Heidelberg Materials Secures Approval to Reopen Somerset Quarry in Boost for UK Aggregate Supply

Westdown Quarry will return to production in 2027 following agreement with Somerset Council, supporting local construction demand while reducing road haulage and enhancing biodiversity.

Heidelberg Materials UK has taken a major step towards securing the long-term supply of limestone in the South West after finalising planning agreements that will allow the reopening of Westdown Quarry near Frome.

Following the completion of a Section 106 agreement with Somerset Council, preparations will begin later this year, with the quarry expected to resume production during the second half of 2027.

The site, which contains an estimated 160 million tonnes of limestone reserves, will primarily supply local construction markets, while the nearby rail-connected Whatley Quarry will continue serving national demand through the rail network.

Seven-Year Planning Journey

The approval marks the conclusion of a lengthy planning process aimed at securing future aggregate supplies for the region.

Site preparation works are expected to commence this autumn, with Heidelberg Materials now progressing the environmental management plans, licences and planning condition requirements needed before full operations can begin.

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 licences needed to allow us to discharge planning conditions, appoint contractors and prepare the site."

Modern Quarrying with Environmental Enhancements

The approved scheme allows extraction to take place entirely within the quarry's historic operational boundary while incorporating a range of environmental improvements designed to enhance biodiversity.

Existing hedgerows and woodland surrounding the site will be retained, while new native broadleaf trees and shrubs will be planted on landscaped screening bunds.

The project also includes the creation of 44 acres of new habitat, establishing interconnected woodland and species-rich grassland to deliver long-term ecological gains alongside mineral extraction.

Supporting Sustainable Aggregate Supply

Heidelberg says reopening Westdown will enable production to be better aligned with regional demand while making greater use of rail freight for longer-distance deliveries.

Although limestone production will be shared between Westdown and Whatley, the combined output of the two quarries will remain within the existing permitted extraction limits already approved for Whatley Quarry.

The revised operating model will allow Whatley to concentrate on supplying national markets via rail, while Westdown meets local demand closer to source.

According to the company, this approach will help reduce carbon emissions associated with transporting aggregates and minimise heavy goods vehicle movements through surrounding communities.

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."

Meeting Future Construction Demand

The reopening of Westdown comes at a time when demand for construction materials is expected to increase as major infrastructure, housing and commercial developments continue across the UK.

By combining modern quarrying techniques with enhanced environmental mitigation and greater use of rail freight, Heidelberg Materials aims to balance the need for a secure supply of essential construction materials with wider sustainability objectives.

With preparatory work due to begin later this year, Westdown Quarry is set to become an important component of Heidelberg's long-term aggregate supply strategy, supporting regional construction while helping strengthen the resilience of the UK's mineral supply chain.