The agreement marks the latest stage in the project after Somerset Council previously approved plans to reopen the 160 million tonne limestone quarry, which has been inactive since the late 1980s.
Site preparation works are due to begin this autumn, with the quarry expected to become operational during the second half of 2027.
Once reopened, Westdown quarry will supply local demand for aggregates, while the nearby rail-connected Whatley quarry will continue to focus on serving national markets.
Seven-year planning process reaches key milestone
Heidelberg Materials UK said the agreement concludes several years of planning work to bring the site back into operation.
Trystan Mabbitt, Consenting & 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 licenses needed to allow us to discharge planning conditions, appoint contractors and prepare the site.”
Restoration and biodiversity measures included in quarry plans
The approved scheme limits quarrying activities to the site’s former boundary while retaining existing hedgerows and woodland around the perimeter.
Plans also include the planting of native broadleaved trees and shrubs on screening bunds, alongside the creation of 44 acres of new habitat designed to support connected woodland and species-rich grassland.
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.”
The reopening of Westdown quarry will allow Heidelberg Materials UK to separate local and national aggregate supply, with rail freight continuing to play a central role in distributing material from Whatley quarry while reducing heavy goods vehicle movements on local roads.
