Quarry concerns ‘not taken seriously’ says tight-knit community

Developers of a proposed quarry in an idyllic rural community have been accused of failing to mitigate concerns raised by locals. Aberdeen-based business Leiths want to build an industrial scale quarry next to Birnie and Thomshill outside Elgin. Residents have been near unanimous in their opposition to the plans, outlining their concerns to Leiths in a community letter.

The Stop the Quarry Action Group claim that the area is unsuitable for a quarry as the site sits within a protected green space around Elgin, is prone to flooding and is within 50 metres of some houses as well as an archery facility. It is also next to a narrow country road which is used as a school bus route and is a designated pathway into Elgin. The letter, sent last month, adds: “Given the exposed location, local residents are extremely worried about the impacts of dust and noise pollution, especially given the proposed long working hours and cement preparation.



“Many of these residents have chronic health conditions or young families that would be directly affected by the presence of the quarry and the associated dust and noise that it would bring. “The impacts of the quarry will not only severely affect Thomshill residents, but also those in Elgin and surrounding area who will suffer from increased heavy traffic, the loss of a protected greenspace, and dust and noise should the Level Woods be felled, as it is likely to be within the proposed life time of the quarry.” Leiths have now issued a response to the action group’s letter.

The business is yet to submit a planning application for the quarry but insists that the concerns of the community will be taken into consideration before doing so. However, they remain committed to developing a quarry in the area. The letter, written by Planning and Development Manager Colin Ortlepp, reads: “It is suggested in your letter that we should search elsewhere for mineral reserves rather than seek to secure them from Dykeside Farm.

“Ultimately, opportunities for mineral extraction only exist where there is mineral reserve of quality and in a quantity which is capable of being extracted and suitable for end use, which is what we have at Dykeside. “Hence why we have chosen to pursue this site. “Rest assured, we acknowledge the concerns raised by the community and will ensure that they get the fullest consideration in the ongoing assessment work.

“A planning application will only be submitted when we are satisfied that the assessments have confirmed that these community concerns have been addressed and mitigated where required.” Andy Wallis, a resident of Birnie and chair of the Stop the Quarry Action Group, says the community is “disappointed but not surprised” with the response from Letihs. Mr Wallis said: “While the community appreciated the letter, they are very disappointed with the reply as it doesn't really take us further forward.

“In particular, the community doesn’t, from the two exhibition days, feel as if its concerns are being taken seriously, doesn’t accept that there are no other more suitable areas for a quarry given the geology of moray, and doesn’t believe that our concerns can ever be sufficiently mitigated because it’s a daft and uniquely unsuitable place for a quarry, so we will keep fighting this all the way.” “I would characterise our response as disappointed but not surprised.”.