This note gives a brief update on the proposals for Staden Moor Quarry, and follows a site meeting between the BMC, the developer, the architect and the landowner on 16 June.

It is expected that the planning application for phase 1 of the proposed development at Staden Moor Quarry will be reactivated in mid July; this will not cover phase 2 and there is currently no timescale for any development beyond phase 1.

If you have already submitted comments on the proposal to High Peak Borough Council these will remain valid, but you can make additional comment during a 13 week consultation period following notification of the revised submission. The plans for the layout of the site are currently being finalised and will differ in some respects from the original plan.

Aspects relating to climbing will be covered in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The BMC will however, be agreeing a fuller version of it with the developer in writing.

Phase 1 will be contained in the western end of the site. There will be no development east of about the right hand end of Joint Effort Wall. A new access road will come up from the A6 and pass beneath the right hand end of Joint Effort Wall, with landscaping between it and the new buildings. There will be a water course of about 2m wide and an area of undisturbed land between the road and Joint Effort Wall; boulders and scree will not be disturbed.

The BMC has asked that the area of undisturbed land be as wide as possible (but the architect does not have abundant space to play with at this point) and the mitigating effect of the landscaping be as complete as possible. Existing spoil heaps in this part of the site (opposite Joint Effort Wall) will go during the construction phase, probably being scattered over the quarry floor.

Traditional access for climbers, from Cowdale village will not be affected by phase 1. The large spoil heap the current track descends on entering the quarry will stay essentially as it is.

An area of land including the climbing faces and a margin above them will be dedicated for open access under section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW). This will allow an area of natural habitat to establish itself, rationalise fencing above the crag and will facilitate access to the descent route behind A Game of Chess Buttress.

Driving a new road up from the A6 will have the consequence that the lower crag will become about 50’ taller. The landowner has indicated that he is in principle content for climbing to take place on the enlarged crag, which will also be dedicated under CROW.

A further note will be issued when the proposal is submitted.

H L F Folkard
 

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