PROPOSED expansion plans at a Borders quarry would create up to eight new jobs.

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council from the new operators of Fulfordlees Quarry in Cockburnspath.

The bid seeks the extraction of sand and gravel at the quarry and the removal of a previous condition which forbade the importation of inert soils to the site.

A covering letter with the application states: “With Tynedale Roadstone Limited having taken over Kinegar Quarries Limited and following discussions with the landowner, the proposal is to import inert soils under a SEPA permit and to improve the quality of land restoration which the farmer requires for the grazing of sheep and cattle.

“In the past the land has been prone to dryness which with the additional soil coverage will be alleviated.”

The quarry, located 3km south west of the village of Cockburnspath, obtained planning consent in December 2010 to enable the extraction of sand and gravel together.

The intention of the new operators is to provide an improved soil structure across the site for future grazing of sheep and cattle with the land not becoming parched in the summer months.

Over the past 14 years the output from the quarry has been less than the intended 100,000 tonnes per annum.

With the new quarry company operating the site the output is intended to increase back to the consented planned output.

A statement in support of the application says: “The company considers that it is adopting a sustainable approach in maximising the mineral resources contained under the lands leased by the company and carrying out imaginative and productive restoration.

“The proposed revised restoration scheme has been designed to the highest standard to minimise potential environmental impacts and produce an enhanced reinstatement.

“The proposed land restoration improvement works would provide employment for three persons directly with indirect employment in the region of five persons.

“The works would comprise the importation of soils, profiling the imported materials, re-spreading the topsoil and carrying out final cultivation works with seed planting to provide ground cover.”