Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has warmly welcomed the news that South Lanarkshire Council officials have recommended refusal of the planning application for a sand and gravel quarry at Overburns Farm, Lamington.  The recommendation will go before members of the Council’s Planning Committee for decision at its meeting on Tuesday 6th July.

The recommendation comes after a massive public campaign against the proposals.  Aileen conducted a survey among residents likely to be affected, which showed over 89% of respondents against the proposals.  Major concerns expressed included impacts on the local environment, such as increased pollution and damage to scenic areas, as well as a range of difficulties associated with increased traffic levels serving the site. 

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said: 

“It appears that the Council’s planning officials have listened to the very real concerns expressed by many local residents, and I am glad the recommendation is for the planning committee to refuse permission for the Overburns quarry. 

“I trust the elected members of the committee will do the right thing by local residents and vote to reject this unwanted development. 

“My survey showed overwhelming opposition to the proposals, and I submitted the details and arguments along with my own objection to the Council last year.   

“Paterson’s Quarries should also take heed of this recommendation and not make any attempt to come back with revised or scaled-back plans for this site.”