Quarry could use heritage railway line

Sherburn Stone proposes to create a quarry at Low Harperley, between Crook and Wolsingham, to extract sand and gravel to be used in concrete and asphalt over 16 years.

The site, which would create 15 jobs, would then be turned into a nature reserve with lakes suitable for fishing and other recreational pursuits.

Durham County Council’s planning committee will discuss the plans on Tuesday.

Planning officer Claire Teesdale has recommended they be approved.

She said no blasting would be carried out at the site, near the A689 between Crook and Wolsingham, with the sand and gravel removed by excavator.

A processing plant would be built so the materials could be crushed and graded and it is proposed to build a loading bay so they can be transported on Weardale Railway.

Five letters of objection have been sent to the council saying the development would reduce house prices and have a devastating effect on West Lodge, a Grade II-listed building near a proposed access track.

Residents also complained of their view of the River Wear being spoiled by an industrial site and the loss of tranquillity during working hours. The objectors also fear a rise in dust and noise and said the development would damage nearby streams and becks, which are spawning areas for wild salmon and sea trout.

Tourists who enjoy the “outstanding natural beauty, peace and tranquillity of Weardale” could also be driven away by the development, the objectors said.

The National Policing Improvement Agency, which recently opened a £15m forensic training centre at nearby Harperley Hall, is also objecting because of the potential for its work to be disturbed.

The council has received 40 letters of support.

Ms Teesdale said: “There is a need to ensure a steady supply of sand and gravel to help meet future needs.”

She said any damaging effects the industrial site could have would be reduced by measures taken. The meeting will be at County Hall at 2pm.