RESIDENTS can still have their say on plans to extend quarrying activities at the Whatley Quarry site in the Mendip Hills.
Heidelberg Materials UK held three public drop-in events to outline its plans to access existing and additional mineral reserves within the existing boundary at quarry and extend the timeframe for extraction.
The public can provide feedback on the proposals until one minute before midnight on October 31.
A spokesperson said that the plans aim to make the most of its existing reserves at the Whatley site. Activity would be limited to within the existing site boundary with little change for neighbours and no proposals to change the quarry’s permitted operating hours or blasting approach.
The spokesperson said: “This new application also remains in line with our commitment that combined aggregate volumes from our Whatley and Westdown sites will not exceed the current permitted levels for Whatley alone.
“Changing the end date for Whatley would secure the long-term future of the quarry and make the best use of all available reserves.”
More than 90 residents and local stakeholders attended Heidelberg Materials’ three public drop-in events, and its online event, to learn more about its plans to access additional limestone reserves at the quarry near Frome.
The consultation events, held throughout October across Chantry, Nunney and Mells, set out the company’s proposals to extract already consented but constrained reserves, as well as releasing additional material by reprofiling and deepening sections of the quarry within its existing boundary.
It is also seeking to extend the quarry’s end date to 2055.
If approved, these proposals would secure the long-term future of Whatley quarry which has been operating for nearly 100 years.
Limestone from Whatley quarry has been used in construction for nearly 100 years. Recent local projects supported by the quarry include resurfacing the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge and the maintenance of Somerset’s roads as well local house-building projects.
Whatley also supplies nationally important infrastructure schemes including Hinkley Point C power station and HS2, supplied via its dedicated rail link.
Strategic development manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, Trystan Mabbitt, said: “We would like to thank all those who came to our drop-in events.
“We valued the opportunity to set out our proposals and answer questions. Our dialogue with local people has been very constructive and the feedback received will help us to finalise our plans.
“If approved, these proposals would secure the long-term future of Whatley quarry, sustaining local jobs, and its contribution to the local and national economy, as well as making the best use of all available limestone reserves.”
Details about the proposals shared at the public events are available to view at the Heidelberg Materials website and people can feedback until 23:59 on October 31.
Heidelberg Materials will then finalise its proposals ahead of submitting a full planning application to Somerset Council (SC).
The council will then formally consult with statutory bodies and local residents before making its decision.