M C CULLIMORE (GRAVELS) LTD THE TOWN AND …caps.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc_images/12_0015_CWM… · · 2014-10-22NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE . ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT . ... 3.10

M C CULLIMORE (GRAVELS) LTD

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT)

REGULATIONS 2011

PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL ON LAND AT WETSTONE BRIDGE FARM, DOWN AMPNEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND LATTON, WILTSHIRE

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

David Jarvis Associates Ltd 1 Tennyson Street

Swindon Wiltshire SN1 5DT

Tel: 01793 612173 Fax: 01793 613625

Email: [email protected] September 2012

mailto:[email protected]

lbeer

New Stamp

Non-Technical Summary Land at Wetstone Bridge Farm

September 2012 2 David Jarvis Associates Limited

CONTENTS:

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2 THE APPLICANT ....................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................... 5

2.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2 PROPOSED METHOD AND SEQUENCE OF WORKING ........................................................................................ 6

3.0 THE ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................. 10

3.1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................. 10 3.2 GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER ...................................................................................................... 10 3.3 ARCHAEOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 11 3.4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY ............................................................................................................ 12 3.5 ECOLOGY .............................................................................................................................................. 13 3.6 HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ......................................................................................................................... 15 3.7 NOISE .................................................................................................................................................. 15 3.8 DUST ................................................................................................................................................... 16 3.9 THE SOIL RESOURCE ............................................................................................................................... 18 3.10 BIRDSTRIKE IN RELATION TO RAF FAIRFORD ................................................................................................ 18 3.11 COTSWOLD CANALS ............................................................................................................................... 19 3.12 CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................................ 19

4.0 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................. 20

5.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 21

NTS Nº: 1. Location Plan 2. Application Site and Context 3. Existing Conditions 4. Initial Works and Phase 1 Extraction 5. Phase 2 and 3 Extraction 6. Phase 4 Extraction 7. Phase 5 Extraction 8. Phase 6 Extraction 9. Phase 7 Extraction 10. Phase 7 Infilling and Phase 8 Extraction 11. Final Restoration



1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

1.1.1 This is the Non Technical Summary (NTS) of the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared to accompany a planning application by M C Cullimore (Gravels) Limited to extract mineral on land at Wetstone Bridge Farm, Down Ampney, Gloucestershire and on adjoining land within Latton, Wiltshire.

1.1.2 The site is located approximately 0.5km south west of Marston Meysey village at National

Grid Reference SU 1257 9604, shown on Figure Nºs 1 and 2.

1.1.3 The site is bounded by the C116-C118 Eastern Spine Road to the north, a section of the disused Thames and Severn canal to the south, Marston Meysey brook to the east and a field boundary and drain to the west.

1.1.4 The surrounding land use is predominantly rural though the Company operates a sand and gravel quarry on adjoining land to the east on land at Roundhouse Farm.

1.1.5 The application site is shown on Figure Nº 3. It comprises 25.75ha of very gently sloping agricultural land crossed broadly south-west to north-east by a drain, the line of which coincides with the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire county boundary.

1.1.6 The proposed mineral extraction area is approximately 21.2ha, of which approximately

15.6ha lies north of the county boundary in Gloucestershire and the remainder (5.6 ha) falls within land to the south in Wiltshire.

1.1.7 The site has a proven sand and gravel mineral reserve of approximately 960,000 tonnes. The reserve varies in thickness between approximately 1.2-3.65 metres and is overlain by approximately 0.35 metre soils.

1.1.8 This deposit will satisfy a range of British Standard requirements for the construction industry, including those for ready-mixed concrete.

1.2 The Applicant

1.2.1 M C Cullimore (Gravels) Limited is a family owned company based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The Company has been established for over 80 years and operates throughout the county as well as Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

1.2.2 The applicant currently operates 4 sand and gravel quarries as well as ready mixed concrete, aggregates recycling and bagging facilities. The business is complemented by a storage and distribution service based at Netherhills, Frampton on Severn and is significant local employer of approximately 70 staff.

1.2.3 The applicant is a member of the Mineral Products Association (MPA) and the Restoration

Guarantee Fund. The Company was one of the founder operators in the Cotswold Water Park and has received two national restoration awards for high quality agricultural restoration and nature conservation in addition to the Cooper-Heyman Cup, the industries annual award for operators who have made an important environmental, social and economic contribution through their restoration work.



Additional information in respect of the applicant can be found on the Company website: http://www.cullimoregroup.co.uk

http://www.cullimoregroup.co.uk/



2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1 General

Maintaining Supply to the Market 2.1.1 It is intended that the Wetstone Bridge site will replace sand and gravel production at the

Company’s adjoining operation at Roundhouse Farm. At current rates of production all consented reserves at Roundhouse Farm, excluding those underlying the existing plant site, will be exhausted during May 2015.

2.1.2 In order to maintain an uninterrupted supply to the local market the Wetstone Bridge site would need to be fully operational prior to this date. Production at Wetstone will ease the risks to supply caused by flood events and the shortage of 20mm gravel at Roundhouse Farm.

