Controversial Springwell Quarry extension approved - despite scores of objections

Thompsons of Prudhoe Ltd had applied to continue its recycling operations at the site which includes importing, sorting, crushing and screening non-hazardous materials.

Construction, demolition and excavation waste is currently transported to the quarry and transformed into aggregate for construction projects or for onward recycling.

With existing permissions for the quarry expected to lapse in February 2022, developers applied to continue works at the site alongside the storage of primary aggregate, production of concrete and some land filling.

The application was presented to Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (West) Committee for decision.

Around 69 objections were lodged against the plans, including comments from Springwell Village Residents Association and an objection letter signed by 25 residents.

Concerns ranged from dust, noise, traffic and mud on roads to impacts on heritage assets such as the Bowes Railway.

Council planners said the works extension was acceptable and recommended the plans for approval.

Meanwhile, Historic England added operations were “not likely to cause substantial harm to [the Bowes Railway’s] setting, nor significance.”

Since the application was received in 2016, quarry bosses have put several measures in place with the Environment Agency to improve operations on site and minimise disruption – from blocking up openings in the main building and installing roller shutters to enclosing/ moving equipment.

Additional works, as part of the planning application, include road resurfacing to the east of the site to reduce dust and noise and the construction of a ‘screening bund’ to the south.

This aims to prevent views into the quarry from the Bowes Railway and would act as a buffer to help reduce noise from the quarry.

Cllr Fiona Miller said it looked like the improvements at Springwell Quarry would “actually help the residents rather than hinder them.”

However, written objector statements from neighbours read out at the planning hearing suggested there were ongoing issues.

While describing the plans as a “worthy application” in terms of recycling, Cllr Dom Armstrong noted the concerns of residents around dust and noise.

Cllr Heather Fagan added: “I’m concerned about the dust more than anything else, I know some measures have already been put in place but it seems that that isn’t working for the residents.

“Personally I would like to see the residents being happy with the dust levels before anything like this went ahead – or to see reports of what is acceptable and where this site is at and what [the applicant] can do potentially to continue to improve the dust levels for the nearby residents.”

According to an applicant statement, operations at Springwell Quarry provide a “one-stop shop for the construction and utilities industry” serving several sites across Tyne and Wear and recycling 95% of imported waste.

The site also directly employs 24 people alongside many more indirect roles in areas such as security, maintenance and servicing.

Council planners said no direct complaints had been lodged with the planning authority about issues at the quarry but added there would be a raft of enforceable conditions to keep the development in check.

This includes the applicant producing an updated dust management plan within six months of the date of the permission.

Measures have also been put in place to reduce the ecological impacts on great crested newts, with quarry bosses set to approach Natural England for a licence to fulfil regulations, councillors were told.

Planning bosses added the plans met the “very special circumstances” needed to justify development in the Green Belt.

Following discussion, the plans were narrowly approved by the planning committee with a majority vote of 4-3.

Councillors Dom Armstrong, Heather Fagan and William Blackett voted against the application.

Due to the Green Belt location, the plans will now be sent to the Secretary of State for consideration.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions to sign up.

You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here: https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/

Thank you.