North Star Aggregates has won its lawsuit against Watson Township in a ruling issued by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

North Star, through local agent Matt Double in Martin, filed suit against Watson for refusing the company permission for a special use permit to gravel mine property on 12th Street near Big Lake.

The Watson Township Planning Commission last year turned down a request for a special use permit from North Star. The Plan Commission’s action was affirmed by Allegan County Circuit Court, but North Star then appealed to the Court of Appeals.

Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis last year said, “It should be noted that the proposed gravel mine is for our only R-2 (residential) zoned property in the entire township.” He added he believes it would be more beneficial to have a higher density of homes built on the property and a majority of local residents are opposed to the gravel mining project because they use 12th Street for commuting.

The Court of Appeals decision puts Watson on the hook for about $100,000 and North Star’s attorney fees.