The Planning Committee of Gloucestershire Council met on Thursday 7 May 2026 to consider a planning application for Barnhill Quarry and to receive a performance report. The committee unanimously granted planning permission for the variation of conditions at Barnhill Quarry, allowing for extended operating hours for the saw shed, subject to stringent conditions. They also received a performance report on planning development management and enforcement.

Barnhill Quarry Planning Application

The committee granted planning permission for application 24/0068/FDS73M at Barnhill Quarry, Speech House Road, Broadwell, GL16 7EG. The application sought to vary conditions related to the working programme and hours of operation for the site's saw shed.

The primary focus of the application was to regularise the as-built configuration of the saw shed and associated infrastructure, which differed slightly from previously approved plans. More significantly, the applicant sought to vary the hours of operation for the saw shed, allowing for potential 24-hour working, subject to a limitation of five days within any seven-day period. Crucially, these extended hours would apply only to the saw shed operations and not to quarrying, blasting, or vehicle movements, which would remain restricted to existing permitted hours.

During the meeting, extensive discussion took place regarding potential impacts on residential amenity, particularly concerning noise and disturbance from extended operating hours. Technical assessments, including noise modelling and site-based monitoring, were presented, indicating that with appropriate mitigation measures, such as acoustically rated roller shutter doors and an earth bund, noise impacts could be reduced to acceptable levels.

Ecological considerations were also a key aspect of the discussion, with a particular focus on the potential impact on bat populations, given the quarry's proximity to the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) process was undertaken, and updated assessments concluded that, with mitigation and operational controls, the proposal would not result in a likely significant effect on protected habitats or species.

Representations were heard from Oliver Laidler (Agent), Tom Waddington (Applicant), and County Councillor Beki Hoyland. Councillor Hoyland, speaking on behalf of West Dean Parish Council, highlighted concerns about noise and light and requested regular monitoring reports to be provided to the parish council.

Members of the committee engaged in detailed questioning of officers, focusing on the enforceability of conditions and the robustness of technical assessments. A key point of discussion was the potential for ongoing monitoring of noise and lighting, and the community liaison aspect of the operation. While officers advised that direct engagement with Parish and Town Councils could not be secured through a planning condition, it could be encouraged through an informative attached to the decision notice.

Ultimately, the committee agreed to impose an additional condition requiring the submission and implementation of a scheme for monitoring noise and lighting during night-time operations. They also agreed to add an informative encouraging proactive engagement between the applicant and West Dean Parish Council and Coleford Town Council.

The decision to grant planning permission was carried unanimously, subject to the conditions set out in the officer report, as amended by the addendum, along with the additional monitoring condition and informative.

Performance Report for Planning Development Management and Monitoring & Enforcement

The committee also received a report summarising planning decisions made between April 2025 and March 2026. This report included decisions made by the committee, under delegated powers, and by the Delegation Review Panel. The report was received for information.