Warwickshire Minerals Plan Second Publication Sustainability Appraisal Report Warwickshire County Council
October 2018
Notice
This document and its contents have been prepared and are intended solely as information for Warwickshire County Council and use in relation to Sustainability Appraisal of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan. Atkins Limited assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents.
Document history
Purpose Revision description Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date Rev 1.0 Draft for WCC’s EC/CW PM CW PM 17/09/2018 comments Rev 2.0 Final for issue EC/CW PM CW PM 12/10/2018
Client signoff Client Warwickshire County Council Project Warwickshire Minerals Plan Second Publication Job number 5141082
Client signature / date
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Contents
Chapter Page Abbreviations 5 Non-Technical Summary 7 1. Introduction 28 1.1. Background 28 1.2. Warwickshire Minerals Plan 28 1.3. Requirement for Sustainability Appraisal 33 1.4. The Plan and SA Preparation Processes 33 1.5. Purpose of the SA Report 35 1.6. SA and Consultation 35 1.7. Habitat Regulations Assessment 35 2. Setting the scope of the SA 37 2.1. Spatial Scope 37 2.2. Temporal scope 37 2.3. Technical scope 37 3. Appraisal Methodology 39 3.1. Overview of Approach 39 3.2. Meeting the Requirements of the SEA Directive 40 3.3. Methodology 41 4. Identifying Other Plans and Programmes and Environmental Objectives 47 5. Baseline 53 5.1. Summary of Data Analysis 54 6. Key Issues and Opportunities 56 7. SA Framework 62 8. Testing the Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives 67 8.1. Introduction 67 9. Spatial Options Appraisal 70 9.1. Development of Spatial Options 70 9.2. Working Towards a Preferred Option 71 9.3. Conclusions 73 10. Assessment of Site Options 74 10.1. Identification of Sites Options 74 10.2. Results of Site Options Assessments 78 10.3. Conclusions & Recommendations 96 11. Assessment of Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018 97 11.1. Introduction 97 11.2. Changes to Policies 97 11.3. Site Allocation Policies Assessment 99 11.4. Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Assessment 112 12. Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects 122 13. Mitigation 124 14. Monitoring 126 15. Conclusions 130 16. References 131
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Tables Table 3-1 - Schedule of SEA Requirements 40 Table 3-2 - Key to Compatibility of Objectives 42 Table 3-3 - Magnitude of effect 42 Table 3-4 - Generic Assessment Scale 43 Table 3-5 - Scale of Significance 45 Table 4-1 - Relevant Plans, Policies or Programmes 47 Table 6-1 - Key Sustainability Issues 57 Table 7-1 - SA Framework 63 Table 8-1 - Key of objective compatibility 67 Table 8-2 - Compatibility Assessment of the April 2015 Mineral Plan Objectives and SA Objectives 68 Table 9-1 - Spatial Option 1 71 Table 9-2 - Spatial Option 2 72 Table 9-3 - Spatial Option 3 72 Table 9-4 - Spatial Option 3a 73 Table 10-1 - Sites options considered in the assessment 74 Table 10-2 - Generic assessment scale key 74 Table 10-3 - Site Options Summary Assessment 76 Table 11-1 - Site Allocation Policies 98 Table 11-2 - Core Strategy Policies 98 Table 11-3 - Development Management Policies 99 Table 11-4 - Summary of Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Second Publication Document 2018) 107 Table 11-5 - Summary of Cumulative Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Publication Document 2018) and existing Ling Hall quarry 110 Table 11-6 - SA Recommendations and WCC’s responses 113 Table 11-7 - Summary of Assessment of Core Strategy and Development Management Policies (as at August 2018) 118 Table 12-1 - Summary of Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects 122 Table 14-1 - Proposed Monitoring Programme 128
Figures Figure 1-1 - Plan and SA Preparation Processes 34 Figure 2-1 - Warwickshire Study Area showing Existing Minerals Sites 38 Figure 3-1 - Relationship between SA tasks 39
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Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition AMR Annual Monitoring Report AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AQMA Air Quality Management Area BAP Biodiversity Action Plan DCLG Department for Communities and Local Government DPD Development Plan Document EA Environment Agency ER Environmental Report ESDP European Spatial Development Perspective ESDS European Sustainable Development Strategy EU European Union HRA Habitat Regulations Assessment LAA Local Aggregate Assessment LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan LDP Local Development Plan LEP Local Enterprise Partnership
LNR Local Nature Reserve
LWS Local Wildlife Site
MPA Mineral Planning Authority
NERC Natural Environment and Rural Communities
NNR National Nature Reserve
NPPF National Planning Policy Framework ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister PPC Pollution Prevention and Control PPP Plans, Programmes and Policies PROW Public Rights of Way SA Sustainability Appraisal SAC Special Area of Conservation
SA Report Sustainability Appraisal Report
SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument SCI Statement of Community Involvement SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SIAM Site Identification and Assessment Methodology SPA Special Protection Area
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SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SuDS Sustainable Drainage Systems UCG Underground Coal Gasification WCC Warwickshire County Council WFD Water Framework Directive
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Warwickshire Minerals Plan Second Publication
Non-Technical Summary
Overview of Process and Purpose of Sustainability Appraisal Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is preparing a Minerals Plan that sets out the spatial strategy, vision, objectives and policies for guiding mineral development in Warwickshire for the period up to 2032. This document is the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Report for the Warwickshire Minerals Plan Second Publication Document. The purpose of this SA Report is to outline how the requirements for Sustainability Appraisal (SA) arising from The Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 and the requirements for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) arising under European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (the SEA Directive) have informed the development of the Minerals Plan. It records all the assessment work undertaken predicting and evaluating the effects of strategic options and preferred mineral development sites and policies.
