Quarrying extension at Trearne Quarry, Gateside, Beith

What was proposed

The application sought to extend quarrying operations for three years until 24 May 2029, followed by two years of restoration.

“Variation of condition 1 of planning permission N/23/00190/PP to extend quarrying operations until 24th May 2029”

“The application therefore seeks permission to extend the timescale for quarrying operations by a further three years until 24th May 2029. Thereafter, a further two years is requested for restoration of the land until 24th May 2031.”

Officer report

The site and working plans

The quarry contains limestone reserves, and remaining extraction would use an excavator rather than blasting, with no change to extraction extent or depths.

“The limestone reserves at Trearne have not been fully extracted during the most recent period of the consent due to a variety of factors, including a recent change in ownership. The applicant estimates that a further 3 years of reserves remain in the quarry (approx. 90,000 tonnes) on the basis that between 30,000 and 50,000 tonnes are extracted per annum.”

“A supporting statement provided with the application indicates that the remaining extractive works would not require blasting (as was the case in the past). Instead, the remaining rock reserves would be extracted by an excavator with ripping tooth to minimise the effects on residential dwelling in the vicinity and on nearby wildlife.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and timing

The current operating conditions were granted in 2023, quarrying was due to cease in May 2026, and the extension application was submitted before then.

“Trearne Quarry is located approximately 2km east of Beith and within 1km of Gateside. It contains reserves of limestone. Although quarrying at Trearne dates back to 1967, the current operating conditions, including a restoration scheme, were granted by the Council on 24th May 2023 under planning permission ref. 23/00190/PP.”

“The applicant did not commence quarrying operations under the 2023 planning permission until 21st May 2026. The agent advises that soil stripping commenced on that date and that some mineral extraction has since taken place. Also on 21st May, the current application to extend the period of consent was submitted to the Council.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the extension would use existing safeguards, support extraction of remaining reserves and meet relevant planning policy requirements.

“The determining issue in this case is whether the proposed modification to the condition attached to the previous grant of consent would accord with the relevant LDP policies. In terms of the adopted LDP, the Countryside Objective seeks to "encourage opportunities for our existing rural communities and businesses to grow" whilst protecting the countryside and promoting sustainable development.”

“Policy 33 'Responsible Extraction of Mineral Resources' supports the conventional extraction of sand, gravel, coal and peat, subject to meeting a range of criteria. Since the quarry already has a modern suite of planning conditions in terms of the previously approved ROMP consent, it is considered that the requirements of Policy 33 are being met, and would continue to be met in terms of the proposed extension of time until May 2029.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Transportation and environmental health raised no objections, while the community council made no comments.

“NAC Active Travel & Transportation - no objections.”

“NAC Environmental Health - no objections subject to the previous conditions continuing to be implemented on matters such as dust control, noise and vibration.”

Officer report

A neighbour's concerns

One objection concerned site access, pollution, noise and dirt; proposed conditions addressed road cleanliness, environmental effects, working hours and blasting.

“Object to the proposed site access opposite the dwelling at Hessilhead Cottage. There are two other access routes which could be used instead. In the event that the proposed access route is used, it is requested that a wheel wash is installed to ensure clear roadways.”

“Response: Working hours have been specified in the application and would be regulated by condition. It is not proposed to alter the previously consented working hours. As per previous consents, there are conditions proposed to address noise impacts. As a result of changes to working practices, it is not proposed to undertake any blasting operations. This would be regulated by a condition.”

Officer report

Speaking at the meeting

No deputation requests were received for the application.

The committee vote

Following a motion by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Stalker, the committee unanimously approved planning permission.

“Following a motion by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Stalker, the Committee unanimously agreed to approve planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes