Issue - meetings

This was an application for a northern extension for the winning and working of minerals including the deepening of the existing quarry and retention of the existing associated operations incorporating: construction of screen mounds; formation of water settlement lagoons and; provision of public footpaths, with final restoration to a water body, agriculture, creation of biodiverse habitats and community open space at Leaton Quarry, Leaton, Telford, Shropshire, TF6 5HB. The scheme would necessitate permissions under separate legislation for the stopping up of part of Leaton Lane and the diversion of existing and provision of new public footpaths.

The scheme comprised a Schedule 1 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Development and this application had been referred to Planning Committee at the request of the previous Ward Member Cllr Jacqui Seymour.

A site visit had taken place on the afternoon prior to the meeting.

Councillor G Thomas, Ward Councillor, stated that the application had previously been called to committee by the former Ward Member, J Seymour, who, although did want the quarry to be extended due to its importance, there needed to be a balance.   He raised concerns on behalf of local residents regarding previous levels and controls, highways, increased tonnage, with widening of Burcot Lane, dust and blasting and the mitigation measures.

Ms M Cotton, Applicant, spoke in favour the application which was a consolidation of the existing operations together with the northern extension of the current site providing nationally important mineral deposits with minimal impact on local residents and surrounding areas.  The scheme provided control of hydrology, archaeology, ecology, blasting noise and dust and recent monitoring had confirmed that this was below the limits set out in the current planning permission.  It sought to continue the employment of almost 100 staff as well as landscape contractors, construction industry and local suppliers.  Operational movements would not be increased.  There was a biodiversity net gain from the restoration scheme such as habitat creation and some public access to footpaths and bridleways and an area specifically restored for local residents to be used for picnics and events which would overlook the lake.

The Planning Consultant addressed members that Leaton Quarry was located to the north of the A5 and 3km east of Wellington. The application sought permission for a northerly extension with formation of a landscaped screen mound. The proposals would yield 21 million tonnes of new reserves comprising 13.5Mt in the proposed extension and 7.8Mt from the proposed deepening of the existing quarry.  The proposals would require the stopping up of Leaton Lane.  A public right of way would need to be diverted around the eastern edge of the extended workings and other rights of way would be created around the quarry site. The surface water settlement ponds would be re-located and the workings would be deepened. Restoration would be undertaken in the form of a lake with surrounding fields and woodland with a shallow habitat area being created in the south-east corner.  The application was supported by an Environmental Statement containing reports in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63