A second proposed sand quarry on the eastern outskirts of Cambridge has been abandoned, with the company behind it citing serious concerns about the impact of truck traffic on the town.
Three-pronged submission from left, Jo Davies-Colley, traffic transportation engineer Tobie Ueckermann, Chamber CEO Kelly Bouzaid, Town Hall Trust general manager Simon Brew watch on as hearing chair Richard Blakey, right, asks a question. Photo: Supplied.
Shaws Quarries Ltd director Jonny Schick told a reconvened hearing for RS Sands’ proposed quarry on Newcombe Road that his company would no longer pursue its own quarry plans. He based the decision on inadequate access to State Highway 1 at Tīrau Road, east of Cambridge Golf Course.
“The effects on the Cambridge CBD would be unavoidable in the absence of north-facing ramps,” Schick wrote in a letter to the hearing in Te Awamutu on Friday.
When Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) completed the Cambridge section of Waikato Expressway, in the south they only included a half interchange – a south bound on ramp from Cambridge and a north bound off ramp to Cambridge. However, at the Victoria Rd interchange, it provided for all turning movements.
Trucks negotiating the Carter’s Flat Hill and going through the town. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The hearing panel for the Newcombe Rd quarry application comprised commissioners Richard Blakey (chair), Ngaire Phillips and Tim Manukau.
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid tabled the Shaw Quarry letter during a three-pronged submission from the Chamber, the Cambridge Community Board, and the Town Hall Trust.
“This statement speaks volumes,” she said.
“They abandoned their sand quarry proposal after significant spend – upwards of $50,000 because of the unmitigated and irreversible effect of traffic on our town,” she told the commissioners in her submission.
“If this action doesn’t convince you of the impact that this quarry will have on Cambridge – then I don’t think anything will.”
Bouzaid said conditions encouraging northbound traffic to journey south along SH1 to a turnaround bay were delusional and warned that without enforceable route conditions or meaningful deterrents, the proposed mitigation measures would likely fail.
“In practice, transport operators will make routing decisions based on efficiency, fuel costs, and delivery timeframes.”
Blakey grew frustrated when the chamber’s expert witness Tobie Ueckermann could not offer new safety measures beyond those already considered.
Ueckermann suggested an underpass under SH1, but Blakey noted no such proposal was before the panel. The only viable addition, Ueckermann said, was a traffic signal.
The already formed entrance from Newcombe Rd, less than 200m from the intersection with Tīrau Rd, could become an on ramp for quarry trucks. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Town Hall Trust general manager Simon Brew said while the trust did not oppose the quarry, it objected to the number of heavy vehicles that would travel through the town and by the historic hall.
“It is my role to speak for the building when that holds an historical, cultural and civic value for the community. It is a living, working venue.”
Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley emphasised the community’s concerns about safety and quality of life.
“Our primary concern centres on the impact of heavy commercial vehicles on both the character and amenity of Cambridge, as well as the safety of pedestrians, especially school children, who use urban mobility pathways in areas affected by high traffic volumes.”
St Peter’s Catholic school sits directly on one of the Cambridge traffic routes.
The board was concerned about the “vague nature and lack of enforceable detail” in key parts of the proposed traffic management approach.
“The proposed averages of 200 movements per day over two months, and 156 per day over a 12-month period, present a substantial increase in heavy traffic through and around our town.”
Davies-Colley also highlighted the potential impact on Leamington which she said was a vibrant residential and community hub.
“It must be safeguarded from the adverse effects of quarry-related traffic.”
Evidence was also heard from neighbours Rhys and Antoinette Powell.
The commissioners will now review all submissions and are expected to approve the application, with conditions, next month or in August.
While new highway ramps are unlikely, RS Sands may be required to monitor truck traffic more regularly through the town centre, in addition to a number of other environmental conditions.
Both Waipā district and Waikato regional councils supported granting the consent subject to appropriate conditions which they would provide to the commissioners in the coming weeks.
In the distance the planned site for Newcombe Rd Quarry. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Read: Cambridge Community Board submission
Read: Cambridge Chamber of Commerce submission
Read: Shaw’s Quarries letter
