DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has rejected a quarry firm's plans to extend its workings.

Following a public inquiry in January, a planning inspector recommended that the Sherburn Sand Company be allowed a half-hectare extension to the Crime Rigg Quarry, at Shadforth, in County Durham.

The scheme, which would yield 500,000 tonnes of limestone and sand, was twice refused permission by Durham County Council.

Councillors argued that the scheme, which included plans to divert a bridleway, breached its minerals policies and strategy for the area's magnesium limestone escarpment. They said future gravel and sand needs would be met by other sites.

Planning inspector Graham Cundale recommended that the firm's appeal be allowed but Mr Prescott blocked the development.

He said it conflicted with the county council's policies ands that the county had an adequate supply of other sand and gravel sites until 2016.

A spokesman said: "The Secretary of State does not consider that the proposed extraction would amount to a worthwhile addition to the sand and gravel landbank or that the release of resources sterilised by the approved scheme would be a benefit.

"The Secretary of State concludes that the limited benefits are not sufficient to outweigh the harm that would be caused, including that associated with the policy conflict."