Alberto has pressed Labour Minister for answers on quarry planning policy at a meeting with Government’s Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP.
Building on a recent Westminster Hall debate on quarrying policy, Alberto again raised serious concerns about the impact of major quarry proposals on communities in South Leicestershire, including access to independent technical expertise, outdated air quality baselines, and the need to modernise quarry safety regulation.
Alberto pressed the Minister on whether councils should be required to use the most up-to-date local air quality data – something that Leicestershire County Council has not done in it’s recent Regulation 25 notice issued for the proposed Misterton mega-quarry. He also highways matters, and whether quarry safety rules should be brought in line with modern standards used in sectors such as rail and construction.
During the meeting, Alberto applied significant pressure on the Government to clarify the Government’s position and commit to reforms. However, Mr Pennycook was reluctant to indicate any change in policy and was unable to answer a number of key technical questions. He has since agreed to provide a written response on some of the more technical matters raised by the South Leicestershire MP
Alberto said:
“Quarrying plays an important role in delivering infrastructure and South Leicestershire has a proud history of quarrying, but communities must have confidence that decisions to approve these massive developments are based on robust evidence, modern safety standards, and fair access to expertise.
“I am very conscious of the impact the proposed Misterton Quarry will have, if approved, not just on residents of villages like Misterton, Walcote and Lutterworth, but far beyond – I’m concerned about what might happen to our roads, air quality and natural environment. I will continue pressing Ministers until residents receive the clarity and protections they expect.”
Alberto says he will continue working with residents in villages including Misterton, Walcote and Lutterworth to ensure their concerns are heard at the highest levels of Government.
