Fears have been raised for the future of an iron age fort as a bid to expand a quarry is set to be approved on appeal.
Last March, members of the West Dunbartonshire Council refused planning permission to extend Sheephill Quarry in Milton and increase opening hours, following concerns about the impact on the environment and neighbouring properties.
This included concern that the work would result in the destruction of what remained of Sheephill Quarry fort, an iron age hill fort within the quarry grounds.
But the applicant appealed the decision to the Scottish Government and a ‘notice of intention’ has been issued to allow the appeal and grant planning permission subject to conditions.
Earlier this week members were informed there were no “points of law” that would allow the council to appeal to the court of session.
Buildings standards manager Pamela Clifford, said: “The reporter’s decision is final but there is a right of appeal within six weeks. It is considered that the conclusions reached by the reporter are reasonable and there are no “points of law” that would give grounds to [appeal] to the court of session.”
Members heard Historic Environment Scotland were minded to grant Scheduled Monument Consent for quarrying operations affecting the ancient fort.
This too will be subject to a number of conditions regarding the excavation, recording and publishing of findings.
The application is still awaiting a final decision from the Scottish Ministers.
Labour councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal asked about launching a late appeal.
But a council officer said: “We would need to identify something that we thought would be valid grounds for appeal and put that to council.
“We haven’t identified anything.”
