News: South Yorkshire Mayor: "Whitestone is the wrong scheme"

Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire says that he is convinced that plans for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham "is the wrong scheme."

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Following a second round of consultation, the plans have been updated again.

Proponents of the scheme say that the size of the scheme has been reduced significantly.

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An update reads: "We received more than 10,000 pieces of written feedback. We have now reviewed all of the feedback we received. Where the feedback applied to the masterplan, we have made a number of changes to address concerns.

"In response to feedback from two rounds of consultation and ongoing stakeholder engagement, the size of Whitestone has been reduced significantly. The final size is now 1,169 hectares (2,888 acres), which includes 691 hectares (1,707 acres) for solar and associated infrastructure and 637 hectares (1,181 acres) for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Compared to the initial masterplan, this is a reduction of 37% of the developable area and a reduction of 17% of the total size of the project."

Following a public meeting on the plans, Oliver Coppard said: "I went into the room with significant doubts about the scale of the development, and the huge cost it will impose on the local community. I left the meeting convinced that it is the wrong scheme, with huge flaws in the public consultation, the design and the delivery, and it should not be imposed here, in the heart of South Yorkshire.

"I’ll be taking away all the comments and questions that were raised tonight, and following up with all those who attended and are interested in what we might be able to do to mount an objection to the Whitestone Solar Farm.

"It’s not in my gift to stop the scheme, and I can’t promise that will be the eventual outcome, but I can promise to explore all of our options and to work with partners and our communities to raise our voices together, and to do what we can to make those voices heard."

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A DCO submission is expected in Spring 2026.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Whitestone Net Zero Limited

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News: Second consultation for Whitestone solar plans

Developers behind the Whitestone Solar Farm are about to begin a second round of consultation after plans were updated.

Rothbiz reported in April on early stage plans being updated for a solar farm generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW and connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Due to its size, Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it needs a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than made locally by Rotherham and Doncaster Councils.

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A 450-page scoping report has been examined by the planning inspectorate which provided environmental information outlining the scope and methodology of the technical studies being conducted. It precedes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The report confirms that the proposed development is being brought forward by Whitestone Net Zero Limited, owned by Net Zero One Limited but it is intended to be constructed, managed and operated by Green Nation.

A leaflet from the developers states: "The first round of consultation ran for 11 weeks, and included public events, meetings with parish councils and other stakeholders, and individual discussions with local residents. We received 940 pieces of written feedback, which we have reviewed and considered, to inform the updated design shown at this round of consultation.

"We are now holding our second consultation on the updated masterplan and draft Environmental Statement, which will help inform the proposals we submit in our DCO application next spring."

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The consultation will be carried out from September 16 to October 28 2025. A number of public information events have been scheduled for October.

Whitestone website

Images: Green Nation / Google Maps

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News: Plans updated for massive solar farm in Rotherham

Following consultation, early stage plans have been updated for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2024 on plans for Whitestone Solar Farm, which if constructed, would generate up to 750MW of energy, enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Having recently completed a first consultation stage, developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Developers say that: "These areas would not have any solar panels or other above-ground infrastructure. Some will now be set aside for environmental enhancement and mitigation, and would be planted with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers to support wildlife and increase biodiversity."

The area for solar development and associated infrastructure would now only account for around half of the total updated site area.

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Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it would go for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A scoping seport is being submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. This enables the project to be designed to avoid or minimise negative environmental impacts and provides an opportunity to incorporate positive environmental enhancements into the project. A formal application is not expected until the summer of 2026.

Green Nation is planning a second consultation this autumn based on the updated proposals and the preliminary results of the environmental assessments.

The developers said: "During this consultation, which will be considered ‘statutory’, we will consult with the community, elected officials, and technical experts to fact check our initial results and help inform the final assessments that we will submit in our DCO application. When we get closer to the autumn, we will notify the community of the details of the consultation and how you can take part."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, who has already raised concerns about the proposals, said of the update: "I am pleased that this has resulted in some significant changes and a 25% reduction in the scale of the plan. It is welcome that particular areas which local residents sought to be protected have been.

