Braco quarry inquiry ends today

Jun 5 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Friday

TODAY (Friday) is due to be the last day of a inquiry into quarry plans at a site in Braco.

An inquiry has been running all week at the church hall, hearing arguments from both sides.

Local MP Gordon Banks is among those who have spoken out against the plans, saying they were “inappropriate” and would have a major impact on the life of the village, including the education of children at the primary school.

The inquiry will bring to an end around two years of discussions over the quarry on the Braco Castle estate.

J McCaig of Falkirk want to extend the quarry which was first opened to source materials for the Braes of Doune windfarm.

But they faced a storm of opposition from locals concerned about access problems and noise and dust caused by the extraction works.

Concerns were also expressed about the impact it would have on the local environment.

A petition was also raised at the Scottish Parliament.

The application was rejected by Perth and Kinross Council which has decided not to continue its opposition.