Planning Applications for a Temporary Relaxation of Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Schedule of Conditions L.10/18/807 MW, and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Schedule of Conditions L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow the Transportation of Mineral from the Working Area to the Plant Site via an Existing Internal Access Route

Weeford (Moneymore) Quarry, Lichfield, Staffordshire

Planning Application Supporting Statement

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd

November 2020

Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Quality information

Prepared by Checked by Approved by

Katherine Stevenson Helen Woodmancy Paul Foster Graduate Environmental and Environmental and Planning Technical Director Planning Consultant Consultant (Minerals and Waste) (Minerals and Waste) (Minerals and Waste)

Prepared for: Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited

Prepared by: AECOM Limited Royal Court Basil Close Derbyshire Chesterfield S41 7SL UK

T: +44 (1246) 209221 aecom.com

© 2020 AECOM Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... 1 1. Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Scope ...... 2 1.2 The Applicant ...... 2 1.3 The Application ...... 3 1.4 Referencing ...... 3 1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ...... 4 1.6 Design and Access Statement ...... 4 1.7 Mineral Development Statement ...... 4 2. The Site and Surrounding Area ...... 5 2.1 Introduction ...... 5 2.2 The Site and Surroundings ...... 5 2.3 Access ...... 6 2.4 Topography ...... 6 2.5 Geology ...... 6 2.6 Designations ...... 6 3. Proposed Development ...... 9 3.1 Introduction ...... 9 3.2 Description of the Proposal ...... 9 3.3 Operating Hours ...... 10 3.4 Access and Traffic ...... 10 3.5 Site Restoration ...... 10 3.6 Employment ...... 11 3.7 Environmental Issues ...... 11 4. Planning Policy ...... 12 4.1 Summary Statement ...... 12 4.2 Planning History ...... 12 4.3 Planning Policy ...... 13 4.4 Development Plan ...... 13 4.5 Material Considerations ...... 14 4.6 Assessment ...... 20 4.7 Conclusions ...... 21 5. Environmental and Amenity Issues ...... 22 5.1 Introduction ...... 22 5.2 Landscape and Visual ...... 22 5.3 Noise ...... 23 5.4 Flood Risk ...... 25 5.5 Ecology and Biodiversity ...... 26 5.6 Transport and Access ...... 27 5.7 Air Quality / Dust ...... 27 6. Conclusions ...... 28

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Figures

The planning application is accompanied by the following figures/plans:

60602803.WFD.01 - Location Plan

60602803.WFD.02 - Outline of Proposed Development

60602803.WFD.03 - Designations Plan

60602803.WFD.04 – Bridleway Crossing Improvements

Approved Plans

Drawing No W94/86a (Figure 4.8) Restoration Proposals (Weeford North and plant site)

Drawing No W94/96a (Figure 4.9) Restoration Proposals (Weeford South) Appendices

Appendix A – Full Planning History

Appendix B – ROMP Schedules of Conditions

Appendix C – Photographs

Appendix D – Noise Assessment

Appendix E – Flood Risk Assessment

Appendix F – Mineral Development Statement

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Executive Summary

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd (Hanson) owns Weeford (also known as Moneymore) Quarry, a sand and gravel quarry located west of the A38 and M6, and approximately 2.5km north of the outskirts of Sutton Coldfield in Staffordshire. The site has a long history of mineral extraction. Currently, the quarry is not operational, having been ostensibly mothballed in 2008. Hanson plans to reopen the quarry in early 2021, to supply the Staffordshire and Birmingham market for aggregates, including Hanson’s own network of concrete plants, builders’ merchants and construction sites. Although the industry as a whole has been badly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, the continued high level of investment in infrastructure and house building means opportunities remain in some key sectors for business development. With a substantial planned mineral reserve, Weeford quarry is well placed to supply construction aggregates to the West Midlands market.

Operations at the quarry are regulated by two main ROMP (Review of Old Mineral Permissions) schedules of conditions (ref. L.10/18/807 MW and L.EA/10/807 MW), both granted by Staffordshire County Council (SCC) in October 2011.

When the site was operational, a mineral conveyor was in place to transport the “as dug” sand and gravel from the extraction area in Weeford South to the Plant Site for processing (in accordance with conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP schedule of conditions L.10/18/807 MW and conditions 19 and 20 attached to ROMP schedule of conditions L.EA/10/807 MW). Over the last 10 years the conveyor has been largely removed for use at other sites, leaving in place an access route used only by quarry mobile plant and service vehicles.

A substantial financial investment is required to reopen the quarry, requiring new processing plant and some new services to bring the operation up to modern standards. The addition of a new mineral conveyor linking Weeford South to the plant site will prejudice the economics of the proposal during uncertain market conditions (caused by the effects of Covid-19 and the unpredictable impact of soon to start HS2 construction works in the region). Hanson therefore wishes to trial the reopening by temporarily suspending the requirement to operate a conveyor for a period of up to three years, and using instead a small number of dump trucks to haul mineral along the established access route on an campaign or “as needed” basis. The proposal will allow Hanson to establish its market presence and, if successful, the company will reinvest in a new field conveyor which will deliver greater extraction volumes and be more economic over the longer term than dumper trucks.

Hanson is therefore applying to SCC for planning permission to operate the quarry at variance to conditions attached to ROMP Schedule of Conditions ref. L.10/18/807 MW and L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow a temporary relaxation of the relevant planning conditions to thus use the established access route to Weeford South to deliver mineral to the plant site by dumper truck.

No changes are proposed to the quarry extraction limits, restoration scheme and profiles or life of the operations. An appraisal within this supporting statement concludes the proposal is unlikely to result in any significant environmental or amenity impacts.

Weeford Quarry lies within a designated Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA) and Safeguarded Mineral Infrastructure Site for the processing, handling and transport of mineral in the adopted Minerals Local Plan for Staffordshire (Policy 3).

The proposal has been assessed within this supporting statement and is found to accord with the relevant development plan policies as well as material considerations such as national minerals planning policy. Therefore, in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, it is considered that the proposal can be approved without delay.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

1. Introduction

1.1 Scope

This supporting statement accompanies two separate, but related applications, submitted by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited (Hanson) to Staffordshire County Council (SCC) in its capacity as Mineral Planning Authority (MPA). The applications are being submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), to continue to operate Weeford Quarry at variance (temporarily) to conditions attached to ROMP Schedule of Conditions ref. L.10/18/807 MW and ROMP Schedule of Conditions ref. L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow the transportation of mineral from the working area in Weeford South to the plant site (where the mineral is processed and loaded onto lorries) on dumper trucks via an existing internal access route instead of via mineral field conveyor.

The proposed change to the planning conditions will allow the quarry to reopen after being ostensibly closed for over 10 years. Hanson propose a new investment of up to £1 million to restart high volume production, that will help secure short-term employment for around twenty specialist contractors and result in new full time employment for 4-6 Hanson personnel (plant operators, drivers and management), plus many support functions (health and safety, fitters etc).

1.2 The Applicant

Hanson is the UK’s second largest supplier of heavy building materials to the construction industry. The Company produces aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), ready-mixed and pre-cast concrete, asphalt, bulked and bagged cement, concrete and heavy building products.

Hanson is part of the Heidelberg Cement Group, one of the largest building materials manufacturers worldwide and the global market leader in aggregates with leading positions in cement, concrete and other downstream activities.

Hanson’s UK business is split into five main business lines – aggregates, cement, concrete, asphalt and contracting, and supply chain – which together operate over 300 manufacturing sites and employ some 4,000 people.

1.2.1 Local Operations

The Company is an important supplier of local materials to the construction industry, supplying Hanson’s own aggregate and concrete businesses as well as other national minerals operators and the general building trade. The company operates a quarry at Pottal Pool, Cannock and six concrete batching plants in around the West Midlands. Weeford (Moneymore) Quarry has operated since the 1940’s extracting sand and gravel from the pebble beds of the Sherwood Sandstone. Some land was compulsory purchased for the adjacent construction of the M6 Toll road affected layout, access and silt disposal.

Ricketts quarry to the east of the M6 Toll and A38 is not related to the Hanson site. Coltman Concrete Products operate a concrete product casting factory adjacent the Weeford Plant Site, this is also a separate company and operation.

Hanson’s quarry operations provide direct employment at the sites themselves and also for road hauliers and associated personnel working in the building material industry.

The Company strives to maintain good working relationships with local parish councils, the community and environmental stakeholders.

1.2.2 Sustainability and Biodiversity

Hanson has a comprehensive sustainability strategy in place and publishes a sustainability report on an annual basis. Hanson’s approach to sustainability is built around five themes which underpin the Company’s sustainability policy and performance indicators, as follows:

• people and communities - zero harm in the workplace and a positive impact on communities around Hanson sites; effective partnerships and dialogue with stakeholders;

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

• carbon and energy - to be recognised as a leading force in the delivery of a low carbon built environment;

• waste and raw materials - a responsible business which uses both raw materials and waste beneficially and has a minimal impact on the environment;

• water and biodiversity - Hanson’s sites are recognised as a valuable natural resource in the local environment; and

• quality processes and systems - a robust Integrated Management System (IMS) firmly established at the core of Hanson’s drive to deliver improvements in compliance, competency and sustainable performance.

The Company is committed to complying with the recognised standards OHAS18001 (health and safety); ISO 9001 (quality); ISO 14001 (environment); ISO 50001 (energy management); BES 6001 (responsible sourcing of concrete products); and the CE certification marking schemes relevant to its products.

The Company has produced a biodiversity and geodiversity strategy and action plan with the support of Nature After Minerals - a partnership between the minerals industry, Natural England and the RSPB. For further details please see http://www.heidelbergcement.com/uk/en/hanson/sustainability/index.htm.

The Company has been recognised for its restoration and biodiversity endeavours; in 2016 Hanson won the ‘best of the best’ award at the European Aggregates Association sustainable development awards for the restoration of former quarries in Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

In 2016, Hanson also gained the gold standard at the Essex minerals site awards for two quarries in Essex, which recognises site operators’ on-going commitment to managing their sites to a high environmental standard and with consideration towards the local community.

More recently, the Company was named winner of the Biodiversity Innovation category at the Mineral Products Association Quarries & Nature 2017 awards for its works undertaken to translocate the Scroggs SSSI at Keepershield Quarry in Northumberland. The SSSI contained one of only three known UK populations of Alchemilla micans (shining lady's mantle). To enable mineral extraction the SSSI vegetation was translocated to a receptor site through careful handling of turfs and ensuring suitable ground conditions were created at the receptor site. So successful was this that the new site is now designated as SSSI in its own right.

1.3 The Applications

The planning applications each comprise:

• the completed application forms and certificates; • this supporting statement; and • the figures/plans listed at the front of this supporting statement.

The planning applications are also accompanied by a noise assessment and a flood risk assessment (FRA), copies of which are appended to this supporting statement with a summary provided in section 5. Consideration of potential landscape and visual, ecological, transport and cultural heritage impacts has also been undertaken and included in Section 5. Site photographs are included at Appendix C.

1.4 Referencing

For referencing purposes, the following definitions have been adopted and are utilised from this point onwards:

• Weeford (Moneymore) Quarry or ‘the Site’ – comprising approximately 166ha of land which comprises the areas of the quarry within Hanson’s control;

• ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW – ROMP schedule of conditions ref. L.10/18/807 MW, which relates to the area edged green on figure 60602803.WFD.02, comprising the plant site and a number of silt lagoons;

• ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW – ROMP schedule of conditions ref. L.EA/10/807 MW, which relates to the areas edged red on figure 60602803.WFD.02, comprising the mineral extraction areas known as ‘Weeford North’ and ‘Weeford South’;

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

• Weeford North – a former mineral extraction area and a number of silt lagoons, circa 52ha located to the north of the plant site; mineral extraction in this area has been completed and is currently undergoing restoration and aftercare;

• Weeford South – a second (southern) mineral extraction area circa 58ha, which has been partly worked; • the Plant Site – located in the centre of the quarry and which overlies in-situ sand and gravel reserves which are yet to be worked; the plant site currently comprises the remains of the quarry’s mineral processing plant (part derelict) and ancillary facilities associated with the quarry including an office, weighbridge, technical lab, a stock yard area and a concrete batching plant;

• the proposed development - the proposal being put forward by Hanson (as described in this supporting statement) which comprises the temporary relaxation of a number of conditions to allow mineral extracted from Weeford South to be transported to the Plant Site via the existing internal access route, and a number of improvements to a public bridleway (SCC ID: 6,791 and Number 0.477);

• the PRoW - bridleway (ID: 6,791 and number 0.477), which crosses the Site south of the plant site in an east-west alignment.

1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA Screening

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England) Regulations 2017 (the ‘EIA Regulations’) require all proposed development to be screened for consideration as to whether it is ‘EIA development’ which would require the submission of a formal Environmental Statement (ES).