The Process Followed There are five stages (A to E) in the SA process. Stages A to C and part of Stage D, as described below, have been completed thus far: Stage A • Identifying other plans, programmes and sustainability objectives that inform and influence the development of the Minerals Plan; • Establishing an understanding of the social, environmental and economic conditions of Warwickshire (referred to as ‘the baseline’); • Identifying key sustainability issues in the County; • Outlining SA Objectives against which to later evaluate the Plan proposals; • Gathering consultation feedback on the proposed breadth of coverage and level of detail for the SA. Stage B • Assessing the Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives; • Assessing four options for mineral development in the County; • Completing an assessment of the preferred mineral development sites and Plan policies; • Identifying the cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects likely to arise as a result of the implementation of the Plan proposals; • Identifying appropriate mitigation to avoid predicted negative effects; and • Identifying a suitable monitoring programme. Stage C • Preparation of SA Report to accompany the Minerals Plan for consultation. Stage D • Preparation of revised SA Report taking on board consultation comments and changes to the Plan to accompany the Publication Minerals Plan for consultation. • Preparation of revised SA Report taking on board consultation comments and changes to the Plan to accompany the Second Publication Minerals Plan for consultation.
Habitats Regulations Assessment The EU Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (2009/147/EEC) Directives aim to protect European birds and species and the habitats that support them. In the UK, the Directives are implemented through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. These are known as the Habitats Regulations. The legislation requires ‘competent authorities’ to undertake an ‘appropriate assessment’ of plans, projects and strategies that may have a significant effect on the site, if those plans, projects or strategies are not directly concerned with the management of the protected sites themselves. The process that includes the ‘appropriate assessment’ is known as a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).
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The HRA of the Minerals Plan is being undertaken as a separate exercise to this SA and a HRA Screening Report has been prepared and updated by WCC as the Minerals Plan developed. A Stage 1 screening of the HRA process was undertaken between June and September 2015 of the summer 2015 version of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan. Following a public consultation exercise between October 2015 to January 2016 a number of edits to the Minerals Plan were made following comments from Natural England in 2016. The final version of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan November 2016 was rescreened and a final HRA report produced in October 2016. The Warwickshire Minerals Plan then went out for consultation in December 2016 until February 2017. In 2018, WCC has undertaken a re-screen of the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan with a change in wording and removal of ‘preferred sites’. The re-screening exercise was undertaken following best practice guidance, principally the Habitat Regulations Assessment Handbook (2018) by David Tyldesley Associates. A total of five European Sites were selected for consideration due to their location within or close to Warwickshire. These were then further refined following an assessment of the likely impacts of the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan to two key sites: Ensor’s Pool Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and the River Mease SAC in the neighbouring counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. The need to just consider these two European Sites was also agreed with the Environment Agency. The Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan was re-screened in July 2018. It is the conclusion of the 2018 updated HRA that provided the wording remains in place in Policy DM1 and that any future planning applications that lie within a 2km buffer of the Natural England River Mease Catchment Risk Zone and 3km buffer of Ensor’s Pool are considered for a project level HRA at the time of application and these impacts are considered in combination with any new projects in this area as a result of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan then an Appropriate Assessment (stage 2) will not be required. The In-combination Assessment has considered a number of plans on the advice of Natural England and the Environment Agency and has concluded there are currently no in-combination impacts to consider in relation to the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan 2018. The findings of the HRA have been integrated into this SA where appropriate. Although the requirements and process for HRA are separate from that for SA, the two processes have been run in parallel for the Minerals Plan and the HRA has informed the SEA.
