IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED
Knutton Quarry
Planning Application Supporting Statement And Environmental Statement
August 2005 DATE ISSUED: August 2005 JOB NUMBER: NL06919 REPORT NUMBER: J01
CLIENT’S REFERENCE:
IBSTOCK BRICK 1996 LIMITED
KNUTTON QUARRY
PLANNING APPLICATION SUPPORTING STATEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
PREPARED BY:
R J Kevan Environmental Scientist
APPROVED BY:
CA House Director
This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong accept no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.
No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
CONTENTS PART 1 – PLANNING APPLICATION AND CERTIFICATES PART 2 – SUPPORTING STATEMENT 1 INTRODUCTION...... 1 2 SITE DESCRIPTION...... 3 3 PLANNING HISTORY...... 4 4 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ...... 5 5 PLANNING POLICY BACKGROUND ...... 8 6 JUSIFICATION AND NEED ...... 20 7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 24
PART 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 1 INTRODUCTION...... 25 2 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY...... 37 3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESMENT...... 41 4 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION ...... 61 5 NOISE ASSESSMENT...... 83 6 DUST AND AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT...... 89 7 TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 98 8 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 105
APPENDICES Appendix 1: Photoview 1-9 Appendix 2: Landscape Impact Assessment Table Appendix 3: Habitat Target Notes Appendix 4: Composite Species Map Appendix 5: Habitat Species List Appendix 6: Ratcliffe Criteria Appendix 7: Glossary of Acoustic Terms Appendix 8: Noise Calculations: Soil Stripping & Clay Extraction Appendix 9: Noise Calculation: Clay Extraction Only Appendix 10: Envirocheck Report Appendix 11: Water Level Readings for Silverdale Area
DRAWINGS NL06919/01: Proposed Restoration Scheme NL06919/02: Cross Sections of Proposed Excavation NL06919/03: Conceptual Excavation Phasing NL06919/04: Public Footpaths NL06919/05: Photoview Location Plan
NL06919\J01 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
NL06919/06: Habitat Plan NL06919/07: Sound Level Monitoring Positions SDA/0407/01: Location Plan SDA/0407/02: Drift Geological Plan SDA/0407/03: Solid Geological Plan
NL06919\J01 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
PART 2 – SUPPORTING STATEMENT
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1.1 This Statement has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP, in accordance with instructions from Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited (the Applicant), hereafter referred to as Ibstock.
1.1.2 The Statement, together with the accompanying Environmental Statement supports a planning application for the deepening of Knutton Quarry, in Staffordshire.
1.1.3 This Statement refers to the term ‘materials’ which refers to the clay, overburden, topsoils and subsoil.
1.2 Background to the Application 1.2.1 Knutton Quarry currently operates under a 1994 planning permission and a varied consent 2002, although there has been a quarry on the site since the 1940s. The existing permission allows for extraction to a limited depth and requires the site to be restored to low level amenity/agricultural use. However the Applicant urgently needs to extract deeper reserves, which are not currently consented, in order to supply the local Parkhouse and Chesterton factory with specific materials for brick making purposes. A more detailed explanation of the need for the additional reserves is given in chapter 6 of this statement, but in short, without access to these deeper materials the Company will face production problems, which could have serious consequences for Ibstock’s future operations in North Staffordshire.
1.2.2 Ibstock is therefore seeking planning permission to excavate the quarry to a depth of 36m AOD, which will release valuable reserves which are effectively sterilised by the current consent. This would enable the Company to extract up to 15.5 million tonnes of clay, which includes 4.5 million tonnes already consented, over a period of 30 years. This would provide long term security of supply to Ibstock’s factories.
1.2.3 It is not intended to alter any of the existing working methods at the quarry and apart from a minor “land swap” to work the quarry more effectively, the operational area of the quarry will remain the same. It is intended to restore the site to a large water feature and therefore no waste materials will be imported as part of the quarry’s restoration.
1.2.4 The planning application documents are divided into three parts. Part 1 contains the planning application forms and certificates whilst Part 2 (Chapters 1-6) of this
NL06919\J01 1 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
submission refers to geology, planning history, development proposals, planning policy and justification. Part 3; the Environmental Statement (ES) contains the results of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into the main potential environmental impacts of the development proposals.
1.3 The Applicant Company 1.3.1 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of CRH plc. Ibstock is the second largest supplier of bricks in the UK, with an annual capacity in the order of one billion bricks per year.
1.3.2 As a result of an acquisition programme in the 1990’s Ibstock took control of Knutton Quarry in August 1996.
NL06919\J01 2 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
2 SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 Location and Surroundings 2.1.1 Knutton Quarry is located just to the west of Knutton village and immediately to the north of Silverdale, approximately 2km west of the centre of Newcastle-under- Lyme in Staffordshire.
2.1.2 The nearest residential properties to the quarry lie approximately 40m to the east on Oak Road. There are also residential properties approximately 80m to the south in Silverdale. Access to the site is gained via Church Lane and Brock Way to the southeast. This access is also shared by a royal mail sorting depot, which lies 100m to the south east of the quarry. Agricultural land lies to the north and west of the site.
2.2 Geology 2.2.1 The site is a westerly extension of the Mid-lower Etruria Formation workings at Knutton. The Etruria Formation is a sequence of predominantly red beds with mottled horizons, thin grey/black shales and often lensoid sandstones. The material comprises flood debris deposited on a broad coastal plain stretching from a landform to the south, around Birmingham, to open seas off the north of England. The sandstones mark the course of rivers, and usually display a fining upwards sequence through siltstones and silty mudstones. The silty mudstones can be utilised in heavy clayware manufacture given a period of weathering to break down the coarser particles. The red coloration of the mudstones is characteristic of deposition on land leaving the mud exposed to air, producing oxidation of the iron compounds. Grey/black coloration indicates deposition under water which prevents oxidation of the iron so that the red coloration characteristics of the Etruria Formation does not develop.
2.2.2 All of these rock types are present in the existing Knutton pit and the proposed deepening as proved by boreholes sunk in 1992, 1995 and 2004. The seams vary significantly in thickness and lateral persistence, often taking a lensoid form. However the seam structure is simple, comprising of a gently dipping syncline (downfold) plunging to the south at around 12 degrees. There is the possibility of a north-west/south-east trending fault in the middle of the site, but evidence is inconclusive and the effects are not greatly relevant in terms of reserves. Where the existing site has not been excavated, it is overlain by boulder clay of variable thickness up to a maximum depth of 3 metres.
NL06919\J01 3 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3 PLANNING HISTORY 3.1.1 Planning permission first granted for quarrying at Knutton in 1947 with the issue of an Interim Development Order (IDO), and operations continued under this IDO permission until 1994, with the granting of a new consent.
3.1.2 The consent (N92/550) extended the IDO site westwards into an area known as Gorsty Bank. It represents a total reserve of some 5.5 million tonnes, approximately 4.5m tonnes of which still remains to be worked.
3.1.3 In August 2002 a further planning permission was granted (N92/550V2) to vary a number of conditions to reflect the new access into the site, allow further extraction in the old Knutton Quarry and the redevelopment of the adjacent former Tileries.
NL06919\J01 4 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS 4.1 Summary of proposals 4.1.1 The existing planning permission limits the depth of working to around 105m AOD. It is estimated that there is in the order of 4.5million tonnes (mt) of clay left to extracted, down to this depth. It is proposed to increase the depth of the quarry by modifying the excavation profiles. The current quarried area will be worked down to a depth of 61m AOD. The Gorsty Bank area will be worked down to a depth of 36m AOD. Including the current reserves (4.5mt) this would allow up to 20.6m tonnes of material to be extracted. However, up to 25% of this amount would be material unsuitable for Ibstock’s requirements. Therefore, the net mineral reserve which would be exported off-site for brick making purposes will be around 15.5mt. At current rates of output this would take up to 30 years.
4.1.2 The current planning permission relates to a quarry area of two parts: the old IDO area and the extension into Gorsty Bank. This has resulted in the quarry having a “pinch point” where the two parts merge, so that it is significantly narrower at this middle section. Ibstock wish to remedy this situation by slightly widening the quarry at the southern edge of the pinch point by 0.3556 hectares so that it can be worked more effectively and material reserves will not be unnecessarily sterilised. It is proposed that an equivalent amount of land will be reduced along the quarries eastern boundary. In this manner the quarry can be worked more efficiently, but the actual quarry area and the amenity land will not change from the one currently permitted.
4.2 Proposed Working Method and Restoration Proposals 4.2.1 Similar to the existing consent, it is proposed that the reserves are worked in 6 defined phases, working from east to west, as shown on Plan No Nl06919/003. It is envisaged that each phase will take approximately 5 years. Initially the quarry will be worked down to the proposed maximum depth, which is envisaged to take in the order of 5 years. From about year 6 onwards the western unworked part of the site will then be excavated, which will take about 25 years to complete. These timescales are based on current rate of export of material to the factories which is in the order of 400,000- 500,000 tonnes of material per annum.
4.2.2 Quarry slopes have been designed to maximise material recovery. The site will be restored to a water feature; therefore the vast majority of the quarry faces will be below water or covered with vegetation. It is not therefore considered necessary as under the existing low level restoration scheme, to leave slopes at relatively shallow angles. Therefore slope gradients will generally be between 1:2 and 1:1.25. These have been designed in accordance with Ibstock’s geotechnical consultants, Scott Doherty Associates, who have advised that the
NL06919\J01 5 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
slopes will be stable and appropriate in respect of the long term restoration objectives for the site.
4.2.3 Where the quarry face meets the water level. There will be 5m flat bench around the water edge then a 1.6 gradient down to another 5m bench, from where the slope angles will be steeper down to the quarry floor. This has been designed to assist in lake-side planting and also for safety reasons so that the initial depth of water is not too great.
Long term restoration objectives 4.2.4 The long term restoration objectives are to restore the site to mixed deciduous woodland and a lake which would extend over an area of approximately 21.59 hectares. Water will be retained at a level of 124m AOD. The restoration scheme has been designed to utilise materials on site as a growing medium and the importation of inert fill material will not be necessary. As part of the S106 agreement it was agreed that a football pitch be provided which is now in aftercare. By September 2008 the football pitch will have vehicular access.
4.3 Operational Procedure 4.3.1 There will be no change to the current access arrangements, with access off Church Road and Brock Way. There is already a site compound in place with office, wheel wash and washroom facilities.
4.3.2 The quarry will be operated as at present using dozers, 360o excavators, front- end loaders and dump trucks. The method of extraction is based on a terraced excavation, comprising of horizontal benches using backacting 360o excavators. The plant deposits the material into articulated dump trucks that run between the working face and the stockpiles of material which are located within the floor of the quarry. It is envisaged that approximately 2 months supply (100,000 tonnes of material) will be stockpiled at any one time. There will be complete stockpiles which have been weathered for approximately 2 months and from which material will be taken directly to the factories. Other stockpiles will be under construction, receiving fresh material from the working face.
4.3.3 Operational working hours are not proposed to be altered from those permitted under the existing planning permission. No operations will take place on Sundays or Bank/Public Holidays and other times other than for emergency purposes only.
4.3.4 The existing soil stockpiles are located in a designated area to the west of the quarry. Overburden locations will be managed within the quarry void.
NL06919\J01 6 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.3.5 The quarry already operates under a modern planning consent which has environmental controls in place. This includes screening bunds and landscaping which have been established over the past 12 years. Nevertheless the Company will be proactive with regard to the environmental issues and where necessary controls will be improved or modified as recommended by the EIA.
4.3.6 The potential environmental impact from the quarrying operations are discussed in detail in the respective chapters of Part 3 of this submission.
NL06919\J01 7 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5 PLANNING POLICY BACKGROUND 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 This section of the Statement considers the planning policies and legislative framework, which together provide the context against which the Application will be considered. It identifies the legislation of most relevance to the Application and sets out those national, regional and local policies, which are contained within statements of Government policy or the development plan for the area.
Legislative Framework 5.1.2 The Application has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Town and County Planning Act 1990 (the 1990 Act) as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and supplemented by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (the 1991 Act) and subsequent regulations.
5.1.3 Full account has also been taken of the Town and County Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 in preparing the accompanying Environmental Statement (ES).
5.2 National Policy Sustainable Development 5.2.1 Sustainable development is now a cornerstone of Government policy in relation to planning and the use of land. In 1994 the Government first published “Sustainable Development – The UK Strategy” which set out the key principles and aspirations which should underpin society’s actions
5.2.2 This has now been updated in “A better quality of life – A strategy for sustainable development for the UK”, published in May 1999, which sets out the four objectives of sustainable development as follows: • Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; • Effective protection of the environment; • Prudent use of natural resources; • Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
5.2.3 In respect of minerals development the Strategy states: “The demand for minerals needs to be met as far as practicable at the least environmental cost and, as far as possible, without exporting environmental damage to other countries”.
5.2.4 The general principles of sustainable development have been defined in more detail in relation to mineral production in subsequent Mineral Planning Guidance Notes (MPGs) and Minerals Policy Statements (MPSs).
NL06919\J01 8 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5.3 General Principles 5.3.1 The Government’s general statements of planning policy are set out in a number of Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) which establish the policies and principles which should be taken into account in the preparation of development plans and consideration of individual proposals. Some PPGs have already been replaced by Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and eventually all of the PPGs will be superseded by PPS. However the extant PPGs referred to below are still relevant for this application.
5.3.2 PPS1 “Delivering Sustainable Development” sets out the overarching planning policies on the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system.
5.3.3 In the preparation of this Application and where appropriate, in the accompanying ES, regard has also been had to other PPGs and PPSs where they are relevant to various aspects of the proposed development. Particular attention has been paid to PPG2 in relation to Green Belts, PPG9 in relation to nature conservation and PPG13 in respect of transport.
5.4 Minerals Policy 5.4.1 The Government’s general policies in relation to mineral extraction are set out in MPG1, which emphasises the importance of the continued supply of indigenous mineral products and advises: “Minerals are important natural resources which make an essential contribution to the nation’s property and quality of life. Construction minerals are the pre- requisite for all the buildings and infrastructure that society needs. Many UK industries are wholly dependent on minerals, as basic raw materials. The direct contribution of minerals to the Gross National Product is substantial and this is increased several fold by manufacturing based on minerals.
In addition, minerals and minerals based products contribute to the balance of payments through exports and import substitution. The minerals industry also provides a market for other goods and services thereby stimulating competitiveness elsewhere in the economy and providing opportunities for employment, sometimes in remote rural areas, where there are few alternatives. It is essential to contribute to the improvement in the long run performance of the economy, that there is an adequate and steady supply of minerals.”
(Paras. 2 and 3)
5.4.2 The MPG advises MPAs to make appropriate provision to ensure that there is an adequate and steady supply of minerals to meet the needs of the consuming
NL06919\J01 9 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
industries and to recognise that minerals can only be worked where they are found. It advises: “MPA’s should make an appropriate contribution to meeting local, regional and national needs which reflects the nature and extent of minerals in its area and other relevant planning considerations. This may result in a MPA providing more than is required to meet its areas need for a mineral …… MPA’s should not include development control policies in their plans, which require developers to provide evidence on the need for the mineral in support of their planning applications. Applicants do not usually have to prove the need for a proposed development or discuss the merits of alternative sites, except where an environmental assessment is required, although need may be a consideration where material planning objections are not outweighed by other planning benefits.”
(Para. 40)
5.4.3 A recent Government sponsored Report: “Brick Clay – Issues for Planning”, highlights the importance of having separate planning guidance for clay workings “Revised guidance on planning for the supply of brick clay is required…..”
(Para 3.20) 5.4.4 The report goes on to state: “It should explain the likely effects of continuing changes in the economics and geography in relation to the clay resources on which it depends”.
(Para 3.23)
5.4.5 With regard to delivering a sustainable security of supply the Report recommends a landbank for clay of at least 25 years. In respect of Development Plans the Report states that any new guidance: “should emphasise the need for an integrated long term approach (at least 25 years) to planning a sustainable security of supply of brick clays in a landbank”.
5.4.6 Draft Minerals Policy Statement 1, published as a Consultation document in November 2004, will eventually replace MPG1. The MPS emphases the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of raw materials to provide infrastructure, buildings and goods that society, industry and the economy needs
5.4.7 The draft MPS also advises that applications for mineral development at locations outside of areas identified in a local plan for future working can still be considered on their merits.
NL06919\J01 10 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5.4.8 Mineral Policy Statement 2: Controlling and mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England, (MPS2) sets out the policies and considerations in relation to the environmental effects of mineral extraction that MPAs are expected to follow in considering applications for minerals development. MPS2 recognises that: “The supply of essential materials for the construction industry, energy, supply, manufacturing and other industries enables social and economic progress”.
(Para 2)
5.4.9 Although not specifically referred to in this section, detailed consideration has been given in the preparation of the Application and, where appropriate, during the Environmental Impact Assessment to other mineral planing policy guidance as it applies to detailed aspects of the proposed development, including:
MPG 2 (Applications, Permissions and Conditions)
MPG 7 (The Reclamation of Mineral Workings)
5.4.10 The report referred to at paragraph 5.4.3 has now been followed by a ‘Consultation Paper on Annexes to MPS 1: Planning and Minerals – Supply of Aggregates, Brick Clays, Building and Roofing Stone, and Onshore Oil and Gas, in England 2005’, and sets out the governments planning policy on the provision of brick clay in England. In this annex ‘bricks’ refers to structural clay-ware including bricks, clay roof tiles and pipes which are manufactured from brick clay.
5.4.11 The aim of the policy is to ensure that clays required for construction and environmental uses are provided and made available, firstly at acceptable social, economic and environmental cost, and, secondly at a level which reflects the high initial investment in, and high levels of expertise required to improve existing brick making plant and equipment.
5.4.12 The objectives of policy are:
• “To conserve brick clay resources, and to enhance the diversity of brick clay produced by the appropriate provision and phasing of supply in minerals development plans (this annex);
• To safeguard and, where necessary stockpile, specific resources of brick clays, especially ‘premium brick clays’, such as clays of the Etruria formation and fireclay, which is produced as a by-product of open cast-mining, for future use (MPS 1).
NL06919\J01 11 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• To minimise waste of brick clay, and waste arising from production of brick clay and to encourage its efficient use, including its recycling (this annex, the draft Aggregates Annex to MPS1, and draft PPS10).
• To reduce damaging environmental impacts during the extraction and processing of brick clay (see also MPS2 and PPS23).
• To enhance the overall quality of the environment once extraction has ceased (see MPG7 and PPS9).
• To protect areas of designated landscape or nature conservation interest from inappropriate development (see MPS1).
• To reduce the environmental impacts of the transportation to market of brick clay and brick clay products and to encourage bulk transport, where possible, of brick clay by water and rail safeguarding wharves and railheads (see MPS2)”.
5.4.13 The annex outlines a number of policies for brick clay provision:-
“Mineral planning authorities should indicate, in Minerals/Local development Documents (MDDs/LDDs), areas within which sites for clay extraction should be safeguarded against other types of development that would be serious hindrance to their possible future extraction. Safeguarding is likely to be appropriate where:
Brick clay is believed to be of suitable quality and: is, or may become, commercially viable and;
Preferred areas for extraction can be identified where there is potential for development of contiguous extensions to existing operations, or the development of satellite pits, in environmentally acceptable locations, where these occur in economic proximity to the relevant manufacturing plant….”
“Some types or qualities of brick clay which have desirable properties are nationally, regionally or locally scarce especially Etruria Marl and fireclay. Relevant MPAs should safeguard environmentally acceptable sources of Etruria Formation clays from other types of development and should, where practicable, encourage prior extraction of clay where built development is planned”
5.4.14 A number of general considerations for MPAs and LPAs for the supply of Brick Clay is outlined:-
NL06919\J01 12 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• “the need for provision of clay from a number of different sources to enable the appropriate blend to be made. Where materials for blending need to be supplied from various sources it may be necessary to hold a stock of clay for blending purposes;
• the fact that some clays are produced in small quantities, and there may be a requirement for long term stockpile facilities at the works or quarry; and
• the scope to use negotiated planning agreements to restrict, if necessary, the use of the clay extracted for brick making to the nearby brickworks”
5.4.15 The MPS 1 outlines policies for the consistency of supply and provision of sufficient reserves “Because brickworks require high initial investment and continuing high levels of expenditure on plant and equipment throughout operation…. MPAs should normally aim to maintain a stock of permitted reserves reflecting the proposed period for operation of the works which could, in some cases, be as much as 20 or more years. Secure supplies for scarce clays such as Etruria Marl are also needed. Provision may consist of existing permitted reserves together with reserves that are not yet permitted but are within, for instance, preferred areas or areas of search identified in minerals development plans. Definitions of these types of area are given in MPS1. Provision of brick clay should be sufficient to • meet the level of demand to avoid having to meet unforeseen demands in environmentally damaging ways;
• while allowing for blending requirement, to keep the number of quarries and the scale of permitted reserves to a necessary minimum to minimise overall environmental impacts and to avoid prejudicing the choice of suitable quarries in environmentally acceptable locations in the future”
5.4.16 Addtionally, the Consultation paper considers the nature of brick clay and the brick clay and the brick inducstry and notes that:-
“The capital needed to set up and maintain a major brickworks is larger that for may other mineral operations, with the exception of cement manufacture, and therefore security of supplies of clay over an appropriate period is needed by operators to justify and secure that investment”
“Manufacturing plants, whether large or small, are often located in or adjacent to a clay pit but when that source is approaching exhaustion, it is necessary to secure alternative supplies, either from pit extensions or from other nearby
NL06919\J01 13 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
satellite pits. Local supply is generally desirable in order to reduce costs and the environmental and social impacts of transportation of clay from the pit(s) to the works, as well as to maintain the investment in the factory and local employment, which will generally be more economic than relocating the factory nearer to the source of raw material”
5.5 Regional Policy 5.5.1 Regional Spatial Strategy for The West Midlands (formerly RPG11) states that mineral extraction is an important part of the Region’s economy and an adequate supply is necessary to meet society’s needs. It adds that the West Midlands contains areas of Etruria marl, “which are nationally important minerals”.
5.5.2 In respect of its overall approach to non-energy minerals the RPG states: “In line with national guidance the aim of Regional policies is to encourage the prudent use of available mineral resources and to maintain an appropriate on- going supply”.
(Para.8.58)
5.5.3 Policy M1 of the RSS states that appropriate provision should be made in the West Midlands for the supply of nationally, regionally and locally significant minerals.
5.6 Planning Policies Relating to Development in Staffordshire 5.6.1 The Development Plan for the application area consists of: • Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Minerals Local Plan (MLP) • Staffordshire Structure Plan • Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan.
5.6.2 There is some duplication and overlap of policies between the three plans. However for the purposes of this application the MLP is clearly the most relevant and the following policy assessment therefore concentrates on this document.
Minerals Local Plan 5.6.3 The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Minerals Local Plan (MLP) sets out detailed policies and proposals for mineral working in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for the period up to 1 January 2006. This will eventually be replaced by a minerals and waste development framework (MWDF) as required by the 2004 Act. Work has commenced on the MWDF, but an Issues Paper, which will be the first stage of the process, has yet to be published. Therefore in respect of this application, the MLP is the most important and relevant part of the current Development Plan.
NL06919\J01 14 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
The MLP contains general policies which relate to the working of all minerals sites, and specific policies which relate solely to clay sites. The following policies are considered to be most relevant to this application, bearing in mind the background to its submission.
5.6.4 MLP Policy 1 states that when the need for the mineral is an issue certain criteria will be taken into account, including the landbank, availability of other resources and alternative sites. Need is addressed in chapter 6, but in short it is considered that exceptional circumstances prevail to warrant the release of additional reserves at Knutton quarry.
5.6.5 MLP Policy 9 seeks to ensure that all planning applications incorporate restoration and aftercare provisions. The application contains a comprehensive restoration and landscaping scheme which is described fully in the environmental statement.
5.6.6 MLP Policy 12 states that mineral development should not cause unacceptable impact on sensitive development near to the site, or along haul routes. There are residential properties near to the site which could be considered to be sensitive in the context of this policy. Knutton Quarry is an operational site and already has consent for mineral operations for at least 13 years and the main impact from this proposal will be to extend the life the quarry.
5.6.7 However the quarry has generally operated without any adverse impact on nearby properties and a liaison committee is already established to deal with any problems, should they arise. As concluded by the ES it is not considered that extending the life of the quarry will cause an unacceptable impact on sensitive development.
5.6.8 MLP Policy 17 relates to legally protected species. A full ecological assessment has been carried out as part of the EIA, the findings of which are set out in Chapter 4 of the Environmental Statement. Badgers have been found on the site, but outside the disturbance zone and the defined working area and they should not be affected.
5.6.9 MLP Policy 21 relates to visual impact and landscape character and quality. The proposed quarry development will inevitably result in a change in the landscape. However, a full visual impact assessment has been carried out as part of the EIA process and is contained in Chapter 3 of the ES. This concludes that the landscape and interim restoration proposals will be sympathetic to the local landscape character and quality. The landscape proposals also fully comply with
NL06919\J01 15 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
MLP Policy 22 which seeks to promote establishment of trees in the early stages of mineral development.
5.6.10 MLP Policy 27 relates to mineral development within the Green Belt. Whilst only part of Knutton Quarry lies within the Green Belt, as defined in the Local Plan, it must be stressed that this is not a new mineral site and the vast majority of the proposed extraction area is already consented. It is, therefore, considered that the proposed development should not be judged strictly against Policy 27. However, as stated in the MLP and PPG2, mineral extraction need not be an inappropriate development within Green Belt provided that high environmental standards are maintained and the site is well restored, and this will be the case at Knutton Quarry.
5.6.11 MLP Policy 30 relates to traffic impact and highway matters. A traffic impact appraisal has been carried out and is reported in Chapter 7 of the ES. It concludes that the proposed HGV movements, which will be no greater than those already allowed for under the existing permission, will not have an adverse affect on the local highway network or the general public.
5.6.12 MLP Policy 32 seeks to ensure that mineral development does not adversely affect the groundwater and surface water environment. A full hydrological and hydrogeological assessment has been carried out as described in the document produced by Scott Doherty Associates which has formed the basis for chapter 8 of the ES. This concludes that the proposed development will not affect the groundwater and surface water environment
5.6.13 MLP Policy 38 states that the development of non-allocated sites will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. The justification for the application is set out in chapter 6, but in short, Ibstock consider that exceptional circumstances do prevail in this case.
5.6.14 Chapter 6 of the MLP relates to clay and shale. MLP Policy 47 states that the landbank for clay and shale will be 15 years. This is based on a reserve requirement of between 19 million and 27 million tonnes. The MLP states that because of the significant reserves of clay within Staffordshire, there is no need to identify additional sites to maintain a landbank. The MLP also recognises, however, that there may be exceptional circumstances where the release of further resources might be acceptable.