"But nonetheless, the revised plan is not good enough. Whilst I support the government’s plans for more renewable energy to cut bills and end our reliance on foreign supplies, my priority is always my constituents. Residents in the affected areas - Harthill, Woodall, Aston, Brampton-en-le-Morthen and Ulley – are rightly worried about this and I will stand with them.

"I will continue to work with the developer, urging them to make further changes."

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Acres of Rotherham green belt eyed up for massive solar farm

Thousands of acres of green belt land in Rotherham has been identified in early stage proposals for the largest solar farm in Yorkshire - and one of the largest in the UK.

Solar developer Green Nation has begun consultation on plans to develop a solar and energy storage scheme that would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

If constructed, Whitestone Solar Farm would generate up to 750MW of energy, which is enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Whitestone would dwarf the Common Farm Solar project in Rotherham that secured planning permission in 2023 that would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW (and cover 285 acres with solar panels).

Consultation documents show that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up Whitestone Solar Farm.

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The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The developers say that the sites were chosen as there was available capacity at the Brinsworth substation in Rotherham - a remnant of the area's historic role in steel production.

Green Nation says that it has been able to secure an agreement for a new energy project to connect at this location.

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and cable infrastructure would aslo be required.

With a capacity over 50MW, the plans for the development would not be determined by Rotherham Council, instead a Development Consent Order (DCO) application would be decided at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Classed as temporary (60 years), the proposed solar farms would be designed with open spaces around and between the panels with wildflowers and native grasses planted beneath. Measures are included to reduce the visual impact from homes and public rights of way.

Consultation documents state: "Whitestone could make a significant contribution to our national energy goals – helping in the fight against climate change while also contributing to energy security and helping reduce energy costs by producing clean, renewable energy here in the UK.

"We are at a very early stage in the development of Whitestone. Our goal is to develop the project in a way that is sensitive to the local environment and community. Over the next few months, we will consult with local residents and technical experts to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into our proposals."

Consultation runs until to January 17 2025 with a number of in person events scheduled, starting in Rotherham at Aston cum Aughton Leisure Centre on November 30.

Developers plan to submit its application in spring 2026 with construction to follow in 2027 and connection in 2029.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Green Nation

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News: Possible restoration for Rotherham rail routes

A number of underutilised rail routes passing through the Rotherham borough could be brought back to life as the Government looks to reopen lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts.

The Department for Transport launched a £500m Restoring Your Railway Fund and invited MPs, local councils and community groups across England and Wales to propose how they could use funding to reinstate axed local services and restore closed stations.

Of the more than 50 proposals submitted, three involve underused lines in Rotherham.

The South Yorkshire Joint Railway, championed by Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford, runs from Worksop through to Doncaster, and was created to serve collieries on the way. Stations include Anston, Dinnington and Laughton, Maltby and Tickhill and Wadworth. It opened to freight on in 1909, and to passengers in 1910. It is now only used for freight services.

Stafford, who has raised the issue in Parliament, said: "Improving connectivity is a critical part of Boris's levelling up agenda and I will continue pushing to see our buses and trains improved."

Another submission is based around a new station at Waverley, one of the UK's most important brownfield regeneration projects which includes a new community of up to 3,890 homes alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The potential station was one of a number of proposals for improving rail services in Rotherham that featured in a new strategic plan launched last year by the Sheffield city region (SCR).

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The bid centres on a new Waverley Station on the Sheffield-Lincoln Line (which skirts the Southern edge of the Waverley site and also serves Kiveton) and is linked to the third bid, which is further developed, for the restoration of passenger services on the Barrow Hill line between Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Whilst the South Yorkshire Joint Railway and Waverley bids have only recently been submitted, the Barrow Hill bid was successful in this first round of the Ideas Fund.

Sheffield City Region Combined Authority papers explain: "The restoration proposal for the Barrow Hill Line is to allow passenger services to use the current freight route between the Sheffield-Worksop-Lincoln Line and the Midland Main Line and as an alternative means of connecting Sheffield and Chesterfield. This will provide an opportunity to link existing communities with limited public transport to these employment hubs. The line reinstatement would also support existing strategic housing allocations at Waverley in Rotherham and a number of potential future allocations within the Sheffield Local Plan."

