The proposals also include restoring a ‘hazardous’ waste site

A Cambridgeshire quarry could be expanded and restored and a waste site restored at the site. Cambridgeshire County Council has submitted a scoping application about Block Fen Quarry in Chatteris.

The scoping application proposes to extend the quarry and restore an inert, hazardous and stable non-reactive hazardous waste site. The plans could see mineral extraction take place on site and restoration of wet grasslands.

The applicant said the proposals could “extend the duration of the development by at least 15 years”. The scoping application was submitted to Fenland District Council (FDC). Other authorities consulted include the Environment Agency, Natural England, FDC, and other teams at Cambridgeshire County Council.

The EA raised concerns that the potential three excavation sites could be “potentially contaminative”. It said any possible contamination “should be given due consideration”. It suggested an environmental permit may be needed.

The EA also suggested a Hydrogeological Impact Appraisal (HIA) should be produced, to allow groundwater levels to be assessed. The EA didn’t raise any flood risks.

Natural England said more information needed to be provided on the handling, storing and reuse of peat in “order to minimise carbon loss and prevent its degradation”. It said: “A robust assessment of environmental impacts and opportunities based on relevant and up to date environmental information should be undertaken prior to a decision on whether to grant planning permission.”

FDC also requested a number of specific requirements for assessments, including the ecological impact assessment, hydrogeological risk assessment, and the cumulative impact the extension and waste site could have on the environment.

The county council addressed a number of concerns in a scoping opinion letter. It said the “daily number of HGV movements” would not exceed those that were previously consented for Block Fen Quarry and the Witcham Meadlands Quarry, another approved quarry next to the proposed site.

The mineral extraction would not be close to homes and the hours of operation would be permitted to 7am until 7pm from Mondays to Fridays and 7am until 1pm on Saturdays. The council said it has also “taken into consideration” the other concerns raised by the consulted authorities.