A PUBLIC inquiry is being held over a controversial application to build a huge quarry between Wolverley and Cookley.

Worcestershire County Council’s planning committee narrowly rejected a plan to build a three million tonne sand and gravel quarry at Lea Castle Farm off Wolverley Road near Kidderminster in May last year.

But an appeal has now been launched with the government’s planning inspector in a bid to get the decision overturned.

The plan, by NRS Aggregates, would see 100,000 tonnes of sand and gravel extracted every year for the next decade at a ten-acre site. The company says materials from the quarry will supply much-needed aggregates to maintain local roads and build new housing.

The Stop Lea Castle Farm Quarry action group has been campaigning against the plans, having raised concerns about the destruction of Lea Castle Farm’s “beautiful unspoilt countryside,” noise pollution, and widespread exposure to harmful mineral dust.

Now, a public inquiry into the plans is set to begin on Tuesday, February 28 at The Stone Manor Hotel on Bromsgrove Road, Kidderminster.

Residents that wish to speak at the inquiry need to contact the planning inspectorate in advance by emailing helen.skinner@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or calling 0303 444 5531.

Those who wish to participate in the inquiry virtually can also contact Worcestershire County Council (email: DevControlTeam@worcestershire.gov.uk or by calling 01905 843510.

A spokesperson for the Stop Lea Castle Farm Quarry group said: "This is not the time to sit back and think it will be sorted by others, we now need the entire communities to support to make a positive impact at this inquiry.

"We need the whole community to come together, Wolverley, Cookley, Broadwaters, Sion Hill, and Kidderminster, it is time to stand up and be counted.

"You all own the keys to your own destiny, clean air, peace and quiet, with open space to enjoy for future generations. Let us keep it that way".

Further inquiry dates include Wednesday, March 1 (09:30), Thursday, March 2 (09:30), Friday, March 3 (09:30), Tuesday, March 7 (09:30), Wednesday, March 8 (09:30), and Thursday,  March 9 2023 (09:30).