Update to 5) Paragraph 4.5.2 The position with regard to china National Park Minerals clay working in the National Park Local Plan (see pages 151-158) has changed.

The Dartmoor National Park Minerals After considering the detail of the Local Plan already looks forward to 2011 environmental information to be and did not form part of the Local Plan submitted in connection with the review. However, some matters referred review of their permissions under the to in the Minerals Local Plan have terms of the Environment Act 1995, the changed however since the Plan was operators announced that they intend to adopted in December 1995. Those voluntarily relinquish their rights to work changes are set out below. minerals and tip quarry wastes on three separate areas (known as Areas X, Y 1) Table 7: Mineral Operations Currently and Z) that remain within the Dartmoor Active in the Dartmoor National Park National Park boundary. It is intended Merrivale, near and the that the unconditional revocation will Prison Quarry, Princetown are now be formalised as part of the review inactive sites. decision-making process.

2) Paragraph 4.4.1 6) Paragraph 4.6.1 The current Structure Plan is the The Structure Plan no longer Devon Structure Plan First Review, refers to Mineral Consultation Areas. 1995-2011 Adopted version. 7) Paragraph 4.7.1 3) Paragraph 4.4.2 Devon Structure Plan policy E17 is the Mineral Planning Guidance Note No.1 current policy that relates to Mineral was revised in June 1996. Working Areas. The reference to minerals development in National Parks reads: 8) Paragraph 4.8.4 “Planning Policy Guidance Note 7, Through the review of old minerals The Countryside and the Rural Economy permissions process, the Authority agreed (PPG7), sets out Government planning a new set of working conditions with policies for all forms of development the owners of Blackingstone (now called in National Parks, the Broads and Blackenstone) Quarry, so that the quarry AONBs. Planning policies for minerals can operate to provide stone for the developments are set out in MPG 6.” local area. (MPG1, paragraph 47) 9) Paragraph 4.9.1 4) Paragraph 4.4.4 The mineral permission at Pitts Cleave Devon Structure Plan First Review Quarry near has now been 1995-2011 policy E16 states: relinquished as a result of its “Proposals for mineral development development as an industrial site. within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be 10) Paragraph 4.10.1 subject to the most rigorous examination, The Devon Structure Plan no longer refers

Part 4 Minerals Local Plan: Update to Dartmoor National Park Plan and will only be approved where to exploratory drilling in National Parks. development can be demonstrated to be in the public interest and where there is an overriding national need for development which cannot reasonably be met in some other way.”

150 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) Part 4 Minerals Local Plan 4.2.3 Throughout the granite and Introduction metamorphosed surround there are 4.1.1 intrusions of metal ores and other The 1991 Planning and Compensation minerals, including tin, copper, lead, Act requires National Park Authorities zinc, silver, arsenic, wolfram, haematite to prepare a Minerals Local Plan, which (iron) and barytes. All have been worked may form part of the National Park Local at various times in the past right across Plan or be published separately. There the moor but with concentrations of are clear advantages in presenting the workings in the Teign Valley, Upper Dart full range of local policies in the one and on the to Horrabridge document, so that approach has axis. Dolerite, in the form of igneous been adopted. dykes, provides a very hard stone.

4.1.2 4.2.4 The minerals industry, by its nature, has Off the granite, unchanged limestones to plan long term, and to do so requires provide a valuable aggregate; overlaying long term certainty in Local Plan policies. shales may have a use in brick-making; For that reason, the minerals policies lime too has an agricultural use value. Part 4 Minerals Local Plan in this Plan have a time horizon of 2011, which coincides with the time horizon in 4.2.5 the County Council Minerals Local Plan. A ‘mineral’ product of Dartmoor not directly related to the geology is 4.1.3 peat which provides fuel and if The intention is to review the National compressed/distilled can produce Park Minerals Local Plan at regular other fuel products such as naptha, intervals, and given that the china clay oil tar and petrol, as well as acetic acid. industry straddles the boundary of the Peat is widespread and has been worked National Park there would be merit in in a number of places, but the thickest synchronising reviews of the two deposits are found on the northern Minerals Plans. plateau.

