Ex-industrial site to become a nature reserve

The plans would see the quarry drained

A disused quarry that dates back to the 19th Century is to be converted into a nature reserve.

The 71-acre site in Barnsley was part of the former Yorkshire Brickworks, where clay pits were used to manufacture bricks.

The Stairfoot quarry was flooded and in 2021 became subject to a number of safety measures after people were reported to be swimming in the dangerous waters.

A planning application to drain the water and restore the land is expected to be submitted by Green Earth Developments Group (GEDG) later this year.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the site will be managed by GEDG in perpetuity.

A spokesperson said: “The remaining mineral void at Yew Tree Quarry requires pumping and restoring to enable the creation of the proposed nature reserve.

“It is anticipated that a planning application for the restoration of the currently flooded mineral void will be submitted during 2024, with creation of the nature reserve happening alongside this."

GEDG said it would hold a consultation exercise in the area ahead of any plans being formally submitted to Barnsley Council.

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