Opposition continues to mount over Stanley quarry plans

Wakefield Sand and Gravel Ltd has submitted plans to begin digging in two fields for approximately 11 years before transforming it into a beauty spot with fishing lakes and a nature reserve.

Despite this, more than 76 letters of objection have so far been sent to Wakefield Council, with many saying it is inappropriate for green belt land, and have concerns over pollution.

The two fields earmarked cover a total of 22 hectares and are separated by the River Calder.

The first sits on the south side of the river close to where Ferry Road meets Birkwood Road, with the second field opposite Stanley Waste Treatment Water Works, off Water Lane.

Support for the project has come from the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) and Commercial Boat Operators Association (CBOA).

Sand and gravel would not leave the quarry on local roads, as a new wharf on the canal is planned to transport the cargo by barge to a concrete plant at the side of the river in Dewsbury.

The IWA said: “This is an opportunity to develop low energy, low-carbon water transport in line with local and national transport policies which could be an exemplar from a national as well as a local perspective.”

Wakefield Sand and Gravel Ltd says the only other sauce of quality sand and gravel in West Yorkshire is in Dewsbury which is already being excavated.

The Stanley site would become the prime source once Dewsbury’s is exhausted.

The company maintains that it has not been able to carry out a public consultation event because to the pandemic, but people can still view the plans online and have their say.