Warwickshire Minerals Plan (Second Publication Document) A Spatial Vision for mineral development in Warwickshire over the plan period has been developed by WCC and sets out an image of how it is anticipated the county will look like at the end of the plan period (2032). The Spatial Vision is as follows: By the end of the plan period in 2032 Warwickshire will have provided a range of minerals and construction materials to support sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life in the County. Whilst minerals can only be worked where they are found, minerals sites will have been located as close as possible to the main settlements of Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth, Leamington, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth and Atherstone to support sustainable development. Minerals will have been safeguarded from non-mineral development and opportunities for prior extraction will have been sought wherever possible. New quarries will have been located where they are environmentally acceptable or where any adverse impacts will have been mitigated to an acceptable level through good design and the imposition and monitoring of planning conditions. Mineral sites will have delivered a range of local and strategic restoration benefits. Recycled and Secondary Aggregates will continue to make a major contribution to the supply of materials to the construction industry in the County and as technology develops will continue to provide a substitute for primary aggregates in new construction projects. To help achieve the Spatial Vision, a series of objectives have been developed to guide the Minerals Plan. These objectives are as follows: i. To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level.
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ii. To help deliver sustainable mineral development by promoting the prudent use and safeguarding of Warwickshire's mineral resources and help prevent sterilisation of land from non-mineral development. iii. To promote the use of recycled and/or secondary materials and promote waste minimisation to reduce the overall demand for primary mineral extraction for construction aggregates. iv. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural (including controlled waters defined in the Water Resources Act 1991) and historic environment and avoid, reduce or mitigate potential adverse effects associated with mineral developments. v. To have full regard for the concerns and interests of local communities and protect them from unacceptable adverse impacts including human health from mineral developments. vi. To minimise the impact of the movement of bulk materials by road on local communities and where possible encourage the use of alternative modes of transport. vii. To ensure mineral sites are restored to a high standard once extraction has ceased, ensure that each site is restored to the most beneficial use(s) and provides restoration benefits including green infrastructure and biodiversity. viii. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances. ix. To reduce the effect of mineral development on the causes of climate change and facilitate adaptation to the effects of climate change. x. To ensure the best and most versatile agricultural land is protected or restored to a condition and quality that retains its longer term capability as a high quality resource. The Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan sets out 28 policies. These have been split into seven Site Allocations policies (one contextual policy and six policies allocating preferred sites identified below), ten Core Strategy policies and twelve Development Management policies, as follows:
Site Allocations Policies • Policy S0 Mineral Sites to be Allocated • Policy S1 Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on Dunsmore • Policy S2 Allocation at Site 2 Lawford Heath • Policy S3 Allocation at Site 3/32 Shawell Quarry • Policy S4 Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton • Policy S6 Allocation at Site 6 Coney Grey Farm, Ryton • Policy S9 Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, Lea Marston
Core Strategy Policies • MCS1 – Supply of Minerals & Materials • MCS2 – Sand & Gravel • MCS3 – Crushed Rock • MCS4 – Secondary and Recycled Aggregates • MCS5 - Safeguarding of Minerals and Minerals Infrastructure • MCS6 – Brick Clay • MCS7 – Building Stone • MCS8 – Coal Mining (Opencast and Deep Mining) • MCS9 – Conventional and Unconventional Hydrocarbons • MCS10 – Underground coal gasification
Development Management Policies • DM1 – Protection and enhancement of the natural environment • DM2- Warwickshire’s Historic Environment and Heritage Assets • DM3 - Green Infrastructure
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• DM4 – Health, Economy and Amenity - Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Development • DM5 – Sustainable Transportation • DM6 – Public Rights of Way and Recreational Highways • DM7 – Flood Risk and Water Quality • DM8 – Aviation Safeguarding • DM9 – Reinstatement, reclamation, restoration and aftercare • DM10 – Mineral Safeguarding • DM11 – Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency • DM12 – Overall Assessment of Proposals
Sustainability Baseline and Key Issues The baseline data provides an overview of the characteristics of the Mineral Plan’s area and how these compare to the region and the UK and helps identify key issues. The following topics have been considered: • Population Trends & Demographics • Biodiversity & Nature Conservation including information on:
• European designations for nature conservation;
• National designations for nature conservation;
• Local designations for nature conservation;
• Wildlife Habitats • Heritage and Cultural Heritage including information on:
• Historic Landscape Character Areas
• Listed buildings;
• Conservation areas;
• Registered Parks and Gardens;
• Scheduled Monuments; • Geological Assets • Landscape • Natural Resources (Groundwater, Air & Soil) including:
• EA Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies
• Surface Water Quality
• Groundwater and Source Protection Zones • Climate Change & Flooding • Air Quality • Minerals in the County • Health • Community Satisfaction & Cohesion • Economic Trends and Performance • Deprivation and Need • Local Child Poverty • Fuel Poverty • Education and Skills • Crime and Safety • Traffic and Transport
