Quarry set to stay in operation despite hundreds of objections

Mytholme Stone Sales wants Calderdale Council to approve its application at the site in Sunny Bank Lane, Southowram, Halifax, even though 272 objections have been received.

Residents say the noise generated by the quarry and stone saw shed is a nuisance and the site allegedly operates outside permitted hours.

They also say overhead power cables are too low and dangerous, Whitley Lane is unsuitable for use by HGVs and the quarry has been there far longer than expected.

Town ward councillor Bob Metcalfe said: "This application is for yet another extension of 10 years after already having had an extension for 14 years.

"During the last 10 years, on the owner's and agent's own admission, quarrying on the site has been at a very low level.

"Importing stone for processing on site has been the activity taking place, not quarrying.

"The application talks about conserving the quarry stone as a reserve.

"How many more extension applications are likely to occur in future if this extension is allowed?

"The site is in green belt and to protect the environment it is time now that it be fully restored and returned to pasture.

"The owner has previously stated that, 'Sunny Bank stone in the quarry is only suitable for walling stone.'

"Noise levels will now be increased due to both quarrying and saw cutting now takes place.

"Contrary to existing conditions saws are running with doors open.

"Again, contrary to conditions saws have been running out of permitted hours, at night and on Sundays.

"Access to the quarry is a major concern for local residents and pedestrians including walkers enjoying the greenbelt countryside. Whitley Lane is a narrow, single track lane lined by stone walls and overhanging trees.

"Despite the fact there is a warning sign at the top of the lane stating it is unfit for HGVs, huge, eight-wheelers operate to import and export stone from the quarry.

"There is no refuge for pedestrians and they are in constant danger.

"This application is to extend the quarrying for another 10 years with all the implications that will have on access to the site and the safe use of others using Whitley Lane.

"This application assumes the continual use of the sawing operation.

"I firmly believe that the sawing of huge stone blocks is an industrial process to be carried out in a factory on an industrial estate, and not to be permitted to operated in the greenbelt with an utterly unacceptable site access."

Calderdale has also received 13 letters of support for the application.

They say that the site has been run for many years without any problems, its continued operation would mean the site would employ three staff and the site owner and there have been no problems with noise or an adverse impact on the environment.

Additionally they say that stone from the quarry has been used to provide locally crafted stonework for local conservation and restoration projects throughout the borough including restoration works to Halifax Town Hall, Borough Market, Somerset House and the Piece Hall.

In a report Geoff Willerton, Calderdale's head of planning, recommends members accept the proposals subject to more than 30 conditions.

He said: ''The application is in accordance with national, regional and local policies and therefore considered acceptable in principle.''

Members of the planning committee will make their decision on Tuesday.

Roy Taylor of Mytholme Stone Sales declined to comment.