COUNCILLORS are expected to view for themselves a quarry where permission is being sought for a controversial expansion.

Hanson Quarry Products (Europe) Ltd, the operators of Pateley Bridge Quarry, at Greenhow, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), are asking for planning permission to extend the site.

The application is to be considered by North Yorkshire County Council on June 7, but planning officers are recommending members view the site before making a decision.

The Area of Natural Beauty Committee, Harrogate Borough Council and 19 individuals have registered a protest over the proposal.

A previous application was refused in April last year, but the company has made a number of amendments to the original proposal to address councillors' concerns.