Major update on controversial Preesall quarry after developer appeal against planning permission refusal

A developer’s appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a controversial quarry in Preesall has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate, with Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith welcoming the decision as the “right outcome”.

The appeal challenged Lancashire County Council’s decision to refuse permission for the proposed quarrying development in Preesall. Ms Smith, who has opposed the quarry plans throughout the planning process, said the latest decision should bring the long-running dispute to an end.

“I welcome the Planning Inspectorate's decision today to dismiss the developer's appeal which challenged the refusal of planning permission for quarrying,” the MP said.

“This is the right outcome, and hopefully now puts this plan to bed,” Ms Smith added. “I have been vocal in my opposition to this quarry from the get-go, particularly on air-quality given the proximity to schools and older vulnerable residents with breathing conditions, and I’ve taken action:

• Held public meetings
• Spoke at the Inspectorate's hearing
• Presented a Parliamentary Petition against the Quarry
• Submitted objections at every stage of the process
• Consulted with Over Wyre Medical Centre to get local resident health statistics
• Demanded a full Health Impact Assessment from Public Health England
• Joined the Clean Quarrying All Party Parliamentary Group
• Supported cross-party Private Members Bills on clean quarrying and planning

“Residents have been clear the whole way: We don’t want a quarry here. I'm delighted the hearing found in the favour of the people of Preesall. Well done to all those who have campaigned against this for so long!”

The quarry proposals, submitted by developer Baxters, attracted more than 2,000 objections from residents across the Over Wyre area. Baxters, which is also known as a housebuilder, argued that the building industry was badly in need of a local source of sand and gravel.

However, Lancashire County Council’s Development Control Committee overwhelmingly rejected the application following testimony from representatives supporting and opposing the plans. There was one abstention.

Residents who spoke at the meeting raised concerns about the impact of the proposed quarry on nearby homes, with some properties situated just yards from the edge of the proposed site. Campaigners also argued that proposed earth bunds would not provide sufficient protection from noise and dust.

Health concerns were another major issue, including the potential impact of silica dust generated by quarrying. Silica dust has been linked to cancer. Ahead of the original decision, Lancashire County Council’s planning officer had recommended refusal because of concerns including highway safety, dust and noise.

The officer stated: “The development by reason of proximity to residential properties would have unacceptable noise and dust impacts that could not be satisfactorily mitigated contrary to Paragraph 198 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy DM2 of the Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan and Policy CDMP1 of the Wyre Local Plan.”

The original refusal was met with relief from residents and campaigners, with Wyre councillor and leading campaigner Collette Rushforth previously describing the decision as having the “sword of Damocles taken away from above their heads”.

Following the council’s decision, residents who had campaigned against the proposals celebrated at County Hall, with campaigners spontaneously breaking into applause. The Planning Inspectorate’s dismissal of the developer’s appeal now marks the latest stage in the dispute, with Ms Smith saying she hopes the decision will finally bring the quarry plans to an end.