Neighbours dig in over plan for quarry
Residents concerned at impact of extension proposal
Local residents have said that they are “strongly opposed” to proposals to extend a quarry on the outskirts of Blairgowrie.
Laird Aggregates, which has been extracting sand and gravel at Marlee on Essendy Road since 1999, is currently holding a preapplication consultation before it submits plans for the extension to Perth and Kinross Council.
The extended site would cover over 30 hectares in a phased development over the next 17 years, excavating around 75,000 tonnes of sand and gravel every year.
The proposals also include a new crossing point on the B947 Essendy Road.
As part of the pre-application process, Dalgleish Associates – which is carrying out the consultation – held an online event last week for members of the public to view the plans and ask questions.
At the session representatives from Dalgleish Associates provided an overview of the proposed development, highlighting a number of areas of potential impact.
These include the noise associated with the extraction process, haulage and processing operations of the quarry, dust and air quality, traffic, environmental and visual impact on the landscape. In addition, the potential impact on scheduled monuments of historic interest in the area was also highlighted.
A number of local residents attended the meeting, many of whom live on Palace Road – which is adjacent to the site of the proposed development.
Speaking at the meeting, Tim Baynes said: “There are seven households on Palace Road and on behalf of the residents I would like to make it clear that we are very strongly opposed to these proposals.
“It will have a massive impact on us, our houses and our lives for the next 15, 17, possibly 20 years – and it’s not just us, it’s others and the local community in Blairgowrie as well.
“Our main concern is the permanent damage to the local landscape and the impact on the peace and quiet we enjoy here, which is why many of us chose to live here in the first place.
“The development is very close to us, there is literally just a strip of tarmac between us and the site.
“There is also the significant problem of the increase in traffic with an industrial development like this, the problem of machinery and dust for 17 years, and the visual impact which will last forever.”
Blairgowrie and Glens ward councillor Caroline Shiers was also at the meeting. Speaking afterwards, the Conservative elected member said: “It was an interesting meeting and gave residents the opportunity to ask a number of questions regarding the proposal.
“I thank Jamie Laird and the representatives from the consultants for their time answering queries. I will be interested to see the application as it comes forward.
“There are a number of concerns around amenity of the neighbouring properties, impact on local roads and other potential issues which I hope to discuss further over the coming days.”
Representatives from Dalgleish Associates and Laird Aggregates stressed at the meeting that they were confident the proposals met all the required environmental and planning regulations for a development of this type.
Details of the proposal can be found online at www. dalgleishassociates.co.uk.
Anyone who requires further information or wishes to comment on the proposals can contact Dalgleish Associates by calling 01786 822339 or sending an email to willie.booth@ dalgleishassociates.co.uk
Comments can be made to the firm until Friday, April 30.
There will also be a further opportunity to comment as part of the official planning process when the plans are submitted.
It will have a massive impact on us, our houses and our lives for the next 15, 17, possibly 20 years