4 days ago
Kilbarchan residents hit out at company managing quarry
Frustrated Kilbarchan residents and councillors claim Deans Developments [Kilbarchan] Limited has left the surrounding area in an "unsafe" state while carrying out infill work at the site.
Councillor Gillian Graham says she has received "consistent" complaints about the site over the past two years.
Locals have complained about the "state" of surrounding roads (Image: Supplied) Residents who live on Branscroft, which is situated across from the site, listed issues such as "noise pollution, damage to surrounding roads and debris/mud making the roads unsafe".
A liaison group was established in 2023, which included Renfrewshire Council's Planning Department, Deans Developments, Kilbarchan Community Council and ward councillors.
Councillor Gillian Graham, along with other local representatives, has raised concerns about the streets beside the quarry (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Paisley dad diagnosed with cancer after 'nightmare' holiday
However, locals claim there have been "no significant" improvements despite the consultation.
A spokesperson for Kilbarchan Community Council said: "We raised concerns about the mud and debris at Branscroft with the quarry operators.
"Issues being the fact that this is making the road surface unsafe and the operator's failure to comply with planning conditions and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) licences.
"To date, this matter has not been resolved."
(Image: Supplied) In line with the planning consent, it is incumbent upon Deans Developments to ensure the public road is kept clean and clear.
There are also SEPA Pollution Prevention Permits applying to Kilbarchan Quarry conditions, which state 'wheel cleaning shall be installed, used and maintained at the site to the extent necessary to prevent fouling of the public highway'.
However, other ward councillors have also raised concerns about whether these procedures are being followed.
Councillor Emma Rodden said: "For years, the residents of Kilbarchan have aired their concerns about the quarry and its current operating model.
"These issues have not been addressed in any significant way and it's high time their legitimate concerns were resolved, once and for all."
Councillor Andy Doig commented: "It is clear that residents in the Branscroft area of Kilbarchan have simply had enough.
"It is time for Deans to listen to local concerns and for SEPA to make them stay within the terms of their license."
Councillor Chris Gilmour added: 'The village of Kilbarchan is frankly fed up with the continued issue of dust and dirt carried onto village roads from vehicles leaving the quarry.
"I realise that they have a job in filling the quarry. However, a better solution must be found in order that the roads leading to the quarry are kept much a much cleaner condition."
A spokesperson for Deans Developments [Kilbarchan] said: "We take our responsibility to Kilbarchan community very seriously and we have demonstrated the strength of this commitment through our regular attendance at community liaison meetings where we have been available to engage with residents, cocal council, the local authority Planning Department and the Roads Department.
"The Deans team has also hosted site visits to further explain and demonstrate the steps we have taken, and continue to take, with regard to this project.
"In terms of the work being undertaken, Deans are to carry out the required infilling of the quarry, with the necessary vehicle movements associated with this being agreed with the council.
"Conditions associated with this work can be challenging, particularly when considered in conjunction with the inclement Scottish weather, however, a number of important practices have been implemented to mitigate these factors.
"These include a wheel bath, a wheel wash and a road brush. Deans has also invested in concrete and tarmacadam access roads to further mitigate against difficult conditions.
"The company has also dedicated additional resources to maintaining the cleanliness of the highway for those vehicles leaving the site via the designated road route that further minimises the impact on the village.
"The company remains committed to working with the community and responding to their concerns.
"For Deans, the safe and considerate completion of our work continues to be of paramount importance."
