Graeme Launer applied to council in September to establish a second quarry at the site where a similar quarry had previously operated, on Nottles Road.

The proposed new quarry site measures about four and a half hectares.

Council’s planning and development co-ordinator Andre Dalton presented the planning application to councillors at a meeting last week.

He noted the new quarry would have a maximum depth of two metres. 

He said between 5000 to 8000 tonnes of limestone from the quarry was expected to be sold each year to farmers in the area, council and contractors.

Councillors assessed a range of considerations in making their decision, including sustainability, water and agricultural issues.

They also considered amenity in the area, the project’s proximity to public land, and native vegetation.

Mr Dalton said in his report that notice of the quarry application was provided to adjoining landowners, and a sign placed at the site for two weeks.

Council received no objections to the proposal.

Council approved the permit amendment subject to a range of conditions relating to amenity, transport, water and noise.

The existing quarry will be decommissioned, revegetated and reinstated.