The Future

A brief planning history

Quarrying at Wensley dates back to the 1940s following the granting of an Interim Development Order in 1947. Planning conditions for the site were reviewed in 2000 and again in 2015 as part of the Review of Mineral Permissions (ROMP) process, which is required for mineral permissions.

What we are proposing

Whilst we have planning consent dating back to 1947 to extract stone across the whole site, it requires updated conditions to ensure we are meeting modern standards and detailed working plans. The planning route recommended in our pre-app with the Council was the preparation of a Section 73 application, which would:

  • Modernise the planning conditions for Wensley Quarry so they reflect current best practice and environmental standards
  • Agree a detailed working scheme for the remaining permitted phases (Phases 4, 5 and 6)
  • Extend the life of the quarry from 2042 to 2053, with final restoration anticipated by 2055

This is not an application to extend laterally beyond the existing quarry boundary. Planning consent to work Phases 4, 5 and 6 already exists; our application is about how and under what conditions this already permitted mineral can be worked.

Why Now?

Due to how the existing quarry has been worked, there is now only around two years of economically accessible mineral remaining in the current working area. Were we not to get planning consent, quarrying would need to cease operations until modern conditions could be agreed with the planning authority. This would put significant pressure on the regional limestone supply and supply chains.

By applying for an updated permission, we would be able to access permitted reserves in a phased and controlled way, providing a long-term, reliable supply of limestone for North Yorkshire, and deliver a comprehensive, modern restoration scheme for the whole quarry.

What happened to the original application?

We submitted an earlier Section 73 application at the start of 2025, based on initial advice from the Council. During the statutory consultation, a number of concerns were raised about both our proposals and existing operations.

We have listened to this feedback and withdrawn that application so we can:

  • Carry out additional environmental and technical studies
  • Review our proposed working scheme and restoration plans
  • Put in place improved management and monitoring measures
  • Engage more effectively with residents and stakeholders

We recognise we should have consulted locally before submitting the original application. We did not do that, and we are now seeking to put that right.

Consultation and next steps

Our intention is to:

  1. Complete additional technical studies, including assessments of air quality, noise, blasting, traffic, ecology, water, landscape and heritage. 
  2. Share information about the emerging proposals with residents and stakeholders, including through public consultation events and this website. 
  3. Invite feedback and use that to refine the working scheme and restoration design. 
  4. Submit a revised Section 73 application, currently expected in 2026, supported by a full Environmental Statement. 

Details of consultation events and how to provide feedback will be added to this website once arrangements are confirmed.