Controversy and outrage have erupted in Gelligaer, Caerphilly county, over plans to extend a quarry despite objections from more than 100 local residents. The Bryn Group’s quarry and waste management site at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm has been a source of complaints for two decades, with villagers citing issues such as smells, noise, and dust. Mark Roberts, a local resident, has been vocal in his opposition to the expansion, highlighting the constant stench that pervades the area all year round. This unrelenting issue has even impacted the ability of some residents to sell their homes due to the unpleasant living conditions.
During a Caerphilly council planning committee meeting, arguments were presented both for and against the quarry extension. The Bryn Group aims to expand the quarry in a northwards and eastwards direction by 131m, with operations expected to continue for another 19 years. While there were objections from over 100 residents and three county councillors, there were also 31 comments supporting the application. Planning agent John Campion defended the plans, stating that the site would be rehabilitated with the addition of footpaths and a sports pitch, which he touted as beneficial developments for the area.
However, local councillor Ann Gair expressed concerns about the quarry encroaching on residential areas and the prolonged impact on residents’ quality of life. She criticised the inclusion of footpaths and a sports pitch as a superficial attempt to offset the negative effects of the quarry’s operations, lamenting the transformation of their once charming village into an expanding industrial site. Fellow councillor Haydn Pritchard raised issues regarding air quality and public health, while Gillian Davies from Nelson Community Council highlighted worries about increased traffic from additional lorries on local roads.
The council deliberated on the application, weighing the demand for sandstone aggregate used in road construction against the concerns of residents. Despite a tied vote among committee members, chairman councillor Roy Saralis ultimately used his deciding vote to grant planning permission for the quarry extension. Alun Price, managing director of the Bryn Group, expressed gratitude for the decision and emphasised the company’s commitment to addressing any concerns raised. He outlined the quarry’s importance in meeting the demand for sandstone aggregate and highlighted the environmental and community benefits that the site provides.
The Bryn Group, a family-owned enterprise deeply rooted in the area, has transformed Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm into a 350-hectare eco-friendly operation, offering various services from waste management to renewable power generation. Despite its economic contributions and employment opportunities, the quarry’s expansion has sparked a deep divide within the local community. The debate over balancing economic interests with residents’ well-being continues, with the ongoing quarry operations likely to shape the landscape of Gelligaer for years to come.
Residents remain sceptical about the promises of environmental improvements and community benefits put forth by the Bryn Group, with concerns lingering about the long-term impact of the quarry on their daily lives. As the quarry extension moves forward, the rift between proponents of economic development and advocates for environmental and public health preservation intensifies. The fate of Gelligaer hangs in the balance as the community grapples with the implications of the quarry’s expansion and the repercussions it may bring in the years ahead.