Plans to extract more limestone from a Cumbrian quarry will be heard by a planning inspector next month.
DA Harrison want to extend its permissions for the quarry at Clints Crags, near Moota.
The firm applied for permission in 2021, which was refused by the Lake District National Park Authority in 2022.
DA Harrison’s application said planning permission has been granted for the site in 1974 and had been implemented before it expired.
However, Blindcrake Parish Council submitted information that cast doubt on that, the authority said, although DA Harrison said the quarry was operated up until 1980 and provided aerial photos showing the extent of work between 1972 and 1983.
The authority said its officers recommended an application for a lawful development certificate be made formally, to determine the question of whether or not it was implemented. In March 2022, the Lake District National Park Authority refused the application.
It said: “The application has not demonstrated on the balance of probabilities that development by the carrying out of operations consisting of excavations for
the winning and working of limestone in accordance with planning permission took place between November 20 1974 and November 19 1979.”
This year, DA Harrison lodged an appeal against this decision, which will be held on July 8 at Wigton’s Market Hall on Church Street.
It said: “The applicant has provided evidence which sets out the precise and unambiguous evidence demonstrating that, on the balance of probabilities, the operations consisting of excavations in accordance with the planning permission were lawfully commenced.
“It was clear that the intent of the proposal, set out in the application, and approved subject to planning conditions, was to change the working parameters that had been imposed under the previous planning permission, including within the area granted permission in 1966.
“On this basis, the 1974 permission is a consolidating permission that was implemented when the first excavation took place in a different manner to the 1966 permission.
“We contend the authority’s decision to refuse is based on selective reasoning and did not take into account fully the facts carefully presented.”
A group was set up to oppose the plans, the Clints Quarry Action Group.
David Roberts, its chairman, said: “There is no justification for the reopening of the Clints Crags Quarry: legally or environmentally.
“The Clints Quarry Action Group and Blindcrake Parish Council have been working diligently to ensure that all the facts around this quarry, and its working, are in the public domain and considered seriously during this hearing.
“The facts show that that the original 1974 planning permission has expired and there is no capacity within the old site boundaries to facilitate new works without new planning permissions which cannot be achieved in a UNESCO World Heritage site, a national park and on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and SAC.
“This proposed quarry is out of place and out of time.”
Multi-award-winning broadcaster and photographer, Terry Abraham, said: “We live in one of the most beautiful corners of the country, and to many visitors, the world!
“It’s a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cherished by both locals and millions. We shouldn’t have to contend with such commercial threats in this day and age with regard such a special cultural place of which the likes of Ruskin, Potter and Wainwright amongst many have sought and taught to protect in history.
“Times change, we all know that but even so, if we can’t protect, conserve and enhance with both care and love for a landscape and place adored by countless people then what is Lakeland about?”
The hearing will take place over two days.