5.6.15 Chapter 6 of this submission sets out the justification for this application. In short it is considered that need for the mineral is justified on the basis of the need for
NL06919\J01 16 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Ibstock to gain access to deeper reserves at Knutton. Due to the fact that Knutton is already being worked, it will be more efficient to deepen Knutton than either apply for a new quarry or extension elsewhere.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 5.6.16 The Structure Plan (SP) was adopted in May 2001. In addition to general strategic policies it contains specific minerals and waste policies. Most of these polices are, however, repeated in some form within the MLP. Assessment of the issues relating to the SP policies has, therefore, already been carried out within the MLP policy section, above. Nevertheless the following policies are highlighted as being of most relevance to the application.
Minerals Policies 5.6.17 Policy MW1 relates to the Need for Minerals. Need is addressed in chapter 6.
5.6.18 Policy MW2 aims to maintain appropriate landbanks for non –energy minerals.
5.6.19 Policy MW3 encourages the efficient use of finite resources, by amongst other things the appropriate use of high quality minerals. Ibstock considers that the use of the high quality material at Knutton for brick making is a very appropriate use.
5.6.20 Policy MW6 is a “catch-all” policy aimed at protecting people, transport systems and the environment. The accompanying ES has assessed the potential environmental impact of the development and these are discussed above in the MLP policy section.
5.6.21 Policy MW7 aims to secure landscape or nature conservation improvements. The restoration proposals outlined in Chapter 4 seek to achieve both landscape and nature conservation improvements over the current situation.
5.6.22 Policy MW9 relates to reclamation of mineral sites at the earliest opportunity. The long term restoration of the site is to a water feature with peripheral woodland planting, however, interim restoration will also be achieved in the short to medium term. Full restoration proposals are contained within Chapter 4.
Other Policies 5.6.23 Policy D5B specifies development which is acceptable within the Green Belt. The policy, however, only refers to new “buildings” and not to land uses such as quarries. Green Belt policy is discussed above in the MLP section.
NL06919\J01 17 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5.6.24 Policy NC2 seeks to protect and enhance the landscape setting. This is discussed in the MLP section.
5.6.25 Policy NC8 deals with protected species. These are addressed in the MLP section above and within Chapter 4 of the ES.
5.6.26 Policy NC9 relates to protection of water resources. This is dealt with in the MLP section above and the document produced by Scott Doherty Associates
5.6.27 Policy NC11 seeks to secure extensive planting of trees and new woodland. The proposed restoration and landscaping, described in Chapter 3 of the ES will result in new tree belts in and around the quarry, in accordance with the policy.
5.6.28 Protection of trees, hedgerows and (ancient) woodlands is dealt with in Policy N13 and this is addressed in the MLP section above.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 5.6.29 The Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan was adopted in October 2003.
5.6.30 The adopted Local Plan proposals map shows the western, unworked part of the site to be both within the Green Belt and an Area of Landscape Regeneration (ALR). The current working quarry, however, is not shown within any designated area. The site already has the benefit of planning permission and the principle of its development within the Green Belt Status is already established. Nevertheless the site will continue to be worked to a high standard and will be restored to a land use which will complement its Green Belt status. 5.6.31 Within ALRs the Council will support proposals that help to restore the character and improve the quality of the landscape. It is proposed to restore the site to a lake and woodland and it is therefore considered that this will improve the quality of the landscape commensurate with the ALR policy.
5.6.32 There are no other specific national or local designations on or adjoining the site in the adopted Local Plan.
5.6.33 There are other policies within the plan which are relevant to the proposed development. However, these are similar in nature or merely duplicate policies contained within the MLP and Structure Plan and it is not considered necessary to repeat the assessment of such policies here. It must also be stressed that the MLP is the most appropriate document within the Development Plan against which the application should be judged. Nevertheless it is not considered that
NL06919\J01 18 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
any of the policies within the adopted Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan will be contravened by the proposals.
NL06919\J01 19 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6 JUSTIFICATION AND NEED 6.1.1 The MLP states that generally applicants do not have to prove the need for mineral developments in support of their application but the MPA may consider need where an ES is required. As an ES has been submitted with the application it is considered appropriate therefore to address the need for the additional material reserves as set out in MLP Policy 1. There are basically six tests under this policy against which the need assessment will be judged by the MPA and these are addressed in detail below apart from national and regional guidance and the development plan which have already been fully assessed in chapter 5 of this document.
The Landbank 6.1.2 In 1996 permitted clay reserves in Staffordshire were 45 million tonnes, although under historic production rates and using figures from the MLP, this figure is likely to have been depleted by around 8 to 9 million tonnes. Ibstock is not advocating a quantitative need for additional clay reserves but as explained above there is a qualitative requirement to access deeper mineral resources. For clay perhaps more than any other mineral the quality of the mineral in terms of the different seams available for blending also has to be considered apart from just the total amount of reserves available. For this reason it is considered that the landbank should act only as a guide to future supply. Nevertheless it is accepted that the proposed development at Knutton will increase the clay landbank by approximately 11 million tonnes.
6.1.3 It is not expected that Walleys quarry will be extended and this potential new source of material will not be realised. The MLP also recognises that in exceptional circumstances the release of further resources might be acceptable. The MLP also accepts that in the north of the plan area high quality material is becoming scarce. Ibstock firmly believe that exceptional circumstances prevail in this instance and notwithstanding the current clay landbank, that Knutton quarry should be deepened to release the high quality material.
The projected requirements for the mineral 6.1.4 The projected requirements of the mineral are recognised in the MLP, which states that Etruria marl is a valuable and scarce resource. It is therefore generally recognised that there is a requirement to continue to produce clay for brick making in the foreseeable future. This is especially so in North Staffordshire, where Ibstock provides a vital source of employment in an area where manufacturing industry remains under competitive pressure.
NL06919\J01 20 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.1.5 The government sponsored report Brick Clay: Issues for Planning, DETR 2001. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DETR) commissioned the British Geological Survey to carry out research into the planning issues related to the supply of clay raw materials to the brick industry in Great Britain. The objective of the research was to identify key trends affecting the industry. It states that the future demand for clay and shale will probably be dominated by the demand for bricks and the future demand for bricks will continue to reflect house build, although bricks are increasingly being used for office development and supermarkets.
6.1.6 The report also points out that blending different clays to achieve improved durability and to provide a range of fired colours will become an increasingly common feature of brick manufacture. This will require flexibility to be maintained in brick clay supply to ensure a wide range of materials is available for blending. At Knutton therefore it is this flexibility which is sought in order for Ibstock to gain access to different and higher quality clays than are currently consented.
Quality and beneficial properties of the mineral 6.1.7 The basic necessity for this proposal is to access clay reserves below the currently consented depth of working. In general terms the clay at the top of the reserves has a higher shrinkage rate than clay at depth. This can cause problems in brick manufacture because sand had to be added to high shrinkage clay to make it more robust. In the past Ibstock’s Parkhouse factory has had to import sand to blend with high shrinkage clays, which is clearly uneconomic and unsustainable.
6.1.8 The existing quarry has already been extracted down to its consented depth of 105m AOD, which more or less coincides with the sandstone seam. Grey clay seams lie below the sandstone but are not currently permitted to be extracted. Red and grey seams are of course available to be extracted within the unworked Gorsty extension area. However, because these seams will be at the top of the mineral deposit they will have a high shrinkage value, which is unsuitable for Ibstock’s current manufacturing requirements. In general terms it will be necessary to excavate down at least 20m to gain access to suitable reserves. Clearly, this will take several years and as stated above, Ibstock require the lower shrinkage materials urgently. Under this proposal therefore, because the existing quarry is already at depth, it will be possible to get to the better quality materials more quickly. Therefore Ibstock will be able to supply the Parkhouse factory with the material it requires to maintain high quality brick production.
NL06919\J01 21 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Alternative sources of supply 6.1.9 Ibstock has two main brick production factories (Chesterton and Parkhouse) and have a clay supply agreement with Eternit works within North Staffordshire and these need to be supplied from local quarries. Currently Ibstock has three operational quarries in the area, namely Knutton itself, Keele, and Walleys. Walleys has a finite life and it is envisaged that material extraction will cease by end of 2005. It therefore has a very limited life and is not an option in terms of long term supply to the factories. Walleys has an allocation in the MLP for a possible extension. However Lafarge, who own the site, do not wish to pursue this option and once the current quarry is worked out, Walleys will be restored by Larfarge through importation of controlled waste for which a IPPC license has been issued.
6.1.10 Keele quarry is currently being worked to supply lower quality material unsuitable for brick making to a cement works in Buxton. Although there is no depth restriction at Keele, the higher quality materials lie within the unworked part of the site and, similar to Knutton, it would be several years before they could be extracted. In the short to medium term therefore Keele does not provide a valid alternative to supplying lower shrinkage clays to the Parkhouse factory.
Amortisation 6.1.11 The site facilities remain the same as in the previous application. Material from Knutton is used currently to supply the local Parkhouse factory. As stated above there is a specific requirement from that factory to use low shrinkage materials which will soon be depleted from the Company’s existing operative sites. Failure to secure this material will result in the factory having to import sand to blend with clays with higher shrinkage value. This practice would not only be uneconomical but unsustainable in the long term and could put the future of the factory in doubt.
Sterilisation 6.1.12 Questions may be raised as to why greater depth of working was not applied for under the previous application to extend the quarry in 1992. At that time the initial application for 7.3m tonnes was actually recommended for refusal because of concerns over environmental impacts of the proposals. Subsequently, the scheme was reduced and various matters offered up in a legal agreement. At the time both the Applicant (Redland Bricks) and the MPA were satisfied that the approved scheme was one which was acceptable. However in reality the depth limit on the current permission has no environmental or geological justification which effectively sterilises millions of tonnes of quality material. The ES demonstrates that simply deepening the quarry will not result in environmental effects over and above the existing permission.
NL06919\J01 22 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.1.13 This situation is clearly not sustainable and is at odds both with national policy guidance and the adopted MLP, notably policies 3 and 8.
NL06919\J01 23 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 7.1.1 Knutton Quarry currently operates under a 1994 and 2002 planning permission, which allows for extraction to a limited, artificial depth. Ibstock urgently needs to extract deeper reserves in order to supply the local Parkhouse factory with specific materials for blending purposes.
7.1.2 Ibstock is therefore seeking planning permission to deepen the existing quarry to release valuable reserves which are effectively sterilised by the current consent. This would enable the Company to extract up to 15.5 million tonnes of mineral reserve which would be exported off site for brick making purposes. This includes 4.5m tonnes already consented, over a period of 30 years. This would provide long term security of supply to Ibstock’s factories in North Staffordshire.
7.1.3 It is not intended to alter any of the existing working methods at the quarry. Apart from a minor “land swap” to improve quarry workings, the operational area of the quarry will remain the same.
7.1.4 It is considered that the proposals comply with relevant national, regional and local planning policy. A full environmental impact assessment has been carried out and the findings are included in the Environmental Statement (ES) which is submitted as part of this application. The ES concludes that there will be no significant adverse environmental impacts resulting from the proposed deepening of the quarry.
7.1.5 In light of the above, Ibstock consider that the proposed development is one which merits support from the Mineral Planning Authority and should, accordingly, be permitted.
NL06919\J01 24 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.1.1 This Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong on behalf of Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited. It accompanies the planning application being submitted for Material Extraction at Knutton Quarry. Chapter 8 Hydrology and Hydrogeology has been prepared by Scott Doherty Associates.
1.1.2 This Environmental Statement describes the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken in respect of the planning application for the extraction of Material.
1.1.3 The quarry has been the source of clay for this works since the 1940’s. The proposal is for an extension to an existing consent to extract 15.5 million tonnes of mineral reserve over 30 years. This is a 17 year extension on the existing consent. The land is in Staffordshire and lies in the district of Newcastle under Lyme between the villages of Knutton and Silverdale approximately 2km WNW of Newcastle under Lyme. The national grid reference for the centre of the Quarry is: 382300E 347000N.
1.1.4 The purpose of the Environmental Impact process can be summarised as follows: • To identify the baseline characterisation of the environment • To identify relevant natural and man-made processes which may already be affecting the site • To consider possible interactions between the proposed development and existing and future site conditions • To predict the possible effects, both beneficial and adverse, of the development on the environment; and • To introduce design and operational modifications or other measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate adverse affects and enhance positive effects.
1.1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment is a systematic process, following established guidelines and provides a mechanism for environmental effects to be taken into account during the design process. The Environmental Statement presents the findings of the EIA for scrutiny by the planning authority, other organisations involved in the decision making process and the public.
1.2 Methodology for the Assessment 1.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment procedures in EC countries are based on the EC Directive 85/337/EEC which was implemented in the UK by the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 (SI
NL06919\J01 25 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
No 1199). Council Directive 85/337/EEC has subsequently been amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC. This has been adopted in the UK by revising the 1988 Regulations to give the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI No 293).
1.2.2 The Department of Environment has published guidance on Environmental Assessment (EA) procedures in The Preparation of Environmental Statement for Planning Projects that require Environmental Assessment – Good Practice Guide (1995). More recently the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) published Circular 02/99 Environmental Impact Assessment, which gives guidance on the 1999 Regulations. The EIA undertaken for this proposal has taken account of these guidance documents.
1.2.3 The main stages of the EIA process which have been carried out are: • Baseline environmental data gathering • Consultations with statutory and non-statutory bodies • Assessment of impacts and consideration of alternatives • Feedback into the design process of residual impacts • Preparation of Environmental Statement • Non-Technical Summary.
1.3 Structure of the Report 1.3.1 The Environmental Statement forms Volume 3 of the Planning Application and is split into the following sections: • Description of Proposed Development and Consideration of Alternatives • Non Technical Summary • Landscape and Visual Impact • Ecology and Nature Conservation • Noise • Air Quality • Highways and Traffic
1.3.2 Scott Doherty has undertaken the assessment of geotechnic, hydrological and hydrogeological issues associated with the proposed scheme.
1.4 Sources of Information 1.4.1 The principal sources of information that have been used in the EIA process fall into these categories: • Field survey, measurement and observations; • Documentary and historical information;
NL06919\J01 26 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• Consultations with organisations and individuals • The application for planning permission to extend the existing operations at Knutton Quarry. September 1992.
1.4.2 Details of the information sources, which have been used, are given in the appropriate sections of this Statement.
1.5 Consultations 1.5.1 In parallel with the data gathering and site visits, there have been extensive pre- submission consultations with the Local Authority, statutory agencies and local environmental groups including: • Staffordshire County Council • English Nature • The Environment Agency • Silverdale Parish Council • Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
1.6 Description of Proposed Development and Restoration 1.6.1 The proposed site for material extraction is bounded to the north by Blackbank Road (B5367) and to the south by a disused mineral railway line. Beyond this is the village of Silverdale. Located to the east is Oak Road, which forms the eastern perimeter of Knutton village. (Drawing NL06919/003)
1.6.2 The removal of materials from Knutton Quarry was first permitted in the 1940’s. A westerly extension was granted in 1994 planning permission reference N.92/550 dated (21/7/94) which provided a comprehensive permission for the winning and working of material and restoration of the old and new quarry areas to amenity woodland including two pools. In August 2002 a further planning permission was granted (N.92/550 V2 dated 21/08/2002) to remove a number of specific planning conditions from the 1994 planning consent to take account of the new access and closure of the Brownhills Brickworks. Alternative working arrangements at the quarry were also permitted allowing the extraction of material from the existing void to create a complimentary landform with the adjoining Business Park and provide a more practicable operational area in the base of the existing quarry.
1.6.3 Condition 4 of the 1994 consent (unmodified by 2002 consent) requires the ‘company’ to give seven days notice to the Minerals Planning Authority of the commencement of the sole supply of clay to the Parkhouse and/or Chesterton works. Condition 5 of the consent states that quarrying operations shall cease within 13 years of the date of the notice in condition 4. Notification under condition
NL06919\J01 27 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4 has not yet been given so the quarrying operations at Knutton have at least 13 years to run.
1.6.4 The proposal is to extend the existing quarry by modifying the extraction profiles. The extraction would take place roughly within the confines of the permitted lateral boundaries of the site as of planning permission N.92/550 dated 21July 1994 as revised by N.92/550 V2 dated 21 August 2002. The current permission relates to a quarry area in two parts, the old IDO (Interim Development Order) area and the extension into Gorsty Bank. This has resulted in a ‘pinch point’ between the two areas. Ibstock wish to slightly widen the quarry at the southern edge of the pinch point so it can be worked more effectively and reserves will not be unnecessarily sterilised. Ibstock is offering a land swap whereby the quarry boundary is reduced by an equivalent amount along the eastern boundary. Therefore the actual area of the quarry will not change. The land area to be swapped is 0.3566 hectares.
1.6.5 The proposals seek to increase the current extraction depth. The current authorisation is for extraction to a depth of 105 metres AOD. The ground level at the entrance to the site is about 132 metres (AOD) and at the eastern end, closest to Silverdale Colliery, the ground levels reaches 156 metres (AOD). The proposed scheme will increase the depth of extraction to a maximum of 36 metres AOD. Restoration will be to water and amenity woodland.
1.7 Site and Surrounding Area 1.7.1 Knutton Quarry is located to the north west of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The existing quarry and associated extraction area forms the majority of the proposed site. Other areas of the site include agricultural pasture, associated hedgerows and several belts/areas of woodland scrub. Access to the site will be available from Church Lane (B5368).
1.7.2 A variety of land uses surround the site. The area west of the current and proposed extraction site is predominantly open grazing land. Silverdale is located to the south of the site and a dismantled railway forms the southern boundary of the site. The town’s cemetery and some residential properties are located adjacent to the site. The eastern boundary is formed by Oak Road. The bungalows and other residential properties overlook the site. Knutton Village is found to the east.
1.7.3 The B5367, Blackbank Road forms the northern boarder of the extraction site, north of this is agricultural land and the villages of Chesterton and Crackley.
NL06919\J01 28 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.8 Settlement 1.8.1 The proposed site is located approximately 1.5km to the west of Newcastle under Lyme and approximately 2.5km to the north east of Keele. Other significant areas of settlement within the area include Knutton (located directly to the east) and Silverdale (to the south of the site). The area to the north and north west of the site becomes increasingly open and rural with isolated farm properties and individual residential properties set within the countryside.
1.9 Highway & Transport Network 1.9.1 The A525 is located approximately 1.2km to the south of the site and provides a link between Newcastle under Lyme and Keele. Other significant transport routes within the area are the B5044 (Church Road), located to the south of the site through Silverdale. The B5368 is located to the east of the site and passes through the centre of Knutton. The B5367 (Blackbank Road) to the north of the site forms a link between Knutton and Alsagers Bank.
1.9.2 The site is located close to the western extents of the urban fringe of Newcastle under Lyme and close to a number of residential areas (to the south and east of the site). These residential areas are accessed by a number of roads that form a network of minor routes through the areas.
1.9.3 Operational working hours will remain between 08:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 13:00hrs on Saturday. No operations will take place on Sundays or Bank/Public holidays and other times than for emergency purposes only. The site will be worked all year round.
1.9.4 The application area is 46 hectares. Site investigation has shown that there are substantial reserves. It is considered that an orderly and comprehensive programme of excavation and restoration can best be achieved by the phased development of the entire application area including the old Knutton Quarry.
1.10 Restoration & Aftercare 1.10.1 The restoration proposals for the site aim to create a high quality landscape that will consist of a central area of open water set within a substantial amount of native woodland planting. Within this context a mosaic of shrub planting, wetland, marginal planting, diverse grassland and wildflower areas will be implemented to create a diverse range of habitats with a broad recreational interest. A network of formal and informal footpaths will be created in order to provide a variety of access routes through and around the restored site.
NL06919\J01 29 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.11 Aims of the restoration • Provide a valuable local resource for the areas of Silverdale and Knutton • Enhance existing and create new opportunities for ecology and wildlife • Enhance existing and create new opportunities for recreational activities • Complement and improve the existing landscape character and setting • Improve the visual appearance of the area
1.11.1 Screening and planting under existing consent is well established. During the initial phases of extraction a number of peripheral hedges and scrub areas will be retained and reinforced by perimeter screen planting of native deciduous trees and shrubs (where possible of local provenance). In this way existing habitats will be extended and enhanced at the earliest point of the project. The character of the site will be improved from the outset with a strong contribution to the final aims of the restoration proposal. The tree and shrub planting will establish alongside existing scrub and woodland areas and create a belt of vegetation that encircles the site and will substantially screen the progression of extraction and internal working areas.
1.11.2 Further to the initial screen belt the site will be subject to a progressive restoration scheme in accordance with the overall restoration design (illustrated on Drawing No. NL06919/01). The re-grading of benches, stabilisation of slopes and reinstatement of topsoil will be undertaken following extraction of material to 124m AOD, thus enabling restoration proposals to become established during the working life of the quarry and contribute to the mitigation of landscape and visual impacts. The establishment of a grass sward will reinvigorate the topsoil before woodland planting is implemented. This means that tree planting will follow at a 2- 3 year interval after restoration of each extraction phase is complete. This will ensure that disturbance to tree roots will be kept to a minimum.
1.11.3 As woodland creation advances across the site, newly planted stock will be subject to an aftercare and maintenance programme (as outlined in the following section). This will ensure that the dense plantation of young trees (planted at 2-4 metre centres) will establish successfully and develop into diverse and healthy maturing woodland. This will include progressive thinning operations, which in turn allows diversity of a woodland flora and habitat to develop. The final structure of woodland areas on the site will include a variety of open grassy areas, stands of maturing trees of varying ages and species with the development of oak and ash as climax species. Planting of hazel and birch will help to diversify the habitat and provide the visual contrast of dense younger trees which is characteristic of traditional woodland.
NL06919\J01 30 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.11.4 During the establishment stages of the woodland, the plantations at the edge of the site will preserve maximum screening of the working parts of the site.
1.11.5 Additional features of the restored site will also require careful creation and establishment. These are grassland and open spaces, footpaths, boundaries and water bodies.
1.12 Grassland and Open Spaces 1.12.1 Habitat rich woodland requires sheltered glades of grassland to carry the widest range of flora and fauna. Therefore grassland will be created along the lines of new footpaths and along the drainage routes. Here topsoil depths will be reduced and sown with fine grasses to enable open low growing turf to develop, which in turn will enable a wider range of herb species to become established. In addition to the natural development of herb species, wildflower areas are included as part of the restoration proposals. It is important that the grasses do not themselves become too vigorous as this can choke out other plants and prevent them from flourishing, therefore aftercare and maintenance operations will be scheduled for these areas. The grassland habitats will also encourage a wider range of insects, ground nesting birds and other fauna.
1.12.2 An additional grassland mix has been included for the creation of a more formal recreational area to the south west of the site. This will be selected in order to establish an area of grassland more able to withstand heavy traffic and sports uses.
1.13 Footpaths and Boundaries 1.13.1 The three existing footpaths across the site will not be re-established as part of the final restoration but a network of footpath routes will be created that provide access to all areas of the site. The footpaths will be created to a specification that will ensure comfortable use for walkers and cyclists, good drainage and also sufficient access for maintenance operations to fences, drains and the landscape elements in general. There is currently about 1.46km of footpath crossing the site compared with 3.2km of footpath once restoration has been completed.
1.13.2 The boundaries, including perimeter fences are already in place. Gates and stiles will be sited in order to create access points to the temporary footpath diversions that will be in place during the working of the site. These points will be retained to serve the final footpath access points for maintenance and footpath routes, ensuring continuity for footpath users. As significant areas of agricultural grassland will remain in use during the project. New woodland plantations have
NL06919\J01 31 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
been stock-fenced to ensure protection from grazing animals. The excavations and working parts of the site will be fenced to protect the public.
1.14 Open Water 1.14.1 The main water body in the centre of the site will be formed following completion of extraction operations. It will be ensured that there is a significant flood holding capacity, which will be a permanent wetland area.
1.14.2 The creation and management of the restored open water on the site is outlined in the hydrological and hydro-geological assessment.
1.15 Aftercare & Maintenance 1.15.1 Following implementation of the restoration proposals, the aftercare and maintenance period will ensure that the landscape works establish successfully. In accordance with the County Policy aftercare and maintenance will run for 5 years. The following sections outline the landscape maintenance operations that will be undertaken during this period.
1.16 Woodland and shrub edge 1.16.1 Following implementation trees and shrubs will be firmed and watered as necessary. Tree and shrub shelters and spiral guards (where used) will be checked and adjusted to ensure that water does not collect within the shelter. Planting stations will be maintained free of weeds over a minimum diameter of 1 metre by the application of glyphosate based herbicide, together with a winter herbicide if required. Weeds growing within shelters will be cleared by hand. These maintenance operations are likely to be undertaken at the following frequency:
Years 1 and 2: April, July and September plus possible winter herbicide; Years 3, 4 and 5: April and August plus possible winter herbicide.
1.16.2 If excessive growth occurs between planting stations it may be necessary to strim or mow between plants, preferably prior to seeding of weeds. The growth will be sectionally strimmed or shredded and dispersed on site.
1.16.3 At each maintenance visit planted areas will be checked for pests and diseases and any symptoms reported to the landscape architect. Treatment will be in accordance with best horticultural/forestry practice.
NL06919\J01 32 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.16.4 During the early years it may be necessary to water new planting. This will be undertaken using a bowser. Recycled water may be approved for use during periods of drought.
1.16.5 Once planting is established, generally from Year 3 onwards, stakes and shelters may be removed. All stakes and shelters should be removed by the end of Year 5.
1.17 Neutral Grassland 1.17.1 Grassland will be mown three times between March to October inclusive to a height of 75 millimetres with the timing varying slightly in recognition of wildflower species and grass seed mixes present in each location. Generally, there will be an early mowing in March/April, a midsummer mowing between June and August and a third mowing in September/October in preparation for winter.
1.18 Damp Meadow 1.18.1 Damp meadow grasses and wildflowers will be mown or strimmed in July/August when wildflowers have set seed and the ground is as dry as possible. Arisings are to be raked up and composted or very finely shredded and allowed to disperse.
1.19 Pond Edge - Aquatics and Marginals 1.19.1 It is anticipated that aquatic plants will not need any maintenance for the first three years.
1.19.2 Thereafter, open views can be retained by strimming marginals to a height of 100 millimetres. Arisings will be raked and allowed to dry on the banks to allow aquatic fauna to return to the water.
1.20 General Maintenance Operations 1.20.1 The site will be maintained free of litter by the collection of loose litter at each maintenance visit and by emptying litter bins. Larger items, with a volume greater than one cubic metre or a weight greater than 20 kilograms, will be removed from site using appropriate machinery.
1.20.2 Routine maintenance visits will be carried out on a quarterly basis by a suitably qualified person and annual monitoring visits will be undertaken with the Local Authority in attendance if required.
