Hydraulic Lias Lime (Hl2), the Somerset lime mortar producers who lost a planning appeal to move production to nearby Appledoor Quarry from Tout Quarry (see NSS August issue) will continue trading, says managing director Mike Farey.

Before the Appledoor appeal, another appeal to allow a two-year extension of operations at Tout had succeeded and Mike Farey says that that extension will be used.

The move to Appledoor was intended to be accompanied by investment in new plant so the production of lime mortar could be increased to meet a growing demand for it, both for conservation and new build.

Hl2 remain intent on moving to another site and Mike Farey says he is currently exploring options at other limestone quarries that he hopes to have concluded before the extension at Tout expires in July 2005.