A THRIVING quarry has been granted permission to operate until at least 2050 – safeguarding up to 150 jobs.

Burlington Stone, part of the Holker Group, which owns Holker Hall, Holker Estate Holiday Parks and Cartmel Racecourse, has been given permission to extend the quarry at Kirkby-in-Furness.

Cumbria County Council has approved the extension, which will allow further planned investment for the next 33 years.

Holker Group estimates that 150 jobs will be protected by the decision to save the quarry, including Burlington’s craftsmen.

Duncan Peake, chief executive of Holker Group, said: “This is a hugely positive result for Burlington Stone, and we are now in a position to commence our ambitious development plan for the business.

“We hope to see many future iconic buildings adorned with Burlington’s range of luxurious and signature British natural stone products.”

Cumbria County Council accepted measures proposed by the company to mitigate the environmental impact of the development work at the quarry site.