A long-running proposal for a large sand and gravel quarry near Barton-in-Fabis has been refused at Nottinghamshire County Council following a decision taken today 16 December by the Planning and Rights of Way Committee.
The application relates to land at Mill Hill, off Green Street and Chestnut Lane, where plans have been under consideration since they were first mooted in 2021.
What was decided
County councillors voted to refuse planning permission after considering planning policy, technical reports, consultation responses and strong local objections. Campaign groups and representatives of Lark Hill retirement home attended and spoke at the meeting.
The decision was made against officer recommendations.
The vote was 7 against and 4 for the plans.
Here’s a breakdown:
Cllr Janette Barlow – Against
Cllr Kevin Brown – For
Cllr Faz Choudhury – For
Cllr Teresa Cullen – Against
Cllr Kev Dale – Against
Cllr Russell Dodd – For
Cllr James Gamble – Against
Cllr Sue Saddington – Against
Cllr Hari Om – Against
Cllr David Smith – Against
Cllr Brian Wheatcroft – For
Rushcliffe Borough Council had maintained a formal objection to the plans, citing Green Belt harm and impacts on residents and the countryside.
Councillors cited need for the minerals as the basis for refusal, given that there is a 15 year pipeline and the requirement is only 7 years. They argued that therefore the quarry isn’t needed right now.
The applicant now has the option to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate or submit a revised proposal.
Reaction
Local residents and campaign groups welcomed the decision, with many having opposed the plans since they first emerged.
Rushcliffe Borough Council previously described the quarry as inappropriate development in the Green Belt and raised concerns about noise, dust, traffic, air quality and long-term environmental harm.
The proposals have attracted significant public opposition since first emerging in 2021. More than 180 formal objections were submitted during consultation, with residents and campaign groups expressing concerns about traffic, loss of tranquillity, visual harm and damage to wildlife habitats. These are repeated by resident groups who attended the meeting today.
Opponents argue that restoration plans cannot fully compensate for more than a decade of quarrying activity in open countryside close to a village.
Background
The site is identified in the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan as containing workable mineral resources, but the proposal has been controversial due to its proximity to Barton-in-Fabis, public rights of way and the wider Trent Valley landscape.
More than 1,333 objections were submitted to the report.
More soon…
• All you need to know: Barton in Fabis quarry plans, opposition and next steps