Considering the proposed development as a change to an existing approved development it is not identified within the activities listed in Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations and therefore an EIA is not considered mandatory for the forthcoming planning applications. However, it is considered that the proposal falls within Schedule 2 (13) of the EIA Regulations as follows:

Category 13 - ‘Changes and Extensions’ (ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW and ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW were accompanied by an ES); and

Category 2 (a) ‘Extractive industry - Quarries’, where the applicable threshold and criteria in column 2 is “All development except the construction of buildings or other ancillary structures where the new floorspace does not exceed 1,000 square metres”. thus, the proposal requires screening as to whether it constitutes EIA development.

Hanson submitted a formal request to SCC in accordance with Regulation 6 of the EIA Regulations, to ascertain whether in the MPA’s view the proposal constitutes EIA development. SCC issued its formal Screening Opinion on 22nd September 2020, confirming that the proposal is not considered to be EIA development and therefore the application is not required to be accompanied by an ES.

Notwithstanding this, environmental and amenity issues relating to the proposal have been considered in section 5, and a noise assessment and flood risk assessment have been prepared.

1.6 Design and Access Statement

A requirement for planning applications to be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement was introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Legislation came into force in 2013 (updated in 2015) that redefined the types and forms of development which require the submission of a Design and Access Statement. As a consequence a Design and Access Statement is not required for this application.

1.7 Mineral Development Statement

In accordance with SCC’s Validation Checklist 1 and ‘A to Z Guide to Planning Applications Submitted to Staffordshire County Council’, a Mineral Development Statement is included at Appendix F.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

2. The Site and Surrounding Area

2.1 Introduction

Hanson owns Weeford Quarry (also known as Moneymore Quarry) (and hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’), located immediately west of the A38 and M6 Toll, and approximately 2.5km north of the outskirts of Sutton Coldfield in Staffordshire (see figure 60602803.WFD.01).

The Site has a long history of mineral extraction. Currently, the quarry is not operational, having been mothballed some years ago. Hanson intends to recommence operations soon to supply the Staffordshire and Birmingham market for aggregates, including Hanson’s own network of concrete plants, builders’ merchants and direct to construction sites.

The address and postcode of the Site is Weeford Quarry, Weeford, Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire, England, WS14 0PX. The approximate centre of the Site is at OS grid reference SK 13339 02023.

2.2 The Site and Surroundings

The Site lies wholly within the administrative boundary of Lichfield District Council (LDC), Staffordshire, located approximately 2km southeast of Shenstone.

Little Hay Lane forms the northern boundary of the Site. The eastern boundary largely comprises the M6 Toll and agricultural land. The Site is bounded to the south and west by agricultural land. The immediate area comprises rolling countryside, frequently heavily wooded yet interspersed with areas of open agricultural land, with occasional farmsteads and residential properties.

The general layout of the Site is presented on figure 60602803.WFD.02. The Site is generally split into three distinct areas. The centre of the Site (as defined by the green line on figure 60602803.WFD.02) is associated with ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW. This area comprises silt and freshwater lagoons, and the plant site.

Land to the north and south (as defined by the red line boundaries on figure 60602803.WFD.02) is associated with ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW. Operations to the north are known locally as ‘Weeford North’, which comprises a former mineral extraction area and a number of silt lagoons. Operations to the south are known locally as ‘Weeford South’, which comprises a second (southern) mineral extraction area circa 58 hectare (ha) in size which has been partly worked.

The Site lies in a rural area with few close-by receptors. The key physical features in the surrounding area include:

• a concrete product works operated by Coltman Precast Concrete Ltd (an independent business outside of Hanson’s control), to the south of the plant site (it has a shared access with Hanson onto the A38);

• the M6 Toll Road, which runs adjacent to the Site’s eastern boundary, and the A38 which runs alongside the it, to the east;

• Little Hay Lane, which forms the northern boundary of the Site, and Camp Road, which runs along the Site’s southern boundary;

• R D Ricketts quarry (east of the M6 Toll and the A38); • Shenstone lies ~2km to the northwest of the Site, Weeford village lies ~1.6km northeast of the Site, and Little Hay ~0.6km to the west;

• Manley Wood, which lies immediately to the west of the Site; • two small watercourses: Black Brook to the north and Littlehay Brook to the west; • Sutton Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) approximately 3km south west of the southern boundary of the Site;

• Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve (LNR), approximately 2.2km south west of the southern boundary of the Site; • a public bridleway (SCC ID: 6,791 and Number 0.477) crosses the Site and follows a route from the plant site south and west along the northern boundary of Weeford South;

• the nearest residential properties include the following:

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

− Manley Croft, located adjacent to the western boundary;

− Weeford Park Farm, located adjacent to the south eastern boundary; − Pine Tree Cottages, adjacent to the southern boundary; − a number of residential properties along Little Hay Lane, approximately 20m north west of the Site; and

− Weeford village is located approximately 1.6km north east of the Site on the eastern side of the M6 Toll and the A38.

A former detached property known as Mill House located at the quarry entrance is now derelict and not considered a residential receptor.

2.3 Access

Access to the Site is from the A38 by an overpass across the M6 Toll. The access is shared with the Coltman concrete products facility.

2.4 Topography

The topography in the vicinity of the Site rises in a southerly direction from approximately 100m above Ordnance Datum (AOD) at its northern edge, to 145m AOD at the plant site, 156m AOD immediately north of Weeford Park Farm, before falling to approximately 145m AOD along the southern boundary. The excavated parts of the plant site and Weeford South lie some 10-15m below ground level.

2.5 Geology

The local and regional geology is understood from historical quarrying and site investigations undertaken by Hanson.

The Site is underlain by the Chester Formation (sandstone and conglomerate, interbedded, formed during the Triassic Period) and the Hopwas Breccia Formation (breccia and sandstone, interbedded, formed during the Triassic and Permian Periods.

The quarry contains over 6 million tonnes of Triassic bunter sandstone reserves. Drilling work has indicated mineral thickness ranging from 2 to 18 metres and averaging 6.5 metres across the quarry site. The loosely consolidated sandstone comprises a red sand, and mainly quartzite gravel that is excavated by a tracked excavator.

2.6 Designations

The presence/ absence of designations in the vicinity of the Site can be summarised as follows.

2.6.1 Landscape

The Site itself is not located within an area subject to any statutory land based designations. Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located approximately 9.9km to the north. The Site lies within the Cannock Chase and Cank Wood National Character Area (NCA).

The existing quarry configuration and plant site is well screened from residential properties by topography and woodland. No residential properties oversee the access route; the only public access point is bridleway ref. 0.477.

2.6.2 Ecology

The Site is not located in close proximity to any statutory or non-statutory designated ecological sites. The nearest designated sites within 5km are:

• Sutton Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) approximately 3km south west of the southern boundary of the Site; and

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

• Hill Hook Local Nature Reserve (LNR), approximately 2.2km south west of the southern boundary of the Site.

Approximately 6.4ha of Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland lies within the Site to the south.

2.6.3 Air Quality

The Site does not lie within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), meaning air quality in the vicinity of the Site can be assumed to be generally good. The closest AQMA to the Site is Birmingham AQMA (designated for nitrogen dioxide NO2 and Particulate Matter PM10) which begins immediately south of Camp Road, approximately 200m to the south of the Site.

2.6.4 Water Environment

According to the Environment Agency (EA) online flood map for planning1 the Site lies wholly within Flood Zone 1, being land at very low risk of flooding from fluvial sources (land having a less than 1 in 1,000 annual probability of flooding from rivers or the sea).

There are no watercourses within or immediately adjacent to the Site. The nearest watercourses to the Site are Black Brook, over 30m north of the Site, north of Little Hay Lane; Littlehay Brook is approximately 500 m to the west of the Site boundary; and an unnamed stream is located adjacent the southern boundary.

The quarry has a permit to abstract water from the brook for use in mineral processing. Littlehay Brook runs along the Site’s western and southern boundaries.

The British Geological Society (BGS) Aquifer Designation Map identifies the bedrock beneath the Site as a Principal Aquifer. These are defined as follows: “These are layers of rock or drift deposits that have high intergranular and/or fracture permeability - meaning they usually provide a high level of water storage. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. In most cases, principal aquifers are aquifers previously designated as major aquifer.”

The Site falls within Zone III (Total Catchment) of a Source Protection Zone (SPZ); this zone is defined as the total area needed to support the abstraction or discharge from a protected groundwater source.

2.6.5 Cultural Heritage

There are no cultural heritage designations e.g. scheduled monuments, listed buildings, historic parks and gardens, registered battlefields or conservation areas, within the Site. The closest cultural heritage designations are as follows:

• one Scheduled Monument, Shenstone Park moated site, approximately 700m north west of the northern boundary of the Site; and

• a number of grade II listed buildings within 2km, including:

─ Manley Lodge, located approximately 20m to the north of the Site boundary; ─ Little Hay Pumping Station and the two front entrance gates and gate piers, located approximately 230m to the west of the Site boundary;

─ Blackbrook Farmhouse located approximately 130m to the north east, on the eastern side of the M6 Toll and the A38; and

─ The Haycock Inn, located approximately 1.1km to the west.

2.6.6 Public Rights of Way

SCC’s Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way shows that two public rights of way cross the Site. The A38 (where it passes over the M6 Toll) is shown as a bridleway (ID: 6,791 and number 0.477) and crosses the Site south of the plant site in an east-west alignment. A public bridleway (number 0.476) meets bridleway 0.477 at Manley Wood to the west of the Site and crosses the Site to the north.

1 https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

2.6.7 Green Belt

The Site lies within the designated West Midlands Green Belt.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

3. Proposed Development

3.1 Introduction

The two planning applications are being made under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to continue to operate Weeford Quarry at variance temporarily to Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow the transportation of mineral from the working area to the plant site via an existing internal access route instead of by mineral conveyor as currently approved.

Site photographs are included at Appendix C.

3.2 Description of the Proposal

Condition 16 attached to ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Condition 19 attached to ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW both relate to the use of a conveyor to transport mineral within the Site, and state:

“All mineral shall be transported between the working area and the plant site by conveyor which shall be located in the base of the working area.”

Similarly, Condition 17 of ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 and Condition 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

“The conveyor system shall be maintained in good order and in a good condition fit for purpose for the duration of this planning permission.”

Hanson plans to reopen the quarry in early 2021. When operational, a mineral conveyor was in place to transport the “as dug” sand and gravel from the extraction area in Weeford South to the plant site for processing. The conveyor loading point was located in the centre of the Weeford South working area; as dug mineral was excavated from the working face and transported to the loading point by dumper truck. The conveyor then carried the mineral some 800m to the Plant Site.

Since the quarry was mothballed the conveyor has been largely removed for use elsewhere, leaving in place a parallel access route used by mobile plant and service vehicles to access the operational areas. The route is some 7-8m wide and is used regularly for inspections and maintenance visits.

A substantial financial investment is required to reopen the quarry, requiring new processing plant and some new services to bring the operation up to modern standards. The addition of a new (replacement) mineral conveyor linking Weeford South to the plant site prejudices the economics of the proposal during uncertain market conditions (e.g. due to the effects of Covid-19 and the unpredictable impact of soon to start HS2 construction works). Hanson therefore wishes to trial the reopening by temporarily suspending the use of the conveyor for a period of up to three years, and to use instead a small number of dump trucks to haul mineral along the established access route on an as needed and campaign basis. It is likely three 30t dumper trucks working together will be used to provide a steady supply of mineral for processing. They will deliver to a feed stockpile at the southern end of the Plant Site. The location and configuration of the new processing plant will be finalised shortly and submitted to SCC for approval under condition 10.

The proposal will allow Hanson to establish their market presence and if successful the company will reinvest in a new field conveyor which is considered more economical over the longer term and for higher production volumes. The access route is identified on figure 60602803.WFD.02.

As the access route crosses public bridleway (SCC ID: 6,791 and Number 0.477) Hanson proposes to implement minor improvements to the access route including a minor upgrade to the crossing design by the placement of a concrete hardstanding plus appropriate signage to regulate traffic flow (see figure 60602803.WFD.04). These measures will seek to ensure that the crossing is fit for purpose and that no user of bridleway 0.477 is detrimentally affected and unable to pass. A minor temporary and very local diversion of the bridleway will be sought during the construction works (approximately one week). The works have been discussed and agreed in principle with SCC’s Public Rights of Way Officer prior to submitting the planning applications and formal approval for the temporary diversion will be subject of separate application.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

The proposal does not seek to change any other significant aspects of the Site’s development or operation. No changes will be proposed to the quarry extraction limits, plant site operations, restoration scheme and profiles or life of the operations.

3.3 Proposed Conditions

Condition 16 / Condition 19

From the third anniversary following the date of these conditions all mineral will be transported from Weeford South to the plant site by mineral conveyor in accordance with a layout plan and operational statement submitted for the prior approval of the mineral planning authority. Until such date the movement of mineral by dumper truck will be carried out in accordance with the details submitted under planning application XXX unless otherwise amended by the planning conditions attached herein.

