THE life of a West Somerset quarry has been extended until 2028 following a decision by Somerset County Council this week.

On Tuesday, the authority's Regulation Committee approved an application to increase the amount of red sandstone extracted from Capton Quarry, near Williton.

The decision will see the average annual output rise from 1,000 tonnes a year to 1,500 tonnes.

Existing quarrying permission at the site expires on November 30, but Tuesday's decision means extraction can continue until 2028.

The report before the committee stated: "Due to the high demand for this local building stone, he applicants state that their output is constantly hovering at the permitted output limit and that local building projects have been delayed."

The report also states that larger haulage lorries, able to carry bigger loads, could reduce the vehicle movements to and from the site.

The granting of permission is also set to increase the workforce at the site by one person.

Sampford Brett Parish Council had objected to the application, claiming the previous extraction rates should be maintained to ensure prudent use of a scarce resource'. The council was also concerned about heavier vehicles accessing the site.

The report states that the remaining reserve at the quarry is around 31,000 tonnes of building stone, which works out at about 21 years life remaining at the quarry at the newly approved rate of extraction.

The Environment Agency and West Somerset Council raised no objection to the application although three letters of objection were received.

Recommending the application for approval, the report states: "Capton Quarry provides the local market with a valuable resource of red sandstone and fulfils an important role in maintaining the character of West Somerset.

"The continuation of the quarry does not present any significant detrimental visual, ecological, environmental or amenity issues."