RESIDENTS in Purbeck have been given their chance to have their say on new plans to expand a mineral extraction site in the district.

The region is already well-known for its ball clay, sand and gravel extraction, as well as being famous for Purbeck Stone.

Under proposals submitted earlier this month, Aggregate Industries UK Ltd has launched a bid to expand quarry operations at Tatchells Quarry at Wareham.

Aggregate Industries is applying for planning permission for a southern extension to develop land for the extraction of sand and gravel to the South of Carey Road on land known as Baggs Land which lies immediately adjacent to the existing southern area of Tatchell’s Quarry.

Meanwhile, the extracted material is currently processed at a separate site to the north of Carey Road which under the plans will continue to be used. This would result in an area of approximately 2.96 hectares of land being designated for quarry use.

The company says that the plans were vital in order to continue being a competitor in the industry.

The sand material excavated from Baggs Land would be sold for various uses, the company said.

The plans will be discussed by Dorset County Council later this year before a final decision is made.