A QUARRY near a Teesdale village could reopen after remaining dormant for more than a century.

Lingberry Quarry, near Stainton, Barnard Castle, has remained closed for 102 years, after the original owner closed the site.

However, members of Teesdale District Council's development control committee will be recommended to back plans by Natural Stone Quarries to reopen the site at a meeting tomorrow.

If councillors give the proposals the go-ahead the quarry, near the B6279, will then go before Durham County Council for a final decision.

It is expected to produce more 1,000 tonnes of stone per year, over an estimated ten- year period, which planning officers estimate at about two lorry loads of stone per day.

Members of Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council have already given the plans their backing, and Teesdale council planning officers will also advise councillors to support the proposal.

Keith Miles, clerk for Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council, said the application had been closely examined by members.

He said: "The actual quarry is a fair distance from any residential areas, so hopefully there should not be any problems with noise.

"There have been quite a few problems with Stainton Quarry nearby, because of residents complaining about noise and dust, but we are confident that we will not have the same sort of problems with this particular quarry."

The quarry will produce architectural or dimensional craft stone, which will be sold around the North-East, central Scotland and Yorkshire.

Trevor Watson, planning officer for Teesdale council, said the quarry could have a possible effect on the local landscape.

He said: "This is a site that has been closed for quite some time, and in relative terms the quarry will not be producing a massive amount of stone, which will mean a minimum amount of disruption.

"There will, however, be an effect on the local landscape, but the proposal will be a benefit to the local economy, despite the visual impact."

Natural Stone Quarries was unavailable for comment yesterday