The Development Control Committee of Lancashire Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss planning applications related to Ravenhead Quarry. The committee considered two linked applications concerning the use of an alternative access route and the variation of conditions for the quarry's restoration. The committee also noted decisions made by the Director of Environment and Regulatory.

Ravenhead Quarry Applications

The committee considered two applications concerning Ravenhead Quarry on Chequer Lane, Up Holland.

The first application (LCC/2025/0022) sought permission for an alternative access from Chequer Lane for restoration vehicles, including the construction of a ramped access into the quarry. This new access would replace the existing one, which had previously caused issues with mud and debris on the highway. The committee heard that the new access would be further south, closer to residential properties on Miners View, but that existing woodland screening and the site's previous industrial use were considered to mitigate potential impacts on residential amenity. Highways Development Control raised no objection, subject to conditions regarding detailed construction changes, signage, and the creation of a pedestrian-priority access at the original site entrance. Concerns were raised by Councillor Hamish Mills about the potential for HGVs to overturn due to the narrowed entrance, but the committee was assured that the design was proposed by highways experts. The committee also discussed ecological considerations, noting that while a biodiversity net gain target was not fully met on-site, this could be addressed through off-site measures or the purchase of biodiversity credits. The application was approved, subject to conditions.

The second application (LCC/2025/0023) sought to vary conditions of an existing planning permission (LCC/2023/0043) for the quarry's restoration. Specifically, it aimed to allow the use of the alternative access discussed in the first application and to alter the timing for the submission of a surface water sustainable drainage strategy. The original condition required this strategy to be submitted within one year of the commencement of infilling operations, but the applicant proposed submitting it 18 months prior to the cessation of infilling. The committee agreed that this revised timing was more reasonable given the difficulty in predicting the exact end date of infilling. Councillor Adrian Owens raised concerns about condition 15, which related to the sheeting of vehicles leaving the site, and requested it be amended to include vehicles entering and leaving the site. It was agreed that this amendment would be discussed and finalised after the meeting, with the condition focusing on sheeting at the point of entry onto the site. The application to vary conditions was approved, subject to the agreed amendment regarding vehicle sheeting.

Decisions Noted

The committee also noted a report detailing decisions taken on development control matters by the Director of Environment and Regulatory in accordance with the County Council's Scheme of Delegation. These included the approval of a non-material amendment for Whitemoss Landfill Site, a lawful development certificate for mineral and waste storage at Mossy Lea Road, and planning permissions for improvements to Chorley Central Library and an extension to Rosegrove Nursery School.

The next meeting of the Development Control Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 2 September 2026.