Quarry protest deadline looms

Residents worried by plans to tip inert waste at Birks Quarry are being urged to write to the Government before the June 11 deadline.

The Birks Quarry Action group is sending guidance notes on how to word letters to 2,000 households and businesses near the site, off A62 Huddersfield Road on the Lees-Austerlands border.

The move follows Royton-based Open Goal’s announcement that it plans to challenge a decision by the Environment Agency to refuse an application for a tipping permit.

The company claims the EA acted unreasonably in reaching a decision based on a draft document, and believes it can meet the permit conditions.

The appeal document says: “The agency has acted unreasonably and outside the scope of permitting legislation in refusing the permit on the single issue of mud on the road that is covered by a condition on the planning consent which has been discharged.

“The agency has placed too much weight in acting on flawed advice from the statutory consultee, Oldham Council (OMBC), which previously made no objection during initial consultations.”

It adds: “The agency has acted unreasonably in that the reasons for refusal had already been tested under the planning application process that was the subject to four appeals at which the issue of mud on the highway was fully considered.

“An agreement between the appellant and OMBC regarding mud management was approved by the planning inspector at the final appeal.”

Last week, Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham Council cabinet member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the council was preparing a detailed dossier to present to an appeal hearing. Now the Action Group is appealing to locals to send individual letters over their concerns and complaints.

An Action Group spokesperson said: “The Environment Agency received 277 letters from residents about Birks Quarry being used as a landfill site.

“We would urge those who wrote to do so again. You can also submit additional information to that given in your original letter.

“If the number of complaints increases significantly, the Planning Inspectorate will have to hold a public inquiry.”

Letters should be sent to: Secretary of State, The Planning Inspectorate, Environmental Appeals, Room 4/04, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.

For more information from the Birks Quarry Action Group, e-mail: karen.donald@tesco.net