Residents Celebrate as Controversial Quarry Plans Rejected in Lancashire

In a recent decision, Lancashire County Council's development control committee has overwhelmingly rejected plans for a controversial sand and gravel quarry in the village of Preesall. The proposed quarry, located off Bourbles Lane, faced significant local opposition, with more than 2,000 objections submitted to the council.

Residents living near the proposed site voiced their concerns about the quarry's potential impact on their lives. Harry Hutchin, a nearby resident, stated that the quarry would be "literally the other side of the garden fence," effectively placing them "onsite." Others, like Ian Dale, raised worries about the health effects of the dust, particularly for his mother who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Despite the developer, Baxter Group, claiming to have put in "a lot of time and effort into mitigating the concerns of residents," the council ultimately decided to reject the plans. Reform UK councillor Clive Balchin argued that the "narrow, twisting" roads were "totally unsuited" for the up to 75 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that would have traveled through the area daily, calling the proposal "reckless."

In response to the decision, a Baxter Group spokesman expressed disappointment, stating that the quarry would have provided "much needed construction materials for the housing sector." However, the company acknowledged that it would "await the decision notice and consider their options going forward."

Residents celebrated the outcome, with Wyre councillor Claire Rimmer describing the relief on people's faces and the "jubilant" atmosphere. The decision has been seen as a victory for the local community, who have successfully fought against the potential disruption and impact the quarry would have had on their lives.