Coalville's Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed concerns about plan which would see Bardon Quarry's wash plant increasing its working hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An application is with North West Leicestershire District Council which asks for a variation of planning permission.

This includes an amendment to the operating hours of the wash plant from 6am-10pm to a 24/7 operation

LibDem Councillor Jake Windram has urged local residents to object strongly to the application. 

Liberal Democat councillor Jake Windram. Photo: Supplied

Cllr Windram said: "It's totally unacceptable for the residents to have to put up with an increase in noise pollution which is already affecting them.

"There is dust and obnoxious odours, and now they want to increase noise pollution. 

"This application should be refused until they are forced to address the other outstanding issues which are having a detrimental effect on residents' quality of life."

Bardon Hill Quarry. Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service

A noise impact statement accompanying the application suggests that overnight levels could be controlled.

It says: "The results of the noise assessment suggest that the wash plant could potentially be operated on an unrestricted basis without resulting in an exceedance of the site's permitted noise limits. 

"In addition, the expected noise contribution of proposed wash plant operations is considered to be minimal. It is therefore considered unlikely that this change to site operations would result in any significant or unacceptable adverse impacts at noise-sensitive premises in the vicinity."

Plans show the Wash Plant at Bardon Quarry near Coalville. Image: NWLDC

A planning statement with the application also suggests that the impact of the additional hours would be minimal.

It reads: "It is hoped that the details provided in this submission demonstrate that the proposed increase in hours of operation at the Wash Plant at Bardon Hill Quarry is a sustainable approach to aggregate production.

"The noise assessment concludes night-time noise limits can be adhered to as currently regulated. 

"The noise assessment took into consideration existing operations concluding there would be no cumulative impact.

"The amended operating hours will not increase HGV movement, lighting or environmental impact."