AN ANCIENT Cawthorne wood is set to be torn down to enable clay to be quarried.
Naylor Drainage has been granted permission by the council's planning board to expand the quarry at South Lane.
The exhausted parts of the quarry would be restored to woodland as part of the proposals.
Members voted to approve the plans despite concerns being voiced over the loss of parts of the ancient Whin Moor Wood.
About 7,000 tonnes of clay would be removed from the site each year over the next decade to supply the adjacent clayworks.
Work would only be allowed for 14 weeks each year.
Local residents have objected to the plan, with 18 letters and a 60-signature petition sent to planners.
