Date set for inquiry into quarry appeal

THE future of waste tipping at Birks Quarry in Austerlands will be decided at a public inquiry next month.

The two-day inquiry will start on Wednesday, September 9. An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will oversee proceedings.

The hearing was triggered by Opengoal’s decision to appeal the Environment Agency’s rejection of their plans for the Austerlands site in April.

Oldham Council and local MPs have raised objections over the plans which could see 540,000 tonnes of waste tipped if a permit is granted.

Near-by residents are strongly opposed to tipping at the quarry and set up a group to put a stop to the proposal.

Members of the public can attend the inquiry and — at the discretion of the inspector — express their views.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “As a council, and as the local highways authority, our opposition to this scheme has remained unchanged since a planning application was first submitted back in 1985.

“The Environment Agency’s ruling earlier this year was made following an exhaustive examination of the evidence in this case.

“We fully expected Opengoal would appeal and so we continued to observe and compile evidence on activity at the site. Residents should rest assured that we have submitted a very robust and detailed case to the inspector.”

Councillor Barbara Beeley, Community Champion for Saddleworth and Lees, added: “We welcome the announcement of a date for the public inquiry on Birks Quarry.

“Local residents and councillors have campaigned tirelessly against this plan for a number of years.

“We look forward to outlining our concerns at the inquiry and hope this will finally signal an end to what is potentially a very damaging scheme for the area.”

The inquiry will be held in the Oldham Council Chamber at the civic centre, starting at 10am on both days. If you are disabled and wish to attend, contact Ms Victoria Balmer at the Environment Agency in advance on 01925- 542456 to confirm that suitable provisions are in place.