Wickwar Quarry is a strategically located limestone
quarry which serves the needs of a wide surrounding area of the west and
parts of the Midlands. Set in attractive countryside to the north east
of Bristol, the site was once known as Churchwood Quarry. The operation
has, over its 90-plus years, contributed to homes, schools, hospitals
roads and a host of other needs throughout the region.
It has also provided much needed rural jobs for several
generations of local people and currently employs around 60 people. The
quarry became part of CEMEX in 2005 when the company first invested in
the UK by acquiring RMC.
In addition to the extraction of aggregates, the plant also has
a coating plant which supplies asphalt for road building and
resurfacing projects.
In 2009, the company received planning permission from South
Gloucestershire Council for a northern extension to its quarry in order
to respond to both local and regional demand for crushed rock and for
the asphalt made from it. That project is reported more fully here.
In 2012, we extended the planning permission for our asphalt
plant from two years to five years. We also secured the go-ahead from
South Gloucestershire Council to retain the existing readymix and
block-making plant, and to create a temporary recycling facility. Read
more about this story here.
Noise has been another important issue for the site following
complaints from the neighbouring community. The company has invested a
total of £167,000 and a significant improvement has been achieved. More
detail on that project is available here.