Limestone from Whatley quarry is recognised as a nationally significant resource, but its mineral bank is running out.
Our mineral bank at Whatley quarry in the East Mendips is depleting and it’s becoming more challenging to extract the remaining reserves. At the same time, demand for limestone to build and maintain our homes, hospitals, schools and roads – as well as for use in the construction infrastructure projects that will support the transition to a low carbon future – continues to grow.
That’s why we are seeking to reopen nearby Westdown quarry. Westdown has the benefit of planning permission for mineral extraction until 2042 but the quarry has not been operational since the 1980s.
Reopening Westdown will help secure the long-term supply of limestone and will allow Whatley, which is one of the few rail-linked quarries in the UK, to focus on supplying national demand by train, helping to reduce carbon emissions. With most of the HGV traffic switched to Westdown, it will also mean road-related quarry traffic will be diverted away from neighbouring villages.
Overall, HGV volumes would remain the same, or be less, than the current permitted levels for Whatley.
Updating existing planning consents
Our approach at Westdown is focused on bringing the existing planning conditions up to date with current industry standards. Proposals include new safer access onto the Bulls green Link Road and a 44+ acre offsite upfront mitigation area with well-connected woodland and grassland habitat to protect and enhance biodiversity. The adjacent Asham Wood and Special Area of Conservation to the northwest of the site remains protected.
Revised proposals October 2023
With our 2021 application still undecided, in October 2023 we decided to revise our plans and submit a simpler scheme. This now sees Asham quarry void remain completely outside of the revised scheme boundary. It is our hope that this amended scheme of working, concentrating within the confines of Westdown quarry itself can be consented sooner, allowing us to reopen Westdown and secure much-needed supplies of limestone.
Public Drop-in
We have held several public drop-in sessions to outline our proposals for Westdown, provide detail on our approach to mitigation, transport and restoration and to answer questions.
Information shared at these events can be accessed below:
Thursday 18 January 2024 – amended proposals for Westdown, including uncoupling of Asham quarry void
For more information see our updated FAQ section here
We believe our approach for Whatley and Westdown offers real benefits to the East Mendips. It will help to secure the vital construction materials we need, create an additional 40 full time high skilled jobs, plus many more in the regional supply chain and will contribute more than £2 billion to the national economy up to 2042.
