Grange Top Quarry in Ketton has shared plans to expand.

Following last week's public consultation, Hanson Cement has put out a call for feedback from residents surrounding the quarry regarding the plans and proposals of the proposed expansion.

Ketton cement works supplies between 10-15% of the UK's annual cement requirement, providing local jobs and national resources.

It relies on the adjacent Grange Top quarry for the materials it uses in cement manufacture, but at current extraction rates, the team expect existing mineral reserves at the quarry to run out in the early 2030s. As such, they are seeking to extend the extraction area at Grange Top to secure the supply of raw materials and long-term future of the cement works. 

A spokesperson for Hanson Cement said: "Our proposed extension areas, Northwest Land and Field 14, form part of the mineral reserves identified by Rutland County Council (RCC) as having the potential to contribute to the county's essential supply of cement. This means both areas are already recognised by RCC as areas for future mineral extraction to meet the needs of the construction industry and help drive economic growth. 

"Our planning application will encompass the proposed extension areas as well as the existing quarry and restoration scheme. Consolidating permissions at Grange Top quarry will allow for a single planning permission with one set of conditions to cover all mineral extraction operations and restoration schemes going forward. 

"Significantly, our plans do include the construction of a new 3km access road northward from the cement works across our site to a new roundabout junction with the A606, to the west of Shacklewell Hollow. Once constructed, all HGVs will use this new route, with 95 per cent of traffic travelling east along the A606 to the A1. This investment will substantially reduce Hanson HGV traffic on the A6121 High Street /Stamford Road passing through Ketton and Tinwell."

Plans also include new and upgraded public rights of way which have been designed to give priority to recreational users and the team hope will greatly enhance connectivity in the local area.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been carried out to identify any potential impacts of the plans and how they can be mitigated.

Particular attention has been paid to landscape and visual impacts, with proposed mitigation measures including retaining perimeter hedgerows, screening the new parts of the quarry with landscaped screening bunds to protect views, contain noise and minimise dust.

No changes are proposed to quarry operating hours, which are 7am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 7am – 1pm on Saturdays. There are also no changes to the processing facilities at Ketton cement works proposed in this application.

This proposal is currently in the pre-application stage, which is about sharing information about the proposal and gathering public feedback ahead of finalising the proposal.

The team are keen to receive feedback from residents and stakeholders to help shape their final proposals.

The deadline for submitting feedback is 23.59 on 10 August 2023. 

Have your say on the Hanson website.