MP wades in to Marsden Quarry planning debate with shared 'concerns'
South Shields MP Emma Lewell has been having her say on the planning bid to extend the life of Marsden Quarry.
An MP is demanding full scrutiny of a planning bid which seeks to extend the operational life of a South Tyneside quarry – saying she fears for public health.
Emma Lewell has called on council chiefs to investigate the possibility that air and water pollution and coastal erosion may worsen if a time extension is given to Marsden Quarry.
The South Shields Labour MP says a complete analysis of risks should be conducted before the planning decision stage is reached – echoing the concerns of constituents who have contacted her.
And she wants a decision on quarry owner O’Brien Aggregate (Marsden) Limited’s bid to be decided by full planning committee, rather than a single council officer.
In response, O’Brien said it had all necessary site and compliance permits in place – and invited Ms Lewell to visit.
In May last year, the firm revealed it wanted to keep digging at the coastal pit until 2032, five years beyond its existing permissions.
It also wants the same time extension – but from 2029 to 2034 – to wind down operations and safely infill the site.
O'Brien has submitted a planning application to South Tyneside Council, but a decision date is yet to be fixed.
MP ‘echoes’ constituents’ concerns
In a letter to the council, Ms Lewell states she “echoes the concerns” of constituents and objects to the application for several reasons.
She says the most prominent is “regarding potential long term health risks, and that ultimately public health should be prioritised”.
Her letter adds: “Concerns have been raised that insufficient investigation has been carried out to assess potential public health risks that could be caused by an extension.
“My constituents request a full analysis of risks should be conducted before an extension is considered.”
Regarding dust levels, she said: “They would like to query if there has been an assessment of the makeup of the dust, and the potential harm it could cause.
“They feel extending the usage of the quarry could expose the public to several more years of dust emissions, which is particularly difficult for nearby residents who have chronic respiratory difficulties.
And on water pollution and coast erosion, the MP added: “Concerns have been raised about rising groundwater levels in the area, and how the quarry may be contributing to this rise.
“Residents are worried this could increase the risk of the household water supply being polluted and they would like to query if any investigations have been made in this regard.
“Residents raised concerns that extraction in the quarry could be attributing to the nearby coastal erosion, citing they often feel vibrations in their own home.”
Ms Lewell insisted the planning application should be decided by committee, telling the Gazette: “As a general principle, I don’t think one single officer should make that decision.”
As well as having relevant regulatory permissions, O’Brien said it was regularly inspected by the council and the Environment Agency and no concerns had been raised about its work.
‘No contact from MP’
A spokesperson added: “We have had no contact from the MP and if she has genuine concerns, she is welcome to come and visit the site.
“Our staff and local suppliers are also constituents, and we would appreciate a fair and balanced approach.”
South Tyneside Council confirmed the application would go to committee and Ms Lewell’s letter and concerns would be considered.