Investigation, design and construction support through restoration of former aggregate quarry to support development as a sustainable holiday community
The Habitat First Group (HFG) specialises in creating sustainable, nature-based leisure developments on previously used land. When HFG purchased the Venn Quarry from Aggregate Industries (AI), they worked collaboratively with AI to restore the land and create the Birchwood Lakes development. Our job? Redesigning an existing restoration scheme to achieve environmental restoration whilst also providing development platforms to support future holiday homes.
The existing plan had been approved by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency, but that design posed significant technical challenges. Our geotechnical and hydrological assessments made extensive use of unmanned aerial surveys and 3D modelling software to redesign the restoration to best suit future development. We were able to move and place approximately 500,000 cubic meters of material on the site, importing 60,000 cubic metres of landscape capping.
Our team also assisted with the successful outline planning application to North Devon District Council, opening the way for the Birchwood Lakes development.
Birchwood Lakes will include holiday lodges, a hotel, a restaurant, a farm shop, new lakes, extensive landscape planting, and a range of outdoor recreation facilities. The replacement of this exhausted quarry with a vibrant development will open job opportunities, increase tourist numbers, and enhance the asset value of the land for its owners.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
-
- Habitat First Group
Jeremy Coulton, Director, Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental
We share our customer’s goals and are invested in delivering successful outcomes.
We're better together
-
Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
Contact Us -
Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.
Join the Team