Condition 17 / Condition 20

While in operational use the field conveyor system shall be maintained in good order and in a good condition fit for purpose.

3.4 Operating Hours

The operating hours approved by both permissions are stipulated in Condition 6, and will continue to apply. Condition 6 states:

“6. No operations hereby permitted shall be carried out, other than between the following hours except in the case of emergencies, which shall be recorded and reported to the Mineral Planning Authority within 7 days of such an emergency event occurring:

a) In the case of mineral extraction, soil and overburden stripping and restoration works:

− 0700 - 1900 Mondays to Fridays

− 0700 - 1300 Saturdays

b) In the case of bund construction within 100 metres of a dwelling:

− 0800 - 1800 Mondays to Fridays

− 0800 - 1300 Saturdays

Other than in the case of emergencies, no such operations shall be carried out on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays.”

3.5 Access and Traffic

Access to the quarry will continue to be via the existing access onto the A38 to the east, as stipulated in Conditions 11 of ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW and 14 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW respectively, which state:

“No Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) shall gain access to or egress from the Site except via the existing access onto the London Road (A38) shown on Figure 4.1 - drawing no.W94g/101a.”

This will not change as a result of the proposed development. Other than the use of the existing internal access route to transport mineral within the Site in place of a conveyor there will be no changes to traffic movements within the Site or to and from the Site as a result of the proposed development, nor will there will be any change to the established site access onto London Road.

3.6 Site Restoration

The approved restoration scheme is shown on Drawing No. W94/86a Restoration Proposals (Figure 4.8) for Weeford North and the plant site, and Drawing No. W94/96a Restoration Proposals (Figure 4.9) for Weeford South.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

The Site will continue to be restored progressively to a mixture of woodland and rough grassland.

Condition 2 attached to both permissions requires the winning and working of minerals to cease no later than 31st December 2025, whilst Condition 3 requires the Site to be restored no later than 31st December 2026, or within 12 months of the cessation of the winning and working of minerals (whichever is sooner) – this will not change as a result of the proposal.

3.7 Employment

Reopening the quarry and installing the processing plant will provide work (and thus help secure employment) for about 20 specialist contractors e.g. electricians, engineers, crane operators, and a total capital commitment of around £1 million. On full reopening the quarry and associated activities will provide direct employment for four new full time employees, plus additional work for contractors and hauliers (and many more in associated activities e.g. health and safety, ecologists etc.).

The quarry generates employment for skilled local contractors which are required to provide specialist services, such as mobile plant engineers, electricians, cleaners, and landscape maintenance and earthmoving contractors.

3.8 Environmental Issues

Existing conditions attached to the planning permission relating to the protection of the environment and local amenity will remain. No changes are proposed to these conditions and it is expected that they will remain in place for the duration of the development.

Hanson’s existing site management procedures and controls relating to e.g. the control of noise, dust, etc. will continue to be employed at the Site.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

4. Planning Policy

4.1 Summary Statement

A comprehensive review of the proposed development in the context of the relevant planning policies has been undertaken and is presented in the following sections. To summarise briefly, this demonstrates that:

• the Site lies within a designated Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA) and Safeguarded Mineral Infrastructure Site for the processing, handling and transport of mineral in the adopted Minerals Local Plan for Staffordshire. Land to the west of the Site is also allocated for potential future development (Provision for Sand and Gravel);

• the proposal is for an ancillary development, required directly in association with a long established mineral extraction operation utilising an existing access route within the Site and is therefore considered to be appropriate in the context of the existing land use;

• it is located within the confines of the existing quarry, which is well screened from nearby receptors including residential properties. It will not result in notable adverse impacts on nearby receptors and will be in keeping with the surrounding mineral operations at the Site and in the immediate vicinity;

• the proposal seeks to provide an alternative method of transporting mineral from the working area to the plant site for processing, by temporarily suspending the use of the conveyor and using dump trucks to haul mineral, it will allow Hanson to establish their market presence once the quarry has re-opened, without prejudicing the economics of the reopening during uncertain market conditions. The proposal does not seek to change any other significant aspects of the Site’s development or operation;

• the proposal is considered to accord with the relevant adopted local plan policies and the NPPF policies particularly regarding the protection of the environment and ensuring the satisfactory restoration of minerals sites;

• Hanson propose a number of improvements to the public bridleway (number 0.477) which will ensure continued safe use of the PRoW by members of the public whilst the quarry is operational; and

• with regard to the green belt:

─ the proposal relates to an existing minerals site where the principle of the development has long been established; ─ the development utilises an existing access route within the quarry, therefore it is not considered inappropriate development in the green belt; ─ the proposal does not conflict with the fundamental aims and purpose of the green belt and it does not affect its openness; and ─ the benefits of ensuring that operations at the Site recommence, and that the Site is fully worked and restored in accordance with the approved scheme are considered to outweigh any potential harm to the green belt.

4.2 Planning History

The key relevant planning history relating to the quarry operation is as follows:

• Review of Old Mineral Permission (ROMP) schedule of conditions ref. L.10/18/807 MW relating to Weeford Quarry IDO Area, issued by SCC on 20th October 2011); this permission relates to the area edged green on figure 60622803.WFD.02; and

• ROMP schedule of conditions ref. L.EA/10/807 MW relating to Weeford Quarry, issued by SCC on 20th October 2011; this permission relates to the area edged red on figure 60622803.WFD.02, comprising the areas known as ‘Weeford North’ and ‘Weeford South’.

Both ROMPs were accompanied by a combined ES submitted to SCC in September 2010.

Condition 16 attached to ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Condition 19 attached to ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW both relate to the use of a conveyor to transport mineral within the Site, and state:

“All mineral shall be transported between the working area and the plant site by conveyor which shall be located in the base of the working area.”

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Similarly, condition 17 of ROMP IDO Permission L.10/18/807 and condition 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

“The conveyor system shall be maintained in good order and in a good condition fit for purpose for the duration of this planning permission.”

See Appendix A for the full planning history of the Site.

4.3 Planning Policy

The application for planning permission falls to be determined by SCC (in its capacity as Minerals Planning Authority - MPA) in accordance with Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 - which states that “if regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the Planning Acts the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

The ‘material considerations’ referred to include national planning policies (mainly published in the form of the NPPF (2019) and the PPG, including that which specifically relates to minerals), emerging local planning policies and evidential material.

4.4 Development Plan

The development plan in this case comprises the relevant adopted planning policy documents from SCC and Lichfield District Council (LDC), including:

• The Minerals Local Plan for Staffordshire 2015 to 2030 (2017); • Lichfield District Local Plan Strategy 2008-2029 (2019); and • Lichfield District Local Plan Allocations 2008-2029 (2019).

4.4.1 Minerals Local Plan for Staffordshire (MLP) 2015-2030 (2017)

The MLP for Staffordshire (2015 - 2030) was adopted by SCC on the 16th February 2017. The MLP identifies suitable land and provides the planning policies that will be used to determine planning applications to develop Staffordshire’s minerals resources during the period 2015 to 2030. The MLP is accompanied by a policies and proposals map to indicate the general location of proposed allocations for mineral working.

Policies

There are a number of policies contained within the MLP which are considered relevant to the proposed development, including:

• Policy 1 – Provision for Sand and Gravel; • Policy 3 – Safeguarding Minerals of Local and National Importance and Important Infrastructure; • Policy 4 – Minimising the Impact of Mineral Development; and • Policy 6 – Restoration of Mineral Sites. Within the MLP and on the accompanying Proposals Map, Weeford (Moneymore) Quarry is identified as an “Operational Sand & Gravel Site”, and also as lying within a Mineral Safeguarding Area for Sand & Gravel.

An assessment of the degree to which the proposed development accords with the above planning policies is provided in section 4.6 below. From this, it can be seen that the proposal is considered to accord with the relevant policies of the SCC MLP.

4.4.2 Lichfield District Local Plan Strategy 2008-2029 (2019)

The Lichfield District Local Plan Strategy 2008-2029 was adopted by full council on 17th February 2015. The local plan strategy is the first part of the local plan for Lichfield District and has been followed by the local plan allocations, which was adopted by full council on 16th July 2019. The local plan strategy and allocations documents replace the saved policies of the 1998 Lichfield District local plan. The Strategy states that it is a

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Development Plan Document produced to help shape the way in which the physical, economic, social and environmental characteristics of Lichfield District will change between 2008 and 2029.

Policies maps relating to the Core Strategy have been replaced by the updated Site Allocations Policies Maps in 2018, which accompany the adopted Site Allocations document (see section 4.4.3 below for details).

The policies considered most relevant to the proposed development include the following:

• Core Policies: − Core Policy 2: Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development; − Core Policy 3: Delivering Sustainable Development; − Core Policy 7: Employment and Economic Development; − Core Policy 13: Our Natural Resources; and − Core Policy 14: Our Built & Historic Environment.

• Development Management (DM) Policies:

─ Policy NR2: Development in the Green Belt; ─ Policy NR3: Biodiversity, Protected Species & their Habitats; ─ Policy NR4: Trees, Woodland & Hedgerows; ─ Policy NR5: Natural & Historic Landscapes; ─ Policy NR9: Water Quality; and ─ Policy BE1: High Quality Development. An assessment of the degree to which the proposed development accords with the above planning policies is provided in section 4.6 below. From this, it can be seen that the proposal is considered to accord with the relevant policies of the LDC Local Plan Strategy.

4.4.3 Lichfield District Local Plan Allocations 2008-2029 (2019) and Policies Map

The Lichfield District Local Plan Allocations 2008-2029 was adopted by LDC on Tuesday 16th July 2019. The local plan allocations is the second part of the local plan and follows the local plan strategy which was adopted in 2015. It adds further detail to the strategic policy within the adopted plan.

As the local plan allocations document relates mainly to housing allocations and employment use allocations, it is considered that there are no policies directly relevant to the proposal, and therefore this document is not considered further.

4.5 Material Considerations

The main material considerations which are considered relevant in this case are the:

• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, updated February 2019);

• Minerals Planning Practice Guidance (PPG, March 2014); and • emerging local development plan documents (including any relevant local neighbourhood plans).

4.5.1 National Planning Policy Framework

A revised and updated NPPF was published in February 2019. Paragraph 10 of the NPPF states: “at the heart of the Framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development” and at paragraph 11 it goes on to explain that, for planning authorities determining applications for planning permission, this means (unless material considerations indicate otherwise):

a. “approving development proposals that accord with an up-to-date development plan without delay; or b. where there are no relevant development plan policies, or the policies which are most important for determining the application are out-of-date, granting permission unless:

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

i. the application of policies in this Framework that protect areas or assets of particular importance provides a clear reason for refusing the development proposed; or ii. any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this NPPF taken as a whole.”

─ specific policies in the NPPF indicate development should be restricted (i.e. a site protected under the Birds and Habitats Directive, SSSIs, Green Belt, local green space, AONBs, Heritage Coast, National Parks, designated heritage assets and locations at risk of flooding or coastal erosion).

Policies

The policies set out in paragraphs 15 to 211 of the NPPF constitute the Government’s view of what sustainable development in England means in practice for the planning system and these policies are grouped under 15 headings (chapters). The NPPF policies under the following headings are considered particularly relevant in this case: economy (chapter 6); green belt (chapter 13); flood risk (chapter 14); natural environment (chapter 15); historic environment (chapter 16); and minerals (chapter 17). NPPF policies considered relevant to the proposed development are outlined below.

Economy

At paragraph 80, under chapter 6 ‘Building a strong, competitive economy’, the NPPF states:

“Planning policies and decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. The approach taken should allow each area to build on its strengths, counter any weaknesses and address the challenges of the future.”

At paragraph 81 meanwhile it goes on to state that in drawing up Local Plans, local planning authorities should, inter alia:

a. “set out a clear economic vision and strategy which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth;… d. be flexible enough to accommodate needs not anticipated in the plan;.. and to enable a rapid response to changes in economic circumstances.”

And at paragraph 82, the NPPF states:

“Planning policies and decisions should recognise and address the specific locational requirements of different sectors.”

Green Belt

With regard to the green belt at Chapter 13, paragraph 143 states: “Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.”

Paragraph 144 goes on to state that: “When considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the Green Belt. ‘Very special circumstances’ will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations.”

Paragraph 146 also states that: “Certain other forms of development are also not inappropriate in the Green Belt provided they preserve its openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. These are: a) mineral extraction; b) engineering operations…;”

Flooding

Under chapter 14 ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change’ at paragraph 163, in respect of flood risk, the NPPF states:

“When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should ensure that flood risk is not increased elsewhere…”

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

The NPPF further stipulates (footnote on page 47):

“A site-specific flood risk assessment should be provided for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3. In Flood Zone 1, an assessment should accompany all proposals involving: sites of 1 hectare or more; land which has been identified by the Environment Agency as having critical drainage problems; land identified in a strategic flood risk assessment as being at increased flood risk in future; or land that may be subject to other sources of flooding, where its development would introduce a more vulnerable use.”