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Sustainability Appraisal Framework The SA Framework is a key tool in completing the SA as it allows the assessment of the effects arising from the Mineral Plan in key areas to be undertaken in a systematic way. The SA Objectives were consulted upon through the SA Scoping Report and are supported by a range of decision-making questions which have played a role in the assessment itself. The SA Objectives that have been identified are: 1. Conserve and enhance biodiversity * 2. Protect and improve water quality and resources * 3. To avoid reduce and manage flood risk * 4. To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health * 5. To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes * 6. To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings 7. To protect soil resources * 8. To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation 9. To promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets * 10. To reduce consumption of natural resources * 11. To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals * 12. To adequately safeguard reserves of minerals for future generations 13. To ensure minerals restoration makes the best possible use of former mineral operations 14. To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space * 15. To enfranchise the community in improving the local environment 16. Ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire (* denotes possible cumulative effects)
Compatibility between Plan and SA Objectives The Plan objectives originally prepared by WCC were tested for compatibility with the SA objectives. This helped to consider to what degree the initial Plan objectives were in accordance with SA objectives with a view to developing and refining the Plan objectives through an iterative process informed by SA recommendations. It has been found that there is a high degree of compatibility between the two sets of objectives which is a reflection of WCC’s set of robust and comprehensive Mineral Plan Objectives which address most aspects of sustainability under consideration. There remain a small number of areas where there is the potential for conflict between Mineral Plan Objectives and Sustainability Appraisal Objectives. This is the case for Plan Objective i) To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level, which presents the highest number of potential conflicts and compatibility depend upon implementation measures. These potential conflicts are likely to be resolved satisfactorily and more sustainable implementation measures likely to be applied, through the application of other Plan objectives and no SA recommendations have been made in this regard. However, conflicts are likely to remain between Plan Objective viii. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances and SA Objectives dealing with the protection of geological features and promote geological conservation (SA Objective 8) and adequately safeguarding reserves for future generations (SA Objective 12), as the promotion of the use of locally extracted materials is likely to result in the loss of important geological features and lead to quicker mineral exploitation. Also, conflicts between Plan Objectives iv. and vii. and SA Objective 7 ‘Protect and enhance soil resources’ as efforts to conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment and mitigate potential adverse impacts associated with mineral developments are likely to protect soil resources but it is unlikely that soil quality will be enhanced and effective restoration will provide the opportunity to protect the soil resource of the former site but it is unlikely to enhance its quality, respectively.
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Assessment of Plan Options WCC identified four Spatial Options as part of the development of the Spatial Strategy as follows: • Spatial Option 1: Development / Transport led (Extensions only). NB Concentrated only in existing large quarries • Spatial Option 2: A continuation of the existing local plan strategy (Geology led) – Dispersed site selection within geological areas. No major emphasis on transport connections or focus on future growth areas. • Spatial Option 3: Development / Transport / Accessibility led option – Based on the selection of new and existing sites close to the main road network and close to main growth areas in the county focused primarily within a ‘Minerals Development Corridor’. • Spatial Option 3a: As Option 3 but omitting the development corridor in favour of supporting the development of the main settlements in the County and adjoin markets such as Coventry and augmented with preferred sand & gravel sites. It is considered that from an environmental sustainability perspective, Spatial Option 1 represents the option that would potentially have the least effect as it would involve extensions to existing sites only. However, it is important to recognise that in any sustainability appraisal, economic and social issues are also considered. From a comparative review of all the Options it is considered that Spatial Option 3a represents the best ‘all round’ option in terms of sustainable development. Spatial Option 3a has been taken forward by WCC as the preferred option.
Assessment of Sand and Gravel Site Options WCC developed a Site Identification and Assessment Methodology (SIAM) for Allocating Sand and Gravel Sites originally in 2015. The SIAM was developed to identify, assess and compare potential mineral development sites, leading to the allocation of suitable mineral sites in the Minerals Plan. The SIAM has been revised in 2016 and again in 2018 to take account of public consultation comments (see separate 2018 SIAM document). Stage 2 of the 2018 SIAM identified the site options which required further consideration by the SA. Twelve site options have been assessed against the SA Objectives as realistic site options and compared in terms of their sustainability performance. This represents Stage 3 of the 2018 SIAM. Site option Area 1 - Bourton on Dunsmore, Straight Mile 29 ha 2 – Lawford Heath 61.7 ha 3 – Shawell Quarry 33 ha 4 – Wasperton Hill Farm, Wasperton 85 ha 5 – Glebe Farm, Wasperton 14 ha 6 – Coney Grey Farm, Ryton 47 ha 7 – Salford Priors 50 ha 9 – Hams Lane, Lea Marston 48 ha 22 South – Brinklow South 17.8 ha 23 North - Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath 8.26 ha 23 South - Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath 26.51 ha 32 – Shawell quarry extension 3 ha
The assessment has identified the following more sustainable site options: • Site 1 – Bourton on Dunsmore, Straight Mile • Site 2 – Lawford Heath • Site 3 – Shawell Quarry
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• Site 4 – Wasperton Hill Farm, Wasperton • Site 6 – Coney Grey Farm, Ryton • Site 9 – Hams Lane, Lea Marston • Site 22 – Brinklow South • Site 23 North – Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (North) • Site 32 – Shawell Quarry Extension The assessment has identified the following less sustainable site option: • Site 5 – Glebe Farm, Wasperton The assessment has identified the following options which should not be given further consideration: • Site 7 – Salford Priors • Site 23 South – Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (South) It is therefore recommended that Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 ,22, 23 North and 32 are carried forward to Stage 4 of the SIAM 2018 where preferred sites for inclusion in the Minerals Plan are identified by WCC.
