Bid to keep working classic millstone grit from Yorkshire quarry
Permission to extend quarrying at a Todmorden site supplying classic Yorkshire millstone grit, including for heritage projects, is being sought from planners.
If planners agree to a planning condition change, it will add another ten years to the permission.
Mr Jonathan Stansfield has applied to Calderdale Council planners seeking to vary a condition of the permission for quarrying work at the established quarry at Rock End Moor, Delph, at Staups Lane.
The quarry is endorsed by English Heritage and has undertaken heritage and bespoke projects using the team’s skilled masonry work.
Approval to extend quarrying at the site was granted to Jim Gault in 2016 which included a condition that the site be restored by June 30, 2026.
If planners agree, varying that condition will add a decade to the permission.
According to the quarry’s page on the stonemason.co.uk, the quarry has been family-run for 40 years now, having been revitalised by Jim in 1986 – Jonny is Jim’s son-in-law.
It has supplied stone for restoring many early Pennine homes.
“Gritstone, once relegated to obscurity since the late 19th century, regained its prominence, thanks to the dedication and expertise of Jim Gault and the Rock End Moor team,” says the page.
Fireplaces, windows, porches and carefully-crafted bespoke items result, including work on a stupa – a Buddhist monument – at Yorkshire’s famous Harewood estate.
Jim is also very well-known locally as bass guitarist of Owter Zeds, the Calder Valley based ska and reggae band who celebrated their own 40th anniversary two years ago.
The application, number 26/00178/VAR, and supporting papers can be viewed on the council’s planning portal.