The application is retrospective because most of the variations have already been done.

Tim Warne, planning officer, confirmed that the application by Marine Developments Limited (MDL), seeks permission to realign the interior access to the site, replace a proposed entrance wall with a Cornish Hedge, and go back on plans for an acoustic fence which is designed to shield the sound of blasts.

The planning officer said the developers are proposing to address the noise control by "alternative means".

Geoffrey Walton, a mining and engineering consultant hired by MDL to make the quarry workable again, said there were concerns the acoustic fence would blow over in strong winds.

"We have put a soil bank which is being hydro seeded there instead. They're much better for screening noise," he said.

The second variation of the development is to replace a proposed 3.5 metre high entrance wall with a 1.8 metre high Cornish Hedge, for which construction began on Tuesday.

Geoffrey Walton said the third variation, to change the alignment of the internal access road, was necessary because bedrock, which would have required three or four blasts, was blocking the initially planned route. He said it was decided to alter the route rather than cause unnecessary disturbance to householders in Newlyn.

Tim Warne, planning officer, said the application might be determined on October 18.

However, he said it could be determined before this date by the Director of Planning Transport and estates.

"We are encouraging people to write to us if they have any concerns," he said.

* MDL plans to sell quarried armourstone rock to other developers before applying for planning permission to turn the quarry into a 200 berth marina, housing and hotel complex.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN

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