Heidelberg Materials UK has secured planning approval to reopen Westdown quarry near Frome, ending a seven-year consenting process with Somerset Council.
The agreement finalises a Section 106 deal following the council’s earlier committee approval for the scheme, clearing the way for the 160m tonne limestone quarry to resume operations after standing dormant since the late 1980s.
Site preparations are due to begin this autumn, with the quarry scheduled to become fully operational in the second half of 2027. Once running, Westdown will supply local demand, while the nearby rail-connected Whatley quarry continues to serve national markets by rail.
Trystan Mabbitt, consenting and 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 scheme keeps the quarry within its former boundary and retains hedgerows and woodland at the site’s edge. Native broadleaved trees and shrubs will be planted on the screening bunds, alongside the upfront creation of 44 acres of additional habitat, to establish connected woodland and grassland.
Mabbitt added: “Our successful application is based on reopening the quarry using modern practices and providing a progressive and final restoration plan.
“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.”
Main image: An aerial view of the site
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