The Minerals Resource Past and Present Activity 4.2.1 4.3.1 The varied nature and distribution of All of the minerals mentioned above Dartmoor’s mineral wealth is directly have been worked at one time or related to its geology. The granite core, another, and from medieval times characterised by its hardness, is difficult through to the 19th century large areas to work but a valuable weather resistant of the National Park were in effect building material. Where kaolinisation industrial landscapes based upon mineral occurred during the cooling of the extraction. Even into the 20th century igneous magma, china clay has been a large number of currently inactive sites formed, found principally on the were in operation, some into the 1940s south-west fringes at Lee Moor. when planning controls began to apply. The remaining evidence of this past 4.2.2 activity is now of considerable interest In the metamorphic aureole – the band as industrial archaeology. of rocks around the granite core which were subjected to heat and pressure 4.3.2 and thereby changed – useful rocks The mineral operations which are include marble, umber, slate, hornfels currently active within the National and chert, the latter two providing a Park are listed in Table 7 with hard aggregate of use as rail ballast additional information where this and roadstone. is relevant and available. 151 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) Table 7: Mineral Operations Currently Active in the Dartmoor National Park

Site Mineral Main Planning Scale Notes Permissions of Operation

Meldon Hornfels 1994 Major Long-established quarry. Permission given Nr in February 1994 for the consolidation of current permissions for mineral working and ancillary plant and buildings. Comprehensive conditions and S106 Agreement attached.

Linhay Hill Limestone 1988 Major Long-established quarry. Recent permission Ashburton Shale with comprehensive conditions and S106 Agreement including phased working drawings.

Lee Moor China Clay 1972 Major Area straddles National Park boundary. Main permission given after Public Inquiry, on basis of overriding national need. Section 52 Agreement gives the NPA control over detail. Part 4 Minerals Local Plan

Merrivale Granite 1950 Medium Long established quarry producing and Nr Princetown machining building and ornamental stone. Old permission with inadequate conditions.

Prison Quarry Granite - Small Current operation confined to processing Princetown imported stone.

Yennadon Metamorphic 1990 Small Long established quarry. Building, walling Nr Dousland and ornamental stone. Comprehensive conditions.

Higher Longford Metamorphic- SmallLong established operation. Building, walling Nr Tavistock and ornamental stone. Inadequate conditions.

