THE decision over whether to approve a controversial mineral mining scheme has been delayed after a senior councillor spoke out against it.

Rodney Bass, Essex County Council’s councillor responsible for highways, objected to plans to build a quarry at Colemans Farm in Rivenhall at a meeting on Friday.

Mr Bass told a meeting that the projected 17-year mining operation – which would see thousands of lorries heading out on to the A12 every year – could be the “straw that breaks the camel’s back” for the county’s road system.

He also cited safety concerns about the junction with the A12 at Little Braxted Lane.

The county council’s Development and Regulation committee was set to approve the plans but councillors voted ten to one to delay the decision.

They will now ask landowners Brice Aggregates to explain in more detail how they will improve the junction and also carry out a site visit.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.