On behalf of our client Sewells Reservoir Construction Limited (SRC) PDE submitted a planning application to Essex County Council for the installation and use of a replacement sand drying plant together with the erection and use of a building for sand bagging and storage operations on land at Martells Quarry, Slough Lane, Ardleigh, Essex, CO7 7RU.
The adopted Essex Minerals Local Plan (2014) identifies Martells Quarry as the only allocated site for silica sand extraction within Essex. Silica sand deposits are set apart from other sand and gravel deposits owing to their suitability for a range of specialist uses including in water filtration and elite sports.
The planning application was considered by Essex County Council’s Development and Regulation Committee on 23 May 2025 who resolved to grant planning permission. Planning permission was subsequently granted by Essex County Council on 30 May 2025.
Sand drying operations have been undertaken at the Quarry for a number of years and the new drying plant will enable the processing of silica sand through a new state of the art plant. The grant of planning permission is fantastic news for SRC and will ensure that they can maximise the quality of the products which they are offering, supporting the silica sand industry and meeting market demand for specialist sand products.
