A major quarry that would mine old farmland between Upminster and Rainham has moved a step closer to fruition after a presentation was heard by Havering Council.

Rainham Lodge Farm, in Berwick Pond Road, has had long-term plans to build a huge quarry on its land and last Thursday (December 7) a pre-planning application was presented to Havering Council.

These plans, spearheaded by developer Brett, look to establish a quarry at the farm to the east of the River Ingrebourne, also close to Rainham Marshes.

The proposal was considered in a Strategic Planning Committee meeting on December 7.

There has already been significant opposition to the proposal that would involve around 114 two-way Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements per day, according to the meeting's public agenda pack.

Brett, a UK-based sand and gravel producer, revealed the proposal has a 20-year timescale, in its presentation seen by The Recorder.

RELATED NEWS: 'No to the Quarry' group set up against new Rainham quarry

Romford Recorder: Posters opposing the proposed Rainham quarry have been put up around Havering by the No Quarry group in 2022Posters opposing the proposed Rainham quarry have been put up around Havering by the No Quarry group in 2022 (Image: No Quarry)

The quarry would provide around two million tonnes of aggregate and 1.3 million cubic metres of airspace for the disposal of inert clay and soils from site clearance works, Brett's presentation read.

It was added that the proposal includes "significant improvements" to the route used by HGVs, indicating major roadworks could come.

These vehicles would operate from 7am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, according to the meeting's agenda pack.

On Saturdays operations will take place from 7am until 1pm.

Sundays and public holidays will not have any activity.

Also mentioned in the agenda pack were the nearest residential properties.

Those would be to the north of the farm on Hacton Lane, and northeast on Park Farm Road at the junction with Berwick Pond Road.

"The access point to the site from Berwick Pond Road is only 73 metres from [the] entrance to Rainham Lodge Farm," it was added.

Noise could also be an issue for residents, the council acknowledged.

"Given the distance from nearby residential properties to the actual extraction area it is considered that the development could have the potential to give rise to noise impacts," the report read.

Regarding air quality and dust, the council said the applicant would have to carry out air quality and noise impact assessments as part of the application process.

The council said the proposed development is being considered, but may come back to the committee for a final review.