Quarry operations extension at Swinlees Quarry, Dalry

“Variation of condition 2 of planning permission N/15/00749/PP to extend the period of operations for a further 10 years until 31 March 2036”

“Swinlees Quarry is located to the northwest of Dalry and is accessed from the B784. It is located in the countryside in terms of the adopted North Ayrshire Local Development Plan.”

“The Council's Planning Committee granted permission, subject to conditions, for the continuation of quarrying operations at Swinlees Quarry on 16th February 2016 under ref. 15/00749/PP.”

“At the time of the 2016 planning permission, Swinlees Quarry was dormant. The previous owner sold the quarry to its current owners in 2021, who have recommenced operations in the years since. The quarry therefore has significant mineral reserves remaining, largely due to the years it was dormant. There have been other dormant periods at Swinlees, notably between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s.”

“Swinlees Quarry is again being actively worked, and it would be unreasonable not to enable the continuation of workings given the contribution it makes to the local economy, particularly in light of current infrastructure and construction projects taking place in North Ayrshire. There have been no objections to the proposed continuation of quarrying operations.”

“The proposed amendments to condition 2 accords with the development plan and meet the tests for planning conditions as set out in Circular 4/1998. There are no further material considerations in relation to the application. It is therefore recommended that the application is approved, subject to the conditions set out below.”

“NAC Active Travel & Transport (Roads) - no transport related objections to this proposal. The Planning Statement states that there are no proposed changes to the output of the quarry. The number of vehicle movements would not change from previously accepted levels. The quarry operates via an existing junction and haulage routes which continue to operate effectively.”

“NAC Environmental Health - no objections to the proposals from this Section provided the existing conditions applicable to permission N/15/00749/PP relating to hours of operation, noise, dust, blasting and unexpected contamination are attached and any mitigation measures implemented.”

“Condition 2. That the use hereby permitted shall operate only between the hours of 0700 hours and 1900 hours Monday-Friday, 0700 and 1300 hours Saturday and shall not operate on Sundays or public holidays unless the prior written approval of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority is obtained for any variation. There shall be no movement of vehicles into or out of the site outwith the permitted hours.”

“Condition 10. Within 3 months of the date of this planning permission the operator shall submit for the written approval of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority details of measures to minimise the effects of blasting on groundwater, to protect Swinlees Burn from dewatering as the quarry extends towards it, and to monitor, report and carry out remediation works in relation to the effects of operations, including blasting, on groundwater.”

“Submitted a report by the Chief Planning Officer seeking permission to vary condition 2 of planning permission N/15/00749/PP to extend the period of operations for a further 10 years until 31 March 2036.”

“The Committee unanimously agreed to approve planning permission.”