Long Term Development of Cursiter Quarry in Firth

This consultation is now closed

The Council is due to submit a planning application for the long-term development of Cursiter Quarry in Firth. As part of a three-phased expansion plan the quarry will increase in size over the next three decades expanding into the neighbouring fields. The planning application will be submitted in Spring 2019 with the application process being handled by consultants AECOM. The planning application also covers landscaping and future restoration of the site.

Following a public drop in session earlier this month (January 2019), we’re providing further opportunities for people to see the proposals and provide their feedback to inform the design process.

Persons wishing to provide comments on the proposed development can do so by writing to AECOM at fraser.blackwood@aecom.com; or by post to Fraser Blackwood, APEX 2, 97 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD by 15 February 2019.

Note at this stage comments made to AECOM are for the purposes of assisting with the scheme design and EIA process and as such are not representations to the Planning Authority. When the planning application is submitted, an opportunity will be given for representations to be made to the Planning Authority.

Each phase of the development is described below. Full plans are available from the 'Related Downloads' section of this page. We have also provided a Frequently Asked Questions document which is also available from the 'Related Downloads' section of this page. Please note these are preliminary drawings for consultation purposes only and are subject to change prior to submission of the planning application.

The descriptions of each phase below are also indicative only of the current thinking at this time, and similarly may be subject to change prior to submission for planning.

Phase 1 Overview (Indicative)

• The Phase 1 area is located within the current working extent of the quarry as currently allowed via the provisions of planning consent which was approved in 2003. Phase 1 would see the continuation of sandstone extraction primarily in a north easterly direction of working.
• The upper north and west faces and benches would be permanently restored as part of the Phase 1 works. The existing screening bund on the northern edge of the development boundary would be moved over the edge to facilitate the restoration of the top bench.
• During Phase 1, the Phase 2 portion of the Extension Area would be stripped of soil and overburden in advanced preparation of the working of this area. Soil and overburden from the Phase 2 area would also be utilised in the restoration of the north and west faces and to create a new screening landform to the south and west of the Phase 2 area.
• The new southern screening landform will be grassed and will include gorse and shrub planting with occasional trees.
• The existing screening bund on the eastern edge of the current working extent of the quarry will be retained until removal is required during Phase 2 to facilitate the subsequent extension.

Phase 2 Overview (Indicative)

• The Phase 2 portion of the Extension Area is located to the south of the current working extent of the quarry.
• Sandstone extraction would be undertaken in a north easterly direction of working, with restoration being undertaken to the quarry floor following the completion of extraction operations. Restoration over part of the existing quarry floor would be undertaken at this time utilising overburden and topsoil material stored within the quarry.
• During Phase 2, the Phase 3 portion of the Extension Area would be stripped of soil and overburden in advanced preparation of the working of this area. Soil and overburden from the Phase 3 area would also be utilised to extend the new screening landform to the south and west of the Phase 2 and Phase 3 areas.
• The development of this feature would be initiated during Phase 1, following the completion of Phase 2 the new screening bund would extend around the entirety of the Extension Area.
• The existing screening bund on the eastern edge of the current working extent would be moved during Phase 2 and would also facilitate the formation of the new permanent screening landform. As in Phase 1, this advance landscaping would ensure environmental and amenity impacts would be mitigated as the implementation of the Proposed Development progresses.

Phase 3 Overview (Indicative)

• Phase 3 portion of the Extension Area is located to the east of Phase 2. Extractive operations would continue in a north easterly direction.
• As during Phase 1 and Phase 2, the Extension Area which would be subject to extractive operations following completion of Phase 3 would be stripped of surface material in preparation.
• A storage mound would be located on the quarry floor and comprise of the overburden and soil extracted. Some of this material would be utilised during the restoration of the Phase 3 area of the quarry floor following extractive operations. Remaining material would be kept for the future restoration of Phase 4.
• As in Phase 2, some restoration of the quarry floor would take place Phase 3 would be undertaken using overburden and topsoil material.

Phase 4 Overview

• The Phase 4 portion of the Extension Area is located to the north east of the development boundary.
• Extractive operations would continue in a north easterly direction and would conclude following the completion of Phase 4. Once complete, restorative action would be undertaken across the Phase 4 quarry floor and across the remaining parts of the Phase 1 to 3 areas still requiring restoration.
• This would be undertaken as previously described, with stockpiled soil and overburden generated from surface stripping. This area would be planted as part of the habitat restoration measures.
• As part of this, a 5-year period of aftercare for restored areas would be undertaken to secure long term assimilation into the natural environment. Final restoration of the workings may include the flooding of the lower levels of the quarry to natural water table level.