SIBELCO UK has withdrawn its initial application to build a 12-year quarry site in Cranage, in order to follow protocol and resubmit plans to both Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The site at Rudheath Lodge Farm straddles the border between the two borough councils, and also sits in both the Cranage and Allostock parishes.

Initially submitted in October 2016, plans would see Sibelco UK dig and mine a silica sand quarry if permission was to be granted.

The company previously told the Guardian that it was initially advised to submit plans only to CEC. These were withdrawn on Monday, June 12.

Spokesman Nigel Canham said: “In order to allow our proposals to be assessed in the appropriate manner we have now withdrawn our original planning application and are preparing a revised submission for both CEC and CWAC.

“This will essentially be the same as our initial scheme, revised to reflect comments we have received.

“The full details will be made available to the public, whose observations are encouraged.

“We are confident out having listened carefully to all contributions and consultees throughout the process to date, and we look forward to determinations by members of both authorities in due course.”

The company held two public information sessions in February, at both Cranage and Allostock village halls, where residents, councillors and MPs were among those in attendance.

Gareth Woods, of the Residents Against Quarrying group, said: “An overwhelming amount of public scrutiny has highlighted a catalogue of errors within the planning process for this development.

“In addition, there was unprecedented objection from the local community to the plans as they would not have benefited us in any way had this proposal been allowed to go ahead.

“We hope that Sibelco UK's withdrawal of the plans is their acknowledgement that this area is wholly unsuitable for a silica sand quarry that would destroy the landscape of Goostrey, Cranage and Allostock for evermore.”

It is not yet known whether letters of objection and support will be carried over to the new applications.