Planners approve sand and gravel quarry expansion

Plans for the expansion of Ballaharra Quarry have been approved

Planners have backed proposals for the expansion of a quarry to provide a "steady" supply of sand and gravel over the next 60 years.

The proposals would see a 2.07 hectare (5.1 acres) extension in its first phase, followed by a further 2.97 hectare (7.3 acre) extension at Ballaharra Quarry on Peel Road in St John's.

The site, which is operated by Corlett Building Materials, has been in use since 1966 and is active for the extraction of sand and gravel materials.

Applicant John Corlett told a planning committee that it would provide a "steady and reliable supply" of sand and gravel for "many years to come".

'National need'

The expansion would provide "long-term benefits to the local economy", he added.

The approval includes permission for the extraction of sand and gravel for processing on the site and a requirement for the restoration of the land to its natural habitat.

The planning officer who recommended approval said the quarry was considered to be of "national importance in" by providing a resource that aids the island's construction and development industry and helps avoid the need to import materials.

The development had been designed to ensure that it would not result in visual harm to the character of the site and its rural surroundings, and minimise harm to biodiversity, the planning officer added.

Committee member Peter Whiteway said there was a "national need" for the expansion.

The plans were unanimously approved by the committee.