Bid to extend quarry life for 15 years rejected

A controversial bid to extend the life of a dormant limestone quarry in a protected beauty spot has been thrown out by Denbighshire councillors.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

Meeting at County Hall in Ruthin this week, planning committee members voted to reject Tarmac Trading Ltd's application to continue working Burley Hill Quarry, near Mold, for another 15 years.

The proposal, which sought to extend operations without increasing the site's boundaries or the volume of mineral extracted, was refused by 15 votes to three. Tiffany Cox, a chartered surveyor who has worked with Tarmac for eight years, defended the application, telling councillors it was “simply an extension of time to allow the approved, consented limestone”.

She insisted that “no further land would be disturbed” and argued the limestone was essential for infrastructure. “Unlike other forms of development, minerals can only be worked where they are found and are essential to build our roads, houses, and other infrastructure,” she said.