A MINERALS firm vying to build a 12-year-quarry at a site in Cranage has been told to re-submit its application.

Sibelco UK, which first applied in October for planning permission to dig and mine a silica sand quarry at Rudheath Farm Lodge, is required to submit its application to both Chester West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils.

The proposed site, which straddles land in both local authorities, has been the subject of strong controversy after Sibelco was initially instructed to only submit planning approval to Cheshire East Council.

As a result, the company is set to hold two public consultations, at Allostock Village Hall and Cranage Village Hall.

Mike Hurley, Sibelco’s sustainability manager, has been at the heart of the planning process.

He said: “Last year Cheshire West and Chester Council decided to delegate its planning decision to Cheshire East and we proceeded on that basis.

“However, the two authorities have now decided on a different way forward and that requires us to submit planning applications to both parties.

“We are pleased to have clarity on the matter but the delay that has been brought about by the change means it’s only right that residents have fresh opportunities to look at our proposals.

“Compared to the current proposal, we’ve included a permissive footpath along a stretch of New Platt Lane to allow pedestrian access off the road, and we’ve provided for more tree planting within the restoration scheme for the site.”

Prior to submitting the application, the company had undertook 12 months of consultation with members of the public, who raised a number of concerns including traffic management, pollution and noise levels.

Campaigners against the proposals have taken the news as a setback in Sibelco’s plans.

A spokesperson for Residents against Quarrying, an action group opposed to the proposals, said: “This is a significant step forward following the extremely high number of objections submitted.

“Sibelco has had no option to accept this to be the case and as a result the planning application will now be invalidated and they will now be required to submit two new planning applications, one to Cheshire East and one to Cheshire West and Chester.

“It remains to be seen whether all previous objections will also have to be re-submitted and will keep you all updated accordingly as matters progress.”

On Tuesday, February 14 Sibelco will host a public information session at Allostock Village Hall and the second event will take place at Cranage Village Hall on Friday, February 17, both events from 4pm to 8pm.

MPs, councillors and council staff involved with the planning process have also been invited to the drop-in sessions.