Quarry change would mean 200 extra HGV journeys on Ashfield roads each day

But the Mansfield-based operators insist the extra lorries would have no noticeable, adverse impact on traffic, noise or air pollution in the area.

Nottinghamshire County Council has received a planning application from highly respected sand and gravel supplier, Mansfield Sand Company, to vary conditions attached to its work at Two Oaks Quarry on Coxmoor Road in Sutton.

The family company, which has been in existence for more than 180 years, owns the huge quarry, which spans 248 acres, or 100.4 hectares, and has permission to develop it over a period of 20 years.

However, it also owns and operates a brickworks at Crown Farm Way in Mansfield, where it is wanting to extend the brick production facilities.

And in order to achieve this, it needs to remove sand and transport it to Two Oaks for processing, which is why extra HGV journeys are required.

The current conditions of planning permission allow Mansfield Sand no more than 400 HGV movements (200 in and 200 out) per day – except for the period April to September when 600 can be made.

Over the course of any calendar year, the total HGV movements must not exceed 71,000 (35,500 in and 35,500 out).

However, the company is now seeking a temporary amendment, which would allow 600 journeys per day all year round. This would enable about 200,000 tonnes of sand to be imported from Crown Farm Way to Two Oaks Quarry within a 12-week period.

Once all the sand has been moved, the number of journeys would revert back to the original schedule.

The Sutton quarry’s working hours are 6.30 am to 7.30 am on Mondays to Fridays and 7.30 am to 12 midday on Saturdays, but a planning statement, supporting the application, suggests Mansfield Sand would be willing to restrict HGV journeys to between 7 am and 5 pm if required.

That statement says: “The quarry has been in operation since 2014, with no problems associated with the control of HGV traffic travelling to and from the site.

"The temporary increase of HGV movements would have no adverse impacts on the ongoing quarry development programme.

"It could also be carried out with no adverse effects on the highway network and operation of a nearby traffic light-controlled junction, and would have no impact upon nearby communities.”

The statement also insists the change would not have a damaging effect on noise levels, air emissions, ecology, flood risks, the landscape and agriculture. A dust-emissions management plan would be adhered to.

The quarry site is generally surrounded by agricultural land, with occasional pockets of woodland and a few minor watercourses.

The nearest properties are Coxmoor House, some 500 metres to the west, and Forest Farm, about 1,000 metres to the south.

Ashfield District Council’s planning officers have been asked for their comments on the proposal.

But it is understood that the proposed extra 200 HGVs per day falls well below the criteria threshold, especially given that nearby Derby Road carries 20,000 vehicles per day, including 2,800 HGVs.

Mansfield Sand, which has its headquarters at Sandmartin House on Oak Tree Lane in Mansfield, currently employs almost 100 full-time staff.

Since the 1980s, it has grown a solid, nationwide reputation as a specialist supplier of a comprehensive range of materials for the construction and maintenance of sports, landscape and equestrian surfaces.

Its extensive portfolio of clients includes some of the most prestigious sports venues, including golf courses, across the UK and Europe.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/