CONTROVERSIAL plans to re-open a quarry near Accrington could soon be approved by councillors.

Lancashire County Council officers are recommending the go-ahead for plans for land to the north of Mitchell's House Reservoir, off King's Highway, to be quarried once more.

The 100 sq ft quarry will cater for an upturn in the demand for roof slate.

Hyndburn Borough Council has in the past opposed the project, fearing the effect it would have on the surrounding countryside.

And the North East Lancashire branch of the Ramblers Association has also lodged objections to the plans.

A public meeting was held at Accrington Town Hall in March to discuss issues relating to the potential re-opening of the quarry. Various objections were raised including the use of King's Highway - a walkway used by ramblers for many years - as an access road.

But Highways Agency bosses have rejected the possibility of a proposed alternative access route from Sandy Lane being used.

And neither North West Water nor the Environment Agency have backed residents' claims that water courses in the area would be polluted if quarrying began again.

Developers have been told they will have to comply with a number of conditions if the quarry is to re-open.

These include restricting the times of quarrying to between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and measures to minimise noise and dust from the site.

Members of Lancashire County Council's development sub committee have been advised to approve the scheme at a meeting tomorrow.

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