Friends of the Ochils Newsletter 21: Autumn 2002
Quarry condition change
Some people - most perhaps - might be misled into thinking the headline is the best part of this article. I did not intend to raise anyone's hopes about a dramatic change in the state of the Tillicoultry quarry. If Friends will bear with me a little, all will become clear.
The quarry owners' appeal against the condition in their revised planning permission - requiring the lodging with Clackmannanshire Council of a bond guaranteeing restoration works - has been dismissed by the Scottish ministers.
As reported in our autumn 2001 newsletter, within two months of approval by the local authority a bond of guarantee had to be lodged covering the cost of design, implementation and completion of restoration and landscaping, plus a scheme of aftercare. Prior to this, a detailed specification outlining how the bond would be calculated, and its value protected against inflation, was to have been submitted to, and approved by, the council.
However, in reaching the decision to dismiss the quarry operator's appeal against the bond, the ministers have modified the wording of the condition relating to it. The change states that by the end of 2002 the operator shall submit, for the prior approval of the planning authority, full details of a scheme that will in all eventualities guarantee and secure the administration, implementation and completion of the restoration details, and also the aftercare details required. The revised condition reiterates that no further extraction shall take place in the event of "these details not being submitted - substantially in terms satisfactory to the planning authority - by the end of 2002."
Ministers were satisfied that such a condition was consistent with government guidance, and with the development plan. They believe it will ensure the satisfactory implementation of the restoration and aftercare of the site.
In consultation with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils are to prepare alterations to their joint structure plan, relating to revision of strategic policies for renewable energy and the location and character of new forestry.
A study beginning in Clackmannanshire is aimed at developing a reliable basis for structure and local plan renewable energy policies. Of particular relevance will be hydro power, wind energy, biomass and energy from waste, offshore production and small-scale projects.
Forestry and renewable energy policies have particular relevance to FotO's interest in and concern about areas of great landscape value. Close watch will be kept on the ultimate alterations.