Services would run between Sheffield Victoria or Sheffield Midland, along the existing Sheffield-Worksop-Lincoln line as far as Beighton before transferring to the restored route as far as Tapton Junction where they would join the Midland Mainline for a short stretch into Chesterfield.

The Combined Authority is already working up wider plans to improve the infrastructure around Waverley and is also looking at how it can expand the success of the AMP into a wider innovation corridor.

Absent from the recent authority or government documents is an update on a potential new Rotherham Mainline Station.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Eagle lands further investment

Rotherham-based platforms hire company, Eagle Platforms Ltd, is investing over £1m in its fleet with the help of a loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Moving to larger premises in Anston to deal with demand which continues to grow year on year, Eagle Platforms has secured a £200,000 loan which will provide additional growth capital and allow it to acquire a further £1.1m of large plant to meet demand.

The company, which provides powered access equipment such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts to construction and other sites throughout the North, has more than doubled turnover in the past two years to £2.5m. It aims to increase that to £3.5m in the current year.

Eagle Platforms was founded in 2011 by Jim Haigh, who has worked in the industry since the 1980s and now runs the business with the help of operations director Dan Stewart. The company, which has a fleet of 300 items with six delivery lorries, currently employs 26 staff and expects to create four new jobs in the year ahead.

Jim Haigh. managing director of Eagle Platforms, said: "Eagle Platforms has been growing rapidly in the past few years, which we believe is due in part to the personal and knowledgeable service we offer. The funding will allow us to acquire more plant to ensure that we are always able to meet customer demand and offer prompt delivery, and to take our business to the next level."

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Pete Sorsby, with fund manager, Mercia, added: "Eagle Platforms is a service-driven business with a strong client focus and an excellent reputation in the industry. The company has achieved sustained growth over a number of years. The loan will allow it to meet demand following a number of contract wins, and improve profitability and turnover.

Chris Mangle of Custom Business Finance provided fundraising advice to Eagle Platforms. He said: "Business growth creates the need for additional working capital. In the case of Eagle Capital, we were able to restructure existing finance agreements and reduce their monthly repayments, then secure additional funds from NPIF to allow them to expand the fleet to support their growth plans."

NPIF is  supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Mark Wilcokson, senior manager at the British Business Bank said: "It's great to be working with Eagle Platforms again after they received NPIF – Microfinance investment in 2019. This further investment shows that NPIF is making a real impact on business communities and strengthening regional economies. We are proud to work in partnership with Mercia and our other appointed fund managers to make a real impact on businesses like Eagle Platforms."

Eagle Platforms website
NPIF website

Images: NPIF

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News: Finance boost for Eagle Platforms

Rotherham-based platforms hire company, Eagle Platforms Ltd, is aiming even higher after landing a five figure loan from NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

From a standing start, the firm has grown to a near £2m turnover business, employing 20 people and moving to larger premises in Anston to deal with demand which continues to grow year on year. The firm also operates from a number of regional hubs supplying the next generation of access platforms such as scissor lifts and telescopic booms.

Eagle Platforms has set its sights on investing more than a million pounds in new equipment over the next five years with the funds provided by Finance For Enterprise set to be used to purchase additional new lifting machines to support people working from height, predominantly in the construction sector.

At the same time, Eagle Platform's workforce is set to create five additional new jobs as a direct result of the new investment.

In 2018 the company recorded 30% growth and with the business continuing to exceed all expectations during the first quarter of 2019, managing director Jim Haigh recognised the company needed to act quickly in order secure the additional machines needed to meet demand and turned to Finance For Enterprise for help.

Securing finance quickly was vital and after spending time exploring different funding options, Jim met with Finance For Enterprise investment manager Alan Scott to discuss Eagle Platform's growth plans. Within 24 hours Alan returned with an indicative decision, and in just five days, the finance was in place, enabling Jim to order the much needed additional equipment.

Launched in 2011, within just two years Eagle Platforms had purchased 40 different forms of lifting machines. As a result of the loans provided NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, the total number of machines held within the business will exceed 120.

Jim Haigh first went into business in 1988 when he set up an access platform company with his father James, who invested his redundancy from the closure of Silverwood colliery into that operation. In 1996 the company was acquired by the Hewden Group; however, in 2011 Jim decided to resurrect his business model.

