A FORMER quarry site in Backwell could be redeveloped to provide industrial units for village businesses and a large playing field for the community.

Developer Lancer Scott has outlined a proposal to rebuild the works site at Coles Quarry off Dark Lane.

Under the plans, dilapidated offices situated at the quarry would be pulled down and replaced with 16 industrial units for the use of village businesses only.

Also, an overgrown area would be cleared and turned into a playing field, which could be offered to a village school.

The field maintenance could be funded by a telephone company, which pays �5,000 a year for a pylon situated at the site.

The rest of the land, about 70 acres, would then be donated to Backwell Environment Trust.

The land includes Backwell Caves, which, discovered in 1936, show signs of people living in the area more than 5,000 years ago.

Planning agent Fred Moulton unveiled the plan at a meeting of Backwell Parish Council on Thursday.

Although in its early stages, Mr Moulton said the proposal offered an ‘exciting prospect’ for the village community.

He said: “This is about bringing back into use a shut-down industrial area and protecting its surroundings.

“We can also try and provide extra sports facilities to the village with the playing field, which we think could be donated to the school.”

Mr Moulton said he would report back to Backwell Parish Council’s August meeting to report more on the plans.

At the meeting, residents will also have a chance to have their say.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to North Somerset Council by the end of August.