NL06919\J01 33 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.21 Implementation and Monitoring 1.21.1 To implement the aftercare scheme it is recommended that a suitably qualified and experienced landscape contractor be appointed under the JCLI Form of Contract for Landscape Maintenance Works. This will ensure that satisfactory control is maintained and management tasks are carried out to an appropriate standard. On completion of each maintenance visit a checking proforma should be required to be submitted to the contract administrator stating all activities undertaken and flagging up particular observations, e.g. vandalism, pests etc.
1.21.2 On a quarterly basis, the landscape architect will check the site condition and quality of the work undertaken. This would be followed up by an annual inspection with the Local Authority. Following this annual visit, the aftercare scheme will be revised as necessary to meet any concerns and/or issues raised by the Local Authority.
1.22 Site Development 1.22.1 The proposed method of extraction of the material reserve is based upon a terraced extraction, comprising of horizontal benches and the use of backacting 360o extractors. These machines deposit the material into articulated dump trunks (ADTs) that will run between the working face and the stockpiles of reserve, which will be formed within the floor of the quarry. It is envisaged that approximately two months; supply (100,000 tonnes of material) will be stockpiled at any one time. Complete stockpiles will be weathered for approximately two months from which materials will be taken directly to the point of manufacture. Other stockpiles will be under construction receiving fresh material from the working face.
1.22.2 The reserve from the stockpiles will be transported to the point of manufacture by road lorries. Lorries will enter the site off Church Lane passing the St Modwen’s Post Office Development. On passing the weighbridge and wheelwash road vehicles will pass down an inclined haul road into the quarry. A shallow gradient of 1:12 minimises the noise from ascending fully laden vehicles. The haul road is constructed with cross-falls and has a concrete surface to reduce mud and dust problems and to enable easy cleaning. Lorries will enter the quarry and be loaded with material by backactors or face shovels for transportation to the point of manufacture. A corridor each side of the haul road will be used as a service corridor to enable the drainage to be channelled down to the lagoon in the floor of the quarry.
1.22.3 Road vehicles passing back up the haul road will be required to pass over the weighbridge and use the wheel wash facilities before leaving the site.
NL06919\J01 34 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
1.22.4 In relation to the whole quarry depth extension, once allowances have been made for topsoil, overburden and waste, the net volume of reserve is approximately 15.5 million tonnes. At current rates of output this would take 30 years to extract.
1.22.5 The reserve in the existing Knutton Quarry and the proposed Knutton extension is within the middle/lower division of the Etruria formation. This division represents some of the best raw materials for brick and tile making. The extent and quality of the reserves together with its ceramic properties has been established by the applicant.
1.22.6 It should be noted that whilst the drawings represent the final shape of the void, at no time during the quarrying operation will the whole void be open in this manor. Sandstone waste and overburden material will be stockpiled within the quarry void and in some instances placed in their final position enabling early restoration to be carried out.
1.22.7 It is the experience of the applicant that when excavating material a percentage of on-site waste will occur. The on-site waste is primarily derived from the lenses and units of sandstone that are typically present within all of the divisions of the Etruria formation.
1.22.8 This material is excavated in cobbles and boulders of moderately strong cemented sandstone and is separated at the point of extraction for stockpiling separately on site as a waste material.
1.23 The Consideration of Alternatives 1.23.1 It is considered that there is no viable alternative to the proposal as set out in this Planning Application and Environmental Statement.
1.23.2 An alternative considered was to use an alternative source of supply. Ibstock operates Walleys Quarry and Keele Quarry in North Staffordshire. Walleys Quarry has a finite life and extraction will cease during 2005. Therefore this is not an option in terms of supply to the factories for brick making. Lafarge who own the site do not wish to use the allocation in the MLP for a proposed extension. Bradwell Wood located behind the Parkhouse factory could be utilised but under condition 6.1 in S106 agreement (1994), for the duration of the extraction phase at Knutton, the reserve at Bradwell Wood will not be worked.
1.23.3 Keele Quarry is currently supplying lower quality material to cement works in Buxton. The higher quality materials are located in an unworked part of the site so it will be several years before they will be extracted. Therefore in the medium
NL06919\J01 35 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
term Keele does not provide a valid alternative to supplying lower shrinkage clays to the customers.
1.23.4 It can therefore be seen that the proposal outlined in this document is the only valid alternative. The approval of this application would ensure the supply to the local Parkhouse factory for the forseeable future. If the mineral cannot be supplied, the factory would have to import sand to blend with the clays with higher shrinkage value. This would be uneconomical and unsustainable in the long term.
NL06919\J01 36 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
2 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited has submitted a planning application for the extraction of materials at Knutton Quarry. This is not a new mineral site but an extension to an existing permission.
2.2 What are the Proposals? 2.2.1 Knutton Quarry is located to the west of Knutton village and immediately north of Silverdale, approximately 2km west of the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire.
2.2.2 The existing planning permission limits the depth of working to around 105m AOD. It is proposed to deepen the quarry down to a maximum depth of 36m AOD. The net mineral reserve which would be exported off-site for brick making purposes will be around 15.5mt. At current rates of output this would take up to 30 years. This proposal is concerned with the proposed variation to an existing consent.
2.2.3 Ibstock wish to widen the quarry slightly at the southern edge of the pinch point between the two parts of the quarry so that it can be worked more effectively and reserves will not be unnecessarily sterilised. Ibstock is therefore offering a land swap where the quarry boundary is reduced by an equivalent amount along the eastern boundary.
2.3 Environmental Statement 2.3.1 The Environmental Statement (of which this is a summary) has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999. The Environmental Statement lists the possible impacts of the proposals, considers their significance and identifies measures for reducing the effects. There is no viable alternative to the proposal as set out in the Planning Application Supporting Statement and Environmental Statement.
2.4 Principal Environmental Impacts 2.4.1 The principal environmental issues addressed in the Environmental Statement are summarised below.
2.5 Landscape and Visual Impact 2.5.1 The landscape and visual impact assessment has been undertaken based on methodology set out in the Landscape Institute and The Institute of Environmental
NL06919\J01 37 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Management Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Spon 2002).
2.5.2 The site is bordered to the north and west by gently rising slopes. To the east the urban fringe (residential and light industrial areas) strongly influence the landscape character of the area. Existing and former mineral extraction sites to the west also have a strong influence on the character of the site. In other areas the land use is largely pastoral with a strong influence from the restoration landforms of reclaimed sites. Areas of pastoral grassland with hedgerows and woodland belts contribute to the vegetation cover of the area. The condition of these elements varies but hedgerows are generally thick with mature hedgerow trees that compliment the small woodland copses and contribute to a partially wooded feel.
2.5.3 The assessment of both landscape and visual impacts has been undertaken on the basis that the existing consent will be implemented and that the material will be extracted from the site. The existing quarry and a number of existing elements of the urban fringe have a negative influence on the landscape and visual quality of the area. In addition to this the topography of the area and existing vegetation combine to form a partial screen from many of the surrounding receptors.
2.5.4 It is therefore considered that the proposed increase in depth would result in no additional landscape or visual impacts. Where impacts do occur these are largely indirect and relate to the increased duration of the quarry life.
2.5.5 The restoration design will have an overall positive effect upon the site and surrounding area. The creation of a landscape with a variety of recreational uses and ecological habitats will contribute strongly to the local planning policy and will improve the overall quality of the landscape resource and landscape character. In addition the landscape proposals will reverse the impacts of the existing quarry and enhance the western fringe of Newcastle under Lyme.
2.6 Ecology 2.6.1 The majority of semi-natural habitats present on the site are considered to be of low, local value for nature conservation. Woodland, scrub and grassland habitats will be recreated where appropriate, to replace habitats being lost. In particular, the dense scrub and plantation woodland at the perimeter of the site will be retained.
NL06919\J01 38 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
2.6.2 All scrub and woodland clearance will take place outside the bird breeding season which runs from March to August inclusive. Each area of dense scrub and woodland habitat will be thoroughly searched for presence of wild bird nesting sites.
2.6.3 It is not considered that there will be any further adverse impacts.
2.7 Noise 2.7.1 The site of the proposed material extraction is in the vicinity of a number of private dwellings. The location of the extraction has already received planning approval and it is concluded that the extra depth of extraction proposed would not significantly alter the potential for noise impact. If anything the extra depth would provide extra screening.
2.7.2 Noise predictions indicate that the short term noise limit would be achieved at all locations throughout the duration of site operations. The maximum daytime noise limit would also be met at all locations. Noise mitigation measures have been suggested and from a viewing of the site, good quarrying practice is observed.
2.8 Air Quality 2.8.1 It is concluded that dust emissions from Knutton quarry will continue to have little significant impact on the area. The current and proposed extraction is unlikely to lead to a significant increase in dust emissions. Neighbouring receptors are of sufficient separation distance and favourable downwind for the majority of dust to be deposited before they reach the receptors.
2.8.2 If mitigation schemes as outlined in the air quality chapter are implemented there should be no material reduction in air quality and no risk of exceedence of the national air quality standard for particulates.
2.9 Traffic 2.9.1 It is anticipated that there will be no change to the number of deliveries to the nearby Works on a weekly basis.
2.9.2 From the assessment of the traffic impact of the proposed development it is considered that the impact of quarry vehicle movements on the local roads surrounding Knutton Quarry will be reduced when extraction ceases at Walley’s Quarry and is taken up at Knutton Quarry. Overall vehicle kilometres travelled by HCVs from the quarries is likely to reduce by around 25% and there will be fewer journeys in the evening and early morning.
NL06919\J01 39 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
2.9.3 There appears to be no evidence that road safety is being compromised by the existing movements of quarry vehicles and there is no reason why this situation should change.
2.10 Hydrology and Hydrogeology 2.10.1 Ibstock proposes to extend the current mineral excavations at Knutton Quarry and create a large lake in the exhausted workings. This will discharge into the Silverdale Brook at a level of 124m AOD. Calculations show that a lake can be formed if groundwater levels recover to those recorded by monitoring at the Quarry.
2.10.2 Licensed surface and groundwater abstractions located within 2km of the Quarry will not be derogated by the development. This is because of the low conductivity of the bedrock and the restricted extent of any drawdown created by mineral extraction in the Etruria Formation where the presence of perched groundwater has been proven.
2.10.3 Experience has shown that any drawdown of the perched groundwater by the Quarry is unlikely to have an adverse effect on natural vegetation or crop yields in the surrounding area, even where the superficial cover is minimal. This is because the area is already under-drained.
2.10.4 There is no evidence to suggest that the landfill sites that have been identified in the Knutton area are contaminating the groundwater. Moreover, it is not thought the leachate will migrate into the proposed excavations because of the low hydraulic conductivity of the bedrock.
2.10.5 The operator, Ibstock Brick 1996 Ltd will implement an environmental management system throughout the life of the Site to ensure that surface and groundwaters are properly managed and protected.
NL06919\J01 40 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESMENT 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 This section of the Environmental Statement analyses the landscape and visual impacts that would potentially be generated during the life of the development and also the impacts of the proposed restoration scheme.
3.1.2 This landscape and visual assessment has used the details of the current planning consent as a baseline position. It will assess the impacts of the proposed increase of the working depth.
3.2 Approach and Methodology 3.2.1 This landscape and visual assessment has been undertaken based on methodology set out in the Landscape Institute and The Institute of Environmental Management Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Spon 2002) (as outlined in the following section).
3.2.2 In order to establish the degree of impact the initial baseline conditions have been considered by the undertaking of both a detailed desk study and site survey. The desk study provides an early opportunity to identify potentially sensitive landscape resources (e.g. land-use, character and value) and also the location of potentially important visual receptors (highways, residential properties etc). The desk study also formed the basis for the site appraisal, this work was carried out in December 2004 and further identified all the key receptors with potential views, including residential properties, public highways, footpaths and other public amenity areas. A series of representative photographs were taken and these have been used to form the basis of the visual impact assessment (included as Photoview 1 to 9, Appendix 1).
3.2.3 Each Photoview is accompanied by a table and a location plan, that describes the location of each vantage point, the existing visual nature of the site and the anticipated visual impacts generated by the proposed development.
3.3 Guidelines for Landscape & Visual Assessment (2002) 3.3.1 The methodology for this landscape and visual assessment has been developed in accordance with guidance set out in the Landscape Institute and The Institute of Environmental Management Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment published by Spon (2002).
3.3.2 The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment defines landscape and visual impacts as follows:
NL06919\J01 41 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
“Landscape and visual assessments are separate, although linked, procedures. The landscape baseline, its analysis and the assessment of landscape effects all contribute to the baseline for visual assessment studies. The assessment of the potential effect on the landscape is carried out as an effect on an environmental resource, i.e. the landscape. Visual effects are assessed as one of the interrelated effects on population.
Landscape effects derive from changes in the physical landscape, which may give rise to changes in its character and how this is experienced. This may in turn affect the perceived value ascribed to the landscape…..
Visual effects relate to the changes that arise in the composition of available views as a result of changes to the landscape, to people’s responses to the changes, and to the overall effects with respect to visual amenity”.
3.3.3 The guidelines recommend the development of thresholds of impact significance as a way of standardising the conclusions of landscape and visual impact assessment so that they are consistent within themselves and different categories of impact. In describing the nature of effects it recognises that: “Effects can be negative (adverse) or positive (beneficial); direct, indirect, secondary or cumulative and be either permanent or temporary (short, medium or long term). They can also arise at different scales (local, regional or national) and have different levels of significance (local, regional or national)."
3.3.4 The guidelines explain that both landscape and visual impacts are dependent upon the sensitivity of the landscape resource or visual receptors and the magnitude of impact.
3.4 Landscape sensitivity and magnitude of effects 3.4.1 The sensitivity of the landscape resource is defined by the 2002 guidelines as follows:
3.4.2 The degree to which a particular landscape type or area can accommodate change arising from a particular development, without detrimental effects on its character, will vary with: • existing land use; • the pattern and scale of the landscape; • visual enclosure/openness of views, and distribution of visual receptors; • the scope for mitigation, which would be in character with the existing landscape
NL06919\J01 42 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• the value placed on the landscape
3.4.3 Variations of these characteristics within the local landscape and within the site need to be identified.
3.4.4 The determination of the sensitivity of the landscape resource is based upon an evaluation of each key element or characteristic of the landscape likely to be affected. The evaluation will reflect such factors as its quality, value, contribution to landscape character, and the degree to which the particular element or characteristic can be replaced or substituted.
3.4.5 The methodology used for the quantification of the scale or magnitude of landscape effects is based on the scale or degree of change to the landscape resource, the nature of the effect and its duration, including whether it is permanent or temporary. It may also be appropriate to consider whether the effects are reversible.
3.5 Visual sensitivity and magnitude of effects 3.5.1 For visual impacts the sensitivity of visual receptors are classified as follows: High Sensitivity e.g. users of outdoor recreational facilities including public rights of way (whose interest or attention is focused on the landscape); communities where the development would result in changes in landscape setting or valued views; occupiers of residential properties. Medium Sensitivity e.g. users of sporting and other recreational facilities; people travelling through or past the affected landscape by car, train or other means of transport. Low Sensitivity e.g. people at their places of work.
3.5.2 Impact magnitude for visual impacts are classified as follows:
3.5.3 Impact magnitude for visual impacts are classified as being of high, medium or low magnitude according to the following criteria:- • The scale of change in the view with respect to the loss of addition of features in the view and changes in its composition including the proportion of the view occupied by the proposed development; • The degree of contrast or integration of any new features or changes in the landscape with the existing or remaining landscape elements and characteristics; • The duration and nature of the effect, whether temporary or permanent, intermittent or continuous;
NL06919\J01 43 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• The angle of view in relation to the main activity or the receptor; • The distance of the viewpoint from the proposed development; • The extent of the area over which the changes would be visible.
3.6 Significance of effects 3.6.1 The guidelines state that: Significance is not absolute and can only be defined in relation to each development and its location…
The two principal criteria determining significance are the scale or magnitude or effect and the environmental sensitivity of the location or receptor. A higher level of significance is generally attached to large-scale effects and effects on sensitive or high-value receptors; thus small effects on highly sensitive sites can be more important than large effects on less sensitive sites.
3.6.2 Significance thresholds can therefore be determined from different combinations of sensitivity and magnitude; for example:- • Very high significance/very substantial impacts, where impacts are of both high sensitivity and high magnitude. • High significance/substantial impacts which can be a product of high sensitivity or high magnitude. • Moderate significance where impacts can result from medium sensitivity and magnitude, or low sensitivity with high magnitude. • Low or slight significance where impacts can be product of low sensitivity or low magnitude. • Negligible significance where the impact of the development is minimal. • Nil/no significance.
3.6.3 The results of the analysis of landscape and visual significance are therefore presented in tabular form, which summarises the information on which the assessment is based and concludes with a statement of significance.
3.7 Rights of Way 3.7.1 A number of rights of way are located in close proximity to the site and several also cross the site. These include FP99, FP100, FP102 and FP103.
3.7.2 To the north west of the site, Apedale Country Park and the immediate areas are well served by rights of way. These routes form a network of links between the western edge of Knutton, Apedale Country Park and the Broad Meadow/Chesterton area of Newcastle under Lyme.
NL06919\J01 44 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.7.3 To the south of Silverdale, two rights of way provide a link from the village to the A525 (Keele Road), near the University campus and nearby to Rosemary Hill Wood.
3.8 Landform 3.8.1 The topography of the area forms a broad but shallow valley between the southern ridgeline, denoted by the Keele Road (A525), the urban fringe of Newcastle under Lyme, and the higher landform associated with the area of Apedale Country Park.
3.8.2 Within this broad area, there is a significant amount of localised undulation within the landform that creates a sense of variation within the topography and landscape as a whole.
3.9 Land Use 3.9.1 To the north west of the site land is predominantly pastoral agriculture and arable. This land use is characterised by small to medium sized enclosures that are often bordered by small blocks and belts of trees and woodland. Further to the north is the recreational area of Apedale Country Park.
3.9.2 Land to the east is predominantly residential with typical urban fringe characteristics, including areas of light industrial use and works. In addition there is a diversity of open spaces such as cemeteries and small formal parks. This area of urban fringe is located adjacent to areas of extraction (existing and former) of small to moderate scale. Silverdale Colliery and the associated workings are located directly to the west of the site.
3.9.3 To the south of Silverdale there is a small area of pastoral agricultural land and Keele Golf Course. These areas are also characterised by a high level of tree and woodland cover in the form of small belts and blocks.
3.9.4 Keele University Campus is located to the south of the A525, and beyond the peak of the ridgeline. This area includes a number of modern office developments but is located within a lower area of topography and surrounded largely by mature trees and woodland. Thus the influence on the surrounding areas, especially to the north, is limited.
3.10 Vegetation 3.10.1 The composition and nature of the vegetation largely reflects the location, context and setting of the area. As a result, from the east to the west of the area the
NL06919\J01 45 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
character of the vegetation goes through a transition, becoming increasingly rural and less influenced by the urban fringe.
3.10.2 To the east of the site vegetation cover reflects the urban fringe landscape and is influence by the amount and nature of the housing areas.
3.10.3 To the south of Silverdale the area is characterised by pastoral land that is partially surrounded by mature woodland (in the form of copses and belts). The amount of tree cover is greater around Keele Golf Course. In addition, the intensively managed turf on the Golf Course has a strong influence over the character of the vegetation.
3.10.4 The vegetation cover immediately around the site is composed of rough grazed agricultural land and thick hedgerows. A number of hedgerow trees have also become established, beyond the northern boundary of the site
3.11 Development Proposals 3.11.1 Full details of the proposed scheme and restoration proposals can be found in Chapter 1 of the Environmental Statement and on Drawing No's. NL06919/01 and NL06919/03.
3.12 Planning Context related to Landscape Issues 3.12.1 In order to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the restoration design, it is necessary to set a context for the development and to have regard for local planning policies and their requirements for development.
3.12.2 The planning context in relation to landscape issues has been assessed with reference to The Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2011 (Adopted October 2003) and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994-2006. The N-u-L Local Plan includes a number of policies that are relevant to the issues and details of the proposed quarry, in particular the benefits that the proposed restoration will deliver. The following sections outline the policy details.
3.13 Policy S5: Conservation of Agricultural Land "Development on agricultural land, including the best and most versatile land, defined as land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification, will not be permitted…Where development of land is unavoidable, areas of poorer quality land should be developed in preference to that of a higher quality."
3.13.1 The application for the increase to the working depth of the quarry will not significantly alter the overall footprint of the quarry area. There will be no
NL06919\J01 46 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
significant additional disruption of agricultural land in comparison to the consented proposal.
3.13.2 Further to this and in accordance with the conditions of the existing consent, the proposed areas of extraction will remain under agricultural usage until the relevant phase of extraction is to commence.
3.14 Policy C10- Diversion of Public Rights of Way 3.14.1 This states that:- “Where development needs the diversion of a public right of way, permission may be refused if the required diversion would be unduly detrimental to the quality or convenience of the right of way or have an adverse effects on adjoining uses”
3.14.2 Two public rights of way (Footpaths FP99 and FP100, illustrated on Drawing No. NL06919/04) will require diversion. This issue has been resolved within the original 1992 application and all relevant conditions of planning consent will be met.
3.14.3 The policy also makes reference to several proposals for designations of new rights of way. In specific relation to the proposed extension of Knutton Quarry the policy states that:- 'The final proposal is for the completion of the walking and cycling path connecting the Town Centre to Silverdale, Knutton and Lymedale. This is to be extended westwards to give direct access to Silverdale village.'
3.14.4 In addition to this Policy C11 also refers to these routes and states that:
3.15 C11: New Footpaths, Horse Routes and Cycleways 3.15.1 Policy C11 identifies that new paths will be "developed as and when opportunities arise". This includes:- "vii) From Church Lane, Knutton to Silverdale (footpath and cycleway)."
3.15.2 The restoration proposal for the application for increasing working depth will make a significant contribution to the achievement and quality of these policies.
3.15.3 A number of other policies are also applicable to the site, these include:-
3.16 Policy N4: Development and nature conservation- use of local species This states;- “Where development includes landscaping and/or planting, developers will be required to use the greatest possible proportion of native species characteristic of
NL06919\J01 47 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
the locality, preferably of local provenance, except where special requirements of purpose or location dictate otherwise”
3.16.1 The restoration proposals for the application have been developed in order to reflect the presence and composition of local species. Restoration planting will be undertaken in accordance with best practice and will include for the use of local (or British) provenance stock.
3.17 Policy N10- New Woodland- considerations 3.17.1 This states:- “Opportunities for the establishment of new woodland should be taken in all appropriate development. Proposals for the planting of new woodland areas will be subject to the following considerations: i) The impact new woodland planting would have on existing habitats ii) …. iii) The suitability of the proposals to the specific conditions of the site and surrounding area …. iv) The opportunities for amenity, recreational and educational use v) The relative position and connectivity of the proposals to existing woodland areas and the hedgerow network and the opportunity to link and expand existing fragmented semi-natural woodland with new native woodland planting and to create corridors for wildlife vi) The proposals for management of the woodland”
3.17.2 As illustrated on Drawing No. NL06916/01, the restoration proposals include a significant amount of tree and woodland planting. In addition to the mitigation and enhancement of the extraction area as the woodland areas mature they will increasingly benefit the quality of the urban fringe areas of Knutton and Silverdale.
3.18 Policy N12: Development and Protection of trees 3.18.1 This states:- “Council will resist development that would involve the removal of any visually significant tree, shrub or hedge, whether mature or not, unless the need for the development is sufficient to warrant the tree loss and the loss cannot be avoided by appropriate siting or design”
3.18.2 The proposals will not result in the loss of additional trees or woodland as compared to the existing consented extraction. Further to this the restoration proposals will, over time provide an overall benefit to the area.
NL06919\J01 48 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.19 Policy N17: Landscape Character- general considerations “Development should be informed by and be sympathetic to landscape character and quality and should contribute, as appropriate, to the regeneration, restoration, enhancement, maintenance or active conservation of the landscape likely to be affected…"
3.19.1 The impacts upon landscape character of the proposed increase in quarry depth will not be significantly greater than the baseline situation. The extended time period of extraction will indirectly increase the duration of the adverse impacts upon landscape character. It is considered, however that the long term impacts associated with the implementation, establishment and maturation of restoration features will improve the character of the area and increase the quality of this typically degraded and fragmented area of urban fringe.
3.20 Policy N22: Areas of Landscape Regeneration "Within Areas of Landscape Regeneration…the Council will support, subject to other plan policies, proposals that would regenerate the landscape appropriate to its urban or rural location. Where development can be permitted, developers will be expected to use the opportunity provided by the development to make a positive contribution towards the landscape regeneration."
3.20.1 The proposed Knutton extension site lies within an area identified within the Local Plan as an Area of Landscape Regeneration. The proposed restoration scheme will provide a significant contribution to the quality of the urban fringe of Knutton and Silverdale, and will also contribute to the quality and diversity of the rural edge to the west of the site.
3.21 The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994-2006 (adopted December 1999) contains additional policy relevant to the proposals for Knutton Quarry. These include:
3.22 MLP Policy 9 "Planning applications should incorporate provision for site restoration and aftercare in accordance with the following principles: • The phased extraction and restoration of mineral operations… • Take account of the pre-working character of the site, its surroundings, the landscape setting and, where possible, provide for enhancement of the general quality of the landscape and local environment; • Make provision for nature conservation, forestry, recreation or amenity after- uses where this is appropriate, and compatible with the Development Plan.
NL06919\J01 49 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Such proposals should include provision for the aftercare of the land for a period of up to five years following completion…"
3.22.1 In accordance with Policies MLP9 the proposed working and restoration of the scheme has been developed in order to reduce negative impacts upon the surrounding area. Where practicable, phasing of works will enable the implementation of restoration planting at the earliest opportunity and also aims to provide a significant contribution to the recreational and ecological diversity and quality of the area. Provision for aftercare is outlined in Chapter 1 of this ES.
3.23 MLP Policy 19 "In considering planning applications for mineral development the effects on the special interest of the following areas will be taken into account: • Country parks or other areas set aside for public recreation…
Planning applications for mineral development which would cause any direct or indirect adverse impacts on the essential value of the above areas should demonstrate that mitigation measures and/or any material planning benefits arising from the proposal outweigh the material planning objections."
3.23.1 Apedale Country Park is located 1.2km to the north west of the site. Landscape and visual impacts are assessed fully in later sections of this report, however it is considered that existing topographical features and vegetation cover within the area will provide an effective screen to the site and minimise the potential impacts of the development.
