The timeframe for information is from June 2018 up to and including April 2023.
The first part relates to the Restoration Plan for Whitecleave Quarry, Buckfastleigh, dated April 2019, Planning Permission 98/3304/32/9DCC.
The second part relates to the management and control of water in the quarry void at Whitecleave Quarry, Buckfastleigh.
The third part relates to a recent planning application for use of the Whitecleave Quarry site, submitted to Teignbridge District Council Planning Department, Planning Ref: 22/01697/FULL submitted by STCW Training UK Ltd on or around 5 September 2022, in that Whitecleave Quarry is a minerals site and as such the relevant authority is Devon County.
We request, please:
1. All records, reports and correspondence between parties relating to the steps taken by the authority, including any options discussed, to secure the full restoration of Whitecleave Quarry, including but not limited to the removal of temporary structures and buildings, hardstanding, waste, etc.
2. a) Confirmation that the normal level of water still remains in the quarry void, particularly on or at Wednesday the 5th of April 2023; and b) All records, reports and correspondence to relevant parties (including but not limited to local authorities, government and non-government agencies, site owner, contractors and any party(ies) seeking planning permission at the site) regarding monitoring and managing the water level in the quarry void, to include any need identified, permission requested or granted to use any sort of pump to manage the water level and/or the settlement tanks to be cleaned or emptied and/or whether consents or licenses to discharge into the local water course(s) have been requested and issued.
3. All records, documents and correspondence, including advice, between parties relating to planning application for use of the Whitecleave Quarry site, submitted to Teignbridge District Council Planning Department, Planning Ref: 22/01697/FULL submitted by STCW Training UK Ltd on or around 5 September 2022.
We have noted that information is being requested over a five year time period and that every record, document and correspondence is requested for this time period.
We have made enquiries for the information available for this entire time period and a very large volume of information is held over this long time period. To extract, review and prepare this information for disclosure would therefore be a significant burden on the resources of the council and, in those circumstances, we consider this request to be manifestly unreasonable, pursuant to Part 12(4)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Whilst we acknowledge the need for transparency, it is not in the public interest for council resources to be subject to a disproportionate burden or to an unjustified level of distress, disruption or irritation in handling information requests. This information is therefore exempt from disclosure.
We also acknowledge the need for advice and assistance pursuant to Part 9 of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If this request were to be submitted again with a significantly reduced timeframe or a more specific request for information, Devon County Council may be able to assist.