Controversial plans to extend a quarry by removing nearly 0.45 million tonnes of sand and gravel will be discussed next week.

The plans to extend Hatfield Quarry, in Oaklands Lane, St Albans, has been met with a lot of opposition after developers Brett Aggregates put forward the application in December last year.

The application looks at the retention of the quarry access road and site infrastructure facilities and it will restore the area to agricultural land and mixed habitats including wetlands, acid grassland and woodland planting.

The land was used as a film set location between 1996 and 2000 and featured in a number of films including Saving Private Ryan.

Since 2010 the land has been open to the public and is currently used for cattle. The majority of the quarry falls within the St Albans District.

Muireann Banerjee, speaking on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Hertfordshire County Council has resolved to grant planning permission for the construction of a new sand and gravel quarry on land at the former Hatfield Aerodrome.

“The committee’s resolution will now be referred to the Secretary of State for a final decision.

“The council remains fully committed to the establishment of a country park on this land and will establish a forum with the mineral operator and local residents to discuss the proposed quarry.”

Although the county council has given approval the plans will be discussed by St Albans District Council's planning committee on Monday.