contents · the proposed extension is indicated on drawing sq3/1. 1.2 the proposed extension is...

Introduction ................................The Application Site ................................Proposed DevelopmentPlanning Policy ................................Landscape ................................Soils and Agriculture ................................Noise ................................Ecology ................................Air Quality ................................Transport ................................Hydrogeology ................................Archaeology ................................

NON- TECHNICAL SUMMARY

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TECHNICAL SUMMARY

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Shropham Quarry P a g e | 1-1 SLR Consulting Limited

Introduction

1.1 Breedon Aggregates (the applicant) is submitting a planning application to Norfolk County Council to extend the area of mineral extraction at Shropham Quarry, near Attleborough in Norfolk. The location of Shropham Quarry and the proposed extension is indicated on drawing SQ3/1.

1.2 The proposed extension is located in two areas along the west and south sides of an area where planning permission for the extraction of sand and gravel was issued in November 2011 (planning application reference C/3/2010/3016). The proposed extension is included for allocation in the Minerals Development Framework Site Specific Allocation Development Plan Document.

1.3 The proposed quarry extension would release an estimated 350-400,000

tonnes of sand and gravel over a period of 3 to 4 years assuming that production continues at its current a rate of 100,000 tonnes per annum. Should planning permission be granted, working in the proposed quarry extension is expected to start in 2014 or early 2015, following completion of extraction in most of the recently permitted quarry extension.

1.4 The application is being brought forward at this time so that the proposed

extensions can be worked concurrently with the adjacent recently permitted area. This would form a logical and efficient method of extraction, and enable the extraction of all the identified mineral resource located to the west of Rocklands Road in a single phased operation.

1.5 The excavated mineral would be transported to the existing processing area

by dump truck travelling along Spong Lane. These proposals would not result in any changes to the layout of the existing mineral processing area.

1.6 It is proposed that the quarry extension would be progressively restored to

agricultural use and this would be facilitated by importing and infilling the quarry void with imported, inert, restoration materials as is the case with the currently permitted areas of the quarry.

1.7 The application site encompasses the proposed quarry extension area, haul

road and the existing mineral processing area and ancillary facilities.

1.8 These proposals would extend the life of the quarry site and retain the existing employment and other social and economic benefits for a number of years.



The Application Site

2.1 The proposed extension comprises of two distinct areas positioned along the southern and western side of mineral extraction area approved in November 2011 (planning permission ref: C/3/2010/3016). If granted planning consent, the proposed quarry extension would be worked together with this area, with extraction in the proposed extension commencing in the east and moving westwards.

2.2 The smaller part of the proposed quarry extension lies to the south of the recently approved quarry extension and comprises of a thin strip of agricultural land covering an area of some 3.8 hectares. The land in this area is flat and lies at an elevation of 33m AOD. Vegetation in this area consists of grassland in the northern part of the area with a hedgerow and a hedgerow field boundary separating this area from the remainder which is arable land. The northern part is known locally as the ‘Common’, and is managed by trustees for the benefit of the local community within Shropham parish.

2.3 The larger part of the proposed quarry extension extends to the west and

covers some 10.8 ha of agricultural land overlapping two fields. The majority of the eastern field is located within the application site, with the remainder having been included within the previous application site. The western end of this field is currently occupied by pig pens with ley grass over the remainder of the field. The application site covers two thirds of the western field which is arable land and currently contains sugar beet. The two fields are separated by a mature hedge with a public footpath running along the eastern side of the hedge following the line of a track.

2.4 A public right of way passes through the western part of the application site

and would be retained in its current location throughout the development.

Proposed Development

3.1 Following submission of the previous application a review of available geological information established that adjacent areas contained economically recoverable deposit of sand and gravel, and therefore the proposals are intended to provide for comprehensive, systematic and phased working of the combined resources.

3.2 The proposed extension areas would be worked as part of the permitted quarry extension approved in November 2011. Working of the approved area is expected to commence in 2012 following completion of extraction in Honeypots North, and therefore planning permission for the proposed extension is required at this stage to enable the implementation of a joint extraction scheme covering the proven minerals resource. The proposed extraction scheme is indicated on Drawing SQ 3/2.



