PLANS to extend the life of a limestone quarry in County Durham by six years will go before councillors next week.

W&M Thomson wants permission to extract minerals from its Bishop Middleham quarry, near Sedgefield, beyond existing consent, which runs out in 2009.

The company has applied to Durham County Council for permission to push back the deadline to June 30, 2015, because it has been unable to excavate at the previously anticipated level.

They company also wants permission to use a different working method, blasting rock to loosen it for removal, rather than bulldozer excavation.

Phasing of its landfill would also have to be altered, though bosses say the overall restoration plan remains the same.

Sedgefield Borough Council, which has been consulted by the county council, raised no objections to the proposal, and letters of support from a landowner and a farmer have also been sent to the county council.

But Bishop Middleham Parish Council, and seven residents, have objected. Reasons for the objections include the prolonged impact on neighbours from noise and dust generated.

Last month, the county council's planning committee deferred a decision on the application to allow time for a site visit.

Officers will recommend approval of the scheme when it is discussed again on Wednesday.