Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has approved the excavation of five trial pits at a site in the Sixmilecross area of Tyrone identified for potential quarry extension.

Planning officer Darren Lawther informed the planning committee that the land contains sand and gravel. The pits will test ground conditions before workers refill and resurface them.

Lawther noted that Environmental Health Service raised no objections after consultations due to the works' limited scale. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency response remains pending.

The excavations form part of initial investigations into a possible new extraction site. The landowner proposes the trial pits to determine site contents.

Lawther stated that council investigations into an unauthorised extension at a nearby quarry do not impact this proposal. He recommended allowing the works to proceed.

Councillor John McClaughry supported the recommendation, calling the works minimal and comparable to a couple of hours digging and refilling. Councillor Robert Irvine proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Paul Robinson.

The planning committee made the decision at a special meeting.