A local Lib Dem councillor for North Aycliffe and Middridge has called a planning application, for landfilling a quarry, to committee.
Middridge Quarry, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is proposed to be used for landfill.
Councillor Michael Stead says of the proposals, “There is the potential of significant impact on residents in the village and the surrounding areas of Shildon and Newton Aycliffe.
“I have asked for this to be determined at committee so that residents have the opportunity to raise their concerns in public.
“I am increasingly concerned about the impact this plan will have on the international status the quarry has as one of the most important geological sites in the World as well as the impact on the wider area.”
The councillor has delivered letters and posters to every household in Middridge and is supporting residents in challenging the proposals. A public meeting arranged by the Lib Dem councillor was held in Middridge last Sunday evening.
Issues raised included the problem of HGVs taking heavy rubble and waste to the site which will impact other areas.
Residents in Newton Aycliffe and Shildon are asked to put in their own individual objections to the plans.
There are serious concerns that as the quarry is an internationally recognised site, any use of it for landfill would send a message that the UK is not interested in protecting sites of geological importance.
The quarry is also home to an abundance of wildlife and the County Council’s ecology department has commented regarding the plans that “no assessment of losses of biodiversity have been undertaken for the site.”
The Council goes on to say that this is a requirement of planning policy. The Quarry was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which was established in 1979.
It was opened in the nineteenth century to provide stone for the construction of the Stockton and Darlington Railway
Details online from Middridge Parish Council’s site explain the significance of the site.
The quarry is excavated limestone which, at its lowest level, has yielded the most varied Permian flora in the UK.
Fossils from the quarry have included several species of fish and reptiles, numerous invertebrates and plants, and the site is considered of international paleontological importance.
Residents have until the 29th December to send in their comments on the application by logging in at https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk. Alternatively you can email planning@durham.gov.uk or write to Planning, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ. In all cases quote the planning reference DM/22/02110/WAS.