Lafarge Aggregates the operators of Methley Quarry are proposing to extend their areas of sand and gravel extraction and local residents were invited to attend a display of their proposals at the Methodist Church on the 12th and 13th June, 2001.

Sand and gravel extraction has been carried out at the Methley site  for several decades, the aggregate being excavated in phases and restoration taking place thereafter. In this instance the proposals are for the first time adjacent to long established housing from Silver Row down to the top of Boat Lane. These residents will certainly be seriously affected by the proximity of workings and the construction of mounds to hide the workings.  Those same mounds would also hide the unrestricted views across the river to the Great Preston escarpment and Allerton Bywater.   Dust would be generated and despite assurances regarding noise and dust suppression proposals, one only has to examine the land adjacent to the existing screens and workings to see this fine residue.

Lafarge recognise that with any development there will be a degree of visual impact on some properties but they claim that with appropriate screening measures in place - any visual impact will be kept to a minimum.

In support of their application the company stress the elements of their restoration proposals which are:-

  • Safeguard the nearby Mickletown Ings Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  • Create open water, wetland and species rich grassland which will complement the ings
  • Re-establish high quality agricultural land

Should the planning application be approved by Leeds City  the operator and land owner would make more friends if they offered adequate monetary compensation directly to the people immediately affected. That is in addition to their excellent restoration proposals, although one has to wonder what else they could do with some large holes in the ground. I am equally concerned about traditional access to the river using Boat Lane   At this stage it is possible that a series of challenges will be put before the planning authority.

25th September, 2001   -    Lafarge Aggregates held a further presentation, this time for the residents of Allerton Bywater at the Methodist Church, Allerton Bywater.
At this presentation Mr. David Atkinson of Lafarge informed me that since the presentation at Methley in June, it been agreed to draw back the site extraction boundary by 30 metres where the site faces on to the housing to the east of the Queen Public House.
He was also able to to give the assurance that the Landowner (Methley Estates) and the Operator (Lafarge), would, on presentation of the planning application.  Sign a joint legal agreement under the Town and Country Plannimng Act 1990 section 106 to limit workings in the area to extraction of aggregate only, thus sterilising any future possible coal workings.
23rd November, 2001    -    Mr Atkinson clarified this by E-mail saying that the non working of mineral other than sand & grave is not contained in the application per se. He adds that it is recorded in the submission correspondence made to the Council at the time of the application. The letter is along the lines that if the Planning Authority are prepared to grant permission for the sand & gravel and would require as part of the consent, agreement to the non working of other minerals then the two parties would concur to such an agreement either by a section 106, or other legal mechanism.
The application was put to the Leeds City Mineral Planning Authority on the 25th October, 2001, the statutory consultation process will take 16 weeks although this could be extended.
March 2002     -  I have to hold my hand up here.  Having been to the first ‘hole’ (see Angling ) it is very easy to agree that the newly stocked fishing lake will be to the advantage of the village.  The site is rurally pleasing and will be a place that will be well managed by the fishing syndicate.       Pity its only for the fishermen.
2nd May,2002   -  Leeds City Council planning authority are waiting for additional substantial information requested earlier this year following concerns expressed to Lafarge. On receipt of this information further consultation will take place with other bodies.   To date, objections have been received from :- local residents, several councillors, The M.P., English Nature and the Environment Agency.
November 2003  -  The Planning Inspector has now made a judgement in favour of the Lafarge application for an extension to the Lower Mickletown extraction area following the public enquiry held at the Salvation Army Centre at Castleford.
December, 2005   - Lafarge have announced that a total of 61 residents have taken up their offer for a structural survey to be undertaken prior to de-watering operations in the Parlour Pit excavation area.
A Public Exhibition was held at the Methodist Church on 6th December, 2005 with representatives of Lafarge Aggregates present outlining proposals for extraction from the existing processing plant and Dunford House.