3.3 It is considered that the comprehensive extraction programme being proposed provides both operational and environmental benefits due to the minimisation of disturbance and avoidance of mineral sterlisation. The scheme reflects that for the recently approved workings which has been designed to safeguard the amenity of local communities and minimise disruption to the surrounding environs in the vicinity of the proposed extended extraction area.

3.4 In order to reinstate the existing landform and restore the agricultural capability of the proposed additional extraction area it is proposed to import inert restoration materials in accordance with existing practices at the site. The proposed restoration scheme is shown on Drawing SQ 3/3.

3.5 An estimated 220,000 cubic metres of inert restoration material would be required to complete the restoration of the proposed extension. The recently permitted and proposed extensions to the quarry would provide reserves to sustain the quarry life beyond the exhaustion of the current working area at Honeypots North which is projected to be in the next twelve months. The proposals would not result in any material changes to the operations at the site, but would merely provide additional resources to continue production for a total period of c.8 years.

Planning Policy

4.1 National policy in the form of Mineral Policy Statement 1 (MPS 1) concerns planning and minerals and recognises that a supply of minerals is essential to the prosperity of the nation, quality of life and necessary to develop sustainable communities. MPS 1 goes on to states that it is essential that there is an adequate and steady supply of minerals to provide the necessary buildings and infrastructure required by the nation. As a result the mineral planning authority is required to maintain a minerals landbank which includes aggregates such as sand and gravel.

4.2 Shropham Quarry and the proposed extension area was included in the

further issues and options consultation on the Minerals and Waste Site Specific Allocations Development Plan Document that took place during July and August of 2011. Information in the consultation document concludes that if properly screened and controlled, the site would not have an unacceptable impact on water quality, ecology, highways and landscape. In particular, it is felt that the distance from St Peter’s Church and other listed buildings in Shropham, allied with screen-planting, will mean that the impact will be satisfactory.

4.3 Section 4.5 of the 2010 Norfolk Annual Monitoring Report makes it clear that the permitted reserves during December 2009 were 18,021,000 tonnes. At an annual apportionment of 2,980,000 this would provide a sand and gravel landbank of six years. The landbank for sand and gravel is therefore below the national mineral land bank indicators in MPS 1 which require a land bank of some seven years to be maintained. It is however recognised that annual



Norfolk production has been significantly below the annual apportionment level in 2009 due to the onset of the recession.

4.4 Paragraph 0.11 of the executive summary to the Norfolk core strategy states

that for minerals, the sand and gravel landbank shall be maintained at between 7 to 10 years. The addition of the mineral reserves in the proposed extension area would allow the sand and gravel landbank to sit more comfortably within the 7 to 10 year land bank based on the apportionment figures.

Geology

5.1. A comprehensive programme of intrusive site investigations was undertaken in the area west of Rocklands Road, primarily during 2006 and then again in 2008.Within the proposed extension areas itself the minerals comprise glacial sand and gravel deposits (colloquially known as the North Sea Drift Deposit), rather than the River Terrace deposits extracted in previous phases of operations at Shropham Quarry

5.2. The site investigations comprised a total of thirty one trial pits and confirmed that the proposed excavation areas exhibited notable variations from ’sand with gravel (< 10% gravel)’ to ‘sand and gravel (> 40% gravel). However, this is consistent with other deposits excavated in the past and would ensure the continued production of a wide range of graded aggregates on site. The average mineral depth has been proven to be circa 2.5 m overlain by 0.4-0.65 m of soils with occasional gravel.

Landscape

6.1 A landscape and visual assessment of the proposed development has been completed in accordance with accepted guidance. A study of the landscape and visual components of the proposed extension areas and the local area was undertaken through desktop study and fieldwork.

6.2 Using the permitted quarry development as a baseline the landscape sensitivity of the proposed extension areas would be Low; when correlated with perceived magnitude of change which would be Low in the short to medium term and Negligible in the long term the resultant impact would be Slight to Negligible/Slight. In effect the proposed scheme would result in limited periods of movement and disturbance from traffic and earthmoving operations within the immediate landscape. Mitigation and progressive restoration mean that impacts would reduce over time, eventually resulting in a Negligible change to the current site condition.

