A QUARRYING firm says it is going back to the drawing board over its plans to extend its site near Clearwell.

Breedon Aggregates says it is withdrawing its current application for Stowe Hill Quarry which had generated much local opposition.

That plan for an extension of Stowe Hill Quarry included the retention of the mineral processing plant at Clearwell Quarry.

Breedon says the new application, which will be submitted to Glou­cestershire County Coun-

cil, will mean the relocation of the processing plant towards the centre of the extension and further away from nearby housing.

The plans will go on show at an exhibition at Clearwell hall on Wed­nesday, November 25 between 3pm and 7pm.

A spokesman for Breedon said: “After careful consideration of the views of the local community and consultation with local councillors and planning officers, Breedon Aggregates has decided to withdraw its original planning application for the extension of Stowe Hill Quarry, which included the retention of its mineral processing plant at Clearwell Quarry.

“Breedon is in the process or preparing a revised planning application for the extension, which will include the relocation of the processing plant into Stowe Hill Quarry itself, and the construction of a new access road onto the B4228 Coleford to St Briavels Road.

“Under the revised scheme, the processing plant will be located towards the centre of the proposed extension and therefore remote from nearby housing, whilst the new access road will take traffic away from Breedon’s neighbours on the Shop House to Stowe Green road.

“The company will also commit to substantial investment to significantly improve plant operations and minimise their environmental impact, including effective controls over noise and dust.

“An added benefit of the revised scheme is that it will enable the early reinstatement of the Clearwell Quarry void, which will be sensitively restored to a mixture of arable pasture and woodland, whilst seeking to increase the levels of biodiversity on the site.

Tim Hall, chief executive of Breedon Aggregates England, said: “We are acutely aware of our responsibility to the local community around Clearwell and Stowe Hill and have listened carefully to the views of local people over the last few months.

“We believe our revised plan addresses their concerns and will minimise the impact of future quarrying operations on both the community and the environment, while enabling us to deliver the highest possible operational standards.

“This is a strategically important site, providing high-quality products for use by local businesses and in building vital local infrastructure.

“It supports substantial economic activity in the Forest of Dean through direct and indirect employment, significant expenditure with local companies, and payment of local and national taxes.

“We look forward to continuing our contribution to the local economy for many years to come.”

Clerk to Newland Parish Council, Richard Crighton, told the Review: “The fact is that Breedon have not yet actually withdrawn their planning applications.

“That will be done contemporaneously with the delivery of the new applications.

“That will take place after a public exhibition has been held by the company. This will take place at Clearwell Hall, on Wednesday November 25, between 3pm and 7pm.

“That will probably be the first chance we get to see the revised plans.”