The demolition of a historic monument now “seems likely” according to West Dunbartonshire councillors whose refusal of an application to expand Sheephill Quarry has been appealed.
In March last year the planning committee rejected plans to expand the quarry in Milton and increase opening hours following concerns about the impact the proposals would have on the environment and neighbouring properties.
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This included concerns that the work would result in the destruction of what remained of Sheephill Quarry fort, an ancient iron age hillfort within the quarry grounds.
William Thompson and Son (Dumbarton) Limited appealed the decision to the Scottish Government reporter who is now minded to grant the application subject to 39 conditions.
Towards the end of last year West Dunbartonshire councillors also wrote to Historic Environment Scotland on whether the fort remains should be preserved.
In November the organisation said it was minded to grant a Scheduled Monument Consent for quarrying operations which affect the remains subject to a number of conditions regarding the excavation, recording and publishing of findings regarding the Sheephill Fort.
The council is now in a 12 week consultation with the owner of the quarry to conclude a planning obligation - a legal obligation entered into to mitigate the impacts of a development proposal.
If, by the end of the 12 week period, the relevant obligation has not been registered or recorded the Reporter will consider whether planning permission should be refused or granted without one.
An update was brought before the planning committee on Wednesday.
SNP councillor Karen Conaghan said: “It is a great shame as it sounds like that scheduled monument is about to be demolished because someone wants to quarry around it.
“I accept they have an entitlement to do so but it is a shame that we have something of historic interest that is going to be destroyed.
“I also wonder how likely it is that the operator of the quarry will comply with the relevant conditions put in place as I am not getting the impression that they will.”
Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neil added: “I very much hear what councillor Conaghan has just said. What is the point of Historic Environment Scotland and Scheduled Monument Consent if people can just do as they please.
“Those organisations will report to Scottish ministers to seek a wee extension.”
A final agreement between the council and the applicant has still to be reached. An update will be brought back before the committee in due course.
