A quarry that produces a "unique" red stone from the edge of Northumberland National Park is set to expand.
Harden Quarry, near Rothbury, known locally as Biddlestone Quarry, has been operating since the 1940s and is the only quarry in the UK that produces red felsite.
The specialist material was used locally at Cragside, as well as in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and on The Mall in London. A large amount of the stone is also exported to mainland Europe where it is used to build specialist cycle lanes.
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The operators of the site, Tarmac, had submitted plans to the Northumberland National Park Authority to continue working the site into the 2050s, before a total restoration of the area. The new extension would see an additional 45m stretch of land to the north of the existing site be worked.
Speaking at Wednesday's meeting of the National Park's planning committee, Harden Quarry's planning manager Neil Beards said: "We hope we will be able to supply these specialist markets for many years to come.
"The quarry is operated by local people who are passionate about what we do and we are active in the local community - for example, we sponsor the local community bus service and created an off-road track in Rothbury for young people to ride their BMXs.
"We're proud of Harden Quarry and the unique red stone it produces."
The plans had received two objections, as well as 28 letters of support. National park planning officers had recommended the plans for approval.
Committee member Coun Sue Bolam, of Harbottle Parish Council, proposed approving the plans.
She said: "Our bottom line is the landscaping issues. Having lived in the area most of my life I've always found it quite attractive - but beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
"I would like to say that it will have considerable benefit economically and the company have been great supporters of the community. I would go as far to say the community are very proud to have this operation in existence on their doorstep."
The committee unanimously approved the plans. Speaking after the meeting, Coun Stephen Bridgett, who represents the Rothbury ward on Northumberland County Council, praised the decision.
He said: "Biddlestone Quarry is a great asset to our local community and economy and the extension to the quarry will not only ensure that the internationally famous Harden red gravel will continue to be extracted for several more decades to come, but it will also secure the local jobs for people employed directly at the quarry and also the may other jobs in the supply chain.
"Biddlestone Quarry and in turn, Tarmac, continue to be one of the better companies to deal with that are involved in mineral extraction and their support for our communities, both financially and in kind, continues to be superb. I look forward to continuing to work with them going forward."
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