PLANS for an access road to enable the restoration of Woodeaton Quarry were approved by councillors yesterday.

Members voted in favour of the construction of a haul road and the widening of a field entrance, so that vehicles could access the quarry.

The application was disputed by members of the public and councillors who raised concerns over road, which will be built on the Green Belt and involves the removal of nine trees.

Councillors chose to grant planning permission for a new access road, which will see work start on infilling the quarry within three years.

This comes after planning permission for the restoration of the quarry was granted in 2012.

Suzi Coyne, the agent of Mckenna Environmental Ltd, said that the business owner would like to start work on the access road as soon as possible.

Some committee members raised concerns over the environmental impact of the new road and its sustainability.

Cllr Anne Purse said: “It’s a very sad state of affairs. This is Green Belt land. I think it is going to greatly spoil the area that people know and love.”

Cllr George Reynolds said people were “rolling over” because the road was labelled as a temporary measure and he did not think 10 years constituted to temporary.

Cllr Patrick Greene added he understood Mrs Purse’s concerns but said after everything he had heard to reject the plans would “not be an option”.

Work on the quarry is set to last 10 years.