Tarmac and Churngold join forces to restore Durnford Quarry, Long Ashton
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 13:33
Tarmac Limited has confirmed it is currently drawing up long-term restoration plans for Durnford quarry near Long Ashton, which will be implemented as quarrying draws to a close and for a period after mineral extraction finishes.
The historic quarry, which was acquired by Tarmac in 2000, is located next to Ashton Court Estate and its current planning permission for mineral extraction runs until 2012.
Tarmac has confirmed that an extension to the life of the quarry will be needed to around 2020 to remove the already agreed volume of aggregate. Paul Hopkins, estates manager at Tarmac commented: “This has long been an important, strategic resource for the region, but we're looking at 'the beginning of the end' of mineral extraction at Durnford.
“The current economic climate has resulted in a lower volume of stone being extracted and we need a little longer to remove the already agreed volume of aggregate. Our long term thoughts are now turning to the restoration programme having regard to the setting of the quarry and after use options“, he added Once the restoration programme is complete, the land will eventually pass to Ashton Court Estate. Initial thoughts about the 'end use' of the quarry are currently being discussed by Tarmac and the relevant parties.
A joint venture - Tarmac and Churngold Recycled Aggregates Limited (TCRA) - has been formed between Tarmac and South West remediation and recycling firm Churngold Recycling Limited to investigate the possibility of partially infilling the quarry to leave a more useable landform.
Paul Hopkins said: “We're looking at the possibility of bringing 'inert material' on to the site - things like clays and sub-soils - as part of the restoration strategy. The site is unsuitable for use as a general landfill site and municipal waste will not be allowed.”
“We're keen to leave a useable asset for the Estate and future generations and we want to give the local community an opportunity to express their views on the end use of the site so we have arranged a public consultation meeting at Long Ashton Village Hall between 3.00pm and 8.00pm on 24 June”
The historic quarry, which was acquired by Tarmac in 2000, is located next to Ashton Court Estate and its current planning permission for mineral extraction runs until 2012.