Revised plans for quarrying near Thornborough Henges (North Yorkshire, England) have been submitted by quarry firm, Tarmac. The company has already lodged an appeal against refusal of planning permission earlier this year for an expansion of activities at its Nosterfield Quarry, close to the henges. Now, it has submitted an alternative proposal for the Ladybridge Farm site, which would involve quarrying 31 hectares of land, rather than the 45 hectares originally proposed. The latest application, which North Yorkshire's planning committee is expected to determine before the end of the year, avoids the south west section of the site to address concerns raised by English Heritage and the Friends of Thornborough Henges.
     Tarmac estates manager, Bob Nicholson, said: "We hope that the revised application offers a way forward for all parties. We believe this revised application serves to demonstrate that we understand the concerns of the community, North Yorkshire County Council and English Heritage."
     Chairman of the Friends of Thornborough Henges Jon Lowry welcomed the reduction in the application site, but said Tarmac had not gone far enough to protect the setting of the Henges. "They may think that there is nothing in the area they want to quarry, but there may be significant archaeology. We still think it should be refused."

Sources: Heritage Action Journal, Yorkshire Post Today (20 July 2006), Nidderdale Today (21 July 2006)