An unused junction at a roundabout on the NDR is set to be opened to trade traffic after plans were finalised with the county council. 

The roundabout on the city’s northern bypass, near the airport, could be used by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to access Spixworth Quarry. 

Tarmac Trading Ltd has made the application for vehicles to access the sand and gravel quarry, which previously saw HGVs using Newton St Faith and Frettenham to get to the A140 after the site became operational in 2003. 

Norwich Evening News: The NDR roundabout junction, right, near Norwich Airport which is set to be used for access to Spixworth QuarryThe NDR roundabout junction, right, near Norwich Airport which is set to be used for access to Spixworth Quarry (Image: Google)

However, Tarmac’s application to renew its planning consents for the site in 2020, to extract the remaining mineral and then restore the site, prompted a wave of objections so the company agreed to cease using its dedicated access on to Buxton Road in October 2021. 

Plans were lodged in May 2022 and after extensive discussions Tarmac has finalised its application, which includes for Quaker Lane to be brought back into use until the end of 2026 to “enable the restoration” of the quarry. 

READ MORE: Woman's campaign for cleaner community thriving in Sprowston

A planning statement explains: “It is proposed to develop and use this existing infrastructure as a means to enable the importation of inert materials to facilitate the restoration of the mineral workings at the site.  

Norwich Evening News: An aerial view of Spixworth Quarry's proximity to the NDR roundabout in question An aerial view of Spixworth Quarry's proximity to the NDR roundabout in question (Image: Google)

“Approximately 171,000 tonnes of void space remain to be restored, and at a typical rate of importation of 60,000-85,000 tonnes per annum.” 

READ MORE: 'Delight' as major plans for new hotel and housing at 'run down' city site emerge

Tarmac intends to restore the land to agricultural productivity and points out that NDR access would cut journeys by 5.6 miles for HGVs. 

Norwich Evening News: The NDR roundabout junction near Norwich Airport which is set to be used for access to Spixworth Quarry The NDR roundabout junction near Norwich Airport which is set to be used for access to Spixworth Quarry (Image: Google)

Importation is expected to resume during the third quarter of this year, with a deadline of October 31, 2026, with the access road, extraction area and plant site to be restored by December 31, 2026. 

Norwich Airport has expressed “some concern” about the landscape restoration attracting birds and posing a collision risk for aircraft, stating that Tarmac would need to fund mitigation were that to happen.