A PROJECT to build a replacement asphalt plant at Blackwater Quarry, on St George’s Down, has been lodged with planners.
Aggregate Industries, parent company of Bardon Vectis, wants to create an upgraded facility at its existing site, saying it will provide a realistic alternative to controversial proposals submitted by Eurovia Roadstone, part of the Vinci group and the winning PFI bidders, for an asphalt plant at Medina Wharf, Cowes.
The Blackwater project would result in re-positioned cold-feeder hoppers and an increase of the height of the plant to 26.5m, if it is given the go-ahead by members of the Isle of Wight planning committee.
As previously reported, Bardon Vectis had first decided to shelve its plans for the asphalt plant at the quarry, after its bid as part of the Wight Highways Partnership Consortium to win the PFI contract was lost in favour of preferred bidder Vinci Ringway.
In a letter to Cowes Town Council, Rob Westell, Aggregate Industries’ estates manager south east, said the company was willing to discuss the possibility of supplying Vinci with asphalt. Production at Blackwater would carry on regardless.
Mr Westell also refuted suggestions Blackwater Quarry was close to being mined out.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk