact, dust, noise and the affect of vibration on buildings.