6.3 Visually the proposed extension areas are well contained by surrounding vegetation. The nature of the surrounding topography also assists as it is relatively flat with limited opportunity for elevated views towards the site. Most potential views were identified to the south of the proposed extension areas. Generally the eastern extension area is screened by intervening



vegetation with the western extension only likely to be seen over / through the intervening hedgerow. The most significant impacts are likely to occur while vehicles and plant are operating close to current ground levels, as following the construction of screening bunds activity within the quarry void is likely to be more restricted. While more significant impacts may be experienced at specific locations such as from the public right of way, Rocklands Road and Meadow Cottages the overall visual impact arising from the proposed extension to the quarry is likely to be perceived as Slight.

Soils and Agriculture

7.1 To provide an assessment of the potential agricultural impact of the proposed extension a soil survey and agricultural assessment was undertaken by Land Research Associates. This provides information on the agricultural quality and use and the soil resources of the proposed extension at Shropham Quarry in Norfolk, and is based on a soil and agricultural desk study and a survey of the land in August 2011.

7.2 The survey of agricultural land north of Shropham show that the land is mainly of sub-grade 3b quality, the main constraints to agricultural use being the very sandy and, in places, stony soils. This restricts crop yields, though irrigation facilities are available.

7.3 The potential working areas are all in arable use and are farmed by the 340 ha

Manor Farm, Shropham. The areas likely to be worked at any one time are a small proportion of this area and will be restored to agricultural use. Consequently, use of the land for winning gravel will not have a significant impact on any farm business.

Noise

8.1 A noise assessment has considered the potential for noise generated by the proposed quarry extension to give rise to impacts at the closest noise-sensitive receptors and has found that:

• noise levels generated during temporary operations would meet the nominal 70dB LAeq,1hr noise limit outlined in Mineral Policy Statement 2 at all locations;

• noise levels generated by normal operations would meet the criteria derived in accordance with the guidance contained in Mineral Policy Statement 2 at all the locations assessed; and

• heavy goods vehicle movements associated with the proposed quarry extension would have a minor, barely perceptible impact on the ambient noise levels at Location 4, Swangey Farm, and no impact on any of the other noise-sensitive receptors assessed.

8.2 Based on the results of the assessment, it is considered that all practical

means have been employed in the design of the site to protect the amenity of the nearby noise-sensitive properties. Some additional good site practice



measures have been suggested to further reduce noise levels where considered necessary.

8.3 It is concluded that noise should not pose a material constraint for the proposed extension.

Ecology

9.1 An ecological impact assessment was undertaken, following guidelines published by IEEM (2006), on the likely effects upon flora and fauna of the proposed quarry extension at Shropham Quarry.

9.2 The proposed quarry extension consists predominantly of arable land and

improved grassland, with smaller areas of species-poor hedgerow, ruderal and ephemeral/short perennial vegetation, livestock pens and hay bales. The wider study area supports the active quarry workings, arable land, broadleaved semi-natural woodland, semi-mature plantation woodland, dense scrub, mature treelines, restored grassland, poor rush-pasture and pond habitat.

9.3 Ecological evaluation has identified the following receptors of ecological

importance:

• statutory and non-statutory designated sites within the zone of influence of the proposed development;

• mature broadleaved semi-natural woodland);

• mature treelines;

• the hedgerow network; and

• bats – potential roost resource within mature woodland and treelines in the wider study area.

9.4 The assessment of impacts upon ecological receptors within and around the

proposed quarry extension has identified a range of potential hazards, i.e. habitat loss, fragmentation, hydrological effects, dust, noise and visual impacts which could result from the proposed development. The ecological receptors have been assessed against these hazards to identify the likelihood of significant ecological effects. An assessment of the residual effects following the implementation of mitigation measures shows that no significant impacts to ecological receptors are predicted.

9.5 No significant adverse impacts on protected or notable species are anticipated and as such no mitigation is proposed. However, specific avoidance measures have been outlined for bats and breeding birds to ensure that the legal statutes protecting these species are adhered to during the proposed development.



