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Quarries: Planning Policy
16 December 2025
Lead MP
Alberto Costa
South Leicestershire
Con
Responding Minister
Samantha Dixon
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 12323
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Alberto Costa raised concerns about quarries: planning policy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Alberto Costa asks the government to address concerns over independent technical advice and outdated guidance on assessing mineral dust impacts for planning. He seeks clarification on ensuring evidence-led decision-making and the use of up-to-date baseline data.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The development of a mega-quarry by Tarmac in Misterton, South Leicestershire, covers 74 hectares and will extract 400,000 tonnes of sand and gravel annually for at least 20 years. Concerns include the impact on air quality, with outdated guidelines from the Institute of Air Quality Management not reflecting current conditions or legal targets.
Alberto Costa
Con
Oxted
Acknowledged the importance of quarrying for infrastructure but emphasised the need to protect public health from air quality issues, thanked residents and Lord Bach for their support, and urged responsible mineral extraction.
Edinburgh West
Agreed that there is tension between the tourism industry in rural areas and the impact of quarries, which can discourage people from visiting.
Arthur
LD
Dr Arthur questions the appropriateness of a rigid 600-metre buffer zone, suggesting that geological factors can significantly affect noise levels and impact on properties.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Discussed the inappropriate location of a gravel extraction site proposed by Cemex, citing traffic congestion and environmental concerns. Emphasised the need for industry to work with residential areas. Stressed the importance of Members being able to raise points with Ministers and questioned why so many Members decided to participate in the debate.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Two quarries in Edinburgh South West have shown that quarries can be good neighbours by stopping water pumping during flood alerts, sending text alerts about blasts and explosions, and washing wheels of lorries to minimize dust.
Gareth Bacon
Con
Orpington
Mr. Bacon acknowledges the economic importance of quarries while stressing the need for balanced planning policies that consider health, safety, environmental impacts, and social factors when granting permissions.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Concerns about respirable silica dust from quarries leading to respiratory diseases like silicosis, the need for a new clean air Act based on WHO guidelines, and support for zero emission vehicles. Also emphasized the importance of buffer zones around quarries.
Epsom and Ewell
Helen Maguire agrees that the current system for regulating pits and quarries is too complex, making it difficult for residents to navigate and resolve issues. She highlights the involvement of multiple agencies in her constituency.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Quarries in Northern Ireland bring economic life to communities and create jobs. However, they can also cause noise pollution, environmental impacts, and health risks. Proper planning policy is crucial for managing the construction process properly.
Lee Barron
Lab
Corby and East Northamptonshire
He describes the impact of the Wakerley quarry on Laxton, with complaints about blasting, noise, and structural damage to homes. He calls for better monitoring and enforcement of promises made during planning permission.
Newton Abbot
He agrees with Paul Holmes that operators must be held to modern environmental standards, even if permissions are ancient. He highlights a similar case in his constituency of Kingsteignton.
Paul Holmes
Con
South Leicestershire
He discusses a proposed aggregate quarry in his constituency which has been given permission despite local concerns about traffic, air quality, water run-off into the River Hamble and proximity to schools. He calls for better consultation and adherence to local planning rules. Asked the Minister to give way and raised specific issues related to HGV movements and congestion. Noted that his speech was not dismissive of the Government, requested a meeting with a Minister regarding his case, and questioned why the Minister did not directly answer his concerns.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Residents of Silsden fought to have their voices heard regarding a rejected quarry application. The MP suggests that requiring bonds for quarry developers would provide financial reassurance if operators go bust, but current economic pressures make this challenging. Asked the Minister to comment on the Campaign to Protect Rural England's concerns about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill reducing environmental regulation.
North East Fife
The hon. Member highlights challenges in planning processes and the impact of air quality on nature and wildlife. She agrees that there needs to be a better way to recognise these impacts when planning is considered.
Government Response
Samantha Dixon
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Government Response
Reassured hon. Members that the planning system provides a robust framework to make sure that the impacts of minerals development are appropriately considered and addressed through both the plan-making and decision-making processes. Emphasised that policies in relation to air quality, pollution, and transport impacts are included in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Highlighted the Government's upcoming consultation on revised national planning policy framework including clearer set of national policies for decision making on mineral extraction. Acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs, highlighted the importance of minerals for economic growth and infrastructure development, assured that restoration schemes would enhance the environment, and invited detailed written submissions from concerned Members.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.