Decision details

A report was presented on an application for the variation of conditions 1 and 2 of permission 02/13/0342 to allow the duration of sand and gravel extraction to be extended to 31 March 2027 and to amend the working scheme and water management proposals at Tarnacre Quarry, Tarnacre Lane, St Michaels on Wyre.

The report included the views of Wyre Borough Council, Kirkland Parish Council, the Environment Agency, Cadent Gas, Natural England, United Utilities, the county council's Specialist Advisor (Ecology); Lead Local Flood Authority and Highways Development Control and details of six representations received.  The report also included details of representations received from the St Michaels Flood Action Group and from the occupier of Brook House Farm, located adjacent to the quarry.

The Development Management Officer presented a PowerPoint Presentation showing an aerial view of the site and the nearest residential properties. The committee was also shown an illustration of the working scheme and photographs of the site entrance, plant site and stockpile area and phases 1 to 4 of the site.

The officer also reported that on Monday 21 May, 2018 the committee had received a presentation from Mr Flintoff, the occupier of Brook House Farm objecting to the proposal.  A summary of the points raised at the presentation together with the advice from the officer was set out in the 'Update Sheet' circulated at the meeting (Copy set out at Annex A to the Minutes).

Mr Stephenson addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant and raised the following points in support of the application: 

·  The quarry contributed towards the supply of high grade sand and gravel products in Lancashire.

·  The Environmental Impact Assessment had concluded that noise and dust levels were within the limits set out in the guidelines.

·  The site was located in flood risk zone 3 – therefore the void space caused by the workings had a slight benefit in that it created extra storage capacity for the flood water. 

·  All concerns and objections raised with regard to this proposal had been addressed.

·  Statutory consultees had raised no objection to the proposal.

In response to questions raised by a Member, the Officer advised that the Environment Agency were now satisfied with the revised Flood Risk Assessment and had raised no objection to the proposal.

Following further questions raised in respect of the levels of the stockpiles, the duration of the proposed time extension and the monitoring of dust levels, it was Moved and Seconded that:

"Members of the Development Control Committee visit the site prior to determining the application"

On being put to the vote the Motion was Carried. It was therefore:

Resolved:That Members of the Development Control Committee visit the site prior to determining the application.