WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier has said the refusal of a controversial quarry plan was a "brilliant" example of the community coming together to protect its values. 

In his latest shuttle column, the MP said: "The much hated plans to dig a quarry at the old Lea Castle site between Cookley and Wolverley went to the County Council planning committee this week and they were soundly defeated. 

"Despite the planning officers recommending for approval, the committee clearly listened to the views of residents and threw the application out.

"This is a brilliant example of a community coming together to protect the values of that community. I have worked with them in a supportive capacity for a couple of years, but it is the fantastic leadership, and the incredible hard work of the team who have won this amazing result. And to be honest, I expected the committee to bend to legal arguments of the planning officers and grant the application. 

"Whilst hoping for the best, but preparing for the worse, I had asked the Secretary of State to consider calling in any approval for a public consultation and it still may be the case that they applicants appeal the decision, which would result in a public hearing.

"In the meantime, I am working with cross party colleagues to change the laws on how much dust is acceptable around communities. We need to make the future certain for the residents of our communities. Change the law and we stop quarrying amidst communities once and for all".