Airfield quarry in Gloucestershire gets go-ahead

An application by Hills Quarry Products for a sand and gravel quarry at the old airfield near Down Ampney, on the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire border, has been granted permission by Gloucestershire County Council.

The Swindon-headquartered company says the approval will ensure ongoing mineral supply to fuel continued economic stability and growth, both locally and nationally.

The site will include an aggregate processing plant, a concrete plant and a bagging operation with the associated infrastructure of silt lagoons, offices, welfare facilities, wheel washes and weighbridges.

Read more: No bones about it - Hills' mammoth graveyard near Swindon is a palaeontologist's dream

The area to be extracted including the plant site and silt lagoons is 178 hectares and extraction will take place over approximately 13 years once initial site works are completed.

The proposal also includes the provision of an education and visitor centre which will inform the wider community about how aggregate extraction underpins many aspects of society from built infrastructure such as the construction of roads, houses and public buildings through to water purification and agriculture.

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Group director Peter Andrew said: "I am delighted that our detailed proposals, which include wide-ranging environmental considerations, have been approved and that Gloucestershire County Council has entrusted Hills with the management and restoration of this important historical site through the phased extraction of essential minerals.

"I am also very happy that this will provide ongoing employment opportunities and security within the business and for our suppliers.”

CEO Mike Hill said: “The company’s record for archaeology, award-winning restoration and community consultation is exemplary, as demonstrated throughout the Cotswold Water Park, and we are excited about commencing work on this critical project.”