Wood chipping enterprise receives retrospective planning permission at Wenlock Edge site
A wood chipping enterprise yesterday received retrospective planning permission at Lea Quarry North, Wenlock Edge following much opposition from a number of conservation organizations.
Edge Renewables acquired the former Lea Quarry North from owners Aggregate Industries but the National Trust, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Shropshire Ramblers and the Shropshire Geological Society argued it is an inappropriate use of the land.
Aerial view shows Edge Renewables' operation. Photo: Dave Bagnall Photography.
Their key objection was the impact that the development is going to have on the Shropshire Hills AONB and Wenlock Edge Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designations which should provide maximum conservation protection.
More than 4,500 people signed a petition and 216 people wrote to Shropshire Council objecting to the controversial application.
Beccy Speight, National Trust Director for the Midlands, said the charity was ‘extremely disappointed’ with the outcome but was grateful for the thousands of people who had voiced their objections.
She said: “Whilst we support sustainable development, we strongly maintain that this industrial enterprise is in the wrong place and will not heal the scar in the landscape.
“We believe Shropshire Council’s decision fails to reflect the ‘great weight’ and protection afforded to AONBs in national planning policy. Lea Quarry North should have been returned to nature.
“Conditions have been attached to the approval by Shropshire Council giving some protection of the site, however, and we look forward to Edge Renewables working with local people and organisations to deliver this commitment to environmental and public benefit.”