Natural Environment

At paragraph 170 under chapter 15 ‘Conserving and enhancing the natural environment’ the NPPF states:

“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

a. protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan); b. recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside;…

c. maintaining the character of the undeveloped coast d. minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; e. preventing new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by, unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability;... and f. remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate.”

At paragraph 174, in respect of habitats and biodiversity, the NPPF states:

“To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity, plans should:

Identify, map and safeguard components of local wildlife rich habitats and wider ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity; wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect then; and areas identified by national and local partnerships for habitat management, enhancement, restoration or creation; and

Promote the conservation, restoration and enhancement of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species; and identify and pursue opportunities for securing measurable net gains for biodiversity;

Meanwhile, at paragraph 175 (d) it states, inter alia:

“…opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity.”

Ground Conditions and Pollution

In respect of pollution control, including from noise and light, at paragraph 180, the NPPF states:

“Planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development. In doing so they should:

a. mitigate and reduce to a minimum potential adverse impacts resulting from noise from new development – and avoid noise giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and the quality of life; b. identify and protect tranquil areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason; and c. limit the impact of light pollution from artificial light on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation.”

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

At paragraph 181 in respect of air quality, the NPPF states:

“Planning policies and decisions should sustain and contribute towards compliance with relevant limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones, and the cumulative impacts from individual sites in local areas.”

Minerals

Of key importance in relation to the proposal is Chapter 17 of the NPPF on ‘Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals’. At paragraph 203 it states, in relation to minerals development in general:

“It is essential that there is a sufficient supply of minerals to provide the infrastructure, buildings, energy and goods that the country needs. Since minerals are a finite natural resource, and can only be worked where they are found, best use needs to be made of them to secure their long-term conservation.”

Paragraph 204 meanwhile goes on to state that planning policies should, inter alia:

a. “provide for the extraction of mineral resources of local and national importance…

b. …take account of the contribution that substitute or secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the supply of materials, before considering extraction of primary materials, whilst aiming to source minerals supplies indigenously; c. safeguard mineral resources by defining Mineral Safeguarding Areas; and adopt appropriate policies so that known locations of specific minerals resources of local and national importance are not sterilised by non-mineral development… d. set out policies to encourage the prior extraction of minerals, where practical and environmentally feasible, if it is necessary for non-mineral development to take place; e. safeguard existing, planned and potential sites for: the bulk transport, handling and processing of minerals, the manufacture of concrete and concrete products; and the handling, processing and distribution of substitute, recycled and secondary aggregate material; f. set out criteria or requirements to ensure that permitted and proposed operations do not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or human health, taking into account the cumulative effects of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or a number of sites in a locality; g. when developing noise limits, recognise that some noisy short-term activities, which may otherwise be regarded as unacceptable, are unavoidable to facilitate minerals extraction; and h. ensure that worked land is reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, taking account of aviation safety, and that high quality restoration and aftercare of mineral sites takes place.”

With regard to mineral extraction proposals, paragraph 205 states (inter alia):

“When determining planning applications, great weight should be given to the benefits of mineral extraction, including to the economy. In considering proposals for mineral extraction, minerals planning authorities should… b) ensure that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment, human health or aviation safety, and take into account the cumulative effect of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or from a number of sites in a locality… e) provide for restoration and aftercare at the earliest opportunity, to be carried out to high environmental standards, through the application of appropriate conditions. Bonds or other financial guarantees to underpin planning conditions should only be sought in exceptional circumstances…

With regard to the supply of minerals and in particular sand and gravel, the NPPF sets out the following at paragraph 207:

“Minerals planning authorities should plan for a steady and adequate supply of industrial minerals by:

a. preparing an annual Local Aggregate Assessment, either individually or jointly, to forecast future demand, based on a rolling average of 10 years’ sales data and other relevant local information, and an assessment of all supply options…;

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

c. making provision for the land-won and other elements of their Local Aggregate Assessment in their mineral plans, taking account of the advice of the Aggregate Working Parties and the National Aggregate Co-ordinating Group as appropriate. Such provision should take the form of specific sites, preferred areas and/or areas of search and locational criteria as appropriate; d. taking account of any published National and Sub National Guidelines on future provision which should be used as a guideline when planning for the future demand for and supply of aggregates; e. using landbanks of aggregate minerals reserves principally as an indicator of the security of aggregate minerals supply, and to indicate the additional provision that needs to be made for new aggregate extraction and alternative supplies in mineral plans; f. maintaining landbanks of at least 7 years for sand and gravel… whilst ensuring that the capacity of operations to supply a wide range of materials is not compromised; g. ensuring that large landbanks bound up in very few sites do not stifle competition; and h. calculating and maintaining separate landbanks for any aggregate materials of a specific type or quality which have a distinct and separate market.”

At paragraph 208 meanwhile it states:

“Minerals planning authorities should plan for a steady and adequate supply of industrial minerals by:

a. co-operating with neighbouring and more distant authorities to ensure an adequate provision of industrial minerals to support their likely use in industrial and manufacturing processes; b. encouraging safeguarding or stockpiling so that important minerals remain available for use; c. maintaining a stock of permitted reserves to support the level of actual and proposed investment required for new or existing plant, and the maintenance and improvement of existing plant and equipment;…”

4.5.2 Planning Practice Guidance

Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) was originally published online by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG, now the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) on 6th March 2014. It contains guidance on a range of topics including e.g. air quality, historic environment, EIA, flood risk, natural environment, noise, transportation and water quality, etc. It is not considered expedient to review each of these topics separately in this supporting statement, however where appropriate this guidance has been taken into account when preparing the planning application.

The PPG which relates specifically to Minerals (revised October 2014) states, inter alia (PPG ref. ID: 27-001- 20140306):

“Planning for the supply of minerals has a number of special characteristics that are not present in other development:

• minerals can only be worked (i.e. extracted) where they naturally occur, so location options for the economically viable and environmentally acceptable extraction of minerals may be limited;…

• working is a temporary use of land, although it often takes place over a long period of time;

• working may have adverse and positive environmental effects, but some adverse effects can be effectively mitigated;…and

• following working, land should be restored to make it suitable for beneficial after-use.”

The PPG states, in relation to planning for minerals extraction, inter alia (PPG ref. ID: 27-007-20140306):

“Mineral planning authorities are encouraged to plan for minerals extraction using…relevant evidence provided by the minerals industry and other appropriate bodies….This approach will allow mineral planning authorities to highlight areas where mineral extraction is expected to take place…”.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

And (at PPG ref. ID: 27-008-20140306), inter alia:

“Mineral planning authorities should plan for the steady and adequate supply of minerals in one or more of the following ways (in order of priority):

Designating Specific Sites - where viable resources are known to exist, landowners are supportive of minerals development and the proposal is likely to be acceptable in planning terms. Such sites may also include essential operations associated with mineral extraction;…

…In planning for minerals extraction, mineral planning authorities are expected to co-operate with other authorities.”

The PPG goes on to state (PPG ref. ID: 27-008-20140306):

“The suitability of each proposed site, whether an extension to an existing site or a new site, must be considered on its individual merits, taking into account issues such as:

• need for the specific mineral;

• economic considerations (such as being able to continue to extract the resource, retaining jobs, being able to utilise existing plant and other infrastructure);

• positive and negative environmental impacts (including the feasibility of a strategic approach to restoration); and

• the cumulative impact of proposals in an area.”

4.5.3 Emerging Development Plan

The most relevant emerging development plan documents (DPD) is the Lichfield District Council Local Plan Review (Preferred Options and policy maps). Once adopted it will replace the current local plan strategy (adopted in 2015) and the local plan allocations document, adopted in July 2019. Until the time the new local plan is adopted LDC will continue to use the existing local plan when making planning decisions.

The preferred options document was consulted upon between 29th November 2019 and 24th January 2020.

It is considered that the following draft policies are most relevant to the proposed development:

• Strategic Policy OSC1: Securing sustainable development; • Strategic Policy OSC4: High quality design; • Strategic Policy OSC5: Flood risk, sustainable drainage & water quality; • Strategic Policy OEET1: Our employment and economic development; • Strategic Policy ONR1: Green Belt; • Strategic Policy ONR2: Habitats and biodiversity; • Strategic Policy ONR5: Natural and historic landscapes; • Strategic Policy OBHE1: Historic environment; and

• Strategic Policy OBHE2: Loss of heritage assets. Whilst the Local Plan Review has yet to be adopted and therefore does not yet form part of the development plan, consideration has been given to the degree to which the proposed development accords with the most relevant emerging policies of the draft Plan. In conclusion it is considered that the proposed development fully complies in all respects to these draft policies.

4.5.4 Neighbourhood Plans

From a review of the LDC website, it is apparent that there are no designated Neighbourhood Areas or Neighbourhood Plans either in preparation or adopted that are relevant to the proposed development. The closest Neighbourhood Area is Shenstone, the easternmost boundary of which runs close to Little Hay Lane, to the west of the quarry. Shenstone Neighbourhood Plan 2015-2029 was published in 2016.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

4.6 Assessment

The proposed development is considered to accord with the key relevant policies identified above, in that:

• it relates to a continuation of an approved minerals related development located within an established minerals site, identified in the adopted SCC Minerals Local Plan and on land benefiting from planning permission for minerals development, and will support an important existing local business;

• the Site is located within a designated mineral safeguarding area and the proposal aims to facilitate effective minerals recovery, processing and transport at the Site, and therefore it accords with paragraphs 204 and 207 of the NPPF;

• the proposal is for a temporary small scale ancillary development required directly in association with an existing minerals extraction (sand and gravel) operation, and will help to ensure the efficient recovery of the mineral resource and continuity of supply whilst Hanson establish market conditions in the area, therefore the proposal is considered to be sustainable development and accords with Policies 1 and 3 of the SCC MLP and Core Policy 2 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy and paragraphs 80 and 207 of the NPPF;

• the existing quarry configuration and plant site is well screened from residential properties by topography and woodland; no residential properties oversee the access route, and the only public access point is bridleway 0.477. There are limited views into the Site from the surrounding area and nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore the proposal accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP and DM Policy NR5 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy;

• Hanson propose a minor upgrade to the crossing design where bridleway 0.477 intersects the existing access route, which will ensure the continued safe use of the bridleway by members of the public during operations at the Site, it is noted that the bridleway and the quarry have operated successfully together in the past, these measures seek to ensure that the crossing is fit for purpose and that no user of bridleway 0.477 is detrimentally affected and unable to pass, and have been discussed and agreed with the PRoW Officer at SCC, and the proposals are therefore considered to accord with SCC MLP Policy 4 and paragraphs 74 and 75 of the NPPF;

• the noise assessment which accompanies the application (provided at Appendix D) demonstrates that no notable adverse impacts are anticipated with regard to noise, the quarry will continue to meet the required noise limits as set out in ROMP IDO Permission L.10.18/807 MW and ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW and therefore accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP and Core Policy 3 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy and paragraph 170 of the NPPF;

• the FRA which accompanies the application (provided at Appendix E) demonstrates that no notable adverse impacts are anticipated with regard to flood risk, and therefore it accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP and Core Policy 3 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy and paragraph 163 of the NPPF;

• the Site will continue to be restored in accordance with the approved restoration schemes to a mixture of woodland and rough grassland, in line with existing land uses beyond the Site boundary, in accordance with the timescales currently stipulated in the planning permission and therefore the proposal complies with Policy 6 of the SCC MLP and Policy NR3 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy;

• the Site will continue to operate under the remaining relevant conditions of the extant planning permissions which relate to protection of the environment and local amenity, and as such will minimise levels of pollution or contamination to air, land, soil and water; Hanson also operates the quarry under existing site management procedures and controls relating to the control of noise, dust, etc, which will continue to apply at the Site. Furthermore, as outlined at Section 5, the proposal will not negatively impact biodiversity, natural or built heritage assets, and the noise assessment and Flood Risk Assessment which accompany the application (provided at Appendix E) demonstrate that no notable adverse impacts are anticipated with regard to noise or flood risk, and therefore the proposal accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP and Core Policy 13 and 14 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy, and paragraph 170 of the NPPF;

• the proposed development will help to support employment at the site when the quarry re-opens, and help to encourage diversification of the rural economy, and therefore accords with Core Policy 7;

• the Site is not located in close proximity to any statutory or non-statutory designated ecological sites. No ancient or semi-natural woodland will be affected by the proposed development. The access route has been utilised by mobile plant and service vehicles travelling to/from Weeford South for a number of years. Therefore it is considered unlikely that the proposed development will result in significant impacts upon

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

ecology or biodiversity (including any designated and non-designated sites), the proposal therefore accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP, Core Policy 13 and Policy NR3 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy;

• the proposal will not impact upon the built environment or local distinctiveness. No adverse impacts are anticipated with regard to designated heritage assets such as listed buildings, archaeological sites or conservation areas, or their settings. The proposal therefore accords with Policy 4 of the SCC MLP and Core Policy 14 and Policy BE1 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy.

