MORE than 50 objections have been lodged against proposed asphalt and concrete facilities near Sorn.

Breedon Group operates Tincornhill Quarry, where the two facilities would be built, which is just over 2km from Sorn.

The height of the asphalt plant would be 28.5m from the bottom of quarry floor, while the concrete plant would reach a maximum of 11m.

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The facilities would require six to 10 deliveries of materials to the site every week.

Sorn Community Council submitted a lengthy objection to the plans.

In their submission, the community council said that residents already have ‘serious concerns’ about the HGV traffic that comes through the conservation village to service the existing facility.

The report to East Ayrshire Council Planning Committee adds: “The road local infrastructure is not suited to the size and weight of the vehicles entering and exiting the quarry.

“The opening of new facilities or extending existing operations will only add to these problems and pressures.

“Whilst various protocols for traffic management have been put in place there are not always adhered to, and are difficult to monitor and report in terms of compliance.

“The new development proposals suggest that the main traffic route will be directed away from the village, however we have little confidence – based on current experience – that this will be effectively enforced, resulting in increased noise and HGV traffic movements through the village.

“The concerns in relation to traffic above are exacerbated by the proposal for 24 hour working. Whichever direction the lorries entering and exiting the quarry take they will pass residential and agricultural properties causing disturbance to residents.

“This is a completely new level of disruption. Should any of the night time
traffic movements pass through the village it would cause immense disruption to the lives of the community.

“Given the problems of enforcing traffic protocols even the occasional breach would be hugely disruptive.”

Other aspects of the application the community council objects to include noise and air pollution.

The community council objection states: “The manufacture of asphalt is highly energy intensive and involves the coating of stone material.

“Noise, smell and the emission of volatile organic chemicals are associated with asphalt production all of which are detrimental to the local environment and potentially the health of residents.

“The siting of this facility on the edge of a conservation village is totally inappropriate.

“The Community Council, and others, are working hard to make Sorn an attractive and vibrant village.

“We are keen to encourage development that adds to the amenity of the village, and which helps us all move towards a zero carbon and
sustainable future.

“For us it is important to ask of any proposed development how it will contribute to the future wellbeing of the village, its residents and the environment.

“These proposals fail that test.”

They also claim there has been a lack of community consultation.

Other objectors raised concerns about the environment, wildlife, visual impact, health and safety risks, air pollution, potential for polluted water supplies, increased traffic, and the archaeological impact on Blacksidend Cairn, Glen Carr Cairn and Sorn New Bridge.

Planning officers have recommended the application for approval when it goes to the planning committee on Friday, October 25.

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The report concludes: “The proposal would mean that the manufacture of asphalt and concrete can take place on the same site where most of the raw materials are produced in an existing quarry.

“This has a benefit in terms of reducing HGV mileage and helps to sustain an existing business as well as providing construction materials for the construction industry and infrastructure projects.

“The main determining matters, including transport impacts, amenity, air quality and landscape and visual impacts have all been considered above and are found to be acceptable.

“In particular, in relation to transport and amenity, it is noted that there would be no substantial increase in HGV traffic generated, in comparison to that currently generated by the quarry.

“It is also proposed that deliveries of asphalt shall be routed eastwards from the site, thus avoiding the settlements of Sorn and Catrine and thus reducing general impact.”

You can view the full plans on the council's planning page, by searching for application 22/0473/PP.