Restoring a quarry to protect the environment and enable redevelopment for residential purposes

Venn Quarry

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 the scheme to achieve environmental restoration while providing development platforms to support future holiday homes.

The existing plan, approved by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency, posed significant technical challenges. Our geotechnical, hydrogeological, 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 metres of material on the site, importing 60,000 cubic metres of landscape capping. 

Our earthworks modelling and hydrological design defined the restoration landform. Our hydrogeological appraisals, including detailed quantitative risk assessment for key parameters, confirm that the restoration meets the client's required environmental advancement.

Our team also assisted with the successful outline planning application to North Devon District Council. Birchwood Lakes will include holiday lodges, a hotel, a restaurant, a farm shop, new lakes, extensive landscape planting, and outdoor recreation facilities. This vibrant development will open job opportunities, increase tourist numbers, and enhance the asset value of the land for its owners.