2.1.3 Currently the Roundhouse Farm site operates with a very limited ‘dry’ reserve retained

above the 1:5 year floodplain level. The reserve is available to the Company in the event that the remaining working areas within the higher risk area become flooded thereby ensuring an uninterrupted supply to the market. As of October 2011 the remaining ‘dry’ reserve was calculated to comprise approximately 60,000 tonnes almost all of which underlies the plant site (Phase 10) with a very small reserve remaining within Phase 1 which will be extracted prior to the end of 2013. From this point onwards there will a significant risk to continuity of supply caused by flood events.

2.1.4 The north eastern and to a lesser extent, the north western areas of the Wetstone Bridge site lie above the 1:5 year floodplain level, whilst the majority of the remaining area falls within it. Consequently it is intended that reserves in the northern area would remain largely unworked unless the lower reserves become flooded, threatening market supply, or have been exhausted. The northern reserve would also be available to maintain supply in the event that the Roundhouse Farm extraction void is flooded and no remaining ‘dry’ reserve remains on that site.

2.1.5 The Roundhouse Farm site has a relative lack of 20mm gravel which is in greater supply at the application site. This material is in seasonal demand for landscape related developments and the deficit could be met from the application site.

2.1.6 It is anticipated that, subject to the grant of planning permission, the Wetstone Bridge site would become operational on an intermittent basis during late 2013 through to late 2015, in order to supply 20mm gravel or sand and gravel in the event that production at Roundhouse Farm is interrupted by flood events. There would be no change to the consented period of working and restoration at Roundhouse Farm

2.1.7 The mineral within Phase 10 at Roundhouse Farm would be dug as-raised following removal of the plant and taken to Wetstone Bridge for processing, after which production would switch fully to the application site.

2.1.8 At predicted levels of production (approximately 125,000 tpa) the site would take approximately 10 years to extract, allowing for a reduced level of production during the period whilst Roundhouse Farm remains in operation. Allowing for initial works the total timescale to final restoration would be in the order of 12 years.



Proposed Hours of Working

2.1.9 Proposed operations would operate within the same working hours as presently permitted at the adjoining Roundhouse Farm site: 0700 - 1800 Monday to Friday 0700 - 1300 Saturday No working on Sundays, Public or Bank Holidays.

Extraction Method

2.1.10 Extraction works would incorporate the following:

• handling and placement of soils and overburden using excavator and dump truck;

• dewatering of saturated mineral to allow for dry working and restoration.

• extraction of mineral by 360º tracked excavator;

• transport of mineral by 20 tonne dump truck to a new plant processing site

Proposed Extraction Stand-Off Margins

2.1.11 Proposed extraction stand–off margins are as follows:

$ 75m from Wetstone Bridge Farm, the nearest residential property.

$ 10m to retained drains and the disused canal.

$ 5m to haul roads (where adjacent to an excavation), retained hedging and woodland.

2.2 Proposed Method and Sequence of Working

2.2.1 Proposed development is illustrated on Figures 3-9 and described below.

Initial Works and Phase 1 Extraction (Figure 4)

2.2.2 These works would comprise: Soil stripping and storage. Construction of the site access, weighbridge and offices with associated hard standings, fencing and signage. Installation of mineral screening and washing plant and temporary lagoon.



Mineral extraction within Phase 1. Mineral taken to an ‘as-raised’ stockpile within the plant site prior to commission of the processing plant.

2.2.3 The soil storage bunds locations coincide with predicted noise and visual screening requirements. The bunds would be grassed and between 2.5 -4.0 metres high.

2.2.4 Mineral extraction would commence following the removal of soils. Backfilling the mineral void with imported inert fill would commence during the latter stages of working. Phases 2 and 3 Extraction (Figure 5)

2.2.5 Phase 2A will be the first phase to be worked and restored within an eight week period following Phase 1 extraction. This so as to provide in advance an area of restored land containing a small water body for the amenity benefit of residents at Wetstone Bridge Farm whilst the remainder of works are carried out. The property is owned by the applicant.

2.2.6 Topsoils would be stripped from Phase 2A and placed into temporary storage bunds around

the periphery of the phase. Subsoils would be stripped and placed into the Phase 1 void to assist with the construction of silt ponds. The underlying mineral will be extracted and the phase restored using stored subsoil. An internal haul route will be established between the plant site and Phase 3.

2.2.7 Topsoil would then be stripped from Phases 2B and 3 and stored in grassed bunds. Subsoil

and excavated clays will be used to construct silt and clean water ponds within the Phase 1 void. Clean water discharge will be to the central site drain.

2.2.8 Phases 2 and 6 (in part) are located on slightly higher ground and are less prone to flood

events than the remaining areas of the site. It is intended that the mineral reserve within Phase 2b mineral is worked either during Phases 3-4 when flood events prevent working in these areas or in any event following completion of Phase 4.

