Plans for a 20 acre expansion of
Lafarge Tarmac Aggregate will now be allowed to extract stone from land next to the firm's present operation.
Despite strong concerns from residents and environmental groups who feared the expansion would impact on wildlife in ancient woodland beauty sites nearby, Leicestershire county councillors backed the plans on Thursday 12 March 2015.
It has been reported that there is an approximate 19 year supply left if it is mined at current rates.
Residents have raised major concerns about blasting noise, dust and the potential effect of an enlarged quarry site on house prices.
Around 140 people are currently employed by the Lafarge quarry, and the site reportedly generates €14.11 million (£10 million) spending on goods and services.
Leicestershire County Council has agreed the expansion provided that no ancient woodland is mined.
