Moota Quarry
Welcome to our community consultation website
Welcome
Breedon is bringing forward plans for a southwest lateral extension to the existing Moota Quarry. The plans also include the full restoration of the old Northern Quarry.
Moota Quarry is an active limestone quarry that has been a crucial source of aggregates and coated roadstone to the Cumbrian construction market since 1949. However, the site’s current planning permission is due to expire in December 2024 and we are looking to submit a planning application in the near future to extend operations.
This application, if approved, will secure four million tonnes of high-quality limestone supply over its 20-year lifespan with 200,000 tonnes of aggregate and coated roadstone being sold per year.
This is a vital supply of minerals which will significantly contribute to the local economy and retain local employment.
The proposed extension would use the same quarrying methods as those in the existing quarry. Likewise, the existing processing plant, the site access off the A595, transport movements, hours of operation, and employment numbers will remain unchanged.
We are currently refining our plans for the quarry and want to engage with residents to keep everyone informed about the proposed extension and overall progress of the development.
This consultation website provides more information about the plans and an opportunity to provide your feedback as well as for us to address any questions you may have.
Public Exhibition
We are holding a public exhibition where attendees can meet the development team and ask questions.
The event will be held at Blindcrake Village Hall on Tuesday 11th July from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.
There is no requirement to register for the event, residents are invited to just drop-in!
the site
Located 5km north of Cockermouth and just off the A595, the site is ideally positioned to provide strategic access to a wide range of businesses in the region’s construction market particularly those in North and West Cumbria.
The access road and plant are well established and have tree planting to provide some screening from outside views and the actual working area is visible only from limited viewpoints.
The site includes the extraction area as identified on the map opposite as well as:
- The existing mineral processing area
- The existing site access from the A595
- The former quarry area to the north – included for restoration.
THe PLANS
The southwest extension to Moota Quarry measures approximately 22 hectares. The proposals will include the continued use of the existing access road, plant site and stocking area.
The quarry will be worked in three phases with operations beginning in the east and moving west which will allow progressive restoration.
Soil removed from the site in preparation for quarrying will be stored along the south and south-western boundary to create screening bunds. Additionally, trees and shrubs will be planted along the southern boundary to screen the site, creating long-term habitats and providing a link to the existing wildlife networks.
The plans also include the full restoration of the old Northern Quarry. This area will be restored to grassland with enhanced habitats through the planting of woodland trees and scrub, as well as the creation of ponds and wetlands. The area will be managed to create a range of high biodiversity habitats.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Breedon is committed to working closely with the local community, to ensure transparency and understanding of our operations. Our consultation aims to keep local residents informed about the extension plans and the overall progress of the quarry. We also aim to engage with the local community to gather feedback and address any questions they may have.
The consultation will run for two weeks, closing on Wednesday 19th July 2023.
Please take the time to read through the additional information provided in the virtual brochure.
Once you have read through the brochure, please click here to have your say on the plans.
THe BENEFITS
Moota Quarry has played an important role in the local economy and community for over 70 years.
The proposed extension builds on the existing benefits delivered through the quarry. The extension will:
Protect jobs for local people, including the current 14 full-time staff at the quarry area as well as an additional 18 in the local supply chain and eight contract hauliers.
Ensure a substantial and sustainable supply of local aggregate, which will support North and West Cumbria's construction market and contribute to the region's infrastructure development while minimising distances HGVs may need to travel.
Provide a significant biodiversity gain of at least 10% in relation to the extension area and further biodiversity benefits with completion of the old Northern Quarry restoration and restoration of the existing working area. In total over 150 acres of land will be created and managed for nature conservation over the next 20 years.
Financial contribution for local services through business rates and contribution to the local economy.
At Breedon, we prioritise being an active and responsible member of the community. We strive to go beyond our day-to-day operations and engage in activities that serve the community’s best interests.
Breedon would welcome the opportunity to help with local community projects now and in the future.
The process
The extended quarry will follow the same working practices as currently approved, with the quarry being worked in three phases, from east to west.
The process for quarrying limestone is described below:
step 1: Prepare
The first step in the process to extract rock would involve stripping of the topsoil, subsoil and any overburden (clay) to reveal the rock.
