Community concern over quarry plan
Community councillors in Blackford say they are prepared to resume their opposition to proposals for a quarrying operation.
Under the scheme materials would be moved from a site - Milton of Panholes - which is near the southwest Perthshire town, to the former railway station where there is existing permission for a rail yard development.
But there are concerns about the proximity of the quarry to residents, as well as the possible impact it will have on a busy thoroughfare.
The scheme for quarrying over a 12-month period was previously submitted and then withdrawn, but a fresh bid emerged last week.
Blackford Community Council had submitted a response to the first proposals raising concerns about noise and dust from the workings which “could be a significant issue”.
Members also pointed out that the main road into the community was under pressure from the lorry movements to Highland Spring and that additional vehicles could speed up the deterioration of the surface.
Janet Law from the community council said members discussed the re-submission of the scheme after the PA contacted them last month.
Ms Law said that depending on the application the community council would likely submit a similar response this time round.
The quarry is proposed through agents Kilmac Limited with a connection to the proposed rail yard at the former train station.
Planning documents show that a farmer wants to reduce the height of a hill to make a field more workable.
And in a statement Kilmac also says the site at Blackford rail sidings also needs material to raise the levels there for a move through Highland Spring.
The bottled water giant says that levels need to be raised by up to five metres to meet the height of the railway line.
Highland Spring says the rail yard, officially approved in March 2016, would assist in removing road freight from its Blackford operation.
The Perthshire plant has been expanding as part of its forecasted 10 per cent leap in business and production over the next five years.