Lake District slate quarry extension probe

7 May 1999

The Council for National Parks (CNP) has welcomed today's announcement by the Environment Secretary that he will decide on a proposed extension to an eyesore slate quarry in a popular beauty spot.  CNP had urged the Environment Secretary to hold a public inquiry following the Lake District National Park Authority's recent decision to grant permission for the extension.  The Environment's Secretary's 'call-in' means that a Public Inquiry is likely to be held.

CNP's Assistant Director Ruth Chambers said: "Continued working at Bursting Stone would cause serious harm to this beautiful part of the Lake District National Park.  The quarry is highly visible on the upper slopes of Coniston Old Man and many people visit this area because of its superb scenery.  Granting permission for this extension would ruin the enjoyment of a great many visitors to the National Park as well as causing an even bigger blot on the landscape".

"A Public Inquiry would enable a thorough and rigorous examination of the alleged need for this development, alternatives to allowing the extension to go ahead and the environmental impacts on the National Park".

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222