“Work is progressing nicely in our new Thewlis Lane extraction area,” reports Johnsons Wellfield Quarries.

Johnsons Wellfield extracts Crosland Hill stone, one of the most highly regarded of the York stones, and has a bank of robot arms, as well as other CNC machinery and traditional hand skills, to process it.

Johnsons Wellfield’s extraction site covers 250acres of West Yorkshire hillside on Crosland Moor, with areas already worked having been carefully restored to countryside.

People living on Thewlis Lane objected to the proposals to extend the quarry there, fearing it would generate more lorry movements, noise and disruption.

But Kirklees Councillors on the Planning Sub-committee that approved the application to extend the quarry said they believed the company had a longstanding reputation of delivering on its promises and should be supported with its expansion.

One of Johnsons Wellfield’s promises was to create a new bridleway, so horse riders would still be able to enjoy the area.

The Councillors supported their officers’ view that “whilst the proposal would impact on the amenity area in the short term, the adverse affects could be mitigated to an appropriate level”.

That was in 2013, when permission for the extension was given. Now overburden has been cleared away to give access to the sandstone block that will be processed into finished masonry and paving products.

No explosives are used in the extraction process and Johnsons Wellfield says it is committed to sustainable activities.

It holds 4,000 tonnes of raw material in stock at any one time waiting to be processed to customer requirements as orders are received.