AFTER nearly two decades of debate, proposals to extend Sheephill Quarry near Bowling have been rejected by West Dunbartonshire councillors.

Fresh plans were brought before the authority’s planning committee last week to expand the quarry, increase opening hours and agree to a new set of conditions which meets modern standards and working practices.

A Review of Minerals Permission (ROMP) to update the existing terms and conditions of the site, which date back to 1949, was agreed by councillors.

But a planning application to allow for an area of land to be ‘swapped’ with the western part of the existing quarry consent, to the rear of residential properties in Miltonhill, was rejected.

Objecting Shona Brown, of Bowling and Milton Community Council, said: “Miltonhill is the core of where this will be affected.

“But what will happen to the rest of us who live on Milton Brae who also have the other side of the quarry coming towards us?

“Would all access to the new extension be via the quarry route via Dunglass, or would lorries return to Milton Brae again?”

Ms Brown was informed that the main access would be via Dunglass roundabout.

But supporters of the plans said it was time to draw a line under these discussions and make a decision.

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Jan Meechie said: “We want to live without the threat of the quarry wall coming right down to the boundary of Milton Brae.

“It was not fair on the residents of Miltonhill and it’s not fair on the business that they have to wait for this to be sorted out for another 20 years. It’s time to draw a line under it and move forward.”

Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill put forward a motion to refuse the extension but agree ROMP conditions excluding the Miltonhill area from quarrying.

The SNP’s Diane Docherty proposed an amendment to agree the extension application but to exclude Miltonhill.

She said: “This is a complete conundrum. If we don’t agree something today, this will be here for years to come.”

Councillor O’Neill said: “This has been going on for years. I am happy that the refusal of the extension is right and proper.”

Councillor O’Neill’s motion was backed by a majority vote.

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