The Development Control Committee of Lancashire Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss planning applications related to Ravenhead Quarry. The committee approved two linked applications concerning the use of an alternative access route and variations to conditions for the quarry's restoration.

Ravenhead Quarry Access and Restoration Approved

The committee granted planning permission for two linked applications concerning Ravenhead Quarry on Chequer Lane, Up Holland. The first application (LCC/2025/0022) approved the use of an alternative access from Chequer Lane and the construction of a ramped access into the quarry for restoration vehicles. The second application (LCC/2025/0023) varied conditions of an existing permission (LCC/2023/0043) to allow the use of this new southern access and to alter the timing for the submission of the surface water sustainable drainage strategy.

Alternative Access and Ramped Access Approved (LCC/2025/0022)

This application sought permission for a new access point into Ravenhead Quarry, reusing the former Ravenhead Brickworks access off Chequer Lane. This new access would replace the existing one and include the construction of a ramp to allow vehicles to reach the quarry levels for tipping. The proposal was considered acceptable from a highway safety perspective, with the County Council's Highway Authority raising no objection subject to conditions. Concerns regarding residential amenity were addressed by the existing woodland screening and the fact that the access previously served the brickworks. While there was a current shortfall in biodiversity net gain, this was deemed resolvable through off-site measures or the purchase of biodiversity net gain credits. The small section of the proposed access track that falls within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is already hard-surfaced and does not impact geological features. The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Variation of Conditions for Restoration Approved (LCC/2025/0023)

This application sought to vary conditions of an existing permission for the continuation of mineral extraction and restoration of Ravenhead Quarry. Specifically, it aimed to allow the use of the alternative southern access (approved under LCC/2025/0022) and to adjust the timing for the submission of the surface water sustainable drainage strategy. The original condition required submission within one year of infilling operations commencing, but the revised proposal allows for submission 18 months from the date of permission, ensuring the strategy is provided in advance of infilling cessation. Concerns were raised by Councillor Owens regarding the wording of condition 15, which related to the sheeting of vehicles. It was agreed that the wording would be amended to ensure it applied to vehicles entering and leaving the site, with the final wording to be agreed after the meeting. The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to the amended conditions.

Other Business

The committee also noted the minutes from the previous meeting held on 10 June 2026 and received an update on decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the County Council's Scheme of Delegation. There were no items of urgent business. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 2 September 2026.

The meeting also began with a moment of reflection on the recent passing of former councillor Matthew Maxwell Scott.