Posted on December 17, 2024
A planning application to extend the Misson Grey Sand Quarry eastwards is set to be decided by the Nottinghamshire County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee on 17 December.
The proposal, submitted by Misson Sand & Gravel Co. Limited, seeks approval to expand operations onto an additional 3.4 hectares of farmland, potentially yielding 400,000 tonnes of the distinctive Misson Grey Sand, used primarily in specialist mortars.
Located between the villages of Misson and Newington, the quarry is renowned for its grey-coloured sand, a rare resource in the Idle Valley. Operating since 2001, the site has seen multiple expansions to meet increasing demand, with significant permissions granted in 2005, 2011, and 2015. These extensions have progressively increased the quarry’s capacity and operational area.
The proposed eastward extension represents a time-sensitive opportunity for the operator, as reserves in previously worked areas near depletion. However, the recommendation to approve the plans acknowledges concerns regarding potential environmental and community impacts.
Transport Plans
A critical aspect of the proposed extension is the transport plan, designed to minimise disruption to local communities and ensure road safety. Key measures include:
- HGV Movements: The number of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements will remain capped at 15 trips per day (30 movements in and out). This aligns with current permissions and ensures traffic levels do not increase despite the extension.
- Routeing: All HGVs will be required to follow designated routes avoiding Misson village. Vehicles will enter and exit the site via Bawtry Road towards Newington and the A614, bypassing residential areas entirely. Clear signage and driver instructions will ensure compliance with this policy.
- Mud and Dust Control: To prevent mud and debris from affecting public roads, vehicles will continue to use on-site wheel-cleaning facilities, including rumble strips. Additional measures such as regular road sweeping and water sprays will be implemented during dry and windy conditions.
- Traffic Safety: Strict speed limits and load-covering requirements will be enforced, ensuring the safety and convenience of other road users in the area.
If approved, the extension would extend the quarry’s operational life by five years, with an annual output of 80,000 tonnes. A comprehensive restoration plan promises a mix of agricultural grasslands and biodiversity enhancements, including new woodland, acidic grasslands, and a dedicated sand martin nesting habitat. These measures align with the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan’s (MLP) focus on biodiversity-led restoration.
Given the quarry’s location in a flood-prone area, the Environment Agency has stipulated that a buffer zone and safeguards must be implemented to mitigate flood risks. Additionally, ecological surveys conducted as part of the application reveal that the site has a low baseline ecological value, which enables restorative efforts to deliver measurable biodiversity net gains.
