Appeal against quarry planning refusal

A controversial project to build a 24-acre quarry in Aberdeenshire could be back on the table – despite it being refused twice by councillors.

Developers behind plans to dig out the site at Rainnieshill near Newmachar have lodged an appeal to the Scottish Government.

JKR Contractor Ltd has been fighting to turn the site at Beauty Hill into a quarry the size of 12 football pitches since 2019.

If the appeal is successful, the quarry will be in operation for 13 years, providing approximately 60,000 tonnes of hard rock a year – or around 500,000 tonnes in total.

This is expected to help the developers keep their business alive and safeguard the livelihood of more than 150 employees.

However, the project has faced strong opposition from the community – and Aberdeenshire councillors – due to its “detrimental effect” on nearby homes.

Other concerns raised by both parties include noise and dust pollution, road safety and impact on wildlife.

A total of 250 people submitted formal objections in addition to a 743-strong petition, while 171 comments were lodged in support.

The plans were turned down twice by members of the Garioch and Formartine area committees last year.

Bosses at JKR Contractor Ltd are now appealing to the government to give the scheme the go-ahead.

They have previously stressed the necessity of the project – both for their business and the industry in north-east – and their commitment to “cause no harm to locals”.

They say the quarry will be essential for resilient supply chains and support future developments across the area.