The Planning Committee of Staffordshire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss the Annual Report on the Safety of Sports Grounds, consider an application to vary conditions at Saredon Quarry, and review the Planning Policy and Development Management Full Year Report. The committee refused the application to vary conditions at Saredon Quarry due to concerns about residential amenity and noise disturbance.

Annual Report to the Planning Committee of the Safety of Sports Grounds

Mark Wilson, Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety at Staffordshire County Council, presented the Annual Report for the Safety of Sports Grounds for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The report detailed the council's statutory obligations under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1987. It outlined the work undertaken to ensure compliance, including inspections and engagement with designated grounds, such as Burton Albion Football Club, and regulated stands at various venues across Staffordshire.

The report highlighted significant changes at Burton Albion Football Club, including the departure of their safety officer and the subsequent implementation of new safety management arrangements. It also detailed the ongoing work with Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) to ensure spectator safety and preparedness for potential threats, including the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2005, also known as Martyn's Law. The report noted that Staffordshire had received its highest ever score in a Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) audit, indicating a low-risk rating for the council's discharge of its statutory obligations.

Councillor Jon Pendleton raised a query regarding the Staffordshire County Showground being rated as high risk but not explicitly mentioning preparation for Martyn's Law. Mr. Wilson clarified that all venues receive support and engagement, with higher-risk venues receiving more frequent interaction. He assured the committee that the omission was a slight oversight in the report and that all venues are supported in meeting legislative requirements.

Appointment of Members to the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel

Jo Piech presented a report recommending the appointment of seven members to the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel. The recommended members were Councillors Mike Broom, Bob Egginton, Neil Parton, Nicholas Thompson, Val Chapman, Su Beardmore, and Rhys Machin. Councillor Jack Rose proposed the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Su Beardmore. The committee approved the recommendation.

Application for Permission: NRS Saredon Quarry Ltd

Catherine Waldridge presented a planning application from NRS Saredon Quarry Ltd to vary condition 14(e)(ii) of permission SCC/21/0070/FULL-ES, relating to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements. The application sought to increase the number of HGVs permitted to enter or leave the site between 6:00 and 7:00 AM and between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM from two concrete mixer vehicles to ten HGVs.

Objections were received from Saredon Parish Council and local residents, citing concerns about vibration, noise, dust, breaches of existing conditions, and highway condition. The council's planning regulation team had investigated numerous complaints regarding HGV movements outside permitted hours.

The officer's report concluded that the proposed increase in HGV movements would constitute a material change, leading to an unacceptable adverse impact on residential amenity due to increased noise and disturbance during sensitive hours. The report recommended refusal of the application, stating that the material planning objections outweighed the material planning benefits and that the proposals did not represent sustainable development.

During the public speaking session, Nathan Bird, a local resident, spoke on behalf of himself and other residents, highlighting concerns about the cumulative impact of quarry operations on their quality of life, sleep, and historic properties. He noted repeated breaches of existing conditions and a lack of proper monitoring of impacts outside the quarry boundary. Councillor Bob Cope, representing Saredon Parish Council, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the breach of the Section 106 agreement regarding the Quarry Liaison Committee and the impact on residents' right to a good night's sleep. Alex Job, the planning agent for NRS Saredon Quarry Ltd, argued that the application sought flexibility rather than an increase in overall HGV movements and would support local businesses and workers. He stated that the proposed change would not lead to unacceptable adverse impacts and would create important economic benefits. Councillor Michelle Woods also spoke, expressing concern that the extended hours would exacerbate existing disturbances for residents.

Following deliberation, the committee voted to refuse the application, with Councillor Jon Pendleton proposing the refusal based on the officer's recommendation and Councillor Jack Rose seconding. Councillor Michelle Woods declared an interest as a local resident and abstained from voting, as advised by the Chair.

Planning Policy and Development Management - Full Year Report 2025-2026

Julie Castree-Denton, Manager – Planning Policy and Development Management, presented the full-year performance report for 2025-2026. The report detailed the team's activities in planning development management and policy-making. It highlighted that the council continued to monitor its Minerals Local Plan and Waste Local Plan through an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). The latest AMR indicated that policies were working as intended, but there would be a need to review provisions for sand and gravel, industrial minerals, and waste management facilities in the coming years.

The report also presented the development management performance for the year, showing that 100% of major development decisions were made within the statutory time limit or agreed extended period. The council also achieved 100% for its own non-major development decisions and 100% for its own major development decisions. 90% of applications were determined under delegated powers. The report noted that the team comprised nine officers and that despite staff changes, good performance had been maintained. The total number of cases determined was higher than the previous year, and the number of chargeable pre-application advice service requests had also increased. The report concluded with a recommendation for the committee to note the full-year performance report.

The committee noted the report.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers for their hard work.