Technology

Huge new quarry expansion threatens mass destruction of Somerset wildlife

Team Ecohustler
28th June 2021
3 min read

2 vast extractive pits planned in area of outstanding natural beauty

Image of Torr Works, Shepton Mallet, by Christina White Photography

Recent applications have been submitted for the re-opening and massive expansion of Westdown Quarry, which is immediately adjacent to the ancient Asham Woods in the Mendips outside of Frome.

Many local residents are concerned about the adverse cumulative effects to the environment and impact that a third super-quarry will have on an area that already has Whatley Quarry and Torr Works Quarry operating concurrently.

Extraction of 160 million tonnes of carbon-rich rock from Westdown Quarry and the associated increases to heavy lorry traffic would result in greatly increased carbon emissions at a time of climate crisis.

The deadline to object to the planning applications is 30th June - a draft email to send is below.

The spokesperson for local opposition to the proposals is Keith Harrison-Broninski - khb@collaboration-tools.info

Arial photo showing location of existing quarries

The details

Westdown Quarry has been disused for 40 years and adjoins the largest and most diverse ancient woodland in the Mendips. Asham Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Ancient woods in the UK are under serious threat, and Asham is one of the most important.

Extractive industries are responsible for half of the world's carbon emissions and more than 80% of biodiversity loss .

The cumulative effects of concurrent working of Westdown Quarry, Whatley Quarry, and the Torr Works Quarry would inevitably lead to impacts including:

Massively increased carbon emissions from extracted rock and lorry traffic at a time of climate crisis
Increased noise from sirens, blasting, and machinery
Increased traffic on roads that are already congested
Further negative impacts on the health of local people from pollution including dust and dirt
Unpredictable changes to the ecosystem from changes to the water table, which are hard to predict and could be expensive or even impossible to ameliorate
Further disruption of local wildlife and plant life ecosystems both on land in watercourses, in a site immediately adjoining Asham Wood(a Site of Special Scientific Interest)