Chelynch Road, Doulting

DESCRIPTION
The Property is an operational dimension stone quarry that extracts and dresses Oolitic Limestone stone for use in specialist architectural projects and as a building and walling stone.

Current permitted reserves are estimated to be in excess of 900,000 tonnes in total and this is comprised of approximately 245,000 tonnes approved under a recently reviewed planning permission and a newly approved extension yielding an estimated 665,000 tonnes.

The quarry has a permitted output of up to 20,000 tonnes per annum split as 6,000 tonnes per annum of Doulting Stone and 14,000 tonnes per annum of aggregate that is able to be crushed under the new planning permission.
The quarry consists of two distinct extraction areas with the southern part comprising the current working faces, the main cutting sheds, processing and stockpiling area and ancillary offices.

The northern part of the quarry comprises an area of higher quality stone reserved for special projects and this includes the recently approved extension area and BNG/mitigation scheme.

The remaining part of the Property includes a large steel frame workshop with offices and agricultural land to the south of the quarry with good frontage onto the A361 which provides potential for a new access as well as alternative commercial or industrial uses subject to planning.

The Vendor owns adjoining agricultural land and woodland adjacent to the eastern boundaries which may be available for purchase by way of separate negotiation.

Existing stock will be included in the sale, but any plant, machinery, fixtures and fittings not specifically mentioned are excluded from the sale price but may be available to purchase by way of separate negotiation.

The Property is offered for sale due to the impending retirement of the current proprietor and ongoing projects remain unaffected by the sale and new contracts have recently been secured to supply Doulting Stone to projects nationwide.

The Property and quarry operations offer a unique opportunity for the purchaser to further strengthen the profile for Doulting Stone into the future and expand operations in line with the new planning permission and additional stone reserves.

PLANNING

Planning permission for mineral extraction is consented under reference 2014/1075/CNT and this permission has recently been reviewed and has a statutory back stop date of 21st February 2042.

The newly approved extension is consented under SCC/4071/2023 and allows for winning and working of stone for a period of 61 years from commencement.

The same planning permission also allows for the construction of a new road access to adjoin the main highway along the A361 and removes a restriction on crushing waste stone.

We are not aware of any conditions in the current planning permission restricting the use of the buildings to the activities or lifetime of the quarry operations.

The land and buildings have potential for other commercial uses subject to planning. Prospective purchasers are advised to make enquiries with Somerset County Council regarding the potential for alternative uses.

EPC RATINGS

Energy Performance Certificates have been commissioned and the relevant properties have been assessed at D.

SERVICES

We are advised that the Property benefits from mains water and (3 phase) electricity, with private drainage to a tank.

RATEBALE VALUE

The Valuation Office Agency shows that the Property has been assessed with a description of Quarry & Premises with a Rateable Value of £37,500.

TENURE & POSSESSION

The Property is available for sale Freehold with vacant possession for an owner/occupier or alternatively as an investment subject to a new lease of the mineral interests.