Planning applications for both the time extension and the Set Torrington Quarry area were recently considered by the North Yorkshire Council (NYC).
The quarry operated by Fenstone Minerals Ltd has expanded to 5.2 hectares, and the time extension was also required to retrieve the limestone.
Many residents of both Settlington and the neighbouring pods are concerned about the increased noise and the proposed increase in large numbers, and plans for the quarry truck route have allowed them to pass through both villages.
Also, concerns have been raised by the Parish Council of Settlington and Scabbards.
A spokesperson for the resident group said, “There was a lot of concern as the noise caused the expansion of the quarry, a significantly slower progress in recovery, and a significant increase in Rory has been proposed. Many of the quarry trucks were on the route through the centre of Set Torrington and the scabbards, up to the A64. The road is narrow, with sharp turns and narrow bridges near Set Torrington Elementary School. This route also passes through the new development of Scagglethorpe, where some properties are close to the road and parking is directly accessible from the road. There were many concerns as the NYC Planning Department confirmed that all trucks could take this route if needed. Furthermore, the recovery of the quarry to nature after the removal of stones was slow, and concerns were raised about this during the meeting.
“We were really fortunate that many residents contacted the North Yorkshire plan. We had great support from Caroline Goodrick and the scagglethorpe Parish Council (PC) councillors. We have made it clear to the councillors what the issue is and we have been listening and revising the operating conditions many times.
Set Torrington residents are very pleased that the quarry opening hours will improve and the number of quarries will decrease. Furthermore, crucially, quarry trucks will not be permitted through Settlington and Saaaugh Gresope. This is a significant change and means that in these applications quarry trucks are not allowed along already very busy routes. Due to restrictions on the county bridge in Malton, we are already using this route.
“I am truly pleased that all the hard work was rewarded and that we were very well supported on this issue. I am pleased that we have better conditions for both Set Torrington and the Scabbards. I cannot thank everyone who supported us in this job.
Members of the NYC Strategic Planning Committee approved expansion to the Settrington quarry with restoration of conservation habitats, subject to many conditions.
