TARMAC is pushing ahead with its proposals for Swinden and Threshfield Quarries.

It is seeking planning permission to extract a further 24 million tonnes of limestone from Swinden Quarry. In return, it will not extract the 24 million tonnes of limestone that it could take from nearby Threshfield Quarry.

It claims this would reduce the total active quarrying in the local area from 122 hectares to 71.

The plans have been the subject of extensive consultation and were submitted to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority at the end of last week.

The application is accompanied by a statement, which considers the environmental implications, particularly with respect to the site's location within the national park.

Rob Moore, Tarmac's northern estates and geology manager, said: "If granted permission, it would allow the permanent closure of Threshfield Quarry, allowing the site to be restored within two years - around 35 years ahead of schedule. This removes the potential for approximately 50,000 additional lorry movements per year up to 2042 from Threshfield Quarry, which would be a major benefit to local residents."

The proposals were outlined at a public exhibition at Cracoe Village Hall in October and at an open day at the quarry this month.

Mr Moore added: "We were really pleased with the attendance. It was encouraging to receive such positive feedback."

He added that the scheme would allow maximum use of the modern, energy-efficient processing plant at Swinden and the rail link to transport the limestone to market.

"It is not proposed to increase the annual output of stone from Swinden Quarry as the additional limestone reserves would be extracted over an extended 10-year period.

"These limestone reserves would be quarried mainly in a northerly direction to the depth currently permitted and all are located completely within the presently permitted planning boundary," said Mr Moore.

Swinden Quarry currently employs 120 people and the proposed scheme would ensure these jobs continued until 2030.

The national park has 16 weeks in which to determine the application.