A long-running battle over plans for a controversial sand and gravel quarry in Preesall appears to have come to an end after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the developer's appeal.
The appeal, lodged by the Baxter Group Ltd, challenged the decision to refuse planning permission for a quarry on land off Bourbles Lane, Preesall.
In a decision issued on Wednesday, August 26, the Planning Inspectorate confirmed the appeal had been dismissed.
The decision related to proposals for the extraction and processing of sand and gravel, alongside associated infrastructure including new access roads, landscaping and screening bunds, a minerals washing plant and restoration works.
The outcome was welcomed by Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith, who has campaigned against the development for several years.
In a statement, Mrs Smith said: "I welcome the Planning Inspectorate's decision today to dismiss the developer's appeal, which challenged the refusal of planning permission for quarrying.
"This is the right outcome, and hopefully now puts this plan to bed."
The Labour MP said she had opposed the proposal from the outset over concerns about air quality because of the site's proximity to schools and residents with breathing conditions.
She said she had held public meetings, spoken at the inspector's hearing, presented a Parliamentary petition and submitted objections throughout the planning process.
"Residents have been clear the whole way: We don't want a quarry here," she added.
"I'm delighted the hearing found in favour of the people of Preesall."
The proposal has proved one of the most contentious planning applications in the area in recent years.
The scheme, first submitted in 2023, would have seen an estimated 460,000 tonnes of sand and gravel extracted from land at Bourbles Farm, with 300,000 tonnes of soil, clay and hardcore imported to restore the site.
More than 2,000 objections were lodged against the plans, with residents citing concerns over traffic, noise and the potential health effects of silica dust.
Campaigners argued the quarry would be too close to homes, while opponents also raised fears about the impact of heavy goods vehicles on local roads.
When Lancashire County Council's development control committee considered the application in October 2025, councillors voted overwhelmingly to refuse permission.
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The council's refusal notice cited "unacceptable impacts on highway safety" and said the development's proximity to residential properties would create unacceptable noise and dust impacts that could not be satisfactorily mitigated.
Wyre Council had also formally objected to the application, arguing the quarry would have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residential properties because of noise, disturbance and dust, while also raising concerns about flood risk.
Supporters of the scheme had argued there was a strong need for locally sourced construction materials.
Following the original refusal, a spokesperson for the Baxter Group said the development would have provided "much-needed construction materials for the housing sector" and helped meet demand created by future housebuilding and infrastructure projects.
The latest decision follows an inquiry held between April 14 and April 23 this year, with a site visit taking place on April 17.
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