The assessment results for each site are summarised below.
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Summary of Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Second Publication Document, as at August 2018)
SA objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 22 23 North 23 32 South South 1. To conserve and (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) enhance biodiversity 2. To protect and (--) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) (-) (--) (0) improve water quality and resources 3. To avoid reduce (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) (-) (-) (0) (0) (-) (0) and manage flood risk 4. To safeguard (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) (---) (-) (-) (-) (---) (-) environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health 5. To conserve and (-) (-) (--) (-) (--) (-) (--) (--) (-) (-) (--) (-) enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes 6. To preserve or (0) (-) (-)? (--) (--) (0) (0) (-) (0) (0) (-) (-)? enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and their settings 7. To protect soil (-) (-)? (0) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-)? (-)? (-)? (0) resources
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SA objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 22 23 North 23 32 South South 8. To preserve and (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) protect geological features and promote geological conservation 11. To encourage the (-) (-) (0) (-) (0) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) sustainable transportation of minerals 14. To protect and (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) (-) (-) (0) (0) (-) enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space 16.To ensure that the (++) (+++) (-) (++) (+++) (+) (++) (++) (++) (-) (+) (+) (+) (+) minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire Key:
Major adverse effect (- - -) Option likely to have a major adverse effect on the objective with no satisfactory mitigation possible. Option may be inappropriate for minerals development.
Moderate adverse effect (- -) Option likely to have a moderate adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation likely to be difficult or problematic.
Minor adverse effect (-) Option likely to have a minor adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation measures are readily achievable.
Neutral or no effect (0) On balance option likely to have a neutral effect on the objective or no effect on the objective.
Minor positive effect (+) Option likely to have a minor positive effect on the objective as enhancement of existing conditions may result.
Moderate positive effect (+ +) Option likely to have a moderate positive effect on the objective as it would help resolve an existing issue.
Major positive effect (+ + +) Option likely to have a major positive effect on the objective as it would help maximise opportunities.
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Assessment of Minerals Plan Second Publication As a result of the consultation on the SA Report 2016 alongside the Publication Plan 2016 (December 2016 - February 2017), WCC has made changes to the plan. A further stage of assessment has been undertaken (July- September 2018), which assesses the policies within the Second Publication Plan 2018 taking into account the 2015 and 2016 assessments. A previous iteration of assessment was undertaken in 2016 to take account of the results of the consultation on the Publication Plan 2015 and the SA Report 2015 and this is reported in the SA Report 2016 available on the Council’s website. The assessment of the Plan has been undertaken in two sequential stages. First, the six preferred sand & gravel sites and associated allocations policies (as at August 2018) were re-assessed. The results of this assessment then informed the re-assessment of the Strategy and Development Management policies (as at August 2018). In both cases, SA recommendations had been made in the previous iteration of assessment to improve the sustainability performance of certain policies and these were taken into account by WCC in the preparation of revised policies in 2016. Further SA recommendations came out of the 2018 re- assessment of the sand and gravel site options assessments which were also taken into account by WCC in the latest drafting of the policies. The Second Publication Plan 2018 allocates six sand and gravel sites. Each site allocation policy in the Publication Plan 2016 and its equivalent in the Second Publication Plan 2018 have been compared and the requirement for further consideration of SA noted. Most site allocations policies have been changed and two sites have been removed from the plan. This resulted in the need for further SA to be undertaken at this stage. 2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N S0: Overarching Policy - Mineral S0: Overarching Policy - Mineral Sites N Sites to be Allocated to be Allocated S1: Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on S1: Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on Y Dunsmore Dunsmore S2: Allocation at Site 2 Lawford S2: Allocation at Site 2 Lawford Heath Y Heath S3: Allocation at Site 3/32 Shawell S3: Allocation at Sites 3/32 Shawell Y Quarry Quarry S4: Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton S4: Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton Y S5: Allocation at Site 5 Glebe Farm, N/A – Site Removed Site removed from SA Wasperton S6: Allocation at Site 6, Coney Grey S6: Allocation at Site 6, Coney Grey Y Farm, Ryton Farm, Ryton S7: Allocation at Site 7 Lower Farm, N/A – Site Removed Site removed from SA Salford Priors S9: Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, S9: Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, Y Lea Marston Lea Marston The Second Publication Plan 2018 also sets out several Core Strategy and Development Management policies. Each policy in the Publication Plan 2016 and its equivalent in the Publication Plan 2018 have been also been compared and the requirement for further consideration of SA noted. Minor changes have occurred in the policies in the last iteration of the development of the Plan resulting in no further requirement for specific assessments. However, an overall requirement has arisen to review the previous assessments to reflect the exact content of the policies in the Second Publication Minerals Plan 2018. In addition, Policy DM12 was assessed for the first time.
