WREXHAM Council has welcomed a decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to confirm Modification Orders relating to Hafod Quarry in Johnstown, which were originally made by the council in 2006.

The assembly’s decision follows a public inquiry held in March 2009.

The order prevents landfilling on the part of the site which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, because it is a habitat for Great Crested Newts, and will require the eventual landform on the remainder of the landfill site to be modified.

Lead member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Mark Pritchard, said: “I am pleased the Planning Inspectorate have agreed with Wrexham Council’s decisions in relation to this site.

“I know this has been a long-standing matter and I would like to thank the Inspectorate, officers of the council and all those involved in bringing this matter to a conclusion.”

Last week the Leader reported campaigners from the Hafod Environmental Group had attacked the conclusions of the inquiry, fearing the outcome will mean an extension to the permitted area for landfill activities at the site.