PLANS to build a huge new quarry near Braintree have been unveiled three years after a campaign to block the development failed.

Tarmac, a construction materials company, is hosting a public exhibition showcasing plans for a new quarry at Broadfield Farm.

In 2013 Rayne councillors said massive quarries would leave a scar on the landscape.

Tarmac is proposing to open Rayne Quarry on the 90 hectare site.

It would provide 3.2 million tonnes of sand and gravel over an estimated 11-year period.

Don Smith, chairman of Rayne Parish Council, said he felt more positive about the plans by the new company, but was still sceptical.

He said: “We had severe objections in 2013.

“We recognised we didn’t get the site taken out of the equation but it was recognised that the amount of sand and gravel was over the top.

“We have already had some meetings with Tarmac to ensure they adhere to the rules and we were im- pressed with what we saw, especially with the actions that were taken to minimise the amount of noise.

“We are still very concerned about the issue of dust, as a lot of it will be blown towards the school.

“We are talking about what could be done to keep dust to a minimum and are getting the school involved in discussions.”

The parish council is also due to have a meeting with Essex County Council about giving the village something in return.

He said: “We have some strong views.

“If we are going to have this imposed on us there has to be something for the village in it, whether it’s establishing some sort of recreational facility as it’s all private land.”

Tarmac is proposing a 56 hectare quarry within the site.

Simon Treacy, estates manager at Tarmac said: “Tarmac has a long history of operating in Essex and we hope to continue this with our proposals in Rayne.

“We will continue to work closely with local people as we develop these plans over the coming months.

“As operations progress we would fully restore the site to agricultural use and nature habitats.”

The exhibition will be held at The Scout Headquarters in Station Road, Rayne, on Wednesday, November 9 from 2pm until 8pm.