A QUARRY in Bleadon could be turned into a site for a new housing development.

If a planning application for a larger quarry in Newport is granted, the existing Marshalls site in Bridge Road, Bleadon, will be closed.

All the workers there have been offered alternative employment at the new site, which will be completed by 2013 if planning is granted.

The site in Bleadon is being examined by architects and could be used for housing.

Marshalls wants to sell the brownfield site as a housing development, which will also include some affordable properties.

Architectural firm Carlisle Jessop has been appointed to work on the project with the aim of determining what can be done at the site.

It will carry out ecological, environmental and flood risk surveys and then present plans as part of an exhibition to Bleadon residents in December.

A spokesman for Marshalls said: “Neither Marshalls nor the parish council want the Bleadon quarry site to be left derelict or unsafe.

“Numerous technical studies will have to be carried out before any plans can be developed. This work will be carried out in tandem with the Newport development to ensure that the Bleadon site is not left vacant.

“In the meantime, the parish council and Marshalls will work closely together to ensure that we all get the best for Bleadon and its present and future community.”