Another vote is set to take place on plans to extend one of Bolton’s biggest quarries.

The plan to extent Montcliffe Quarry in Horwich was approved by a government Planning Inspectorate after having been refused by Bolton Council.

Now, planning bosses will vote again on an application to extend its end date for the project  to August 2031.

A council report said: “As well as a reported 12 months lost/delay owing to Covid-19 restrictions, the applicant states that the shale overburden and inter burden present at the top of the quarry face has presented significant challenges and has significantly delayed the works.”

It added: “Given the difficulties with removing the shale, the applicant believes that a timeframe of 10.5 years is a realistic timeframe to complete the works.

The Bolton News: The vote will take place at Bolton Town HallThe vote will take place at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

“It is intended to progressively remove the circa 15,000 square metres of shale over seven years, with the additional three and a half years being to enable the completion the final bench positions.

“The applicant states that if there is scope to complete the works in a shorter timeframe then they will endeavour to do so.”

The plans have already attracted 33 letters of objection from people living nearby raising concerns over the length of time involved, potentially more than a decade, noise caused by heavy goods vehicles.

They have also raised concerns about the impact on the green belt on the impact on wildlife and habitats.

Horwich Town Council had already objected to the proposal at a meeting in March 2021 citing concerns about health and safety and that they believe the extension should not have been as long.

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Cllr Peter Wright and Cllr Richard Silvester had both previously asked that the application be heard at a full planning committee meeting.

But there were no objections raised by neighbouring Chorley Council, which was also consulted.

Bolton Council officers have recommended that the plans be approved as long as certain conditions including blast and noise monitoring as well as dust control and working hours are met.

The proposal will now be debated at a town hall planning meeting on Thursday August 17.