Hundreds of new jobs could soon be created just outside Shepton Mallet, producing components for High Speed 2 (HS2) and other major infrastructure projects.

Porr UK Ltd. has applied to build a new factory on the former Trinidad Works on the A361 near Wanstrow, between Shepton Mallet and Frome.

If approved, the brownfield site – located near the Torr Works quarry – will be used to manufacture concrete products, including railway bed slabs which can be used in the construction of HS2 and railway maintenance across the UK.

Mendip District  Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals by the summer.

The site lies on Haygrove Lane to the south of the A361, opposite the Leighton Business Park, and has been largely underused since Permanite Asphalt Ltd. ceased operation there in the 1990s.

The land is bordered to the south by Haygrove Wood and the freight railway line connecting Torr Works to mainline rail services.

Porr UK intends to bring the site back into use to manufacture trackbed slabs and other concrete-based components, using materials from the neighbouring quarry (operated by Aggregate Industries) wherever possible.

The new factory will be built at the southern end of the site (on the old factory's footprint), with the northern end being used for storing the slabs and other products before they are transported off-site.

Masterplan of the proposed site

A spokesman for Systra (representing the applicant), said: "The proposed development would initially be used to manufacture patented railway trackbed slabs.

"However, the factory would be adaptable to produce other concrete products, such as elements required for the construction of concrete tunnels.

"Aggregates used in the manufacture of the concrete products would be supplied from the neighbouring Torr Works, other than a small proportion of marine-sourced sand and cement supplied from an external source."

Porr UK estimates that the equivalent of 300 full-time jobs would be created by the site once the factory is completed.

Wanstrow Parish Council has objected to the plans, arguing the factory will lead to increased traffic on the A361 and the surrounding local roads.

Parish clerk Kate Egan stated: "The footpath diversion proposal runs just south of the A361 and would not form a very pleasant walk.

"The option which has been discounted would be preferable, although it will require a stream crossing, which they would need to provide.

"The main reason for refusal is sustainability, as the products are no longer being exported by rail but by road, so increasing the amount of traffic."

A footpath currently runs through the centre of the site, connecting Haygrove Lane to the sewage works opposite the entrance to the quarry.

The council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of spring.