A SANDSTONE quarry closed for decades could be reopened if planning permission is given by North Yorkshire county council.

Operators say the quarry at Gayles, near Richmond, would be worked over the next 15 years with a maximum of five vehicles a day going out through Ravensworth and onto the A66.

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In the past it Is believed the quarry was used to provide stone for buildings around the area.

Stainton Quarry Limited, who currently operate near Barnard Castle, sent information around the community explaining their plans.

They said: “A maximum of 15,000 tonnes of stone will be extracted per year to produce dimensional stone products such as walling and masonry items for the construction industry.

“Gayles Quarry is located to the southeast of Gayles on the north facing slope of land that rises away from the village. The quarry was previously worked for sandstone up until the early 20th century and is likely to have provided stone for buildings in the locality.

"However, for various reasons, the extraction ceased, and the quarry has subsequently revegetated with grass and scattered trees, but there is still an important mineral reserve within this area.

“We propose to extract the sandstone block by mechanical means to minimise environmental impact on the surrounding area, lowering the risk of both noise and dust related issues and paying considerate attention to the ecology of the site and its surroundings.

"Established in 2007, Stainton Quarry Limited have gained extensive experience operating a sandstone quarry in a highly sensitive location by placing emphasis on not only the winning of minerals but also working alongside the local community to ensure site operation, daily activities and eventual restoration is carried out with upmost consideration to the local environment.

“A maximum of five vehicles per day will export the stone block from Gayles to our processing plant in Barnard Castle.

"To further minimise visual impact, the existing spoil mound along the northern site boundary will remain and be supplemented to the east with additional material, contoured in a manner that is in keeping with the existing landform.

“Once established the initial screening works, in conjunction with the east to west working scheme and considerate quarry design will create a seamless hillside, disguising the quarry workings when viewed from locations situated downhill to the north of the site.

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“The vehicles will go down the ‘tank road’ to Sturdy House Lane before going through Ravensworth to the A66. The road that runs to the north of the quarry is too steep for HGVs and wagons to negotiate.

The quarry company say the proposals have been discussed with planning officers from North Yorkshire County Council and a transport statement, noise assessment and landscape and visual impact assessment would accompany any planning application.

Gayles parish meeting is understood to have considered the scheme but did not respond to requests to comment.

Ravensworth Parish council is due to consider the development.

 

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