Planning application for Little Paxton Quarry
AGGREGATE Industries UK Ltd are to submit a planning application to Cambridge County Council which would extend the life of Little Paxton Quarry.
"The application will cover106ha and deal with five distinct areas, each of which will be worked and restored in a manner which contributes to the objectives of sustainable development by minimizing the impact of mineral extraction while providing high-quality restoration for the benefit of wildlife and residents."
Each area will be worked separately using an existing network of conveyors to transport sand and gravel to the processing plant. Quarry manager Andy Deas said: ‘There will be no additional lorry movements as production will be maintained at current levels throughout the extended life of the quarry.’
"Previous workings at the site have been restored to form the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Paxton Pits SSSI."
"Aggregates Industries’ estate manager, Alan Bulpin, said: ‘The quarry has only four years worth of reserves remaining and will close at the end of that period if this application is not approved. The proposed development will build upon the highly successful operations currently being carried out at the site by the company.’"
"Key aspects of the proposal include: an extension to the nature conservation interest of the restored areas; a contribution to Cambridgeshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan targets; and the provision of a balanced restoration scheme with agriculture, reed beds and flooded areas."
