Extension to limestone quarry and relocation of stone processing operations

Why Was This Approved?

• ✓Extension to existing limestone quarry and relocation of processing operations
• ✓Committee determination, aligned with officer recommendation to approve
• ✓Highways Division: no adverse traffic impact subject to conditions
• ✓Manx National Heritage raised archaeological, ecological, and visual concerns
• ✓Strict conditions on drilling/blasting hours and general working hours imposed
• ✓Nine conditions attached to the approval

The application sought permission to extend limestone quarrying operations at Billown Quarry, Ballasalla, and to relocate stone processing facilities within the site. The application was determined by committee, which agreed with the officer's recommendation to approve. Manx National Heritage raised archaeological, ecological, and visual concerns, and seven private representations were received. The approval was subject to nine conditions, including strict controls on drilling and blasting hours — restricted to 1000–1600 hrs on weekdays only — and general quarry working hours of 0700–1800 Monday to Friday and 0700–1300 on Saturdays.

The committee approved the application in line with the officer's recommendation. Key concerns around traffic, archaeology, ecology, and visual impact were addressed through conditions rather than treated as grounds for refusal. Operational controls, particularly on working and blasting hours, were imposed to manage amenity impacts.

Conditions (9)

1. 1

   Condition 1

   The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

2. 2

   Condition 2

   This approval relates to the plans and information submitted as part of this application, namely: Figure 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9, 9a, 10 submitted and date stamped 9th January 2004. Planning and Environmental Statement and additional information relating to S 3.11 and archaeological brief submitted and date stamped 28th January 2004.

3. 3

   Condition 3

   The Manx Museum and National Trust must be informed of the date when operations are to commence and be given access at all times, and reasonable opportunity to inspect the site, observe all excavations and investigate any archaeological features exposed.

4. 4

   Condition 4

   No drilling or blasting shall take place on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank or public holidays. No drilling or blasting shall take place on any other date except between the hours of 1000 and 1600 hrs.

5. 5

   Condition 5

   Working of the quarry, including the operation of machinery by staff, must be carried out only between the hours of 0700 to 1800 hrs Monday to Friday and 0700 to 1300 hrs Saturday. There shall be no working of the quarry or operation of machinery outside of these hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank and Public Holidays unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Department.

6. 6

   Condition 6

   No topsoil shall be removed from the site nor waste deposited within the quarry.

7. 7

   Condition 7

   Best practical means shall be employed to minimise dust nuisance to include sheeting of stone under 75 mm , wheel cleaning facilities at the top of the access road, fixed water spray heads to reduce dust on the approaches to the weighbridge, and damping (or similar treatment) of stockpiles and roadways in dry weather.

8. 8

   Condition 8

   Prior to the commencement of the extraction operations within the quarry extension area, the extension area shall be bunded and fenced within existing field boundaries as indicated in Fig. 8c.

9. 9

   Condition 9

   Prior to the implementation of the site restoration, a planting scheme must be submitted for consideration and approval by the Planning Authority.

Documents (198)