Spargo Quarry, Mabe, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10

Spargo Quarry is a distinctive former granite quarry set in the heart of Cornwall, extending to about 18.5 acres. Its unique character and industrial heritage create exciting opportunities for a range of uses, from leisure and tourism to other commercial ventures. The quarry has an active planning consent, but has not been worked for some time. Surrounded by countryside, yet close to Penryn and Falmouth, the site offers excellent accessibility and scope for imaginative redevelopment.

The Property:
Spargo Quarry is a site of exceptional historical interest, originally part of a major granite works, it supplied stone for bridges, statues, and prominent buildings during the 19th century, later serving decorative purposes for memorials and ecclesiastical projects. Informal records also suggest the site played a role in World War II as a bombing decoy and military training base, adding a fascinating layer to its heritage.

Today, the quarry extends to approximately 18.5 acres and is largely overgrown, with dramatic rock faces, flooded workings, and areas of natural regeneration creating a striking and rugged landscape. The site is designated as ‘open access’ land. Its status as a County Wildlife Site and location within a Mineral Safeguarding Area underline its environmental and heritage value, making it an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking a distinctive property with scope for heritage-led leisure, or conservation projects.
The quarry is also currently benefiting from a historic mineral planning permission dating back to 1998, valid until 2042. Despite this, any recommencement of quarrying would require a detailed working and restoration scheme approved by the Mineral Planning Authority.

Location:
Situated near Mabe, Spargo Quarry lies just a few miles from Penryn and Falmouth, providing easy access to Cornwall’s south coast and its vibrant maritime towns. Falmouth, renowned for its beaches, marina, and cultural attractions, is approximately 4 miles away, while Truro, the county’s commercial centre, lies around 10 miles to the northeast. The A30, Cornwall’s main arterial route, can be reached in about 20 minutes, offering excellent connectivity to the wider region and beyond.

Planning:
The quarry benefits from a historic mineral planning permission dated 29 September 1998, which remains valid until 21 February 2042. The permission allows extraction of granite for ornamental or armour stone only. Before any recommencement of quarrying, a detailed scheme for working, landscaping, restoration, and aftercare must be submitted and approved by the Mineral Planning Authority. This scheme would need to include information on extraction areas, stockpiles, landscaping measures, and ecological considerations.
The site is identified as an active (not working) building stone quarry in the Cornwall Minerals Plan Evidence Base (2018) and is located within a Mineral Safeguarding Area for building stone. Any alternative use or development would require planning permission and compliance with mineral safeguarding and biodiversity policies.

Viewings:
Interested parties are able to walk over the land by virtue of its being classed as Open Access land, however we recommend viewers wear appropriate footwear and take care of uneven ground, heights and open water.