BOSSES at a South Tyneside quarry who are bidding to extend crushing and recycling work have been backed by planners.
Despite objections by nearby residents, planning officials are recommending that Owen Pugh Aggregates be given permission to continue to process the construction industry waste at Marsden Quarry.
The firm has been carrying out the work at the site on the Coast Road in Whitburn since July 2011 under planning approval which was only granted on a 18-month trial basis.
Now the company is hoping to make the arrangement permanent and has applied for planning permission to do so.
That has angered some residents in nearby Mill Lane, Whitburn, who had hoped the site would be converted into a coastal park.
They claim their lives have been made a misery by a constant flow of trucks travelling to and from the nearby quarry.
Objector Ronnie Fenwick, of Mill Lane, is to raise his concerns to members of the council’s planning committee on Monday.
In a report to the committee, he says: “The quarry already causes problems with wind-blown dust, and to allow a permanent site will mean a permanent aggregate factory and dust problems from brick, concrete and industrial substances affecting the surrounding residents.”
Bosses at Owen Pugh Aggregates have pledged to work with their neighbours to ease these concerns.
John Briggs, estates and development manager, said: “This is an application to continue the existing operation at the quarry.
“We are not looking to increase the number of lorries or the working hours.
“As regards noise and dust, we are not seeking any changes to the permitted levels and there has been no increase evident since recycling commenced on the site.
“Additionally, no change is being sought to the quarrying or landfill operations at the site.
“We believe we are good neighbours and we want to remain good neighbours as long as we are here.”
Members will be recommended to agree the proposal with a condition that a wheel-wash facility is maintained on site and that agreed measures are taken to prevent dust emissions.
The council planning committee is to meet at the Town Hall at 10am on Monday.
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