Quarry time extension at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, Gelligaer, Hengoed

What was proposed

The application sought two more years for mineral extraction and restoration, with extraction ending in 2026 and restoration in 2034.

“Description and Location of Development: Vary condition 1 of Planning Consent 22/0175/NCC (Vary condition 02 of planning consent 19/0276/NCC (Vary Condition 6 (Hours of operation) of planning consent 12/0570/FULL (Extend existing quarry operations including new drainage system and settlement ponds, landscape bunds and associated works) to extend the hours of operation for utility providers) to extend the period of extraction and restoration works at the site for a further…”

“Development: Vary condition 1 of Planning Consent 22/0175/NCC (Vary condition 02 of planning consent 19/0276/NCC (Vary Condition 6 (Hours of operation) of planning consent 12/0570/FULL (Extend existing quarry operations including new drainage system and settlement ponds, landscape bunds and associated works) to extend the hours of operation for utility providers) to extend the period of extraction and restoration works at the site for a further two years (in each case) so…”

Officer report

The site

The 12.7-hectare site contains an existing quarry within a wider farm, waste, recycling and anaerobic digestion complex.

“Location: Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, Gelligaer Road, Gelligaer, Hengoed, CF82 8FY.”

“Site description: The application site has an area of approximately 12.7 hectares encompassing the existing Bryn Quarry. Bryn Quarry is situated at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, which also incorporates a dairy farm, waste recovery and recycling facility, and an anaerobic digestion facility occupying an area of land which lies between Gelligaer, Nelson and Trelewis.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered quarrying and related facilities, while a later quarry extension was refused and another extension was resolved for approval.

“20/0702/FULL - Enable the retention of, and proposed extension to, quarry operations including new drainage systems and settlement ponds, landscape bunds and associated works and a site restoration scheme - Refused 15.11.2021 - appeal pending.”

“24/0525/FULL - Enable extension to existing quarry operations including drainage, landscape bunds with associated works and erect sports pitch and circular walkway footpaths, Committee resolved to grant (awaiting s.106).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the time extension would not enlarge the extraction area and existing controls would limit its effects.

“The existing site has been subject to quarrying for a number of years and therefore the landform has already been significantly altered by the quarrying carried out to date. As such it is considered that the general impacts of quarrying on the application site and wider area (such as visual impact and ecology) have already been substantially undertaken by the quarrying activity already carried out; and at the time of this application there is a need for restoration of the…”

“The activities at the quarry include periodic blasting to facilitate the extraction of the mineral resource and then associated extraction and related activities. The existing permission is presently controlled by planning conditions which include restrictions on hours of quarrying and blasting, restriction on daily volume of stone to be exported from the site and material to be imported for fill.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most technical consultees raised no objection, while the community council expressed concerns about incremental development and prolonged impacts.

“Transportation Engineering Manager CCBC - No objection is raised based on Conditions 3, 4, 6 & 12 of 19/0276/NCC being carried forward.”

“Gelligaer Community Council - For those members that may not be aware, gradual incremental planning applications over many years at Gelliargwellt Farm have resulted in a small but typical mixed farm growing into in this massive waste management and quarrying development encroaching closer to just within 300m of people's homes. Dust and noise which local residents endure daily does not affect just one person, it affects families including children, spanning two villages.”

Officer report

Objections received

Thirty-one objections and two ward councillor objections cited noise, dust, blasting, traffic, wildlife, residents’ wellbeing and environmental effects.

“Response: 31 objections have been received and two ward councillors have also provided objections.”

“Summary of observations: Noise, dust smell distress and damage from blasting/vibrations. - Heavy traffic. - Adverse Impact on nature and wildlife. - Adverse Impact on local residents including children. - Lack of need for aggregate within Wales and UK and existing Landbank. - Encroachment towards homes and Penallta Park. - Impact on environment and water. - Vermin. - Peat removal and incompatibility with declared Climate emergency.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident and three councillors spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

The committee vote

Members approved the recommendation by 7 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions, subject to the officer’s conditions.

“Following consideration of the application it was moved and seconded that, subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be approved. By way of Microsoft Forms (and in noting there were 7 For, 5 Against and 2 Abstentions) this was agreed by the majority present.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions in the officer’s report, together with advisory notes about mining and other matters.

“(i) Subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the application be GRANTED.”

“Any intrusive activities which disturb or enter any coal seams, coal mine workings or coal mine entries (shafts and adits) requires a Mining Remediation Authority Permit. Such activities could include site investigation boreholes, excavations for foundations, piling activities, other ground works and any subsequent treatment of coal mine workings and coal mine entries for ground stability purposes.”

Minutes