MP gives evidence to Braco public inquiry

Jun 5 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to extract up to 24,000 tonnes of sand and gravel a year from a Perthshire quarry would create up to 3,000 heavy goods vehicle movements in and out of the site.

And that impact, via the proposed access route from the A822, would be “grossly unacceptable”.

That’s the view of Ochil and South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks who gave evidence at a public inquiry into the planning bid, being held at Braco Church Hall this week.

Falkirk-based firm James McCaig want the go-ahead to extract 72,000 tonnes of material over three years from four acres of land at Braco Castle Farm.

The application was thrown out by Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee last July after an avalanche of objections from locals.

But he appealed against that rejection and the arguments for and against the scheme are being aired at the inquiry, which is expected to end today.

It is being chaired by Reporter Miss J.M. McNair, on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

Mr Banks told the inquiry: “When I was first taken to view the area of this application, I was astounded at the proximity of the site to the village and its access.

“Access to the site is from the A822, within the village boundaries and only 50 metres from the nearest dwelling.

“The road in this area is unsuitable for such an access and I understand that normal safety needs for such an access/egress cannot be met.

“Lines of visibility must be hazardous and slow moving vehicles in the area would cause an increased danger to existing traffic and pedestrians.

“I also have concerns that such traffic as would be necessary for the facility would have a negative impact on the village as a whole but specifically on both the village primary school and local hall in the immediate area.”

Mr Banks registered surprise that Perth and Kinross Council planning officials could have recommended approval of the planning bid, which has attracted over 100 letters of objection from angry locals.

“This places Perth and KInross Council directly in conflict with their previous planning condition designed to protect the village,” he submitted.

The MP also pointed out that sand and gravel extraction and processing also generates significant dust problems.

He added: “With the proximity of the site to the village, it is my opinion that the quality of life, not just in noise and traffic areas as argued earlier, but as a result of generated dust, would be reduced.

“I cannot see how village residents would have their quality of life improved by such a development.”