Quarry extensions and restoration at Land To North And East of Lathbury, Northampton Road, Lathbury

What was proposed

Two quarry extensions would extract sand and gravel, retain existing facilities, and restore the site to agriculture, nature conservation and flood storage.

“Proposal: Two extensions to Lathbury Quarry and retention of existing ancillary works and facilities (including site access, haul road, processing plant, plant site, lagoons, weighbridge, wheel wash and all other approved ancillary facilities in place at the site) with progressive restoration to agriculture and nature conservation by the importation and deposit of inert restoration materials using the approved point of access together with further nature conservation…”

“It is proposed to develop two further sand and gravel extraction areas to Lathbury Quarry and retain ancillary works and facilities associated with the existing quarry beyond the extraction period for those phases. These include the site access, haul road, processing plant, plant site, lagoons, weighbridge, wheel wash and all other approved ancillary facilities in place at the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site includes agricultural fields and an operating quarry beside the River Great Ouse, Sherington Road, Lathbury and nearby listed heritage assets.

“The site is bordered by the River Great Ouse to the north, with agricultural fields beyond. The eastern side of Phase F is bordered by Sherington Road. Located approximately 25 metres from the eastern edge of the site is the Grade II listed Sherington Bridge over the River Great Ouse. A mix of agricultural fields and extraction areas associated with the existing quarry border the site to the south, with the village of Lathbury and Northampton Road (B526) beyond.”

“Parts of the proposed development would be within areas designated as Archaeological Notification Sites (ANS). The areas closest to the River Great Ouse fall within the river Wildlife Corridor, and the whole of the site is within the Ouse Valley Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA). The site is in a mix of white, green, and amber Great Crested Newt (GCN) risk zones.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included a refusal, an approved quarry permission, and a withdrawn extension application followed by approved restoration details.

“This permission (implemented and representing the current operations on site) is subject to several conditions relating to management of noise, dust, air quality, water management, landscaping, and restoration of the site. Progressive restoration of the current site would continue alongside the working of the proposed extraction areas.”

“24/02006/DISCON Approval of details required by conditions 19 (storage of stockpiles) and 22 (Restoration Scheme) of permission ref. 18/00009/MIN Approved – 29/04/2025”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Waste and Minerals Planning Officer introduced the application and explained its extensions, retained facilities, restoration and environmental assessment.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed mud on roads, the wheel wash, monitoring, public rights of way, local impacts and the timely completion of restoration.

“Members sought clarification on measures to prevent mud on the highway, particularly the location of the wheel wash and whether the measures were the same as what was currently applied to the site. Officers advised that the dust management plan had been secured by condition, it included wheel washing and road sweeping measures, and that this was considered sufficient.”

“A Member expressed their disappointment that the wheel wash was so far from the entrance due to the negative impact on the roads, but acknowledged that it would not be something the Committee could condition. The impact on local residents was also highlighted by a member in particular , the need for regular vigilant checks of the state of the road to reduce the impact.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee carried the motion to grant permission subject to the legal agreement and conditions, including the proposed amendments.

“The Chair, seconded by Councillor Exon, proposed the recommendation for debate that: Subject to the completion of a s106 agreement securing the obligations and terms set out in this report, permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report and the amended conditions 1,9 and 26 as set out in the Update Paper.”

“That subject to the completion of a s106 agreement securing the obligations and terms set out in this report, permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report and the amended conditions 1,9 and 26 as set out in the Update Paper. 2.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to a section 106 agreement, conditions and delegated authority to refuse if the agreement was not completed within the specified period.

“In the event that the s106 agreement is not completed within 28 days following the Committee’s resolution, the Head of Planning be delegated authority to extend the period for completion of the s106 agreement, or, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chairs, refuse permission.”

Minutes