TO ACCOMPANY THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR … · 2017. 2. 14. · GRS (Roadstone) Limited Passenham Quarry Southern Extension NTS Prepared by David L Walker Limited April 2015 5 3.3

GRS (ROADSTONE)LIMITED

PASSENHAM SAND AND GRAVEL QUARRY PASSENHAM, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

TO ACCOMPANY THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR

(I) A SOUTHERN EXTENSION TO

PASSENHAM QUARRY AND ANCILLARY WORKS WITH PROGRESSIVE RESTORATION TO

AGRICULTURE AND NATURE CONSERVATION BY THE IMPORTATION OF INERT RESTORATION

MATERIALS;

(II) RETENTION OF EXISTING CONSENTED FACILITIES WITHIN THE EXISTING SITE

(INCLUDING THE SITE ACCESS);

(III) A PROPOSED VARIATION TO THE APPROVED RESTORATION SCHEME AT THE

EXISTING QUARRY.

PREPARED BY: DAVID L WALKER LIMITED

APRIL 2015

GRS (Roadstone) Limited Passenham Quarry Southern Extension

NTS

Prepared by David L Walker Limited April 2015

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CONTENTS

Section 1 Introduction Section 2 Site Description Section 3 Proposed Development Section 4 Restoration Proposals Section 5 Site Operations Section 6 Vehicle Movements/Access Section 7 Public Consultation

Section 8 Environmental Impact Assessment Section 9 Employment

Section 10 Conclusion

LIST OF DRAWINGS

NTS 1 Location Plan

NTS 2 Working Proposals NTS 3 Restoration Proposals


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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This is a Non Technical summary (NTS) of the Environmental Statement that

accompanies the planning application submitted by GRS (Roadstone) Limited for:

a southern extension to Passenham Quarry and ancillary works with

progressive restoration to agriculture and nature conservation by the importation of inert restoration materials;

retention of existing consented facilities within the existing site (including the site access);

a proposed variation to the approved restoration scheme at the existing quarry.

1.2 The proposed extension contains a mineral reserve of around 600,000

tonnes, which is proposed to be extracted over a period of five to six years with completion of restoration within a further two year period.

1.3 The NTS seeks to provide enough information for individuals to understand:

details of the proposed development; details of the proposed restoration; and the safeguards being put in place to protect local amenity.

1.4 The planning application does not seek to:

increase outputs from the site; increase vehicle movement numbers; change the hours of working; or change any of the process or consented practices employed on site.

1.5 The planning application will seek to:

make an enhancement to the existing restoration scheme of the current site to provide for more nature conservation habitats;

enable continuation of supply of construction materials from this well located site, which supplies a number of key local infrastructure projects; and

safeguard six employment positions on site. SECTION 2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 The operations at the existing operational site are well established and

comprise the extraction of the in situ high quality sand and gravel deposits.


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The consented area extends across circa 32.5 hectares, with current land uses within the area comprising the following elements:

plant site and ancillary operations area, including main haul road and site

access; mineral extraction area; future mineral extraction area (both operational and remaining); and water storage and silt lagoons.

2.2 These consented operations are located to the east of Buckingham Lane, a

secondary distributor road, which ultimately leads to the A5. Access to the operational site is derived via a purpose-built junction off the A422 (refer to Plan NTS 1).

2.3 This application envisages an 18.2 hectare southern extension to the mineral

workings located to the south of the plant site (refer Plan NTS 2). The extension area remains in a primarily rural setting, and comprises a series of open field compartments framed by woodland and mature hedgerows set in the flood plain of the Great River Ouse, which itself forms the eastern boundary of the application site.

2.4 Topographical levels vary from 67.5 m AOD in the west of the proposed

extension area down to 66.1 m AOD in the north-east corner of the proposed extension.

2.5 Due to the size and extent of the application site, and the environs in which it

is situated, a limited number of residential premises are located in proximity. Furthermore, there are the residential premises in the hamlet of Passenham itself, which are already designated receptors in respect of the plant site area in the north of the application site.

SECTION 3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 This planning application is for a southern extension to Passenham Quarry,

located to the west of Milton Keynes. The quarry currently extracts sand and gravel to supply to the local market. The existing operations also have consent for a recycling facility. It is proposed to extend the mineral workings across an 18.2 hectare area located to the south of the plant site (refer plan NTS 2).