The soils would be used to form a bund around the boundary of the extraction area.
step 2: limestone extraction
Once the rock has been exposed, the limestone can start to be extracted.
The extraction process involves the use of controlled charges to break the rock into smaller pieces that can then be more easily moved to the processing plant.
Step 3: Mineral Processing & Export
The broken rock would then be loaded into dump trucks by an excavator and transported to the processing plant.
The rock would then be loaded into the crushing and screening plant for processing. The process breaks and separates the rock into a range of sizes.
Processed rock would then be loaded into HGVs and transported to customers on the public road network.
PLANNING PROCESS
Planning applications for mineral development are usually dealt with by specialist Mineral Planners at Cumberland Council (previously Cumbria County Council). The extension of Moota Quarry would be considered an important and significant proposal that would be subject to very rigorous and detailed assessment by the Council. The planning application when submitted will also need to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement.
The Environmental Statement is a document prepared based on the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
We will shortly submit an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping report to Cumberland Council.
What do these key terms mean?
SCOPING REPORT
A scoping report is part of the EIA process. It is a report that requests the opinion of the Local Planning Authority (including other Consultees) the content and extent of the information to be included in an EIA.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
An EIA is a systematic process that evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed development. It aims to identify, predict, and assess the likely impacts on the local area, as well as proposed measures to mitigate or manage these impacts. The EIA for Moota Quarry will consider several factors, including:
- Landscape and views
- Biodiversity
- Cultural heritage
- Climate change
- Ground conditions
- Air quality
- Noise
- Vibration
- Water resources
- Transport
The assessment provides decision-makers with valuable information to make informed choices and ensure sustainable development while minimising adverse environmental impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (ES)
An ES summarises the findings of the EIA and is submitted along with a planning application to help the Council make an informed decision regarding the impacts of a development.
ABOUT US
Breedon is a leading construction materials group operating in Great Britain and Ireland. Breedon is dedicated to providing high-quality construction materials and services that shape the modern landscape.
With 320 sites and a team of 3,700 skilled professionals, Breedon has established itself as a trusted supplier of aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, and specialist construction products. From the foundations of homes, hospitals and workplaces to the surfaces of roads, runways, and leisure spaces, our materials are fundamental in constructing and enhancing vital infrastructure across the British Isles.
Breedon’s Core – Sustainability
Breedon is committed to sustainability, and this is reflected in our purpose:
“Our purpose is to make a material difference to the lives of our colleagues, customers & communities and our products play an essential part in creating a sustainable built environment for everyone.”
Sustainability at the Core of Breedon’s Operations
As a responsible business, we recognise the importance of minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices throughout our operations. From responsible sourcing and efficient processing of raw materials to eco-friendly transportation and recycling initiatives, we strive to continually improve our environmental performance. By encouraging a positive approach to health, safety, and the environment, we ensure that our operations contribute to the overall wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Our sustainability strategy and framework focuses on three key areas: Planet, People and Places.
Planet – making a positive material difference to the natural environment.
We are committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2050 by managing resources responsibly and creating a positive impact on nature.
In the shorter term, our 2030 target is to achieve a 30% reduction in gross carbon intensity per tonne of cementitious product.
People – making a positive material difference to society.
Making our business a great place to work is essential as we rely on our 3,700 colleagues to deliver for our customers every day.
We go above and beyond our day-to-day operations through fundraising and volunteering in the communities we work in. In 2022 alone we donated £318,087 towards some incredible charities.
Our 2030 target is to positively impact 100,000 people.
Places – making a positive material difference to the built environment.
Our innovative, lower-carbon products can contribute towards creating a more sustainable built environment.
Our 2030 target is to achieve 50% of sales revenue from products with enhanced sustainability.
YOUR VIEWS
Thank you for your interest in the consultation on the extension of Moota Quarry. The consultation has now closed. The consultation ran from Tuesday 4th July to Wednesday 19th July 2023.
CONTACT US
- You can speak to a member of the team on 0333 358 0502 (Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:30pm)
- You can email us at mootaquarry@havingyoursay.co.uk
