Quarry victory has 'restored faith in British democracy'

A GLASS of wine and a smile is all that Julian Coles will afford himself in the way of celebration after Nottinghamshire County Council turned down plans for an 85-hectare quarry near the village of Barton-in-Fabis.

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY

"We're delighted with the vote," he says. "Thanks is due to the councillors. I think they accepted our argument and had no faith in the ability of people to deliver this application site."

Mr Coles, 69, spearheaded the campaign against the quarry and delivered a passionate speech outlining reasons why the application should be rejected at Oak House on Tuesday.

When the decision was announced, with councillors voting against the proposals by seven to four, it was a sigh of relief for Mr Coles, amongst the cheers and applause of the 90 or so local residents crammed into the hearing room. "It was terrific," said the retired Boots director.