General Policies of preserving and enhancing their natural beauty and promoting their 4.4.1 enjoyment by the public. However, Policies are put forward under a number they often contain valuable mineral of headings. Government advice of deposits, and applications for particular relevance is quoted, and development must be considered Structure Plan on their own merits. Policies are referred to where relevant. The latter are taken from the Approved But because of the serious impact mineral County Structure Plan, Third Alteration working may have on the natural beauty 1989-2001. Local Plan policies are then of the Parks, mineral applications in these set out to detail or qualify the strategic areas ‘must be subject to the most policies as necessary. rigorous examination’. Extraction should be demonstrated to be in the public The Principle interest, and consideration of such 4.4.2 applications should therefore normally Minerals Planning Guidance Note include an assessment of: No.1 (General Considerations and the Development Plan System) (i) the need for the development, includes the following paragraph: including the extraction of the mineral, in terms of the national ‘National Parks are designated under considerations and the impact of the National Parks and Access to the permitting or refusing it upon the Countryside Act 1949 for the purpose local economy; 152 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) (ii) the availability and cost of Elsewhere, proposals will only be alternative sources of supply; approved where there is an overriding (iii) any detrimental effects on the national or regional need which is environment and the landscape greater than the need to conserve and the extent to which that could the environment, landscape, character, and should be moderated; natural beauty, nature conservation and (iv) whether in the light of this archaeological interest in these areas.’ assessment the proposed 4.4.5 development would be justified The national advice and the county in the public interest (Hansard, strategic policy are clear, and accord House of Commons 9 April 187, with Dartmoor National Park Plan cols 393, 394).’ Objectives. The key Minerals Local Plan Policy is as follows: 4.4.3 MPG No. 6 (Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in and Wales. April Policy M1 1994) sets out a similar test, but also Planning permission will not be granted for new mineral workings, extension requires an assessment of ‘in the case Part 4 Minerals Local Plan of extensions to existing quarries, the of existing workings, or mineral waste extent to which the proposal would tipping proposals which would be achieve an enhancement to the local damaging to the natural beauty, landscape and the scope for meeting cultural heritage or quiet enjoyment of the need in some other way’. the National Park unless, after rigorous examination, it can be demonstrated 4.4.4 that there is a national need which MPG1 also advises that the Development cannot reasonably be met in any other Plan ‘shall indicate in appropriate detail way, and which is sufficient to override those areas within which there will the potential damage to the environment normally be a presumption for or against of the National Park. mineral working. Policies which rule out all forms of mineral workings within an 4.4.6 area will not normally be appropriate’. The NPA will give every encouragement to the collection of data on national The Third Alteration County Structure mineral needs, and the availability of Plan Policy PRW8 states: sources outside the National Park, and will require analysis of these factors ‘Applications for mineral working, tipping in environmental assessment of major and associated activities and extension proposals, but unless the evidence of to existing quarries within or affecting an overriding need is absolutely clear National Parks, Areas of Outstanding and incontrovertible it will be necessary Natural Beauty, designated or potential for the NPA to refuse the application. Ramsar Sites, Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation, 4.4.7 National Nature Reserves, Sites of Damaging proposals will be considered Special Scientific Interest and nationally against policy M1. Some proposals may important archaeological remains and however not involve any damage to their settings will be subject to the most National Park interests, and indeed may rigorous examination. Development be beneficial in terms of bringing about proposals which are likely to have a a situation which is preferable to that significant adverse effect on designated currently existing on the ground, or or potential Ramsar Sites, Special that which could exist by virtue of Protection Areas and Special Areas current planning permissions. In these of Conservation will be determined circumstances there is no need to apply in accordance with Policy CDE9. the test of overriding need. 153 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) Policy M2 Authorities can achieve this by specifying Planning permission will be granted the criteria against which individual for proposals which, after rigorous applications for planning permission examination, would effectively reduce will be determined in particular areas. the adverse environmental effects Development control policies may take of existing workings, mineral waste the form of a check list of considerations tipping operations, or approved but which will be relevant in assessing applications and which will often be unimplemented minerals development. reflected in conditions attached to planning permissions’. 4.4.8 There may also be circumstances in which very small-scale quarrying Conditions and Restrictions operations will be entirely acceptable 4.4.11 in terms of producing building materials If a proposal is permitted, it is essential necessary for the achievement of that all potential adverse effects are conservation objectives. effectively controlled. This applies to any new developments, but should also

