Campaigner says Stanway quarry proposal risks health

Francesca Arzon has been left unhappy after Essex County Council identified a plot of land only “800 metres away” from from her home which could be used for a mineral quarry. 

The site, in Heckfordbridge, would be located close to two nearby schools - which are just at 800 metres and 1.2km away, respectively - as well as the nearby villages of Birch and Copford.

The mum has now started-up a campaign group on social media which already has more than 180 members in a bid to get the plans thrown out.

She fears a quarry could result in a health "hazard" of "silica going in the lungs”, which can cause cancer, asthma, and other issues.

Campaigner - Francesca Warner (Image: Submitted)

Francesca, who believes silicia "is the new asbestos”, also worries the air quality in the area would deteriorate and a “huge number” of rare Red Kite birds would be put at risk, as well badgers in the “beautiful countryside and greenfield site”.

The plans state it would be another “25 years” before the sites can be rewilded, which is when the campaigner's son Hugo would be 28-years-old.

The impact on house prices is also a concern for Francesca, who said: “I bought my house as it was in a beautiful area".

Rare - The rare red kite has been seen up to 17 times in the site (Image: David Hultquist)

Francesca, along with her army of activists, are now planning on distributing leaflets to ensure residents are aware of the project and the impact it could have.

She has also organised a meeting at Copford Village Hall for April 6 at 10.30am to rally together enough residents who are opposed to the plans in a bid to persuade Essex County Council bosses to reconsider. 

Councillor Lee Scott, said: “Like other planning authorities across the country, Essex County Council is required by law to publish a Minerals Local Plan.

Mr Scott said no decisions on any of the sites have been made and due to “significant public interest” the deadline for responses to the consultation is now April, 9.

Unlikely - Professor Ian Colbeck said according to guidelines, harmful dust impacting health would be unlikely beyond 250m (Image: University of Essex)

Professor Ian Colbeck, school of life sciences at the University of Essex, has also had his say on the extent to which the quarry could impact the health of residents.

He said: “According to IAQM guidelines, harmful dust impacts from sand and gravel sites are unlikely to extend beyond 250-metres from the nearest dust-generating activity."

Meeting - A public meeting will take place at Copford Hall on April 6 (Image: Submitted)
To share your views on the plans visit essex.gov.uk/minerals-review.