Don’t let more quarrying destroy our countryside

WITH reference to the Moor End South site article in the Examiner last Thursday please see the before and during pictures of the mess and destruction caused to the countryside during quarrying.

The current view (pictured left) of the proposed site in Crosland Moor, I fear will become an eyesore (like the one on the right) if permission is granted to extract stone. It will never return as good quality agricultural land.

The council needs to assess the impact upon the environment and the road safety of all, once large construction plant is allowed to trail the current country lanes and the notoriously dangerous crossroads on Arborary Lane, as well as other crossings.

Many a driver has become victim of these dangerous junctions without the inevitable large plant vehicles to negotiate.

In fact, there has just been yet another accident at the Intake Lane/ Nopper Road junction.

Regarding the restoration of the land after quarrying, I am concerned that Johnson Quarries do not do this properly as previous land they have quarried near Sandy Lane is no longer productive agricultural land.

Rain water just runs off the land down the track and on to Sandy Lane, like a river at times.

This water was previously absorbed by the soil structure which brings me to the conclusion that very little topsoil was replaced to absorb the rain water.

What has already happened on the previously and present quarried areas is, I believe, contrary to national planning policy framework, as requiring good design is a key aspect and should contribute positively to making places better for people and the environment.

There is also a patchwork of historical dry-stone walls, which may not be replaced correctly, if at all and will therefore be lost forever.