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Jim Haigh, managing director at Eagle Platforms (pictured, second left) said: "Spring and summer is traditionally the busiest time of year for the construction industry. This meant we needed to have finance in place quickly to pay for the equipment deposits, to enable the machines to arrive in time to meet peak demand.

"I had worked with Finance For Enterprise previously and felt confident they understood our business model and the importance of receiving a lending decision quickly. Within five days, the loan had all been agreed, enabling us to concentrate on ordering the additional machinery, as well as securing new orders.

"One of the main reasons for purchasing the new machinery was to reduce our own dependency on rented equipment. As a result of the funds we've secured, we've not only been able to increase the size of our own fleet but this has also enabled us to create new skilled jobs in the local economy, as well as developing additional revenue streams for the business, including expanding our training school."

Alan Scott, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, second right), added: "Since Jim decided to resurrect Eagle Platforms in 2011, we've helped to support the business secure the finance needed to realise his growth plans and we understood the importance of securing a lending decision quickly. We discussed a number of different options and as a result, I was able to develop a tailored lending package, enabling Jim to secure the funds needed to enable him to purchase the new equipment.

"This funding will pave the way for continued growth within the business."

Mark Wilcockson, senior manager at the British Business Bank (pictured, far right), added: "The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund was developed to help businesses access finance at times when they need it most. With the NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance loan, Jim and his team are setting their sights on achieving significant growth and are creating new jobs. These are things that can make a real difference, not only to an individual company but also within the wider local economy."

Eagle Platforms website
Finance for Enterprise website

Images: Finance For Enterprise

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News: Rotherham planning decision overturned in quarry quarrel

A Government planning inspector has confirmed that a mothballed limestone quarry can continue to operate in rural Rotherham.

Operators, Tarmac (previously Lafarge), has not used Harrycroft Quarry, which is in a Green Belt site between South Anston and Lindrick, for a number of years. It had previously operated with phased extraction and restoration (with imported inert materials) since original planning permission was granted in 1960.

Harrycroft still has permitted reserves of 2.55 million tonnes of limestone and plans went before the planning board at Rotherham Council last year that would have extended the time periods for extraction and restoration from December 31 2018 to 2031 for extraction, and to 2033 for restoration.

Going against the recommendation of its planning officers, the plans were refused by the board who stated that the current highways conditions were not adequate for the site.

Like previous plans for the site, the refusal has now been overturned after an interdependent planning inspector considered the implications of the proposal for highway safety on the A57.

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The Council is concerned that the access is unsuitable to cater for the additional HGV traffic entering and leaving the site via the A57.

However, the appellant's highway evidence includes a modelled junction capacity assessment which shows that the access is capable of accommodating vehicular movements generated by the extended quarrying and associated operations proposed on the site.

The Inspector, Michael Moffoot, said: "The access has therefore served the quarry for some significant time without incident. There are no records of accidents that are directly attributable to the use of the access by vehicles associated with the previous quarrying operations on the land.

"There are no material changes in the nature of the use of the access arising from the appeal proposal that would adversely affect the operational ability and capacity of the access to serve the quarry. Moreover, there have been no changes in highway design standards since the permission associated with the appeal scheme."

A number of measures are proposed, including removing obstructions, renewing the road surface and road markings, so it was concluded that the quarry would not materially harm highway safety on the A57.

Rotherham Council has avoided having to pay costs as it was judged to have provided sufficient evidence to support its case during the appeal.

Images: Whitcher Wildlife Ltd

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News: Warning over waste criminals

The Environment Agency is issuing warnings to farmers and commercial property owners in South Yorkshire about waste criminals abandoning properties filled with baled waste, leaving the owners with the clean up bill.

In a bid to stop waste criminals in their tracks, the Environment Agency is reaching out to property and land owners, commercial property agents, trade associations and local authorities. Their aim is to warn of the dangers posed by waste criminals and advise them, their clients and their members how they can better protect themselves.

Jamie Fletcher, from the Environment Agency, said: "Waste criminals operate throughout the country, offering to remove waste cheaply and then dumping it in fields or empty warehouses. They tend to move to new areas as enforcement agencies become wise to their activities. We know it's only a matter of time before they target us again so we're sending out a strong message: Waste criminals are not welcome here and we're doing everything in our power to deter and catch them.

