Appeal against Pilkington Quarry 80931/08 decision

The Council has had under consideration an application for the extension of quarry operations, including aggregate recycling facility at Pilkington Quarry, Makinson Lane, Off Georges Lane, Horwich,  Bolton (Application No. 80931/08).

After due consideration the Council refused permission for the following reasons:

“ 1.       Insufficient information has been provided by the applicant particularly with regard to         the;

• Details of restoration proposals, (including details of amount and type of materials to be used for said restoration,);
• Full environmental impact of the development
• The impact of the importation of waste restoration material on the hydrology and hydrogeology on surface water drainage and local water supplies;
• Need for infill at the proposed levels;
• The assessment and treatment of possible contaminated materials and their remediation;

            To enable the proposal to be properly judged against the policies M3, M5, W1, W2 and W3           of Bolton’s Unitary Development Plan.

1. The proposed development would lead to an increase in the level of HGV traffic to and from the site which would unduly affect the living conditions of nearby residents and is therefore contrary to Policy A5 of Bolton’s Unitary Development Plan.

1. The proposed development by virtue of its siting, size and nature is likely to unduly affect the wildlife interest of the site and its surroundings by reason of loss or disturbance to natural habitats, wildlife and landscape features and is therefore contrary to Policies N1, N2, N5 and N9 of Bolton’s Unitary Development Plan.

1. The proposed development by virtue of its siting, size and nature is likely to unduly affect the living conditions of nearby residents by reason of incompatible activities resulting in adverse levels of noise, smells, dust or other pollution and traffic movements, contrary to Policies EM2, EM3 and EM12 and N1, N2, N5 and N9 of Bolton’s Unitary Development Plan.

1. The proposed development by virtue of its siting, size and nature is likely to result in an adverse visual impact on the unique character and appearance of the moorland setting of the site contrary to Policies R1 and R5 of Bolton’s Unitary Development Plan”.

The appellant has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against the Council’s decision and it has been agreed that the Appeal is to be dealt with by a public inquiry.  This means that as an owner or occupier of property near the Appeal site you may, if you so wish, state your views in person or through a representative at the inquiry or if you do not wish to attend the inquiry you may state your views in writing on the Appeal.  Any comments which you may have should be sent (three copies), to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/02, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol. BS1 6PN., quoting the reference APP/N4205/A/10/2127567/WF to be received by the 9th July, 2010.  If representations are received after this date, they will not normally be seen by the Inspector and they will be returned.

grounds of appeal

A response has also been received concerning our 20 complaints, which we are considering