2.2.9 In the event that flooding causes Phase 2 to be fully worked before completion of Phases 3-

5, then Phase 7 would be worked thereby facilitating uninterrupted production. 2.2.10 It is anticipated that mineral extraction operations would complete at the adjoining

Roundhouse Farm site prior to completion of Phase 2 mineral extraction. Phase 2A Restoration and Indicative 2b Extraction (Figure 6)

2.2.11 During Phase 3 working it is anticipated that imported inert filling operations would complete within the adjoining Roundhouse Farm site and would continue within the Wetstone bridge site, providing continuity of inert voidspace for the local market. Phase 4 Extraction (Figure 7)

2.2.12 Topsoil would be stripped and stored at the northern and southern boundaries of working. Subsoil would be placed in Phase 4.

2.2.13 Mineral extraction would progress from Phase 3. Infilling and restoration works would

complete in Phase 2A and then progress within Phases 2B and 3.



2.2.14 During Phase 4 extraction restoration works would commence on the stretch of disused canal within Phase 3. A description of this aspect of the works is provided at Appendix 8. The canal route would be adjusted to accommodate a stand-off margin to a badger outlier sett.

2.2.15 Following Phase 4 mineral extraction any remaining reserve within Phase 2b would be

worked prior to mineral extraction within Phases 5 or 6. Phase 5 Extraction (Figure 8)

2.2.16 Extraction progresses in a northerly direction following soil stripping and storage. Works would be substantially screened by a combination of peripheral bunds sited at the western and north western margins of the site and existing hedgerows. Phase 2B would be infilled and restored during this phase. Phases 6 and 7 Extraction (Figure 9)

2.2.17 Phases 6 and 7 would be worked simultaneously according to flood incidents. During mineral extraction within Phase 7, restoration works would complete within Phases 3 and 4. Extraction would progress in a northerly direction. Residual mineral at the eastern end of Phase 5 would be worked at this time. This section of reserve contains a minor drain and would be worked relatively rapidly under suitable weather conditions in order that the resulting void can be backfilled and a replacement drain reconnected as soon as practicable.

2.2.18 Topsoils from Phase 6 would be stored within the phase and used to restore Phase 5 during

infilling works. Phases 6 and 7 infilling and Phase 8 Extraction (Figure 10) 2.2.19 Phase 8 extraction would coincide with infilling works in Phases 6 and 7. In order that the

reserve can be worked the processing plant, weighbridge and associated facilities will be removed. The mineral would then be extracted to an as-raised stockpile and transported to another processing facility owned by the company.

2.2.20 The silt and clean water ponds will be subject to minor regarding to provide shallow edge

profiles suitable for developing wet woodland and marginal vegetation. 2.2.21 Infilling will finish within Phase 8 and remaining stored soils used to complete the

restoration. The internal access road will be removed and the underlying mineral worked. The access onto the Cricklade to Kempsford road would be retained for farm use. Final Restoration (Figure 11)

2.2.22 The site will be restored to agriculture at existing levels with the exception of the former silt and clean water ponds and a strip of lower lying land, approximately 0.5m below pre-extraction levels, running broadly parallel to the restored canal route. These features will provide additional wildlife habitat and a potential amenity corridor associated with the canal. New and additional field hedges will be planted and outline details of proposed species and locations are provided.



2.2.23 A description of the proposed restoration ecological mitigation measures and enhancements is provided at Appendix 5.



3.0 THE ASSESSMENT

3.1 General

3.1.1 Proposed development has been assessed in relation to its potential effects on:

• Groundwater and Surface Water • Archaeology • Landscape and Visual Amenity • Ecology • Highways and Traffic • Noise • Dust • Soil Resource

3.1.2 In addition consideration has been given to other topics raised as a result of the initial

consultation with the Mineral Planning Authorities:

• Birdstrike in relation to RAF Fairford. • Cotswold Canals. • Consideration of Alternatives.

3.1.3 A summary of the findings in relation to each topic is provided below. 3.2 Groundwater and Surface Water 3.2.1 The locality is drained by Marston Meysey Brook and a number of field drains all of which

provide contributory flow to the River Thames which lies approximately 350m to the west of the site. The Company carries out regular maintenance of the drains within its ownership.

3.2.2 The site is bounded and crossed by several watercourses of varying size. Marston Meysey

Brook passes the eastern boundary of the site and continues another 400m before flowing into the Thames. Drains to the north and west of the site enter the site via culverts and contribute flow to the brook. A disused section of canal passes the south eastern boundary.

3.2.3 Water quality in the Thames, Marston Meysey Brook and Ampney Brook in the locality is typically very good with low levels of suspended solids. The agricultural nature of the catchments in the locality is reflected in the higher levels of nitrates and phosphates in these drains. The Marston Meysey Brook is regularly recorded as dry or with low flows during the summer and early autumn months.

