A QUARRY operator has given assurances that he will take special measures to reduce the impact of blasting works on nearby residents in Dalbeattie.
Plant manager Jason McClurg, who runs Barclosh Quarry, was last week given planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council to continue granite excavation works at the site for another ten years.
The news was not welcomed by Barclosh residents who lodged objections to the planning application, complaining that it feels like an “earthquake” whenever quarrying work is undertaken.
Some claim that their houses are being damaged as a direct result of the explosive operations just 400m away from their front doors.
They are also worried about potential health issues due to dust in the air, and have concerns about their water supply being impacted.
A process known as ‘dampening’ – essentially wetting to suppress surface dust – will be implemented and residents will be notified when disruptive blasting works are to go ahead at Barclosh Quarry.
At the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, chief planning officer David Suttie said: “The operational procedures I’m sure are highly regulated for blasting, but as a good practice I’d be comfortable to put on a directive to any permission requesting at least that the developer ensures they undertake notification of people within an appropriate radius in advance.
“That’s just good neighbourly practice to be honest. In terms of dampening with the dust, again it’s an operational matter and I’d rather not have that as a condition because there are enforceability issues.
“But, again, there are no problems with a directive requesting on behalf of the planning authority that when the crusher is in operation that dampening is undertaken.
“That was an assurance we got on site from the operator.”
Councillors unanimously agreed to approve planning permission with conditions and these directives attached.
Following a previous planning committee in July, councillors agreed to visit the site before making a decision.
This was following a strong plea made on behalf of the residents by Donald Weir.
Mr Weir told the committee: “Residents feel impacted by the quarry’s operations.
“The blasting feels like an earthquake and it damages our building.”
