AN APPLICATION has been submitted to the national park authority to continue extracting slate at a quarry near Coniston.

The application, submitted on behalf of Burlington Slate Ltd, requests that Peat Field Quarry would continue working until December 31, 2026.

In a planning statement submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority said: "The application is needed following the slower than anticipated extraction of the permitted reserve, following the grant of the original planning permission to extend Peat Field Quarry in 2001.

"The proposals provide an update of the existing situation at Peat Field Quarry and a more appropriate and achievable progressive restoration scheme. It is demonstrated that the proposals would, through the continuation of responsible quarrying operations by Burlington Slate Limited, ensure that no undue harm is caused to nearby sensitive receptors or the character and appearance f the Lake District National Park."

Peat Field Quarry is located just north of Coniston and is one of a series of quarry workings located in the area known as Hodge Close.

The quarry produces roofing slate as well as architectural and landscaping stone.

Original planning permission for the extraction of slate was granted in 2001 and the permission allowed the continuation of quarrying.

An amended scheme was submitted in April 2003 for the working and extension of the quarry, permission for which expires on October 31, 2018.

If granted, the permission would allow up to eight years additional work to the permitted reserve as it has yet to be fully extracted.

"The remaining reserve is estimated to be approximately 10 per cent of the 70,000m3 permitted in 2003," the planning documents say. "This equates to 20,000 tonnes of useable slate clog, the equivalent to an average annual output of 2,500 tonnes over eight years.

"Precise volumes are difficult to predict because of multiple historic workings beneath the floor and behind the current working faces."