The operator of a controversial Fife quarry is contravening the terms of its planning consent by not attending a local committee, it has been claimed.
Jan Wincott, the chairwoman of Leslie Community Council, has called on the Skene Group to start attending a local liaison group claiming that a failure to do so could see Fife Council take action against the company.
Skene Group recently told The Courier that the body was not serving its original purpose and instead had become a forum for residents, unhappy about operations at the quarry, to vent their anger.
However, Mrs Wincott has said that turning its back on the committee is not an option given its planning consent.
She told The Courier: “I would like to point out that joining is not an option it is a legal requirement, part of the planning permission and if Skene Group do not attend they are in breach of their operating agreement.
“The Skene Group walked away from the liaison committee once before and no action was taken by Fife Council.
“This time they cannot be allowed to blatantly flout their non-compliance with the planning conditions they agreed to.”
Skene Group withdrew its support for the liaison group claiming it was no longer serving its purpose and that campaigners against the quarry were using it as a platform to attack the company.
Fife Council has confirmed to The Courier that liaison committee members are obliged to attend meetings except where this proves impossible or impractical.
Mrs Wincott added: “This committee is for representatives of the community, Fife Council officers and representatives of the Skene Group to talk through concerns and issues regarding quarry operations.
“These are difficult subjects to talk about but even more difficult to live with.”
The managing director of the Skene Group, Neil Skene, said: “The liaison committee is not fulfilling the remit that was clearly set out in a legal agreement.
“It was set up as a forum to ensure the community has a full understanding of the workings of the quarry and that the company is aware of the concerns of the locals. However, this is not what was happening.”
He added: “The directors of the Skene Group will continue to work closely with officials at Fife Council to deal with issues raised by residents.
“At a recent meeting we outlined several steps that will further reduce noise from the quarry, going well beyond the requirements of planning control.”
Mr Skene confirmed that the company will also continue to share information with the liaison committee by email and aim to resolve any issues raised.