A SCHEME to build a sand quarry in Cranage and Allostock looks set to be given the green light – despite attracting more than 1,000 objections.

Belgian firm Sibelco wants to extract 3.3 million tonnes of sand from Rudheath Lodge Farm over a 12-year period, with a further two years to complete its restoration.

The site crosses the border between east and west Cheshire, and Cheshire East Council narrowly approved the controversial move at a strategic planning board meeting on April 4.

A final decision could be made by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee on Thursday – and CWAC officers are recommending the scheme for approval.

In a report issued ahead of this week’s meeting in Winsford, officers said: “The proposed development would provide a supply of silica sand to meet an ongoing need for a nationally significant resource.

“Other benefits include the restoration back to agricultural use and wildlife conservation, and the provision of a footpath for long-term public amenity use.”

The report says that the quarry would not have a severe impact on neighbouring roads, the natural environment or the landscape.

It adds that drainage in the area could be kept under control, measures can be put in place to avoid interference with Jodrell Bank, and that any adverse effects of the quarry are ‘significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the benefits’.

But CWAC has received 798 objections from residents who are determined to fight the quarry, including members of the Residents Against Quarrying campaign group – while CEC also received more than 260 objections to the scheme.

Allostock, Cranage and Goostrey parish councils are opposed to the scheme, while Cllr Andrew Kolker, Conservative CEC member for Dane Valley, called on councillors to reject the proposal at April’s meeting.

Their concerns include the impact on roads such as the A50, noise, pollution, a loss of agricultural land and the impact on the greenbelt.

Following April’s meeting, Cllr Kolker said: “You’ve got an awful lot of heavy traffic, up to 100 lorries a day, moving through Holmes Chapel, past the primary school, down a B road.

“I just hope [CWAC councillors] give the debate due diligence, listen to the arguments made by residents and come up with a good decision.”

Cllr Mark Stocks, Conservative CWAC member for Shakerley, added that he has ‘grave concerns’ the quarry’s impact on neighbouring roads would be ‘significant’.

Anti-fracking campaigners have also objected to the proposal, suggesting that sand extracted from Rudheath Lodge Farm would be used at fracking sites in Cheshire.

Sibelco first applied to build a quarry at Rudheath Lodge Farm in October 2016, with CEC being delegated sole responsibility for the planning application.

The company was asked to withdraw the scheme and resubmit its plans to both CEC and CWAC last February, and it needs both councils’ permission in order to go ahead with the move.