Why we object to the proposed expansion
The proposed development of the site will have a considerable adverse impact on our local area, community, and the environment.
We are particularly concerned about visual impact, traffic, noise and air pollution, carbon impact and sustainability, ecology, heritage, and the local economy.
IMPACT ON TRAFFIC
The expansion will increase traffic on the surrounding highways network, particularly on the A606 (Stamford Road) through the village of Empingham and also on Main Street and Church Street. There are already 1575 HGV movements a day along the A606.
There is a lack of data and clarity on how they will deal with the new access and the increased risk of accidents due to more HGVs being on the road. There is also missing information on how the proposed junctions and roundabout will work as well as any reassurance on the traffic controls to ensure HGVs turn eastwards from the site.
In addition, increased traffic movements and likely street lighting create significant light pollution in an otherwise tranquil rural setting. We are also concerned about the proposed equestrian bridge and how this will operate in practice. The heavy traffic during peak times on the A606 with HGVs already impacts Rutland Water and causes disruption for road users. We are not alone in this - National Highways have also raised interest in the impacts of the proposals and anticipated traffic levels on the A1 trunk road.
NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION
The construction and operation phases are likely to come with considerable noise and dust. The increase in dust along the A606 caused by additional HGV movements could potentially impair visibility for motorists and cause harm to properties along the A606.
It could also pollute our vital Rutland Water. Without a thorough Dust Assessment and Dust Management Plan and Air Quality Impact Assessment, increasing the size of the quarry could give rise to significant health and safety concerns.
CARBON IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Ketton Cement Works is already a significant emitter of carbon. We believe it is the largest carbon polluter in Rutland, with cement contributing almost 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The quarry provides the raw materials for the cement works. Extending this activity is not long-term stewardship of the environment.
Granting permission to expand the quarry and extend the life of the highly polluting cement works by decades would be in direct conflict with Rutland County Council’s aim of reducing the impact of climate change and achieving net zero by 2050.
As it currently stands, the mineral reserves at Grange Top will run out by the early 2030s. Hanson UK has stated it wants to expand the lifespan of the site for a further 25 years, increasing carbon pollution up to and beyond the 2050 target for net zero.
VISUAL IMpACT
The proposed expansion will potentially mean the quarry could be seen from the following local areas:
o Exton Road
o Crocket Lane
o Grantham Lane
o Sykes Lane
o Normanton Park Road
o Empingham Road
o Mill Lane
o Rutland Water Dam
o Rutland Water Beach
o St Peter’s Church, Empingham (from the bell tower)
o Barnsdale Hill
o Hambleton Peninsula
o Southwest of Empingham, looking south of the River Gwash
The proposed landscape buffers around the proposed development are completely inadequate, affecting views for the village of Empingham and the surrounding area.
ECOLOGY
The proposed development poses a threat to Rutland Water, which is only 2km away.
Rutland Water is recognised as an official wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention. It is also recognised as a Site of Species Scientific Interest (SSSI) under biological interest.
There are also concerns over the associated wildlife habitats and migratory patterns, in addition to potential impacts from lighting.
HERITAGE
Empingham is a rural village set in unspoiled, agricultural countryside. Whilst this community has worked and lived with the existing quarry, which has been supplying Ketton cement works for nearly 100 years, the proposed extension poses a significant threat to the carefully balanced relationship between the quarry operations and residents of Empingham and the surrounding areas.
The quality of the views out from the village will be permanently and significantly diminished by the proposed works.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Discover Rutland tourism strategy 2020-2025 states tourism in Rutland attracted over 1.89 million visitors, with the visitor economy bringing in around £135.6 million and directly supporting over 1,750 jobs. Tourism is centred around the enjoyment of the rural landscape, so changes to the natural environment will have a hugely negative impact.
As Hanson UK has stated, at the current extraction rates, the existing mineral reserves are due to run out by the early 2030s. However, the expansion would allow for an extra 25 years of extraction. The economic benefits are not significant to the residents of Rutland, and we question the longer-term benefits from the proposed expansion. The demand for cement is likely to decrease because of net zero commitments by national and local government. The proposed expansion puts local property values under pressure due to the various harmful impacts on the surrounding area, such as increases in traffic and noise.