The Regulatory - Planning Committee of Derbyshire County Council met on Monday 14 July 2025 and granted planning permission for a new haul road at Grange Mill Quarry. The committee also received reports on current enforcement actions, appeals and called-in applications, and matters determined under delegated powers.

Creation of a New Haul Road at Grange Mill Quarry

The committee granted planning permission for Ben Bennett Junior Limited to create a new external haul road at Grange Mill Quarry, near Wirksworth. The proposed haul road is intended to replace an existing internal haul road that has been deemed unsafe due to stability issues with the quarry faces. The applicant argued that without this new route, operations at the quarry, which produces specialist high-purity limestone, would be significantly impaired.

Concerns were raised by a member of the public regarding dust and noise pollution, visual impact, the need for the development, and the impact on public rights of way. However, the report presented to the committee detailed that these concerns were addressed within the planning considerations. The Executive Director – Place concluded that the development represented a sustainable form of development which, subject to appropriate mitigation measures, would not result in unacceptable impacts on the landscape, environment, or local amenity. The application was recommended for approval, subject to a comprehensive set of conditions. These conditions cover aspects such as archaeological investigation, biodiversity net gain, habitat management, noise and dust control, and the eventual restoration of the site. The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions substantially in line with those detailed in the Executive Director's report.

Current Enforcement Action

The committee received a report detailing current enforcement actions being undertaken by the council. This included updates on cases at Lindrick, Mansfield Road, Corbriggs; Stancliffe Quarry; and land west of Park Farm, Woodland Road, Stanton. For each site, the report outlined the nature of the breach, the actions taken by the council, and the current status of the case.

Current Appeals/Called In Applications

The committee noted an appeal concerning the proposed construction and operation of the Swadlincote Resource Recovery Park (SRRP), which includes an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) and Aggregate Recovery Facility (ARF). The appeal, lodged by R&P Clean Power Limited, is proceeding via a Public Inquiry, which commenced on 6 December 2024, with the inquiry opening on 23 April 2025. A decision was expected by the end of July 2025.

Matters Determined by the Executive Director – Place Under Delegated Powers

The committee was informed of various planning applications that had been approved by the Executive Director – Place under delegated powers. These decisions, detailed in the report, covered a range of developments including recycling facilities, school building works, sewage treatment plant upgrades, and the installation of new sheds and fencing.