Insider Media Limited

Aggregate Industries has received planning permission to extend its quarry in Bardon Hill, Coalville. The move will safeguard 290 jobs, said the Leicestershire-based construction company

Planning approval was granted by Leicestershire County Council to release 132 million tonnes of stone over the next 40 years.

The decision safeguards 140 jobs directly and another 150 indirectly, said Aggregate Industries.

By releasing the stone, the company will be able to supply high volumes of aggregate to major projects like the Olympics, power stations, airport terminals and Crossrail.

Colin Parke, northern director for Bardon Aggregates, said: "This is fantastic news for our company and for Coalville. Bardon Hill already has a 150 year history as a quarry, and we are really delighted that its life will now be extended to 2050 and beyond, safeguarding the jobs of many local people and injecting significant funds into the local economy.

"We have been working on this proposal for the last four years, during which time we have consulted with many individuals, groups and authorities. Listening to and answering people's questions has given us a better understanding of the environment and the community's concerns, and based on the feedback received we made a number of changes to our submission."

As a condition of the agreement, the company will invest 5p for each tonne of mineral sold from the extension area into a fund for local communities and organisations.