Planning inspector overrules council to approve major leisure destination

A government-appointed planning officer has overturned Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s decision, clearing the way for a new leisure destination at Moneystone Quarry.
The council rejected Laver Leisure’s reserved matters plans for phase 1 of the development near Whiston, despite the site already having outline planning permission granted in 2016 for up to 250 lodges and a variety of recreational facilities.
Following an appeal, a planning inspector overruled the council’s decision, meaning Laver Leisure can proceed with the development of 190 lodges and a central hub. This hub will include a farm shop, gym, spa, restaurant and café, bowling alley, cinema screening room, games room, and visitor centre.
Once fully developed, Moneystone Park will create around 250 full-time permanent jobs, as well as around 230 further jobs during construction, replacing hundreds of local jobs lost when the quarry closed in 2011. Laver Leisure has previously agreed on an employment and skills charter with the council, which aims to ensure that local people and local businesses benefit from the opportunities created by Moneystone Park.
The developer is awaiting a decision by Staffordshire Moorlands Council on the phase 2 reserved matters application to deliver the remaining 60 lodges, which was submitted to the council in October 2023.
Peter Swallow, director of Laver Leisure said: “We are delighted that the Government appointed Planning Inspector has allowed our appeal and that Moneystone Park has decisively cleared this latest hurdle. The Inspector concluded that our proposals are of high-quality and locally distinctive, and are fully compliant with the Council’s own planning policies and the 2016 outline planning approval.
“When completed Moneystone Park will offer something for everyone. The local community will benefit from ecological and natural habitat improvements, while significant economic, social and environmental benefits will also be delivered. Day visitors can access an exciting blend of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, while those staying overnight or longer can make use of high-quality accommodation and have ready access to the pubs, restaurants and attractions within the Moorlands.
“Moneystone Park will create around 250 full-time permanent jobs, plus a further 230 jobs during construction. Through visitor spending, engaging local supply chains and providing wages, Moneystone Park is expected to help add a further 78 full-time equivalent jobs elsewhere in Staffordshire Moorlands. Our Employment and Skills Charter will enable local people and businesses to benefit from the opportunities created at Moneystone Park.
“We hope that the Planning Inspector’s decision will now facilitate an early positive determination by Staffordshire Moorlands Council of the ongoing Reserved Matters planning application for Phase 2 of the development, which will enable the project to finally proceed to the delivery phase and unlock all of the benefits it will bring to the area.”