A £160,000 project to turn a disused quarry into a nature reserve will be considered by Teesdale district councillors today.

The authority's development control committee will consider plans to restore land at Hayberries Quarry and Ormasley Hill Plantation, near Romaldkirk.

The site is on a former sand and gravel quarry and plantation, and the project has already received the approval of Durham County Council's environment sub-committee.

The planned scheme is the culmination of various attempts in recent years to restore the site, after the county council managed to buy the land in 1997. The work will provide a more natural landform and make it more attractive to wildlife.

It will include the partial in-filling of an excavated area on the western side of the quarry and work on a pond on the east side.

Some existing structures, including roads, will be removed, and dry stone walls rebuilt. Footpaths will be created across the site, which will be planted with native trees and grass. A small car park will also be provided off Eggleston Bridge Road.

The plans, which have received the support of Romaldkirk Parish Council, are recommended for approval