2021-09-17 |
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Dormant Quarries Could be a Gold Mine for Landowners
Farmers and rural landowners with dormant small-scale quarries on their land are being advised of an opportunity to bring these back into economic use as the demand for local building stone soars.
Leading property consultancy Fisher German is working with an increasing number of landowners who are re-opening dormant quarries to supply stone to housebuilders.
This is as a result of local planning authorities favouring stone which matches that used in existing homes in their areas.
It is providing landowners with an opportunity to not only bring a dormant site back into use, but to generate a sizable income from a premium product.
Just one of the quarries that Fisher German has been involved with
William Gagie, of Fisher German, said: “We are seeing a number of small-scale quarries being re-opened to supply local building stone, particularly in areas where there is a limestone belt, such as the East Midlands, which produces vernacular stone to match the existing houses in their respective villages and towns.
“Planners are very keen to see this stone used in new houses, meaning that these quarries are having to re-open in order to supply this.
“It is common for villages in these areas to have small historic quarries which have been closed and are dormant, sometimes for as long as 40 years, but in planning terms it’s easier to re-open these rather than to open brand new ones.
“It also ensures as close a match as possible to the original stone used as there can often be subtle changes in colour within a few miles.
“We are already working with landowners to identify the locations of these dormant quarries. We can undertake the planning work in re-opening them and negotiate the best terms with operators to maximise income for landowners.
“It is a fantastic opportunity as the current demand for the stone means that masonry businesses are actively looking for these quarries, and from a landowner perspective the majority of the sites are currently unused and overgrown.
“The stone is a premium product so there is the potential to generate a very good income. Re-opening dormant quarries could see landowners earning tens of thousands of pounds every year for something that isn’t currently generating any income. There is also the potential for the sites to be restored in a positive fashion with a view to beneficial post-quarrying uses.
“We would urge anyone who has a dormant quarry on their land to seek expert advice to find out how they can make the most of this opportunity.”
