Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment.

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application. The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that permission was sought to remove 210,000m3 of clay overburden which was overlaying the remaining permitted limestone reserves within Pant y Pwll Dwr Quarry, and use the material to form a north westerly extension to the existing overburden storage facility, which lay to the north of the west of the quarry void.  The proposal would also involve the permanent diversion of a private access road, the diversion of existing public rights of way and the creation of a new permissive path. 

Councillor Bithell proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.

Councillor Bithell queried whether the Halkyn Graziers and Commoners Association legal rights referred to in the report were a legal matter rather than a matter for the committee.  The Solicitor explained that it was not a material consideration for Members in considering the application. 

Councillor Richard Jones asked if a compensatory area was to be provided to the Graziers and who was responsible for the maintenance of the Rights of Way.

The officer explained to compensate the Graziers for the loss of grazing land during the construction and restoration of the bund, the quarry could move some existing fencing around their existing bunds.  On rights of way, the officer provided background information to explain that the proposal would involve the temporary closure and subsequent diversion of public and private rights of way.  An additional permissive footpath had been proposed which would lead to the summit of the bund to provide a look out over the Common and the quarry.  On maintenance, she clarified that the private right of way was the responsibility of the land owner and the Public Right of Way being the responsibility of the Local Authority.

Councillor Chris Bithell queried why the Public Right of Way could not be restored as opposed to being permanently diverted.  The officer explained that the suggested permanent diversion was based on the appreciation of the land with the diversion providing a flatter route.  Rights of Way officers and the Ramblers’ Association had not submitted any objections to the proposal.

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment.