News

Westdown quarry in Somerset to reopen

Heidelberg Materials UK has secured agreement on the planning conditions with Somerset Council to reopen Westdown quarry near Frome. The decision follows the council's earlier committee approval to bring the dormant 160-million-tonne limestone quarry back into operation after being unused since the late 1980s.

Preparatory work is expected to begin this autumn, with the quarry scheduled to reopen during the second half of 2027. Once operational, Westdown will primarily supply local markets, while the nearby rail-connected Whatley Quarry will continue to serve national demand via rail.

Trystan Mabbitt, Consenting & Development Manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: "Finalising the Section 106 agreement with Somerset Council is the culmination of seven years of work to secure much-needed supplies of limestone.

"Looking ahead, there is still a lot to be done ahead of Westdown being fully operational. We are now preparing the relevant management plans and licenses needed to allow us to discharge planning conditions, appoint contractors and prepare the site."

The approved plans keep quarrying within the site's original boundaries, retaining existing hedgerows and woodland while introducing further environmental improvements. These include planting native broadleaved trees and shrubs on screening bunds and creating 44 acres of new habitat to establish connected areas of species-rich woodland and grassland.

"Our successful application is based on reopening the quarry using modern practices and providing a progressive and final restoration plan," added Trystan.

"Combined aggregate volumes for both Whatley and Westdown quarries will remain the same as the current permitted levels for Whatley, which will focus on supplying national demand by rail. This approach will help to cut carbon emissions and keep HGVs away from local villages and reflects our commitment to being a good neighbour."

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