3.2.4 With the exception of a very small area near the north east boundary, the entire site is at risk of flooding.

3.2.5 The geological sequence in the locality of the site is characterised by sand and gravel

deposits underlain by Oxford Clay. Groundwater flows broadly eastwards in the sand and gravel deposit over the Oxford Clay. Much of the rain falling onto the site percolates into the ground, adding to the groundwater which in turn contributes to flow in the River Thames.

3.2.6 A full Hydrological and Hydrogeological Impact Assessment of the scheme has been carried out. The identified possible impacts of the proposed scheme are potential flooding,



increased surface water runoff, generation of silt, potential effects on water quality and groundwater flow. It has been shown that these potential impacts can be countered by appropriate site design and incorporation of best working practices.

3.2.7 Sand and gravel pits are normally worked dry and any groundwater or rainfall collected in a small sump dug at the bottom the quarry to be pumped out into a licensed discharge point or soakaway approved by the Environment Agency. This process is called ‘dewatering.’ In order to minimise the potential for dewatering activity to affect groundwater flow the following measures are proposed:

• the area of active dewatering should be no greater than 200 × 200m at any time;

• where possible groundwater inflowing to the excavation void should be discharged to a local soakaway sump to allow groundwater recharge; and

• a temporary clay barrier should be constructed at the quarry side walls to reduce

the flow of groundwater into the pit.

3.2.8 Standard measures have been proposed to ensure that existing floodwater flow routes are maintained and not hindered by the proposed workings or the proposed restoration scheme. Temporary soil bunds are used to store soils, help screen the site and reduce noise effects. These bunds could in principle affect the flow of flood water so they are built with gaps in them.

3.2.9 It is recognised that sections of the site will be susceptible to flooding when there are high flows in the Meysey Brook. Suitable measures have been proposed to ensure the risk to site operatives during a flood event is managed appropriately.

3.2.10 All engineering works associated with the proposed internal haul road watercourse crossings

would be developed in consultation with the Environment Agency with appropriate consents sought prior to any development works being undertaken.

3.2.11 Following restoration of the site there will be no increase in the volume or rate of surface water runoff from existing.

Conclusion

3.2.12 Incorporation of the measures identified within the assessment and the scheme design will result in a near in the works having a very low level potential of effect on the water environment.

3.3 Archaeology

3.3.1 An archaeological desk based assessment was carried out during March 2008. The study

established that archaeological remains in the form of cropmarks, possibly of prehistoric or Romano-British date, exist within the application site as well as the remains of a possible Medieval building.

3.3.2 Land immediately to the south of the application site is designated as a Scheduled Monument recognising the presence of nationally important archaeological remains in the immediate vicinity. Further prehistoric, Romano-British and Medieval archaeology has been



identified during archaeological investigations directly to the east of the site at Roundhouse Farm.

3.3.3 The study concluded that an archaeological evaluation consisting of a geophysical survey and targeted trial trenching should be carried out to specifications agreed both by Gloucestershire and Wiltshire County Councils.

3.3.4 The Company commissioned a geophysical survey and trial trenching works which were carried out during 2008-9. The geophysical survey revealed the possible presence of linear features, such as ditches and gullies, and various other anomalies which may be geological or archaeological in origin.

3.3.5 The results of the trenching investigation have been supplied to the curatorial authorities. The evaluation uncovered archaeological deposits dating from the Iron Age (possibly earlier) and the post-medieval periods.

3.3.6 An area of archaeological potential is located in the far eastern part of the site, bordering the western edge of the prehistoric site at Roundhouse Farm which is currently the subject of ongoing archaeological evaluation during mineral extraction works by the Company. The Roundhouse site contained a Bronze Age ritual landscape as well as Iron Age settlement.

3.3.7 Within the Wetstone site other features identified include old river channels together with ditches and gullies of larger field systems and enclosures. There also appear to be rubbish pits and substantial postholes indicating fence lines and post built structures. A good range of cultural material (pottery, animal bone and metalwork) was recovered.

3.3.8 At the western edge of the site an undated cluster of features might indicate a nucleus of activity but is difficult to characterise and may not be of archaeological interest.

3.3.9 The post-medieval features include large ditches, representing both field and droveway systems, with the likelihood of a ridge and furrow system in the far southern field and a suggestion of a water meadow system in the north-eastern field. An old stream channel was also recorded crossing the site, which had been ditched in the late 19th or 20th century.

3.3.10 It is concluded that, on the basis of the evidence supplied that the site will be worked in accordance with a written scheme of archaeological resource management previously submitted and approved by the curatorial authorities.

3.4 Landscape and Visual Amenity

3.4.1 A landscape and visual assessment of proposed development has been carried out.

3.4.2 The area consists of generally low-lying, flat or gently undulating farmland with large numbers of watercourses and water bodies.

3.4.3 The application site comprises an area of arable farmland with perimeter hedges and

ditches. A disused canal runs along the southern edge of the site.

3.4.4 Users of public rights of way, occupiers of residential properties and users of public roads close to the site would be affected by proposed development. The effects of the



development will be temporary in duration, with the site being progressively restored to agriculture and nature conservation areas within a predicted 12 year period.