2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA
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consideration? Y/N MCS1: Supply of Minerals and MCS1: Supply of Minerals and N Materials Materials MCS2: Sand and Gravel MCS2: Sand and Gravel N MCS3: Crushed Rock MCS3: Crushed Rock N MCS4: Secondary and Recycled MCS4: Secondary and Recycled N Aggregates Aggregates MCS5: Safeguarding of Minerals and MCS5: Safeguarding of Minerals and N Mineral Infrastructure Mineral Infrastructure MCS6: Brick Clay MCS6: Brick Clay N MCS7: Building Stone MCS7: Building Stone N MCS8: Coal Mining (surface and MCS8: Coal Mining (surface and deep N deep mining) mining) MCS9: Conventional and MCS9: Conventional and N unconventional hydrocarbons unconventional hydrocarbons MCS10: Underground Coal MCS10: Underground Coal N Gasification Gasification
2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N DM1: Protection and enhancement of DM1: Protection and enhancement of N the natural environment the natural environment DM2: Warwickshire’s Historic DM2: Warwickshire’s Historic N Environment & Heritage Assets Environment & Heritage Assets DM3: Green Infrastructure and DM3: Green Infrastructure and N Minerals Development Minerals Development DM4: Health, Economy and Amenity - DM4: Health, Economy and Amenity - N Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Development Development DM5: Sustainable Transportation DM5: Sustainable Transportation N DM6: Public Rights of Way and DM6: Public Rights of Way and N Recreational Highways Recreational Highways DM7: Flood Risk and Water Quality DM7: Flood Risk and Water Quality N DM8: Aviation Safeguarding DM8: Aviation Safeguarding N DM9: Reinstatement, reclamation, DM9: Reinstatement, reclamation, N restoration and aftercare restoration and aftercare DM10: Mineral safeguarding DM10: Mineral safeguarding N DM11: ‘Whole Life’ Carbon and DM11: Carbon Emissions and N Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency DM12: Overall Assessment of DM12: Overall Assessment of Y (as policy was a Proposals Proposals recommendation of 2016 assessment)
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Site Allocations Policies The revisions made to the Site Allocations policies, both in terms of the size of some of the sites and the mitigation measures that need to be considered for each site, have resulted in mainly slight negative effects being predicted against most SA Objectives. This remains the case when considering the cumulative effects of simultaneous working of sites in the vicinity of each other (sites 1 and 2) and considering existing mineral workings at Ling Hall quarry in the vicinity of sites 1 and 2. There are, however, exceptions. Policies S3 and S9 are likely to result in moderate (significant) adverse effects on landscape despite the requirements being put forward in the policies. These matters would need to be addressed at the pre-application stage and as part of the screening and scoping for an environmental assessment to accompany the planning application. For these policies, the SA has recommended that a detailed landscape and visual impact assessment is undertaken at the planning application stage and that this is clearly set out in the reasoned justification for each policy. A moderate (significant) adverse effect is predicted against SA Objective 2 (to protect and improve water quality and resources) for Policy S1 as the allocated site lies within a Drinking Water Protection Area and in close proximity to the Draycote Meadows SSSI which has hydrological special features. The SA has recommended that a hydrological and water quality study is undertaken at the planning application stage together with a demonstration that the proposed development will not derogate the existing licensed abstractions and provision has been made for this in the reasoned justification for Policy S1. Policy S4 is likely to result in moderate (significant) adverse effects on heritage assets of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings (SA Objective 6) as there are 3 listed buildings near to the allocated site which may have the potential to be harmed. The SA has recommended that a detailed heritage assessment is undertaken at the planning application stage and that this is clearly set out in the reasoned justification for Policy S4. Significant positive effects are predicted for SA Objective 16 as all the sites will ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire (though it is to be recognised that some slight adverse effects are also identified in relation to this Objective for some sites). The summary assessment results of the revised Site Allocation policies in the Second Publication Document are shown below.
