A QUARRY is set to grow in size and then be replaced by an ‘international standard’ rowing lake.

The work would see a further 475,000 tonnes of sand and gravel pulled from Ryall North Quarry in Upton in the next two years before being filled in and transformed into one of the country’s few kilometre-long racing venues for rowers.

Plans include creating a one-kilometre-long lake for rowing competitions alongside wildlife-rich ponds and hedges, reeds and marshes and other green spaces for conservation.

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While it would bring one of the country’s few international-standard racing venues for rowers to the Upton, the extension of the quarry and later restoration would bleed into Fish Meadow, land used for the popular Mello and Sunshine festivals which brings in thousands of visitors and is a big moneymaker for the town.

Worcester News: PLAN: The current quarry (left) compared to the plans for the new lake and rowing venuePLAN: The current quarry (left) compared to the plans for the new lake and rowing venue (Image: PLAN: The current quarry (left) compared to the plans for the new lake and rowing venue)

Building materials supplier CEMEX, which has already dug up millions of tonnes of sand and gravel from quarries around Upton, and the landowners have given reassurances the festivals will not be disrupted by the two-year quarry work or the watersports venue.

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A report, which will be discussed by Worcestershire County Council’s planning committee, said: “The applicant states that CEMEX has in consultation with the landowners designed a restoration scheme that does not comprise the ability for the landowner and festival organisers to continue their current commercial arrangement.

“The applicant highlights that there is substantial land retained between the proposed lake and the River Severn to accommodate future festivals.

“CEMEX understand that the landowners have provided reassurances to the festival organisers that their event can continue, and that additional land may also be available.”

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Alongside rowing, the lake, which would measure almost 1.3km long by between 135 and 265 metres at its widest point, could also be used by all ages and abilities for canoeing, swimming, windsurfing and bell-boating.

It would be only the fourth FISA-complaint rowing facility in England – with the closest venues more than a hundred miles away in Nottingham and Thames Valley.

The work would also help contribute towards the county’s reserves of sand and gravel which is currently only less than half of the seven years’ worth it should be.

The planning committee meets from 10am at County Hall in Worcester on October 25.