3.4.5 During the operational phase of the development there would be temporary loss of the rural farmed character. There would also be a temporary cumulative effect as the scheme would operate during the latter stages of the adjoining Roundhouse Farm quarry development. Given the broad extents of this landscape type in the locality and the temporary nature of the effect the loss would be of minor significance. The effect would be kept to as low a level as practicable as a result of the phased scheme of working. Following restoration of the site, the effects of the development will be beneficial arising through the planting of new hedges and trees on the restored farmland, reinforcing the more positive aspects of local character.

3.4.6 There are no formal landscape designations affecting the site or the immediate locality. The overall effects of the proposed development on how the landscape is valued (in terms of its amenity, ecological and historic interest) are assessed as being adverse in nature, temporary in duration, and of moderate-slight significance. Following restoration, the development would have a beneficial long-term effect, mainly due to the proposed nature conservation related enhancements and new planting.

3.4.7 The site lacks significant landscape elements or features. As a consequence the operational

phase of the development is assessed as having no significant adverse effects in this respect. The restoration of the site will have some beneficial effects through the creation of stronger traditional elements in the form of field hedges and tree planting as well as new ponds and associated vegetation.

3.4.8 The flat landform in the area, combined with woodlands, screen belts and (often substantial) hedgerows, considerably restrict views into the application site. Such views are limited predominantly to near locations to the east, south and west of the site. During operation these views will be largely defined by the proposed perimeter grassed screen bunds, which themselves will be partially hidden behind existing hedging. The most significant effects would occur in the early stages when the screen bunds are constructed and a small area of extraction and restoration is carried out at the north east corner of the site. The intention of the latter is to provide a landscaped pond adjoining Wetstone Cottage so as to improve visual amenity during the remainder of the development period.

3.4.9 Following the restoration of the site to agricultural land with additional hedgerows, ponds and associated vegetation closer views of the site will improve slightly. There will be no significant changes to views from further afield.

3.4.10 As a result it is considered that the proposed development would not result in any

unacceptable adverse levels of landscape or visual impact and would provide a slight beneficial effect in the long term.

3.5 Ecology

3.5.1 Ecological surveys have been carried out between 2004-2010 and more recently in August

2012. The surveys determined the type, quality and extent of habitats present, presence of notable plants, and the presence of protected and rare/scarce wildlife.

3.5.2 The site encompasses three arable fields and surrounding land is predominantly arable. The

eastern and western boundaries of the site are delineated by field ditches, while the three



fields are divided by ditches. The northern boundary is a mature, species-rich hedgerow and the southern boundary is a disused canal. There is additional hedgerow/scrub on-site and mature trees are present either along the boundaries or along the field ditches.

3.5.3 All habitats are common and widespread, and no notable plants were found. Largely the site

contains wildlife species that are common and widespread. However, there are some ecological features that are legally protected or that have been identified as being important through the Biodiversity Action Plan process, and these are largely associated with the linear and boundary habitats in the site. The features of interest are: • Important hedgerow classified under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997; • Badgers with one main sett and one outlier sett on-site, latrines and foraging along

linear features; • Potential bat roost trees in hedgerows and along the ditch network, and bats using

boundary habitats for foraging and commuting; • Breeding birds in the hedgerows and scrub; • Water vole previously recorded in the some of the ditches, but absent in 2010 and 2012; • Signs of otter located immediately to the south of the study area (2010 survey); • UK and local BAP habitats and species including: species-rich hedgerows and farmland.

3.5.4 The site is considered to have an ecological value at the Local (Parish) scale. However, it is considered that the integrity of any surrounding habitats/communities/species would have no reliance upon the ecology contained within the site, and would not suffer as a result of the temporary loss of this land during the period of mineral extraction.

3.5.5 For the duration of mineral extraction there is deemed to be an adverse effect associated

with the loss of arable land, the removal of a small part of the northern hedgerow, the realignment of the north-south ditch, and the loss of one potential bat roost tree. However, these impacts are only considered to be significant at the Site scale (i.e. impacts contained within the study area boundary) as the key ecological features are avoided or protected, and the majority of wildlife corridors through the study area remain open with significant amounts of alternative habitat elsewhere for migrating and foraging animals to use. Adverse impacts are mitigated or compensated through post-scheme restoration.

3.5.6 The final, long-term scheme enhances and diversifies habitats within the study area through

the construction of wildlife-focused ponds, wet grassland mosaic habitat and new hedgerows. This will enhance habitats for wildlife currently on-site, and link to the wider environment providing habitat for wildlife to expand into. In time this scheme will very likely improve the status and integrity of the study area and wider environs, particularly for badger, otter, bats, water vole, birds, herpetofauna and invertebrates. Long-term ecological effects are therefore considered to be positive and significant at the ‘Local (Parish) scale.

