Ex-pit could be transformed into limestone quarry

Part of a former South Yorkshire pit top could be converted into a quarry extracting millions of tonnes of limestone if plans for the site are given the go-ahead.

If the application for the 402 acre (162.7 hectare) site of the former Maltby Colliery in Rotherham was approved, it would also include the restoration of natural habitats and the construction of recreational areas, developers said.

The pit operated from 1908 until it was closed due to "unexpected geological issues" in 2013, and since then there have been various efforts made to reclaim the land.

The planning application will be reviewed by Rotherham Borough Council, with local residents and other stakeholders invited to comment.

If approved, the quarry would extract approximately 3.9 million tonnes of magnesian limestone and create 35 jobs, councillors have been told.

Developers Maltby Management Ltd said the scheme could reduce environmental risks at the site such as drainage problems as well as cutting the threat of trespassing.

If approved, about 2.6 million tonnes of fill, including soil-making materials, would be brought to the site to help reshape and reclaim it, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The process would take approximately nine years to complete, with restoration work moving gradually from west to east, the applicants said.

The plan would mean 128 lorry movements per day during the busiest phases of the project, but some material would also be transported by train, helping reduce the number of lorries on the roads, they added.

The developers said the restoration of the site would also aim to provide a biodiversity net gain of more than 10%, which they said would help improve the ecological value of the land.

Residents can comment on the plans on Rotherham Council's website until 2 January.

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