Controversial quarry plans thrown out

Campaigners had raised numerous concerns about the site

Controversial plans for a sand and gravel quarry in a Lancashire village have been refused planning permission.

At a meeting of Lancashire County Council's development control committee at County Hall in Preston, councillors voted overwhelmingly to reject the plans for land off Bourbles Lane, Preesall.

More than 2,000 objections were submitted to Lancashire County Council, citing the impact it would have on highway safety, and dust and noise problems.

The developers, Baxter Group, had argued the building industry had a "strong need for this sort of material".

'Living onsite'

At a packed meeting, a number of residents who lived close to the site talked about the impact the quarry would have on their lives.

Harry Hutchin, who lives nearby, said: "We are so close, it is literally the other side of the garden fence. We are effectively living onsite."

Others raised concerns about the health problems that the dust could affect.

Ian Dale who can see the site from his house, said his mum, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), would be "trapped" inside the house if the quarry went ahead because of the levels of dust.

Speaking at the meeting, Baxter Group managing director Callum Baxter said: "We've put in a lot of time and effort into mitigating the concerns of residents, including screening bunds and significant monitoring."

He also said that a significant amount of the material dug up would be used by local businesses, as currently that kind of material came from outside of the area.

'Reckless'

Reform UK councillor Clive Balchin said: "This proposal is wrong, the roads are narrow, twisting and totally unsuited for up to 75 HGVs to thunder through them every single day.

"Approving this application would not just be careless, it would be reckless.

"They want to dig up something we already have plenty of, something easily available, so I have to ask, is it really worth making local people's lives an utter misery for the commercial gain of a few?

"The answer in my mind is a loud and resounding 'no'."

Campaigners cheered as the result was announced.

Wyre councillor Claire Rimmer said: "We're jubilant. It's been extremely stressful. It's really impacted people's mental health. You could see the relief of people's faces.

"The residents are really relieved and celebrating."

In response to the decision, a Baxter Group spokesman said: "We are very disappointed with the decision as the scheme would have provided much needed construction materials for the housing sector.

"Lancashire is not providing an adequate supply of sites for the significant increase in house building and expected future infrastructure required.

"The Baxter Group Ltd will await the decision notice and consider their options going forward."