3.24 MLP Policy 21 "Minerals development proposals should be informed by and be sympathetic to landscape character and quality. Proposals with landscape and visual implications will be assessed having regard to the extent to which they would: (a) cause visual intrusion, incapable of satisfactory mitigation; (b) introduce, or conversely lead to the removal of incongruous landscape elements; (c) cause the disturbance of loss of, or conversely help to maintain; (i) landscape elements that contribute to local distinctiveness; (ii) historic elements which contribute significantly to landscape character and quality, such as field, settlement or road patterns; (iii) semi-natural vegetation which is characteristic of that landscape type; the visual condition of landscape elements; tranquillity…"
NL06919\J01 50 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.24.1 It is considered that this proposal will not result in a significant alteration in the visual impact of the quarry from the consented scheme (refer to later sections).
3.25 MLP Policy 22 3.25.1 "The Mineral Planning Authorities will encourage agreed vegetation establishment, including the planting of trees, woodlands and/or hedgerows, in advance of, and in the early stages of, mineral development, and within and around sites allocated in the MLP to provide screening and to enable the early establishment of landscaping. The use of locally native trees and shrubs will be encouraged…"
3.25.2 Where practicable advanced planting will be undertaken in accordance with the proposed restoration scheme. The restoration proposals have been developed in accordance with current best practice in order to create a restoration scheme that is both suitable to the area and that will successfully establish.
3.26 MLP Policy 23 3.26.1 "The Mineral Planning Authorities will encourage development and restoration measures which would: • reclaim derelict and/or despoiled land and provide other landscape benefits… • Minimise the removal of trees, woodlands, and hedgerows of landscape, ecological and or cultural importance…"
3.26.2 Restoration proposals will provide a number of benefits for the surrounding area, including benefits for visual amenity, ecological diversity and recreational opportunities.
3.27 Landscape Character 3.27.1 Landscape character studies provide guidance upon the physical, historical and cultural, land use and settlement patterns within an area. Consideration of the landscape resources which contribute to the character of a landscape allow the mitigation and restoration of the scheme to develop in a manner which would not only remain within an appropriate context, but also enhance the landscape resource.
3.27.2 Impacts on landscape character have been assessed by reference to The Countryside Character Volume 5: West Midlands, published by The Countryside Agency and to Planning for Landscape Change: Supplementary Planning Guidance for Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996 – 2011, Volume 3, Chapter 3. Impacts of the scheme upon the character are considered in the following section (Landscape Assessment).
NL06919\J01 51 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.28 Countryside Character Volume 5: West Midlands 3.28.1 Knutton Quarry is located within Character Area 64, Potteries & Churnet Valley. This document describes the area as follows: -
“At the western edge of this area, the industrialised and densely settled conurbation of the Potteries forms a boundary with the Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain…
Between and around the Potteries towns there are quite large areas of open land comprising clay and gravel pits, abandoned mines and tips, subsidence ponds, reclaimed land and patches of naturally regenerated scrub and woodland. At the edge of the towns there are often small fields of rough and horse grazed pasture with gappy fencing mixed with neglected and abandoned land in a typical urban fringe pattern. The reservoirs associated with the canal systems are locally significant features …
Woodland is generally sparse in the area although there are significant woodland clusters as well as new woodlands on reclaimed sites …
In the rural areas, and particularly on the higher ground, the main tree cover is groups of sycamore around farm buildings…”
3.28.2 Having defined the landscape type, the document goes on to highlight the changing nature of this landscape. The key issue highlighted by the assessment and of relevance to the proposed extension of Knutton Quarry is as follows: -
“It is possible that parts of the area will be considered for forestry expansion, given the perceived availability of suitable land.”
3.28.3 More detailed guidance regarding the character of the area surrounding the site has been assessed by reference to Planning for Landscape Change: Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 1998 – 2011, Volume 3. The site is located to the western extents of the "Potteries and Churnet Valley" Regional Character Area. This area is described as:
"…contained almost wholly within the county boundary…a transition zone between lowlands and uplands, in the elevation range from about 100m to 300m AOD."
NL06919\J01 52 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
"… in the coalfield farmlands to the south of Stoke on Trent the landscape has very much more of a lowland character, with intact field patterns, well trimmed hedges, numerous large hedgerow oaks…"
3.28.4 Detailed guidance on the site and immediate surrounding area is given in the description of the landscape sub types. The site is located within the sub-type "Coalfield Farmlands" however the variant of this basic type, "Coalfield Farmlands: minerals working and restoration" is also applicable.
3.28.5 The broader area is described as:- “The North Staffordshire Coalfield occupies much of the western part of the area, where deep mining, opencast and clay winning have had a considerable impact on the landscapes of the area around Silverdale.”
3.28.6 Although a large part of the west of this region is occupied by the expanded Pottery towns, the character of its buildings can still be discerned in the north and east.
3.28.7 The area of the “Coalfield Farmlands” is described as:- “…sparsely wooded landscapes of former mining villages and small to medium sized hedged fields on undulating plateaux close to large population centres…Many areas have been subject to extensive opencast coal mining and clay winning and the distinction between these areas and those that have been less abruptly modified forms the basis of a division into sub-types.”
3.28.8 The character guidance describes the visual character of the area as:- “This is a well cared for lowland pastoral landscape characterised by neatly trimmed hedges and numerous mature oaks. Where hedges are becoming gappy, ranch style fencing is being introduced into the landscape. The flat or very gently undulating landform results in limited views across parallel lines of hedges where field pattern is not easy to see and hedgerow trees quickly visually coalesce to foreshorten views.”
3.28.9 The guidance highlights that there are characteristic landscape features that contribute positively to the character of the area (including well-trimmed hedges, hedgerow oaks, and field ponds). It goes on to note features that are incongruous with the overall character of the landscape features, these include the areas of modern urban expansion, electricity pylons, golf courses, sewage works and the electrified railway line.
NL06919\J01 53 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.28.10 The character guidance provides specific guidance on the potential and development of the character area. The details of this are as follows:- “Design new planting to field pattern, with particular care being taken over edge treatment to reflect the broadleaved character of the area. Small to medium sized planting would be most appropriate with consolidation of existing woodlands by planting field corners and edges and reinforcing the hedgerow tree pattern. Any large scale planting should be made up of a small to medium scale components and long plantation edges should be avoided. The position of any planting should continue to allow views across the landscape where available and be kept away from major traffic routes to avoid blocking views out to surrounding areas.”
3.28.11 The "Coalfield farmlands: minerals working and restoration" states that this sub- type is a variant of the basic landscape type, in which the present character has been determined largely by mineral working.
3.28.12 The visual character of this area is described as:- “…undergone a complete transformation due to recent opencast and deep coal mining activities and clay extraction. As a result of these activities the original landscape has been destroyed and a new landscape superimposed on the area.”
“This is now a mixture of restored sites which have had little time to develop any maturity of landscape features. It is characterised by a field pattern of wire fences and recent hedgerows and plantations…
…mining activity is characterised by the occurrence of pioneer birch and willow encroaching into the areas, with little return to an agricultural use. Landform in these areas is often smoothed off, with some steep slopes remaining only where extensive re-grading works have not occurred.
Proximity to the urban edge results in extensive recreational pressures, with present low intensity farming increasingly having to compete with public open space needs. Further pressures will continue, resulting in a landscape in a constant state of change for years to come, although scale will continue to be reduced as extensive woodland planting, taking place or proposed, approaches maturity.”
3.28.13 The character of the site and surrounding area at Knutton Quarry has a clear affiliation with the components and description of this character sub-type. This partially degraded character of restored mineral and coal extraction is located close to an area of urban fringe. These features indicate that there is potential to
NL06919\J01 54 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
improve the overall quality and value of the character area. The character assessment provides guidance on how this can be achieved and includes for the potential value of new woodland planting stating that:- “Large scale woodland planting related to landform would be appropriate in most areas. Where restoration has already involved large amounts of planting, maintenance and replacement of failures is the most important requirement.”
3.28.14 The impacts upon the features and landscape character associated with the proposal to increase the working depth are considered in the following section.
3.29 Landscape Impact Assessment 3.29.1 The Landscape impact assessment analyses the sensitivity of landscape resources within the study area, the magnitude of change that would be generated by the proposal and the overall significance upon the landscape.
3.29.2 The magnitude of landscape effects has been quantified in terms of the scale and nature of change and its duration. Significance thresholds have been determined from the interaction of the landscape sensitivity with the magnitude of landscape effects. The information is summarised and presented in tabular form (Landscape Impact Assessment Table, Appendix 2).
3.29.3 Knutton Quarry has an existing planning consent that permits extraction of material to a depth of 105m AOD. The proposal to increase the working depth does not significantly alter the extraction footprint.
3.29.4 The character guidance recognises the pressures on the landscape within this area and has identified that the influence of the urban fringe, mineral and coal extraction and restored extraction sites has contributed to the current state of the landscape. The existing character of the site and surrounding area is partially fragmented and low quality.
3.29.5 Within the proposal, the phasing of operations has altered. The results of this will be an increase in the overall extraction time. This increase in timing will prolong the existing and potential impacts of extraction and also delay the implementation of restoration proposals.
3.29.6 It is considered that the low sensitivity of the landscape coupled with the slight to low magnitude of change generated by the proposed increase in depth will result in a negligible to low adverse impact upon the landscape character of the area while the quarry is in use.
NL06919\J01 55 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.29.7 Restoration proposals will be implemented on a rolling programme, minimising the overall period of disruption to the area. In addition, following the extraction of the quarry to 124m AOD restoration proposals above this level will be fully implemented. Therefore the overall significance of completing extraction in the western areas of the quarry will be reduced.
3.29.8 The proposed restoration scheme for the site also presents the opportunity to strengthen the landscape character and improve the overall quality of the area through the implementation of tree and woodland planting and the increased diversity and quality of recreational facilities.
3.29.9 Long term impacts upon the character of the area will be moderately to substantial beneficial. The implementation of new woodland planting, diverse wildflower areas, damp meadows, waterbody and sports pitch will all improve the quality and value of the site and immediate surroundings. This will continue to improve over time as the restoration scheme becomes established and integrates with surrounding areas of vegetation and reduces the fragmentation the character of the area.
3.30 Visual Impact Assessment 3.30.1 In undertaking the visual appraisal all adjacent roads, footpaths and residential properties have been considered and photographs taken from representative vantage points. Detailed description and photographic plates including a location plan and a table describing the location of each vantage point, the existing view of the site and existing visual impacts compared with visual impacts generated by the scheme, are included as Photoview 1 to 9 (Appendix 1). Viewpoint locations are illustrated on Drawing No. NL06919/05.
3.30.2 It is anticipated that the visual impact of the proposal can be divided into two distinct categories. Short term impacts would result from operations and features associated with the extraction of material, including temporary infrastructure, soil handling and implementation of the landscape mitigation works and planting. Following the completion of these works, long term visual impacts would be associated with the establishment of restoration proposals.
3.31 Rights of Way 3.31.1 Under the existing consent a number of footpaths that currently cross the site are to be redirected. The proposal to increase the depth of the quarry will not result in any additional visual impacts. Following completion of extraction operations and the implementation of the restoration proposals these will be replaced and enhanced with a number of informal access routes across the site. The
NL06919\J01 56 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
magnitude of change to views from these routes will be high, however the restoration of the existing quarry areas (both current and those under the existing consent) will provide a substantial benefit to the area.
3.31.2 Several footpaths form a network of routes between Apedale Country Park and the north west of Chesterton. A belt of early mature trees is located along the northern boundary of the site, adjacent to the B5367 (Photoview 04). The combined effect of this vegetation and the existing landform of the area will screen views of the site. Due to the angle of view and existing vegetation, the floor of the quarry can not be seen from these areas. There will be no visual impacts associated with the proposal to increase the working depth. The restoration proposals will increase the thickness of this belt of existing vegetation and contribute to the screening effect of the vegetation.
3.31.3 A footpath is located directly to the south of the site between the site and the residential area of Silverdale. The footpath follows the route of a disused railway and a significant amount of tree and shrub planting has become established alongside. This vegetation screens views of the site and there would be no visual impacts associated with the increase working depth.
3.31.4 As the route continues in a westerly direction, the vegetation becomes increasingly thin, allowing partial views to areas to the north (Photoview 07). This will allow partial views towards the consented soil storage areas (adjacent to the western site boundary). The details of these mounds will not alter under this proposal and there will be no additional visual impacts.
3.31.5 Footpaths to the west of the site will have generally open views towards the site (Photoview 02 and Photoview 03). Locations along this route will have clear views of the consented soil storage mounds (foreground) and to the western extraction area. Views to the eastern areas of extraction will be partially screened by the intervening landform. Views of the quarry floor will be available during the final stages of extraction, the duration of which will increase as a result of the proposed increase in working depth. The significance of these impacts will be negligible adverse. However, restoration proposals will be implemented at the western extents of the site following extraction to 124m AOD. Once established these will improve the quality of the view and act as a partial screen to continuing quarry operations. Following completion of restoration proposals, tree and woodland planting will also begin to screen views of the residential areas and light industry associated with the urban fringe of Newcastle under Lyme. The overall significance will be moderate beneficial.
NL06919\J01 57 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.31.6 Footpaths to the south of Silverdale have open views towards the site. These views also incorporate a number of the urban elements that are located to the west of Newcastle under Lyme. From these routes the floor of the quarry will not be visible and there will be no visual impacts of the proposed increase in working depth. From these footpaths the extent of the quarry can be seen (Photoview 08), however the increase in working depth will not be apparent. There will be no additional visual impacts.
3.31.7 The existing mature trees, woodland, hedgerows and landform all combine to disrupt views towards the site from footpaths to the south of the A525 and footpaths in the vicinity of Scot Hay and Alsagers Bank. As part of the S106 agreement it was agreed that a football pitch be provided which is now in aftercare. Therefore by September 2008 the football pitch will have vehicular access.
3.32 Settlements 3.32.1 Properties to the northern edge of Silverdale have views towards the general site area. These views are partially screened by the existing belt of vegetation located alongside the disused railway and footpath route (Photoview 01 and 07). From these properties the floor of the quarry will not be visible and the proposed increase in working depth will not result in additional adverse visual impacts. Initial restoration proposals will be implemented on the upper sections of the quarry once extraction to 124m AOD has been achieved. Once established this planting will reinforce existing vegetation and contribute to the screening effects of the vegetation. In the long term, and following completion of restoration proposals, this will result in a moderate to substantial beneficial impact.
3.32.2 Photoview 09 illustrates the views from Oak Road (Knutton). This area has existing, partial views towards the edge of the existing quarry. The proposed increase in working depth will not be seen from this area and therefore, no additional visual impacts will occur as a result of the proposal. As with the consented proposal, a 30m belt of grassland will be retained along this eastern site boundary in order to reduce the potential impacts upon these properties. Implementation and subsequent establishment of restoration proposals will form a partial screen to the existing urban fringe elements of Silverdale and will be slight to moderate beneficial.
3.32.3 Visually the site is well contained from surrounding areas of settlement. The existing mature trees, woodland, hedgerows and landform form a screen to views from settlement to the south of the A525, Scot Hay, Keele and Alsagers Bank.
NL06919\J01 58 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.33 Highways and Transport Network 3.33.1 Several mature tree and woodland belts are located alongside this route, forming an intermittent screen to the site. There will be no views of the quarry floor from this route and as a result there will be no visual impacts associated with the proposal to increase the working depth. Sections of the route have open views towards the site (Photoview 08). However, although working faces may be visible, the floor of the quarry will not, and there will be no visual impacts of the proposed increase in working depth.
3.33.2 The B5367 is located directly to the north of the site and links Knutton to Alsagers Bank. The early mature vegetation located between the road and the northern site boundary forms a partial screen to these views (Photoview 04). Further to the north (adjacent to Apedale Country Park) topography rises considerably allowing partial views towards the site. From this location there will be partial views towards the upper benches of the extraction area. The floor of the quarry will not be visible and there will be no visual impacts associated with the proposal to increase the working depth. The restoration proposals will increase the thickness of this belt of existing vegetation and contribute to the screening effect of the vegetation.
3.33.3 Roads through Silverdale (including the B5044) and the roads through Knutton (B5368) have partial views towards the site. These views are disrupted by a combination of urban elements, including housing, industrial units and occasional street trees. Although views of the upper benches are occasionally and partially visible, there will be no views of the quarry floor. The proposal to increase the working depth of the quarry will not result in additional visual impacts. In addition to this, progressive restoration and implementation of restoration proposals (following completion of extraction to 124m AOD) will become established and contribute to the screening benefits of existing areas of vegetation.
3.34 Conclusion 3.34.1 An existing planning consent permits the extraction of material from Knutton Quarry. The site is located within a localised dip in topography and is bordered to the north and west by gently rising slopes. To the east the elements of the urban fringe strongly influence the character of the area, as do the existing and former mineral extraction sites to the west. In other areas the land use is largely pastoral with a strong influence from the restoration landforms of reclaimed sites. Areas of pastoral grassland with hedgerows and woodland belts contribute to the vegetation cover of the area. The condition of these elements varies but hedgerows are generally thick with mature hedgerow trees that compliment the small woodland copses and contribute to a partially wooded feel.
NL06919\J01 59 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
3.34.2 This proposal is concerned with the proposed variation to an existing consent and the revision of the restoration design.
3.34.3 The existing quarry and a number of urban fringe elements detract from the landscape and visual quality of the area. In addition to this the topography of the area and existing vegetation combine to form a partial screen from many of the surrounding receptors.
3.34.4 It is therefore considered that the proposed increase in depth would result in no additional landscape or visual impacts. Where impacts do occur these are largely indirect and relate to the increased duration of the quarry life.
3.34.5 The restoration design will provide a moderate to substantial beneficial effect upon the site and surrounding area. The creation of a landscape with a variety of recreational uses and ecological habitats will contribute strongly to the local planning policy and will improve the overall quality of the landscape resource and landscape character. In addition the landscape proposals will enhance the adjacent urban fringe and industrial elements.
NL06919\J01 60 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 This section of the Environmental Statement (ES) assesses impacts on ecology of the extraction scheme. The result of this assessment has informed the development of the landscape framework for the scheme. The assessment includes the following: • a habitat survey including mapping and description of vegetation types; • an assessment of the site in terms of its value for fauna; • an appraisal of sites of significance for nature conservation within 2km of the site boundary; • an overall evaluation of the site in terms of its nature conservation value; • an assessment of the potential ecological impacts of the proposed development; • recommendations for mitigation.
4.1.2 Information recorded during the ecological survey, combined with existing information from appropriate sources, forms the basis for the assessment of the potential impacts. Where adverse impacts arise the proposed mitigation principles are put forward.
4.2 Methodology and Baseline Information 4.2.1 A walk-over habitat survey of the site was undertaken on 15th September 2004. The habitats present were mapped broadly following an ‘Extended Phase 1’ methodology1.
4.2.2 The extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey provides information on the habitats in the survey area and highlights the potential for fauna to occur in or adjacent to the site. The main habitats within the site were mapped and areas of ecological interest were identified (Drawing No. NL06919/06). For clarity the site and the descriptions within this evaluation have been split into two sub-areas;
Area A, Operational quarry with surrounding habitats. Area B, Currently non-operational land with extant consent for mineral extraction.
4.2.3 Target notes were made for each area of the sub-sites describing the habitat and species composition and highlighting features of ecological interest. A relative degree of abundance of plant species was made using the DAFOR scale (Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional, Rare), described in Appendix 3.
1 Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 1993 and Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1995
NL06919\J01 61 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.2.4 During the course of the Phase 1 habitat survey, an appraisal was undertaken for the presence or potential to support, legally protected species.
4.2.5 The ecological surveys have not attempted to produce a comprehensive species list for the survey area as any ecological survey will be limited by factors such as the time of year, migration patterns and behaviour. However, the results of the surveys have been used in the assessment of the significance of potential impacts from the proposed development and to identify the need for additional surveys.
4.3 Desk-based assessment 4.3.1 An initial desk based assessment of the site was undertaken from information received from English Nature (North Mercia Team), and Staffordshire Ecological Record. Consultations were undertaken, involving requesting the following information for the application area and within 2km of the site: • statutory sites of importance for nature conservation (e.g. SACs, SPAs, SSSIs, NNRs); • non-statutory sites of importance for nature conservation (e.g. County Wildlife Sites, RIGS, Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves); • local nature reserves (LNRs); • areas of habitat which are rare at a national or county level; • records of species that are scheduled, rare (at a national or county level) or nationally scarce; • sites listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory; • local Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats; • other features of significance for nature conservation.
4.4 Nature Conservation Designations 4.4.1 Consultation with local nature conservation organisations revealed the following information, relating to a 2km radius from the development site:
Statutory Nature Conservation Designations 4.4.2 No statutory nature conservation designations are present on the site or within 2km of the site boundary.
Non-Statutory Nature Conservation Designations 4.4.3 There is one Grade 1 and six Grade 2 Sites of Biological Interest (SBIs) within 2km of the site:
NL06919\J01 62 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.5 Sites of Biological Interest (SBI) 4.5.1 Watermills Wood, Grade 1 SBI is listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory. It is located approximately 2km to the northwest of the quarry site. This comprises 17.7ha of mainly semi-natural and plantation woodland, with sections of scrub, semi-improved neutral grassland, standing water and running water. The woodland is dominated by sycamore and silver birch, with an open oak dominated area in the south. The ground flora includes ancient woodland indicator species such as wood sorrel, pignut and broad buckler fern.
4.5.2 Haying Wood, Grade 2 SBI is semi-natural broadleaved woodland, dominated by sycamore and birch. The ground flora comprises abundant wavy hair grass and creeping soft grass. There is a small pool which has been polluted by tipping.
4.5.3 Bog’s Wood, Grade 2 SBI is approximately 1.5 km due south west of the site. It comprises 0.8ha of plantation woodland including abundant oak, birch and alder and several pools which are stocked with fish for anglers. Marginal vegetation around the pools has been planted and includes yellow flag iris, water plantain and brooklime.
4.5.4 Redheath Plantation, Grade 2 SBI is approximately 1.5km west of the site and comprises 5.9ha broad-leaved plantation woodland, dominated by sycamore and beech with a ground flora of abundant bluebells with frequent yellow archangel and lords and ladies.
4.5.5 Silverdale (South east of), Grade 2 SBI is 1km due south of the quarry site and comprises 1.6 ha of semi-improved neutral grassland and marshy grassland. Species include sweet-vernal grass, crested dog’s tail, meadow vetchling, common knapweed and tufted hair grass.
4.5.6 Apedale Disused Tips, Grade 2 SBI includes 22ha, approximately 1.5km due north of the site. This comprises 10.75ha of plantation woodland, 6.50ha of semi- improved species poor grassland and 1.75 ha of scrub. The plantation woodland is dominated by silver birch, with frequent alder, hawthorn, hazel, guelder rose, crack willow and field maple. The 7ha of semi-improved grassland comprises species such as false oat grass, yorkshire fog, tufted hair grass, common bird’s foot trefoil, black medic and common knapweed. Areas of scrub including patches of locally frequent broom. Gorse is present in the north of the site. Two ponds with frequent hairy sedge, false fox sedge, lesser pond sedge and carnation sedge are present towards the western perimeter of the site. Several limestone flushes occur, comprising calcareous indicator species such as fairy flax, eyebright and mouse-ear hawkweed.
NL06919\J01 63 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.5.7 Barker’s Wood, Hands Wood and Pie Rough, Grade 2 SBI is located 1.75km due south of the site and comprises a total of 19ha of broadleaved plantation woodland and 3ha of coniferous plantation woodland. Woodland species comprise oak, sycamore, birch, ash and scot’s pine, with aspen along some edges. The ground flora in some places includes ancient woodland indicators species such as bluebell, wood sorrel, and wood millet.
4.5.8 Two sites of geological interest (RIGS) occur within 2km of the site. Job’s Wood Quarry RIGS, is located within Silverdale (South-east of) SBI, comprises wedge- bedding in grey sandstone. Apedale, Furnace Quarry RIGS, which occurs within Apedale Country Park to the north of the site and is designated as an example of coal measures horizons.
4.6 County Parks/Local Nature Reserves 4.6.1 Apedale Community Country Park, is located 1km to the northwest of the site. This comprises an extensive area of semi-improved grassland and semi-natural broadleaved woodland, which is managed for nature conservation.
4.7 Protected Species 4.7.1 The records for protected species within a 2km radius of the site are listed below. Refer to Appendix 4 for a composite species map showing records of protected species within 2km of the site.
Badgers 4.7.2 Badgers are protected under The Protection of Badgers Act (1992). It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, take or cruelly ill-treat a badger or destroy, damage or obstruct access to an active sett. There is one record dated back to 1991 of a sighted badger within the north of Area B. In addition, there are 7 recorded badger sightings in 2003, 1 in 2002 and 1 in 1991 within a 2km radius of the site. There are 3 records between 1985 and 2002 within a 2-2.5km radius of the site. An artificial badger sett was constructed to the north of Area A approximately 5 years ago.
Bats 4.7.3 All species of bats and their roosts are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & C.) Regulations (1994). There are 5 records of pipistrelle bats just beyond the southern boundary of the site. 6 records of pipistrelle bats occur within a 2km radius of the site and a further 7 within a 2-2.5km radius. 4 records of brown long-eared bats, 1 of Brandt’s bat, 1 of Daubenton’s bat, 1 of Leisler’s bat and 2 of whiskered bats occur within a 2-2.5km radius of the site.
NL06919\J01 64 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Great crested newts 4.7.4 Great Crested Newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & C.) Regulations (1994). There is 1 record of a GCN adjacent to the site boundary to the south made in 2002. There are 4 records of GCN within a 2km radius and a further 2 records within a 2- 2.5km radius. Presence/ absence and population estimate surveys have been carried out this year in accordance with English Natures Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (2001). GCN were not found on the site.
Water voles 4.7.5 Water voles and their burrows are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). There are 4 records of water voles within 2km of the site, none occur adjacent to or close to the site boundary.
Grass snakes 4.7.6 Grass snakes are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There is 1 record of a grass snake within a 2km radius of the site and 3 records within a 2.5km radius although none of these occur adjacent or close to the site.
Birds 4.7.7 All birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while being built; take or destroy an egg of any wild bird.
4.7.8 Birds listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are given further protection. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them while building, or in, on, or near, a nest containing eggs or young, or to disturb their dependent young. All bird species are protected from damage or destruction of nests during the breeding season, March to September inclusive, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
4.7.9 RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern red list or high priority species, which have been recorded within 2km of the site boundary are reed bunting, skylark, linnet, yellowhammer, grasshopper warbler, marsh tit, tree sparrow, grey partridge, bullfinch, woodcock and song thrush. Species protected under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and which have been recorded within 2km of the site are goldeneye, little ringed plover, hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, hobby, brambling, crossbill, whimbrel, honey buzzard and redwing.
NL06919\J01 65 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.8 Habitat Descriptions 4.8.1 A full botanical species list can be found in Table 2, Appendix 3.
