Stephenson Halliday is currently developing an innovative strategy for the long term management of six mineral sites to create a habitat network within West Cumbria. The strategy considers the restoration of the sites in a holistic manner, focusing upon enhancing the connectivity between habitats, increasing biodiversity and strengthening links to localised wildlife sites. Further habitat creation and improved land management form part of the network proposals which respond the Cumbria and UK Biodiversity Action Plans.
When completed the habitat strategy will form part of a legal agreement between Cumbria County Council and Thomas Armstrong Ltd. The legal agreement also provides for road improvements on the route to Overby Quarry and additional footpaths in the surrounding area. The completion of the agreement will allow the planning permission for the extensions to the quarry to be issued. Two lateral extensions to the quarry have been approved which will secure the long term future for the quarry with combined permitted reserves of 4.5 million tonnes.

Labels: biodiversity, Biodiversity Action Plans, Cumbria County Council, habitat, Overby Quarry, planning permission, quarry, restoration, wildlife