"We can't do it alone. We work closely with partners to share intelligence on illegal waste activity. And we're encouraging everyone to do their bit: for property and land owners to be vigilant and better protect themselves and for all businesses, organisations and individuals to manage their waste responsibly, preventing it from getting into criminal hands in the first place."

Land and property owners are advised to:

- Check any empty land and property regularly and make sure it is secure.
- Carry out rigorous checks on prospective and new tenants. Land and property owners have a responsibility to ensure anyone leasing their land/property complies with regulations. They may be committing an offence by allowing waste to be stored on land or property without the relevant permissions and could leave them liable to prosecution
- Be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour.

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In addition to removing the waste, costs could be even higher if land is contaminated or insurance premiums rise as a result. Dumped waste is also a major fire risk.

Last month, bosses at a local recycling firm received sentences after serious environmental permit breaches result in numerous fires. Corporate officers working for Nottinghamshire Recycling Limited (NRL) and two who worked for Park Farming Limited (PFL) breached environmental permits at three sites in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, and Kiveton and South Anston in Rotherham.

The sites were operated illegally despite the fact that NRL had previously been convicted in 2011 for offences it had committed at Shireoaks Road.

Kevin Malcom Burgess of Manton Forest Farm, Worksop, Warren Richard Steele of Drury Lane, Doncaster, David Vincent Berry of Orchard Court, South Normanton, Edward Charles Freeman of Stephen Hill, Sheffield, Martin Crowther of Chapel Rise, Anston, Sheffield and Peter Charles Sanderson of Peak Close, Bramley, Rotherham, were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.

Defendants linked to NRL continued to act illegally after the company had previously been convicted in 2011. Documents discovered during the course of the Environment Agency's investigation clearly demonstrated that company officers were fully aware that the sites were being operated illegally.

The agency said that the companies repeatedly operated outside the terms of their environmental permits for financial gain and that waste was stored in huge quantities outside of the businesses' permitted areas. Waste was blended at both the Worksop and Kiveton site in an attempt to avoid higher rates of landfill tax.

Large stockpiles of various waste deposited illegally by the companies at the sites still remain and continue to have an environmental impact. Both NRL and PFL entered administration during the period of the investigation. They have since gone into liquidation.

Environment Agency website

Images: Environment Agency

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News: Roadblock for Rotherham quarry reopening

Plans to reopen a mothballed limestone quarry in Rotherham have been blocked after the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse planning permission for the scheme - going against the recommendation of its planning officers.

Operators, Tarmac (previously Lafarge), has not used Harrycroft Quarry, which is in a Green Belt site between South Anston and Lindrick, for a number of years. It had previously operated with phased extraction and restoration (with imported inert materials) since original planning permission was granted in 1960.

Harrycroft still has permitted reserves of 2.55 million tonnes of limestone and plans recently went before the planning board that would have extended the time periods for extraction and restoration from December 31 2018 to 2031 for extraction, and to 2033 for restoration.

The board heard how limited extraction and sales have taken place at Harrycroft since 2010 due to the economic recession reducing demand for construction materials. A gradual increase in demand in the region means that the already permitted mineral is now needed to assist in meeting product orders.

Despite the site previously being in use and permission already existing, members of the planning board raised traffic issues with the variations around the access and usage of the busy A57. Concerns were also raised about noise and blasting on the site and the proximity to houses and a nearby cemetery.

A number of objections to the plans were received, including from Anston Parish Council. A petition objecting to the application has been signed by 120 people.

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The applicants stated that limestone production levels will remain at up to 300,000 tonnes a year, and inert infill material will continue to be used in the progressive restoration of the quarry floor. Nearly 700,000 cubic metres of material is required to achieve the final restoration scheme. Recycling operations on site would continue within the 25,000 tonnes per annum limit.

Traffic generation from the site operations are expected to average eight haulage vehicle movements per hour, up to a maximum of 13 movements per hour.

Following public consultation, the operators have agreed to restricted working hours that include no blast working certain days, and for a new route for a Public Right of Way.

