A PLAN to extend workings for minerals at a Rossendale quarry is likely to get the go ahead despite widespread opposition from nearby residents.

Lancashire County Council's development control sub-committee is recommended to grant permission for digging at Scout Moor Quarry, Rochdale Road, Edenfield to be extended, subject to a lengthy list of strict conditions.

The quarry contractor will have to pay £50,000 towards road safety improvements as well as agreeing to other conditions in a legal agreement drawn up with the council.

Turn and Edenfield Residents' Association, together with other objectors, have written to the council saying there is no justification for the quarry extension and the increase in lorries visiting the site will harm the area.

Campaigners argued people living along the route would have their lives adversely affected by lorries going to and from the site.

A report to the committee said up to 163 lorries could visit the quarry every day.

Councillors are recommended to grant permission subject to conditions including a 25-year time limit on the extended workings after which the area should be restored.Wheel cleaning facilities will be installed and explosives will only be used between 10am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays except in the case of emergencies.

No lorries will be allowed to leave the quarry before 7.30am.

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