The destruction of an Iron Age fort in Milton now “seems likely” say councillors whose refusal of a bid to expand Sheephill quarry now looks to be overturned.
In March last year the planning committee rejected plans to expand the quarry and increase opening hours following concerns about the impact on the environment and neighbouring properties.
This included concerns that the work would result in the destruction of what remained of Sheep Hill fort, described as being of great archaeological importance.
A number of cup and ring-marked stones have been discovered around the land. Sheep Hill also features in a painting by the 19th-century Scottish artist John Knox and is used by geology teachers to show how the landscape has been shaped by volcanoes and ice ages.
The Lennox Herald reported last week how quarry operators William Thompson and Son (Dumbarton) Limited appealed the decision, with a Scottish Government reporter saying he is minded to grant the application.
It’s the latest twist in the tale of the area’s longest-running planning dispute, with permission originally granted to quarry the site in 1949.
An update was brought before the planning committee on Wednesday.
SNP councillor Karen Conaghan said: “It is a great shame as it sounds like that scheduled monument is about to be demolished because someone wants to quarry around it. I accept they have an entitlement to do so but it is a shame that we have something of historic interest that is going to be destroyed.
“I also wonder how likely it is that the operator of the quarry will comply with the relevant conditions put in place as I am not getting the impression that they will.”
Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill added: “What is the point of HES and Scheduled Monument Consent if people can just do as they please? Those organisations will report to Scottish ministers to seek a wee extension.”
Towards the end of last year West Dunbartonshire councillors wrote to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) on whether the fort remains should be preserved.
In November last year, HES said it was minded to grant consent for quarrying operations subject to a number of conditions regarding the excavation, recording and publishing of findings.
The application is presently awaiting a decision from the Scottish ministers.
The council is now in a 12-week consultation with the quarry owner to conclude a planning obligation - a legal obligation entered into to mitigate the impacts of a development proposal.
If, by the end of the 12 week period, the relevant obligation has not been registered or recorded the reporter will consider whether planning permission should be refused or granted without one.
Rose Harvie, of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, has requested a full archaeological survey is carried out of the entire site.
She says: “Sheep Hill is a scheduled ancient monument – a vitrified Iron Age hill fort. It is unknown what else of historic importance might be under the turf of Sheep Hill, without full archaeological investigations.”
