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Bardon Hill Quarry extension approved

Planning permission secures more than 132 million tonnes of hard rock at flagship site

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council last week unanimously resolved to grant planning permission to Aggregate Industries for an extension to Bardon Hill Quarry in Coalville. The decision will release over 132 million tonnes of high-quality hard rock to be worked over 40 years.

Colin Parke, northern director for Bardon Aggregates, commented: ‘This positive decision from Leicestershire County Council is excellent news for Aggregate Industries, Coalville and the construction industry. From a local perspective, the approval will see the 150-year history of the quarry continue to 2050 and beyond, securing 140 jobs directly and another 150 indirectly as well as the wider future contribution to the local economy.

‘From an industry perspective, the approval is significant as it has secured the provision of a large tonnage of high-quality hard rock to the Midlands region and further afield. The rail capability of the quarry is significant amidst the drive for increased sustainable transport of materials and carbon reduction.’

An extensive multi-faceted public consultation carried out two years before the planning application was submitted was an important element of the applications success. Approved community benefits include greater public access over the Bardon estate, the provision of a visitor centre for geological, ecological and industrial education/interpretation, and commitment to a community fund.

Bardon Hill is of significant conservation interest and parts of the site contain geological and biological SSSIs. In 2008, the quarry achieved Biodiversity Benchmark certification from The Wildlife Trusts, the first for an igneous rock quarry. Significant steps have been taken to minimize the environmental impact of the extension.

 
 

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