A GOVERNMENT inspector has refused to grant consent for quarrying work to be carried out on an area of common land near Haworth.

The group behind the works at Naylor Hill Quarry says it is now looking at other options that would allow it to carry out the works at Brow Moor- which are expected to last until 2042.

Bradford Council granted Dennis Gillson and Son planning permission to expand the quarry in April.

But because of the nature of the site, they had to apply for consent under Section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 to carry out restricted works on common land.

Now an inspector has refused to grant that consent, saying that although the works would eventually lead to the the site being restored, providing “enhanced biodiversity,” these benefits “are substantially outweighed by the unacceptable harm the works will cause to those wishing to use the common for grazing and recreation and to its character and appearance.”

Work on quarry site can continue for an extra 18 months

Inspector Richard Holland also questioned whether planned “temporary fencing” for the site was actually temporary when it would likely be in place for 22 years.

His report says: “The proposals will completely exclude the public from 12,500 square metres of the common, almost 3 per cent of the total area of the common, until 2042; this is a lengthy period.

“Whilst the applicant says that restoration of the land will allow public access to be re-instated, it will not be full access. The proposals will seriously and unacceptably harm public rights of access and local people’s use and enjoyment of the affected land.”

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society: ‘We are relieved that the inspector agreed with us that these works were unacceptable.

“The extension of the quarry would have had a devastating effect on this splendid common. It is a popular area for recreation, with rights for walkers and riders, close to population centres.

“Commons are immensely important for their landscape, history and cultural value and their opportunities for quiet recreation. We are pleased to have helped save Brow Moor.”

When asked about the inspector refusing to allow the works, a spokesman from Mineral Planning Group – agents for the applicants said: “That isn’t the case, the planning inspectorate have not disallowed works on Brow Moor, the site has full planning permission to do so. The site’s planning permission (including the extension area) remains unaffected.

“There are several options open to our client with regards to gaining consent to undertake works on Common Land, this form of application (known as a Section 38) was out first port of call, we will now simply explore the other statutory processes.

“We are however pleased to see the planning inspectorate was keen to highlight the net gains in biodiversity that the site will bring along side the importance of maintaining local distinctiveness through the release of proven stone reserves.

“The site will continue to operate as normal and in line with its recently won planning permission.”