3.2 The proposed extension area comprises three agricultural fields to the south

of the plant site. The proposed extraction area has been delineated, based on intrusive investigations undertaken by the Applicant Company and applying stand-offs to the existing land uses (including recreational premises and ecological features) where necessary.


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3.3 In order to recover these minerals it is proposed that the existing plant site and ancillary facilities; comprising weighbridge, main processing plant, lagoons, site management office and access, will be retained and supplemented by the development of a new haul road system.

3.4 A phased working and restoration scheme has been prepared to ensure that

the minerals are recovered in an efficient and systematic manner enabling the continued phased working and restoration of the site in accordance with local Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) adopted by the MPA.

3.5 All operations would therefore be undertaken in accordance with industry

best practice and within planning and environmental controls to ensure that impacts are minimised as far as practicably possible.

3.6 A key feature in this regard, in particular in the context of the adjacent

country club will be the use of "campaign extraction" techniques. This will comprise a period of almost constant extraction within the consented hours of working over a period of six to eight weeks. In the intervening periods importation/restoration activity would continue to minimise the scope for restoration lag. This approach minimises the duration of heavy plant activity on site reducing the scope for noise and dust emissions, and therefore the scope for conflict.

3.7 The scheme has been developed with specific regard to the protection of

existing environmental and cultural assets. Owing to its proximity in a rural environment, the proposed extraction area will not overly impinge on residential amenity. For the limited number of residential premises located in proximity, a specific set of mitigation measures has been developed consistent with Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) adopted by the MPA, including the application of appropriate stand-offs or separation areas, the use of screening bunds, and appropriate internal routing of heavy plant and HGV activity.

3.8 The site’s location within the floodplain has also meant careful design and

siting of soils bunds and materials handling, as well as the continued implementation of a Flood Evacuation Plan to be carried over from the current operations.

Key Facts 3.7 Application Area 31.1 ha

The Extension Area (including the Proposed Mineral Extraction Area) 18.2 ha Proposed Mineral Extraction Area 14.8 ha Mineral Extraction 0.6 million


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tonnes Total Importation Requirement into 350,000 m3

the proposed extension for restoration purposes Working Hours - Mineral Extraction Mon-Fri 0700-1800 hrs Sat (maintenance only in proposed extraction area, and export of minerals only in plant site area) 0700-1300 hrs Period of Mineral Extraction assuming between 100,000 - 120,000 tonnes production per annum 5-6 years Period of Operation Sept 2015- Sept 2021 Restoration by March 2023

SECTION 4 RESTORATION PROPOSALS 4.1 The restoration proposals for the site have two specific elements as follows:

proposed variation to approved scheme; and proposed scheme for the extension area.

4.2 In respect of the approved scheme, the opportunity now exists to revise the

restoration scheme within the plant site area to include for the establishment and development of nature conservation habitats consistent with national policy and local policy guidance. GRS is the owner of this particular part of the site (extending over 12.6 hectares of the application area) and is therefore solely responsible for the development and delivery concept in this part of the site.

4.3 After liaison with the Mineral Planning Authority and other interested

stakeholders, and review of the baseline environmental reports, it is considered that the opportunity exists to potentially create both wetland and grassland nature conservation habitats.

4.4 The scheme associated with the plant site (refer plan NTS3) seeks to make

positive contributions to local bio-diversity objectives, particularly those identified as priority habitats in the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action Plan (“NBAP”). Within the non-agricultural habitats it is proposed to utilise local native plant species, planted with an appropriate establishment/aftercare management regime, to enable the sustainable growth.


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4.5 In respect of the proposed extension area, the proposed restoration concept seeks to reinstate the existing agricultural landform and land use.

4.6 Having regard to the above, the restoration concept within the site aims to

achieve the following overarching objectives:

(i) the return of the majority of the site into productive agricultural land; (ii) conserve the existing high quality soil resource; (iii) have a net beneficial effect on long term flood risk by providing additional storage capacity; (iv) contribute to local biodiversity through the creation and establishment

of appropriate and complementary habitats; and (v) have a long term positive impact on the landscape environment.

All of these objectives are consistent with the themes articulated in the

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and supplementary Planning Practice Guidance, as well as local planning policy objectives and Green Infrastructure Planning.

