HIGH-QUALITY agricultural land could be mined for sand - and there is little Bury Council can do about it.

The land off Pilsworth Road in Hollins has been identified as a "high mineral source search area" under the Unitary Development Plan - which maps out the future strategy for the borough into the new Millennium.

Despite the meadows falling under Green Belt policy, the local authority would have to support any plans for mineral extraction.

Operator Terry Adams Ltd is seeking to extend its sand mining Pilsworth Quarry operation from the north side of Pilsworth Road to the south.

Minerals would be extracted and, following landfill, the area would be reclaimed for agricultural use and as a nature conservation habitat.

A Bury Council planning spokesman said: "The submitted application for extracting minerals from the land is in line with the Unitary Development Plan policy and therefore will more than likely gain the backing of the council.

"Minerals have to be extracted from sites identified in the UDP and, because of the aim to return the land for agricultural use, Green Belt issues are not relevant in this case."

However, the proposed sand mine extension plan has caused uproar among local residents whose homes will overlook the site - for a minimum of 14 years.

Mr David McClenaghan, who has owned one of the cottages for the past 13 years, said the proposed new quarry would reduce the value of his home.

"Dust from the quarry, extra traffic and work on the site will make our lives unbearable," said the self-employed art dealer.

"We already suffer from dust pollution from the current quarry site and things will only get worse.

"The UDP indicates we have no option but to sit back and allow this development to happen. Our home means everything to us - it is at least 200 years old and part of the local history - and we will not give up without a fight to protect the area from such vandalism."

The planning proposal is expected to go before members of the the planning control sub-committee in November.

"There are a number of options open to us and I will look into each and every one of them, including environmental and conservation matters," warned Mr McClenaghan.

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