HAUGHTON STROTHER
Haughton Strother was identified in the Northumberland Mineral Local Plan as a preferred area for sand and gravel extraction in 1997. In the opinion of the mineral planning authority the proposal development would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and the local community.
Thompsons of Prudhoe were notified about the quarry in 1997 to fulfill all of the planning requirements a number of studies were undertaken including; Sand and Gravel Investigations, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Archaeological Investigations and Cultural Heritage Reports. The ongoing planning process continued until the planning authority was satisfied that the companies proposals would comply with all of the planning conditions. On the 1st November 2005 all of the information gathered during the planning process was collated and presented to the Planning Committee. After discussing the conditions and reviewing the information presented, planning permission was granted.
Description of Development
The development will comprise of the extraction of sand and gravel over a 15 year period at a rate of 120,000 – 150,000 tonnes per annum. Overall it is anticipated that a total of 1.9 million tonnes of material would be extracted from the quarry. Site workings has been divided into 4 phases and annual phasing plans are included as part of the application. These phasing plans detail the proposed workings, including soil stripping, excavation and restoration, which would occur each year. It is also proposed to plant additional trees around the river edge of the site and a hedgerow to the north of Haughton Strother. A new vehicular track, for the use by fisherman, would be created to the south of the site leading to the river bank. The main plant on site would be one tracked excavator, a dump truck, loading shovel and tractor and towed bowser unit.
The material extracted from Haughton Strother will not be processed on site to minimise disturbance to the environment. The material will be transported seven miles to Thornbrough Quarry, Corbridge where the sand and gravel will be processed and distributed. The planning application for the retention of the processing plant and associated equipment at Thornbrough Quarry was also granted on the 1st November 2005.
