The firm behind a controversial Ochils Hills quarry application has stated it has no plans to use the site soon.
CEMEX UK Operations has applied for an extension to its operational licence at the popular Glenquey walking spot to 2035.
Rights to extract sand and gravel at Glendevon Quarry were first granted in 1984, but there has been little work done at the site over the past two decades.
The renewal of interest has sparked major opposition among residents fearful the A823 access, which they have branded “extremely dangerous,” will be congested with heavy plant and machinery.
However a spokeswoman for the operator said it is merely ensuring its options for the Ochils remain open.
She said, “The site was last worked in 1991 and the company has since worked reserves elsewhere, but Glenquey remains a future source of vital building materials for local construction including housing, schools, hospitals and infrastructure in central Scotland.”
“While we have no immediate plans to reopen the site, the extension of planning consent at Glendevon would enable us to work the minerals once our other nearby quarries are exhausted and restored.”AccessShe said public access in and around the area has been fully considered in the plans, which the council hopes to have determined by mid-April.
“Public consultation carried out during 2010 confirmed there are opportunities to improve public access. The recent submission therefore includes a carefully devised restoration scheme that will in time enhance the footpath network.
“The site is to be progressively restored and extraction will be preceded by significant tree planting across the site. The application to renew the consent to extract is supported by a full environmental impact assessment prepared by independent technical specialists.
“A second application for an improved access road with a designated pedestrian walkway has also been submitted.”
Conservation group, Friends of the Ochils, community councils and residents have vowed to fight the plans.
Friends of the Ochils chairman, Stuart Dean, said, “Perth and Kinross Council need to recognise that people’s attitudes to the preservation of great scenic beauty have changed since the licence was granted back in 1984.”
He said the council “must reject this insidious application” and start considering how best to protect this part of the Ochils, while calling on the hills to be designated an Area of Great Landscape Value.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user robertpaulyoung.