Fears have been raised for the future of a historic iron age fort after developers were told a bid to expand the quarry was to be approved on appeal.
Last March, members of the West Dunbartonshire Council planning committee refused planning permission to extend Sheephill Quarry in Milton and increase opening hours, following concerns about the impact the proposals would have on the environment and neighbouring properties.
This included concern that the work would result in the destruction of what remained of Sheephill Quarry fort, an ancient iron age hill fort within the quarry grounds.
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But the applicant appealed the decision to the Scottish Government and a “Notice of Intention” has now been issued by the reporter to allow the appeal and grant planning permission subject to conditions as the proposal is in accordance with the local authority’s development plan.
Earlier this week members were informed there were no “points of law” that would allow the council to appeal the decision to the court of session.
Buildings standards manager, Pamela Clifford, said: “This committee was informed in February that a notice of intention was submitted by the reporter who was minded to grant planning permission [to extend Sheephill Quarry].
“The reporter’s decision is final but there is a right of appeal within six weeks. It is considered that the conclusions reached by the reporter are reasonable and there are no “points of law” that would give grounds to [appeal this further] to the court of session.”
A report presented to the planning committee also advised members that Historic Environment Scotland were minded to grant Scheduled Monument Consent for quarrying operations affecting the ancient fort.
This too will be subject to a number of conditions regarding the excavation, recording and publishing of findings regarding the Sheephill Fort. The application is still awaiting a final decision from the Scottish Ministers who have extended the time period for consideration.
Labour councillor Johal then asked if the local authority could launch a late appeal but was advised again there were no grounds of appeal that would be granted by the court of session.
A council officer added: “We would need to identify something that we thought would be valid grounds for appeal and put that to council. We haven’t identified anything."
