Mineral work set to wind down
Mineral extraction work at a quarry established in Perthshire at the start of the century will be gradually wound down over the next decade, according to its managers.
CJ and A Lockett say they want to quit Craigrossie Quarry east of Auchterarder in 2030 but have asked Perth and Kinross Council for part retrospective consent to complete a third and final phase of works in the meantime.
Real estate advisers Avison Young told the local authority on CJ and Lockett’s behalf late last year: “Craigrossie Quarry represents an established mineral working site within the Perth and Kinross area, having operated since the early 2000s.
“The proposals seek the gradual wind down of the existing sand and gravel workings, to meet market demand for these materials in the short to medium term, before transitioning to sandstone extraction in the longer term, again as a result of anticipated market demand for locally sourced sandstone.”
Planning officials have now recommended councillors approve CJ and A Lockett’s application after receiving assurances the land will be restored to a semi-natural state by 2030.
Their report reads:“A phased landscape restoration plan for the site has been submitted with the application which includes a series of site plans which demonstrate progress with the restoration and can be read in conjunction with the associated phasing plan.
“The proposal is to progressively restore the quarry to a mixed landscape of native mixed woodland, meadow grassland and water features including ponds linking to watercourses.
“The restoration is proposed to commence in 2020 with restoration across the sand and gravel quarry to be completed and fully restored by 2024 and the sandstone and support centre by 2030.
“Site overburden materials are proposed to be used in the reinstatement to create a new countered landscape which will broadly reflect the landscape character of the area.
“The existing ponds are proposed to be reshaped to more natural profiles to provide opportunities for biodiversity.
“The restored quarry will sit within a framework of woodland as detailed above and also be augmented with additional tree planting.
“A condition is recommended to ensure the restoration and aftercare is progressed in accordance with the submitted phasing document and plans which will ensure that there is no adverse impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area over the long term.”
The council’s planning and development management committee is scheduled to consider the report and its recommendations tomorrow morning (Wednesday, April 29).