A PLANNING application has been submitted to extend a quarry.

Lafarge Aggregates has applied to Durham County Council to extend Thrislington Quarry, near Ferryhill.

The lodging of the application follows a public exhibition in November and consultations.

The application is for an 80-hectare site east of the A1(M), which would be linked to the existing quarry and Thrislington Works by a tunnel under the motorway.

An access would be created in Stobb Cross Lane and a new site service area would be built, with modern office, sheeting and wheelwash facilities.

The company has sought the extension so reserves west of the A1(M) can be mixed with better material.

Gary Staddon, of Lafarge, said: "We found the public exhibition very useful in terms of focused discussions about both the existing quarry and the proposed extension."

Planning documents and a full environmental statement can be viewed by appointment during normal office hours, at the county planning department and site offices.

The company has also produced a summary of the application. Copies are available by calling (01740) 655006.