Part 4 Minerals Local Plan Policy M3 wherever possible, apply to the whole Planning permission will be granted of a site if an application relates to only for small scale quarrying of traditional part of it. Submission of a consolidating building stone in locations where application for the whole operation will this would not be damaging to the be sought where appropriate. landscape, archaeological or ecological interests, or to the interests of Policy M4 neighbours and where the traffic Applications for new minerals workings; generated by the development is extension of existing workings; mineral acceptable on the local road network. waste tipping, recycling or re-use; and ancillary development, will be rigorously Criteria for Assessment examined and determined having regard 4.4.9 in particular to the following factors: In judging any proposal it will be necessary to establish its likely impact (i) evidence of the presence of the on the environment. This is then an mineral; input into the decision as to which (ii) the loss of agricultural land; of policies M1, M2 and M3 might be (iii) the effects on the local applicable and whether or not the environment, including the proposal might be permitted under the terms of the relevant policy. generation and routing of heavy To establish environmental impact lorry traffic, potential nuisance it is first necessary to set up criteria by noise, dust or vibration, and against which the proposal will be interference with, or pollution of, judged. If the proposal is acceptable water supplies; in principle the criteria will provide (iv) the effect on landscape and on the framework for negotiation of land with recognised conservation what is acceptable in detail, and for interest, including sites of nature the imposition of conditions or conservation importance, and on the negotiation of a Section 106 Ancient Monuments and other Agreement to ensure acceptability. archaeological remains and their 4.4.10 settings; MPG1 advises that ‘Plans should (v) the local, regional or national provide the necessary framework for economic benefits of extracting development control within their area. the mineral; 154 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) (vi) the local, regional or national need However, whilst the principle is a good for the particular mineral, and one to follow, the advantages have in alternative ways of meeting each case to be weighed against potential that need; effects of re-working waste deposits in (vii) the proposals by the applicant for terms of traffic generation, disturbance the method of working, and for and noise, pollution and other factors. restoration to agriculture, forestry Policy M5 or other appropriate use (to include Proposals to recycle and re-use mineral details for the aftercare necessary waste will be permitted if, after rigorous to ensure proper establishment to examination, it is concluded that they are a condition suitable for that use); not damaging to the natural beauty, (viii) the effects of the proposal on cultural heritage or quiet enjoyment flood risk; of the National Park or to the interests (ix) the effects of the proposal on of its resident community. the amenities of local residents; (x) the effects of the proposal on China Clay recreational use in the locality; 4.5.1 Part 4 Minerals Local Plan (xi) the potential for mitigating China clay extraction has a far greater adverse effects through the use impact on the environment than any of planning obligations. other mineral operation in or close to the National Park and justifies a special If, in the light of these factors, a planning policy in the County Structure Plan. permission is granted under the terms of Policy PRW5 seeks to ‘minimise the Policy M1, M2, M3 or M5 then conditions environmental impact of the extensive will be imposed, and legal obligations areas of china clay waste tips and ball may be sought, to remove or reduce to clay workings, and to secure acceptable an acceptable level any potential adverse after-uses for the clay pits as they become effects which the examination of the worked out, together with the dams of proposal has identified in relation to mica residue.’ the factors listed. 4.5.2 The china clay planning permissions A condition removing permitted straddle the National Park boundary. development rights will be imposed Major planning permissions were granted where there are compelling reasons to on the basis of overriding national need do so because of potential environmental after a public inquiry in the 1970s, but damage in terms of the factors listed. approval of detail was reserved under various headings, and the MPA can thus Recycling influence siting, design and landscaping. 4.4.12 This is particularly important in relation MPG6 indicates that it is in the national to agreed tipping proposals. However, interest that aggregates should be the scale and nature of the operation is recycled wherever possible. It is also such that it cannot be hidden. Existing important that where they are working, despite the best efforts of the technically, economically and MPAs and the operators, is highly environmentally acceptable as substitutes intrusive in the landscape, and permitted for primary materials, mineral and extensions to both pits and tips will construction wastes should be used. The significantly increase this adverse impact. recycling and use of primary aggregates Recent research sponsored by the DoE can reduce the need for damaging has identified best practice on restoration quarrying operations, and where the re- and after-use of tips and mica lagoons, used waste comes from a mineral site, and will be helpful in achieving the can improve the appearance of that site. best possible situation on the ground. 155 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) The NPA will work closely with the New Mineral Consultation Areas may be adjoining mineral planning authority defined at any time. Within defined and with the operators to minimise Consultation Areas the NPA will consult the adverse environmental effects of with the minerals industry to ensure china clay working. that no development takes place which would be incompatible with mineral Mineral Consultation Areas working or associated operations. 4 6 1 At other mineral working sites the It is important that development which is operator will be consulted on any not compatible with a mineral operation development proposals which might is not permitted close to it and that a conflict with the minerals operation. mineral reserve which might be worked at some time in the future is not sterilised Policy M6 by other development. For these reasons Within Mineral Consultation Areas, the County Structure Plan identifies planning permission will not be granted Mineral Consultation Areas and states for development which, by virtue of its in policy PRW2 that ‘normally, within siting or nature, would be incompatible

