The Regulatory - Planning Committee of Derbyshire Council met on Monday, 17 June 2024, to discuss several key planning applications and issues. Decisions were made on the proposed diversion of a public footpath in Holmesfield, the extension of Slinter Top Quarry, and the installation of noise attenuation housing by Ecobat Resources Ltd. Additionally, the committee deferred a decision on an inert material recycling facility at Bridgehouse Garage.

Slinter Top Quarry Extension

The committee reviewed an application from Slinter Mining Company Ltd to extend Slinter Top Quarry into 3.9 hectares of land. The extension would allow for the extraction of approximately 1.320 million tonnes of mineral, extending operations to 2033 with restoration completed by 2037. The proposal included four extraction phases using blasting and mobile crushing equipment.

Local resident Mr R Grover raised concerns about noise levels, stating that previous measures were inadequate and affected residents' quality of life. Mrs V Beardsley also noted the lack of noise assessments on Blackmoor Road, Bonsall. Planning Officers responded that the noise levels would be monitored and managed according to national Planning Policy.

Councillor Murphy sought reassurance on noise management, and Planning Officers confirmed that a noise management plan would be required. The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions, including a Section 106 agreement to implement measures from the Slinter Top Botanical Survey Report and Biodiversity Strategy.

Public Footpath Diversion in Holmesfield

The committee authorised the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to make a Diversion Order for part of Footpath No. 9 in Holmesfield Parish under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980. The diversion was requested to secure the curtilage of a barn converted to a dwelling and increase residents' privacy.

Holmesfield Parish Council objected, arguing that it set a precedent and preferred to keep historic routes unaltered. However, the committee concluded that the diversion was expedient and resolved to proceed with the order, forwarding any unresolved objections to the Secretary of State for determination.

Ecobat Resources Ltd Noise Attenuation Housing

Ecobat Resources Ltd applied for the installation of an acoustic attenuation housing for an oxygen generation plant at their waste recycling facility. The housing aimed to reduce noise impact, and a retaining wall was also sought retrospectively.

Mr J Ward from Stanton Action for Environmental Renewal (SAFER) and Mr H Griffith raised concerns about the plant's expansion, traffic issues, and environmental impacts. Planning Officers clarified that the application did not increase operating capacity but aimed to reduce noise. The committee resolved to grant planning permission with conditions and included an informative note for Derbyshire County Council (DCC) representation at future liaison meetings.

Inert Material Recycling Facility at Bridgehouse Garage

An application from Mr David Johnson for a change of use of part of Bridgehouse Garage to accommodate an inert material recycling and storage facility was deferred. Local residents expressed concerns about the impact, prompting the committee to defer the decision to allow for a site visit.

Other Matters

The committee received reports on current enforcement action, outstanding applications, and current appeals. They also noted applications approved by the Executive Director – Place under delegated powers and received performance management statistics for Planning Services Development Management.

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the minutes of the meeting.