COMMUNITY representatives have spoke of their relief after an application to expand a quarry was rejected by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Plans by the Bryn Group to expand its quarry near Gelligaer had been met with anger because of ongoing complaints over noise, dust pollution and lorry movements.

The application submitted by the group’s subsidiary Bryn Aggregates for the site at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm was refused because the negative impacts on the local environment outweighed the need for the quarry.

Cllr Carmen Bezzina, who represents St Cattwg, said: “It has been hard work and it has taken a long time, but I feel we have been able to turn anger into hope and hope into positive action.”

Cllr Bezzina said she believed the planning committee made the right decision for the environment and for future generations.

The Bryn Group applied to expand the quarry and extend operations for another 24 years.

The site is close to Mynydd Eglwysilian Special Landscape Area, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and the designated Green Wedge.

In a planning committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 10, nine members of the committee voted to refuse the application and one against its refusal.

Cllr Elizabeth Aldworth, who represents Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, said: “I fully support the reason for not going along with this proposal.”

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Cllr Bezzina said she was “thrilled” that the planning committee had taken residents’ views on board.

Cllr Bezzina added: “As ward members we have worked tirelessly with  the residents with the full support of Hefin David MS, and Wayne David, MP.

“On behalf of the St Cattwg Ward members we want to pay special thanks to Mark Roberts, Valda Muxworthy, and Phil Williams who has worked closely with us and the protest group.”

Residents protested against the expansion in September and again on October 30, citing noise, dust pollution and lorry movements as their main concerns.

An online petition opposing the application received 1,116 signatures and another petition received by the planning authority included 495 objections.

Cllrs Ann Gair, Donna Cushing and Teresa Parry, in addition to Gelligaer Community Council, objected to the application.

Ryan Thomas, planning services manager at the council said he “fully anticipates the decision going to appeal”.

Previously the Bryn Group has said if the application was refused they would appeal it at the earliest opportunity.

If the Bryn Group does appeal, the council’s decision will be defended by Cllrs Mike Davies and Elizabeth Aldworth, along with chairman of the council's planning committee, Cllr Roy Saralis, in a hearing.

Cllrs Bezzina, David, and Gair have said they will “fight it all the way” if an appeal is lodged.