Summary of Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Second Publication Document 2018)
SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 1.To conserve and enhance biodiversity See ------individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 2.To protect and improve water quality See ------and resources individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 3.To avoid reduce and manage flood risk See ------individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 4. To safeguard environmental quality in See ------order to minimise potential impacts on individual community health assessments for Policies S1-S9
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SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 5. To conserve and enhance the quality of See ------the landscapes and townscapes. individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 6. To preserve or enhance buildings, See 0 - - -- 0 - sites, areas of special architectural or individual historic interest or archaeological interest assessments and their settings for Policies S1-S9 7. To protect soil resources See ------individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 8. To preserve and protect geological See 0 0 0 0 0 0 features and promote geological individual conservation assessments for Policies S1-S9 9. To promote the delivery of energy See ------efficiency and carbon reduction targets individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 10. To reduce consumption of natural ------resources
11. To encourage the sustainable See ------transportation of minerals individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 12.To adequately safeguard reserves of See 0 0 0 0 0 0 minerals for future generations individual assessments for Policies S1-S9 13.To ensure minerals restoration makes See 0 0 0 0 0 0 the best possible use of former mineral individual operations assessments for Policies S1-S9 14 To protect and enhance material See ------assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights individual of Way and open space. assessments for Policies S1-S9 15. To enfranchise the community in See 0 0 0 0 0 0 improving the local environment individual
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SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 assessments for Policies S1-S9 16.To ensure that the minerals industry ++ ++ -/++ ++ ++ ++ -/++ plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire
Core Strategy and Development Management Policies
The Second Publication Plan continues to show a mix of positive and negative results and there continue to be a considerable number of areas where the anticipated outcomes of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan Core Strategy policies on environmental objectives are negative. This is mainly due to the nature of the plan proposals – in short, the mineral extraction industry has a known environmental impact by the nature of the activities involved – resulting in significant negative effects being predicted for most Core Strategy policies. Significant negative effects continue to be noted for the following SA Objectives: • Conserve & enhance biodiversity; • Protect & improve water quality and resources; • Avoid, reduce and manage flood risk; • Safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health; • Conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes; • Preserve or enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and their settings; • Promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets; and • Protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and Open Space. The SA has made a number of recommendations to improve the sustainability performance of the Publication Minerals Plan 2016, in particular of the Development Management policies: • Addition of new policies on Green Belt, Open Space and Recreation, Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency and Overall Assessment of Proposals • Strengthening of Policy DM4 through the inclusion of the following paragraph: ‘Mineral development should be undertaken in close consultation with local communities in order to address any neighbourhood issues’. • Various amendments to Policy DM1 to clarify its intention
In this iteration of assessment, the SA has made no further recommendations with regards to the Core Strategy and Development Management policies. The previously strengthened Development Management policies (in particular the addition of Policy DM3 Green Infrastructure and DM2 Warwickshire’s Historic Environment & Heritage Assets and other new policies mentioned above) act in a ‘cross cutting’ and strong counteracting manner that would ensure that the predicted significant effects for the Core Strategy policies would be minimised by ensuring that environmental issues are suitably considered as part of any mineral development. In addition, Policy DM11 Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency requires that planning applications will need to demonstrate how carbon reduction and resource efficiency will be achieved during the life cycle of the development (construction, operation and reinstatement or restoration). The summary assessment results of the revised Core Strategy and Management Development policies in the Second Publication Document are shown below.
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Summary of Assessment of Core Strategy and Development Management Policies (Second Publication Document, 2018)
SA Objective Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 1. To conserve ------/+ 0 ------+++ + ++ + 0 0 + 0 + 0 + + and enhance biodiversity 2. To protect and ------/+ 0 ------+ 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 + 0 + + improve water quality and resources 3. To avoid, ------/+ 0 ------+ 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 + 0 + 0 reduce and manage flood risk 4. To safeguard ------0 ------+ 0 + +++ + + + + 0 0 0 0 environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health 5. To conserve ------/+ 0 ------+++ +++ ++ + 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes 6. To preserve or ------/+ 0 ------0 +++ ++ 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and their
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SA Objective Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 settings
7. To protect and - - - -/+ 0 - - 0 - - - ++ 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 + + enhance soil resources 8. To preserve - - - -/+ 0 ------+++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + and protect geological features and promote geological conservation 9. To promote the + 0 0 + 0 0 0 ------0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets 10. To reduce + 0 0 + 0 0 0 - - - - 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 consumption of natural resources 11. To encourage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ 0 0 0 0 0 + + the sustainable transportation of minerals 12. To adequately + -/+ -/+ + ++ -/+ -/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ + 0 safeguard reserves of minerals for future generations
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SA Objective Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 13. To ensure 0 -/+ -/+ 0 0 -/+ -/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ 0 0 0 minerals restoration makes the best possible use of former mineral operations 14. To protect ------/+ 0 ------0 0 + ++ 0 +++ 0 0 + 0 0 + and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and Open Space 15. To 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 enfranchise the community in improving the local environment 16. To ensure ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire
Key: Assessment Scale Assessment Category Significance of Effect
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+++ Strong positive Significant ++ Moderate positive + Slight positive Not Significant 0 Neutral or no obvious effect
- Slight negative -- Moderate negative Significant --- Strong negative ? Effect uncertain/Requires further clarification Note: Those effects which are either moderate or large are deemed to be significant
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Cumulative Effects As required by the SEA Regulations, cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects have also been considered during the SA. The table below lists the results of this analysis in relation to the proposed policies.
