A QUARRY near Jodrell Bank may extend its extraction operations by two and a half years.

Dingle Bank Quarry on Holmes Chapel Road in Lower Withington is run by Sibelco UK, which has submitted an environmental impact assessment request to find out more about extracting sand until the end of June 2019 before submitting a planning application.

The initial application to extend operations was submitted in 2010 and approved in 2013, on the condition that the extraction of sand should be completed by December 31, 2016.

But after discovering new sand, the company is hoping to have the extraction date extended until 2019 from June 2016 and the complete restoration finished by 2020- one year later than the original restoration date of December 2019.

Mike Hurley, sustainability manager for Sibelco UK, said: “The first thing to make absolutely clear is that we are not seeking to physically extend or enlarge our operation at Dingle Bank, merely work there for a little longer than anticipated.

”Currently we must cease sand extraction by December 31 and restore the quarry area by December 31 2018 and complete restoration of the plant site has to be finished by December 31 2019.

”As we have extracted the sand at a slower rate than anticipated we will be seeking approval to extend extraction until June 30 2019 and the restoration programme until December 31 2020, just one year later than planned.

”We are predicting lower annual sales tonnage than in previous years due to changes in the sand types available as the reserves become depleted.

"Historically the annual mineral extraction rate has consistently been in the region of 0.9 million tonnes. It is likely to be nearer 0.5 million tonnes for the next three years, if permission is granted.”

Sibelco UK has set up a liaison group of residents and councilors to keep the community informed and provide a platform for any questions.

A spokesperson for an east Cheshire action group, ‘residents against quarrying’ told the Guardian that in a recent unrelated meeting with Sibelco, they were given the impression that Dingle Bank Quarry would be closing.

The group met with Sibelco to discuss another planning application which is expected to be submitted soon to open a quarry in Cranage, off New Platt Lane.

The spokesperson said: “This news of Dingle Bank Quarry has got significant implications for the grounds of objection for the proposed Cranage quarry.”

Sibelco UK has submitted scoping requests to Cheshire East Council in order to discover what studies the authority will want it to undertake before submitting a planning application later in the year.

”We will continue to keep all relevant parties informed as and when matters require”, added Mike.

Lower Withington Parish Council did not wish to comment.