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In total, the application, if granted, will extract 2.2 million tonnes of sand and gravel from this 45.74 hectare site over four years at 550,000 tonnes per year. In order to work to the maximum depth of gravel, the quarry will extract from beneath the water table, as a result the remaining site will be left largely as lakes and marginal land. Tarmac currently own and operate Nosterfield Quarry, next to the proposed site. This has an output of 500,000 tonnes per annum. In order to ensure most efficient use of the plant equipment, Tarmac have also applied to extend the life of Nosterfield Quarry by four years. This will allow the existing gravel processing equipment to remain in situ rather than needing to be relocated. The sand and gravel extracted from Ladybridge will be transported to the processing plant in Nosterfield Quarry by conveyor belt, which will pass through a proposed tunnel under the public road between the two sites. After the quarry has been completed, Tarmac propose to return the site primarily as four lakes covering an area of 29.1 hectares. Approximately 10% of this area will be set aside for nature conservation. The remaining lakes have a declared after use of "Passive Recreation" which is a term open to a wide interpretation, but could include hunting and fishing. Most of the remaining site will be left as marginal space surrounding the lakes with the exception of 6.5ha which will be restored as arable farmland. Tarmac have committed to managing this site for twenty-five years after extraction has been completed.
Tarmac's restoration plan for Ladybridge. Impacts All large-scale quarries such as this have a significant local and national impact. Within the planning application Tarmac have submitted an Environmental Statement that lists the more commonly recognised impacts. We have put together a list of the more significant impacts, these are: Loss of nearly 100 acres of good quality arable land - contrary to council policy. Loss of a significant and irreplaceable heritage landscape, affecting the setting of one of Britain's most important ancient sites. Contrary to UK Gov. PPG16. Continued quarrying in an area not accepted for such operations within the North Yorkshire County Council Local Mineral's Plan - contrary to council policy. Loss of a large number of irreplaceable and nationally important archaeological features. Contrary to UK Gov. PPG16. Loss of a significant area of important feeding and roosting grounds used by protected bird species frequenting an important area for nature conservation next door to the site, as well as continued industrial disturbance to the same. Loss of local landscape and amenity - a significant and dramatic change in the local setting, an increase in industrial traffic, noise, dust, erratic local water table, loss of local farming jobs. Creation of an intensive Cattle fattening regime at Ladybridge Farm - in order to make up for income lost to the farm, the application will force 244 cattle into fattening sheds. Loss of land that is regarded as spiritually important to a significant portion of the UK population. Potential loss of organic archaeological remains within the major monuments of the Thornborough henges due to the reduced water table causing wet-preserved remains to desiccate.
The major ritual areas to the north of the Thornborough Henges |
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