Proposals by Alexander Ross and Sons (Sand and Gravel) Limited to extract and process 740,000 tonnes of sand and gravel over a 15-year period from a site at Wester Urray Farm near Marybank have sparked objections from around the world but are recommended for approval at a crunch meeting in Muir of Ord next week.

Planning officials have confirmed receipt of 277 individual letters of objection and a 283-signature petition lodged on behalf of the Stop Urray Quarry Group.

One of the group's leading lights, Diane Dent, who lives around 400 metres from the proposed quarry site, yesterday told the Journal opponents are rock solid in their opposition and will greet councillors arriving for a site visit next Tuesday with placards bearing a very simple message: "No".

She said, "I've sent a letter on behalf of the group to each member of the planning committee outlining our concerns. Already we have people concerned about dangers with the traffic and, as the planning papers show, we are not alone in our opposition." Objections include concerns about adverse effects on amenity, roads and infrastructure and the natural environment. The closest affected houses are just 80 metres away.

Members of the Ross, Skye and Lochaber planning applications committee will be told sand and gravel extraction has been carried out at Bartlett's quarry on land to the immediate north of the application site under a planning permission which expired in November 2007. That allowed extraction of 20,000 tonnes.

"The new quarry would have a lifespan of 15 years and then "be restored by removal of the bunds and formation of an open water body which will provide a useful wildlife location".

In addition to the letters and petition, the 140-member Conon Fishings Syndicate objects "until satisfactory provision has been made to safeguard the salmon fishings and associated riverine habitat on the River Conon". Also opposed is Balvraid Fruit Farm, which believes that the quarry will have a detrimental effect on the fruit growing business from dust, noise and adverse effect on wildlife.

Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconnon Community Council cites adverse impact on traffic, the water environment and the noise and visual impact.

The proposal, which would create three jobs, have attracted two letters of support, pointing to the economnic benefits.

Planning officer Gordon Mooney — who will recommend approval — says the development "is generally in accordance" with planning policies which support mineral extraction.

He states, "While the proposals have the potential to have a significant impact on residential amenity, the use of conditions restricting hours of operation, the application of appropriate noise condition limits and the implementation of an agreed working method statement can mitigate any significantly detrimental effects."

Responsible agencies such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage can also make conditions to safeguard the natural environment, he says. And he adds, "The proposal has the potential to offer social and economic benefits through local employment and to supply sand and gravel to the local market thus reducing the haulage of materials from more distant sources."

His approval recommendation comes with a string of conditions attached including legal agreements on restoration of the site and reinstatement of road verges damaged by quarry traffic. In total he lists more than 40 conditions.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Muir of Ord village hall at 10.30am following a site visit.

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