26-00363-PP Trearne Quarry, Gateside, Beith
North Ayrshire Council · 26 August 2026
Back to Planning Committee — 26 August 2026 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 26th August 2026 Planning Committee Locality Garnock Valley Reference 26/00363/PP Application Registered 27th May 2026 Decision Due 27th July 2026 Ward Garnock Valley Recommendation Approved subject to Conditions __________________________________________________________________ Location Trearne Quarry, Gateside, Beith Applicant Mr Kevin Milne, MCL Environmental Ltd Proposal Variation of condition 1 of planning permission N/23/00190/PP to extend quarrying operations until 24th May 2029 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Description Trearne Quarry is located approximately 2km east of Beith and within 1km of Gateside. It contains reserves of limestone. Although quarrying at Trearne dates back to 1967, the current operating conditions, including a restoration scheme, were granted by the Council on 24th May 2023 under planning permission ref. 23/00190/PP. Planning permission was granted to extend the period of consent following the approval of a certificate in 2016 under Review of Old Minerals Permissions (ROMP) process. ROMP seeks to ensure that all working quarries are operated to modern environmental standards and to make adequate provision for restoration once mineral extraction is completed. Condition 1 of planning permission 23/00190/PP states: That all quarrying operations at the site shall be discontinued within 3 years from the date of this decision and the entire site shall be restored within a further 2 years in accordance with the approved restoration scheme (as required under the periodic review of minerals consent 15/00573/DCMS) to the satisfaction of the Council, as Planning Authority. For the
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avoidance of doubt, all other conditions attached to consent ref. 15/00573/DCMS would continue to apply, as noted below. Reason: To define the scope of the consent and to ensure that the conditions attached to 15/00573/DCMS are complied with (other than condition 2). Under the terms of condition 1, quarrying operations were required to cease by 24th May 2026, with all outstanding restoration works completed by 24th May 2028. The application to extend the lifespan of the quarry was submitted prior to the expiry date of the 2016 permission. The applicant did not commence quarrying operations under the 2023 planning permission until 21st May 2026. The agent advises that soil stripping commenced on that date and that some mineral extraction has since taken place. Also on 21st May, the current application to extend the period of consent was submitted to the Council. The limestone reserves at Trearne have not been fully extracted during the most recent period of the consent due to a variety of factors, including a recent change in ownership. The applicant estimates that a further 3 years of reserves remain in the quarry (approx. 90,000 tonnes) on the basis that between 30,000 and 50,000 tonnes are extracted per annum. The application therefore seeks permission to extend the timescale for quarrying operations by a further three years until 24th May 2029. Thereafter, a further two years is requested for restoration of the land until 24th May 2031. Restoration of the site would involve the importation of soil forming materials to create a soils growing medium, which would then be planted with grass. The restoration scheme has already been approved (drawing ref. OG104/ROMP/PA/F/09) and implemented for the earlier phases of working at Trearne. A supporting statement provided with the application indicates that the remaining extractive works would not require blasting (as was the case in the past). Instead, the remaining rock reserves would be extracted by an excavator with ripping tooth to minimise the effects on residential dwelling in the vicinity and on nearby wildlife. A breaker would then reduce any larger blocks before the material is loaded onto the processing plant for crushing, screening and stockpiling before export by lorry. As per the 2023 consent, there will be no change to the extraction extent or depths. There would be no change to the hours of operation, which were previously approved as follows: Quarry Protection and Processing: 07.00hrs - 19.00hrs (Monday to Fridays only) Plant Maintenance: 07.00hrs - 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) and 07.00hrs - 12.00hrs (Saturday) Site Restoration: 07.00hrs - 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) and 07.00hrs - 14.00hrs (Saturday) Road Haulage: 07.00hrs - 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) and 07.00hrs -14.00hrs (Saturday)
