Crich Quarry proposals – Application refused

Crich Quarry/Amber Rock Development Refusal

The proposed Crich Quarry/Amber Rock Development aimed to redevelop Crich Quarry with an “alternative form of restoration” to create a mixed-use leisure site spanning approximately 43 acres. However, this project raised significant concerns over potential adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. As a result, CPRE Derbyshire officially submitted objections in April 2022 and again in March 2024 with environmental and social concerns regarding the development.
Details of this opposition can be found in CPRE Derbyshire’s objection article and the full opposition response.

Finally, on October 1, 2024, Derbyshire County Council officially rejected the Crich Quarry mixed-use leisure development proposal.

Reasons for Refusal

Derbyshire County Council rejected the Crich Quarry site’s mixed-use leisure development proposal for several key reasons. First, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was deemed inadequate, as it failed to provide a sufficient assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed development. Second, the council identified potential road safety issues due to a likely increase in traffic and insufficient parking space. Third, the proposal could negatively affect protected species and habitats, but lacked appropriate mitigation measures and studies. Fourth, the development could harm the views of nearby heritage sites, such as the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and Crich Stand, with the proposed public benefits considered insufficient to offset this damage. Fifth, issues with noise, vibration, and lighting pose risks to residents’ quality of life, with a lack of specific countermeasures to address these concerns. Finally, the proposal did not provide suitable measures for flood risk management or for addressing climate change, leading the council to conclude that approval could not be granted.

For full details, you can view the complete Planning Decision Notice here.