A contentious quarry expansion in Gelligaer gets the go-ahead after a tied vote, despite over 100 objections from residents.
This meeting happened on February 12th. Bryn Aggregates Ltd wants to expand the quarry. They plan to extend it north and east by 131 meters. This quarry work should last 19 more years. The council received many complaints about this.
Over one hundred residents objected to the plan. All three local councillors also voiced concerns. Yet, the council received 31 supporting statements too. A planning agent said they listened to past concerns. The council rejected a similar plan back in 2021.
The agent thinks this plan has lasting benefits. The quarry site will become plants and peat land later. New footpaths and a sports pitch are included. He claims these are a major community benefit.
Three people spoke against the quarry’s expansion. One councillor said it is too close to homes and that people face 19 more years of quarry effects. She stated her village is now an industrial site, and that residents are left wondering when this ends. She called the sports pitch a cynical trick, too.
Another councillor worried about air quality impacts. He also mentioned the environment and residents’ health. He sees this plan as like the one rejected. A council member said the plan hurts villagers and they worry about more lorries on the roads. She wants people to come before profits.
A planner said they carefully reviewed the application. They decided that it is generally acceptable because the quarry makes aggregate for roads which is a needed material. He said the quarry is over 300 meters from homes exceeding national guidelines minimums, while a manager said its impact is acceptably managed.
One councillor said residents dread 19 more quarry years. The committee vote was a tie. The chairman broke the tie and approved the quarry. The company director is grateful to the committee. He said they tried to address concerns and that the quarry helps meet the demand for materials and brings benefits.