Green Lane, Sand and Gravel extraction.
Green Lane, alongside the Plantation
On old maps, this part of Green Lane is shown
as Sand Pit Lane, for where the plantation is was for many years the village
communal sand-pit. Mounds and hollows in the plantation suggested where sand
was extracted. Green Lane Road is recorded on the 1786 map, and on other maps
the area of the plantation is shown as Coney Moor Common. There is still a
considerable amount of sand in the area as extraction from 1980 onwards by
Cawoods and later Redland Aggregates and now Lafarge shows. At the east end
of the plantation stood, for many years, two cottages - called Mires or Plantation
Cottages - now demolished. Huddlestones had land at Green Lane in 1923-24.
Sand and Gravel Hoppers, Methley Quarry, Green Lane, 1980
Hoppers built for Methley Quarry, Green Lane,
for extraction of aggregates from Methley Mires by Cawoods. In 1977 permission
was given for 12 years excavation. Much preliminary work was undertaken, sound
barriers made, especially for Dunford House, some perimeter landscaping and
re-routing of the public footpath from the A 639 road to Green Lane - new
stiles and safety fence erected.
Late 1980 - this view - the hoppers being used, as aggregates were extracted.
The right hand hopper was for washed sand; one behind and to the left was
for washed gravel. Extraction started June 1980. In 1987 permission was given
for another two years, then this too was extended.
Sand and Gravel Hoppers and works site.
New entrance road from Green Lane for lorry
access to hoppers. Far right weighbridge and offices behind the hopper for
washed sand.
On left hopper for washed gravel and in front of this the building power distribution
centre. Photo taken 1980s.
