A number of constituents have taken the time to contact me regarding the proposed new quarry at Bent Lane, Darley Dale, which has been put forward as part of the County Council's draft Waste and Minerals Local Plan.
As you may be aware, the County Council consulted on their draft plan over the summer of last year, but subsequently a handful of new and revised proposals were submitted which they are required to consider. This includes a proposed new 15.7 hectare quarry at Bent Lane, which, we are informed, would be capable of producing 500,000 to 800,000 tonnes of building stone over a 20 year period between 2019 and 2039. The County Council's assessment of the site, which includes an analysis of both positive and negative impacts, can be found online at consultations.derbyshirepartnership.gov.uk
From the outset I must make clear that the role of a Member of Parliament in planning decisions is very limited. They are strictly the responsibility of the planning authorities; in this case the County Council and I have no power to intervene in the process at any stage, or to try to influence officers, councillors or inspectors.
That said, I am very much aware of the widely held concerns of local residents about this proposal. Indeed a member of my staff attended the meeting yesterday evening and has reported back to me comprehensively on the wide-ranging issues and concerns raised.
I have already written to the relevant Cabinet Member at the County Council to ensure that they are aware of the strength of feeling locally. I have also raised questions over the way this consultation has been conducted and have asked for it to be extended, given that some feel it has been poorly publicised, with only very short notice before the closing date. I will let you know if I receive any further information in response which may be of interest to you.
I am working with your local District Councillors to help raise awareness of the proposal and to promote a high volume of responses to the consultation from the community. With that in mind, it is important to make clear that this is a consultation on a proposal which has not yet been decided. I encourage residents to make your views known through the consultation prior to the deadline, which I am hoping will be extended but is currently 29th January. In addition, I would suggest that you speak to friends, family and neighbours to ask that they also submit their views. Only by doing so can we be sure that decision makers are fully aware of the strength of feeling locally.
Comments can be sent either via email to ETC.Wastemin@derbyshire.gov.uk or in writing to Development Plans Team, Planning Services, Shand House, Dale Road South, Matlock, DE4 3RY.