• no trees or woodland will be affected by the proposed development, and it therefore accords with DM Policy NR4 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy;

• the proposal will not negatively impact water quality, nor is it in close proximity to or upstream of any SSSIs; the proposal therefore accords with DM Policy NR9 of the LDC Local Plan;

• With regard to green belt, the proposal accords with DM Policy NR2 of the LDC Local Plan Strategy and paragraphs 144 and 146 of the NPPF in that:

─ the development proposes to utilise an existing internal access route within an existing quarry, it is a low level operation aimed to help an existing established business re-open a quarry which has extant planning permission for minerals extraction and is therefore not considered inappropriate development in the green belt;

─ the proposal will not impact on the fundamental aims and purposes of green belt policy, nor will it conflict with the purposes of including land within it;

─ specifically, it will not: (i) contribute to urban sprawl; (ii) cause neighbouring towns to merge into one another; (iii) encroach on the environment; or (iv) affect the setting and special character of historic towns; and

─ the proposal will not affect the essential characteristics or openness of the green belt; For the reasons outlined above, the proposal at Weeford Quarry is therefore considered to constitute sustainable development as defined by the NPPF and accords with the development plan. Therefore, it benefits from the NPPF presumption (paragraph 11) in favour of sustainable development and can be approved by SCC without delay.

4.7 Conclusions

The assessment provided above serves to demonstrate that the proposed development is considered to accord with the relevant parts of the adopted development plan and the key relevant material considerations. In terms of the NPPF, the proposal is considered to be ‘sustainable development’ - to which the presumption in favour of sustainable development established at paragraph 11 applies.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

5. Environmental and Amenity Issues

5.1 Introduction

The key potential environmental and related impacts of the proposed development have been considered in the following sections. In summary, it is considered that the proposal will not result in any notable environmental or amenity impacts.

5.2 Landscape and Visual

5.2.1 Landscape

The Site itself is not located within an area subject to any statutory land based designations. Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located approximately 9.9km to the north. The Site lies within the Cannock Chase and Cank Wood National Character Area (NCA). The key characteristics of this NCA include:

• well-wooded farmland landscape with rolling landform; • ancient landscape patter of small fields, winding lanes and dispersed, isolated hamlets; • contrasting patterns of well-hedged, irregular fields and small woodlands interspersed with larger semi regular fields on former deer parks and estates, and a geometric patter on former commons;

• numerous areas of former wood-pasture with large, old, oak trees, often associated with heathland remnants;

• narrow, meandering river valleys with long river meadows; • north-eastern industrial area based around former Warwickshire coalfield, with distinctive colliery settlements; and

• north western area dominated by urban development and associated urban edge landscapes. The NCA acknowledges that in places, large scale quarrying of aggregates continue to be worked. The NCA also confirms that much of the urban fringe is Green Belt, and is home to a range of agricultural, recreational and quarrying activities.

On a local level, Weeford quarry lies within the ‘sandstone hills and health’ Landscape Character Type (LCT). It is described as a well wooded landscape with an upstanding, in places steep sided, undulating topography. Key characteristics include:

• upstanding/undulating topography, with occasional steep sided valleys; • discrete, large blocks of both ancient and secondary woodland; • impoverished sandy soils with patches of bracken and gorse; • intensive arable and pastoral farming; • a pattern of varied sized fields; • scattered hedgerow trees, mainly oak;

• occasional narrow lanes and trackways; and • farms of traditional red brick and clay tiles. The extensive networks of canals and railways reflect the industrial history of the area. Major roads include the M6, the M6 Toll and the A38.

The specific landscape context of the proposed development recognises that the quarry has been established for many years. The existing quarry configuration and plant site is well screened from residential properties by topography and woodland. The capacity of the local landscape to accept the proposed development is therefore considered to be high.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

5.2.2 Visual

Views of the Site from publicly accessible points are confined by topography and features such as the M6 motorway and woodland along the boundaries of the Site, to very close positions on access tracks at the Site boundary, as well as to users of bridleway 0.477 which crosses the Site from east to west and located south of the plant site.

Views from roads including the M6, the A38 and other minor roads including Little Hay Lane and Little Hay Brook are screened by intervening topography and tall hedgerows and trees. There are some long distance views from Shenstone, but local roadside hedges screen views from properties on the eastern side of the village.

The nearest residential properties are located on the boundary of the Site to the west, south and south east, but are largely screened by intervening topography and woodland, such that direct views of the access route, Weeford South and the plant site are limited.

The A38 (where it passes over the M6 Toll) is shown as a bridleway (ID: 6,791 and number 0.477) and crosses the Site south of the plant site in an east-west alignment. A public bridleway (number 0.476) meets bridleway 0.477 at Manley Wood to the west of the Site and crosses the Site at Weeford North. It is understood that both bridleways are used in a limited capacity by members of the public. Users of bridleway 0.477 will therefore experience limited views of the quarry when operations recommence.

As the access route crosses bridleway number 0.477, Hanson propose to implement minor improvements to the access route including a minor upgrade to the crossing design by the placement of a concrete hardstanding and signage to regulate traffic flow (shown on figure 60602803.WFD.04). These measures will seek to ensure that the crossing is fit for purpose and that no user of bridleway 0.477 is detrimentally affected and unable to pass safely.

A banksman will be utilised to ensure access for members of the public using the bridleway throughout the duration of the construction works (approximately one week).

The improvements proposed by Hanson to the bridleway crossing have been discussed and agreed with SCC’s Public Rights of Way Officer in advance of the planning application.

5.2.3 Conclusion

The proposed development will consist of the use of an existing internal access route, which is at present used by mobile plant and service vehicles to access the operational areas, partially within the excavated void of Weeford South and well screened by topography and existing vegetation. The proposed development will therefore not be incongruous when considered in the context of the existing use of the Site, the surrounding minerals development and limited sensitive receptors. The quarry operation has been established for many years and is as yet unrestored. It constitutes a negative landscape and visual feature on the immediate location. However, there are very limited direct visual impacts from nearby local residential viewpoints, when viewed in the wider context of the existing quarry. In addition, the Site has been subject to previous comprehensive assessment with the effects of the wider quarrying operations identified as not significant.

Improvements are proposed by Hanson to bridleway 0.477 at its crossing point with the internal access road, which will seek to ensure that the crossing is fit for purpose and that no user of the bridleway is detrimentally affected or unable to pass. These measures have been discussed and agreed in advance with the PRoW Officer at SCC. When considered in the context of the wider surroundings, the proposal is unlikely to have notable landscape or visual effects outside of the immediate surroundings due its location and due to significant screening in the wider area and historical landscape context.

5.3 Noise

A noise assessment accompanies the planning application and is included at Appendix D. A brief summary of the main findings of the noise assessment is provided below.

Condition 26 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 29 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

“No operation with the exception of soil stripping and placement and the construction of soil storage mounds and screen bunds shall take place that would create site attributable noise levels measured at any nearest noise sensitive property that exceeds 55db(A) LAeq 1m.”

Condition 27 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 30 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

“No operations of soil stripping, soil mound/screen bund construction and restoration shall take place that would create site attributable noise levels measured at any noise sensitive property that exceeds 70db(A) LAeq 1hr, when measured in accordance with guidance set out in MPS Annex 2 — Noise or any subsequent revision or replacement document Such temporary operations shall not exceed a total period of 8 weeks in any calendar year.”

These noise limits are therefore applicable to the proposed development.

Sound emissions from the Site were assessed in 2010 to support the review of the existing planning consents. Full details of the assessment were provided to SCC as part of a wider ES at the time. A list of the sensitive receptors assessed and predicted levels from the 2010 assessment is given in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1. Receptor Locations and Results – 2010 Assessment

Receptor Criterion Processing Extraction Compliant? (LAeq,1hr) Noise (LAeq,10hr)* Noise (LAeq,10hr)* (Y/N)

R1 Pine Tree Cottages 55 30.7 53.8 Yes

R2 Springhill Farm, 55 29.5 41.3 Yes Camp Road

R3 Weeford Park Farm 55 32.0 38.7 Yes

R4 Greens Barns Farm 55 34.4 40.6 Yes

R5 Manley Wood House 55 39.5 44.1 Yes

R6 Manley Croft 55 38.4 44.4 Yes

R7 Coach and Horses 55 28.3 53.7 Yes Cottage

Noise levels from the new dumper truck movements have been calculated and added to the total site noise levels for each receptor determined in 2010. If the total noise level is below 55 dB LAeq,1hr, site activity will be compliant with the criterion identified in the conditions.

Hanson has confirmed that three 30 tonne dumper trucks are proposed to operate on the proposed new haul route and that each dumper truck will make three round trips per hour. This equates to a total of 18 trips per hour on the proposed haul route.

To determine sound levels from dumper truck movements, a 3D sound model of the Site and surrounding area has been created. The calculated sound levels associated with the dumper truck movements are presented in Table 5.2 below alongside the 2010 predicted levels, the combined sound levels and the criterion stipulated in the current conditions.

Table 5.2. Assessment of Sound Levels from Dumper Truck Movements

Receptor 2010 Sound Dumper Truck Combined Level of 2010 Criterion Compliant? Level Prediction Movements Predictions and Sound (LAeq,1hr) (Y/N)

(LAeq,1hr)* (LAeq,1hr) from Dumper Truck Movements (LAeq,1hr)

Pine Tree 54 dB 33 dB 54 dB 55 dB Y Cottages

Springhill 41 dB 32 dB 42 dB 55 dB Y Farm, Camp Road

Weeford Park 39 dB 40 dB 43 dB 55 dB Y Farm

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Receptor 2010 Sound Dumper Truck Combined Level of 2010 Criterion Compliant? Level Prediction Movements Predictions and Sound (LAeq,1hr) (Y/N)

(LAeq,1hr)* (LAeq,1hr) from Dumper Truck Movements (LAeq,1hr)

Greens Barns 41 dB 37 dB 42 dB 55 dB Y Farm

Manley Wood 44 dB 41 dB 46 dB 55 dB Y House

Manley Croft 44 dB 41 dB 46 dB 55 dB Y

Coach and 54 dB 29 dB 54 dB 55 dB Y Horses Cottage

* Rounded to 0 decimal places

The calculation results indicate that the noise limits detailed in the conditions will not be exceeded as a result of transporting material via dumper truck as opposed to conveyor. The proposal can therefore be considered acceptable with regards noise.

5.4 Flood Risk

The Site lies wholly within Flood Zone 1, being land at very low risk of flooding from fluvial sources (land having a less than 1 in 1,000 annual probability of flooding from rivers or the sea). However as the Site area for each planning application is >1ha, a proportionate site specific FRA has been undertaken in accordance with the NPPF and PPG requirements, and as agreed with the planning officer during informal pre-application discussions. The FRA is included at Appendix E and a brief summary of the main findings is provided below.

5.4.1 Flood Risk to the Site

There are no watercourses within or immediately adjacent to the Site. Black Brook is located approximately 30m to the north of the Site, north of Little Hay Lane. The quarry has a permit to abstract water from the brook for use in mineral processing.

The occurrence of pluvial (surface water) flood risk is highly dependent on the topography and infiltration capacity of the ground surface. The Site is generally higher than surrounding ground and its sandy soils and sandstone bedrock create relatively free-draining conditions.

Groundwater levels within piezometers around Weeford South indicate south to north groundwater gradients and levels are generally controlled by baseflow to Black Brook to the north of the quarry and abstraction from Little Hay pumping station to the west. Groundwater flood risk is considered to be very low.

The Site has a long history of mineral extraction and flood risk from sewers or mains water leakage is assessed as negligible.

The predicted extent of flooding along Black Brook from a failure in a reservoir wall or embankment at Chasewater, near Cannock, is not predicted to encroach on the Site.

Flood risk to the Site is therefore assessed as being very low to negligible.

5.4.2 Flood Risk from the Site

Potential vulnerable flood risk receptors in the vicinity of the site boundary include the following residential properties:

• Manley Croft, adjacent the western boundary; • Weeford Park Farm, adjacent the southeastern boundary; • Pine Tree Cottages, adjacent the southern boundary; • Residential properties along Little Hay Lane, approximately 500 m west of the boundary;

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

• Weeford village, approximately 250 m northeast of the Site boundary and on the opposite eastern side of the M6 Toll and A38;

• Thickbroom Farm, approximately 250 m north of the Site boundary and on the northern side of Black Brook; and

• Mill House, located at the quarry entrance, is now derelict. The proposed haul route utilises an unsealed internal access road running through the central area of the Site. Compaction of ground due to traffic movement together with the proposed placement of concrete at the bridleway crossing could potentially increase surface run-off. The footprint of the haul road is relatively small. Its position, towards the centre of the Site and near to excavations that are 10-15m below ground level (bgl), provides substantial opportunity for attenuation along internal flow paths. It is therefore concluded that any increase in surface run-off from the haul road will be very small and represents a negligible risk to areas outside the Site boundary.

