The Regulatory - Planning Committee of Derbyshire County Council was scheduled to consider a change of use application for a waste recovery site and receive updates on current enforcement actions and appeals. The committee was also scheduled to review matters determined by the Executive Director under delegated powers.

Change of Use to a Waste Recovery Site

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the change of use of Hangar 5, Woodyard Lane, Foston, DE65 5PY, from commercial use to a waste recovery site. The applicant, Plasterboard Recycling Group, proposed to process up to 185,000 tonnes of plasterboard and fibre waste annually to recover gypsum and paper products.

The report pack indicated that the main issues for consideration were potential dust and noise impacts, and the compatibility of the proposed waste use with surrounding land uses. It was concluded that appropriate mitigation measures could be secured to ensure the development would not result in significant adverse impacts. The application was recommended for approval, subject to appropriate planning conditions.

Concerns were raised by South Derbyshire District Council regarding dust, pollution, noise, vibration, and impacts on nearby sensitive uses, including residential properties, a poultry farm, and the Dove Valley Park employment site. The Economic Development Officer at South Derbyshire District Council highlighted potential adverse effects on the prestige of Dove Valley Park. Woodlands Farm, a neighbouring poultry farm, also raised significant concerns regarding dust, noise, water pollution, and impacts on poultry welfare and farm biosecurity. MEG Derby Ltd and JCB Ltd, businesses located within Dove Valley Park, also objected due to concerns about dust pollution, odour, water contamination, noise, and economic impacts. Councillor Redfern, the local member, also objected, citing a lack of robust technical assessments and impacts on neighbouring businesses.

The report pack noted that the Environment Agency had no planning objection, provided the development obtained an Environmental Permit. The Environmental Health Officer at South Derbyshire District Council also raised no objection, subject to pre-commencement conditions for noise control and a fine-mesh boundary fence. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust also raised no objection.

The applicant had submitted a Dust and Emissions Management Plan Summary, outlining measures such as processing within a negatively pressurised building, filtered extraction, controlled airflow, water spray/misting systems, vehicle wheel washing, and yard cleaning. While this provided some reassurance, it was noted that it did not alter the conclusions or recommendation of the original report.

The report recommended approval of the planning permission, subject to a comprehensive list of conditions, including the submission and approval of a full Dust and Emissions Management Plan (DEMP) and a scheme for noise control and mitigation prior to the commencement of operations.

Current Appeals Called In Applications

The committee was scheduled to be informed of a current appeal regarding the proposed construction and operation of the Swadlincote Resource Recovery Park (SRRP), which includes an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) and an Aggregate Recovery Facility (ARF). The appeal was related to a planning application code no. CW9/1022/22 by R&P Clean Power Limited. The procedure was a public inquiry, which had opened on 23 April 2025, with a decision expected by the end of July 2025.

Current Enforcement Action

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on current enforcement actions. The report detailed several inactive and active cases, including unauthorised storage and processing of inert waste at Lindrick, non-compliance with conditions at Stancliffe Quarry, and unauthorised change of use at land west of Park Farm, Woodland Road, Stanton. Active cases included alleged breaches of conditions at Halldale Quarry and unauthorised mineral working at Stancliffe Quarry.

Matters Determined by the Executive Director Under Delegated Powers

The committee was scheduled to note the applications that had been approved by the Executive Director – Place under delegated powers. This included a list of various planning applications and schemes required by planning conditions that had been determined. These ranged from construction environmental management plans and landscaping schemes to biodiversity gain plans and noise mitigation measures for numerous sites across the county.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG. Daniel Mitchell was the contact person for any further information.