Controversial quarry expansion refused by council

Community representatives have spoke of their relief after an application to expand a quarry was rejected by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Plans by the Bryn Group to expand its quarry near Gelligaer had been met with anger because of on-going complaints over noise, dust pollution and lorry movements.

The application submitted by the group’s subsidiary Bryn Aggregates was refused because the negative impacts on the local environment outweighed the need for the quarry.

Councillor Carmen Bezzina, who represents St Cattwg, said: “It has been hard work and it has taken a long time, but I feel we have been able to turn anger into hope and hope into positive action.”

Cllr Bezzina said she believed the planning committee made the right decision for the environment and for future generations.

The Bryn Group applied to expand the quarry on Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm, and extend operations for another 24 years.

The quarry is close to Mynydd Eglwysilian Special Landscape Area, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and the designated Green Wedge.

In a planning committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 10, nine members of the committee voted to refuse the application and one against its refusal.

Cllr Elizabeth Aldworth, who represents Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, said: “I fully support the reason for not going along with this proposal.”

Cllr Bezzina said she was “thrilled” that the planning committee had taken residents’ views on board.

Cllr Bezzina added: “As ward members we have worked tirelessly with  the residents with the full support of Hefin David, Member of Senedd and Wayne David, Member of Parliament.

“On behalf of the St Cattwg Ward members we want to pay special thanks to Mark Roberts, Valda Muxworthy, and Phil Williams who has worked closely with us and the protest group.”

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, thanked the planning committee for “acting on resident concerns”.

He added: “Residents have endured ongoing issues relating to the site for a long time, so this decision is very welcome. I will continue to support residents in these issues going forward.”

Residents protested against the expansion in September and again on October 30, citing noise, dust pollution and lorry movements as their main concerns.

An online petition opposing the application received 1,116 signatures and another petition received by the planning authority included 495 objections.

Cllr Ann Gair, Cllr Donna Cushing and Cllr Teresa Parry, in addition to Gelligaer Community Council, objected to the application.

Ryan Thomas, planning services manager at the council, said he “fully anticipates the decision going to appeal”.

Previously the Bryn Group has said if the application was refused they would appeal it at the earliest opportunity.

If the Bryn Group does appeal, the council’s decision will be defended by Cllr Mike Davies, Cllr Elizabeth Aldworth and chair of the planning committee, Cllr Roy Saralis, in a hearing.

Cllr Bezzina, Cllr David and Cllr Gair have said they will “fight it all the way” if an appeal is lodged.