Issue - meetings

A report was presented on an application for an easterly lateral extension to the existing gritstone and shale quarry followed by infilling of theexcavation with imported inert waste to be completed by the 30 June 2038, together with the rebuilding and extension of the derelict farmhouse for use as site office accommodation, with the whole of the site to be finally restored to agricultural pasture by 30 June 2039, orwithin 12 months from the cessation of landfilling operations, whichever is the sooner at Ellel Crag Quarry, Bay Horse Road, Ellel, Lancaster.

Two other current applications at the existing quarry were reported at items 7 and 8 of the agenda.

The report included the views of Lancaster City Council, Ellel Parish Council, Quernmore Parish Council, the Environment Agency, LCC Highways Development Control, Landscape Specialist (Jacobs), Ecology Specialist (Jacobs), Natural England, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, the Lead Local Flood Authority, LCC Specialist Advisor (Archaeology), Historic England, the Health and Safety Executive, United Utilities, National Grid Gas and Electricity, Electricity North West, Cadent Gas, Dolphinhome Neighbourhood Planning Group, The National Farmers Union and details of 34 letters of representation received objecting to the application.

Two further representations had been received that did not specifically support or object to the application.

It was noted that some of the representations received related to all three current applications at Ellel Quarry and were not necessarily particular to this planning application

The Development Management Officer presented a PowerPoint presentation in relation to this application and the related planning applications at items 7 and 8 of the agenda. The committee was shown an aerial view of the site and the nearest residential properties, an illustration of the proposed working scheme and final restoration together with photographs of the site and access roads from various viewpoints. The officer also referred to a video showing the site and surrounding area which had been circulated to the committee members prior to the meeting.

The Officer reported orally that since the report had been finalised, further representations had been received from a local resident and from the agent on behalf of the applicant. Further details and advice in relation to such were set out in the Update Sheet at agenda Item 4.

The Officer also reported that since the Update Sheet had been published, further representations had been received from both a local resident and the applicant regarding the impact of the proposals on the local springs and boreholes that supply Wellington Crag Farm and other residential properties and farms in the area. 

The Committee was reminded that as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, members of the public who had formally requested to speak at the committee meeting and who met the criteria, had been invited to give their views in the form of a written statement to be read out in full by officers at the meeting.

The officers therefore took it in turn to read out 6 written statements in relation to this application and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6