A new planning application for the proposed development at Staden Quarry has been submitted to High Peak Borough Council.

The application (planning reference number: HPK/2010/038), is in the form of a weighty four volume document totalling some 2000 pages, including an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Phase 1 of the development will be contained in the eastern part of the site and will involve the construction of a water bottling plant 190m long, 85m wide and 13.5m high. The plant will be surrounded by roads and parking areas for HGV’s and cars, with a new access road coming into the site from the lay-by on the A6, beneath the western end of the site. Very little mention of climbing is made anywhere in the document.

Phase 2 of the development would extend over the whole of the site but is not formally part of this Phase 1 planning proposal.

The BMC visited the site with the developer and verbal agreements were made that climbing and access would not be directly affected. If the proposal is approved, the developer has indicated that the climbing areas (both the upper faces and the little climbed lower crag, which will grow in height by 50 feet) will be dedicated for open access under CROW.

Section 3.3 of the Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary (see here) seems the key reference to these discussions and states: "Following discussion with the BMC it has been agreed that access to certain quarry faces for rock climbing will be formalised and facilitated as part of the proposed development." Crucially from the perspective of climbing and access, as this has yet to be formalised it remains an understanding between two parties, rather than integral to the proposals.

Members of the BMC Area Meeting have pointed out that there will be a significant change to the ambience of climbing in a tranquil pastoral setting, even if the actual rock itself is not affected. This change will be even more pronounced in the event that a second proposal was made for a phase 2 in the future.

Viewing the proposal
The full proposal can be viewed in a number of places / ways:

• Buxton Town Hall
• High Peak Borough Council offices in Glossop
• Through the High Peak Borough Council planning website here
• It may also be purchased for the princely sum of £500

Commenting on the proposal
The BMC will be commenting on the current proposal. If you want to submit your personal views you should either: use the link above; write to Development Control Section, Development Services, High Peak Borough Council, Council Offices, Hayfield Road, Chapel en le Frith, High Peak SK23 0QJ; or drop your letter off at Buxton Town Hall marked for the attention of Sue Ashworth, Planning Control, and quoting HPK/2010/0380. If you have already commented on the original application (HPK/2009/0380) this will remain valid for the new one. All comments must be received by 25 August 2010.

The Planning Committee is scheduled to consider the application on 11 October 2010.

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