A FORMER limestone quarry near Settle is set to get a new lease of life.

Giggleswick Quarry, which was closed more than 10 years ago, will become an 'industrial facility' after being bought by developers Fox Taylor Properties.

The 31-acre site was previously owned and operated by construction industry materials supplier Hanson UK, which closed the site after taking out all its reserves.

Jeremy Taylor, of Fox Taylor Properties, said: “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.”

Tom Galloway, of estate agent Dacre, Son and Hartley which handled the sale, 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 area.”

The quarry was put up for sale for commercial development at the end of 2016.

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