Plans for a quarry on the edge of Silsden to be reopened won't now go ahead - after a planning inspection dismissed an appeal against Bradford Council's decision to reject it.
Hundreds of people had objected to plans to re-open Horn Crag Quarry which, if approved, would have seen 520,000 tonnes of Yorkshire Stone taken from the site over a 20-year period.
Bradford Council rejected a second application from A D Calvert Architectural Stone Supplies in May 2023, saying the proposal wasn't acceptable in an “area of distinct character.” They also raised concerns about the quarry’s impact on water supplies in the area.
The applicant appealed against the decision, with an Inquiry held in February this year at City Hall in Bradford as part of the Planning Inspectorate process.
Objectors said - among other things - that the area’s roads were not suitable for HGVs, that it would damage the environment and impact local wildlife.
Planning Inspector Rachael Bust writes in her appeal decision notice:
"The permanent changes to landscape character would not be acceptable. This harm would be to a valued landscape and in my judgement the harm to the landscape weighs substantially against the proposal. Notwithstanding the phasing and restoration proposals, the temporary effects to the landscape character would also in my judgement be unacceptable for a significant period of time which weighs heavily against the proposal.
"I have carefully considered all arguments presented by the Appellant and have taken account of all other matters raised in the representations and in the oral evidence to the Inquiry in my own assessment of this scheme. Having regard to all matters, it is my overall conclusion that the aspects that weigh in favour of the proposal, specifically need, would not be sufficient to overcome the harm that I have identified and therefore the conflict with the development plan. In such circumstances, relevant material considerations do not indicate that a decision should be reached otherwise than in accordance with the development plan."
Responding to the news, Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said:
"I'm extremely pleased to see that plans to re-open Horn Crag Quarry have been dismissed.
"Throughout this saga, I made my views clear against these plans, which would have undoubtedly had huge negative consequences for residents in the Silsden area or indeed anyone living along the access route - not to mention its effects on local wildlife and our environment.
"This is a great day for Silsden and a huge thank you must go to everyone who submitted their objections and campaigned hard for this result."
Meet your Neighbourhood Policing Team this week in Ilkley
What's on at Ilkley playhouse?
Rotary backs Nell Bank with £5k pond upgrade and appeal launch
Arrest warrant issued for disqualified Ilkley businessman alleged to be in induced coma
Larger venue needed for literary duo event
Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
