PLANS for a village quarry to be developed for residential use have been ‘well received’, according to the planning consultant.

More than 50 houses, a space for businesses and a piece of land for community use could all be built in Bleadon quarry, currently owned by concrete manufacturing company Marshalls.

But with the closure of the site expected in the next five years, the company is looking for outline planning permission to allow it to change the quarry from commercial to residential use.

Planning consultant Richard Raper said selling the site with planning permission would increase its value as it would be more appealing to developers.

He said residents did have concerns about an increase in traffic, a proposed cycle and footpath leading out of the quarry and the requirement for affordable housing.

He said: “We are very proud of the consultation stage. With one or two exceptions it has been very well received. I have worked in planning for 25 years and Marshalls is the only company who have talked to the public about their plans even though they will not be developing it themselves.”