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Firm's bid brings new battle at Ding Quarry

Bethan Dorsett
20/10/2007

A PLAN which could signal the re-opening of a Lanehead quarry, once at the heart of a massive public protest, has been handed in to Rochdale Council.

Welsh company D P Williams Holdings Ltd wants to begin mineral works at Ding Quarry, off Rooley Moor Road.

It is the same firm which caused outrage in 1995 with a bid to start working on Ding, with worried families gathering to block the path of lorries.

They feared extra traffic would turn their roads into death traps for children. Following a campaign, the council imposed extra conditions on the firm.

It was told that it would have to mine under stringent conditions approved by the council, as the quarry had lain dormant for over 50 years. The firm insisted it had never stopped quarrying and was extracting 150,000 tons of stone a year.

Now it looks likely to cause controversy again, as the firm has submitted an application to determine the conditions by which it has to work.

Among those with grave concerns is Councillor Elwyn Watkins, who said: “This work will start over my dead body.

“Ten years ago, 2,000 people fought against this plan and I am sure these people will be willing to do the same again.

“This quarry has not been opened for a long time and it is unacceptable that it should be re-opened.”

MP Paul Rowen agreed reopening the quarry would signal a ‘disaster’ for local people. “Over 10 years ago the whole town united against the proposal and we shall do so again,” he said.

“The protests last time were huge and I have no doubt that these will increase. I would encourage everyone to stand united against this.

“It was not right 10 years ago and it is certainly not right now."

When contacted, the applicant referred the Observer to its consultants Carter Jonas LLP, but they were unavailable for comment.

The council’s planning department is keen to hear the public’s views on the application. Alan Whale, development control manager, said: “Legally the council cannot refuse the application and DP Williams has permission to quarry that goes back to 1949.

“However, the council can still place conditions on that permission.

“So it is vital that any views on the application and representations on the proposed conditions are sent to the council as soon as possible and certainly before the end of the official consultation period on 19 November.”

The firm has also submitted an environmental statement, which assesses issues like traffic and noise.