Part 4 Minerals Local Plan Mineral Consultation Areas, there will with mineral working or associated be a presumption against non-mineral development of a type which could lead operations. to the sterilisation of mineral deposits, Areas for Mineral Working or which by virtue of its siting or nature would not be compatible with mineral 4.7.1 working or associated operations. The County Structure Plan Policy (PRW3) Outside Mineral Consultation Areas, in on Areas for Mineral Working states considering applications for development a presumption in favour of the other than for the winning and working extraction of minerals in identified areas. of minerals, regard will be had to known In view of policy M1 above, it would be mineral deposits in the area.’ inappropriate to define such areas within the National Park, where the only areas 4.6.2 where there is a presumption for mineral In the National Park the areas listed work are those which already have the are Linhay Quarry at Ashburton; the benefit of planning permission. Lee Moor china clay area; Meldon Quarry Review of Mineral Working Sites near Okehampton; Blackaller Quarry at Drewsteignton, and (just outside 4.8.1 the National Park), Crockham Quarry The NPA has undertaken a review at Trusham. The areas were defined in of mineral working sites under the detail by Devon County Council in 1982. provisions of Section 3 of the 1981 Town and Country Planning (Minerals) Act. 4.6.3 The review covered ‘duty’ sites where It is important to recognise that the winning and working of minerals definition of such areas is not in itself is being, or has been, carried out at any a land use policy, and certainly has no time during the 5 years period preceding implications of a presumption in favour the date of the beginning of the review of mineral working. It simply defines (which commenced on 30 June 1986), areas within which consultation should or which are authorised by planning ensure that no incompatible permissions but have not yet begun. development takes place. Existing It also covered ‘non-duty’ sites where Consultation Areas are shown on the working ceased more than 5 years proposals map. They are as defined before commencement of the review, in 1982 with the exception of an but where a planning permission extended area around Linhay Hill Quarry, remains valid. at Ashburton. 156 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) 4.8.2 and reduce any present or potential The general conclusions from the adverse effect on the National Park. review were: 4.8.3 (i) that the most worrying aspect Priorities for action were agreed as of the situation is the existence of follows: old planning permissions covering (i) the making of Prohibition Orders large areas where, although there preventing resumption of working at: is no known intention to resume Great Rock Mine, workings and in most cases little Scatter Rock Quarry, environmental damage from past Blackingstone Quarry, Bridford working, any future extraction Kelly Mine, would be extremely damaging Brisworthy Clay Works, Cadover Bridge to National Park interests; Shaugh Bridge Clay Works, (ii) that in the china clay area there ; is little to be gained at present from (ii) discussions with the china clay seeking minor changes to existing companies of possibilities for long

or permitted situations through the term protection of land subject Part 4 Minerals Local Plan formal review process, as the to existing unimplemented planning operators are receptive to permission, and of the implementation suggestions for such improvements of research findings on the anyway. Current DoE sponsored restoration of waste disposal areas; research (now completed) into (iii) negotiations and, if necessary, restoration techniques may lead to Modification or Suspension a reassessment of the position, but Orders to secure environmental efforts should be made to postpone improvements and up-to-date or modify the implementation of conditions at: permissions in areas where operations Blackaller Quarry, Drewsteignton; have not yet commenced; Higher Longford Quarry, near (iii) that many abandoned workings Tavistock. have a value as industrial 4.8.4 archaeology, and often as habitats Prohibition Orders have since been and interesting incidents in the confirmed at Great Rock Mine, Kelly landscape, which should not be Mine and Scatter Rock Quarry. An Order compromised by seeking restoration; relating to Blackingstone Quarry has been (iv) that more can be achieved through confirmed by the Secretary of State the inclusion of appropriate following a public inquiry (but his conditions and Section 106 decision is currently being contested in the Agreement, in relation to any High Court). Work on other priorities is new planning permissions than can proceeding or planned in the near future. be achieved through the review process. The sites with recent Interim Development Order Permissions permissions need no action other 4.9.1 than monitoring of conditions One interim Development Order imposed; and at sites where permission, at the disused Pitts applications are expected it is not Cleave Quarry near Tavistock, has been worth initiating procedures under registered and accepted as valid over the review process; a reduced area. Working cannot (v) that there are some sites working recommence until a scheme of working under old and unsatisfactory has been submitted and approved. planning permissions which do require action to update conditions 157 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004) Exploratory Drilling 4.10.1 The County Structure Plan makes it clear that proposals for exploratory drilling in National Parks needs special consideration. Policy PRW9 also states that: ‘Exploratory drilling will normally be permitted, except: (i) where drilling would prejudice the scientific importance of a National Nature Reserve or Site of Special Scientific Interest; (ii) where drilling would damage a Scheduled Ancient Monument; or (iii) where drilling would cause unreasonable disturbance to local Part 4 Minerals Local Plan residents, which cannot reasonably be alleviated by special measures.’

4.10.2 The NPA has no reason to resist mineral exploration in principle, provided that it does not in itself involve an unacceptable impact upon National Park values. Any subsequent debate about whether working should be permitted will then be based on better quality information.

Policy M7 Exploratory drilling will be permitted unless the operation itself or associated operations necessary to undertake the drilling would have direct and unacceptable effects upon landscape, ecological, archaeological or other conservation interests, or upon local residents.

158 Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review 1995-2011 Adopted Version (October 2004)