METRONEWS
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Templeton Quarry given green light

Mitch Redman
Templeton Quarry
The boundary of the proposed Templeton Quarry on the corner of Jones Rd and Dawsons Rd  Mitch Redman

Environment Canterbury has this afternoon granted consent for the Roydon Quarry near Templeton to go ahead.

In early 2018, Fulton Hogan announced the purchase of 170 hectares of land near Templeton, with the intention of turning it into a quarry

After two long years campaigning against the project, many residents are feeling let down by the decision.

454 submissions were received during the public consultation process, with 354 people against the quarry, and 92 in favour of it. Eight submitters remained neutral.

Environment Canterbury and the Selwyn District Council have imposed new conditions on Fulton Hogan's original plan, but in a statement said concerns raised by residents would be "demonstrably minor" or could be "suitably avoided". 

The full hearing decision regarding ECan's announcement can be found here

John Hobson, Chairman of the Templeton Residents' Association, said those against the plan were "p****d off''.

"Generally the people of Templeton are pretty upset and annoyed about the whole thing really. Although there are conditions imposed, Fulton Hogan will only comply to them for a short time before they will forget about it." 

No Quarry
'No Quarry' signs have been a common sight around Templeton. Louise Ternouth

Concerns were also raised that the green light would allow other companies to explore quarrying other areas near Templeton. 

Fulton Hogan's South Island Manager, Craig Stewart, said the company "took on board" what the community and experts said during the consenting process, and the new conditions reflect a "comprehensive assessment" by ECan staff. 

“We believe this is the best place for a quarry and we plan to earn the trust of the community by putting our plans into operation and delivering on the consent conditions," Stewart went on to say. 

Selwyn MP Amy Adams was "hugely disappointed" by today's decision.

"While the Commissioners have imposed some conditions around the consents, I know this will be cold comfort to the local community, which has worked so hard." 

There are 15 days for residents to appeal the decision, however the time and effort required might be too much for the community.

"They have said we can appeal the decision but we're fighting a bloody huge conglomerate with so much money they will keep tipping the money in, there is no way we will beat them." 

Click here for more information regarding the Roydon Quarry.