SECTION 5 SITE OPERATIONS 5.1 The different operations will be controlled and managed as follows:

soil and overburden would be removed and either stored in temporary mounds or, wherever possible, directly placed for restoration purposes;

where stored, soils mounds would be graded and seeded to give a more natural appearance, restricting views into working area;

sand and gravel would be extracted in phases (refer Plan NTS 2) using hydraulic excavators and articulated dump trucks to transfer minerals to the existing processing plant;

land not immediately required for extraction would remain in agricultural use until needed;

land would be progressively restored in phases using a combination of soils and overburden from the site and imported inert materials;

progressive restoration would provide a reinstated productive arable land regime with nature conservation gains from linked hedgerows and woodland as well as the provision of species-rich habitats;

the site would be operated in line with existing permitted hours, i.e. 0700 hours to 1800 hours Monday to Friday, and 0700 hours to 1300 hours Saturday;

no extraction or restoration activity within the proposed extension on Saturdays, maintenance activity only; and

no working on Sundays or public bank holidays.


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5.2 Monitoring Action Plans will be maintained in respect of any potential noise and dust emissions consistent with the existing planning controls on site which form best practice.

SECTION 6 VEHICLE MOVEMENTS/ACCESS 6.1 As well as producing sand and gravel at Passenham Quarry there are also

ongoing importation operations to achieve the restoration scheme, and planning consent exists for a inert material recycling facility.

6.2 The proposals will maintain continuity of output from the site which over

recent years has averaged 100,000 tonnes per annum, and at its peak some 120,000 tonnes per annum.

6.3 The above rates of mineral extraction would equate to an average of 22 loads

per day (44 movements) as at present. 6.4 In respect of importation, current controls under Environmental Permitting

allow up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of inert materials, which equates to 27 loads (54 movements). No change is sought in this regard.

6.5 In respect of the haulage of materials, it will be necessary to establish haul

roads to connect the proposed extension area with the operations in the plant site. However this will be internal to the site and not on the public highway.

SECTION 7 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 7.1 The proposals detailed in this planning application have been subject to pre-

submission public consultation in accordance with the Statement of Community Involvement adopted by the MPA as part of their Minerals Local Plan.

7.2 The site already has the benefit of a Liaison Committee which has allowed

GRS to highlight the scope for an application as early as Summer 2014. 7.3 During the meetings no specific comments or concerns were raised in

relation to the proposals detailed within this application. The Parish Councils confirmed that they have had no complaints since the site has come into operation, but are interested in how the site will be restored.

7.4 The most recent liaison committee meeting on 9 April 2015 confirmed some

observations on site layout that have been taken in to consideration in the preparation of the scheme detailed in this planning application.


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7.5 In support of this formal consultation GRS has also distributed an informal mailer to residents in Passenham and the surrounding area. The distribution was across some sixty residences and local commercial/recreational users.

7.6 GRS will continue to engage with the local community through all phases of

the proposed development to maintain the good relations established to date.

SECTION 8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 8.1 Independent technical consultants were commissioned to undertake various

studies and surveys to determine the potential impacts of the proposals on the environment as part of a broader evaluation known as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

8.2 In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations,

assessments have been undertaken in order to identify potential effects (both positive and negative) and to consider the significance of any such effects.

8.3 In respect of Landscape and Visual Amenity it is concluded that the

range of mitigation measures built into the design of the working and restoration schemes serves to reduce the levels of landscape and visual impact. Post-restoration the LVIA finds that the visual effects would be beneficial to a lesser or greater degree. Thus the proposals will make a positive long term contribution to the visual characteristics of the wider landscape environment. These beneficial effects serve to balance the short term temporary effects of mineral extraction operations.

8.4 In respect of Soils and Agricultural Land Quality, circa 18% of the

proposed extension area comprises best and most versatile agricultural land, with the majority of the remainder comprising grade 3b. A detailed and well developed series of soils stripping handling and replacement protocols have been developed by the applicant to ensure the continued quality of this important resource.

8.5 The restoration scheme envisages a return to productive agricultural land for

over 60% of the application area, this making best use of the best and most versatile soils consistent with the themes of sustainable husbandry.

8.6 With regard to Ecology, the ecological survey that has been undertaken

identifies that there is little ecological resource on site of any significance. Habitat loss as a result of the development is minimal and there will be long term net gains for the important habitats available on site, with the scope for significant ecological enhancement, consistent with local nature conservation objectives.


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8.7 In respect of Hydrology and Hydrogeology, the assessment undertaken confirms that the proposals to progressively extract and restore the proposed extension will not impact on the groundwater environment. The largest scope for impact is the alteration of the surface water regime post-restoration. However, even in this regard the report finds that any impacts would be minor and would not detrimentally affect the area.

