Poortown Quarry Special Inquiry Statement

Poortown Quarry Special Inquiry The proposal for the extension of the Poortown Quarry is a principle which has been anticipated for some time. Although extension is not indicated in the 1982 Development Plan, the Strategic Plan Western Sector a Development Circular complements that Plan and specifically states that the extension of the Poortown Quarry is considered to be of Strategic importance and should be subject to an agreed programme which must include definition of the area and phasing of operations. It should be noted that although this Circular has not been submitted to Tynwald for adoption, it was however subject to Public Inquiry and scrutiny in 1991. Subsequent to refusal for expansion northwards it was determined that future extension of the quarry be subject to, in the first instance determination of the location of reserves, and that any planning application be subject to an Environmental Assessment. To this end a Working Party of Officers was set up to progress the proposal on an inter - Departmental basis. This Working Party included - Department of Local Government and the Environment - Department of Transport - Department of Industry - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Consultants The role of the Planning Office was to advise the applicant Department on procedure and to attempt to ensure, as far as possible, that areas of concern, in planning terms, were responded to. This is normal practice. Subsequently a planning application was lodged. The Planning Committee did then however request that it be called in due to its complexity and the question of National Strategic Need. The Planning Committee felt that a Special Enquiry was the correct forum for such a significant issue to be considered under the Special Inquiry provisions of 1981 Act Part 1 2) and 3). On receipt of the Department of Local Government and the Environment's submission to the Inquiry the Department of Transport responded by the submission of comments intended to clarify as far as possible the reservations or concerns which remained. In general it is considered that remaining concerns of the Department of Local Government and the Environment can either be resolved at Inquiry or subsequently conditioned in order to allow the proposal to proceed. As has been mentioned at the outset of the Inquiry, such draft conditions have been submitted to the Inspector for his consideration if he is minded to recommend approval. W B Vannan, Director of Planning 21st February 1996