THE future of Sheephill Quarry near Dumbarton remains uncertain after councillors failed to grant a proposed expansion and altered operating hours.

Objectors appeared before West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday to express their concerns on the proposals which would see the removal of a historic monument.

Planning permission for the quarry was first approved in November 1949, with a Review of Minerals Permission (ROMP) submitted to the council in 2005.

The applicant is now able to sign a legal agreement which would allow quarry employees to work under modern conditions.

As it stands the quarry can operate on unrestricted hours, but a new agreement would only allow work to be carried out from 6am until 10pm, seven days a week.

Rose Harvie, secretary of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, said: “This is a problem that has being going on for many years.

“The community council has been objecting to this since 2012. The hill is the site of a monument. At one point there were stones which were of historical value and removed to a museum some time ago.

“Sheephill has been in place for many centuries and is visible from the other side of the Clyde. It should be protected from further damage.”

Another objector, Brian Mooney, said that the proposals were unacceptable. He told councillors: “This development is not modern in my opinion. It would be an improvement on existing conditions as there are none, but it is not acceptable.

“Sheephill has been described as a small area of land but it is not.

“The site, which is 1.5 hectares ,is the equivalent of three football pitches. It is unacceptable and contrary to the council’s planning policy.”

Councillors were informed by the applicant that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the council’s own environmental health team were satisfied with the conditions.

It was also pointed out that after 7pm the quarry would not be allowed to operate at a noise level above 42 decibels – the same noise level as an indoor fridge.

Independent councillor Bailie Denis Agnew said: “I have mixed feelings about this.

“The site visit was very informative.

“I don’t think it is regrettable that we would lose the monument; I think it is avoidable. I have been involved in this since 2003. I would like to continue this and speak to the applicant in more detail.”

Following the discussion members agreed Bailie Agnew’s suggestion.