Area A, Operational quarry area and surrounding habitats 4.8.2 Within this sub-area, the extended Phase 1 survey findings revealed the presence of the following semi-natural habitat types: • Dense scrub and broadleaved woodland plantation • Scattered scrub • Bare ground and semi-improved, species poor grassland • Bare ground and tall ruderals • Open water • Invasive species
4.8.3 NB - See Drawing Number NL06919/06 for locations of all habitat types and Appendix 5 for individual habitat and species lists.
Dense scrub and broadleaved woodland plantation 4.8.4 Dense scrub occurs on the northern and southern peripheries of the excavated quarry area. Typical species include abundant hawthorn, birch, willow, elder and rowan. Alder is locally frequent in damper areas. Within these sections of dense scrub planted tree species have been introduced, presumably over a period of several years, as many of the trees are now 10 to 15 m in height.
4.8.5 Planted tree species include frequent pedunculate oak, ash, birch, field maple, alder, goat willow, blackthorn, common lime, sycamore and occasional white poplar, sweet chestnut, aspen and Scots pine. A small stand of mature pedunculate oak occurs within dense scrub/plantation woodland in the south of the site. The ground flora typically comprises bramble, rosebay willowherb together with rank grassland communities including frequent cocks foot and Yorkshire fog. A disused railway extends along the southern boundary of the sub area, adjacent to areas of dense scrub and plantation woodland.
Scattered scrub 4.8.6 Areas of scattered scrub are located to the south of the operational quarry. These areas are characterised by more open canopy than the areas of dense scrub and no additional planting is present. Tree and shrub species include locally frequent birch, hawthorn, blackthorn, sycamore, goat willow and pedunculate oak.
NL06919\J01 66 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Bare ground and semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.8.7 These areas are characterised by recently worked bare earth and areas of semi- improved species poor grassland. The operational part of the quarry comprises loose, bare earth. Grassland species included frequent common ragwort and groundsel with occasional common century, bush vetch and common bird’s foot trefoil. Tufted hair grass and soft rush were locally frequent. The turf has been rabbit grazed and as a result is very short in places.
Bare ground and tall ruderals 4.8.8 This habitat type occurs in the southeast of the site and at the site entrance. Typical species comprised locally frequent Japanese knotweed (Drawing Number NL06919/06), bramble, nettle, broom and rosebay willowherb.
4.8.9 The section of ground adjacent to the entrance of the site comprised bare ground and rubble. Tall ruderals such as bramble, nettle, yellow melilot, rosebay willowherb, common ragwort and groundsel occur frequently.
Open water 4.8.10 Two shallow ephemeral pools of standing water occur in depressions in the ground surface close to the entrance of the site (P1). The pools contain limited marginal vegetation and have some potential to support fauna such as GCN (great crested newt). Presence/ absence surveys have been carried out this year and GCN were not found on the site
4.8.11 A large fenced off lagoon lies within the operational quarry (Drawing Number NL06919/06). The water appears heavily silted and contains fly tipped building materials. The lagoon supports no aquatic vegetation and is very unlikely to support any species of fauna.
4.8.12 A small number of pools have accumulated in depressions in the soil surface of the operational quarry. These are temporary in nature and contain no aquatic vegetation and are very unlikely to support any fauna.
Invasive species 4.8.13 Patches of Japanese Knotweed were recorded on the quarry sides (Drawing Number NL06919/06). This is an alien invasive species and it is a legal requirement to treat patches to avoid spread. There are a number of options available for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed, the majority of these require a number of years in order to be effective. The two methods outlined below are the most effective.
NL06919\J01 67 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.8.14 Spraying the plant with an appropriate herbicide is the most effective option available, however it can take several years and rarely achieves eradication without mechanical disturbance. Herbicide treatment can give the appearance of control but the rhizome network (roots below ground) may still be viable and disturbing the ground will cause the plant to re-grow. Spraying can only be carried out during the growing season when there is green, leafy material present. Herbicide treatments take effect within a few weeks but eradication can take a minimum of two sprays in one growing season to achieve. The most effective active ingredient for use on Japanese Knotweed is called Glyphosate
4.8.15 A quicker method of removing Japanese Knotweed involves the clearing of above ground leaf/stem material and the removal of ground material polluted with roots. Care should be taken to ensure that all Japanese Knotweed roots are removed.
Area B, Currently non-operational land with extant consent for mineral extraction 4.8.16 The area of land to the west of the operational quarry comprised the following habitats: • Broadleaved woodland plantation • Scattered scrub • Semi-improved, species poor grassland • Hedgerows • Amenity grassland • Open Water
4.8.17 See Drawing Number NL06919/06 for locations of all habitat types and hedgerows. See Appendix 5 for individual habitat species lists.
Plantation broadleaved woodland 4.8.18 A narrow strip (approx. 10m) of woodland plantation, predominantly broadleaved, (less than 5% conifer species) borders the perimeter of Area B. The trees are now greater than 10 m in height and approx. 10 to 15 years old. The section to the south and adjacent to the old railway line is more extensive, comprising areas of dense scrub.
Scattered scrub 4.8.19 An area of scattered scrub extends along the southern boundary of the site. Adjacent to this is a disused railway that is currently used as a footpath. As in Area A, tree and shrub species constitute the scrub including locally frequent birch, hawthorn, blackthorn, sycamore, goat willow and pedunculate oak.
NL06919\J01 68 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Scattered scrub is present adjacent to the hedgerow margins on some of the fields to the north of Area B.
Semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.8.20 The majority of Area B comprises tussocky semi-improved, species poor grassland. Rank grasses including cock’s foot, Yorkshire fog, perennial rye and bent grass dominate the sward. Herb species include abundant red and white clover and frequent creeping thistle. It is likely that these fields have been under arable cultivation in recent years. Scattered scrub is present adjacent to the hedgerow margins on some of the fields to the north of Area B.
Hedgerows 4.8.21 The majority of hedgerows are species poor, comprising hawthorn with frequent elder and occasional blackthorn. Many of these are gappy and defunct. None of the hedgerows are likely to be classified as an “important” hedgerow in terms of ecological criteria under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.
4.8.22 The hedgerow extending along the track to the north-east of Area 2 has an associated ditch feature and comprises a row of semi-mature pedunculate oak, elder and hawthorn with one willow standard (H1). The hedgerow extends along a track and a small south-facing bank and is likely to comprise the remnants of an old hedge line. Hawthorn and elder dominate a hedgerow towards the centre of Area B (H2) with occasional pedunculate oak standards. In addition a small area of ornamental species such as privet, lilac and cherry occurs. Occasional standards of mature pedunculate oak were present along the hedgerow running north south to the west of Area B (H3).
Open Water 4.8.23 A small, ephemeral water body (P3) is located in the corner of a field towards the centre of Area B and adjacent to hedgerow H2. The pool was approximately 5x3m at the time of the survey and appeared to be formed from accumulation of ground water. Limited aquatic vegetation was recorded, comprising common water starwort and blanket weed. The pool is considered to have the potential to support GCN. However presence/ absence surveys conducted this year have found no GCN on site.
4.8.24 A further pool lacking aquatic vegetation lies to the northeast, just over the boundary of the operational quarry, adjacent to the track. The pool is likely to be seasonal.
NL06919\J01 69 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Amenity grassland 4.8.25 An area of amenity grassland is present in the southwestern corner of Area B.
Surrounding area 4.8.26 Arable land borders the site to the north and west, with built-up areas of housing to the south and east. Along the southern edge of the site a footpath runs along the dismantled railway, comprising patches of semi-improved grassland, dense and scattered scrub.
4.9 Protected Species Badgers 4.9.1 Evidence of badger activity was found in the north of the site, which included two sett entrances and excavated earth mounds. A subsequent survey by Penny Lewns of ‘The Badger Consultancy’ identified the entrances as outliers to the main sett, which lies to the north of Area A. The main sett was originally established as a translocated artificial sett approximately 5 years previously. Information concerning the precise location of the setts is treated as confidential.
Bats 4.9.2 A number of mature oak trees on the site with fractures in branches and bark may have the potential to support roosting bats (Drawing Number Nl06919/06). The linear sections of broadleaved plantation woodland and dense mature scrub to the north, south and west of the site are likely to provide suitable linear foraging territory for bats.
Great crested newts 4.9.3 Pool P1 and P2 within Area A and pools P2 and P3 within Area B had no signs of containing fish and are of a suitable size and depth to support populations of breeding GCN. In addition, Pool 3 contains some aquatic vegetation, which increases the suitability for GCN. Therefore Pools P1, P2 and P3 are considered to provide habitat with the potential to support breeding populations of GCN and are potentially of a high nature conservation value. Presence/ absence and population estimate surveys have been carried out this year in accordance with English Natures Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (2001). GCN were not found on the site.
Reptiles 4.9.4 No reptiles or signs of reptiles were recorded during a search of the grassland and scrub habitats.
NL06919\J01 70 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Water vole 4.9.5 There is no running water on the site and therefore no likely habitats for watervole. No evidence of water voles was observed in or around any of the waterbodies within the planning application boundary. Hand searches of habitats surrounding pools revealed no burrow entrances, latrines, pathways or feeding stations.
Birds 4.9.6 The broadleaved plantation woodland and mature dense scrub, which surrounds the operational quarry site, may provide suitable nesting sites and foraging habitats for breeding birds. Bird species recorded include blackbird, chaffinch, wood pigeon and robin. A small number of nests were recorded within mature oak trees within hedgerow H3.
4.10 Nature Conservation Evaluation 4.10.1 A number of criteria have become accepted as a means of assessing the nature conservation value of a defined area of land. These are set out in ‘A Nature Conservation Review’ (Ratcliffe, 1977) and are summarised in Appendix 6.
4.10.2 Nature conservation value is assessed in terms of international, national, county, local and negligible value. A site can be designated as being of international importance for nature conservation (SACs, SPAs, Ramsar sites), national importance (SSSIs, LNRs), or regional/county importance (SINCs, ancient woodlands). Local value is further divided into high, moderate and low importance.
Area A, Operational Quarry area and surrounding habitats Dense scrub and broadleaved woodland plantation 4.10.3 The areas of scrub provide cover and refuge for wild birds. In addition, larger trees have the potential to support breeding birds throughout March to August. The habitat offers linear foraging routes for wild birds and bats. Therefore, the habitat is considered to be of medium value for nature conservation.
Scattered scrub 4.10.4 Areas of scattered scrub provide some potential to support breeding birds and provide cover for small mammals. These areas offer dome foraging habitat for birds and bats. The scattered scrub is considered to be of low local value for nature conservation.
NL06919\J01 71 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Bare ground and semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.10.5 The areas of bare ground within the operation quarry offer no suitable habitat for fauna and have no botanical interest. The patches of grassland have low botanical interest. The turf has been kept short through rabbit grazing and is consequently has a poor structural diversity, offering little cover for invertebrates and small mammals. Therefore these areas are considered to have negligible value for nature conservation.
Bare ground and tall ruderals 4.10.6 These areas have low botanical interest and only low potential to support invertebrates and some cover for small mammals. These areas are therefore considered to be of negligible value for nature conservation.
Open water 4.10.7 The two pools at P1 are of a suitable size to support breeding populations of GCN. The pools have limited marginal vegetation and appear to be of a seasonal nature. The potential for GCN means that the pools have the potential to be of high value for nature conservation. However presence/ absence surveys carried out this year found no GCN on site
Invasive Species 4.10.8 Japanese knotweed is present on the sloping quarry sides (Drawing Number NL06919/06). It is a listed non-native species under Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and it is an offence to plant or cause this plant to grow in the wild. The potential exists for this plant to spread during construction operations, and appropriate mitigation measures will be required to prohibit its spread on the site during construction (see above).
Area B, Non-operational land to west of quarry Dense scrub and broadleaved woodland plantation 4.10.9 The woodland offers cover and potential nesting sites for wild birds. In addition, the linear nature of the woodland offers suitable foraging habitat for bats. Small mammals and invertebrate populations may also utilise the cover for foraging and dispersal corridors. These areas are therefore considered to have a medium local value for nature conservation.
Scattered scrub 4.10.10 Areas of scattered scrub provide cover for wild birds, small mammals and invertebrates. These areas are considered to have a low local value for nature conservation.
NL06919\J01 72 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.10.11 The grasslands are structurally diverse and provide cover and foraging habitat for invertebrate populations and small mammals. The sward is of low botanical interest with few herb species. The majority of the semi-improved grassland is considered to be of negligible importance for nature conservation in a local context.
Hedgerows 4.10.12 The majority of hedgerows are of low species diversity comprising only hawthorn and elder. These hedgerows lack botanical interest and are considered to have a low value for local nature conservation. Occasional mature standards with cracks and fissures offering the potential for bat roosts occur within hedgerows H1, H2 and H3.
4.10.13 In addition, all hedgerows may provide shelter and linear dispersal routes for birds and small mammals. However none of the hedgerows satisfy enough ecological criteria to be afforded protection under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. They are therefore considered to be of medium local value for nature conservation.
Open water 4.10.14 The two seasonal pools P2 and P3 are of a suitable size to provide potential habitat for breeding populations of GCN. There is no indication that fish occupy the pools and so conditions are favourable for amphibians such as GCN. In addition, pool P3 contains limited aquatic vegetation, which is also of benefit for GCN. Therefore, these pools are considered to have the potential to be of high local value for nature conservation. Presence/ absence surveys conducted this year found no GCN on site.
Amenity grassland 4.10.15 These areas are structurally and botanically poor and offer negligible potential to support protected species. Therefore these areas are considered to be of negligible local value for nature conservation.
Protected species 4.10.16 (The potential for protected species is discussed for sub-sites A and B combined.)
Badgers 4.10.17 Badgers are protected under The Protection of Badgers Act (1992). It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, take or cruelly ill-treat a badger or destroy, damage or
NL06919\J01 73 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
obstruct access to an active sett. An artificial sett is known to exist to the north of Area A, established approximately 5 years ago. In addition, there are records of badgers within Area B dating from 1991 and a further 12 records within 2.5km of the site.
4.10.18 Evidence of badger activity comprising two potential sett entrances and an earth mound were found towards the north of Area 2. The setts were surveyed on the 28th February 2005 and identified as outliers to the main sett which lies to the north of Area A.
Bats 4.10.19 All species of bats and their roosts are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations (1994). Records exist for pipistrelle, noctule and brown long-eared bats, within a 2km radius of the site.
4.10.20 The broadleaved woodland plantations bordering the site and areas of dense scrub to the north and south of the quarry perimeter adjacent to the derelict railway, forms a linear feature, which is an ideal habitat for foraging bats.
4.10.21 There are two large pedunculate oak within hedgerow H3 to the north of Area B. Another cluster of mature pedunculate oak and one goat willow, adjacent to the track to the north-east of Area B have cracks and fissures offering the potential to support bat roosts. Therefore the site is considered to be of medium local value for bats.
Great Crested Newts 4.10.22 Great Crested Newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & C.) Regulations (1994). There are a number of waterbodies present within 500m of the proposed development area. Records exist for presence of great crested newts on the site and also from between 500m to 2km of the quarry site.
4.10.23 Pools P1, P2 and P3 are considered to provide habitat with the potential to support breeding populations of GCN. The size and quality of the water together with the presence of marginal vegetation and aquatic vegetation in pool 3 provide favourable breeding habitat. Therefore, these pools were considered to have the potential to be of high value for GCN in a local context. However presence/ absence surveys conducted this year found no GCN on site.
NL06919\J01 74 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Grass Snake 4.10.24 There were no records of reptiles including grass snakes within 1km of the site boundary. No signs of reptiles were observed during the survey. Areas of semi- improved grassland and scattered scrub offer limited potential for reptiles to occur. Scrub clearance outside the bird-breeding season (March to August inclusive) should also avoid unnecessary disturbance to any breeding reptiles that may occur.
Water vole 4.10.25 Water voles and their burrows are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Water voles have been recorded within 2km of the site. However, there are no habitats within the site boundary that are typically suitable for water vole. As such the site is considered to be of negligible value for water vole and no further surveys are deemed necessary.
Birds 4.10.26 All birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while being built; take or destroy an egg of any wild bird. Birds listed under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are given further protection. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them while building, or in, on, or near, a nest containing eggs or young, or to disturb their dependent young.
4.10.27 The broadleaved plantation woodland and mature dense scrub provide good shelter and foraging habitat for many woodland bird species. The site is considered to be of local importance for birds, due to the extent of the woodland and scrub, and its close proximity to connecting hedgerow and grassland habitats. A number of Red List and Schedule 1 listed birds have been recorded within 2km of the site.
4.10.28 All scrub clearance will therefore need to be restricted to outside the bird breeding season which runs from March to August inclusive.
4.11 Potential Impacts 4.11.1 The appraisal of impacts of development needs to take into account both on-site impacts as well as those which may occur to adjacent areas of ecological value. Impacts can be permanent or temporary and can include: • direct loss of wildlife habitats; • loss of biodiversity; • fragmentation and isolation of habitats;
NL06919\J01 75 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• disturbance to species using the site or adjacent areas; • changes to key habitat features; • changes in the quality and/or quantity of water entering or leaving the site and causing changes downstream of the site.
4.11.2 The significance of an impact (adverse or beneficial) is determined by the magnitude of the impact and the value or sensitivity of the nature conservation resources affected. High levels of significance will generally be ascribed to large impacts on receptors of high nature conservation value. Low levels of significance will generally be ascribed to small impacts on receptors of high nature conservation value or large impacts on receptors of low nature conservation value.
4.11.3 The following criteria can be used to assess the significance of the ecological impacts:
4.11.4 Substantial/Major (or severe) impact: Loss of, or permanent damage to, any part of a nationally important site, or a substantial part or key feature of a site of county importance, or the whole of a site of local importance. Loss of a legally protected, nationally rare or nationally scarce species from the site or its immediate vicinity.
4.11.5 Moderate impact: Loss of, or permanent damage to, any part of a site of county importance, or a substantial part or key feature of a site of local importance. A substantial reduction in the numbers of legally protected, nationally rare, nationally scarce species on the site or its immediate vicinity. The loss of, or very substantial reduction in the population of, a rare species (regional/county level) from the site or its immediate vicinity.
4.11.6 Slight/Minor impact: Loss of, or permanent damage to, any part of a site of local importance. A reduction in the population of legally protected, nationally rare, nationally scarce or rare (regional/county level) species on the site or its immediate vicinity.
4.11.7 Negligible impact: Temporary damage to a small part of a site of local importance or loss of or damage to land of negligible nature conservation value. No reduction in the population of legally protected, nationally rare, nationally scarce or notable (regional/county level) species on the site or its immediate vicinity.
NL06919\J01 76 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.12 Overall Habitat Loss 4.12.1 The site is subject to an extant planning consent leading to the phased loss of all habitats recorded on site within Areas A and B. Several areas of habitat are to be retained under the conditions of the planning consent. These include a 100m wide strip extending along the southern boundary and a 10m wide margin buffering the residential housing to the northeast of the site.
4.12.2 As planning consent has already been granted for the quarry as shown, the impact of the development on habitat and species is assessed accordingly.
Semi-Natural Habitat 4.12.3 The scale of the impact caused by loss of semi natural habitats across the site will be dependent on the presence of protected species including badgers, GCN and bats.
Dense scrub and broadleaved woodland plantation 4.12.4 The areas of broadleaved woodland provide potential breeding habitat for bird species including some red list (RSPB Birds of Conservation Concern, 1997- 2002) and Schedule 1, Part 1 species known to occur within 2km of the site. In addition, cover provided by the dense canopy offers viable foraging habitat for bats and small mammals. Therefore, loss of this habitat will result in a medium impact on local nature conservation.
Scattered scrub 4.12.5 Scattered scrub within the site provides viable foraging habitat for birds and bats known to occur within 2km of the site. In addition, the habitat comprises sufficient cover to provide viable nesting sites for breeding birds. The loss of these habitats would constitute a low impact on local nature conservation.
Semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.12.6 Areas of semi-improved grassland contain limited botanical interest comprising mainly species indicative of disturbed ground. The grasslands are structurally fairly diverse offering some cover and foraging habitat for fauna such as small mammals and invertebrates. In terms of protected species, the potential is considered to be low, though these habitats are likely to provide dispersal routes between viable habitats. The loss of these habitats will constitute a low to negligible impact on nature conservation.
Bare ground and semi-improved, species poor grassland 4.12.7 The botanical interest within these habitats is low. However the areas of grassland provide limited cover for fauna including small mammals and
NL06919\J01 77 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
invertebrates. Overall the loss of these habitats would constitute a negligible impact on local nature conservation.
Bare ground and tall ruderals 4.12.8 These habitats have a negligible botanical interest and provide negligible habitat with the potential to support protected species. The resulting impact to local nature conservation is expected to be negligible.
Hedgerows 4.12.9 None of the hedgerows identified within the site are considered to qualify as ‘Protected Hedgerows’ under the ecological criteria set out by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Hedgerows H1, H2 and H3 have associated features including a ditch and mature trees with the potential for protected species including birds and bats. It is considered that loss of these hedgerows would have a low to medium impact on local nature conservation. The remaining hedgerows are dominated by hawthorn and constitute agricultural field boundaries. Loss of these hedgerows would have a negligible impact on local nature conservation.
Amenity grassland 4.12.10 Areas of amenity or improved grassland offer low potential to support protected species of fauna and have negligible botanical interest. Loss of this habitat will constitute a negligible impact on local wildlife.
Water bodies 4.12.11 Water bodies P1, P2 and P3 are considered to have the potential to provide breeding habitat for great crested newts. Loss of these habitats could have constituted a high impact on local nature conservation if GCN had been found during spring surveys. GCN were not found on site during the spring surveys.
4.12.12 The lagoon within the working quarry in Area A does not constitute a viable habitat for GCN. The loss of this habitat would therefore have a negligible impact on local nature conservation.
Non-statutory nature conservation designations 4.12.13 There is one Grade 1 and six Grade 2 SBI within 2km of the site. Watermills Wood is the most significant comprising a Grade 1 SBI and listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory. The wood lies over 500m from the site and has no habitat linkage with the proposed site. Therefore, the loss of habitats within the proposed quarry is unlikely have an adverse affect on this site. The remaining SBIs are also over 500m from the site and impacts are likely to be negligible.
NL06919\J01 78 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.13 Protected Species Badgers 4.13.1 A survey was carried out on 28th February 2005 by Penny Lewns of ‘The Badger Consultancy’ to assess the status of two entrances. The setts entrances were confirmed as outliers of the main sett which has become established from the artificial sett to the north of Area A. Loss of outlying or seasonally used setts will confer a lesser impact on local badger clans and necessitate a reasonably straightforward mitigation scheme involving exclusion.
4.13.2 A current 30m stand off from operational quarry has been put in place, however it may become necessary to close this sett if works are to extend any closer. A closure exercise would need to be carried out between July and November to minimise disturbance and it would be necessary to obtain a licence from DEFRA.
Bats 4.13.3 Any loss of woodland habitats within this site will result in an impact on local bat populations due to the loss of foraging networks. In addition, the loss of mature trees identified as having the potential for bat roosts will have a negative impact. The extent of the impact will be dependent on the exact use of these habitats determined by a specialist bat survey of the mature trees within hedgerows H1, H2 and H3.
4.13.4 Further surveys will be required to confirm presence and use of these identified habitats. Surveys can be conducted from March to October depending on weather conditions.
Great crested newts 4.13.5 Results of a presence / absence and population estimate surveys carried out in spring 2005 in accordance with English Nature’s Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (2001) found no GCN on site.
Birds 4.13.6 Potential bird foraging and nesting habitat in hedgerows and scrub will ultimately be lost as a result of quarry extension. As significant bird populations are present within the local area the development is expected to have a minor to moderate impact on local bird populations.
4.13.7 As a precautionary measure, all scrub clearance will be carried out outside the bird-breeding season, which runs from March to August inclusive.
NL06919\J01 79 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
4.14 Mitigation 4.14.1 Following an appraisal of the ecological impacts of the proposed development, mitigation measures are proposed.
Semi-natural habitats 4.14.2 No legally protected or Red Data Book plant species were recorded within the site during the ecological survey. The majority of Area A comprises bare earth with scattered tall ruderals and species poor semi-natural grassland, of negligible conservation value. Consequently, the proposed habitat regeneration under the Landscape Framework will enhance the overall nature conservation value of this area.
4.14.3 Area B comprises predominantly species poor grassland and low diversity hawthorn hedgerows. This area does however support a small number of mature oak which are of local nature conservation value in terms of the potential to support bats and birds. The replanting will aim to replace lost woodland and mature trees whilst enhancing the retained strips. The proposed replanting will constitute an overall gain in viable habitat for the benefit of local wildlife in the long term.
4.14.4 The most significant habitats for nature conservation within the site are the extensive areas of dense scrub, broadleaved woodland and plantation woodland. These habitats are considered to be of local nature conservation value. The Landscape Framework indicates strips of land to be retained as a buffer screen throughout the quarry development phasing. These include 100m wide strips of woodland extending along the south and to the north-east of the site.
4.14.5 This will maintain areas of viable habitat and foraging areas for populations of birds and potentially bats. Whilst this offers some temporary alternative habitat, the area of woodland lost under the development is to be completely regenerated following completion. The replacement woodland habitat will offer a suitable extent of habitat providing cover and foraging potential to encourage the recolonisation of bird and bat populations.
4.15 Protected Species Badgers 4.15.1 A specialist badger survey on the 28th February 2005 identified two outlying setts and a 30m stand off has been implemented around the area.
4.15.2 Should the quarry operations extend any closer to the sett, a disturbance licence from English Nature would need to be obtained to close the two entrances.
NL06919\J01 80 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
English Nature will not normally issue disturbance licences during the badger breeding season, between 1st December to 31st June.
Bats 4.15.3 Bat survey of any mature trees or areas of trees and mature scrub which are proposed to be felled. A foraging bat survey should also be undertaken between May to September, the period when bats are most active.
4.15.4 In order to reduce impacts of the development, trees should not be felled between July to September, when bats are most active. This would help to reduce the risk of harm to roosting bats. In addition, a minimal 5m stand-off from woodland areas should be observed, to protect the woodland edge habitat and to preserve the linear bat foraging territory in this area.
4.15.5 Should bat roosts be found in any trees on the site, it will be necessary to consider appropriate measures, including avoidance of disturbance or provision of replacement habitat on site. DEFRA should be consulted to obtain a disturbance licence application for bats before any habitat destruction takes place.
Great crested newts 4.15.6 Surveys were carried out between March and June 2005 to determine presence / absence and to gain a subsequent population. GCN were not found on site.
Birds 4.15.7 Wild birds are given protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) in respect of intentional damage to, or destruction of, their nests. Areas of rank grassland and scrub, which are potential nesting habitats for birds, will be lost as part of the development proposals.
