UPTON residents are being invited to have their say on plans to expand a nearby quarry.

CEMEX has launched a consultation as it looks to expand its site at Ryall North Quarry.

If approved, the plans will allow the formation of a lake on-site to provide a future watersports venue.

The plans also include extra gravel extraction to achieve this aim.

The consultation began on December 6 and the relevant documents can be viewed at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/eplanning using Planning Applications References - 20/000009/CM and 20/000015/CM.

Announcing the consultation, Mark Kelly, planning and permitting manager at CEMEX, said: “CEMEX has submitted further environmental information to Worcestershire County Council regarding its two planning applications to extend Ryall North Quarry to the south to allow the formation of a lake of the right proportions to facilitate a future watersports venue.

"If the proposed extension is permitted by the County Council and gravel extraction begins in this area, the resulting lake, though larger than the one being formed by the existing scheme, would only occupy a small part of Fish Meadow.

"The proposed lake would not affect the holding of future festivals on the meadow, and in fact the owner sees it as an enhancement that will make the site a more attractive venue.

"For the short time work is in progress there will be some inconvenience but it is the ambition of all parties concerned that this is minimised with the least effect on the festivals.

"We are working closely with Upton Rowing Club and other stakeholders and hope that the lake could be imaginatively and sensitivity managed to enhance the site for the benefit of the whole local area.

"We welcome all feedback and all of the queries raised in response to our submissions will continue to be dealt with as part of the consultation process."

There had been concerns the CEMEX site expansion could affect some of the town's regular festivals.

Fish Meadow regularly plays host to the campsite for Lakefest, and organisers have previously said they were concerned they could lose part of their space.

Despite this, CEMEX, Upton Rowing Club and Upton Town Council have all said it will have a limited effect on the festivals.