The Lancashire County Council Development Control Committee met to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal for sand and gravel extraction in Preesall, a waste processing building in Hillhouse International Business Park, and a residential development in South Ribble. The committee refused the application for sand and gravel extraction, but approved the other two applications, subject to conditions.

Land off Bourbles Lane, Preesall

The committee refused planning permission for the extraction and processing of sand and gravel at a site off Bourbles Lane, Preesall. The application, LCC/2023/0030, sought permission for the extraction of approximately 500,000 tonnes of sand and gravel, with restoration to leisure end-uses, agricultural land, and biodiversity enhancement using imported inert fill¹. Jonathan Edwards, Head of Development Control, recommended refusal due to unacceptable impacts on highway safety and the proximity to residential properties, which would lead to unacceptable noise and dust impacts.

Objections

Numerous objections were raised by local residents, Preesall Town Council, and parish councils including Hambleton Parish Council, Pilling Parish Council, Thurnham with Glasson Parish Council, Forton Parish Council, and Stalmine with Staynall Parish Council. Issues highlighted included:

• Highway safety: Concerns were raised about the suitability of local roads for increased HGV traffic, particularly on Lancaster Road and the A588, with specific concerns about narrow roads, blind bends, and the safety of vulnerable road users. Objectors highlighted accident black spots such as Fold House Farm bend in Pilling and the Burned House Lane/B5377 Park Lane junction between Stalmine and Preesall.
• Pollution: Residents expressed concerns about air pollution, including silica dust, and noise pollution from quarrying activities and HGV traffic.
• Impact on local amenity: The proximity of the site to residential properties was a major concern, with residents fearing the impact of noise, dust, and traffic on their quality of life. Councillor Clare Rimmer said one elderly resident from Nixon's Lane had stated that it is too difficult to mitigate that noise impact .
• Flood risk: Concerns were raised about the site's location within a flood zone and the potential for increased flood risk due to the proposed operations.
• Biodiversity: The site's location within Pilling Moss, a Biological Heritage Site, and its importance for overwintering birds were highlighted as concerns. Objectors claimed the application contradicted Lancashire County Council's plans to increase green space in the county.

Support

Speakers supporting the application argued that the gravel would be used locally, reducing the carbon footprint, that Lancashire needs new supplies of sand and gravel, the project would create new wildlife habitats, the development would create employment and future leisure facilities, and that the applicant had demonstrated that all environmental, health and transport issues had been addressed.

Callum Baxter, speaking in support of the application, stated that the company was happy to accept further mitigation and were willing to pay a significant contribution to LCC highways.

Committee Discussion

During the discussion, County Councillor Matthew Jones asked for clarification on the consultation process, and raised concerns about the adequacy of protection around woodlands.

County Councillor Colette Balchin made a statement, which she asked to be minuted verbatim, saying that the proposal was wrong, plain, fundamentally and unavoidably wrong . She raised concerns about the narrow roads and the lack of need for the materials.

County Councillor Martin Sutton raised concerns about accusations made by the applicant towards the highways department.

Jonathan Edwards clarified that the Highway Authority is a separate body, albeit part of the same organization, and that the formal final view from the highway service reflected the position of the council from a highways perspective.

County Councillor Angela Joynes raised concerns about dust and traffic, stating that it would greatly affect the residents and impose hardship upon them.

The committee voted to refuse the application, with a proposal from County Councillor Tom Lorde.

Land at Hillhouse International Business Park

The committee approved planning application LCC 2025 0010 for a new waste processing building at Hillhouse International Business Park, Wyre. The application is for a new main building, small portacabin style office and erection of boundary fencing associated with processing of household, commercial and industrial waste to produce a solid recovered fuel (SRF).

Rob Hope, Principal Planner, presented the application, noting that the site was formerly used for chemical production as part of the wider ICI operation.

County Councillor Martin Sutton sought clarification on contamination, and Councillor Tom Lorde raised concerns about enforcing a condition regarding mud and debris on the road.

County Councillor Andrea Owens commented on the transport statement.

The committee approved the application.

Land at Stanifield Lane

The committee approved planning application LCC/2025/0007 for the erection of 74 dwellings at Stanifield Lane. This was a reserved matters application² following outline planning permission LCC/2022/0044 for the comprehensive development of the Cuerden Strategic site. Rob Hope presented the application.

County Councillor Martin Sutton raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing, and the developer's claim that it was not possible to make a profit out of affordable housing.

County Councillor Linda Thomson questioned how the development would stimulate site development.

County Councillor Andrea Owens referred to comments from the parish council.

The committee approved the application.

Decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Planning

The committee noted a report on decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Planning in accordance with the County Council's Scheme of Delegation. These included a hedgerow reinstatement planting scheme at Stanley Villa Farm, Weeton, the installation of vent pipes at land south of Darkinson Lane, Lea, Preston, and the installation and operation of waste handling equipment at Whitemoss Landfill Site, Skelmersdale.