The council was correct to refuse an extension to Montcliffe Quarry – but it was incorrect to do so for the reason it did, the Planning Inspectorate ruled.

The authority must now cover at least some of the costs incurred by applicant Armstrongs Aggregates in its appeal, although this appeal was dismissed.

Almost four years ago, Armstrongs made an initial application for an extension to the northern end of Montcliffe Quarry, to allow for the extraction of over two million tonnes of stone.

In March last year, it was refused on the basis of its impact on the Green Belt, and on the openness of the site on the southern slope of Winter Hill.

In May last year, Armstrongs made a second application, and it was refused for the same reason around six months ago.

But it also appealed the refusal of the initial application, with the appeal decided by the Planning Inspectorate this week.

On December 12, inspector JP Sargent ruled Bolton Council was correct to refuse an extension, but it was incorrect to do so on the basis of its impact on the Green Belt and on the openness of the site.

If it were not for issues with drainage discovered after the refusal, Mr Sargent might have allowed the appeal, but instead the appeal was dismissed.

The decision reads: "This was not a reason for refusing the application. Rather, it has arisen as an issue following the re-examination of the groundwater levels while the appeal was being considered."

It adds: "Accordingly, given my finding in relation to drainage, I conclude the appeal should be dismissed."

Although the appeal was dismissed, the council must now cover at least some of the costs incurred by Armstrongs.

Mr Sargent said the authority was 'unreasonable' and caused the applicant 'unnecessary or wasted expense'.

The decision reads: "Although I dismissed the appeal, that was for a reason that came to light after the decision on the planning application subject of this case had been issued and the appeal had been lodged. 

"[It] does not have a bearing on whether or not the planning application would have been refused, and so does not go to the heart of the reasonableness or otherwise of the council’s actions in making its decision."

A spokesperson for Bolton Council expressed disappointment at the outcome, which is the second of its type in recent weeks after costs were awarded to Peel L&P over its plan for a golf course at Hulton Park.

The spokesperson said: "Montcliffe Quarry has always been a high-profile issue in Horwich, and planning committee members have previously raised concerns about the impact of the site on the local area.

“We are pleased that the Planning Inspector has backed the committee’s overall decision, but it is disappointing that the reasons for refusal have not been accepted.

“The council is also disappointed that costs have been awarded in this case, but we will now follow the normal process for settling the amount.”