A PLAN which could see the permitted extraction area at Elterwater Quarry extended could be given the thumbs up next month.

Burlington Slate Limited, which is based in Kirkby-in-Furness, has applied to the Lake District National Park Authority to begin extracting slate from a 0.62 hectare area south-east of the currently allowed site.

Planning documents say: "The geology that has been uncovered since planning permission was granted in 1999 means that it is no longer possible to quarry the slate in accordance with the approved scheme of working."

The better quality material, more suitable for roofing slate, is found in the south-east corner and so the company, which altogether employs 28 people, has applied for the extension.