By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to allow the 24 hour use of a saw shed at a Forest of Dean quarry have been given the go-ahead amid concerns over noise.
The proposals for Barnhill Quarry near Coleford sought to amend the hours of operation solely for the saw shed so it can be used 24 hours a day, five days every calendar week.
Forest of Dean Stone Firms Ltd also applied for permission to regularise the built form of the saw shed at the site which has seen quarrying of Pennant Sandstone since the late 19th century.
The previously approved plans were for a larger L shaped building than what was actually built.
Some 30 residents commented on the proposals and residents from Broadwell and Coalway expressed concerns over noise.
They said the quarry already causes a disturbance and they expressed concerns the proposals would lead to further increases in noise, particularly during the night and could cause sleep disturbance.
Objectors also emphasized the value of the area’s rural tranquillity and reported difficulties in enjoying their homes and gardens under current conditions with the nearest residential property some 400 metres away.
West Dean Parish Council and Coleford Town Council called for robust controls to be sought if the plans were to be accepted.
And Gloucestershire County Council’s planning committee heard how there would be a temporary shutdown of operations in the shed if the acoustic roller shutter doors were opened between 6pm and 7am.
Officers said they were satisfied the proposal is acceptable in planning terms and complies with policy.
Tom Waddington, director of the family-owned Forest of Dean Stone Firms, spoke at the meeting.
He said they the firm has been extracting from the quarry for more than 100 years and employ 30 members of staff and support an extensive supply chain of hauliers, engineering, plant hire, hospitality and construction.
“Forest Pennant is a distinctive high quality sandstone used for architectural masonry, building, cladding, paving and landscaping materials,” he said
“It is frequently specified because of its proven performance and appearance., It is also an important restoration material where stone provenance and historic use matter and is increasingly chosen for new schemes that aim to respond sensitively to local character.
Mr Waddington went on to say the firm had made a significant in the new saw shed to improve production efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint, improve the working environment for their team and reduce heavy goods vehicle movements.
“The saw shed working hours are a key part of making the investment deliver its full benefit,” he added.
“They provide the flexibility we need to plan a production efficiently, respond to customer requirements and manage the practical realities of changing short configurations, product specifications without disruption to our working processes.”
He said another six jobs would be created if the plans are approved and he said there is a national shortfall in the supply of sandstone following the closure of Marshall’s Quarry in Yorkshire.
County Councillor Beki Hoyland (G, Blakeney and Bream) told the meeting the work the quarry does is recognised as important by the two nearby parish councils.
But they asked if they could be given an overview of how they comply with the planning conditions put in place.
“The intention of this is to demonstrate that the noise and light from the site and that the quarry working is staying within the agreed limits set by the planning permission,” she said.
During the debate, Councillor Gary Luff (G, Bisley and Painswick) said he was relaxed about the saw shed but there was some impact the locals are concerned about it.
He could see the economic need to extend the hours but expressed concerns about the doubling of hours that the site could be used.
Cllr Mark Harris (LD, Cirencester North with Ermin) proposed accepting the officer recommendation saying “it’s good for business”.
This was seconded by Cllr Stephen Davies (C, Hardwicke and Severn) who said he would like to see a condition that company representatives meet with the parish council at least once a year to report on night time working.
Cllr Michael Rees (R, Cam Valley) said during the site visit he was struck with how quiet the site was during operation of the saws.
“The site isn’t going to be causing a disturbance,” he said.
A suggestion was made during the debate that the company update the parish councils should be included as a conditionm however officers said they could not compel the applicant to do so.
But planning committee chair Sarah Sawyer (LD, Longlevens) allowed a representative from the firm to speak and they said they were happy to commit to attend parish council meetings.
The committee voted unanimously to grant permission.