A major developer has appealed to the Scottish Government over Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to reject plans for a new quarry.
Chap Group (Aberdeen) Ltd had hoped Aberdeenshire Council would grant permission for a mineral extraction site at Muirtack, five miles north of Ellon.
Their previous attempt to begin operations there had been quashed by the council, and then refused on appeal by the Scottish Government, due to concerns over road safety.
A campaign group, Say No To The Muirtack Quarry, had been set up by the community in opposition to the plans.
Chap also hoped the quarry would feed into projects such as the new Aberdeen Harbour expansion.
The were revamped again and submitted to the council in March, only for the Buchan area committee to unanimously to refused the application the following month.
Now, Chap have appealed to the Scottish Government over the decision.
They claim the quarry would not have “any significant adverse impact on neighbouring amenity” and that the region has no other way to meet the supply of sand and gravel needed for building projects over the next decade.
Their appeal report states: “None of the reasons for refusal have any basis in the council’s adopted policies or are supported by evidence.”
The Scottish Government has yet to make a decision.
