Hidden dangers beneath the surface and mounting environmental concerns have been brought into sharp focus following a series of local meetings involving quarry operators and council representatives.
Burlescombe Parish Council has highlighted safety risks and environmental issues linked to both a mothballed sand quarry and a nearby landfill site, following discussions with industry representatives and liaison groups.
During a meeting with a representative from Heidelberg, formerly Hanson Quarry, concerns were raised about the Town Farm sand quarry, which is currently inactive. The site, located near the A38, remains “mothballed” but could reopen in the future if demand for building materials increases.
The representative said the company would contact its landscape architect regarding the trimming of chestnut trees. They also confirmed they would approach Mid Devon Council about cutting back verge growth and self-seeded blackthorn bushes near the road, close to the woodlands industrial unit.
Parish councillors have also suggested that Burlescombe Parish Council should formally contact both the council and the quarry company to request maintenance work, citing safety concerns along the busy road used by quarry lorries and local traffic.
The meeting also identified potential risks within the quarry itself. Emergency plans are in place and accessible, but councillors were told that silt and sand lakes—sometimes described as quicksand—pose a danger, particularly to trespassers and children. It was agreed this information should be included in local emergency planning.
Further concerns were raised at a Quarry Liaison Meeting covering Hillhead and Broadpath on Monday, March 23.
At Broadpath landfill site, now owned by Valencia, previously operated by Viridor, members discussed reports submitted by both the company and the Environment Agency. The liaison group expressed dissatisfaction with Valencia’s report, describing it as inadequate, particularly in relation to concerns about leachate from the site.
The committee has requested that representatives from both Valencia and the Environment Agency attend the next meeting to address these issues directly.
Devon County Council has also confirmed it will not grant planning permission for a proposed solar panel installation at the landfill site until all concerns around leachate have been resolved.
At Hillhead quarry, operations reports showed that 42,500 tonnes of sand and gravel were extracted between January and February 2026. Flooding on the quarry floor caused by heavy winter rainfall was reported but is now receding.
A new still press plant was installed in January, while work at Houndaller has moved into phase eight. Soil removal is scheduled for the summer, with measures in place to protect dormice habitats.
Elsewhere, vegetation management is ongoing, and 200 young trees have been planted on quarry land behind the Old Well Garden Centre.
Parish councillors also reiterated concerns over the lack of a timeline for a new asphalt plant at the former composting site, as well as the absence of clear reasons for the decommissioning of the asphalt plant in Westleigh.
Separately, biodiversity improvements were discussed following a site visit on Thursday, March 26 with a Holcim biodiversity expert at the ORL.
Recommendations included increasing light in a fenced wildlife area by coppicing trees and clearing ivy and undergrowth, alongside planting native woodland species to encourage habitat diversity. The removal of hawthorn trees was also suggested to support butterfly and insect populations.
Other proposals included installing bird and bat boxes, managing invasive buddleia, and defining maintenance boundaries around picnic areas. The expert also encouraged applying again to the Holcim Wildlife Enhancement Fund to support further improvements.
No objections were raised to planned spring clean-up activities, provided the work is carried out promptly and with care.
The next Quarry Liaison Meeting is scheduled for July at 3pm, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
