KIDDERMINSTER residents are being urged to have their say on plans to build a sand and gravel quarry at Lea Castle Farm before it’s too late.

The Stop Lea Castle Farm Quarry Action Group are reaching out to the local community to send their objections to the plans on the Worcestershire County Council planning website before January 4, 2021.

NRS Aggregates is seeking planning permission to extract approximately three million tonnes of sand and gravel over a total of six phases taking approximately 11 years to complete.

The company says materials from the quarry will supply much-needed aggregates to maintain local roads and build new housing, but an action group set up in June last year remains concerned the countryside will be spoiled beyond repair.

They have raised concerns about the destruction of Lea Castle Farm’s “beautiful unspoilt countryside,” noise pollution, and widespread exposure to harmful mineral dust for residents and children attending the five schools within less than a mile from the proposed site.

A planning application was submitted at the end of last year, following a period of public consultation.

A spokesperson from the action group said: “If the 2020 Covid pandemic has taught us anything it’s that we should be retaining our public open spaces, footpaths and bridleways such as the ancient parkland at Lea Castle Farm to improve our physical and mental health by encouraging us to walk more, cycle, or simply to enjoy a green and natural environment.”

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier has also spoken out against the plans, saying: “Whilst there are significant rules governing dust emissions from quarries, can the operators really guarantee that there will never be occasions of significant dust? And will residents be victims of noise pollution?”

Previously, a spokesperson for NRS Aggregates said: “We recognise that some people have concerns about aspects of the proposals, but we have worked to address these in the application.

“Mineral extraction is subject to stringent conditions set by the council, so any future operations would be run to the very highest standards.

“We must bear in mind that there is a shortage of aggregate supply in Worcestershire.”

People can have their say on the plans by visiting the Worcestershire County Council planning website, using the application reference 19/000053/CM, or by emailing DevControlTeam@worcestershire.gov.uk with the same reference.