8.8 With regard to Archaeology, the site has been subject to a range of

assessments using desk based non-intrusive and intrusive investigation techniques. The investigations completed to date have identified some potential archaeological features that warrant further investigation. However with appropriate planning conditions and an agreed Mitigation Statement, it is considered that the proposed extension can be operated in full accordance with national planning policy.

8.9 In respect of Cultural Heritage, appropriate assessment has indicated that

there is a negligible chance of adverse effect. It is concluded that the proposals will not compromise understanding, historic importance or setting of any of the identified assets.

8.10 With regard to Noise, the assessment that has been undertaken confirms

that the working scheme developed for the site pays due regard to its context, with the appropriate provision of stand-offs and where necessary the inclusion of amenity bunding. The report finds that without fail the normal day to day and temporary operations within the proposed extension area can be undertaken within the guidelines set by central government.

8.11 With regard to Dust, the Environmental Statement highlights "good practice

guidance" and additional mitigation measures which are generally accepted by the Department for Communities and local Government and Mineral Planning Authorities as providing effective protection against airborne dust from sand and gravel sites. Adoption of such good practice will ensure that operations will not cause unacceptable impacts due to airborne dust emissions at any property in the vicinity of the site.

8.12 In respect of Traffic, the proposed extension will continue to use the

existing consented access to export the minerals to market. This access has been operated with no records of accidents or incidents for over four years. There is no intensification of activity and therefore minimal scope for impact.

8.13 In respect of Arboriculture, the application boundary already stands off the

hedge along the A422 to ensure full protection of this important feature. The extraction scheme pays full respect to the root protection requirements detailed in appropriate guidance, thereby ensuring that there will be negligible impact on the existing trees and hedges found in the vicinity of the site.

8.14 The EIA finds limited scope for any cumulative or interaction effects and finds

that the proposed development is the most sustainable option to provide an


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in demand construction material, to the market place, in the most efficient manner.

Overall Conclusion 8.15 The proposals represent a sustainable and logical extension to the mineral

workings at Passenham Quarry. The context of the site is such that the mineral resource proposed in this application (and identified as a preferred allocation by the MPA) could be recovered with minimal impact on surrounding environment.

SECTION 9 EMPLOYMENT 9.1 The current operations at Passenham Quarry provides direct employment

for six members of staff. The proposed development at the site will result in the maintenance of the following full-time jobs:

1 x manager; 1 x weighbridge clerk; and 4 x quarry operatives (increasing to 6 with seasonality).

9.3 The existing operation also supports in excess of 12 indirect jobs through the

regular hiring of specialist contractors, maintenance technicians and hauliers, the long term future of which will be secured by this proposal.

SECTION 10 CONCLUSION 10.1 This is a Non Technical summary of the Environmental Statement that

accompanies the planning application submitted by GRS (Roadstone) Limited for:

a southern extension to Passenham Quarry and ancillary works with

progressive restoration to agriculture and nature conservation by the importation of inert restoration materials;

retention of existing consented facilities within the existing site (including the site access);

a proposed variation to the approved restoration scheme at the existing quarry.

5.2 The proposals represent a logical extension to a well located minerals operation which is key to supply of high quality construction materials to the Northamptonshire and the Milton Keynes Area.

5.3 The proposal has been brought forward now because the existing site

reserves will be depleted during 2015. The applicant has generated a market


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position for the site which is fundamental to supply the existing network of ready mixed and other added value assets within the sub region, and it is therefore essential that the site remains in operation.

10.4 The proposal represents a sustainable and logical extension to the mineral

workings at Passenham Quarry and is therefore fully consistent with requirements of Local Planning Policy documents and National Guidance. The context of the site is such that the mineral resource proposed in this application could be recovered with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

10.5 GRS have developed these proposals in order to maintain a sustainable

contribution to the MPA's obligation to ensure availability of aggregates and efficiently work in a sustainable manner a high quality and proven resource.

10.6 Granting permission for the proposals will also safeguard the jobs on site,

along with indirect employment benefits not only to the Company’s haulier fleet and sub-contractors, but also providing indirect support to the network of added value operations and construction projects which the site supplies construction materials.


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Plans

NTS 1 Location Plan

NTS 2 Working Proposals

NTS 3 Restoration Proposals

Documents

TO ACCOMPANY THE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR … · 2017. 2. 14. · GRS (Roadstone) Limited Passenham Quarry Southern Extension NTS Prepared by David L Walker Limited April 2015 5 3.3