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The previous consents allow for the majority of the quarry floor to be infilled with manufactured soils and its seeding. Parts of the western face will be left bare for paleontological interest due to the SSSI designation, as past quarrying operations has exposed areas of geological value. An area to the south will become an extension to the pre-existing nature conservation area to the south of the permitted boundary. The quarry is accessed from a C class rural road which links the B777 to the east of Gateside to the A736. In terms of the adopted Local Development Plan (LDP), Trearne is located within the countryside where Strategic Policy 1 (The Countryside Objective) applies. Consideration of applications relating to mineral extraction is covered under Policy 33 - 'Responsible Extraction of Mineral Resources'. Strategic Policy 2 (Placemaking) also applies. 2. Consultations and Representations The application was subject to the statutory neighbour notification procedures, which included the publication of a notice in a local newspaper. One representation was received, objecting to the application on the following grounds: 1. Object to the proposed site access opposite the dwelling at Hessilhead Cottage. There are two other access routes which could be used instead. In the event that the proposed access route is used, it is requested that a wheel wash is installed to ensure clear roadways. Response: The established access route into the site is shown on the submitted plans. It is not proposed to change this. Proposed condition 12 requires that the public roads are kept free of mud etc. and places the responsibility for this on the site operator. 2. Object to any additional environmental pollution. Response: As previously, there are conditions proposed to address environmental impacts such as noise, dust, the protection of the water environment, birds, bats and other wildlife habitats. 3. Object to any additional noise pollution. Work times should be specified with the balance in favour of quiet times given the rural setting. Response: Working hours have been specified in the application and would be regulated by condition. It is not proposed to alter the previously consented working hours. As per previous consents, there are conditions proposed to address noise impacts. As a result of changes to working practices, it is not proposed to undertake any blasting operations. This would be regulated by a condition. 4. Object to additional dirt/pollution within 20m of Hessilhead Cottage. It has been many years since quarrying took place at Trearne therefore up to date working practices should be adopted. Response: A full review of the planning conditions associated with Trearne Quarry was undertaken under the statutory ROMP (Review of Old Minerals Permissions) process
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which concluded in March 2016. The consent was renewed in 2023. It is considered that the proposed amendments to the working conditions are up to date. The reserves of limestone at Trearne are now relatively limited, affecting a comparatively small area within the overall site. It is intended by the applicant to complete mineral extraction within the next 3 years, as noted above. Following this, the remainder of the quarry would be restored to a previously agreed restoration plan. Consultations NAC Active Travel & Transportation - no objections. Response: Noted. NAC Environmental Health - no objections subject to the previous conditions continuing to be implemented on matters such as dust control, noise and vibration. Response: As noted above, the conditions of the previous consents are proposed to continue in the proposed extension of time for quarrying and restoration operations. Beith Community Council - no comments. 3. Analysis Section 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 is a mechanism which allows for the submission of a planning application for the development of land without complying with condition(s) subject to which a previous permission was granted. Section 42 of the Act stipulates that in this type of application the "planning authority shall consider only the question of the conditions subject to which permission should be granted." Circular 4/1998 sets out the tests for planning conditions, as follows: - Need for a Condition - Relevance to Planning - Relevance to the Development to be Permitted - Ability to Enforce - Precision - Reasonableness The determining issue in this case is whether the proposed modification to the condition attached to the previous grant of consent would accord with the relevant LDP policies. In terms of the adopted LDP, the Countryside Objective seeks to "encourage opportunities for our existing rural communities and businesses to grow" whilst protecting the countryside and promoting sustainable development. As Trearne Quarry has been established for almost 60 years, there is no requirement to justify the principle of development in this case. The proposed 3 year extension of time for mineral extraction at Trearne, followed by 2 years of site restoration, would enable the remainder of the quarry to be worked until the remaining workable limestone reserves are extracted. As such, the proposal would accord with the Countryside Objective.