5.5 Ecology and Biodiversity

The Site is not located in close proximity to any statutory or non-statutory designated ecological sites. The nearest designated sites within 5km are Sutton Park SSSI and NNR, approximately 3km south west of the southern boundary of the Site, and Hill Hook LNR, approximately 2.2km south west of the southern boundary of the Site. Approximately 6.4ha of Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland lies within the Site to the south, but will be unaffected by the proposed development. It is considered that due to the location of the proposed development within the context of the existing quarry, and the distance between the proposed development and the designated sites, there are not anticipated to be any significant adverse impacts on the identified sites.

The proposal represents a minor change ancillary to an already approved mineral development. The access route has been used for a number of years by mobile plant and service vehicles travelling to/from Weeford South. In addition, Weeford South has already undergone a proportion of soil stripping in accordance with the working approved scheme, which will continue for the life of the development.

No scrub or vegetation clearance will be required. Only minor improvements will be required to the existing access route at the crossing point with bridleway 0.477, to make the crossing fit for purpose. The operation of the remainder of the Site will be unchanged. The existing measures and controls which relate to the quarry operation and which are considered to be effective in ensuring that the operation does not give rise to any significant environmental effects will continue to be applied for the duration of the development.

There are no changes proposed to the approved restoration and aftercare schemes, the Site will continue to be restored progressively to a mixture of woodland and rough grassland in accordance with Drawing No W94/86a (Figure 4.8) Restoration Proposals (Weeford North and plant site area) and Drawing No W94/96a (Figure 4.9) Restoration Proposals (Weeford South).

In summary:

• the proposed development does not include an additional land-take over and above that which is already consented;

• there are no previously undisturbed (i.e. unworked) areas of the quarry which could be adversely affected by the proposed development;

• the proposed development is a continuation of the existing approved development which has been subject to previous comprehensive ecological assessment with the effects of the operations identified as not significant;

• existing conditions and schemes approved by SCC will continue to apply for the duration of the development; and

• there are no changes to the restoration and aftercare scheme, which has already been approved by LCC.

Given the above, no notable adverse impacts are anticipated on ecological receptors as a result of the proposed development.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

5.6 Transport and Access

Access to the Site is from the A38 (London Road) by an overpass across the M6 Toll to the east. The access is shared with the Coltman concrete products facility. The access has been used for many years for transporting materials to and from the quarry and the adjacent concrete products facility. This will not change as a result of the proposed development.

The access is over 6m wide and accommodates two way HGV traffic. No highway modifications are required as a result of the proposed development.

Hanson employees parking will remain within the plant site area, adjacent the site office and weighbridge.

The proposed development will result in a small increase in internal plant movements on the access route between Weeford South and the plant site (i.e. three 30 tonne dumper trucks making 3 round trips per hour). There will be no changes to HGV movements to and from the Site from that which is currently approved as a result of the proposed development.

5.7 Air Quality / Dust

The Site is not located within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

The risk of fugitive dust emissions, which arise principally from wind blow of dry fine aggregates, i.e. silt and sand has been considered. The proposed development represents a minor development utilising an existing access route within the existing quarry development, with limited potential to influence dust production. Use of the access route for transporting mineral will be short term in nature and will not be incongruous when considered in the context of the wider existing mineral operation. The proposed development will introduce approximately 3 dumper trucks making a maximum of 3 round trips per hour. No changes are proposed to the number of HGV vehicles leaving the Site over that which is currently approved.

Vehicles leaving the quarry do so from the surfaced weighbridge and yard area within the plant site which ensures that little mud, if any, is transported onto the public highway. Hanson also employ road sweepers as necessary and have wheel cleaning facilities on-site. The cleaner is used by all lorries exporting mineral off site or that have crossed unsurfaced areas, to remove mud and debris as required to prevent tracking onto the public highway.

Most dust settles within 100m of its source, less if vegetation or physical barriers exist; there are no potentially sensitive receptors located within 400m of the access route. The closest is Pine Tree Cottages (residential), located adjacent the southern boundary of the Site, but approximately 150m from the access route, with future mineral workings, soil screening bunds and marginal vegetation between the two.

It is considered that any emissions arising as a result of the proposed development would result in impacts that are minor, infrequent and of short duration and would be experienced in conjunction with the ongoing quarrying operations. The deposited material would be composed of sand and soil particles and would not pose a threat to human health. Deposits of this kind can be washed off the surface so any impact would be reversible. No notable adverse impacts are therefore identified.

The quarry operation has been subject to previous assessment with the effects of the operations identified as not significant with respect to air quality/dust. A number of conditions were attached to both permissions to control fugitive dust emissions as a result of the Site operations and will continue to apply. Best practice measures are also implemented at the Site.

No notable adverse impacts relating to dust or air quality are predicted to occur as a result of the proposal.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

6. Conclusions

This supporting statement accompanies two planning applications submitted by Hanson to Staffordshire County Council (SCC) for planning permission to temporarily relax Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Schedule of Conditions Ref. L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Schedule of Conditions Ref. L.EA/10/807 MW. The applications are being submitted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

The proposal will permit a trial reopening of Weeford Quarry by temporarily suspending the use of the field conveyor for a period of up to three years, and to use instead a small number of dump trucks to haul mineral along the established access route (from the working area in Weeford South to the Plant Site) on an “as needed” basis. The proposal will allow Hanson to establish their market presence and if successful the company will reinvest in a new field conveyor which is considered more economical over the longer term and for higher production volumes.

No changes are proposed to the quarry extraction limits, restoration scheme and profiles or life of the operations. The proposal has been assessed and it is considered that it will not result in any notable environmental or amenity impacts.

The proposal has been assessed and found to accord with the relevant development plan policies and material considerations. Whilst the Site is located within the West Midlands Green Belt, it is considered that: (i) the site is an existing quarry where the principle of the development has long been established; (ii) the development is a low level operation utilising an existing access route, (iii) the proposal does not conflict with the fundamental aims and purpose of the Green Belt; and (iv) the benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh any potential harm to the Green Belt.

Therefore, in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, it is considered the proposal can be approved.

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Figures

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix A Full Planning History

Table A.2 - Weeford Quarry Planning History Summary

Reference Description Decision date

L.10/18/807 MW D2 Submission of details in compliance with Pending consideration conditions 8 (Working Scheme), 9 (Notification), 14 (Wheel Cleaning), 18 (Soils), 19 (Landscaping), 23 (Mineral Waste), 40 (Restoration) and 41 (Aftercare) of planning permission L.10/18/807 MW

L.10/18/807 MW NMA3 Non-Material Amendment Application Ref. No. Approved 10th November 2020 L.10/18/807 MW NMA3 – to amend conditions 14 (wheel cleaning), 18 (soil management) and 23 (mineral waste disposal) of planning permission L.10/18/807 MW to amend the submission date from 6 months of the date of the permission to 31 December 2020 at Moneymore Quarry

L.EA.10/807 MW NMA3 Non-Material Amendment Application Ref. No. Approved 10th November 2020 L.EA/10/807 MW NMA3 – non-material amendments to conditions 17 (wheel cleaning), 21 (soil management) and 26 (mineral waste disposal) of planning permission L.EA/10/807 MW to amend the submission date from 6 months of the date of the permission to 31 December 2020 at Moneymore Quarry

L.19/01/807 MW Submission for prior written approval in Approved 13th January 2020 accordance with Part 17 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 relating to proposed replacement laboratory building

L.EA/10/807 MW D2 Submission of details in compliance with condition Approved 15th July 2019 45 of the scheme of conditions ref. L.EA/10/807 MW relating to submission of a Written Scheme of Archaeological Investigation for phase 2

L.10/18/807 MW NMA2 Application for a non-material amendment to Approved 12th April 2017 conditions 14, 18 and 23 of ROMP schedule of conditions L.10/18/807 MW to amend details to be submitted by 31 March 2017 to details to be submitted by 31 March 2019

L.EA.10/807 MW NMA2 Application for a non-material amendment to Approved 12th April 2017 conditions 17, 21, 26, 46 and 47 of ROMP schedule of conditions L.EA/10/807 MW to amend details to be submitted by 31 March 2017 to details to be submitted by 31 March 2019

L.EA/10/807 MW NMA1 Non-material amendment relating to deferral of Approved 15th September 2016 submissions of detail required by conditions 17, 21, 26, 46 and 47 of ROMP schedule of conditions L.EA/10/807 MW until 31 March 2017

L.10/18/807 MW NMA1 Non-material amendment relating to deferral of Approved 15th September 2016 submissions of detail required by conditions 14, 18 and 23 of ROMP schedule of conditions L.10/18/807 MW until 31 March 2017

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix B ROMP Permissions

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix C Photographs

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Figure 1: view looking south from plant site along existing access route towards PRoW and Weeford South (AECOM July 2020)

Figure 2: view looking east, Weeford Quarry Bridleway number 0.477, existing crossing point with haul route aligned left to right through the gates (AECOM July 2020).

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Figure 3: Reverse view of Photo 1 view looking west, Weeford Quarry Bridleway number 0.477 towards crossing point (AECOM October 2020).

Figure 4: view looking south along the existing access route (AECOM July 2020)

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Figure 5: view looking south east, Weeford Quarry weighbridge and wheelwash

(AECOM July 2020).

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix D Noise Assessment

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

Noise Assessment

Weeford (Moneymore) Quarry, Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd

November 2020

Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Quality information

Prepared by Checked by Verified by Approved by

Alex Young Tom Lucas Chris Skinner Chris Skinner Senior Acoustics Principal Acoustics Regional Manager - Regional Manager - Consultant Consultant Acoustics Acoustics

Revision History

Revision Revision date Details Authorized Name Position

Distribution List

# Hard Copies PDF Required Association / Company Name

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM

Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Prepared for: Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd

Prepared by: AECOM Limited 12 Regan Way, Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Notts. NG9 6RZ,

© 2020 AECOM Limited. All Rights Reserved.

This document has been prepared by AECOM Limited (“AECOM”) for sole use of our client (the “Client”) in accordance with generally accepted consultancy principles, the budget for fees and the terms of reference agreed between AECOM and the Client. Any information provided by third parties and referred to herein has not been checked or verified by AECOM, unless otherwise expressly stated in the document. No third party may rely upon this document without the prior and express written agreement of AECOM.

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM

Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Context ...... 5 2. Site Description and Planning Permissions ...... 6 3. Assessment ...... 7 3.1 Methodology ...... 7 3.2 Assessment and Results ...... 7 4. Summary ...... 9

Appendices

Appendix A Site Location Appendix B Noise Sensitive Receptor Locations Appendix C 3D Sound Modelling

Tables

Table 1. Receptor Locations and Results – 2010 Assessment ...... 7 Table 2. Dumper Truck Sound Pressure Levels ...... 8 Table 3. Assessment of Sound Levels from Dumper Truck Movements ...... 8

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM

Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

1. Introduction and Context

AECOM has been appointed by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited (Hanson) to carry out a noise assessment relating to two planning applications at Weeford Quarry, also known as Moneymore Quarry, Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire. The two planning applications will seek to utilise an existing access route to transport mineral from the current extraction area (known as ‘Weeford South’) to the plant site for processing by dump truck. The haul route will be used for a temporary period instead of the adjacent mineral conveyor as approved in the current permissions. The supporting statement to which this assessment is attached provides more details of the proposed development.

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Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

2. Site Description and Planning Permissions

Weeford Quarry (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’), is located to the west of the A38 and M6 Toll road in Staffordshire, 5km north of Sutton Coldfield and 7km west of Tamworth. The Site is generally split into three distinct areas. The centre of the Site comprises silt and freshwater lagoons, and the plant site. Operations to the north are known locally as ‘Weeford North’, which comprise a former mineral extraction area and a number of silt lagoons, which is currently undergoing restoration and aftercare. Operations to the south are known locally as ‘Weeford South’, which comprise a second (southern) mineral extraction area which has been partly worked. The Site location is shown in Appendix A.

Currently, the quarry is not operational, having been mothballed some years ago.

The operation of the quarry is subject to the conditions detailed in the following permissions:

• ROMP schedule of conditions ref. L.10/18/807 MW relating to Weeford Quarry (hereafter referred to as the ‘ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW’); this permission relates to the area edged green on figure 60622803.WFD.02; and

• ROMP schedule of conditions ref. L.EA/10/807 MW relating to Weeford Quarry (hereafter referred to as the ‘ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW’); this permission relates to the area edged red on figure 60622803.WFD.02, comprising the areas known as ‘Weeford North’ and ‘Weeford South’. The acoustics related conditions are as follows:

Condition 26 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 29 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

“No operation with the exception of soil stripping and placement and the construction of soil storage mounds and screen bunds shall take place that would create site attributable noise levels measured at any nearest noise sensitive property that exceeds 55db(A) LAeq 1m.”

