The Planning Committee of Gloucestershire Council is scheduled to consider a proposal to vary conditions relating to Barnhill Quarry, which could allow for extended operating hours for its saw shed. The committee will also receive a performance report on planning development management and monitoring.

Barnhill Quarry: Variation of Conditions

A key item on the agenda is the consideration of a proposal to vary conditions 4 and 9 of a planning consent for Barnhill Quarry¹. This application, reference 24/0068/FDS73M, relates to the Barnhill Quarry site located on Speech House Road, Broadwell, GL16 7EG. The proposed variations concern the Working Programme – changes to the Saw Shed and other ancillary structures and Hours of Working .

The report pack indicates that the application seeks to regularise the as-built form of the saw shed and associated ancillary development, including welfare cabins and a water recycling system. It also proposes to amend the operating hours of the saw shed to allow for extended and potentially 24-hour operation, subject to specific restrictions and mitigation measures. These measures include the use of an acoustic roller shutter door, an earth bund, and temporary shutdowns during stone movement.

The proposal has been subject to extensive consultation, with significant concerns raised by local residents and parish councils regarding noise and potential impacts on residential amenity and the tranquil rural environment. Technical assessments, including noise impact studies and a shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (sHRA), have been undertaken. The sHRA addresses potential impacts on the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC), given the quarry's proximity to hibernation sites for lesser horseshoe bats.

The report pack details that the Mineral Planning Authority's ecological consultant has reviewed the updated sHRA and considers it satisfactory, concluding that the proposals would not result in likely significant effects on the SAC. However, the final decision on issuing planning permission is subject to the completion of the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) process and consultation with Natural England.

The committee is recommended to authorise planning permission in principle, subject to these conditions and the finalisation of planning conditions relating to noise limits, operational controls, and external lighting.

Performance Report for Planning Development Management and Monitoring & Enforcement

The committee is also scheduled to note a performance report concerning Planning Development Management and Monitoring & Enforcement. This report will provide an update on the council's activities in these areas.