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Policy 33 'Responsible Extraction of Mineral Resources' supports the conventional extraction of sand, gravel, coal and peat, subject to meeting a range of criteria. Since the quarry already has a modern suite of planning conditions in terms of the previously approved ROMP consent, it is considered that the requirements of Policy 33 are being met, and would continue to be met in terms of the proposed extension of time until May 2029. The final area of restoration would commence after the remaining minerals have been extracted, with the estimated date for completion now being May 2031. In the event that restoration works were not completed by that time, the applicants would require to discuss a further extension of time for the Council's approval. Strategic Policy 2 (Placemaking) aims to safeguard, and, where possible, enhance environmental quality through the avoidance of unacceptable adverse environmental or amenity impacts. As noted above, there is already a suite of modern planning conditions which provide the basis for the regulation of day to day operations in accordance with modern working practices as well as an approved site restoration plan. Whilst the quarry operations would be extended by a further 3 years, the associated activities would be subject to the range of conditions already in place. A review of the previous conditions has been carried out. Any outdated or unnecessary conditions have been removed. In total, there are now 20 conditions proposed to address all outstanding planning and environmental matters in respect of quarry operations, restoration and aftercare at Trearne. The applicant is agreeable to the proposed conditions. It is therefore considered that the proposed additional 3 year working period would take place within the context of adequate environmental and amenity safeguards. The previously approved conditions provide the basis to ensure an appropriate balance is struck between the economic viability of the quarry and the protection of environmental amenity in the rural area around Trearne. The proposal would accord with Strategic Policy 2 for the reasons above. In applying the Circular 4/1998 tests for conditions to the proposal, it is considered that the proposed variation would meet all six tests. The application has also been assessed against the adopted National Planning Framework 4. At the strategic level, NPF4 requires that "sufficient [mineral] resources are available to meet industry demands, making an essential contribution to the Scottish economy" and that "important workable mineral resources are [to be] protected from sterilisation by other developments." It adds that local development plans "should support a landbank of construction aggregates of at least 10-years at all times in the relevant market areas, whilst promoting sustainable resource management, safeguarding important workable mineral resources, which are of economic or conservation value, and take steps to ensure these are not sterilised by other types of development." It has been determined that the proposal to extend the lifespan of Trearne Quarry by a further three years would accord with NPF4. Accordingly, it is considered that planning permission should be granted for the application, which would extend the period of consent until 24th May 2029 with restoration to be undertaken during the following 2 years, with completion by 24th May 2031. As noted above, it is no longer intended to carry out blasting. The recommended conditions are set out below. 4. Full Recommendation
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Approved subject to Conditions Condition 1. That all quarrying operations at the site shall be discontinued within 3 years of 24th May 2026 (ie. 24th May 2029) and the entire site shall be restored within a further 2 years (ie. 24th May 2031) in accordance with the approved restoration scheme (as required under the periodic review of minerals consent 15/00573/DCMS) and to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. Reason To define the time limit of the consent. Condition 2. That only the continuation of quarrying and the importation of soil forming materials to create a soils growing medium for the purposes of site restoration is hereby permitted. For the avoidance of doubt, imported soil forming materials shall not include human waste nor treated sewage sludge. Reason To define the scope of the consent. Condition 3. That the site shall be restored on a progressive basis in accordance with the approved restoration plan (OG104/ROMP/PA/F/09) to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 4. That upon completion of the restoration scheme, a programme of aftercare to ensure successful establishment of new vegetation shall be undertaken. Any areas of vegetation which fail to become established within 2 years of the completion of the restoration scheme shall be reinstated to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 5. With the exception of water management, the site shall not operate outwith the hours stated below without the prior written approval of North Ayrshire Council, as Planning Authority: Quarry Protection and Processing 07.00hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday only)
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Plant Maintenance 07.00hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) 07.00hrs to 12.00hrs (Saturday) Site Restoration 07.00hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) 07.00hrs to 14.00hrs (Saturday) Road Haulage 07.00hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday to Friday) 07.00hrs to 14.00hrs (Saturday) Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 6. That with respect to the control of noise resulting from the quarrying and restoration operations, the site operator shall comply with the following: During the hours of operation (07.00hrs to 19.00hrs Monday to Friday (inclusive) and 07.00hrs to 14.00hrs on Saturdays) the nominal noise limit from site operations including the manufacture and spreading of soils, at all assessed noise sensitive premises in the vicinity of the site, shall not exceed 50dB(A)LAeq, over any hour period. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 7. Notwithstanding the terms of condition 6, that during soil stripping operations the normal daytime noise limit during the hours of operation shall be no more than 70dBLAeq over any one hour period for a maximum of 8 weeks per year or for such time period to be agreed in writing with North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 8. That effective silencers shall be fitted to and used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions on all vehicles, plant and machinery operating on site. Other for the purposes of maintenance, no machinery shall be operated with covers open or removed, all to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 9. The site operator shall ensure that sufficient water is maintained on site at all times to address the requirements of dust suppression. Water bowsers will be maintained on site and used to spray roads within the site. Notwithstanding such measures, in the event of dust nuisances being created, the operator(s) shall take all responsible remedial measures to minimise the transmission of dust (as stated in Section 5.0 of the Support
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Statement contained in 15/00573/DCMS), to the satisfaction of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. If the prevention of dust nuisance by these means is not possible, then the activities which are, in the opinion of the Council as Planning Authority, creating the nuisance shall temporarily cease until such times as weather/conditions allow. Reason In the interest of the amenity of the area. Condition 10. That no blasting shall take place within the quarry under the terms of this planning permission. Reason To reflect the change in working practices as set out in the supporting statement which accompanies the application. Condition 11. That all laden vehicles entering or departing the site shall be sheeted before accessing the public road network. Reason In the interest of road safety. Condition 12. The site operator shall at all times be responsible for the removal of any mud or other deleterious materials deposited on the public road network as a result of the operations at Trearne Quarry. Reason In the interest of road safety. Condition 13. That all suitable topsoils, sub-soils and soil forming materials shall be recovered where practicable during the stripping or excavation operations and separately stored on site for use during restoration. Reason To retain viable restoration materials from the quarry operations and limit the requirement for further material to be brought to site. Condition 14. That topsoil and subsoil either recovered and/or manufactured on site shall be replaced when it is suitably dry or friable condition such that it is not damaged by machinery passing over it except with the prior written approval of North Ayrshire Council as Planning Authority. In addition, the movement of plant, vehicles and machinery on the site shall be carried out in such a manner so as to avoid, so far as possible, the crossing of restored land. Reason To minimise damage to the restored areas in the interest of local amenity.
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Condition 15. All soils material deposited on site shall be seeded with a suitable low maintenance native grass and wildflower seed mixture during the first available growing season. Reason In the interests of biodiversity and amenity. Condition 16. The deposition of manufactured soils shall be restricted to 10 metres from existing quarry faces to leave exposed rock strata containing palaeontology (as stated in section 11.0 of the Support Statement for 15/00573/DCMS), to maintain continued access for educational purposes. Reason To protect the special educational resource of the exposed rock strata and in recognition of the site as a SSSI. Condition 17. That with respect to bodies of water and watercourses within the site: i. no materials shall be worked or deposited in such a way that they may fall or be carried into any body of water/watercourses; ii. the deposition of manufactured soils shall be restricted to 10 metres from any body of water/watercourses. iii. only soil materials recovered on site or soils imported to the site may be placed within 10m of any body of water/watercourses. Reason To protect the water environment from blockage and/or pollution as a result of quarrying operations. Condition 18. That prior to quarrying operations and ground preparation works advancing to within 50 metres of any known barn owl nest site during the enhanced statutory bird breeding protection period between April and October a pre-start check must be carried out for this species by a suitably qualified person in accordance with the recommendation made in the Protected Species Survey accompanying application refs. 15/00573/DCMS and 23/00190/PP. Reason To monitor and prevent disturbance to nesting and/or dependent young birds, in the interest of nature conservation. Condition 19. That prior to any ground preparation works being carried out during April - July, a walkover check shall be carried out for evidence of breeding birds or dependent young and works suspended during this period as appropriate within a distance of 50 metres from the nest location.
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Reason To monitor and prevent disturbance to nesting and/or dependent young birds, in the interest of nature conservation. Condition 20. That prior to future quarrying operations advancing to within 30 metres of any trees (T5-T17) identified in the Protected Species Survey, (refer to section 7.0 of the Support Statement in application 15/00573/DCMS), two dusk and one pre-dawn bat roost survey shall be completed between June and August to determine the presence of any bat roost. In the event that a roost is found, any quarrying works within 30 metres and any works with a significant vibration or noise impact within 100 metres may require licencing following consultation with the NatureScot Species Licensing Team. Reason To monitor and prevent disturbance to bat species, in the interest of nature conservation. Allan Finlayson Chief Planning Officer For further information please contact Mr A Hume Planning Officer on 01294 324318.