A PROPOSAL to reopen a dormant quarry contained within an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) has resulted in parish councillors calling a special meeting to allow concerns to be aired.

Strathmore Estate has applied to Durham County Council to reopen Crossthwaite Quarry at Middleton in Teesdale for the blasting and processing of up to 100,000 tonnes of whinstone a year. This could result in up to 20 lorry loads a day leaving the site.

John Gough of David L Walker Chartered Surveyors, who are acting as agent for Strathmore Estate, explained that planning consent is already in place from the previous workings.

"But things have moved on since those days and a new set of modernised conditions and an environmental impact assessment are required before reopening can take place," he added. "We are progressing the matter in stages and have written to the county council seeking advice as to what information they want included in the environmental statement."

Parish councillors, as consultees, are worried about the impact on residents, wildlife and the landscape if the reopening goes ahead.

Chairman Diana Mahood said: "We are likely to be seeking restrictions on the hours of blasting and the timing of lorry movements. But I have already been approached by several worried residents, including some from neighbouring Holwick, and they might wish to see other conditions imposed.

"Although we are holding a meeting next Wednesday, to which they are invited, I am sure many of them will be contacting the county council with their own comments regarding the conditions," she added.

In the meantime, she and Coun Madeleine Sutcliffe are to do some research into the quarry, which they believe has not been worked for at least two decades.

Mr Gough said the quarry was within the AONB, and encircled by a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is why the aim would be to ensure the protection of the environment and the amenity of local residents.

"Once we have submitted the proposal, if it's accompanied by an environmental impact assessment, the county council have four months to consider it," he added. If all went well then the quarry would probably reopen in 2005.

With regard to restoration, due to the lack of suitable fill material, the sheer quarry face will be retained when extraction is completed. The area of land between the quarry workings and public highway will be landscaped and either planted or allowed to 'naturally regenerate.'

Wednesday's meeting is at 6pm at Middleton Village Hall.