Condition 27 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 30 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW state:

“No operations of soil stripping, soil mound/screen bund construction and restoration shall take place that would create site attributable noise levels measured at any noise sensitive property that exceeds 70db(A) LAeq 1hr, when measured in accordance with guidance set out in MPS Annex 2 — Noise or any subsequent revision or replacement document Such temporary operations shall not exceed a total period of 8 weeks in any calendar year.”

There are also two conditions reproduced on each permission, which govern the transportation of material within the Site. They are:

Condition 16 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 19 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW:

“All mineral shall be transported between the working area and the plant site by conveyor which shall be located in the base of the working area.”

Condition 17 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 20 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW:

“The conveyor system shall be maintained in good order and in a good condition fit for purpose for the duration of this planning permission.”

The conveyor has largely been removed from the Site for use elsewhere. Hanson are now proposing to re-open the Quarry in the near future and wish to trial the re-opening by temporarily suspending the use of the conveyor for a period of up to three years, and to use instead a small number of dump trucks to haul mineral along the established access route on an as needed basis.

The purpose of this report is to assess the proposed development in relation to noise, to determine whether the Quarry will continue to achieve the noise limits set out in the above conditions.

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Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

3. Assessment

3.1 Methodology

Sound emissions from the Site were assessed in 2010 to support the review of the existing planning consents. Full details of the assessment were provided to the Local Authority as part of a wider Environmental Statement (ES) at the time.

The 2010 assessment predicted sound levels for site operations at the nearest noise sensitive receptor locations. It concluded that sound from site operations is expected to remain within the nominated criteria.

A list of the sensitive receptors assessed and predicted levels from the 2010 assessment is given in Table 1 below. The location of the sensitive receptors is shown in Appendix B.

Table 1. Receptor Locations and Results – 2010 Assessment

Receptor Criterion Processing Extraction Compliant? (Y/N) (LAeq,1hr) Noise (LAeq,10hr)* Noise (LAeq,10hr)*

R1 Pine Tree Cottages 55 30.7 53.8 Yes

R2 Springhill Farm, 55 29.5 41.3 Yes Camp Road

R3 Weeford Park Farm 55 32.0 38.7 Yes

R4 Greens Barns Farm 55 34.4 40.6 Yes

R5 Manley Wood House 55 39.5 44.1 Yes

R6 Manley Croft 55 38.4 44.4 Yes

R7 Coach and Horses 55 28.3 53.7 Yes Cottage

* It is noted that the time period used in the 2010 assessment and the criteria given in the planning permission are different. Due to the nature of site operations, it is assumed that the LAeq,1hr and LAeq,10hr are the same in this instance. Source: Weeford Quarry Environmental Statement, Section 11 June 2010 Except for the change in the method of transporting mineral to the plant site, no change in site operations is proposed. Therefore, except for noise generated by the additional dumper truck movements, the 2010 predictions remain valid for current operations.

To determine whether Site operations including the proposed dumper truck movements comply with the requirements of Condition 26 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 29 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW, noise levels from the new dumper truck movements have been calculated and added to the total site noise levels for each receptor determined in 2010. If the total noise level is below 55 dB LAeq,1hr, site activity will remain compliant with the criterion identified in the conditions.

Furthermore, if contributions from dumper truck movements do not result in exceedances of the 55 dB LAeq,1hr criterion given, it follows that they will also not result in exceedances of the 70 dB LAeq,1hr criterion set out in Condition 27 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 30 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW.

This approach is conservative as it does not account for the removal of sound sources associated with the conveyor which will occur as part of the proposal (i.e. the feed hopper conveyor, field conveyor and drive unit). If the removal of these sound sources results in a reduction in sound levels and dumper truck movements do not contribute to overall levels, this could result in a reduction in overall sound levels in some locations.

3.2 Assessment and Results Hanson has confirmed that three 30 tonne dumper trucks are proposed to operate on the proposed new haul route and that each dumper truck will make three round trips per hour. This equates to a total of 18 trips per hour on the proposed haul route. The haul route for use by the dumper trucks is shown in Appendix B.

To determine sound levels from dumper truck movements, a 3D sound model of the Site and surrounding area has been created using the following inputs:

• OS Terrain topographical data for the Site and surrounding area;

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Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

• Site layout drawing showing the location of the proposed haul route provided by Hanson; and

• receptor location information taken from the 2010 assessment. The sound pressure levels used in the assessment are given in Table 2 below.

Table 2. Dumper Truck Sound Pressure Levels

Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels at 10 Metres (dB) A-Weighted Sound Source Pressure Level (LAeq,T) dB 63 Hz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1kHz 2kHz 4kHz

Articulated Dump 87 85 83 81 78 74 71 83 Truck (Table C10,18) Source:BS5228-1:2009 + A1:2014 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise Based on the above, the sound pressure levels associated with the dumper truck movements were calculated using the 3D sound model. Full details of the sound modelling procedure and results are given in Appendix C.

The calculated sound levels associated with the dumper truck movements are presented in Table 3 below alongside the 2010 predicted levels, the combined sound levels and the criterion stipulated in the current conditions.

Table 3. Assessment of Sound Levels from Dumper Truck Movements

Receptor 2010 Sound Dumper Truck Combined Level of 2010 Criterion Compliant? (Y/N) Level Prediction Movements Predictions and Sound (LAeq,1hr)

(LAeq,1hr)* (LAeq,1hr) from Dumper Truck Movements (LAeq,1hr)

Pine Tree 54 dB 33 dB 54 dB 55 dB Y Cottages

Springhill 41 dB 32 dB 42 dB 55 dB Y Farm, Camp Road

Weeford Park 39 dB 40 dB 43 dB 55 dB Y Farm

Greens Barns 41 dB 37 dB 42 dB 55 dB Y Farm

Manley Wood 44 dB 41 dB 46 dB 55 dB Y House

Manley Croft 44 dB 41 dB 46 dB 55 dB Y

Coach and 54 dB 29 dB 54 dB 55 dB Y Horses Cottage

* Rounded to 0 decimal places

The calculation results indicate that the noise limits detailed in the conditions discussed in Section 2 of this assessment will not be exceeded as a result of transporting material via dumper truck as opposed to conveyor. The proposal can therefore be considered acceptable with regards noise.

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Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

4. Summary

AECOM have assessed the potential noise impact of a change in site operations at Weeford Quarry in Staffordshire.

Currently, the quarry is not operational. When previously operational, a mineral conveyor was in place to transport the as dug sand and gravel from the extraction area in Weeford South to the plant site for processing. It is now proposed to re-open the quarry in the near future and as part of the resumption of operations, it is proposed that mineral will be transported via dumper truck instead of the conveyor for a temporary period, whilst Hanson establish their market presence.

Noise emissions from the Site are controlled by a number of conditions attached to the operative permissions for the Site.

Sound emissions from Weeford Quarry were assessed in 2010 to support two applications to review the existing planning consents at the time. The 2010 assessment predicted noise levels for all proposed site operations at the nearest noise sensitive receptor locations and concluded that noise levels were expected to comply with the criteria given in condition 26 of ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 29 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW. Noise levels were also expected to comply with condition 27 ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and condition 30 of ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW.

Noise emissions from site operations were calculated based on the 2010 results and a 3D sound model was used to determine the contribution of the proposed dump truck movements in addition to these sound levels.

The calculations indicate that site operations, inclusive of the proposed dump truck movements, are expected to comply with the requirements of the existing conditions attached to ROMP IDO permission L.10/18/807 MW and ROMP permission L.EA/10/807 MW.

On this basis, the proposed transportation of as dug sand and gravel by dump truck, as opposed to the mineral conveyor as approved, can therefore be considered acceptable with regards noise.

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Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Appendix A Site Location

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM 10

N KEY

SITE LOCATION

REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA ‹ CROWN COPYRIGHT 20 20. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENCE NUMBER 0100031673 Purpose of issue Drawing Title FOR INFORMATION Drawn Checked Approved WEEFORD QUARRY AAO HW HW Date Scale @ A4 Rev LOCATION PLAN 10/20 1:50,000 - Drawing Number Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Appendix B Noise Sensitive Receptor Locations

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Lodge Farm

L:\LEGACY\WIP2\CH_SHARED2\CH_WASTE_MANAGEMENT\60602803 HANSON VARIOUS CN 2019\400 TECHNICAL\6. WEEFORD S73\PLANS\60602803.NSR - NOISE SENSITIVETrack RECEPTORS 2020-10-28

o Olea Barn

R REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE LICEN CROWN COPYRIGHT 20 SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 300500 301000

T Client Project Title C

S Stables

A KEY

o

V C Drain

E n E NUMBER 0100031673

N

s

U

t E

137m B R1

Track d y Track WEEFORD QUARRY 20 Mast . ‹ 134m NOISE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS LIMIT OF WORKING AREA ROMP PERMISSION BOUNDARY REF. L.10/18/807 MW HAUL ROUTE TO PLANT SITE ROMP PERMISSION BOUNDARY REF. L.EA/10/807 MW CONVEYOR ROUTE TO PLANT SITE

Drain

W B Drain A

o T

F r O o R

D C G

A o P

n R 411500 s O t A D &

M

e Path t D is t r ic t Hill Farm

B Blossom

d 125m y Alder Farm HILLWOOD COMMON ROAD Figure Title Camp Farm

NOISE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS

L

T I T L E 93m H

A

Y

L

A N E

126m 120m Drain Drain

109m GREEN BARNS LANE Drain Dunton House Moat Cottage Joberns 91m Hay House

Path Little

122m 412000 Track

LITTLE HAY LANE

Track Drain Shenstone Park 101m Iss The Mount 89m 95m Cottage Farm Little 94m Hillside House Hay Oak Farm

Drain

P

A

R

K

CAMP ROAD CAMP

Cottages Hollybush L

92m A Park Gate

N Green Barn Farm E Cottage

Brookfields FB L I T

301500 302000 302500 FB 303000 T 303500

L

Scale @ A3 Designed Purpose of issue 1:10,000 60602803 AECOM Internal Project No. - E

L Ppg Sta i

t

t H l

e h

a

y A

B

r Y o Home Farm o k L A

N

Drain E

Track G

R

120m E

E

N

B

A

R Non-Coniferous

N

S

L R4 A

N Track Drawn AAO E

Stables

Track 91m

Track Drain ESS FOR INFORMATION

412500 Manley Lodge The Oaks Privet Covert Checked HW

Drain Drain

Path 132m

Wood House Track R5

Manley Approved HW C

Manorial Wood 87m o

R6 C

The Grove

o Manley House C

A

n SAWPITS M

s

P 109m

t

Path R

B Track O

Sks

120m A

d FB D

Date Drain 10/20

Manley Croft y Track Track 148m Manley Wood WORCESTER LANE Track SAWPITS Path

Springhill Farm Drain Thickbroom Old Plantation WEEFORD NORTH Hovel Covert

R1 Drain

Cottage Path Fax. (01246) 209229 Derbyshire. S41 7SL Royal Court, Basil Close Chesterfield Telephone. (01246) 209221 www.aecom.com AECOM Thickbroom Farm Figure Number

ESS Drain Pine Tree House

413000 R2 Path ESS

87m

FBs

Boro Const & Met District Bdy District Met & Const Boro Drain 132m

Track Track

LITTLE HAY LANE

Track Path Track

Plantation Track Springhill Farm Solar

Weeford Track Quarry

? FB

Pit (dis) WEEFORD SOUTH Drain 0 Black Fir Wood Track PLANT SITE Blackbrook

Lavender

M6 TOLL M6 Track Cottage

Standerton Bridge Track Factory 100

88m Track Conveyor Conveyors

144m

R7 L

O

N

D O

N

R

O

A

D Path Coach and

Cottage

A38

a v Horses r FBs 200 T

C Blackbrook Farm

413500 Sluices

Mill House M6 TOLL M6 WEEFORD CP

Green Wood CAMP ROAD CAMP Camp Cottage Moneymore

300

R3 Path

Toll Station A38

M

6

T

Park Farm O Weeford L L

400

L 94m Track

O N

FB N

D

O

LONDON ROAD N R

O

A

D A38 144m Path Rev

500m A38

Drain Coach and Horses' 151m Conveyors

M 6 T O L L Plantation Track

LONDON ROAD A38 The Priory L O N D O N R O A D Track Weeford Quarry Noise Assessment

Appendix C 3D Sound Modelling

Modelling Software: CADNA/A 2020

Modelled Scenarios: Noise emissions from proposed dumper truck movement

Calculation Algorithms: ISO 9613-1:1993 Acoustics-Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors – Part 1: Calculation of the absorption of sound by the atmosphere

ISO 9613-2:1996 Acoustics-Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors – Part 2: General method of calculation

Assumptions Reflections: First order reflections included Ground Absorption Coefficient: 0.6 Façade Corrections: Applied Building heights assumed to be approximately 6 metres Receiver locations at 1 metre from building facades at a height of 4 metres (1st floor)

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix E Flood Risk Assessment

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT

WEEFORD QUARRY

Ref: 3061/FRA-TN October 2020

Hanson UK Ashby Road East Shepshed LOUGHBOROUGH Leicestershire LE12 9BU

P:\Projects\Weeford Quarry (2719)\2020-Flood statement\Reports\3061_FRA-TN (Oct 20).docx

Barkers Chambers  Barker Street  Shrewsbury  United Kingdom  S Y 1 1 S B T : 01743 355770  F: 01743 357771  E : [email protected]

Weeford Quarry FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT – TECHNICAL NOTE

WEEFORD QUARRY - FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT

1 Introduction

Hanson UK intends to recommence operations in the near future and wishes to transport sand and gravel to the plant site by dump truck along an existing internal access road instead of a previously consented conveyor. To do so requires the relaxation of conditions attached to ROMP permissions relating to the plant area (L.10/18/807 MW) and Weeford South (L.EA/10/807 MW). The combined area is hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’.

