PLANS to extend operations at a limestone quarry by six years have been approved by councillors.

W&M Thompson was given permission to work in the Bishop Middleham quarry beyond the existing consent - which runs out in 2009 - until June 2015.

Senior director John Thompson told Durham County Council's planning committee the company needed to prolong operations after falling behind a timetable agreed in 1997.

Quarrying had slowed because of changes in the market and a dip in demand for agricultural lime, partly due to foot-and- mouth disease in 2001.

He said demand is increasing as British farmers look to grow traditional crops.

Continued quarrying will secure 33 jobs for people from the surrounding area, Mr Thompson said.

But councillors were told that Bishop Middleham Parish Council had objected to the proposal and eight letters were sent to the authority by villagers.

They urged members to reject the proposal because they did not want noise and dirt from the plant for longer than necessary.

Before the meeting, councillors visited the quarry to see the impact on neighbours.

They then watched a film, made by a protestor, that showed dust created by the quarry.

Billy King, who lives near the quarry, said: "The dust and noise from traffic and blasting is unbearable. How much longer must we have this?"

Mr Thompson apologised for problems suffered by neighbours and said new measures had been taken to improve conditions and said the company would continue to try to support the village.

Agreeing the application, councillors asked officers to report back to the committee with noise and dust readings.

They will also look at the option of starting a liaison group to improve links between the company, local authorities and residents.

The firm was also allowed to blast the top surface of rock to loosen it for removal, rather than bulldozer excavation.

Landfill plans will be altered, but bosses said the overall restoration scheme will stay the same and be completed by 2021