Planning consent secured for mobile ready-mix plant in Norfolk

Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd has secured planning consent for the installation of an additional ready-mix concrete plant and a bagging plant at Horstead Quarry. The application, submitted in January 2023, was approved by Broadland District Council in November 2024, following nearly a two-year review process.

The new facility will operate as an extension of the existing plant site at Horstead Quarry. The project involves establishing a mobile ready-mix plant and a fixed bagging plant on adjacent land, west of the current plant site. The approval allows the use of the additional plant for the duration of mineral extraction operations at Horstead Quarry and after, the site will be restored as per approved restoration plans.

The ready-mix plant, measuring 18.1 metres in length, 8 metres in height and 6.1 metres in width will facilitate the supply of ready mix concrete for local construction needs. Additionally, the bagging plants, designed to package sand and gravel into 800kg bulk bags, will increase the site’s operational efficiency by reducing reliance on tipper truck for transportation of materials to customers.

This development aligns with Policy CS2 of the Core Strategy (Minerals and Waste Development Management Policies DPD) that prioritises extension to existing sites as opposed to new sites. The ready-mix plant is expected to support future key constructions in the Norfolk area. Recent major developments in the region include:

• The East Norwich Regeneration Project, this will deliver 3,800 homes and works are expected to commence in 2025.
• The A47 Thickthorn Junction upgrade near Norwich, a £100 million highways development approved in July 2024.

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