A SECOND public inquiry has begun into a plan to build a sand and mineral quarry near Kidderminster.

The controversial plan would see three million tonnes of minerals extracted over nine years at Lea Castle Farm, between the villages of Wolverley and Cookley.

Developers NRS Aggregates says materials from the quarry will supply much-needed aggregates to maintain local roads and build new housing.

The inquiry is being held at Stourport Manor Hotel, with concerned residents appearing in full force on the opening day.

At the inquiry's opening day on Tuesday, November 5, Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier, spoke about the "potentially irreversible environmental damage" and health concerns over pollution. 

Mr Garnier said: "There's a sense of terrible deja vu coming back to us all here. I've been supporting the excellent campaign group which has been led by Mike Lord over these outrageous plans.

"Democratically elected councillors, me, the community and a planning inspector are all in agreement, the proposed quarry is simply a bonkers idea.

"The quarry will threaten our environment, our communities, and the health of our children. So it is more vital than ever that the planning inspectorate upholds the decision to reject it for a second time.

"If approved, this quarry would involve extracting three million tonnes of minerals over a span of nine years leaving behind a baron crater void of any natural habitat.

"Wildlife would be driven away, vegetation would be decimated and noise and air pollution would disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystem".

"It's unacceptable to gamble with the health of nearby residents. Thousands of people including children and elderly would be directly impacted by possible pollution from the quarry".

The plan for the quarry was previously rejected by Worcestershire County Council, but applicants NRS Aggregates appealed against the decision. 

The first public inquiry was held last year where a decision was made by an inspector to throw out the quarry proposal.

But this was quashed by the High Court following a judicial review.

The Inquiry is scheduled to run until Friday, November 15 2024. The Inquiry is being live-streamed and is available to view on Worcestershire County Council’s YouTube channel.