TWO Tarmac quarries operating near Helwith Bridge have been granted planning permission relating to extending operating and extraction dates.

Dry Rigg Quarry has been approved to continue the extraction of minerals until December 2034. Approval given by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority includes a lateral and deepening extension of the extraction area down to 127 metres.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Parish Council had objected to the continuation of work citing fears relating to dust and concerns for spring water contamination to Foredale Cottages, as well as vibrations from blasting at Dry Rigg.

Friends of the Dales group had also objected stating the 'apparently neverending postponement to the end of operations and restoration of the site'.

Dry Rigg covers 26.2 hectares (over 64 acres) and quarries gritstone. It has 16 jobs on site including one new apprenticeship and the associated hauliers and associated businesses serving the site.

The most recent planning permission was given in 2012, permitting the quarrying of an additional 3.5 million tonnes of stone until the end of December 2021. The agreement noted the scheme had involved the deepening of the main western part of the quarry by 41 metres.

At the time a further year to the end of 2022 was permitted to undertake restoration works such as removal of plant and buildings and the removal of screening mounds.

The recommendation for the latest application read: "The judgement to be made is finely balanced. The proposal would provide local economic and employment benefits but it would also have adverse environmental impacts."

Nevertheless, permission was allowed with conditions which included details of restoration and planting work to be submitted annually to ensure restoration of the site is undertaken progressively; no stockpiling above the screening height, a detailed scheme for the placement of quarry waste; no quarrying below the 127m agreement with the exception of a small sump.

Times for quarrying and processing to be maintained between 7.30am and 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays and 7.30am to 12noon on Saturdays.

No HGVs may enter or leave the sites except between 7.30am and 5pm Mondays to Fridays.

Permission was also granted for nearby Arcow Quarry for the variation of conditions to enable the continued import of mineral by HGV from Dry Rigg to Arcow railhead for its temporary stocking and export by rail until not later than December 31, 2034 and to enable the railhead and adjoining land to be restored not later than 31 December 31, 2035.