Tarmac have recently provided the following update on operational and planning issues relating to Wensley Quarry:
Operational Update
New Wheel Wash
We have recently installed a new wheel wash facility at the site entrance. This ensures that vehicles leaving the quarry have clean wheels and tyres, reducing the risk of material being carried onto the public road network. The facility is now fully operational.
Dust Monitoring
Dust monitoring equipment has been installed at five locations around the quarry, allowing us to measure dust levels in real time. The monitors will feed into an updated Dust Management Plan, which is being finalised and will be submitted to North Yorkshire Council in due course.
Blasting
In March, we commissioned GEARS, an independent specialist, to carry out a blasting impact survey to better understand how residents experience blasting at the quarry. Forty-four residents responded. The survey has now closed and GEARS will shortly report on their findings. They have already completed an independent monitoring review of our February blast and recommended several new measures, which we are implementing ahead of the next blast. We know blasting is one of the most noticeable aspects of our operation, and we are committed to reducing any impact on the communities around the quarry.
As part of this ongoing work we will be asking residents to complete a further survey for future blasts with the next one expected to be in June.
New Hedgerow along the public footpath
We have recently planted a new hedgerow along the public footpath adjacent to the site. As the hedgerow establishes it will provide additional screening of quarrying operations, deliver biodiversity benefits and assist with dust management.
New Operations Manager
Kevin Meades has been appointed as the new Operations Manager for Wensley Quarry. Kevin has been at Tarmac for more than seven years, during which time he has been part of the management teams at Quarrington, Killerby and Nosterfield Quarries. He will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at Wensley and will be involved in future liaison group meetings.
After over 30 years working within the industry, former Operations Manager Tony Tait has now retired. We thank him for all his hard work and wish him a well-earned retirement.
Planning Update
Condition 19 – Drainage Approval
North Yorkshire Council has approved the details submitted for Condition 19 of our planning permission, which relates to foul and surface water drainage and interceptors on site. The approval followed consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority, Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency. You can read more here.
Section 73 Planning Application
We are continuing to progress our Section 73 planning application, which seeks to update and extend the existing planning consent. Our submission has been pushed back to summer 2026 as we continue to refine the proposals following feedback received during the consultation. As part of this work, we have revised our concept restoration plan and advanced planting scheme.
Restoration plan: Wensley Quarry Concept Restoration Plan
The updated restoration plan confirms our intention to move away from a predominantly grazing-based scheme. The proposed application looks to create a more varied landscape, and includes:
Advanced planting: Wensley Quarry Advanced Planting Scheme
Planting would be established on a phased basis ahead of each phase of quarrying. Since the public exhibition, we have revised the scheme so it now includes:
We are always looking for local groups and projects to support. As a reminder, there are two ways in which community groups can apply to us for funding: either directly through the quarry or through the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. If you are aware of any projects that could benefit from support, please do get in touch.
Our next liaison group meeting was due to take place on Thursday 27th August 2026 though a few members can't attend due to this being before the bank holiday. We have therefore moved the date to Thursday 3rd September
Published: 19/06/2026 Published by: Preston Under Scar Parish Council
Return to News Page.