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Help Save Wensley Hillside Peak District National Park

Save Wensley Hillside Group | 11.07.2008 16:05 | Ecology | Sheffield

Glebe Mines, owned by INEOS (the multi-billion pound company that owns Runcorn chemical works) have put in an application to the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to build an open pit quarry on Wensley Hillside. The site, which is 6 miles from Bakewell, is within the Peak Park and is 2 miles away from the scene of the well-known Stanton Moor quarrying disputes.

INEOS/Glebe plan to extract 660,000 tonnes of fluorspar from the 12 hectare site over a 6 year period. In addition, there will be 50 lorry movements per day along the only access route, a narrow country lane.

The large scar, just 650 metres from the village of Wensley, would also be clearly seen from communities on the opposite side of the Derwent Valley. It is also anticipated that if this application is accepted, then INEOS/Glebe will submit further applications for extensions to follow the vein, which extends towards Winster, 1mile away.

‘Save Wensley Hillside Group’ would urge anyone who is willing to help us stop the planned development to email Sue Smith at the Minerals Office, PDNPA with your objections on planning grounds before the deadline of July 24th.

Quote the planning number: NP/DDD/0208/0104 Tearsall Open Pit Quarry Application
email address:  planning.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
In writing: Sue Smith, Peak District National Park Authority,
Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell DE45 1AE

Possible reasons for objecting include:
The main function of the Peak Park is to safeguard our rural areas
Noise and dust which will have a significant impact on the rural amenity
Large numbers of lorries on narrow country lanes and through Bakewell
Possible impact on wildlife, ecology, lead mining heritage and archaeology
Use of fluorocarbons is being discouraged and alternatives are available
Insufficient evidence of fluorspar quality and quantity

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the Peak Park who enjoys the peace, tranquillity and unspoilt views your support is important to us. Thank you for your support.

Save Wensley Hillside Group