After nearly two years, planning permission has finally been granted to turn disused Dulcote Quarry into a hi-tech business park that could bring 800 jobs to the area.

Local campaigners who want the land turned into a nature reserve had wanted Mendip District Council to refuse the proposals.

Planning board members at Mendip District Council agreed last year that healthy employment levels in the district were of greater importance than preserving Dulcote Quarry as a nature site.

The Yeoman Industrial Business Park at Dulcote was originally proposed in November 2008 by the Kilbride Group, which was a Scottish property developer that went bust last year.

Architects said the site has been designed so that it would have a reduced impact on the environment while also providing employment land and could include wind turbines and buildings fitted with solar panels.

The development will include 3,000 sq m of general office space besides storage and distribution space, parking and sustainable drainage systems.

Hansteen Holdings plc exchanged contracts to buy industrial office and retail sites from Kilbride's owners Kilmartin Holdings Limited, Kilmartin Group Limited and Annfield Assets Limited for £80.375 million in May.

Kilmartin went bust last year owing HBOS, which was taken over by Lloyds, £500 million.

At the time it was estimated its property portfolio was worth £300 million.