Proposals to build a quarry to extract sand and gravel from a site off Pave Lane in Chetwynd Aston came before Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee last night, which was attended by many residents within the local community.
Members of the planning committee voted unanimously in support of the officer recommendation for reasons for refusal which will now be used as reasons to oppose the quarry development at a planning inquiry which has been arranged for November this year.
Planning committee member Cllr Nicola Lowery, Ward Member for the Ironbridge Gorge stated at the meeting: “The proposal for Pave Lane is not required to address any shortfall in annual production levels as required by the NPPF and there is a potential to oversupply sand & gravel within the local market. I do not feel that the applicant has compiled a convincing case to demonstrate the need for the mineral within the site to be release, considering Woodcote wood is allocated as a preferred site and deemed more appropriate in environmental terms.
"I do have concerns regarding the junction and its suitability to accommodate the amount of HGVs proposed to logistically operate this site and feel that the amount of traffic will adversely affect the quality of life of the local community.
"I wholeheartedly endorse and support the reasons for refusing this application. The proposed site is contrary to our minerals local plan saved policy M15 as it does not demonstrate evidence a sufficient case when considered against the preferred site at Woodcote Wood, nor does it deliver significant environmental benefits.
The cumulative impact of both sites I do not feel is sustainable and will negatively impact the character and uniqueness of the rural setting that we as members of this committee have a duty to protect”.
Conservative Group Leader Andrew Eade stated: "There will be significant impact of operating a quarry and ready mix concrete plant over 68 acres of open countryside on the outskirts of Newport. The impact of 20 years of landfill operation which will almost certainly delay the future re-instatement of the site back into farmland."
"A real concern is the number of traffic movements, we may be talking of in excess of 200 vehicle movements during any one working day. I have described this junction to be the very worst of its type in the entire Borough and I honestly believe that to be so"
"The issue is the lack of need for the sand & gravel at Pave Lane, due in part to the planned opening of the Woodcote Wood Quarry. A more sustainable site which already enjoys planning permission and is located much closer to the centre of Telford. This ultimately means that the reserves at Pave lane are not required".