Boost for Aldridge brick-making firm’s future as jobs saved

They said continuing to collect five per cent of clay would see the operation close in less than five years.

But members of Walsall Council’s planning committee agreed to amend the permission to ensure brick-making continued at the site.

The change will result in two extra lorry trips to and from the site per day to deliver an extra 10,000 tonnes of clay per year.

Ward councillor Vera Waters said brick-making had taken place at the site since the 1800s while the current factory was built in 1986.

Agent Alistair Hoyle, a planning consultant with Axis, said: “The factory makes an important contribution to the local economy, not just through direct employment opportunities but indirect and other contributions.

“Clearly the brickworks were located where they are due to the presence of clay reserves at the adjacent Sandown Quarry.

“However, as the clay reserves have been worked over the years they have become depleted and there has been a need to increase the amount of clay imported from off site for the manufacturing of bricks.

“If the adjacent quarry continues to supply five per cent of the clay for brick making all reserves will be fully exhausted in less than five years.

“Without an amendment, the brickworks would have to close in less than five years time.

“This would result in the loss of 62 jobs and the important contribution this facility makes to the local economy.

“Save for the five per cent, or 10,000 tonnes, to be imported from off site each year, there would be no change whatsoever to how the brickworks would operate.

“The change would just result in just two extra HGV trips per day. Potentially environmental effects are assessed and shown to be acceptable.”