Air Quality

10.1 An air quality assessment has considered the potential impacts of mineral extraction and haulage of minerals at the proposed extension areas. Dust from the excavation and transport operations would be of relatively large particle size. Literature, research and studies have shown that the activities are likely to have insignificant impact on local PM10 levels.

10.2 Potential impacts for deposited dust have been assessed for activities undertaken at the proposed extension areas. Due to the close proximity of dust sensitive receptors to the active areas and haulage route, assessment for deposited dust progressed onto a Tier 2 assessment.

10.3 Following a risk assessment undertaken for dust generating activities at the proposed extension, taking into account the distance from the emission source and local meteorological conditions, five receptors in proximity to the extension and the temporary haul road are identified as requiring mitigation measures to reduce the dust impacts to acceptable or insignificant levels.

10.4 Once the mitigation measures are taken into account the potential dust impacts are significantly reduced. The residual impacts from the proposed activities are considered to be insignificant or acceptable at all receptor locations.

10.5 All potential dust impacts from the proposed quarry extensions are considered to be reversible i.e. the risk of impact will cease on completion of the quarrying and restoration of the area. The impacts are considered to be short - medium term with no significant impacts on local air quality from the proposed quarry extension.

Transport

11.1 A transport assessment has been undertaken on the proposed extension. All the HGVs upon leaving the quarry proceed to the A11. There is an existing legal agreement between the quarry and the local highway authority that specifies the route to be taken.

11.2 Currently, there are approximately 80 HGV movements per day to/from the quarry. This flow of vehicles to/from the quarry is not expected to change as a result of the proposed quarry extension. The access route currently being utilised by the quarry vehicles is in accordance with a legal agreement entered with the Norfolk County Council. The route is lightly trafficked and no additional impacts on the highway network as a result of the quarry extension are anticipated. Furthermore, there have been no recorded injury accidents along the route to the A11 in the past five years, and consequently it is concluded further that quarry traffic associated with the proposals would not pose a significant road safety risk in the future.



Hydrogeology

12.1 Without the incorporation of mitigation measures the proposed quarry extension has the potential to impact on groundwater quality. This would be from the risk of contaminated runoff being generated from the following potential sources:

• accidental spillage of fuels and lubricants from the hydraulic excavator;

• potential release of contaminated liquid from waste deposited in the landfill that is not truly inert;

• increase in suspended solids; and

• contaminated runoff from vehicle movement area.

12.2 In addition there is the potential for the development to impact on the groundwater flow regime and to increase the risk of flooding from surface and groundwater.

12.3 The groundwater and surface water regimes at the proposed quarry extension have been assessed with reference to information held by the British Geological Survey, the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and others.

12.4 The potential impacts of the proposed development upon the hydrogeological and hydrological environment have been identified and assessed, and where appropriate, mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design of the development. With the mitigation measures in place the significance of impact in all cases is ‘near zero to low’

12.5 All aspects of the construction and operation of the site would be in accordance with best practice guidance.

Archaeology

13.1 A Desk-Based Archaeological Assessment has been undertaken by Rathmell Archaeology Ltd. The assessment has been designed to meet the requirements for the provision of information relating to the historic environment under national planning guidance (PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment) and the Development Plan.

13.2 The baseline study failed to locate any validated site within the proposed development area although the location of a findspot from which Roman material was recovered within a soil mark strongly suggests that at least one coherent archaeological site is present. No archaeological sites protected for their significance were located on or within 250m of the proposed development area.

13.3 The proposed development area has a varied but significant potential for archaeological remains. While the excavated remains from Honeypots Plantation to the north are clearly of National significance, these were focused on the low



hill that marks the highest point in the local landscape. All subsequent programmes of work to the north, east and southeast of the hill suggest a lessening of the intensity and significance of the archaeological remains. At this stage a comparable pattern for the current development proposal lying to the south of Honeypots Plantation is anticipated.

13.4 Buried archaeological remains within the site are anticipated to have been

subject to truncation and damage through prolonged modern ploughing which has produced a homogenized ploughsoil across the full application area. Previous work carried in the vicinity, e.g. Hogan et al 2007, confirms this, which suggests that this scenario is likely to be repeated in those areas included in the current development proposal.

contents · the proposed extension is indicated on drawing sq3/1. 1.2 the proposed extension is...

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