A Banbridge quarry is set to expand following a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s planning committee.
Tullyraine Quarries Limited’s planning application to extend the existing quarry, located at Tullyraine Quarry, located on Dromore Road in Banbridge, was approved subject to conditions which are to be set at August’s meeting of the planning committee.
The decision was brought to the planning committee as 16 letters of objection and 18 petitions had been submitted opposing this application.
Members were made aware that following the completion of the planning officer’s report a further three letters of objection had been received and were considered in an addendum report.
However, members were told the officers were content that the safety and amenity of those who occupy properties near the site will not be impacted by this application.
It was explained that the intention is to quarry at a different location on the site so there should be no resulting intensification of vehicular traffic.
Speaking for the applicant, agent Thomas Beattie of Six West Ltd said the quarry has been established in the area since the 1830s and has belonged to the McCartan family for almost 100 years.
He also explained that it has taken “two and a half years to get here” and said the site “holds an important place in the local economy”.
“The site employs 30 people directly and approval of this application will help retain these jobs and those that are supported by the quarry’s operations,” Mr Beattie said.
Lagan River councillor Tim McClelland expressed a concern about dust particles.
A council officer said planning regulations do seek to manage the levels of dust and the idea of adding a condition to the application seeking to enforce a limit on dust from the site was raised.
When the issue of dust was raised again by Alderman Glenn Barr, council’s head of planning Damien Mulligan said: “I can understand this is a concern for members. A possible condition that we could add maybe if members are content that we bring it back next time.
“I appreciate it means a bit of a delay but it is better to get it right.”
A second proposal concerning a landscape bund on the site was approved.