4.15.8 All site clearance operations affecting potential bird nesting sites, i.e. scrub, woodland and open rough-grassland areas, will not take place during the bird- breeding season, which runs from March to August inclusive. This will help avoid disturbing nesting birds, whose nesting sites are protected from destruction, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
4.16 Conclusions 4.16.1 The majority of semi-natural habitats present on the site are considered to be of low, local value for nature conservation. Woodland, scrub and grassland habitats will be recreated where appropriate, to replace habitats being lost. In particular,
NL06919\J01 81 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
the dense scrub and plantation woodland at the perimeter of the site will be retained.
4.16.2 In response to information gained from consultation and ecological walkover undertaken, further surveys to determine the presence and population size of bats will be necessary.
4.16.3 If the quarry operations are to extend any closer towards the outlying sett entrances a disturbance licence will need to be obtained from English Nature and a sett closure will be necessary between July and November.
4.16.4 The resulting impact of the development will be dependent on the survey findings. Appropriate mitigation involving potential translocation schemes will then be implemented to safeguard local populations of protected species from the impact of habitat disturbance.
4.16.5 All scrub and woodland clearance will take place outside the bird breeding season which runs from March to August inclusive. Each area of dense scrub and woodland habitat will be thoroughly searched for presence of wild bird nesting sites.
4.16.6 It is not considered that there will be any further adverse impacts
NL06919\J01 82 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5 NOISE ASSESSMENT 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 An assessment is provided of the potential noise impact from proposed activities at Knutton Quarry, Newcastle under Lyme. A glossary of acoustic terms is located in Appendix 7.
5.1.2 Noise levels from key stages of site operation have been predicted in accordance with the method prescribed in British Standard BS5228: 1997 Noise and Vibration Control in Construction and Open Sites. Resultant noise levels are then assessed using the guidance contained in Minerals Policy Statement 2 (MPS2): Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England (2005). This has superseded the guidance contained in Mineral Planning Guidance MPG11 The Control of Noise at Surface Mineral Workings (1993).
5.1.3 This assessment considers the noise impact of the proposals on nearby sensitive properties to the site and outlines any necessary mitigation measures required to minimise adverse impact.
5.2 Methodology 5.2.1 BS5228 Part 1: 1997 Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Site describes a prediction method that can be used to estimate noise from site activities. The level of noise that would arise from the site would depend on a number of factors, including the following: • Sound power outputs of plant; • Periods of plant operation; • Distances from sources to receiver; • Presence of screening; • Ground attenuation.
5.2.2 MPS 2 – Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England – Annex 2 Noise, refers to a continuos equivalent noise
level measured in dB(A) over a 1 hour period (dB LAeq 1hr). The statement recommends that MPAs should aim to establish a noise limit at sensitive properties so not to exceed the background level by more than 10dB(A), subject
to a maximum of 55dB(A) LAeq 1hr.
5.2.3 However, it is recognised that this will in many circumstances be difficult to achieve without imposing unreasonable burdens on the operator. In such cases, the limit should be as near the level as practicable during normal working hours
(0700-1900) and should not exceed 55dB(A) LAeq 1hr (free field).
NL06919\J01 83 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5.2.4 Evening (1900-2200) limits should not exceed background level by more than
10dB(A) and night time limits should not exceed 42dB(A) LAeq 1hr (free field) at noise – sensitive properties.
5.2.5 MPS2 makes provision for limited periods of increased noise for activities, which cannot meet the limits set for routine operations. Examples quoted in section 2.20 of the guidance include the construction of baffle mounds, soil stripping, removal of spoil heaps and construction of new permanent landforms. The
statement suggests that 70dB LAeq 1hr (free field) for periods of up to 8 weeks a year should be considered to facilitate baffle mound construction and other temporary processes
5.3 Baseline Information 5.3.1 Measurement locations used were based on the locations used in the existing planning application submitted to Newcastle under Lyme in 1992. • Monitoring point 1 is at the southern end of Oak Road. • Monitoring point 2 is situated towards the northern end of Oak Road. • Monitoring point 3 is located along Church Lane from the site entrance. • Monitoring point 4 is located at the southern site boundary and backing on to dwellings at Church Street. • Monitoring point 5 is located at the southern site boundary and backing on to dwellings at the western end of Newcastle Street.
5.3.2 Monitoring locations are shown in Drawing NL06919/07.
5.3.3 An hour of measurements at each location were made using a tripod mounted CEL 490 sound level meter, fixed approximately 1.5 metres above the ground and clear of any locally reflecting surfaces. All measurements were made in accordance with British Standard BS7445 (1991): Part 1-3. Description and measurement of environmental noise.
5.3.4 The measurements are summarised in the table below.
Table 5.1 Noise Survey April 21 2005
Position LAeq LA10 LA90 LAMAX 1 52.8 50.5 43.6 80.1 2 54.0 53.5 40.0 49.5 3 51.7 53.0 48.0 79.1 4 45.4 46.4 39.9 59.5-72.4 5 50.1 53.1 44.0 65.1-67.2
NL06919\J01 84 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
General comments: 5.3.5 At monitoring location 1 (southern end of Oak Road) sound from quarry activity was audible as well as from the access road. However, other sources of noise from domestic activities and traffic were also important.
5.3.6 At monitoring point 2 (northern end of Oak Road) sound from quarry activities was less audible with more contribution from domestic activities and traffic on Oak Road itself as well as Blackbank Road.
5.3.7 At monitoring point 3 (near Church Lane but diagonally opposite Cherry Hill Farm) traffic along Church Lane was the predominant source of noise with contribution from vehicles on the quarry access road. This access road also has a small post office sorting centre on it. Quarry site activity was relatively inaudible.
5.3.8 At monitoring points 4 and 5 (in the vicinity of Church Street and Newcastle Street respectively) quarrying activity was audible. However the noise environment was relatively quiet.
5.4 Noise Prediction 5.4.1 The noise impact of the proposed development has been predicted in British Standard BS6228 Part 1.
5.4.2 Noise and Vibration Control in Construction and Mobile Plant on open sites produces fluctuating levels of noise depending on the activity taking place and on the precise location of the plant.
5.4.3 Therefore, the noise assessment can provide only an indication of likely “worst case” noise levels. These can be predicted from knowledge of the normal complement of plant on site and on the assumption that such plant is operating at the nearest realistic distance to the point of interest. In this case separate predictions are provided for noise during mound construction and during the nearest phase of material extraction and transport operations.
5.4.4 The following complement of plant items is assumed to be used during the course of site operations.
NL06919\J01 85 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Table 5.2 Knutton Quarry, Newcastle under Lyme Assumed Complement of Plant Activity Number Sound Power Reference Notes Level db(A) BS 5228 Pt 1 Clay Extraction Tracked Excavator 2 108 Table C3, 24 100% Dumptruck Tipping 1 110 Table C3, 60 Dumptruck (Loaded) 1 110 Dumptrucks 108 Table C9, 19-23 20% on time Q=40, V= 20 Wheeled Loader/Lorry 1 109 Table C3, 51 Soil Stripping and Mound construction Tracked Excavator 1 108 Table C3, 24 Dumptrucks 2 110 Table C3, 60 Dozer 1 109 Table C3, 27
Table 5.3 Knutton Quarry, Newcastle under Lyme Approximate Distances (metres) Location Soil Strip/Mound Clay Extraction Clay Stockpile Oak Road South 250 650 240 Oak Road North 200 530 215 Cherry Hill Farm 750 850 520 Church Street 200 350 635 Newcastle Street 200 310 350
5.4.5 Based on the above assumptions and with either no effective screening in place (0 dB), partial screening (5 dB) or full screening (10 dB) the following noise levels are predicted at the various point of interest.
Table 5.4 Knutton Quarry Summary of Predicted Noise Levels in Accordance with BS 5228 (In dB(A)) Location Soil Stripping and Quarry Routine Quarry Working Only Working Oak Road South 50.7 46.3 Oak Road North 51.0 48.6 Cherry Hill Farm 47.4 42.3 Church Street 55.1 46.4 Newcastle Street 55.7 47.1
NL06919\J01 86 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
5.4.6 The requirement for short-term soil stripping and mound construction; the limit
suggested by MPS2 of 70 dBLAeq would normally be applied. Other targets to
comply with are either the upper limit of 55 dBLAeq 1hr (free field) or alternatively
the background noise (LA90) plus 10 dB.
5.4.7 Based on these guidelines and the results of the baseline noise survey, the following target noise levels would apply for routine and short term operations.
Table 5.5 Knutton Quarry
Proposed Noise Criteria for Site Works (dB LAeq) Location Short Term Routine Operations
Operations Upper Limit LA90 +10 Oak Road South 70 55 44.6 Oak Road North 70 55 50.0 Church Hill Farm 70 55 58.0 (55.0 max) Church Street 70 55 44.9 Newcastle Street 70 55 54.0
5.5 Impact Assessment 5.5.1 Comparing predicted noise levels in Table 5.4 with the noise criteria in Table 5.5 can assess the impact of the proposed works.
5.5.2 From this it is evident that the short term noise criterion of 70 dB LAeq is achieved at all locations. The duration of noisy activities such as land construction will also be limited and the above short term noise limit would be complied with by a good margin.
5.5.3 For routine quarry activities (extraction and stockpile) neither the nominal limit of
55 dBLAeq and advisory limit of background noise level plus 10 dB is exceeded at any of the identified noise sensitive locations. Therefore it is concluded that routine working of the site for materials would not give rise to an unacceptable impact at any of the surrounding dwellings.
5.6 Mitigation 5.6.1 It is impracticable to stop all noise emissions but a variety of practices can assist in reducing emissions and thereby reduce its impact on the surrounding area. The following measures are suggested: • Positioning of plant to take advantage of the quarry void and other features such as the quarry face and overburden mounds.
NL06919\J01 87 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
• Haul roads should be sited as far away from sensitive receptors as possible. They should not be routed along exposed locations, have a slight gradient and a relatively smooth surface. • The quietest operational plant should be chosen where possible. • Vehicle reverse alarms should be as unintrusive as practicable. The site uses ambient alarm systems but a possible alternative is the use of white noise, which give a full spectrum rather than a single tone. • Plant should be regularly maintained. • Machinery should be started up one by one and switched off when not in use. Unnecessary revving of engines should be avoided and speed of vehicle movement kept to a minimum. • Where possible earlier operations should provide screening for noise sensitive properties.
5.7 Conclusions 5.7.1 The site of the proposed material extraction is in the vicinity of a number of private dwellings. The location of the extraction has already received planning approval and it is concluded that the extra depth of extraction proposed would not significantly alter the potential for noise impact. If anything the extra depth would provide extra screening.
5.7.2 Noise predictions indicate that the short-term noise limit of 70 dBLAeq would be achieved at all locations throughout the duration of site operations. The
maximum daytime noise limit of 55 dBLAeq would also be met at all locations. Noise mitigation measures have been suggested and from a viewing of the site, good quarrying practice would appear to be observed.
NL06919\J01 88 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6 DUST AND AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 This section of the Environmental Statement examines potential air quality impacts that relate to dust release from the proposed quarry use.
6.1.2 The aims of this section are as follows: • to assess the sensitivity of the surrounding areas and identify dust sensitive locations; • to evaluate the prevailing meteorology and the risk of dust dispersal; • to assess the potential of the site to generate dust; • to assess the impact of the proposal on local amenity; • to propose broad recommendations to reduce potential dust emissions from the site.
6.1.3 This air quality assessment is intended to provide an objective analysis of the significance and magnitude of the potential dust impacts arising from the material extraction workings. The method used follows the accepted practice of considering the existing baseline conditions, the site activities which could lead to dust emissions, forecasting potential impacts and finally identifying effective mitigation measures.
Air Quality and Surface Workings 6.1.4 Dust is the generic term that BS6069 (Part 2) uses to describe particulate matter in the size range 1-75µm in diameter and is produced at mineral extraction sites mainly through the crushing and abrasion of materials during the handling and movement of product minerals, overburden and wastes. Particles that are less
than 10µm in diameter are termed PM10.
6.1.5 Dust may be generated at mineral sites during a range of site preparation, excavation, stockpiling, loading, transportation and processing operations. The potential for the generation of dust at mineral sites is largely related to the hardness of the minerals being handled, the extent and degree of handling and processing necessary.
6.1.6 The process by which dust becomes airborne is referred to as dust emission. For this to occur, energy is required to overcome the gravitational and cohesive forces binding dust particles to the surface. The typical activities that create dust are listed in Table 1A1 in Minerals Policy Statement 2: Annex 1, Dust.
NL06919\J01 89 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.1.7 It has been found that large dust particles (greater than 30µm), make up the greatest proportion (circa 95%) of dust emitted from mineral workings and these will be largely deposit within 100 metres of sources. Intermediate sized particles (10-30µm) are likely to travel up to 200-500 metres. Smaller particles (less than 10µm) which make up a small proportion of the dust emitted from most mineral workings, are only deposited slowly but may travel 1km or more.
6.1.8 The westward extension of the current working will involve the removal of topsoil and overburden but the soil stripping will be of brief duration. These intensive activities have considerable potential for dust emission but, in scope and scale, they are similar to agricultural activities such as ploughing.
6.1.9 Dust emission or fugitive dust is caused by wind lifting dust from surfaces and the extent to which this occurs depends on wind speed, surface condition and the size of the dust particles. The minimum necessary wind speed, to initiate dust blow is approximately 3m/s but factors such as moisture content, surface vegetation and inter-particle cohesion can further increase this threshold value. Clay is a fine particulate material with considerable cohesion present when damp and generally wind speeds is excess of 6m/s are required to initiate dust blow from sites with high moisture content. Wind speeds in excess of 20m/s are required to initiate wind flow from stockpiled materials.
6.1.10 Rainfall decreases dust emissions, due to both surface wetting and increasing the rate at which airborne dust is removed from air. The topography of a site is also an important factor. Open, exposed sites lacking shelter and surface features are likely to be more susceptible to dust blow. In contrast, activities within a quarry or void will be sheltered to some extent from external winds, restricting the potential for dust to disperse beyond the site.
6.2 Air Quality and Health 6.2.1 Principal health concerns of the development in terms of air quality relate to the potentially harmful effects of particulate matter and dust. The presence of dust in sufficient quantities to cause actual harm or damage is extremely unlikely in the context of public exposure.
6.2.2 Air Quality Objectives, for key pollutants, are defined in the Air Quality Regulations 2000 with revisions made in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The Regulations form part of the National Air Quality Strategy, a statement of Government policy on the assessment and management of ambient air quality. The strategy was developed as a result of a requirement to implement, in the UK, the EC Framework directive 96/62/EC. It’s primary objective is to ensure ‘that everyone
NL06919\J01 90 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
can enjoy a level of ambient air quality in public places which poses no significant
risk to health or quality of life’. The UK objectives set for PM10 are an annual mean of 40µg/m3 with a compliance date of 31 December 2004.
6.2.3 A study commissioned by the UK Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards found 3 that an increase in the average level of PM10 from 20 to 50µg/m would result in only 1 extra patient being admitted to hospital per day with respiratory disease in a population of 1 million people. This equates to a ‘typical’ ambient exposure level increasing to the threshold value, as defined in the Air Quality Regulations. There is also a body of opinion, supported by the Government appointed Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) (HMSO 1998), that the reported effects on health are due to particles from gaseous emissions. It is unlikely that coarse, wind-blown particles have a significant effect upon health.
6.2.4 For there to be a potential hazard to health, dust particles would need to enter the respiratory system and either accumulate or interfere with lung function. The term “respirable dust” is applied to the fraction of airborne material, which penetrates to the gas exchange region of the lung. This fraction has been defined as part of the British Standard BS 6069, EN 481 1993: Workplace atmospheres - Size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles, and equate to the mass of inhaled particles that penetrate to the unciliated airways of the lung - the alveolar region. In order to penetrate this region particles would need to be smaller than 7µm in diameter and particles in this size range are not produced in significant concentrations from surface workings.
6.2.5 Concern has often been raised in relation to dust from opencast extraction and its effect on community health. However, no clear dose-response relationship has been established and a number of studies have shown that levels of fine
particulate matter PM10 are no higher in the vicinity of opencast coal sites than in other areas (HMSO 1995). The latest research published in “Do particulates from open cast mining impair children’s respiratory health?” (HMSO, 1999) has shown
that PM10 concentrations measured at communities in the vicinity opencast mines are on average only 2 µg/m3 higher than similar communities, which are not close
to active opencast sites. Furthermore, elevated PM10 levels in opencast communities could not be correlated with site working hours or monitored wind direction. There was no clear evidence of increased levels of respiratory illness in opencast communities nor were asthmatic attacks in children more common or more severe than in the control communities. Due to inter particular cohesion
PM10 levels around clay extraction sites will be less than for opencast coal sites (DoE ‘The environmental effects of Dust from Surface Mineral Workings’ 1995).
NL06919\J01 91 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.2.6 The former DETR’s most recent research recommends a precautionary approach. Where there are communities or particular sensitive premises within 3 1km of the site, and the additional PM10 loading of 2µg/m from the opencast site would cause the Air Quality Standard to be exceeded, then further assessment would be required. If the impact is significant, then the operator would be required to demonstrate that best practice is being applied to control particulate
emissions, and to monitor and control the PM10 concentrations through measurement and operational restrictions respectively. The research demonstrates that on sites with a large volume of overburden movement, such as
is the case with the proposed scheme, the potential PM10 emission can be effectively controlled through use of appropriate controlling measures.
6.3 Dust and Nuisance 6.3.1 MPS 2 indicates that the perception of dust from surface soiling is determined by a number of factors: • deposition on a surface which is usually expected to remain free from dust; • the colour contrast between the deposited dust and the surface upon which it settles; • the nature of the surface; • the presence of a nearby clean ‘reference’ surface against which comparisons may be made; • the type of social factors, such as lifestyle and patterns of working; • the personal experiences and expectations of the observer; • adverse publicity.
6.3.2 The degree of nuisance experience depends on: • the rate of deposition i.e., the time taken for dust deposition to become visible; • the frequency of dust deposition incidents; • the area affected by deposition.
6.4 Baseline Conditions 6.4.1 The site is located near the settlements of Silverdale and Knutton, suburbs of Newcastle under Lyme. There are a number of residential properties on Oak Road, Knutton and Tregew Place, Silverdale which are within 200 metres of the current quarry.
Air Quality 6.4.2 According to Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council’s Updating and Screening Assessment (2003) the estimated 2004 annual mean background concentration 3 of PM10 at the site is 19.6µg/m . There have not been any recent complaints about dust from nearby properties. Dust monitoring has been undertaken at a
NL06919\J01 92 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
number of neighbouring houses which was started prior to the excavation of material in order to establish background levels. No significant increase has been detected since material extraction has started.
Meteorological Conditions 6.4.3 The potential for any mineral site to emit dust is greatly influenced by prevailing meteorological conditions. There are various parameters that need to be taken into account in order to assess the extent of dust generation and dispersal at a particular site. These include: • Wind speed and direction; • Rainfall pattern. This is usually expressed in terms of number of days experiencing greater than 0.2mm of rainfall. This is considered sufficient to effectively suppress wind-blown dust emissions; • Ground moisture conditions.
6.4.4 Information regarding the prevailing winds has been taken from the Meteorological Office recording station at Shawbury. The site is approximately 40 kilometres to the south-west of Knutton Quarry. Below is Table 6.1 showing monthly average wind directions for the station between 1986-95.
Table 6.1 Monthly Average Wind Directions – Shawbury N NN EN E ES SS S SS WS W WN NN E E E E W W W W Apr 7.7 4.4 6.3 9.5 5.1 6.8 9.7 9.5 14.3 9.2 4.5 10.4 May 8.5 6.0 10.3 10.4 4.4 5.6 6.7 6.8 10.7 7.1 5.4 15.6 Jun 8.4 4.7 4.5 5.7 2.8 4.4 7.3 8.2 16.1 9.9 7.6 17.0 Jul 6.7 2.3 3.2 7.9 3.9 4.9 6.8 9.6 20.3 12.5 7.4 13.1 Aug 5.8 1.9 3.2 5.1 2.9 5.7 8.5 12.2 19.5 14.1 7.1 12.0 Sep 7.3 4.3 6.0 6.0 4.5 5.9 8.2 10.4 15.8 11.0 6.3 12.3
Year 6.3 3.5 5.1 7.5 6.0 9.4 9.4 11.1 15.9 10.9 6.2 10.7
Notes Table 6.1 shows the direction from which the winds blow. The NNE sector covers directions from 15 to 45 degrees and so on in 30 degree sectors. 100% of hours in a 30 day month = 720 15.8% = 114 hours, etc.
6.4.5 At Shawbury winds blowing from the west-south west (15.9% annually), south- south west (11.1%) and west (10.9%) are the most frequent. Winds blowing from the north-north east (3.5% annually) and east-north east (5.1%) are the least
NL06919\J01 93 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
frequent. There are also seasonal trends with higher frequencies of winds from the north-north west being particularly frequent in May and June, while winds from between south-south west and west tend to increase in frequency over the summer months.
6.4.6 An indication of the regional prevalence of drying conditions has been taken from the Meteorological Office Rainfall and Evaporation Calculation System (MORECS). Data for the period 1961 to 1985 for the 40km MORECS grid square No 115 which contains the site is summarised in Table 6.2.
Table 6.2 Monthly Summary of MORECS Meteorological Data JAN FEB MA APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC R Potential 13.2 15.4 33.8 52.3 81.1 84.1 85.9 74.5 51.1 30.8 17.8 12.0 Evaporation mm Total Rainfall mm 74.0 57.5 62.4 59.7 69.8 65.1 60.3 73.9 75.7 67.7 79.8 78.7
Rates of Rain to 5.61 3.73 1.85 1.14 0.86 0.77 0.70 0.99 1.48 2.20 4.48 6.56 Evaporation End of Month Soil Moisture Deficit 0.4 1.1 5.5 15.5 38.1 50.3 66.8 59.2 35.8 19.1 3.0 0.2 mm
6.4.7 From Table 6.2, the periods during which the risk of dust emissions is highest are when potential evaporation exceeds rainfall and drying conditions result.
6.4.8 At Knutton drying conditions are most likely to occur from May to August. Using the evaporation to rainfall ratio data, where the ratio is less than one, then evaporation exceeds rainfall and drying conditions prevail. Outside this period the risk of dust generation is less, but will still occur during periods of prolonged dry weather.
6.4.9 From the Met Office Website the number of days with rainfall greater than 1mm at Shawbury between 1971-2000 averaged 124 days a year (about 34%). The probability is that with the inclusion of days of rainfall between 0.2 and 1mm the total percentage of days with rainfall greater than 0.2mm would be around 40%.
6.4.10 Table 6.3 summarises the analysis of the wind data and the number of days in any year that the identified receptors are likely to be in the direct wind shadow of the site.
NL06919\J01 94 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Table 6.3 Summary of Wind Analysis Identified Distance from Potential % Wind Total Days Per Year Sensitive Centre of Site Wind Sector (assuming 60% dry Receptor (m) days) Church Street 200 N 6.3 14 Tregew Place 280 NNW 10.7 23 Oak Road 380 W 10.9 24
6.4.11 The frequency of winds that influences each receptor is not high. The separation distances are significant leading to the majority of dust being deposited before reaching each receptor. These conclusions are substantiated by the dust monitoring programme conducted by the local authority.
6.4.12 Also much of the activity will be in a deep void which will result in substantial in-pit retention of dust emissions.
Potential sources of emissions: Soil stripping and storage. 6.4.13 Stripping of soils has limited potential to generate dust as it is of a short duration (generally less than eight weeks in any one year).
Overburden excavation 6.4.14 The friable strata will break up readily when handled during loading and unloading. This means that dust sized particles can be produced during handling, particularly if the mechanical action or degree of disturbance is vigorous. However, these particles tend to be mainly larger ones, which fall out close to their source.
6.5 Site haulage 6.5.1 The mechanical action on the road surface will reduce particle sizes by crushing, so the dust potential of haul roads can be quite high. The overall erodibility of haul roads depends on the silt loading and moisture content. Dust control relies on reducing the former and keeping the moisture content high by watering.
6.5.2 The main potentially erosive activity is that of vehicle traffic on haul roads. Vehicle wheels throw up dust from the road surface. Also the haul road surface is exposed to air currents in turbulent shear with the surface, if the vehicle is travelling at speed, and this can raise dust to 2-3 metres above the ground surface. Dust emitted from a vehicle can be entrained in the moving airflow. The potential of haul road traffic to erode depends on the number and size of wheels, the vehicle speed and on traffic volume.
NL06919\J01 95 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.6 Mitigation Measures Soil stripping and replacement 6.6.1 Handling of soils should only take place when the soils are sufficiently dry so as to prevent damage to the soil structure. There is the potential of dust to be generated during the soil movement, however, this would be limited, as the operation will only occur over a short duration. General recommendations are that soil movement should occur when the moisture content is at or below the lower plastic limit, which aids the binding of particles.
6.6.2 In addition, the outer layers of soil mounds tend to form into a crust, which subsequently acts to seal the underlying material. Soil storage mounds should be seeded with grass where often a significant sward can develop within a few weeks depending on the timing of seeding. Much depends on the timing of operations and working particles in relation to rainfall, wind conditions and seasonal factors. Normally soils should be stripped between May and July. The earlier and later months are considered to be the ideal time in terms of soil moisture content and to allow for the immediate seeding and germination of grass seed on the storage mound.
Overburden removal and replacement 6.6.3 Overburden should be excavated and transported by dumptrucks to storage mounds. Drop heights should be kept to a minimum, reducing the emissions from loading and unloading. As the working goes deeper, shelter and in-pit retention would reduce the amount of dust that escapes to disperse in the atmosphere.
Loading/Unloading Activities 6.6.4 From observation, drop heights from material excavation to dumptruck were as low as practicable. The activity was also well sheltered from the wind.
6.6.5 Transport by vehicle On and Offsite • Vehicle speed should be restricted (lorries were seen to be moving at reasonable speed); • Any unsurfaced or paved roads should be watered; • Vehicle washing facilities. The quarry currently has a wheel/body wash at a good distance from the site entrance at Church Lane. The roadway from the facility to the highway is hard surfaced; • Transport lorries are all fitted with automatic sheeting; • Haulage roads have been sited currently well away from sensitive receptors.
NL06919\J01 96 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
6.7 Conclusions 6.7.1 It is concluded that dust emissions from Knutton quarry will continue to have little significant impact on the area. The current and proposed material extraction is unlikely to lead to a significant increase in dust emissions. Neighbouring receptors are of sufficient separation distance and favourable downwind frequency for the majority of dust to be deposited beforehand.
6.7.2 If the above mitigation schemes are used there should be no material reduction in air quality and no risk of exceedence of the national air quality standard for particulates.
NL06919\J01 97 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
7 TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 Ibstock currently operates Knutton Quarry and has an existing Permission for Development, (No N.92/550). They wish to alter their current Permission to allow them to extract a greater quantity of material from the quarry. This is likely to extend the life of the quarry from 13 to 30 years.