The agent on behalf of the operator's proposal said: "The application does not seek to extend the boundaries of the operation but the length of time of the operation and restoration. We believe that the planning conditions can control the noise and dust and potential blasting impacts.

"The applicant is agreeing to maintain certain HGV routing restrictions that are in place with improvements to the access and signage."

The Council requested that the applicant commit £10,130 to replace signs around the site on the A57.

Ian Ferguson, senior highway development control officer at Rotherham Council, explained that surveys had shown a significant reduction in HGVs using the A57 between 2008 and 2015 and that the speed limit had been reduced in the area to 50mph. He added: "Although the site access might not have been used in recent years by lorries, it is a long established quarry. We are aware from the days when it was fully operational as to the traffic impact of turning lorries - we didn't see an issue in those days and we don't envisage a problem should the quarry be reopened.

"The A57 is a busy road, it is a principal road, its function is to move vehicles including HGVs - nearly 1,500 in 2015. To refuse this permission, you'll need to demonstrate that the impact of these additional [HGVs] four in, four out per hour, is going to be severe. In terms of the number of HGVs already on the network, it'll be less than 5% [increase]."

Having heard representations and clarification from officers, the board voted eight to four to refuse the plans. The board was minded to refuse the plans on the basis that "current highways conditions are not adequate for this site at the present time."

Previous plans for the quarry were refused by the Council's planning board and overturned on appeal.

The planning board recently went against officer's recommendation when it approved The Green Group's plans that could create hundreds of jobs on a former brickworks, which is in the Green Belt.

Images: Trent and Peak Archaeology / Google Maps

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News: Plans to reopen Rotherham quarry

A mothballed limestone quarry in Rotherham could be brought back into use as the construction industry picks up.

Operators, Tarmac (previously Lafarge), have not used Harrycroft Quarry, which is in a Green Belt site between South Anston and Lindrick, for a number of years. It had previously operated with phased extraction and restoration (with imported inert materials) since original planning permission was granted in 1960.

Following a pause in work on site due to the recession, an application was submitted in 2006 for the submission of a revised scheme for the restoration of the site should mineral extraction/waste infill cease for a period in excess of twelve months. A further amendment was made in plans submitted in 2010 to extend the operations.

Harrycroft still has permitted reserves of 2.55 million tonnes of limestone. It has been identified as a historic source of building material for prestige buildings and is a likely source of architectural and dimension stone for heritage restoration projects.

In 1840, the Palace of Westminster was built with a sand-coloured limestone from the nearby Anston Quarry.

Now plans are set to go before the planning board at Rotherham Council that would extend the time periods for extraction and restoration from December 31 2018 to 2031 for extraction, and to 2033 for restoration.

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A planning report states: "For the last five years since the 2010 permission was granted, limited extraction and sales have taken place at Harrycroft due to the economic recession reducing demand for construction materials. The company had to tailor its output to match those lower levels of demand. However there has now been a gradual increase in demand in the region which means that the already permitted mineral is now needed to assist in meeting product orders."

The applicants state limestone production levels will remain at up to 300,000 tonnes a year, and inert infill material will continue to be used in the progressive restoration of the quarry floor. Nearly 700,000 cubic metres of material is required to achieve the final restoration scheme. Recycling operations on site would continue within the 25,000 tonnes per annum limit.

Traffic generation from the site operations are expected to average eight haulage vehicle movements per hour, up to a maximum of 13 movements per hour.

Following public consultation, the operators have agreed to restricted working hours that include no blast working on Saturdays, and for a new route for a Public Right of Way.

The site is close to Anston Stones Wood and Lindrick Golf Course, and a number of impact assessments have been submitted with the application, relating to noise, environmental and traffic impacts. The planning board are being recommended to approve the plans, subject to a number of conditions.

A petition against the plans and 11 letters of objection, including one form Anston Parish Council, have been received by the Council.

A report to the planning board concludes: "The principle of the quarrying on this site has previously been accepted and the application to vary conditions and extend the mineral extraction until December 2031 is acceptable. The proposal retains a comprehensive restoration following the end of mineral extraction, which will have potential ecological gains. Furthermore it is preferable to have the minerals quarried from the site and then the site restored, rather than sterilising the minerals which are there."

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Images: Trent and Peak Archaeology

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