An independent commissioner has declined a local quarry operator's application to amend his existing resource consent.

Steve Clearwater wanted to expand his quarrying operation at Cape Saunders Road, near Papanui Inlet.

He also sought retrospective approval for breaching conditions of his original consent.

The commissioner declined Clearwater's application after hearing from concerned Otago Peninsula residents and visiting the quarry.

Clearwater can still operate the quarry under his original consent, which is likely to be subject to more rigorous monitoring by the council.