
Welcome to the
Stairfoot Brickworks
Consultation Website​
Welcome to the public consultation website for the proposed development at the Former Stairfoot Brickworks, Wombwell Lane, Stairfoot, Barnsley S70 3NS.
The proposed development is a waste glass recycling and repurposing facility, in which would see Potters Industries consolidate all their operations onto one site.
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We are asking people who live and/or work in the area to help us to shape the design proposals for this site prior to the submission of a planning application.
We would like to know your views on our proposals, what you think we should know about the surrounding area and how these points may influence our proposals.
If you want to share your thoughts about the project please leave your comments at the bottom of the page.
Who are Potters Industries?
Potters Industries are a glass recycling and manufacturing company with current operational premises in Scunthorpe and Barnsley. The existing Barnsley site is located of the A628 Pontefract Road (Hoyle Mill), which is used for the recycling of glass. Their site in Scunthorpe is used for the repurposing of glass.
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Potters Industries wish to consolidate all their operations onto one site. They have completed a site selection process to identify a suitable site to accommodate both the recycling and manufacturing elements of their business and this site has been identified as a suitable site, largely informed by its size, availability, its former use and wider connectivity to its customer base.
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Potters started at their current site in Barnsley in 1957. The site currently employs 16 people from the local Barnsley area and the proposed development would reduced staff travel by 60 miles per day.
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Since establishing roots in Barnsley, Potters Industries had been a trusted presence on the industrial scene for decades. As a family to the community, they have provided jobs and services that have contributed to the well-being and prosperity of the local area. The diverse range of products including glass microspheres, insulation, road safety solutions, and metal, cardboard, and plastic recycling, have positively impacted the various sectors within the community.
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At Potters Industries, sustainability and environmental safety are our top priorities. We are dedicated to minimizing their environmental footprint while delivering high-quality products and services. Presently, the company further demonstrating the commitment to create local employment opportunities and fostering growth with the community.
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To view Potters History Timeline please visit the following hyperlink https://www.pottersindustries.com/about-us/history/
Why This Site?
The site previously used as a brickworks and was known as 'Stairfoot Brickworks'. The use of the site as a brickworks ceased in circa 2003 and the associated infrastructure was subsequently demolished in 2009. The below image shows what the site previously looked like, in 2003, when it was in operation. The image shows the large building that was previously on site, as well as the large storage area of bricks surrounding the site.

The site is currently vacant and comprises of a large area of concrete hardstanding across the majority of the site. Within the site, there is existing vegetation comprising of young and semi-mature trees that are predominantly clustered along the site boundaries. The northern part of the site is surrounded by clay bunds. A small area at the southern portion of the site is a former mineral working, that was later landfilled.
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The wider site location is generally characterised by big-box retail and light industry type units, abutted with green open space and residential areas.
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To the north and east the site is bounded by the Trans Pennine Trail beyond which lies former mineral workings associated with the former brickworks. Some of which have been backfilled and restored to open or agricultural space. The village of Ardsley lies approximately 400 m further north. To the south there is a residential area with open space and agricultural land, to the southeast lies the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated Marine Band, located adjacent to the Trans Pennine Trail. A row of terraced properties and some commercial units are located to the south and southwest. To the west the entrance to Barnsley Retail Park is directly opposite the site, with agricultural land beyond.



Relevant Planning History
2022/1218
An application is currently being determined (reference: 2022/1218) to allow for enabling works to be carried out on site, to allow for future development to come forward. These enabling works consist of; the erection of perimeter security fencing, entrance gates and associated tree works.
Other Relevant Applications
As noted above, the site was previously used as a brickworks and a there a number of planning applications associated with this use. A full list of these applications is provided in Appendix 3.
Other Applications of Relevance
It is worth noting that there is an application for a change of use to metal recycling yard for the storage and separation of metals and associated provisions including storage container, office block, weighbridge and lay down enclosures (reference 2023/0241) on adjacent land to the north west of the site. This application was made valid on in March 2023 but has not yet been determined.
The Proposed Development
The proposed development is a waste glass recycling and repurposing facility, in which Potters Industries would consolidate all their operations onto one site. Current operations are split between two sites with the recycling plant located off the A628 Pontefract Road (Hoyle Mill), and the repurposing facility located in Scunthorpe.
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The facility will operate in accordance with circular environmental principles for the recycling and repurposing of both pure and mixed glass. Once purified, the glass can be sold to UK customers.
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As shown on the Proposed Site Plan, a metal clad building (28,280 sq. ft) is proposed with a workshop (3,55 sq. ft) attached to the side. The building proposes to have 9no. processing bays in front of it, which will be covered by an external canopy. A security office is proposed, as well as an admin office (1,720 sq. ft).
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Proposed storage areas on the site will be used for both incoming glass to be processed and processed glass to be redistributed. The site will accommodate sufficient car parking space for both car and lorries.
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The majority of the existing trees and vegetation on site will be retained meaning that development will be set back and screened from the south and the north. The existing access into the site will be utilised and upgraded. Noise generating activities have been located as far as practical from noise sensitive receptors.
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The purpose of the proposed development is to recycle glass delivered to the site through processing pure and mixed glass. Once it has been processed, it can then be sold onto customers. Combining the two sites together will result in a large reduction in the miles travelled associated with the glass recycling.
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Operational hours of the site will be between 7:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday. Outside these hours will have no operational activity except for HGV movements, with weekends having no operational activity.
Benefits of the Development
Potters Industries places a strong emphasis on community engagement through various initiatives and partnerships. The commitment to the local community is showcased through our proposed new development, which is projected to bring 7-9 additional jobs to the Barnsley area. This expansion not only demonstrates dedication to creating employment opportunities but also reflects investment in the local economy.
Furthermore, this development will result in a reduction of 300,000 miles, equivalent to 530,000 kg of CO2 emissions. This aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and emphasizes their proactive approach towards environmental responsibility. Through these efforts, they aim to contribute positively to the community while mitigating our environmental impact.
Partnerships and community engagements embody Potters Industries’ values, serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the well-being of Barnsley and its residents. They are dedicated to fostering strong relationships and making meaningful contributions that benefit all stakeholders involved.
Site Analysis
The following works will be undertaken to support any future planning application on this site, and inform the final design of the scheme: