Major Peak District quarry restoration project back on track
Around 150,000 cubic metres of quarry waste material can now be removed from a much-loved Peak District dale to allow a major restoration project to begin.
Deep Dale, near the Topley Pike quarry complex at Buxton, was subject to waste consent agreements some 50 years ago during the 1970s and 1980s which saw thousands of tonnes of process material, such as sludge from dust suppression systems, transferred from quarry operations into the valley itself.
After an application to the National Park Authority to remove the material was approved in 2018 and work began, it became apparent that more waste material had been deposited in the valley than first appreciated.
Experts raised concerns that the transfer of material could result in impacts to the nearby River Wye once placed in the preferred location of the main Topley Pike quarry void. During tip dismantling it also became evident that ‘fine materials’ within the waste liquified during transportation; making handling and deposit problematic.
Now, after several years of detailed assessments and analysis to ensure water quality, slope stability and the conservation of protected species, the Peak District National Park Authority and Topley Pike operators Aggregate Industries, have agreed a transfer and restoration process that will see the complete restoration of the valley to its natural state.
The shallow soils of the limestone valley of Deep Dale lend themselves to hugely biodiverse areas of wildflowers, including specialist and regionally-named flora such as the Nottingham catchfly. Once complete, the restoration project will have created or rejuvenated new areas of limestone grassland, native broadleaved woodlands and more rocky ledges for birds to nest. Innovative techniques such as ‘hydro-seeding in collaboration with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have already kick-started this process.
Topley Pike quarry itself will be flooded to form a lake upon final restoration. The fine material to be relocated will be deposited in engineered containment cells within the quarry void to be created from, and capped with granular material to ensure the fines do not escape into the nearby water course.
The transfer of waste material directly into the adjacent quarry void also means that off-site disposal to a further location is not necessary, reducing both HGV movements and in turn carbon emissions.
The River Wye, which is immediately adjacent to the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the range of species it supports. Deep Dale itself is also an SSSI and European designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and forms part of the wider Peak District Dales designation.
The Authority has been rigorous in its assessment of the scientific data relating to the content of the Deep Dale Tip. The protection of the protected water bodies around the site has been the priority issue in the determination of this application.
Rory Bradford, minerals planner for the Peak District National Park Authority said: “This is a good news story for the Peak District landscape and addresses the challenge of waste dumped a generation ago under a very different era of planning and development.
“We have worked with the operator, Natural England and the Environment Agency to make sure the quality of the surrounding water bodies are protected. Protecting our Rivers and wet-habitats is a critical priority for the Authority, and is something we as the Strategic Planning & Minerals team work hard to achieve.
“As a National Park Authority, we’re now confident the plans in place will safeguard both Deep Dale and the river course associated with the main quarry complex once the water table re-aligns in the future. The scheme represents a benefit for the public who will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the dale once reclamation work is completed and the footpath through the valley is re-opened”
Geoff Storey, Regional Estates Manager North & Scotland for Aggregates Industries UK added: "The approval of the Section 73 planning application is an important step towards the completion of an award winning restoration scheme for Topley Pike Quarry and Deep Dale. We are working closely with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the National Park Mineral Planning Officers to enable the completion of restoration by the end of 2026 which will transform the area and enable public access on the restored footpath through the Dale.”