Situated just two minutes walk from the centre of Leigh-on-Mendip in Somerset, Barnclose is a redundant quarry which has been dormant for decades and unusually has no remediation plan for its after-use, unlike the adjacent working Halecombe Quarry.

It has low ecological and economic value and yet represents a remarkable and rare opportunity to benefit the people of the area and enhance the environment. Barnclose provides a benign microclimate in parts because of its topography and southerly aspect. This development proposal for the quarry creates opportunities for sustainable living and working, which could complement the vitality of Leigh-on-Mendip whilst easing the demand for affordable homes. It proposes a mix of self-build plots and low-energy homes with employment and trade opportunities. It will reinforce demand for existing services and public transport, which have been under threat in recent years, and also allow safe public access within the quarry.

History of the project

The Bedrock Eco Village project started shortly after a 1999 report suggesting that a mixed use scheme for the quarry site should be explored (MDC commissioned Quattro to complete a feasibility study for quarry sites). Our conclusions from the commissioned report were that the proposal was unviable for small business units in this location. The Bedrock Eco Village proposal is for a mixed use zero-carbon scheme focussing on low-impact housing, mixed use tenure & self-sufficient servicing. The proposal was a little ahead of its time &, despite encouragement from English Nature & SCC regarding funding from the Aggregate Levy, the project was taken no further when a bid failed.

Further design work was undertaken up to 2006 with a computer model of the proposal and fly-thru. There are four reports covering the work undertaken between 2000 and 2006 by ‘Duke & Swann’ (now Swann Design Services), who are based in Great Elm, close to the site in Leigh-on-Mendip.

1. Bedrock Final Report 2003.
2. Summary report July 2005 (written 2003)
3. Needs of the Land, Brief & Outline Proposal, inc remediation plan 2005
4. Needs of the People, Community & Business (inc draft travel plan) 2005