Plans to extend the operational hours of a saw shed at Barnhill Quarry near Coleford to 24 hours a day, five days a week, have been approved by Gloucestershire County Council despite local concerns over noise disruption.
Forest of Dean Stone Firms Ltd sought permission to amend the saw shed’s hours and to regularize its built form. The quarry, extracting Pennant Sandstone since the late 19th century, currently operates a saw shed smaller than the previously approved L-shaped building.
Approximately 30 residents, particularly from Broadwell and Coalway, voiced concerns that extended night-time operations would increase noise levels and disrupt their sleep. They noted that the quarry already impacts the peacefulness of the rural area, with the nearest homes about 400 meters away.
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West Dean Parish Council and Coleford Town Council urged stringent controls if the application were approved. In response, the County Council’s planning committee heard that acoustic roller shutter doors would limit noise by temporarily halting saw shed activities between 6 pm and 7 am when the doors are open.
County planning officers concluded the proposal meets policy requirements and is acceptable in planning terms.
Tom Waddington, director of the family-run quarry, highlighted the company’s century-long heritage, employing 30 staff and supporting a broad network of suppliers and contractors. He emphasized the unique quality and historic value of Forest Pennant sandstone, widely used in architectural and restoration projects.
Waddington underscored the saw shed’s upgrade as pivotal for boosting production efficiency, lowering the carbon footprint, improving worker conditions, and reducing heavy vehicle movements. Extending operating hours would provide operational flexibility to meet customer demands and enhance workflow. He also mentioned that if approved, the plans would create six additional jobs and address a national shortfall in sandstone supply following the closure of a key quarry in Yorkshire.
During the meeting, County Councillor Beki Hoyland acknowledged the quarry’s importance to local parishes but requested transparency about compliance with noise and light conditions set in the planning permission.
Councillor Gary Luff expressed understanding of the economic rationale but shared concerns about doubling operational hours and the potential impact on residents. Meanwhile, Councillor Mark Harris supported the proposal as beneficial for business, backed by Councillor Stephen Davies, who suggested a condition to facilitate annual company-parish council meetings about nighttime operations.
Councillor Michael Rees, after a site visit, remarked on the quarry’s relative quietness during saw shed operation. Although formal conditions for updates to parish councils could not be enforced, planning chair Sarah Sawyer allowed the quarry representatives to commit voluntarily to attending parish council meetings.
Ultimately, the planning committee voted unanimously to grant the application, balancing economic growth and community concerns.