Conclusion

3.5.7 Proposed development would not result in any unacceptable effects on the local nature conservation interest or protected species. Suitable mitigation measures will be employed during the works to reduce residual effects to a low level. Such measures could be required by condition attached to any planning permission.

3.5.8 The proposed restoration will provide a net benefit to the long term nature conservation interest of the site.



3.6 Highways and Traffic 3.6.1 The Wetstone Bridge site is located on the south side of the C116/C124 Eastern Spine Road

around 3km east of the junction with the A419 (T). From here it is around 10 km to Swindon.

3.6.2 Wetstone Bridge Farm lies within the Upper Thames Valley which forms an important sand and gravel resource for both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. One of the key aims for minerals planning both nationally and locally is to reduce carbon emissions by minimising the distance that minerals travel to their point of use.

3.6.3 The Eastern Spine Road is a local lorry route or access route on both the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire freight route maps, whilst the A419 trunk road is identified as a long distance or strategic route. There has been a longstanding proposal to improve the Eastern Spine Road through the Cotswold Water Park as a route to cater for local residents, local industry and longer distance lorry movements. However a major scheme had now been dropped in favour of incremental improvements. The Eastern Spine Road currently carries some 2,700 vehicles per 24 hour average weekday, which is well within capacity. There is no particular road safety problem in the vicinity of Wetstone Bridge Farm.

3.6.4 Moreton C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd began extracting sand and gravel from Roundhouse Farm immediately to the east of Wetstone Bridge Farm in Autumn 2007, and in 2008 the company estimated that there was a further seven years supply here (3-4 years as of March 2012). It is intended that Wetstone Bridge Farm will eventually take over from Roundhouse Farm, extending the total life of Moreton C Cullimore’s two quarries in the area to fifteen years. In the interim, Wetstone Bridge Farm could fill the gap if Roundhouse Farm if certain materials (i.e. 20mm gravel) were in short supply or in the event of flood events. However, there is no plan to increase the total aggregates produced from the two sites on a daily basis, so that there will be no increase in total trip generation compared with the existing consent for Round House Farm.

3.6.5 Access to Wetstone Bridge Farm will be from a new junction on to the Eastern Spine Road just west of the lane to Down Ampney. An indicative layout for the junction has been designed. A PICADY assessment for 2022 shows that no queuing or delay will occur in either the AM or PM peak hours. Traffic from Wetstone Bridge Farm will be able to reach the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire freight route network without the need to travel through existing settlements.

Conclusion

3.6.6 The proposals accord with national and local planning policy guidance which seeks reduce carbon emissions by exploiting local resources and minimising the distance that minerals travel to their point of use. Therefore, there is no transport reason why the planning application for gravel extraction and restoration at Wetstone Bridge Farm should not be permitted.

3.7 Noise

3.7.1 A noise survey was carried out during March 2008.



3.7.2 The noise survey was carried out to determine the existing noise profile at the nearest properties:

1. Wetstone Cottage (rear garden area).

2. The Round House (at the driveway gates).

3.7.3 The existing noise at Wetstone Cottage is generated by traffic on the adjacent C116 Cricklade Road; there are some local cars but mainly passing HGV’s are the primary noise source. Distant traffic on the A419 and occasional aircraft contribute to the overall noise profile.

3.7.4 Activity due to initial works and some final restoration operations would fall within the national guidance advisory limit for such temporary operations. Unscreened extraction operations during phase 2A operations could yield levels outside the advisory limit but since it is planned to cover all operations including restoration during a 8 week period, this is within the timescale for temporary operations. The remaining works would meet the required standards with proposed screen bunds in place.

3.7.5 The existing noise at Roundhouse Farm is similar to that at Wetstone Cottages. Activity due to initial works and some final restoration operations would fall well inside the advisory limit for such temporary operations as would any proposed unscreened extraction operations.

3.7.6 Although mitigation is not required there will be a screen bund in place at least 2.5m high in place at the north eastern boundary which will reduce noise levels further.

3.7.7 The assessment shows that mineral extraction operations at Wetstone Bridge Farm can be carried out without exceeding the recommended noise criteria in line with national and regional guidance.

3.8 Dust

3.8.1 Identified potential sources of airborne dust from the application site include:

• soils handling, including restoration; • overburden handling; • mineral extraction; • loading and tipping; • site haulage; • road haulage; • windblow across soil bunds; and • windblow across stripped areas and other areas of bare ground.

3.8.2 With the exception of site haulage other potential sources are considered not significant as a

result of the cohesive nature of the soils and overburden and the saturated nature of the mineral.

3.8.3 Site haulage remains potentially the greatest source of airborne dust, particularly over longer distances when speeds tend to be greater and more effort is required to maintain a smooth damp running surface.



