Plans for giant sand quarry near Newport thrown out

Campaigners are celebrating after the decision was announced that plans for land off Pave Lane in Chetwynd Aston, had been refused.

The plans were originally turned down by Telford & Wrekin Council, but applicant Mick George Ltd appealed.

Following a planning inquiry in November, inspectors found that the right decision had been made by the council.

Inspector John Woolcock wrote: "The appeal is dismissed, and planning permission is refused for a quarry for the extraction of sand and gravel and importation.

"There is no need for the mineral and the proposal would result in an uncontrolled oversupply of minerals provision.

"The application does not demonstrate that the site is significantly more acceptable overall than the allocated sites or the preferred area at Woodcote Wood.

"The proposal would not offer significant environmental benefits, but would have significant harmful effects on the countryside."

Mr Woolcock said one of the main issues was how the quarry would affect nearby residents.

Emissions

“The development would at times likely be audible at nearby residential properties, and dust could at times affect those using this part of the countryside,” he said.

“Those experiencing these effects may well consider themselves to be adversely affected, even though the emissions might be compliant with relevant planning conditions.

“If so, this would harm the amenity of the area, and any such harm is a consideration that should properly be weighed against the benefits of mineral extraction.”

Andrew Eade, borough councillor for Church Aston and Lilleshall, said that it had been a long fight, but that the prize of unspoiled countryside was more than worth it.

He said he hoped the matter would now be put to rest.

“This has been a long-running David and Goliath battle which we have fought tooth and nail at every opportunity,” he said.

“There were times when it seemed that we were swimming against the tide but everyone, especially parish councillors and members of the community, have knuckled down and fought every challenge thrown our way. I hope that this will now prove an end to the matter.” Mr Woolcock’s decision is still open to appeal.

Planning permission was recently granted for the nearby Woodcote Wood quarry in Weston Heath. About 200,000 tonnes of sand and gravel would be extracted.

Permission for the quarry at the Woodcote Wood site was granted in 2006 but a formal decision was not issued due to an agreement on conditions not being completed. The site has now been leased by Atherstone-based company NRS.