MP’s fury over ‘keep out’ signs at quarry
Stirling MP Steven Paterson has condemned the installation of large signs on Gillies Hill which are warning members of the public to keep out of the area.
The signs have appeared despite the region near Cambusbarron being a well-used community resource and part of Stirling Council’s Core Path Network.
It is also understood that the warning signs do not have planning permission. The MP has written to the council calling for them to take enforcement action to have the signs removed.
Mr Paterson said: “The installation of these signs within the woods on Gillies Hill and at the access point on the common ground at the top of Old Drove Road is an affront to the many members of the community who regularly use and enjoy this important natural resource.
“My office has learned through enquiries to Stirling Council that these warning signs have been installed without appropriate planning permission, and I have now written to the council requesting that they use enforcement means to have these impertinent signs removed at the earliest opportunity.
“I have supported the commendable efforts of the local community in and around Cambusbarron to resist proposals for renewed quarrying on Gillies Hill; proposals which would cause irreparable damage to an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance and add a huge tonnage of heavy traffic to local Stirling roads.
“Stirling Council must reflect the overwhelming will of local residents and persuade the Planning Reporter considering the case that there are abundant planning reasons against renewed quarrying, and that any planning applications advancing this unwelcome prospect should be firmly rejected.”
A date has been set for an appeal hearing into the controversial quarrying proposals for Gillies Hill.
Paterson’s Quarries Ltd is seeking permission to continue quarrying, create a new access road and public car park including restoration proposals at Murrayshall Quarry at Polmaise Road. Scottish Ministers are currently considering an appeal made by the company for the development. A hearing will now begin on Tuesday November 22, with a site inspection planned for the following day.
The application has attracted 1077 objections, including from Torbrex, Kings Park and Cambusbarron community councils, Stirling Civic Trust, Stirling High School Parent Council and other local and national organisations. In August Stirling Council’s planning panel formally opposed the quarrying proposals and asked for a public inquiry into the bid. But given the applicant had already appealed to the Scottish Government over the council’s nondetermination, the decision was by then not the council’s to make. Mr Paterson has written to chief executive Stewart Carruth about the signage.
Stirling Council Environment Convenor Danny Gibson said: “Our officers are aware of these signs and have visited the site in question. Enquiries are being made to ascertain who installed these signs and on what basis.
“This matter will be investigated thoroughly and dealt with robustly as appropriate, to ensure our citizens’ legal rights of access are respected.”
The two landowners responsible for the area are Tillicoultry Quarries and Drygrange Estate Ltd.
A spokesman for Drygrange Estate said the company had not erected any signs in the Gillies Hill area. When the Stirling Observer contacted Tillicoultry Quarries there was nobody available to comment.