Ash extraction and processing at Barlow Ash Mound, Selby

What was proposed

The application sought two-phase extraction and export of ash, with processing facilities, lighting, landscaping and site restoration.

“NY/2024/0159/ENV Extraction and export of pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and furnace bottom ash (FBA) from Barlow Ash Mound in two phases (phase 1 and phase 2) and associated development including a weighbridge, wheel wash facilities, screening and processing plant, lighting columns, landscaping and site restoration Barlow Ash Mound, north-west of Drax Power Station near Selby, North Yorkshire YO8 8PH on behalf of Drax Power Ltd…”

“The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for the extraction and export of pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and furnace bottom ash (FBA) from Barlow Ash Mound in two phases (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and associated development including a weighbridge, wheel wash facilities, screening and processing plant, lighting, landscaping and site restoration on land at Barlow Ash Mound, located immediately north-west of Drax…”

Minutes

Concerns raised

Concerns focused on mitigation, monitoring, intrusive operating hours and the size of the landscape mitigation fund.

“Summary of matters raised: • concerns regarding the adequacy of mitigation measures to protect local residents • Request for enhanced and ongoing monitoring of air quality and noise levels, with agreed thresholds requiring operations to cease if exceeded • Objection to the proposed operating hours of 6.00am to midnight, seven days per week including bank holidays, which were considered excessively intrusive for nearby residents • Suggestion that operating hours be restricted…”

Minutes

Who spoke

A parish council representative, the division councillor and the applicant’s agent addressed the committee.

The vote

Members carried the motion to adopt the officer recommendation with amended operating hours and a 35% maximum road transport requirement.

“Two motions emerged and were duly proposed and seconded during the debate: (i) That the officer recommendation in the report be adopted with (a) amendments to conditions 8, 15 and 16 reflecting the revised hours of operation of 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and no working on Bank Holidays and public holidays; and (b) amendments to condition 9 reflecting the added requirement in the Construction Traffic Management Plan that the mode of transport for export of materials be a…”

“On a vote being taken on the first motion, this motion was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, a legal agreement, shorter working hours and export transport limits.

“That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions listed in the report and prior completion of a S106 agreement with terms as detailed in Table 1 and (a) amendments to conditions 8, 15 and 16 reflecting the revised hours of operation of 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and no working on Bank Holidays and public holidays; and (b) amendments to condition 9 reflecting the added requirement in the Construction Traffic Management Plan that the mode of transport for export of…”

“Voting record: A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 10 for and 4 against.”

Minutes