Longcliffe Quarries, a family-owned business established in 1927, known for producing high-grade limestone powders, granules and by-products, has secured planning approval for a significant extension to its operations near Brassington, Derbyshire. The newly consented development, named Aldwark South Extension, will allow the extraction of up to 23.8 million tonnes of high-purity limestone from an area of approximately 27 hectares, directly south of the existing Aldwark Quarry.
The proposed extension is on land currently utilised for mixed agriculture and is adjacent to the established Brassington Moor Quarry, which has been operating for nearly a century. The new extension is required to maintain a supply of high-purity limestone (required for specialised applications, particularly in animal feed and industrial markets) and is not expected to impact current output levels with annual production remaining at ~1.4 million tonnes.
Current reserves of limestone found at Brassington Moor are limited to ~2 million tonnes, sufficient for only two more years at current production rates. The new extension will release a further 23.8 million tonnes of saleable reserves, enabling operations to continue until ~2052, well beyond the current approved extraction end date of 2035.
For individuals in the industry seeking comprehensive information on Great Britain’s mineral sector, the 2025 edition of BDS Directory of Pits & Quarries has just been released. The directory provides detailed listings of active Sand & Gravel and Crushed Rock sites throughout Great Britain and is a helpful resource for operators, planners, contractors and suppliers involved in construction, infrastructure and materials supply. The directory includes a list of all operating sites and includes site name, address details, operator and material type. To learn more or to purchase the directory, visit the BDS website or contact BDS directly at contact@bdsmarketing.co.uk.
This is one of over 30 minerals and associated planning schemes identified last month by BDS as part of its regular monitoring of all 400+ planning authorities in Great Britain. Access to this information is available by annual subscription to the BDS Planning Portal. For more information on subscribing to the Portal or BDS research services and published reports, email: contact@bdsmarketing.co.uk or visit www.bdsmarketing.co.uk