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Clay quarry decision on hold for visit
A DECISION on controversial plans to opencast clay from an ancient woodland near a picture postcard Barnsley village has been delayed so councillors can take a close look at the site.
Naylor Drainage wants to extend the existing clay quarry off South Lane in Cawthorne to take more clay for its nearby pipe manufacturing plant.
The plans have led to a storm of protests with letters and a petition signed by 80 objectors who say the scheme would lead to the destruction of part of the Whinmoor Plantation - an ancient woodland.
English Nature have also objected to the proposal saying it would lead to "the loss of important habitat and species" and would "result in the destruction and fragmentation of an ancient woodland".
Council officials say that, economically, the plans would ensure a continuous flow of clay into the Naylor Clough Green works that employs around 300 people.
But they acknowledge the proposals would result in the loss of mature trees within the green belt and that even if new and extra trees were planted to compensate there would not be the same biodiversity as currently exists.
Planning permission is being sought to extract around 7,000 tonnes of clay over a 10-year period with the material being taken across South Lane into the Naylor's works to make pipes.
The company says the main clay extraction period would be over a 10 to 12-week period annually, that the woodland site would be restored, and a further four acres of trees planted along with an extra 60 metres of hedgerow.
But villagers say destroying the ancient plantation would jeopardise a thriving wild bird and mammal population and would create dust and noise.
Planning officials had recommended that members of the planning regulatory board should refuse the application, but members have deferred a decision until after they have made a visit to the site so they can see the area for themselves.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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