Quarry access improvements at Land At Turnlee Quarry, Turnlee Road, Simmondley, Glossop

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought for access improvements, retaining walls, hardstanding, storage bays and regrading, without seeking permission for the site’s use.

“Retrospective planning permission is sought solely for the operational development regarding improvements to the existing access, retaining walls which line the access route and a concrete apron hardstanding as well as storage bays and regrading works within the site. The use of the site is not sought.”

“The development includes two types of new wall elements which includes a dry stone wall and a concrete interlocking retaining wall. There are two sections of dry stone wall which reuses elements from the previous access either side of the access point onto Turnlee road. The dry stone wall section to the north of the access comprises a section of walling at approximately 1.4m in height with a length of circa 17m wrapping round the front of the access.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an aggregates yard in the countryside and Green Belt, adjoining Glossop’s built-up area, with industrial, residential and agricultural surroundings.

“The application site refers to Land at Turnlee Quarry which is in use as an aggregates yard for the storage, recycling and sale of stone and other building materials. The site is accessed off Turnlee Road and is located wholly in the countryside although does directly adjoin the built up area boundary to the north and the east. Furthermore, the site is located within the Green Belt.”

“The character of the surrounding area features the edge of settlement nature of the south of Glossop, to the east a mix of industrial uses and residential properties. To the west and south of the site are fields in agricultural use consistent with the countryside and the rural nature of this area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier decisions approved a haulage depot and open storage for stone reclamation, storage and resale, while a landfill proposal was withdrawn.

“Reference no. HPK/0002/5828 Description: Haulage Contractors Depot Decision: Approved (19/10/1987)”

“Reference no. HPK/0002/9436 Description: Change of use from disused quarry to open storage for reclamation, storage and resale of natural stone. Decision: Refused (16/07/1990), Approved at Appeal…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the works were contained within a previously developed industrial site and complied with planning policies.

“The application seeks full retrospective planning consent for operational development consisting of new access arrangements within the site, retaining walls which line the new access route and concrete apron hardstanding as well as storage bays and regrading works within the site.”

“The development works have been comprehensively assessed against Local Plan Policies and national planning policy. The development works are well contained and well related to an existing brownfield industrial site and constitute previously developed land.”

Officer report

Highways consultation

The highways authority raised no objection and found no unacceptable highway safety or severe congestion impact.

“Derbyshire County Council Highways (No Objection)”

“Based on the analysis of the information submitted and a review of Local and National policy the Highway Authority concludes that there would not be an unacceptable impact on Highway Safety or a severe impact on congestion. There are no justifiable grounds on which an objection could be maintained.”

Officer report

Objections raised

One objection concerned Green Belt and landscape impact, visibility, site levels, imported material, ecology and missing biodiversity information.

“- Previous business operated from a low level within the quarry and were not visible from the public highway. - Submitted information lacks detail regarding previous works, site levels or site conditions. - Very significant impact upon the Green Belt and the setting of the Peak District National Park. The Statement only considers the impact from the west and the south west.”

“- The development comprises a large raised platform , a new ramped access and a retaining wall running parallel to Turnlee Road. The Planning Statement makes the claim that this was to ensure safety of users and efficiency of the extant use.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the committee, and members had undertaken a site visit.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission as set out in the report, including delegated authority over non-substantive wording changes.

“That planning permission be granted as set out in the report; and…”

“That in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Development Services be delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.”

Minutes