Coles Quarry, Backwell (Nr Bristol)
Coles Quarry was opened in 1867 and was named after the earlier operators of the site, Joseph Coles & Son Ltd. It was acquired by the RMC Group in 1968. Until the early 1970s, quarrying was confined to the excavation to the south-east of the processing plant, which is now known as the Lower Quarry. During the 1970s, a new extraction area was opened up on the limestone plateau to the east of the Lower Quarry. This excavation is screened from views to the north by the wooded slopes of Cheston Combe, and is accessed from the Lower Quarry via a relatively narrow cutting.
Coles, however, has inherent environment problems that include poor access, close proximity to residential properties and visual intrusion. Consequently, the mineral planning authority (now North Somerset Council) was concerned that production should be transferred to Freemans Quarry within the shortest possible period.
For anyone interesting in further history and to see a detailed case study, see here.
Coles, however, has inherent environment problems that include poor access, close proximity to residential properties and visual intrusion. Consequently, the mineral planning authority (now North Somerset Council) was concerned that production should be transferred to Freemans Quarry within the shortest possible period.
For anyone interesting in further history and to see a detailed case study, see here.
This one has puzzled me for a while. I live only 5 minutes away, and have been to the recycling centre right next door hundreds of times, yet I've never thought to have a wander into it. Mainly because I didn't even know what was left here, if anything at all. It was only after seeing some pictures on a friend's Facebook photo album that I matched it up with some google maps and decided it was worth a look.
The weather was absolutely perfect (for the time of year anyhow). Not a cloud in the sky, and the sun shining strong. I wanted to make the most of a lovely evening, and what better way of doing to than to wander up into the hills and catch some ace views of my hometown, as well as explore some new territory? News on some suggested plans for the site Plans for the site on an architect's website |
March 2013
Summer 2013 - 2014
More unused quarry behind the small part pictured above...
More photos coming soon...