The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to discuss planning applications related to Spade Oak Quarry. The committee approved an application to vary conditions for sand and gravel extraction at Spade Oak Quarry, extending the completion time and amending the restoration plan. They also approved the delegation of a decision on the creation of a car park, footpaths, and other infrastructure at Spade Oak Quarry to facilitate its use as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).

Spade Oak Quarry: Variation of Conditions for Extraction

The committee approved the variation of conditions for planning permission W/97/7079 at Spade Oak Quarry, located on Marlow Road, Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3SB. This application, CM/0010/25, sought to amend the time limit for extraction, the approved restoration plan, and remove part (c) of Condition 19. The decision to approve was made subject to the conditions listed in the case officer's report, as amended, and crucially, the deletion of the word 'substantial' from proposed condition 2, which had been deemed too vague by members.

During the discussion, councillors expressed concern that Buckinghamshire Council, as the landowner, had not acted sooner to restore the site as required by the original planning permission and a subsequent enforcement notice served in October 2022. Councillor P Fealey proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor D Moore.

Spade Oak Quarry: Creation of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG)

The committee resolved to delegate the approval of application CM/0011/25, concerning the creation of a car park, footpaths, and other infrastructure at Spade Oak Quarry to facilitate its use as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), to the Director of Planning and Environment. This decision is contingent upon the receipt of an updated Management Plan and the prior completion of a Memorandum of Understanding with the applicant. This agreement must secure the required works and the future use of the land as a SANG, with works to be carried out in accordance with the agreed Management Plan. Planning conditions, as detailed in the case officer's report and as amended, will also apply.

A clarification was made to condition 3, specifying that 'winter' for the car park's security and operating hours would be from 1st November to 31st March, and 'summer' from 1st April to 31st October. During the discussion, members requested that the Chairman of the committee write to the Cabinet Member for Communities to consider a review mechanism for expanding the car park allocation after an initial period of activity, to alleviate pressure on nearby roads. Councillor D Moore proposed the resolution, seconded by Councillor P Fealey.

The meeting also noted that the date of the next meeting was scheduled for Monday 30th March 2026 at 11 am.