A PLAN to fill a disused quarry with soil dug up from HS2 engineering works has raised concerns about noise pollution and the impact on wildlife.
A project to level off and landscape Parkfield Road Quarry by filling it with material dug up for tunnels and cuttings from the high-speed rail project – which was approved this week – has been green-lit by Warwickshire County Council.
Cemex will bring clay and soil directly by train to the existing sidings next to the old quarry, adjacent to its cement plant.
But neighbouring residents are concerned the four-and-a-half year project could cause ‘constant noise and disturbance’ – despite acoustic screening walls which will be built around the site.
And a resident is ‘absolutely devastated’ at the effect it could have on rare and endangered species at the site.
Responding to a public consultation, a resident of nearby Izod Road said: “Constant noise and disturbance from large extremely heavy diesel locomotives and equally heavy duty rolling stock movements throughout the day will disturb my young children and other residents for four to five years.
“I also have concerns over the overpowering smell of diesel emissions from all the train movements and shunting required.
“Where there are large earthworks, there are also large amounts of dust and particulate matter generated. Has there been any thought given to the effect on health of local residents?”
Another resident who lives next to the site said no consideration had been given to the noise and lights from the trains – which will run from 7am-11pm, seven days a week.
And a Rugbeian who regularly visits the area said: “How can they fill the quarry without killing thousands of the inhabitants, from invertebrates to reptiles and amphibians, even small animals?
“The quarry habitat is unique and supports unique species such as endangered white-clawed crayfish and peregrine falcons. What is to become of them now, and why all the trouble to build this wildlife haven only to destroy it?
“It is a very sad situation for wildlife and local residents – and it’s the end of probably the only body of water in the county that is undisturbed by humans.”
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust added that, while the plan would eventually provide enhanced habitats for wildlife, peregrine falcons and white-clawed crayfish would lose their homes.
A report to the council said the restoration of the site would create a landscape which would have a ‘high potential for the creation of valuable wildlife habitats’, including ponds, wetland areas, woodland, scrub, species-rich grassland and open areas.
It said all concerns raised in relation to noise, light and dust had been meet by planning conditions including the acoustic fencing, adding: “A comprehensive noise assessment was carried out and concluded that the development could be undertaken without significant adverse impact on the neighbouring properties.”
