PLANS for a temporary mineral quarry on farm land in Wolverley have been unveiled prompting concerns from nearby residents.

NRS Aggregates Ltd is looking to occupy around 45 hectares of the former Lea Castle site to extract potentially 300,000 tonnes of sand and gravel per year before restoring the land once their operation is complete.

The news has prompted concerns amongst residents who are worried about the potential impact of noise and dust pollution, increase in traffic and harm to wildlife.

The company has submitted a ‘scoping opinion’ application to Worcestershire County Council, which is designed to set out what issues must be considered before a formal planning application is submitted in future.

NRS said the plans are in a very early stage and assured residents and other interested parties that they will be given the chance to comment formally once a planning application is submitted.

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I for one did not choose to live in Wolverley for the articulated lorries, increased noise levels, and pollution - if I wanted that I’d live in a city.

“The devastation to the landscape, unacceptable impact on traffic, pollution and harm to wildlife is something that instantly springs to mind.”

West Midlands MEP James Carver added: “There are many issues to consider, not least the impact of noise and dust on nearby homes and the effect of an increased number of lorries on local roads.”

In the scoping opinion application, Kedd Ltd - who are the NRS’ agents for the development - said detailed phased working and restoration schemes will be submitted as part of any future planning application.

A spokesman added: “We are at the very first stage of this and the consultation starts now really.

“We have already started contacting the parish council and neighbours and there will be a detailed consultation and opportunities for people to comment once a planning application is submitted.”

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman added: "This is an application for a scoping opinion in relation to the proposed sand and gravel quarry and restoration scheme and will determine what must be considered before a formal planning application is submitted.

"If a planning application is submitted in the future, all interested parties – including members of the public - will then have the opportunity to comment formally. We will then follow the statutory requirements for consultation and publicity if and when a planning application is received."

The proposal can be seen here