Planners are backing a new concrete block making plant at Colsterworth, which promises to create 35 jobs.

The planning committee of South Kesteven District Council is recommended to approve the application when it meets next Wednesday (December 9).

The application from Leeds-based Geo Quarries (Colsterworth) Ltd was due to come before councillors at their September 30 meeting, but the applicant withdrew it at the last minute.

As Nub News previously reported the scheme on 4.2ha of land is set to create 35 jobs.

The site, currently used for storage, is to the rear (south) of a lorry park (Colsterworth Truck Stop) and to the north of Twyford Woods and former RAF North Witham.

A council report said the application received 27 letters of objection out of the 28 SKDC received on the subject. Objectors raised issues concerning HGV use, dust, noise, working hours, highway safety, impact on wildlife, Twyford Woods and visual impact.

Colsterworth Parish council initially opposed the application, citing reasons including noise and dust concerns; impact on the A1, and impact on nearby residents and Colsterworth.

But the report said the parish council withdrew its opposition after the applicant amended the site layout, developed a dust management plan and reduced planned hours of operation.

It concluded: "The proposed development is for employment use on a site allocated for employment use

within the Local Plan. The proposal will result in job creation in the district and is linked to an existing business operating in the district. "The site is located adjacent to the A1 with easy access to the A151/A1 junction and is located away from residential dwellings. "Concerns raised with regards to noise and dust pollution are noted. However, the applicant has demonstrated that both issues can be overcome through suitable mitigation, secured through planning conditions, with no adverse impact on neighbouring land uses considered to arise from the proposal. There are no objections to the proposal from statutory consultees, including no objections from Colsterworth Parish Council." Therefore, the application met a range of council planning policies and should be approved.