Dozens of people have objected to plans for a new quarry in Aberdeenshire, after a previous proposal for the site was quashed amid safety fears.
Development firm Chap Group Ltd lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council for a site at Muirtack, five miles north of Ellon, late last year.
The quarry would extract more than 75,000 tonnes of sand and gravel each year for a period of between eight and 15 years.
But the local community has rallied against the scheme and 38 letters of objection have been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council in recent weeks.
Residents expressed concerns about road networks, wildlife, noise, dust and air pollution.
And as well as addressing their concerns directly to the council, opponents have created an online petition.
Writing on the site, Sally Middleton said: “It would be a travesty on so many levels to allow a quarry in this area.”
Previous attempts to create a quarry there were halted by the council and the Scottish Government following an appeal.
Chap Group’s fresh plans include an access road from the A952 road between the Toll of Birness and Mintlaw to mitigate road safety concerns.
The firm hopes the development could feed into projects such as the new Aberdeen Harbour expansion.
Planning documents lodged by the company state: “This resource is needed to address an identified shortfall in supply within the Aberdeen market area.”