3.8.4 National guidance for mineral workings advises that residents’ concerns are most likely to be experienced within 100m of the dust source. It is common practice however to allow for potential dust effects from sand and gravel operations to occur up to 250m from source. Proposed site haulage operations associated with the working of all or parts of Phases 2A, 2B, 3 and 8 would occur closer than 250m from Wetstone Bridge Farm House and Wetstone Cottage. Phase 2A working would occur within100m of Wetstone Bridge Farm House although this small phase has been designed to be worked and restored within a short timescale (8 weeks). Subsequent works would be carried out at a distance greater than 100m and behind 2.5m high grassed screen bunding.

3.8.5 All other phases of working occur at a distance greater than 250m from these sensitive locations and significant adverse impacts due to dust are therefore unlikely to occur.

3.8.6 A number of mitigation measures are proposed to reduce potential impacts to an acceptable level. The site would be operated in accordance with the guidance provided in the Best Practice Guide appended to ‘The Environmental Effects of Dust from Surface Mineral Workings’ and, although no prescribed processes will be carried out, PG3/8(96), ‘Secretary of State’s Guidance - Quarry Processes’. The essence of the guidance is that dust emissions can be controlled by effective site management.

3.8.7 The Quarry Manager will determine his response to potential or actual dust emissions, taking into account current and forecast weather conditions.

3.8.8 Particular care will be required in respect of site haulage to control the occurrence of dust emissions. Standard good practices include:

• avoiding abrupt changes in horizontal and vertical alignment; • compaction, grading and maintenance of haul routes; • setting an appropriate speed limit; • fitting all site vehicles and plant with upswept exhausts and radiator fan

shields; • evenly loading vehicles to avoid spillages and • dust suppression by regular spraying in dry conditions.

3.8.9 All site traffic will keep to the designated haul routes. The construction of the main haul

route along the less sensitive eastern end of the proposed extension will reduce the magnitude of any impacts.

3.8.10 The effects of windblow across stripped surfaces and bare ground will be minimised by ensuring that loose soils and other materials are not left untreated on the ground. During dry conditions, water will be applied as necessary to stabilise any loose bare surfaces.

3.8.11 If the effects of windblow against the excavation face remain evident, water will be sprayed on any part of the face not under active extraction to reduce the area of available material.

3.8.12 The mitigation of the fine particles emissions will be achieved primarily by means of the standard mitigation measures for general dust outlined above.

3.8.13 The implementation of standard good working practices and the proposed additional mitigation measures are generally accepted by the Government and the surface minerals industry as providing effective control against the impact of airborne dust. With the



implementation of these measures, significant residual effects are unlikely to occur.

3.9 Soil Resource

3.9.1 The site is mainly occupied by three arable fields with a combined area of approximately 23.4ha. The land falls very gently south east from 76.92m AOD in the north west corner to 75.33m AOD in the south east with linear low lying areas.

3.9.2 The upper geological sequence at the site consists of river terrace deposits of sandy gravel

covered by approximately 0.35m thick layer of topsoil. 3.9.3 Government policy is to protect valuable soil resources from loss or damage during land

disturbance and ensure that stripped and stored soils are used to best effect in land reinstatement. Restoration to a similar quality to that currently present will require the careful handling of the soil resources to retain both drainage and sufficient depth of moisture-retentive soils.

3.9.4 The soil resources would be easily damaged by being stripped or moved when wet. Consequently, stripping will only take place in the driest parts of the year.

3.9.5 The scheme design allows for both direct placement and storage of stripped soils over placed imported inert fill materials to reach existing ground levels. The topsoil resources will be stripped and stored separately in grassed bunds.

3.9.6 The restored land will be sown to ensure that ground cover is established before the ensuing winter.

3.9.7 Proposed restoration is predominantly to agriculture with areas set aside for wet grassland and small permanent water bodies. With the exception of the permanent water bodies all other worked land will be topsoiled to facilitate agricultural production and management. Areas of proposed grassland would be managed by grazing or occasional mechanical cutting.

3.9.8 For the agricultural restoration the aim is to produce land of the same quality as presently

exists in blocks of a suitable size and shape for efficient use of farm machinery. The restoration profile for these areas of land would comprise an approximate average 350mm depth topsoil over approximately 2.0m depth imported inert fill material, (typically a mix of clays, subsoil and construction and demolition waste).

3.9.10 The soil resource will be retained and stripped, stored and placed in accordance with good practice.

3.10 Birdstrike in Relation to RAF Fairford 3.10.1 The Defence Estates Safeguarding team were consulted during August 2008 and provided

with a draft restoration scheme for the site for comment. The scheme remains substantially unchanged.

3.10.2 The Ministry of Defence has no objection to the initial concept as presented subject to the full details of the design of the wetland area and associated planting are presented at the planning application stage.



3.10.3 These details are shown on Figure Nº 11. The scheme aims to achieve a balance between meeting the requirements of current guidance and providing a contribution to the long term nature conservation value of the site and locality.

3.11 Cotswold Canals

3.11.1 A section of the disused Thames and Severn Canal passes along the southern boundary of

the site. This feature would be reconstructed in a similar manner as that proposed for the adjoining Roundhouse Farm site.

