Derbyshire Dales District Council's Planning Committee refused permission for a builder's yard in Tansley and a quarry in Over Haddon, and deferred making a decision on a housing development in Ashbourne. The committee also discussed the outcome of a number of planning appeals, noting that the council lost three and won one.

Application No. 23/01274/OUT - Land adjacent to Hall Farm, Over Haddon

Councillors refused permission for the construction of a quarry to extract vein minerals¹ and the erection of a processing plant at Hall Farm, Over Haddon. The applicant, Tarmac, argued that there is a clear need for the quarry, with Councillor Peter Slack stating that the applicant demonstrated that the need for this product outweighs the harm. Local residents, however, objected to the application, arguing that it would cause noise and dust pollution and damage the local environment. They were particularly concerned about the proximity of the development to the edge of the Peak District National Park.

The council's planning officers had recommended that the application be refused on the grounds that it would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape and visual amenity of the area, as well as on the amenity of nearby residents. The officers also raised concerns about the potential for noise, dust, and traffic pollution.

During the meeting, the committee heard representations from Tarmac, local residents, and the council's planning officers. The committee also considered a report on the application, which set out the main issues and made a recommendation for refusal.

Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse planning permission for the quarry by eight votes to three. This was done on the grounds that the impact on the landscape, the Peak District National Park and local residents' amenity outweighed the need for the minerals.

Application No 23/01271/FUL - Land South of Derby Road, Ashbourne

The committee considered an application from Peveril Homes for the construction of 93 dwellings on land at Wyaston Road, Ashbourne.

During the meeting the committee heard from the applicant that the development would contribute significantly to the council's five year housing land supply, would feature 30% affordable housing, and that the site had been identified in the council's draft local plan as being suitable for development. However, local resident Ms Lesley Anton argued that The proposed development would create an unacceptable increase in traffic and congestion in the area, particularly at peak times and that there was inadequate parking provision within the development.

The council's planning officers had recommended that the development be refused on the grounds that the site lies outside the settlement boundary of Ashbourne and is therefore contrary to Policy S1 of the Adopted Derbyshire Dales Local Plan (2017). They were also concerned that the development would result in the loss of a significant area of greenfield land and have a detrimental impact on the character of the area.

In the debate that followed, councillors expressed concern about the impact of the development on local infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and healthcare facilities. They were also concerned that it would encroach on the open countryside. The developer pointed out that their own traffic surveys showed minimal impact on local roads. However, Councillor Robert Archer was not convinced, saying:

I have serious reservations about the accuracy of the traffic assessment.

Councillors were also concerned that the developer had not adequately considered alternative uses for the site, such as employment use.

The meeting concluded with a vote to defer a decision on the application, with councillors asking for more information from the applicant and council officers on a number of issues. The main points raised were:

• The lack of a Section 106 agreement².
• Concerns about the impact of the development on the road network.
• What mitigation could be offered to residents to offset the impact of the development.

Appeals Progress Report

The committee considered the outcome of a number of planning appeals. The most significant of these related to an application to build 14 houses at Mayfield Road, Ashbourne. The committee heard that the Planning Inspector had overturned the council's decision to refuse permission for the development, despite the council's arguments that the development would harm the character of the area. The inspector concluded that the proposed development would not result in any significant harm to the character and appearance of the area , that it would provide a valuable contribution to the Council's housing land supply , and that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the limited harm. This means that the development will now go ahead.

Councillors expressed disappointment at the outcome of the Mayfield Road appeal, but acknowledged that the Planning Inspector's decision was final.

Application No. 24/00278/OUT - Agricultural Land North of Matlock Road, Tansley

Councillors refused permission to change the use of land at Matlock Road, Tansley, to create a builder's yard, with associated access, storage, and office space.

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission for the development, despite the applicant's claim that there was a need for more employment land in the area and it would create new jobs. They agreed with the planning officer's assessment that the application should be determined in accordance with the development plan, and that given the site's location outside the settlement boundary and in the open countryside, the proposal is contrary to Policies S1 and S6 of the Adopted Derbyshire Dales Local Plan (2017).