Controversial village quarry plan faces refusal

Campaigners against the plan for a quarry in Preesall are concerned about silica dust and safety

Controversial plans to develop a sand and gravel quarry close to homes in a Lancashire village should be refused permission, a planning officer has said.

Developers Baxter Homes, who proposed the site in Preesall, has argued the building industry is in need of the quarry at a time when councils are emphasising the need for new housing.

However opponents have raised concerns, including the potential health impact of silica dust, which is linked to cancer, and concerns over noise levels and safety.

A meeting to decide on the application is due to be held on Wednesday by Lancashire County Council's development control committee at County Hall in Preston.

Prolonged exposure to fine silica dust can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

A planning officer has submitted a report, stating the proposed development would have "unacceptable impacts on highway safety which cannot be adequately mitigated".

The quarry would also have "unacceptable noise and dust impacts that could not be satisfactorily mitigated", according to the report.

One councillor said the proposed site was "simply the wrong place"

Councillor Collette Rushforth, a Wyre Council member for Preesall, has campaigned against the proposals and said: "The committee can go against a recommendation but they have got to have very strong reasons for doing that.

"So I feel this is a big help to our campaign.

"The quarry is too close to people's houses and should not be allowed there – it's simply the wrong place."

Wyre Council, which is a consultee in the planning process, has also registered opposition to the quarry, as have Preesall Town Council and Hambleton Parish Council.

A spokesman for Greenfield Enviro, agents for Baxter Homes, previously said that "all potential impacts on the local community and the local environment have been assessed and mitigation measures to minimise or eliminate any impacts have been clearly identified where they are deemed necessary".