The firm also plans to build a concrete batching plant at the site to supply the industry as it extracts gravel from the site over the next eight years.

Durham County Council approved the application last week.

A spokesman for Hall Construction Services Ltd said: “The Hummerbeck site presents the opportunity to develop a mineral extraction site on a small scale which fits well within the landscape and can be worked in a sensitive and environmentally- friendly manner.

“It can help stimulate the local economy around West Auckland during a difficult economic period and provide much needed local employment.”