Jardine calls for controls on quarry blasts

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has called for action to prevent repeated breaches of environmental regulations at a quarry in Ratho.

Ms Jardine has been contacted by a number of constituents whose houses were shaken by a large blast at Bonnington Mains quarry last week, which broke the noise limit allowed at the site. This also created a large dust cloud near houses in the surrounding village of Ratho, as well as near the site of major new surf resort, Lost Shore. 

Earlier this year, Ms Jardine joined a local campaign group to discuss the disruption caused for residents by these blasts, including the impact on a children’s care home and a local farm.

This followed a planning application from the quarry’s owners to raise their noise limit for blasts, as well as extending the site’s limits closer to homes, and developing a new tar plant near the quarry. 

Ms Jardine is now demanding urgent action from the Council to prevent further breaches limits in future.

Christine Jardine said:

“I am deeply frustrated at the lack of action to stop works at Bonnington Mains quarry disrupting residents' lives.

“The frequency of the blasts which breach regulations is an insult to the local community and causes major disruption for families living nearby. Vulnerable people are left concerned and confused by the sudden noises, and shaking of their homes.

“With plans to expand the site, raise noise limits, and build extra facilities in the area, residents must be reassured that the quarry will keep within the rules.

“Enough is enough. I have written to the Council urging swift action to enforce these vital environmental limits to keep our community safe.”