7.1.2 This Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) considers the impact of traffic that will result from extending the operational life of Knutton Quarry. It considers the traffic impact in terms of the operational capacity and safety of the routes which will be used by vehicles to gain access to the quarry. It also considers the impact of clay extraction ceasing at Walley’s Quarry alongside increased extraction from Knutton Quarry.
7.1.3 Knutton Quarry and Walley’s Quarry are both operated by Ibstock. The material from these quarries is used to supply three Works in the vicinity of the quarries. The Ibstock Works located at Parkhouse and Chesterton are currently supplied by Walley’s Quarry, whilst the Eternit Works at Keele are supplied by the Knutton Quarry.
7.1.4 The scope of this assessment is limited to the minor roads surrounding the quarries which will be used by heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) for access to and from the quarries. The wider strategic highway network is not considered as there have been no concerns raised as to it being used by HCVs from the quarries.
7.2 Existing Site and Location 7.2.1 Knutton Quarry is located at Knutton, approximately 2 km to the west of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, to the west of Church Lane (B5368). The B5368 is a minor road but is of a relatively good standard. It forms part of a local route which connects Knutton to the A34 in the north and the A525 in the south. Approximately 250 metres to the south of the site entrance there is a signal controlled crossroads at which point the B5368 becomes unclassified and is known as Cemetery Road. Approximately 450 metres to the north of the site entrance there is a staggered junction formed by two mini-roundabouts from which point the B5368 is known as Lower Milehouse Lane.
7.2.2 Access to the site is gained from Church Lane along a short driveway which also provides access to a Post Office depot. The site access junction is a priority T- junction.
NL06919\J01 98 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
7.2.3 Walley’s Quarry is located to the south of Knutton Quarry on the eastern side of Cemetery Road with direct access from that road in the form of a priority junction.
7.2.4 Vehicle speeds through Knutton are restricted by a 30 mph speed limit. Adjacent to the Knutton Quarry site access junction, safety cameras enforce the speed limit.
7.3 Haul Routes 7.3.1 The material extracted from Knutton Quarry is transported to the Works at Keele. The clay extracted from Walley’s Quarry is transported to either:
7.3.2 Parkhouse Works – to the north of the sites at Parkhouse Industrial Estate with access from the A34; or
7.3.3 Chesterton Works – to the north of the sites with access from the A34 via Chesterton.
7.3.4 Haul routes from the quarries to the Works have been established on surrounding roads. The route taken to each of these Works from the quarries keeps the distance travelled on minor routes to a minimum. A summarisation of the haul routes from the quarries is shown in Table 7.1 below:
Destination Route
Parkhouse Northeast along Church Lane, northeast along Lower Works Milehouse Lane and then north along the A34 to Parkhouse Industrial Estate.
Chesterton Northeast along Church Lane, northeast along Lower Works Milehouse Lane, north along the A34, northwest along Parkhouse Road West, then southeast along the B5500 (Audley Road) to Chesterton Works.
Eternit South along Cemetery Road and then west along the A525 Works to Eternit Works. 7.3.5 Table 7.1 – Haul Routes to and from Knutton and Walley’s Quarries
7.3.6 Once the HCVs from the quarries have reached the strategic highway network (ie the A34 and A525) their impact on the infrastructure is not considered by this assessment for the following reasons:
7.3.7 They are travelling on major routes which are designed and maintained for such use;
NL06919\J01 99 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
7.3.8 There have been no concerns raised with respect to HCVs from the quarries using the strategic highway network;2
7.3.9 If the Works were not being supplied by Knutton or Walley’s quarries, they would have to be supplied by HCVs from elsewhere which would use these strategic routes.
7.4 Church Lane 7.4.1 Church Lane is a single carriageway road of standard width, approximately 7.3 metres wide. It has residential properties fronting it for much of its length and is also fronted by a junior school and a church. Footways are provided on both sides of the road to the north of the site access junction. To the south of the site access junction a footway is only provided on the western side of the road.
7.5 Lower Milehouse Lane 7.5.1 Lower Milehouse Lane is a single carriageway road with footways and street lighting on both sides of the road. It provides access (via side roads) to a number of residential estates, an industrial estate and a supermarket. There are also a number of residential properties that have frontage to, and direct access from, Lower Milehouse Lane.
7.6 Cemetery Road 7.6.1 Cemetery Road is a single carriageway road of approximately 7.5m width. It has a footway along its western side and street lights on both sides of the road. It provides access to the existing Walley’s Quarry, a business park, caravan park, cemetery and garden centre. It is also joined by a through route (Park Road) from Silverdale village, to the west.
7.7 Existing Traffic Flows 7.7.1 The three Works which are currently supplied by both Knutton and Walley’s quarries require the following quantities of clay: Parkhouse Works – 150,000 tonnes per annum (tpa); Chesterton Works – 150,000 tpa; Eternit Works – 100,000 tpa (potentially rising to 135,000 tpa).
7.7.2 Knutton Quarry currently supplies material at an average of 100,000 tpa to Eternit Works only. The quarries deliver material in 20 tonne loads which, at current levels of demand, equates to around 400 loads per week. This in turn equates to
2 A 2002 revision to the planning consent for Knutton Quarry indicates that “The Head of Travel Management and Safety has no objections with regard to the strategic highway network”.
NL06919\J01 100 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
around 800 vehicle movements. The quarries work a five and a half day week, which equates to around 145 vehicle movements per day. If output rises to 135,000tpa at the Eternit works it will equate to 158 vehicle movements per day.
7.7.3 A breakdown of the number of quarry vehicles currently using key stretches of the local road network (based on 20 tonne loads) is given in Table 7.2 below. Part of Haul Route Distance Number of (km) Quarry Vehicles per week (2-way) Keele Road (A525) to access to Walley’s 0.7 200 Quarry on Cemetery Road Access to Walley’s Quarry on Cemetery Road to access to Knutton Quarry on 0.7 800 Church Lane Access to Knutton Quarry on Church Lane 1.6 600 to Talke Road (A34) 7.7.4 Table 7.2 – Existing quarry vehicle movements on local road network
7.7.5 The current operation of vehicles at Knutton quarry is restricted by the Planning Permission as follows:
7.7.6 Excavations below the surface and stockpile construction: 7.00am – 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays 7.00am – 1.00pm Saturdays Arrival of unladen lorries on to the site and their unloading: 7.15am – 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays 7.15am – 1.00pm Saturdays Exit of laden vehicles: 7.30am – 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays 7.30am – 1.00pm Saturdays Surface working: 8.00am – 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays 8.00am – 1.00pm Saturdays Vehicles at Walley’s Quarry are, however, permitted to operate between 07:00 and 19:00 on weekdays and 07:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays.
7.8 Future Traffic Generation And Assignment Of Traffic From The Quarry 7.8.1 Walley’s Quarry will cease operation in 2005; the three Works will then be solely supplied by Knutton Quarry. The number of quarry vehicles on the haul routes to Chesterton Works and Parkhouse Works will remain as existing, as there is not anticipated to be any change in the demand for material from these works. The
NL06919\J01 101 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
number of quarry vehicles on the haul route to the Eternit Works will, however, increase slightly due to the construction of a new factory at this Works which is expected to increase the demand for clay by 35,000 tpa. This equates to around 35 extra loads (70 vehicle movements) per week based on 20 tonne loads.
7.8.2 A breakdown of the number of quarry vehicles expected to use key stretches of the local road network is given in Table 7.3 below. Part of Haul Route Distan Number Differenc ce (km) of Quarry e from Vehicles existing per week situation (2-way) (2-way) Keele Road (A525) to access to 0.7 200 +/-0 Walley’s Quarry on Cemetery Road Access to Walley’s Quarry on Cemetery Road to access to Knutton 0.7 200 -400 Quarry on Church Lane Access to Knutton Quarry on Church 1.6 600 +/-0 Lane to Talke Road (A34) 7.8.3 Table 7.3 – Future quarry vehicle movements on local road network
7.8.4 When the material required by the three Works is supplied solely by Knutton Quarry, the number of vehicle kilometres (vkm) travelled by quarry vehicles on the local roads will be reduced. The number of vkm currently travelled by quarry vehicles on the local roads surrounding the site is around 1660 per week. When the material extraction moves to Knutton Quarry, the number of vkm travelled by quarry vehicles will reduce to around 1240, ie a drop of 25%.
7.8.5 The hours of operation at Knutton Quarry are also more restrictive than those at Walley’s Quarry and therefore there will be a slight benefit to the roads surrounding the site. This is due to the reduction in the number of trips made by quarry vehicles first thing in the morning and during the evening.
7.8.6 The output of Knutton Quarry after clay extraction ceases at Walley’s Quarry, will be around 400-435 loads per week.
7.8.7 Under the current proposal, there are no plans to change the hours of operation of Knutton Quarry.
NL06919\J01 102 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
7.9 Future Use of Walley’s Quarry 7.9.1 Walley’s Quarry is owned by Lafarge and operated by Ibstock. Once mineral extraction has been completed later this year, Lafarge intend to import controlled waste, subject to them obtaining the necessary waste disposal licences from the Environment Agency. These licences have not yet been granted.
7.10 Alternative Modes of Transport 7.10.1 Bulk materials such as minerals can be relatively easily transported by either railways or waterways and it is, therefore, worth considering if material from the quarry might be transported by modes other than road transport.
7.10.2 There is a now disused railway adjacent to Knutton Quarry, the line of which runs relatively closely to Eternit Works at Keele. However, the cost of reinstating this line (including bridges) and constructing the necessary interchange infrastructure at both the quarry and the Works make this line unviable. It has a further disadvantage in that the line of the railway runs close to residential properties potentially causing noise disturbance, removing a valuable ‘green way’ and potentially putting children at risk who might be tempted to play on the trucks. There are no other alternative modes of transport (e.g. canals) close enough to either Knutton Quarry or any of the three Works, to make anything but road transport a viable option.
7.11 Traffic Impact 7.11.1 There will be two changes to the movements of quarry vehicles when material extraction ceases at Walley’s Quarry and increases at Knutton Quarry:
• There will be a 25% decrease in the vehicle kilometres travelled by quarry vehicle on local roads;
• There will be fewer movements of quarry vehicles during the evening and first thing in the morning.
7.11.2 Both these impacts are clearly positive.
7.12 Road Safety 7.12.1 Accident data, covering personal injury accidents (PIAs) only, were obtained from Staffordshire County Council for the five-year period from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004. This is the latest period for which data is at present complete. This PIA data covers the sections of the local roads surrounding the quarries
NL06919\J01 103 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
which will be used by quarry vehicles, (ie Cemetery Road, Church Lane and Lower Milehouse Lane.
7.12.2 Seventy one PIAs were reported during the five-year period examined of which one involved a fatality and four were classified as serious (approximately 7%). None of the 71 accidents, over the five-year period, involved an HCV. As might be expected, the vast majority of these accidents occurred at the junctions along the route, particularly at the roundabout junction between Lower Milehouse Lane and the A34 (17 PIAs).
7.12.3 From the accident data provided it is difficult to identify any specific problems with respect to safety matters along these local roads.
7.13 Conclusions 7.13.1 Knutton Quarry has an existing consent allowing extraction of materials from the site. Under this existing consent, Knutton Quarry will supply material to the nearby Works when Walley’s Quarry ceases operation in the latter part of 2005.
7.13.2 Ibstock are seeking consent to deepen Knutton Quarry, which is likely to increase the life of the quarry by around 17 years. It is anticipated that there will, however, be no change to the number of deliveries to the nearby Works on a weekly basis.
7.13.3 From the assessment of the traffic impact of the proposed development it is considered that the impact of quarry vehicle movements on the local roads surrounding Knutton Quarry will be reduced when clay extraction ceases at Walley’s Quarry and is taken up at Knutton Quarry. Overall vehicle kilometres travelled by HCVs from the quarries is likely to reduce by around 25% and there will be fewer journeys in the evening and early morning.
7.13.4 There appears to be no evidence that road safety is being compromised by the existing movements of quarry vehicles and there is no reason why this situation should change.
NL06919\J01 104 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 8.1 Introduction General 8.1.1 Knutton Quarry is owned and operated by Ibstock Brick 1996 Ltd. (Ibstock). Mineral is extracted for the manufacture of bricks.
8.1.2 Scott Doherty Associates (SDA) were commissioned by Ibstock to undertake a hydrological and hydrogeological assessment of Knutton Quarry. The principal aim of this assessment was to determine the likely effects of mineral extraction on the hydrological and hydrogeological regime. It includes, for example, an assessment of the proposed restoration of the Quarry site as a lake and the effects of any drawdown on surface and groundwater resources. It has entailed:
• an examination of the geological plans, reports and borehole data published by the British Geological Survey (BGS) or prepared by Ibstock;
• the provision of a Landmark ‘Envirocheck’ report (Appendix 10), which extends 1km from the centre of the Site;
• a walk-over survey;
• an assessment of any groundwater monitoring data, including that held by the Coal Authority;
• the provision of the broad design criteria for the surface and groundwater management system, and an indication as to the likely discharge arrangements;
Location 8.1.3 Knutton Quarry is located between the villages of Knutton and Silverdale, approximately 2km WNW of Newcastle-under-Lyme in the Newcastle-under-Lyne District of the County of Staffordshire (Drawing SDA/04079/01).
8.1.4 National Grid Reference (NGR) for centre of Quarry: 382300E 347000N.
8.1.5 1/50,000 scale Ordnance Survey (OS) Sheet No. 118 (The Potteries).
8.1.6 The Quarry is bounded to the north by Blackbank Road (B5367), to the south by a disused mineral railway line, beyond which lies the village of Silverdale, and to the east by Oak Road along the eastern perimeter of Knutton village. The restored site of the former High Lane opencast mine lies to the north-west.
NL06919\J01 105 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Topography 8.1.7 The land generally falls in a south-easterly direction from a maximum elevation of 186m above Ordnance Datum (AOD) along the north-western boundary of the Quarry site to just under 129m AOD along the western perimeter of the present excavation area. The vast majority of the Quarry is yet to be developed for mineral extraction and remains as either open land that is partly in agricultural use. This area has been assessed for the purposes of mineral extraction under the name Gorsty Bank. Surface gradients range from 1v in 23h to 1v in 5h (2.5 to 11.3º). The mineral excavations presently extend to 110m AOD.
Land Use History 8.1.8 Most of the Quarry occupies an area of former or active agricultural land. A tileworks was located in the eastern part, but this was recently demolished and part of the area has been earmarked for future building development. Discarded and broken tiles have been tipped along the southern margin of the Quarry. Small deposits of colliery spoil are also present at various locations to the west of the Quarry excavations because of a long history of coal mining in the area. It is not thought that any other potentially contaminating processes have been carried out at the Quarry.
Development Proposals 8.1.9 Planning permissions have already been granted for the extraction of mudstone (‘brickshale’) from Knutton Quarry. Ibstock now proposes to increase the depth of the workings by modifying the excavation profiles. The stability of the proposed excavations has been assessed and the findings are provided in SDA (2005). The Quarry excavations have been modelled using ‘LSS’ software by Wardell Armstrong.
8.1.10 Upon completion of mineral extraction, Ibstock proposes to create a lake. This will discharge at a level of 124m AOD into the Silverdale Brook.
8.2 Geology Introduction 8.2.1 The geology of Knutton Quarry area has been determined by reference to the following plans and documents:
• 1/50,000 scale Geological Map. Solid & Drift. Sheet 123 (1994); • 1/10,000 scale Geological Map SJ84NW; • ‘Stoke-on-Trent: A Geological Background for Planning and Development’ Technical Report WA/91/01 with 1/25,000 scale thematic maps. (Wilson et al., 1992);
NL06919\J01 106 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.2.2 Relevant sections of the 1/25,000 scale geological maps are presented as Drawings SDA/04079/02 and SDA/04079/02.
Exploratory Drilling 8.2.3 Four phases of exploratory drilling have been carried out at the Quarry by Ibstock. These have been summarised in Table 8.1.
Year Borehole Nos. Details 1978 2001-2007 Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 50.15m bgl below ground level in the Kent’s Lane area. 1986 1/86 Continuously cored borehole extended to 21.15m below the Quarry floor. 1987 1/87-2/87 Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 41.00m bgl along the eastern margin of the present excavation area. 1989 1/89-11/89 Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 37.20m bgl in the Gorsty Bank 1990 1/90-2/90 area. Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a 1991 GB12/91-GB13/91 maximum depth of 40.00m bgl in the Gorsty Bank area. 1995 GB14/95-GB21/95 Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 51.30m bgl in the Gorsty Bank area. 2004 1/04-3/04 Boreholes continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 51.00m bgl in the Gorsty Bank area. Partial coring of the superficial deposits. One borehole continuously cored to 42.40m below the Quarry floor. One borehole continuously cored from rockhead to a maximum depth of 97m bgl in Gorsty Bank area.
8.2.4 Table 8.1 Summary of Mineral Investigations
8.2.5 The purpose of all these investigations was to confirm the geological structure and succession, determine the nature and thickness of the overburden, provide an opportunity to sample and analyse the mineral, and quantify the reserves.
General Succession Superficial Deposits Glacial Materials 8.2.6 The BGS 1/25,000 scale thematic map ‘Map 2. Thickness of Superficial Deposits’ indicates that up to 2m of glacial clay is present to the north and south of the
NL06919\J01 107 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
existing Quarry. It is also present to the west of the present workings, but thins out beyond Gorsty Farm.
8.2.7 The exploratory boreholes indicate that the glacial till ranges in thickness from 0.70 to 11.40m in the Gorsty Bank area. This has been described as a soft to firm and stiff, orange brown, reddish brown and brown, sometimes mottled clay with subrounded to subangular gravel of mudstone, siltstone, coal and sandstone. Deposits of orange/grey sand with fragments of coal and mudstone of up to 1.10m in thickness have also been described.
8.2.8 The majority of the glacial deposits total less than 3m in thickness.
Made Ground 8.2.9 The BGS 1/25,000 thematic map, ‘Map 4. Distribution of Made Ground’ shows a small deposit of colliery spoil just north of Gorsty Farm. Larger deposits are present to the south-west around the former Silverdale Colliery.
8.2.10 A large deposit of broken tiles and other associate discards has been formed along the southern margin of the Quarry workings. Discrete volumes of colliery spoil are known to be present to the west.
8.2.11 A total thickness of 3.00m of made ground comprising red-brown, gravelly clay, sandstone and mudstone fragments and occasional ash has been recorded in borehole no. 2/90. Similarly, 0.50 to 1.65m of weathered sand, clay, brick and coal fill has been noted in borehole no. 2/89. The upper 7.60m of the superficial deposits in borehole no. GB14/95 is described as ‘fill’ because of the presence of broken mudstone and sandstone. Borehole no. GB15/95 also records 7.20m of fill with a similar composition. Some of the fill may be representative of highly weathered and disturbed bedrock (e.g. in borehole nos. GB16/95 and GB20/95).
Rockhead Surface 8.2.12 Glacial and periglacial weathering and disturbance have affected the upper part of the underlying bedrock. The exploratory borehole logs suggest that this extends some 3 and 5m below rockhead.
Bedrock Strata Published Information 8.2.13 Knutton Quarry extracts brick clay from the Etruria Formation. This forms the uppermost part of the Bolsovian (Westphalian ‘C’) Stage of the Upper Carboniferous and transitionally overlies the Coal Measures. The base is generally taken where the grey beds pass up into predominantly red mudstones. The observed variations in thickness are due not only to the diachronous
NL06919\J01 108 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
boundary with the Coal Measures, but also fault movement and erosion prior to the deposition of the overlying strata.
8.2.14 The Etruria Formation has been subdivided into three divisions. The Lower Division includes both greenish grey laminated mudstone and much reddish brown or variegated structureless mudstone. There are several old soil horizons (regoliths) overlain by carbonaceous beds or thin coal seams. The most persistent sandstones lie within this division, which totals some 55-58m in thickness and has only been rarely worked for brick clays, the most notable exception being Fenton Quarry (NGR 3884 3451). The Lower Division outcrops to the north-west of the Quarry.
8.2.15 The Middle Division is the thickest subdivision of the Etruria Formation (approximately 106-107m) and consists of structureless mudstones of variegated colour, such as yellowish brown, greenish grey and purple, with runs of reddish brown mudstone. Sandstone horizons, though relatively common, are less predominant than in the Lower Division and typically impersistent. The existing and proposed excavations at Knutton Quarry are entirely confined within the Middle Division.
8.2.16 The Upper Division consists of variegated and reddish brown mudstones in roughly equal amounts. Sandstone beds are generally rare and lens shaped. The thickness of the vision ranges from 78 to 115m. Small calcareous nodules or ‘shot’ commonly occur in the top 20 to 30m.
8.2.17 The Etruria Formation is overlain by the Westphalian Stage D Newcastle and Keele Formations.
Quarry Exposures and Exploratory Drilling Information 8.2.18 The bedrock strata at Knutton Quarry comprise a succession of weak to very weak, structureless to thinly bedded, very pale creamy white to reddish or dark chocolate brown silty mudstones and siltstones. These are interbedded with moderately strong to sometimes strong, very thinly to medium bedded, reddish brown, medium to coarse grained sandstones and breccias.
8.2.19 There is distinct lateral variability in all the strata and significant weathering towards rockhead. This has reduced the mudstones to the consistency of a firm to stiff clay in some areas.
8.2.20 Exploratory drilling has confirmed the presence of a succession of mudstones, siltstones and sandstones.
NL06919\J01 109 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Structure 8.2.21 The strata were deformed during the Hercynian Orogeny. The BGS 1/25,000 scale thematic map, ‘Map5. Solid Geology’ shows that the Quarry is bounded to the east by the NNW-SSE trending Apedale Fault. This downthrows to the east. Another fault of similar trend is shown to extend between the current excavations and Gorsty Farm. This again has an easterly displacement.
8.2.22 The strata dip approximately 10º (1v in 5.7h) towards the WSW in the existing mineral excavations. The dip of the Coal Measures strata at the former High Lane opencast site (NGR 3820 3480) reached 32º (1v in 1.6h) and was directed towards the south-east.
8.2.23 At least two, steeply inclined joints are present in the strata exposed at Knutton Quarry.
Economic Geology Opencast Mining and Quarrying 8.2.24 The Quarry was originally developed for the production of tiles, but on site manufacture ceased in the 1990’s. Since that time, the Quarry has been used to supply clay to various brickworks and tileworks.
8.2.25 High Lane opencast site (NGR 3820 3480) to the north and west of the Quarry recovered coal reserves from a succession extending from the Blackband to the Twist seams.
Underground Mining 8.2.26 The Quarry lies within an area in which there are known underground coal and ironstone workings (Wilson et al., 1992). Robert West & Partners (1992) confirmed that a total of 40 coal and ironstone seams have been mined beneath the Knutton and Gorsty Bank areas. Some of these were worked between the years 1850 and 1907 from local collieries located within or close to the present Quarry (e.g. Old Oak, New Oak and Gorsty Bank Collieries).
8.2.27 A Coal Mining Report prepared by British Coal (1990) also indicates that the Quarry has been undermined and that the date of the last coal working is 1989. This coal was extracted as part of the operations at Holditch Colliery, approximately 1.5km north-east of the Quarry and at depths of up to 800m below ground level. Coal mining was also extended beneath the Quarry from Silverdale Colliery, but by 1992 all operations had been completed. Following a short period of closure and privatisation, coal continued to be mined at Silverdale at some considerable distance to the south-west of the Quarry. The Colliery was finally closed in 1998.
NL06919\J01 110 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.2.28 The highest level of charted old workings lies some 80m below the proposed excavations at Knutton Quarry and are therefore unlikely to have bearing on the stability or groundwater management. However, the possibility that uncharted workings may be present in, for example, the coal seams at the base of the Etruria Formation cannot be ruled out.
8.2.29 British Coal (1990) has indicated that there are a total of 19 disused mine openings (shafts) within the Quarry boundary. Some of these are associated with the deposits of colliery spoil around Gorsty Farm. It is not known what, if any measures were taken to backfill or seal these openings and they could act as important flow paths for groundwater.
8.3 Hydrology Rainfall 8.3.1 The long term average rainfall for the period 1961 to 2003 falls within the range 700-750mm per annum.
Surface Water and Catchment 8.3.2 Knutton Quarry lies within the catchment of the River Trent. The area is drained to the east and south-east by the Silverdale Brook, which is culverted for part of its course through Silverdale village. This flows into the Lyme Brook at Penkhull (NGR 385600E 345000N), which in turn runs SSE to join the River Trent at Hanford (NGR 386500E 342400N).
8.3.3 The Silverdale Brook was reported to be heavily silted downstream of its culverted section by Robert West & Partners in 1992.
8.3.4 Surface water flow on the land to the west of present Quarry workings generally drains towards the south and east. Drainage from the southern part of Gorsty Bank has led historically to localised flooding of the properties adjacent to the disused mineral railway line. However, most of the water flows under the disused mineral railway line through two culverts designated Culvert Nos.1 and 2, before discharging into the Silverdale Brook.
8.3.5 The Quarry catchment has been modified by drainage ditches constructed by British Coal during the restoration of the former High Lane opencast site and following the re-routing of Blackbank Road. However, surface water is still thought to drain from the now disused section of the road in the west to the southernmost point of its realignment and then eastwards along a cut-off channel excavated across the restored site to the north of the old road. Details of the various catchment areas are provided in Robert West & Partners (1992). These indicate
NL06919\J01 111 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
that upon completion of mineral extraction, the catchment will total some 25 hectares. The Quarry workings will then occupy some 21.6 hectares.
8.3.6 A number of drainage ditches extend across the Gorsty Bank area. These combine to form one principal channel that extends within the perimeter of the present mineral workings. All flow is currently catered for by a system of temporary ditches located around the workings.
8.3.7 Surface runoff within the existing mineral workings is presently collected in a sump where it is retained for a period of time to allow the settlement of suspended solids. It is then pumped to a gravity outfall pipe which runs along the north side of the disused mineral railway line. The water then discharges through Culvert No. 2 into the Silverdale Brook under the terms of an Environment Agency consent. This culvert comprises adjoining 375mm nominal bore (235 l/s capacity) and 450mm nominal bore (300 l/s capacity) concrete pipes laid at 1v in 130h (0.44º).
8.3.8 Culvert Nos. 1 and 2 have sufficient capacity to accommodate the expected total discharge from the Quarry and the catchment areas adjoining the Silverdale Brook.
8.3.9 Most of the surface runoff from the former tileworks site will be managed as part of the building development works by St. Modwens plc.
Licensed and Unlicensed Surface Water Abstractions 8.3.10 The Landmark ‘Envirocheck’ report (Appendix 10) indicates that there are two licensed water abstractions within 1km of the Quarry, details of which are summarized in Table 8.2. There are no known unlicensed abstractions.
