We won’t damage henges - Tarmac (From The Northern Echo)

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We won’t damage henges - Tarmac

10:53am Wednesday 20th August 2008 in News Photograph of the Author By Nicola Fenwick

Site at centre of protests

A COMPANY that submitted a plan for a controversial quarry extension close to the site of a 5,000-year-old monument has answered its critics.

Tarmac Northern operates at Nosterfield Quarry, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, near the Thornborough Henges.

It wants to extract 1.1million tonnes of sand and gravel from 31 hectares of land at nearby Ladybridge Farm, half a mile from the henges.

Permission was granted in January last year, despite opposition from the Friends of Thornborough Henges (FTH) and heritage group Time- Watch.

In December, FTH challenged the legality of the handling of the application by North Yorkshire County Council on eight counts.

The county council quashed its decision and Tarmac submitted a fresh application with up-to-date archaeology, hydrology and environmental reports.

Yesterday, Tarmac’s district manager for Yorkshire, Alan Coe, spoke to The Northern Echo in a bid to set the record straight.

He said: “We in no way want to demolish anything of interest.

“There is obviously interest because of what we are trying to do here. It’s a case of let’s turn every blade of grass.”

Before Tarmac starts work, investigations will take place.

Topsoil will be removed and archaeologists will look for signs that something of interest lies beneath. Work cannot continue until archaeological efforts have been exhausted.

Mr Coe said Tarmac had no intention – and no right – to quarry anywhere near the henges, which are a scheduled ancient monument, protected by English Heritage.

Critics have suggested the company quarry elsewhere, but Mr Coe said it is not that simple. “There is a shortage of sand and gravel and there is a need for it,” he said.

He also said the positive part the quarry played in the local community was undervalued.

Nosterfield Quarry employs 15 staff, works with haulier Alfred Hymans of Ripon and supplies local businesses.

While quarrying is ongoing at Nosterfield, much of the land has been restored. It now has a lake – Lake Flask – which is home to hundreds of birds including swans and herons.

It has cultivated reed beds and an area of magnesium grass, and created 2,500 metres of paths.

If permission is granted, Tarmac has pledged to do similar work at Ladybridge.

Mr Coe said: “We are very hopeful that we will have a positive decision for the quarry to continue, which will ensure we can supply to the area and provide the employment for the lads who work here.”

Officers are expected to recommend approval of the application, which will be considered on Tuesday.

Comments(22)

sebsed says...
8:24pm Wed 20 Aug 08

Just because there is a need for it does not make it right, sorry should have said a greed for it. Surely less need now with the building downturn anyhows. Cursory exam of topsoil - what's the point at all - odds are finds will be lower down! Employment might be affected, yes, I and my husband have had to re-train, it is quite common nowadays! Maybe if we looked more closely at the past we would gain valuable insight for our future!