Yorkshire Dales history trail at Langcliffe Quarry near Settle approved by council will provide ‘economic and cultural benefits’ for Yorkshire businesses and people

The project sits alongside the new business centre development which included the refurbishment of some existing 20th century stone buildings, construction of new industrial units, ancillary car parking, and landscaping.

The planning permission for this development included the agreement of a Conservation Management Plan to support the conservation and management of the wider site.

The site is set to be an archaeological monument of industrial heritage and an important wildlife habitat. It consists of three kiln types that make the area one of national significance and a key example of the lime working industry in the late 19th and 20th centuries and has therefore been designated as a Scheduled Monument.

The site, at Langcliffe Quarry near Settle, also includes the remains of three surviving kilns and associated structures - the Triple Draw Kiln, the Spencer Kiln and the Hoffman Kiln. The latter is one of the only seven surviving in the UK, it is dubbed one of the largest examples of its type in the country and one of the best preserved.

Sign up for our weekly Yorkshire Heritage newsletter

Since the cessation of industrial activity in the 20th century the site has gained new significance as an important ecological environment. The colonisation of a range of often rare and unusual species and the development of keynote habitats has given the site new and important meaning within the Yorkshire Dales. The ecological value of the site is also an enticing part of its value to walkers and visitors alike.

The £25,000 will fund essential development works, including:

- A condition survey of the historic structure to assess their current condition and ability to accommodate any further impact from visitors and recommend a prioritised programme of consolidation works to address any identified issues.

- Research and preparation of designs for interpretation panels.

- Preparation of drawings to inform the submission of an application to Historic England for Scheduled monument consent.

The total project fund will be £310,000.

The grant will cover the costs to create a coherent and comprehensive interpretive trail designed to enable people to explore the site and learn about the industrial heritage and natural environment of North Yorkshire.

The goal of the project is to improve access around the site for a wider group of users, help people imagine the site in operation, and help them gain a better understanding and appreciation of the local lime-working industry.

The results of the project are expected to make a positive contribution towards providing economic and cultural benefits for local businesses and people.