A QUARRY is set to be allowed to expand - despite fears over noise and traffic.

Bosses of Tong Farm Quarry in Bacup want to use another 1.5 hectares, around three acres, of land to extract fireclay and shale from the ground.

They have also had to apply for retrospective planning consent to extract minerals after previously mining without permission from council officers.

The quarry was served with a temporary stop notice last year.

Councillors are set to give the go ahead to the scheme, subject to 49 conditions designed to ensure it minimises the impact on nearby residents, this week.

However, fears have been raised that people could be subjected to noise pollution and traffic chaos as the Tong Lane quarry site becomes busier.

In a report, members of Lancashire County Council’s development control committee were told that a number of letters of opposition had been received.

They raised concerns about the size and number of HGVs and the dust they produce, particularly with young children living nearby.

One family said they had been awoken at 5.45am on one day by noise produced by the quarry site.

Residents also complained that a larger extraction plant would increase traffic in the area, creating more noise and hazards.

But despite the complaints, planning chiefs have recommended that councillors approve the scheme.

Recognising residents’ worries, the report said: “It is important to ensure that the site is appropriately restored without having an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment, the public highway and the amenity of residents of Bacup who live in close proximity to the site.”

But it concludes: “The extension would be small scale and would maintain an existing source of employment.”

To ensure the protection of the area, officers suggest restricting noise to 55 decibels, measuring dust, restricting mining to daylight hours and ensuring that a maximum of seven HGVs an hour visit or leave the quarry.

The development control committee will meet on Wednesday ((6)).