Yorkshire Dales quarry set for industrial development following acquisition

A former limestone quarry in the Yorkshire Dales has been acquired and plans are now in place to transform the site into a “high quality and sustainable” industrial facility.

Giggleswick Quarry, comprising 31-acres, was bought by Fox Taylor Properties in deal negotiated by estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley.

The redundant quarry was previously owned and operated by construction materials firm Hanson UK, which closed the site more than 10 years ago after extracting all its reserves.

Located less than a mile away from Settle town centre, the quarry features stepped benches up to a height of approximately 100 feet, with a large flat area in the centre of the quarry’s void.

The site was also identified in the latest Yorkshire Dales National Park Local Plan as a site for business use.

Fox Taylor Properties, headed up by Jeremy Taylor, is behind the redevelopment of the Grade-I listed Settle Town Hall into a mixed-use development of residential apartments, retail units and office space.

Tom Galloway, who heads up Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Settle office, said: “This is one of the most unusual properties we’ve ever handled. It has a dramatic appearance in a stunning location, at the southern end of Giggleswick Scar, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but still within walking distance of all Settle’s amenities and its road and rail links, as well as offering easy access to Skipton and the M6.

“As a result, there was significant interest from a wide range of potential buyers and after considering various options, we’re delighted to agree this sale with Mr Taylor. There’s no doubt that with his local knowledge and successful experience of transforming Settle Town Hall, he can breathe new life into Giggleswick Quarry, creating something special that will benefit the local area.”

Jeremy Taylor added: “We’ll be taking a similarly sympathetic approach to the redevelopment of Giggleswick Quarry as we did with Settle Town Hall, which will be in keeping with the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

“Once complete it will offer a high quality and sustainable industrial facility for local business, as well as giving a redundant site a new lease of life and reducing the need to develop more greenfield land in the area.”