Weeford Quarry is located approximately 1 km southwest of Weeford Village and 6 km to the north of Sutton Coldfield at National Grid Reference (NGR) SK 1320 0220 (WS14 0PX). Prior to the cessation of operations several years ago, the Site had a long history of mineral extraction.

The plant site is located in the central area of Weeford Quarry approximately 800 m to the north of the extraction area in Weeford South. The existing access road crosses a bridleway where it is proposed to improve the resilience of the crossing point by establishing a concrete hardstanding. Except for other minor improvements the access road will remain unchanged from its existing route and footprint (see AECOM Drawing 60602803.WFD.02).

2 Approach to Flood Risk Assessment

The combined area of the Site exceeds 1 hectare and a Flood Risk Assessment is required in accordance with the statutory requirements of the NPPF and PPG. This is to ensure that flood risk is taken into account at all stages of the planning process and to avoid inappropriate development in areas potentially at risk of flooding. PPG classifies the flood risk vulnerability of sites used for mineral working and processing as ‘less vulnerable’ development.

Flood risk posed by all sources of flooding to and from the Site has been assessed and potential impacts of changing the mineral transportation method (from conveyor to dump truck along existing internal access road) have been identified and mitigation measures proposed, where necessary.

2.1 Assessment of flood risk to the Site

The nearest watercourses to the Site are Black Brook, over 1 km to the north of the site boundary (excluding Weeford North); Littlehay Brook, 500 m to the west of the boundary; and an unnamed stream next to the southern boundary. Environment Agency flood risk mapping indicates a very low fluvial flood risk to the Site (annual probability of less than 1:1000).

October 2020 Page 1 Weeford Quarry FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT – TECHNICAL NOTE

The occurrence of pluvial (surface water) flood risk is highly dependent on the topography and infiltration capacity of the ground surface. The Site is generally higher than surrounding ground and its sandy soils and sandstone bedrock create relatively free-draining conditions. Environment Agency flood risk mapping indicates a very low risk of surface water flooding to the Site (annual probability of less than 1:1000). Exceptions are low-lying areas within the plant site and along a ditch running east-west parallel to the bridleway which generally have a low risk of flooding (annual probability of between 1:100 and 1:1000).

Groundwater levels within piezometers around Weeford South indicate south to north groundwater gradients and levels are generally controlled by baseflow to Black Brook to the north of the quarry and abstraction from Little Hay pumping station to the west. Localised areas of groundwater ponding can occur in the lower levels of the quarry void which lie some 10–15 m below ground level (mbgl). Groundwater flood risk is therefore considered to be very low.

The Site has a long history of mineral extraction and flood risk from sewers or mains water leakage is assessed as negligible.

The predicted extent of flooding along Black Brook from a failure in a reservoir wall or embankment at Chasewater, near Cannock, is not predicted to encroach on the Site.

Therefore, flood risk to the Site is assessed as being very low to negligible.

2.2 Assessment of increased flood risk to external areas

Developments can increase flood risk elsewhere through the following mechanisms:

. Fluvial flooding due to a loss of floodplain storage . Fluvial flooding due to changes in flood pathways . Fluvial and/or pluvial flooding due to an increase in surface run-off

The Site is located outside the functional floodplain and will therefore not lead to a loss of floodplain storage or changes to flood pathways.

Potential vulnerable flood risk receptors in the vicinity of the site boundary include the following residential properties:

. Manley Croft, next to the western boundary . Weeford Park Farm, next to the southeastern boundary . Pine Tree Cottages, next to the southern boundary . Residences along Little Hay Lane, approximately 500 m west of the boundary

October 2020 Page 2 Weeford Quarry FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT – TECHNICAL NOTE

. Weeford village, approximately 250 m northeast of the site boundary and on the opposite eastern side of the M6 Toll and A38 . Thickbroom Farm, approximately 250 m north of the boundary and on the opposite northern side of Black Brook . Mill House, located at the quarry entrance, is now derelict

The proposed haul route utilises an unsealed internal access road running through the central area of the Site. Compaction of ground due to traffic movement together with the proposed placement of concrete at the bridleway crossing could potentially increase surface run-off. The footprint of the haul road is relatively small. Its position, towards the centre of the Site and near to excavations that are 10-15 mbgl, provides substantial opportunity for attenuation along internal flow paths. It is therefore concluded that any increase in surface run-off from the haul road will be very small and represents a negligible risk to areas outside the site boundary.

3 Conclusion

The proposed development is not expected to experience flood risk or cause an increase in flood risk to the surrounding area and no mitigation is proposed. As such, the development satisfies the flood risk requirements of the NPPF associated technical guidance.

Peter Dunn BSc MSc Principal Hydrologist 22nd October 2020

October 2020 Page 3 Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Appendix F Mineral Development Statement

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Mineral Development Statement

1. Introduction

This Mineral Development Statement (MDS) has been prepared in support of a planning application submitted by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited (Hanson) to Staffordshire County Council (SCC) as the Mineral Planning Authority (MPA).

The application relates to the continued operation of Weeford Quarry at variance temporarily to Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow the transportation of mineral from the working area to the plant site via an existing internal access route instead of by mineral conveyor as currently approved. Full details of the proposal can be found in the planning supporting statement.

This MDS has been prepared having regard to SCC’s ‘A to Z Guide to Planning Applications Submitted to Staffordshire County Council (latest update 17 July 2017)’. The structure and content of the MDS reflects:

(i) the indicative content outlined in the Guide; (ii) the advice provided by SCC as to which matters the Authority considers require addressing in this case; and (iii) the nature and scale of the proposal, which is for a relatively small scale engineering operation required to facilitate continued working at an existing quarry, with no changes to the approved quarry extraction limits, working practices, restoration scheme and profiles or life of the operations.

This MDS cross-refers to information provided within the planning supporting statement where applicable.

2. The Applicant’s Business

Hanson is the UK’s second largest supplier of heavy building materials to the construction industry. The Company produces aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), ready-mixed and pre-cast concrete, asphalt, bulked and bagged cement, concrete and heavy building products.

Hanson is part of the Heidelberg Cement Group, one of the largest building materials manufacturers worldwide and the global market leader in aggregates with leading positions in cement, concrete and other downstream activities.

Hanson’s UK business is split into five main business lines – aggregates, cement, concrete, asphalt and contracting, and supply chain – which together operate over 300 manufacturing sites and employ some 4,000 people.

The Company is an important supplier of local materials to the construction industry, supplying Hanson’s own aggregate and concrete businesses as well as other national minerals operators and the general building trade.

Hanson’s quarry operations provide direct employment at the sites themselves and also for road hauliers and associated personnel working in the building material industry.

3. Background to the Development Proposals

As set out in more detail in the planning supporting statement, Hanson’s operations at Weeford quarry are regulated by two main ROMP (Review of Old Mineral Permissions) schedules of conditions (ref. L.10/18/807 MW and L.EA/10/807 MW), both granted by SCC in October 2011.

Weeford quarry has a long history of mineral extraction. Currently, the quarry is not operational, having been ostensibly mothballed in 2008. Hanson plans to reopen the quarry in early 2021, to supply the Staffordshire and Birmingham market for aggregates.

When the site was operational, a mineral conveyor was in place to transport the “as dug” sand and gravel from the extraction area to the Plant Site for processing (in accordance with conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP schedule of conditions L.10/18/807 MW and conditions 19 and 20 attached to ROMP schedule of conditions L.EA/10/807 MW). Over the last 10 years the conveyor has been largely removed for use at other sites, leaving in place an access route used only by quarry mobile plant and service vehicles. The addition of a new mineral

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

conveyor linking the extraction area to the plant site would prejudice the economics of the proposal during uncertain market conditions.

Hanson is therefore applying to SCC for planning permission to continue the development at Weeford Quarry at variance temporarily to Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW, to allow the transportation of mineral from the working area to the plant site via an existing internal access route instead of by mineral conveyor as currently approved. For further description of the development proposal, refer to section 3.2 of the planning supporting statement.

4. The Alternatives Considered

The possible alternative in this case is to transport the mineral via a new conveyor. This alternative is not preferable to the proposed development, as option (i) would require substantial financial investment and thereby prejudice the economics of the proposal during uncertain market conditions.

5. Significance of the Timing of the Planning Application and The Intended Commencement Date and Phasing of the Development

Hanson is applying for the temporary variance to Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW at this time because, as explained in the planning supporting statement, there is an urgent need for a means of transporting aggregate from the extraction area to the plant site, in order to allow the quarry’s reopening. It is anticipated that the works would commence immediately upon issue of planning permission.

6. Opportunity to Review Conditions and / or Consolidate Existing Permissions

Hanson is applying to amend only Conditions 16 and 17 attached to ROMP Permission L.10/18/807 MW and Conditions 19 and 20 of ROMP Permission L.EA/10/807 MW and considers that it is not necessary to amend any of the other conditions attached to the permission, other than where schemes have been submitted pursuant to conditions and approved by SCC.

7. Contribution the Development will Make to the Business

A substantial financial investment is required to reopen the quarry, requiring new processing plant and some new services to bring the operation up to modern standards. The addition of a new mineral conveyor linking Weeford South to the plant site would prejudice the economics of the proposal during uncertain market conditions (caused by the effects of Covid-19 and the unpredictable impact of soon to start HS2 construction works in the region). Hanson therefore wishes to trial the reopening by temporarily suspending the requirement to operate a conveyor for a period of up to three years, and using instead a small number of dump trucks to haul mineral along the established access route on an campaign or “as needed” basis. The proposal will allow Hanson to establish its market presence and, if successful, the company will reinvest in a new field conveyor which will deliver greater extraction volumes and be more economic over the longer term than dumper trucks.

8. Contribution the Development will Make to the Local Economy (e.g. Jobs)

Reopening the quarry and installing the processing plant will provide work (and thus help secure employment) for approximately 20 specialist contractors, and a total capital commitment of around £1 million. On full reopening the quarry and associated activities will provide direct employment for four new full time employees, plus additional work for contractors and hauliers. For further description of the development proposal, refer to section 3.7 of the planning supporting statement.

9. Pre-Application Discussions

Hanson submitted a request to SCC for an EIA Screening Opinion in respect of the proposed development. SCC issued its formal Screening Opinion on 22nd September 2020, confirming that the proposal is not considered to be EIA development.

10. Design / Operational Considerations to Achieve & Maintain High Environmental Standards

As highlighted in the planning supporting statement, Hanson operates the site in accordance with strict management procedures and controls. The Company operates an Integrated Management System (IMS) which includes detailed procedures relating to health and safety, and environmental management, including management

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Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

plans, procedures and controls relating e.g. to the control of noise, dust, traffic management, etc. These procedures reflect industry best practices and are updated regularly to ensure they remain effective and fit for purpose.

11. Traffic Movements

As outlined in section 3.4 of the planning supporting statement, there will be no changes to the established site access or quarry production levels and therefore the level of traffic associated with the quarry as a result of the proposed development.

Given the nature of the proposal, which is for a relatively small scale engineering operation required to facilitate continued operation of the quarry, with no proposed changes to the rate of production or to the volume of traffic, it is considered that further assessment of traffic impacts is not required in support of the proposed development.

12. Effects of Climate Change

The proposal will not have any climate change effects and it will not increase the vulnerability of the site to impacts arising from climate change.

13. Market for the Mineral(s) in Terms of Use and Geographic Extent

Hanson plans to reopen the quarry to supply the Staffordshire and Birmingham market for aggregates (including sand and gravel), including Hanson’s own network of concrete plants, builders’ merchants and construction sites.

14. Planning Obligations the Applicant is Willing to Enter Into

None considered necessary.

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Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020

Weeford Quarry Supporting Statement

Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited AECOM November 2020