3.12 Consideration of Alternatives

3.12.1 Alternatives to the current proposals relate to no development, partial development or development in alternative locations.

3.12.2 In the event that no development was to take place potential sand and gravel reserves

within the permission site would remain unworked and demand for the mineral would need to be met from an alternative location. This would be a temporary delay as the Wetstone Bridge site falls within the Mineral Safeguarding Zone identified in the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Core Strategy.

3.12.3 The site represents a logical western progression of the adjoining site sand and gravel working at Roundhouse Farm. If permitted the site would ensure continuity of supply from this section of the Cotswold Water Park/Upper Thames Valley in a timely and progressive manner.

3.12.4 Similarly restoration of the Wetstone Bridge site would follow that of the Roundhouse Farm site.

3.12.5 Partial development does not offer significant environmental advantages to the current proposal that would warrant unnecessary sterilisation of the reserve.

3.12.6 In the absence of proposed development the company would seek to develop other land but

not within the immediate locality. As the site falls within the Mineral Safeguarding Zone and can be worked in an environmentally acceptable manner this option need not be considered further.



4.0 SUMMARY 4.1 An environmental assessment has been undertaken in respect of a proposal to extract sand

and gravel from land at Wetstone Bridge Farm, Down Ampney, Gloucestershire and at Latton, Wiltshire.

4.2 It is intended that the Wetstone Bridge site will replace sand and gravel production at the Company’s adjoining operation at Roundhouse Farm. At current rates of production all consented reserves at Roundhouse Farm, excluding those underlying the existing plant site, will be exhausted during May 2015.

4.3 In order to maintain an uninterrupted supply to the local market the Wetstone Bridge site would need to be fully operational prior to this date. Production at Wetstone will ease the risks to supply caused by flood events and the shortage of 20mm gravel at Roundhouse Farm. This material is in seasonal demand for landscape related developments and the seasonal deficit could be met from Wetstone Bridge. There would be no change to the consented period of working and restoration at Roundhouse Farm

4.4 The application site has a proven reserve of approximately 960,000 tonnes, equivalent to approximately 10 years working, allowing for a reduced level of production during the initial period when the site would complement the Roundhouse Farm operation.

4.5 This ES and the scheme design are the end products of specialist survey and assessment carried out during 2008-11. The Mineral and Waste Planning Authorities of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire each issued a scoping opinion during June-August 2004 which has formed the basis of the final assessment work.

4.6 Assessment of the proposals against key environmental issues has produced the following conclusions: Hydrology and Hydrogeology

4.7 Incorporation of the measures identified within the assessment and the scheme design will

result in a near in the works having a very low level potential of effect on the water environment.

Archaeology

4.8 The site contains archaeological potential. It is concluded that, on the basis of the evidence supplied that the site will be worked in accordance with a written scheme of archaeological resource management previously submitted and approved by the curatorial authorities. Landscape and Visual Amenity

4.9 The proposed development would not result in any unacceptable adverse levels of landscape or visual impact and would provide a slight beneficial effect in the long term. Ecology

4.10 Proposed development would not result in any unacceptable levels of adverse impact on the local nature conservation interest or protected species. Suitable mitigation measures will be



employed during the works to reduce residual effects to a low level. Such measures could be required by condition attached to any planning permission.

4.11 The proposed restoration will provide a net benefit to the long term nature conservation interest of the site. Highways and Traffic

4.12 The proposals accord with national and regional guidance which seeks reduce carbon emissions by using local resources and reducing to a minimum the distance that minerals travel to their point of use. There is therefore no transport reason why the planning application for gravel extraction and restoration at Wetstone Bridge Farm should not be permitted. Noise

4.13 The noise survey and assessment demonstrates that mineral extraction operations at Wetstone Bridge Farm can be carried out without exceeding the recommended noise criteria as advised in national guidance. Dust

4.14 The implementation of standard good working practices and the proposed additional mitigation measures are generally accepted by the Government and the surface minerals industry as providing effective control against the impact of airborne dust. With the implementation of these measures, significant residual impacts are unlikely to occur. Soil Resource

4.15 The soil resource will be retained and stripped, stored and placed in accordance with the relevant sections of the MAFF Good Practice Guide. Birdstrike in relation to RAF Fairford

4.16 It is considered that the scheme design incorporates the necessary safeguarding measures required to reduce the potential for birdstrike. Cotswold Canals

4.17 A section of the disused Thames and Severn Canal passes along the southern boundary of the site. This feature would be reconstructed in a similar manner as that proposed for the adjoining Roundhouse Farm site. Consideration of Alternatives

4.18 Proposed development represents the best practicable option compared to no development, partial development or development in an alternative location.

5.0 CONCLUSION

5.1 It is concluded that the proposal is justified by its demonstrated ability to operate under

acceptable environmental standards.

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M C CULLIMORE (GRAVELS) LTD THE TOWN AND …caps.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc_images/12_0015_CWM… · · 2014-10-22NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE . ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT . ... 3.10