Distance Licensee from Centre Abstraction Purpose of NGR (Reference No.) of Source Abstraction Site (km) The Coal Authority 382070E 0.83 Surface Water Extractive: Process (03/28/01/0255) 346190N Water The Coal Authority 382070E 0.83 Surface Water Extractive: Lake and (03/28/01/0255) 346190N Pond Through Flow
Table 8.2 Summary of Licensed Surface Water Abstractions within 1km of the Quarry
NL06919\J01 112 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Discharge Consents 8.3.11 There are thirty discharge consents located within 1km of the Quarry, nine of which are recorded as having been revoked since issue (Appendix 10). A summary of the remainder is given in Table 8.3.
8.3.12 It can be reasonably assumed that those consents held by the British Coal Corporation are no longer active following the privatisation of the coal industry and the cessation of all mining activity in the area. Consent is already been granted to Ibstock for the discharge of surface and groundwaters discharged from the Quarry.
Surface Water Quality 8.3.13 The Landmark ‘Envirocheck’ report (Appendix 10) does not provide any details of surface water quality in the 1km search area. However, it does make reference to eight pollution incidents. These are not related to any surface mining or quarrying activity and have been classified as having ‘minor impact’ (Category 3) by the Environment Agency.
Distance Consent Holder from Centre Receiving NGR Discharge Type (Reference No.) of Watercourse Site (km) Ibstock Brick Ltd 382740E 0.31 Trade Discharge – Tributary of Silverdale (T/01/30052/T) 346700N Mineral Workings Brook H. Redfern 382200E 0.32 Sewage Effluent Not Supplied (3/28/01/0993/1) 347700N The Coal Authority 382120E 0.44 Discharge of Other Silverdale Brook (T/01/22078/T) 346670N Matter - Minewater British Coal 382880E 0.57 Site Drainage Whitebarn Brook Corporation 347330N (T/01/09119/T/6) British Coal 381940E 0.57 Site Drainage Lyme/Silverdale Brook Corporation 347030N (T/01/09119/T/3) Severn Trent Water 382800E 0.58 Storm/emergency Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346400N overflow (T/01/03101/0) Severn Trent Water 382800E 0.58 Discharge of other Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346400N matter – Surface (T/01/03101/0) Water Severn Trent Water 382900E 0.64 Public Sewage: Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346400N Storm Sewage (T/01/03101/0) Overflow Severn Trent Water 383050E 0.76 Sewerage and Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346670N other matter (T/01/03124/0/1) Discharge
NL06919\J01 113 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Severn Trent Water 383000E 0.78 Public Sewage: Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346300N Storm Sewage (T/01/03101/0) Overflow Terry Adams Ltd 381840E 0.78 Site Drainage Lyme/Silverdale Brook (CT/01/35075/T/1) 347320N Terry Adams Ltd 381850E 0.79 Site Drainage Receiving water not (CT/01/35028/T/1) 347360N defined Viridor Waste 381850E 0.79 Site Drainage Tributary of Lyme Brook Management Ltd 347360N (T/01/35208/T) Severn Trent Water 383100E 0.84 Sewage Discharges Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346300N – Final /Treated (T/01/03101/0) Effluent Severn Trent Water 383100E 0.84 Public Sewage: Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346300N Storm Sewage (T/01/03101/0) Overflow British Coal 382880E 0.84 Site Drainage Lyme/Silverdale Brook Corporation 347660N (T/01/09119/T/1) Severn Trent Water 383170E 0.87 Storm Sewage Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346340N Overflow Discharge (T/01/21792/0/1) Severn Trent Water 383170E 0.87 Sewage Discharges Tributary of the Lyme Ltd 346340N – Pumping Station Brook (T/01/30327/0) Severn Trent Water 383170E 0.87 Public Sewage: Tributary of the Lyme Ltd 346640N Storm Sewage Brook (T/01/30327/0) Overflow Severn Trent Water 383170E 0.87 Sewerage Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346340N Emergency (CT/01/30327/0,2) Discharge Severn Trent Water 383180E 0.88 Storm Sewage Lyme/Silverdale Brook Ltd 346340N Overflow Discharge (CT/01/30327/0,1) Ibstock Brick Ltd 383160E 0.91 Trade Discharge – Tributary of Silverdale (T/01/22393/T) 346620N Mineral Workings Brook
Table 8.3 Summary of Discharge Consents within 1km of the Quarry
8.4 Hydrogeology Introduction 8.4.1 The Coal Measures strata are classified as a ‘minor aquifer’ by the Environment Agency (Appendix 10). The overlying soils are considered to have, ‘low leaching potential in which pollutants are unlikely to penetrate the soil layer because either water movement is largely horizontal, or they have the ability to attenuate diffuse pollutants’ within the immediate Quarry area.
NL06919\J01 114 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Superficial Deposits Glacial Materials 8.4.2 The deposits of glacial till will generally resist surface infiltration because of their low hydraulic conductivity (possibly <10-9 m/s) and less than 20% of the rainfall falling to the west of the Quarry workings may directly infiltrate the underlying bedrock. The groundwater conditions in the superficial deposits can be summarised as follows:
• the establishment of downward drainage profiles with the development of negative pore pressures during periods of prolonged dry weather;
• under-drainage due to drawdown in the bedrock strata;
• the development of perched systems where discrete pockets or lenses of sand and gravel are present within the glacial till.
Made Ground 8.4.3 The loosely tipped deposits of broken tiles and other associated waste along the southern margin of the present Quarry workings are likely to have a relatively high conductivity (possibly up to 10-3 m/s). However, the conductivity will be lower where significant self-weight compaction has occurred. This will certainly be the case where colliery spoil has been deposited to the west of the mineral workings and the conductivities may be as low as 10-6 m/s.
8.4.4 Groundwater will become perched where the made ground has been deposited on glacial clay or bedrock because of their lower conductivity. It may then issue along the interface if sufficient volumes of water accumulate. However, no significant flows have been observed.
Bedrock Strata General 8.4.5 The intrinsic permeability of the strata forming the Etruria Formation and the underlying Coal Measures is very low and strongly anisotropic. Fissures principally control groundwater flow and the hydraulic conductivity lies in the range 10-6 to 10-7 m/s, but may be at least one order of magnitude lower perpendicular to the bedding. Most of the flow occurs in the sandstone horizons where the strata have not been affected by underground mining. The main sandstone horizons in the Lower Division of the Etruria Formation do not outcrop in the proposed excavation and those that are known to be present in the Middle Division and outcrop within the present working area have a very limited catchment. There were few, if any, permanent groundwater seepages at the Quarry during the compilation of this Report.
NL06919\J01 115 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.4.6 Some of the site investigation boreholes have proved two horizons of water bearing strata within the depth ranges 3.0 to 9.9 and 8.0 to 21.5m below ground level (bgl). These have been attributed to changes in lithology and localised perched systems.
Effects of Old Workings General 8.4.7 The hydraulic properties of the bedrock strata are radically changed by the presence of abandoned mine workings and these are known to be present in the Coal Measures. The conductivity may increase by orders of magnitude and open voids can give rise to free flow. This is due to the following factors:
• dilation of existing natural joints and fractures;
• separation of bedding planes due to the underlying collapse of strata into voids;
• large scale brittle failure of the rockmass and the creation of a large number of fractures.
8.4.8 Substantial volumes of water may be stored in flooded and abandoned workings, despite the extensive collapse of the roof strata, and preferential flow paths may be established.
8.4.9 Continued exploitation of the North Staffordshire Coalfield has created very extensive areas of old workings in all the major seams. The workings at individual collieries were interconnected by cross-Measures drifts and shafts, and as mining was extended larger physical and hydraulic connections were established. These workings had to be dewatered to allow continued production. Pumping stations were established at various locations and the effects of dewatering could be traced over a very large area. The financial burden of continued pumping fell upon fewer centres of production as the collieries in the North Staffordshire Coalfield were closed.
Pumping at Silverdale Colliery 8.4.10 The workings in the deepest coal seams in the Knutton area were allowed to flood following the closure of Holditch Colliery in 1989. However, groundwater levels in the Black Band, Red Shagg and Red Mines seams were maintained at about 25m AOD to protect the internal, cross-Measures drifts at Silverdale Colliery. The water was channelled into a pumping station located in No. 17 shaft before abstraction and discharge into the Silverdale Brook along a purpose built
NL06919\J01 116 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
thrust bore. British Coal’s pumping records have previously shown that the rate of abstraction was approximately 500,000 gallons per day (26.3 l/s).
8.4.11 Little or no groundwater was recorded during the operation of the former High Lane opencast site in the 1980’s because of continued abstraction from the Coal Measures strata. The excavations extended to approximately 60m AOD.
Present Situation 8.4.12 Following the complete cessation of mining operations, pumping has had to be maintained by the Coal Authority to prevent the uncontrolled discharge of potentially contaminating minewaters.
8.4.13 Minewater levels are routinely monitored by International Mining Consultants Ltd. (IMCL) on behalf of the Coal Authority at the former Silverdale Colliery. The recorded levels in Appendix 11 show that some recovery has been allowed since 2002, but that they still remain well below the proposed excavations at Knutton Quarry (i.e. the strata are effectively under-drained). This partly accounts for the paucity of groundwater in the current excavations. Ibstock has notified the Authority of its intention to continue mineral extraction and the necessity to control the water levels until it is completed.
8.4.14 The groundwater is likely to recover to levels in excess of 110m AOD upon complete cessation of pumping.
Groundwater Monitoring at Knutton Quarry 8.4.15 Groundwater levels are currently monitored at Knutton Quarry by Ibstock. A level of 101.25m AOD was recorded on the 15th December 2004 in borehole no. 2/04. This indicates that perched groundwater is present in the Etruria Formation and that this horizon is under-drained by continued abstraction in the underlying Coal Measures.
Licensed and Unlicensed Groundwater Abstractions 8.4.16 There are records of two licensed groundwater abstractions within 2km of the Quarry (Appendix 10 and Table 8.4). There are no known unlicensed abstractions.
NL06919\J01 117 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Distance from Licence Holder NGR Centre of Site Purpose of Abstraction (Reference No.) (km) Rists Wires and 383800E 1.47 Industrial Cooling Cables Ltd 347600N (Miscellaneous) (03/28/01/0042/1) Newcastle Under 384200E 1.83 General Washing/Process Lyme Borough 246200N Washing Council (03/28/01/0117) Table 8.4 Summary of Licensed Groundwater Abstractions within 1km of the Quarry
Landfill Sites 8.4.17 The Landmark ‘Envirocheck’ report (Appendix 10) provides details of three registered landfill sites within 1km of the Quarry. There are also details of three local authority recorded landfill sites and one licensed waste management facilities within the search area (Table 8.5).
Distance from Operator NGR Centre Waste Type (Licence No.) of Site (km) Walley’s Quarry, Ibstock Brick 38292 0.80 Landfill taking other wastes. Ltd. (40756* & 2/E/77/0121***) 0E (Construction, demolition wastes, etc.) (formerly Steetley Building 34622 Products Ltd.) 0N Rosemary Hill Tileries, Ibstock 38296 0.83 Clay/water mix from own operations Brick Ltd. (2/E/77/0121[W17]***) 0E only, excavated natural materials, (formerly Steetley Building 34621 foundry sand, hardcore and rubble. Products Ltd.) 0N Whitebarn Farm, Knutton 38280 0.67 Household. Staffordshire County Council 0E (72** & Z16***) 34750 0N Whitebarn Farm, Knutton 38280 0.67 Household. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough 0E Council (72**) 34750 0N North-west of Silverdale 38160 0.92 Not Supplied. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough 0E Council (26**) 34707 0N
NL06919\J01 118 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Licensed Waste Management Facility **Local Authority Recorded Landfill Site ***Registered landfill Site
Table 8.5 Details of Landfill Sites within 1km of the Quarry
Groundwater Quality General 8.4.18 The Landmark ‘Envirocheck’ report (Appendix 10) provides no details of groundwater quality within 1km of the Quarry, but it does confirm that there are no recorded pollution incidents.
Groundwater Quality in the Superficial Deposits Glacial Materials 8.4.19 Experience gained at other quarry and surface mine developments in the West Midlands suggests that the groundwater in the glacial deposits is characterised by near neutral pH and variable, but relatively low sulphate concentrations. This is not unexpected given the chemical properties of illite clay and quartz sand which are the predominant constituents of the glacial sediments.
Made Ground 8.4.20 The deposits of broken tiles and associated discards along the southern margin of the mineral workings are for the most part chemically inert and are unlikely to have a significant impact on groundwater quality.
8.4.21 The deposits of colliery spoil to the west of the current mineral workings are chemically reactive and the quality of any perched groundwater could well be adversely affected due to the oxidation of naturally occurring metallic sulphides (e.g. iron pyrites). However, the volumes of material are relatively insignificant and it is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the water quality in the proposed lake.
Groundwater Quality in the Bedrock Strata Undisturbed Strata 8.4.22 Groundwater samples taken from near surface, unworked Coal Measures strata show variable sulphate concentrations due to the effects of weathering. The pH values are consistently neutral and metal concentrations are low. The chloride and sulphate concentrations are representative of groundwater obtained from the ‘shallow (sulphate) zone’ as defined by Glover and Chamberlain (1976). If comparisons are made with the drinking water standards given in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (1989 and 2000), the groundwaters either comply or fall just short of potability.
NL06919\J01 119 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.4.23 Exposure and weathering of the Etruria formation in the Quarry excavations is likely to result in the localised development of iron oxy-hydroxides, but observations made at other quarries in North Staffordshire suggests that there will be no acidification of the lake water. This is because the concentration of sulphides is generally lower than in the underlying Coal Measures. A single groundwater sample taken by Robert West & Partners (1992) at Knutton Quarry confirms these observations.
Strata with Old Workings Horizons 8.4.24 Old workings are present at depth below the Quarry. The quality of the groundwater present in these workings will be inferior to that in the Etruria Formation and will be characterized by elevated sulphate and iron oxy-hydroxide concentrations due to the weathering of iron pyrites and other metallic sulphides. The pH will be neutral to slightly acidic.
8.4.25 The groundwater in the Etruria Formation appears to form a perched system and there will be no direct connection between the Quarry excavations, the proposed lake and the old workings horizons. For this reason, the quality of the water in the proposed lake should not be adversely affected.
Restoration Proposals General 8.4.26 Ibstock proposes to create a lake at Knutton Quarry as part of the restoration, following the completion of the development works. The water will be controlled at a level of 124m AOD by a discharge channel located on the eastern perimeter and this will discharge into the Silverdale Brook. This proposal represents a more sustainable alternative to a predominantly dry excavation as this will require continued pumping. Furthermore, there would be a marked increase in the pumping requirement should there be any cessation of minewater abstraction by the Coal Authority and consequent groundwater recovery.
8.4.27 The Quarry excavations will total some 6,469,058m3 below the proposed lake level, of which approximately 20% will be overburden and interburden materials. These will be tipped in the mineral workings leaving a lake volume of approximately 5,175,246m3. The lake will occupy an area of 202,018m2.
Creation of a Lake Inflow and Outflow Calculations Infiltration Rates 8.4.28 Standpipe piezometer no. 02/04 suggests that groundwater levels may equilibrate to approximately 101m AOD following mineral extraction. If the lake is maintained at 124m AOD, infiltration will occur where the strata are unsaturated (i.e. above
NL06919\J01 120 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
the equilibrated groundwater level). This will extend over a plan area of approximately 65,275m2.
8.4.29 The rate of infiltration through the Quarry floor and side slopes has been estimated using Darcy’s equation:
Q = kA dh dx
8.4.30 where k is the hydraulic conductivity, A is the area and dh/dx is the hydraulic gradient.
8.4.31 The average head of water along the Quarry sides will be 12m and the rate of infiltration may approximate to:
10-8 x 65,275 x 12 = 0.008 m3/s.
8.4.32 This calculation is takes into account the likely vertical conductivity of the strata.
Rainfall and Surface Runoff 8.4.33 Rough estimates of the likely volume of surface runoff from the lake catchment have been determined using the procedure described in the ‘Technical Management of Water in the Coal Mining Industry’ (NCB, 1982) and the rational formula:
Q = 2.78 AKI
8.4.34 where Q is the peak flow in litres per second, A is the catchment in hectares, K is the runoff coefficient and I is the rainfall intensity in mm/h.
8.4.35 The runoff coefficient (0.7) has been estimated using the chart given in (NCB, 1982) for an ‘average’ slope gradient of 1v in 14h (0.07 or 4.1º) in the Quarry catchment and for a predominantly grass covered clay substrate. The catchment area has been taken from Robert West & Partners (1992) and includes those parts where surface runoff will be diverted back into the exhausted Quarry workings as part of the proposed restoration, but excludes the proposed excavation area (298,622m2). If the ‘rainfall intensity’ is taken as the average annual rainfall, then the total volume is:
381,378 x 0.7 x 0.70 = 186,875m3 per annum.
8.4.36 Rain falling within the Quarry workings will flow down the graded and benched excavation slopes and into the lake. The runoff coefficient will be variable, but for
NL06919\J01 121 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
the purposes of this exercise has been taken as 0.8 because of the nature of the materials and the localised steeper slopes.
8.4.37 The total volume of rainwater falling directly onto the fully formed lake surface in an average year will be approximately:
202,018 x 0.70 = 141,413m3
Evaporative Losses 8.4.38 If there is no inflow from the various ditches in the catchment area during the summer months and rainfall levels are low, losses due to evaporation and infiltration may not be fully compensated by any groundwater ingress. Lake levels could vary by a much as 400mm due to evaporation at these times. This would be equivalent to a total volume of 202,018 x 0.40 = 80,807m3 per annum when the lake is fully formed.
Groundwater Ingress 8.4.39 Robert West & Partners (1992) have previously estimated that there will be a net inflow of approximately 7 l/s from perched groundwater within the Etruria Formation. This flow rate will be variable and is likely to be higher given the increased depth of the excavation that is now proposed.
8.4.40 Estimated rates of groundwater flow have been determined using finite element analysis and computer software. The following parameters were adopted:
specific storage 10-6 m-1 specific yield 0.10 hydraulic conductivity 5 x 10-7 m/s* unconfined aquifer of unit width
8.4.41 The Etruria Formation strata were assumed to represent a single unconfined aquifer of unit width above the Coal Measures. The radius of influence was estimated using Sichardt’s equation:
R ≈ CH k
8.4.42 where R is the radius of drawdown, C is a constant equivalent to 1500 for flow into a rectangular excavation, H is the drawdown and k is the hydraulic conductivity.
8.4.43 If it is assumed that groundwater levels will equilibrate at approximately 101m AOD, then the majority of the proposed excavations will create a head of about
NL06919\J01 122 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
36m. Sichardt’s equation predicts an equivalent drawdown radius of about 38m, which given the geometry of the proposed excavations is overly conservative. Experience gained at opencast coal sites in unworked Coal Measures strata suggests that the radius will be larger. For the purposes of this study, a minimum value of 70m has been selected so that the groundwater profile lies below the proposed excavation slopes.
8.4.44 The rate of excavation will be relatively low and it can be reasonably assumed that steady state flow conditions will be established. A flow rate of 0.005 l/s per linear metre of excavation was estimated. This is equivalent to a total inflow of about 7.3 l/s for the entire excavation. This flow rate represents a maximum and will fall as the lake level rises to 101m AOD.
8.4.45 Additional calculations for unsteady flow confirm that steady state conditions can be established within the timescale of the proposed rates of extraction.
Water Balance and Infill Time General 8.4.46 The exhausted Quarry workings will infill with water in two stages. The first stage will be governed by the recovery of groundwater with contributions from surface runoff and effective rainfall falling onto the partly formed lake surface. The latter will total some 136,743m2 in area when it reaches 101m AOD. The second stage will be controlled by surface runoff and effective rainfall only and will be initiated when the lake level rises above 101m AOD.
Stage 1 Infill 8.4.47 If it is assumed that all the interburden and overburden materials are placed towards the base of the workings, then the total volume of water below 101m AOD is approximately 1,502,462m3.
8.4.48 The groundwater will inflow at an estimated rate of 7.3 l/s, but this will fall to zero as the level equilibrates at about 101m AOD. An average rate of 3.65 l/s has therefore been used to roughly estimate the infill time. This is equivalent to 115,106m3 per annum.
8.4.49 The contribution of surface runoff from areas outwith the Quarry excavations will amount to 186,875m3 in an ‘average’ year. Surface runoff from the exposed Quarry slopes will fall within the range:
298,622 x 0.8 x 0.7 = 167,228 to (298,622 – 136,743) x 0.8 x 0.7 = 90,652 m3 per annum
NL06919\J01 123 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
An ‘average’ value of 128,940m3 per annum was used.
8.4.50 Net losses due to evaporation will range from virtually zero, when no lake is present to 136,743 x 0.40 = 54,697m3 when a level of 101m AOD is achieved. An ‘average’ loss of 27,349m3 per annum has been used in the calculations. Similarly rainfall falling onto the lake will range from zero to 136,743 x 0.70 = 95,720m3 (‘average’ 47,860m3).
8.4.51 The estimated figures give a net ‘average’ annual inflow rate of 451,432m3 and an estimated infill time of 3.75 years.
Stage II Infill 8.4.52 The total volume of water required to raise the lake level from 101m AOD to the planned 124m AOD will be approximately 3,672,784m3. Surface runoff from land beyond the Quarry excavations will again amount to an ‘average’ of 186,875m3 per annum.
8.4.53 The volume of water falling within the Quarry workings and draining into the lake will decrease from:
(298,623 – 136,743) x 0.8 x 0.7 = 90,653m3 to (298,623 – 202,018) x 0.8 x 0.7 = 54,099m3 per annum.
An ‘average’ value of 72,376m3 per annum has been used.
The ‘average’ volume of water falling directly onto the lake surface will range from:
136,743 x 0.70 = 95,720m3 to 202,018 x 0.70 = 141,413m3 per annum (‘average’ 118,567m3 per annum).
8.4.54 Similarly, the evaporative losses will range from:
136,743 x 0.40 = 54,697m3 to 202,018 x 0.40 = 80,807m3 per annum (‘average’ 67,752m3 per annum).
8.4.55 Infiltration losses will range from zero to 252,288m3 per annum as the lake level extends above 101m AOD. An ‘average’ value of 126,144m3 has been used for the purposes of this exercise.
8.4.56 These estimates give a net inflow rate of 183,922m3 per annum and an infill time of about 20 years.
NL06919\J01 124 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
Stability of the Quarry Slopes 8.4.57 The stability of the excavation slopes is considered in the Geotechnical Report (SDA, 2005).
8.5 Likely Impacts of the Proposed Development and Mitigation Measures 8.5.1 Robert West & Partners (1992) have provided a tentative estimate of the volume of groundwater likely to enter the permitted Quarry excavations. This is equivalent to a continuous flow of 7 l/s, but is likely to be higher if approval is granted for the proposed development. However, they will represent only a very small proportion of the consented discharge rate (200 l/s). An agreement was reached between Redland Bricks, the previous owners of the Quarry, and the National Rivers Authority (NRA) to the effect that the discharges should not exceed the capacity of the existing culverts and that the combined flows should not exceed those that would naturally discharge into the Silverdale Brook had the development not been undertaken.
8.5.2 The existing excavations already remove the peak surface flows that would otherwise enter the drainage system by providing suitable storage during periods of inclement weather. This reduces the risk of flooding and will be maintained by the creation of a lake upon completion of the proposed development.
8.5.3 Surface runoff and any groundwater will be properly managed in the Quarry by forming suitable cut-off ditches along the excavation benches. This will mitigate the worst effects of erosion and will reduce the risk of instability in the bench faces. Additional grips and gabion cascades may also be constructed to control the flow rates onto the Quarry floor.
8.5.4 The developer is well aware that an efficient surface and groundwater management system will have to be implemented so that the constraints of the existing discharge consent can continue to be met. Oil and fuel storage areas will continue to be bunded to contain at least 110% of their capacity. Ibstock will continue to fully implement a strict code of environmental management during the operation of Knutton Quarry. The excavation slopes will also continue to be regularly inspected and their stability routinely re-assessed as required by the Quarries Regulations (1999).
8.5.5 Experience gained at other quarries and opencast sites in the West Midlands has shown that crop yields and natural vegetation are not adversely affected by drawdown in the bedrock strata even where the superficial cover is very thin. This is because large parts of the Quarry site and its surrounding area are already under-drained.
NL06919\J01 125 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.5.6 There is no evidence to suggest that leachate from any of the landfill sites identified in Table 8.5 is adversely affecting the quality of the groundwater. Current conditions suggest that groundwater inflow rates will be very low and the extent of any drawdown will be limited because of the low conductivity of the strata. It is not therefore considered that there is a significant risk of leachate migration.
8.5.7 The low conductivity of the strata and the limited extent of any drawdown in the perched groundwater should also ensure that the licensed groundwater supplies listed in Table 8.4 are not derogated. The licensed surface water abstractors given in Table 8.2 will not be affected by the development.
8.6 References 8.6.1 Glover, H. G. and Chamberlain, E. A. C. (1976), ‘Water Quality Systems in Coal Measure Formations in Great Britain’. Proc. Conf. on Environmental Problems Resulting from Coal Mining Activities, Katowice, Poland.
8.6.2 Grindley, J. (1969), ‘The Calculation of Actual Evaporation and Soil Moisture Deficit Over Specified Catchment Areas’, Hydrological Memorandum No. 38, Met. Office, Bracknell. November.
8.6.3 Harbeck, G. E. (1962), ‘A Practical Field Technique for Measuring Reservoir Evaporation Utilising Mass Transfer Theory’. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 272-E.
8.6.4 National Coal Board (1982), ‘Technical Management of Water in the Coal Mining Industry’. NCB Mining Department, London. 130p.
8.6.5 Robert West & Partners (1992), ‘An Application for Planning Permission to Extend the Existing Clay Winning Operations at Knutton together with a New Road Access and Restoration to Amenity Woodland’. Amended Text. September.
8.6.6 Scott Doherty Associates (2005), ‘Knutton Quarry - Geotechnical Report’. Report to Ibstock Brick Ltd.
8.6.7 Shaw, E. M. (1994), ‘Hydrology in Practice’. 3rd Edition, Chapman & Hall, London, 569pp.
8.6.8 Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations (1989 & 2000). HMSO, London.
NL06919\J01 126 August 2005 Ibstock Brick 1996 Limited Knutton Quarry
8.6.9 Wilson, A. A., Rees, J. G., Crofts, R. G., Howard, A. S., Buchanan, J. G., Waine, P. J. (1992), ‘Stoke-on-Trent: A Geological Background for Planning and Development’. British Geological Survey Technical Report WA/91/01. HMSO, London. 60p plus thematic maps.
NL06919\J01 127 August 2005