Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has written to Perth & Kinross Council to object to the proposed quarry at Glenquey.
The Mid Scotland & Fife MSP has expressed concerns surrounding the potential environmental impact and road safety concerns.
The MSP has also expressed concern at the potential impact on communities in Clackmannanshire.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“My overwhelming concern and that of the constituents who have contacted me is, that due to the large increase in HGV traffic which the development will inevitably bring, the safety of local residents, visitors and road-users alike will be threatened. The suitability of the A823 and the surrounding road network for such a traffic load is highly questionable. Blind corners and narrow through roads mean that increased lorry usage will diminish the safety of Glendevon’s roads and tracks – many of which are used by walkers, families and cyclists as well as by all local residents.
“In my opinion, the application also underestimates the detrimental effect on the landscape. The construction of the haul road will entail major earthworks given the local geography of the land and I don’t think there can be any doubt at all that there would be major alterations to the appearance of the area. The Ochils have, over a very long period of time, been a major attraction for tourists and residents alike but the scenic beauty of the area has been hit hard by recent environmental developments, each of which have eroded the attractive landscape. Apart from the aesthetic harm, the increased level of heavy industrial traffic will seriously diminish the attraction of what was once a peaceful environment.
“Concerns have also been expressed over the impact on communities in Clackmannanshire. Whilst the development is under the authority of Perth and Kinross Council, the impact on nearby Clackmannanshire should not be neglected. Not only is the quarry site visible from the neighbouring county, but the A823 also runs south across the border. The applicant’s assumption that all industrial traffic will run south makes it even more important to include Clackmannanshire in the Environmental Impact Assessment and Transport Statement. The issues that face the local people in Perth are undoubtedly applicable to those in Clackmannanshire.”