Consultancy reveals key role on valley restoration project

Planning, environmental and design consultancy Heatons has played a key role in making the restoration of a cherished Peak District valley a reality.

The firm worked closely with Aggregate Industries to prepare a planning application for the restore Deep Dale to its former natural beauty after decades of quarry work.

The project includes the removal of 150,000 sq metres of quarry waste, allowing the restoration of Topley Pike Quarry and the reinstatement of Deep Dale.

Deep Dale was historically used as a mineral waste site during the 1970s and 1980s.

Thousands of tonnes of quarry by-products were discarded there under old waste consent agreements.

Aggregate Industries and the Peak District National Park Authority have now agreed on a sustainable transfer and restoration plan.

The plan prioritises water quality, slope stability, and the conservation of protected species while ensuring the valley’s full restoration.

The limestone valley of Deep Dale, renowned for its shallow soils, supports a rich diversity of wildflowers, making it a significant ecological area.

In response to this unique environment, Heatons engaged technical environmental consultants to devise a comprehensive scheme aimed at restoring the valley’s natural state.

This work will enable the ecological reinstatement of Deep Dale while also facilitating the restoration of Topley Pike Quarry.

Spencer Warren, managing director at Heatons, said: “Heatons was appointed for our expertise in handling large-scale planning applications.

“Our task was to develop a proposal that not only addressed the project’s scale and complexities, but also carefully considered the environmental sensitivities involved.

“With input from environmental experts throughout the process, we are delighted that this beautiful area in Deep Dale will be restored to its natural landform, bringing significant biodiversity benefits along the way.”