Anston quarry expansion plans passed on appeal

Tarmac’s plan to extend the life of the Harrycroft site, South Anston, had been rejected over road safety fears about the A57 access.

But Rotherham Borough Council’s decision has been overturned by a planning inspector, who said there would be no effect on highway safety.

A Tarmac spokesman said: “The most relevant Department for Transport traffic data recorded an annual average daily traffic flow for 2016 of 18,609 vehicles, including 1,484 HGVs.

“The counter has not recorded significant traffic growth on the A57.

The 2016 average is less than the 2004 one.

“This does not support a view indicated in the planning board meeting that baseline traffic conditions have significantly changed in a manner that would affect the suitability of an existing access.”

Mineral extraction has taken place at the site since permission was originally granted in 1960. 

A previous application to extend the quarry’s life to 2016 was passed on appeal nine years ago. The new extension will continue the 300,000 tons-a-year extraction rate

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The spokesman added: “The proposals represent a sustainable and logical continuation to the mineral workings at the site.”

Cllr Clive Jepson, ward member on Rotherham Borough Council, noted that the same stretch of the A57 would be used by Ineos should its Woodsetts drilling site be approved on appeal.

He said: “My main concerns are still in connection with highway safety given the number of HGVs that will be entering and leaving the site onto the extremely busy A57, and also the impact that this additional traffic will have on the surrounding road network, particularly in South Anston.”

Anston Parish Council chairman Cllr Drew Tarmey said: “Quarrying has been very important to Anston throughout its long and rich history and the parish council very much welcomes the economic benefits of reopening Harrycroft quarry.

“We do, however, note concerns around traffic volumes on the A57 and the potential for noise disruption, as a result of blasting work, that could affect residents of South Anston.

“Therefore we look forward to working with Tarmac to ensure that any problems are dealt with promptly.”

Planning inspector Michael Moffoot said the proposal would not materially harm highway safety on the A57, subject to safety measures to be met by the appellant.