Summary of cumulative effects
Effects Causes Significance Cumulative effects on The nature of mineral extraction means that Minor negative cumulative biodiversity at each site considered for minerals effects after mitigation as per development there is likely to be a loss of Policies DM1 and DM3 biodiversity. For a county that has lost a applied. significant amount of biodiversity features In addition, potential medium since 1945 this would have a cumulative to long term cumulative impact that would be contrary to the aims of benefits as enhancement the county biodiversity strategy and measures are implemented. biodiversity action plans. However, the
Mineral Plan Policies DM1, and DM3 place strong emphasis on the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment and therefore when applied to each site cumulatively the negative impact will be much reduced and this offers the opportunity for biodiversity enhancement in the long term. Cumulative effects on It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor negative environmental quality & minerals development will likely have a slight cumulative effects after health negative effect on environmental quality mitigation as per Policy DM4 which could impact on community health. applied. There would be a potential cumulative negative effect on health provision if there was a temporal overlap of site exploitation (taking a precautionary approach of all sites operational at the same time). However, Mineral Plan Policy DM4 recognises the potential for cumulative effects and places strong protection on the local environment and communities. Cumulative effects on It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor cumulative landscape / townscape minerals development will likely have either effects when Policies DM1, a moderate negative or strong negative and DM3 (and to a lesser effect on landscape / townscape which could extent Policy DM4) are represent a cumulative negative effect on enacted. the county if (taking a precautionary approach) all sites were developed at the same time (temporal overlap). However, policies DM1, DM3 and DM4 place strong protection on landscape / townscape (especially designated areas) and ensures that mitigation will be enacted at each site. Cumulative effects on soil It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor cumulative resources minerals development will likely have a slight effect when measures negative effect on soil resources, but in encouraged by policies DM1, some cases moderate negative effects could DM4 & DM9 are enacted. occur on best quality agricultural land. Warwickshire, as a whole, has typically high
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Effects Causes Significance grade soil resources and as such the loss of good soil at each site would have a cumulative loss of typically good grade soil. However, policies DM1 and DM9 place strong protection on soil resources (e.g. encourage soil storage and prevent it being polluted) and a strong emphasis on reinstatement, restoration and aftercare. Cumulative effects on Due to the nature of mineral exploitation, Significant cumulative consumption of natural each site considered for minerals negative effects as more resources development would likely have a slight mineral exploitation takes negative effect. Policy DM5 does encourage place. Sustainable Transportation and other measures in other policies such as reuse of aggregate would help reduce the overall cumulative negative effect but it is still considered that the nature of the activity (Mineral exploitation) will still be negatively significant. Cumulative effects on It is considered that sites considered for Neutral to minor cumulative Green Belt, PROW and minerals development will likely have slight negative effects after Open Space effects on Green Belt, PROW and Open measures contained within Space. However, policies DM1, DM3, DM6 policies DM1, DM3 and DM6 and DM9 all place strong protection on these and DM9 are enacted. features. For this reason, it is considered that application of the measures within these policies such as provision of alternative PROW will ensure that the cumulative effects are neutral. Cumulative effects on Mineral site development will have a strong Strong positive cumulative sustainable economic positive benefit to the sustainable economic effects as more mineral development development of Warwickshire – this is in exploitation takes place. keeping with the aspiration of the Minerals Plan i.e. to ensure there are sufficient allocated mineral resources (in particular sand & gravel for each of these sites) to support sustainable economic development.
Conclusions Based on the findings of the SA, it is possible to draw a number of key conclusions with regards to the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018. These are outlined below. While overall, the Plan represents a balanced approach in terms of sustainability performance, it should be noted that by its nature, mineral extraction will have environmental effects – frequently negative. However, in general, the Plan strives to meet the range of sustainability objectives identified in the SA framework, whilst ensuring that the plan adheres to national minerals guidance and makes sufficient provision for minerals required over the plan period. It is known that there are issues with supply of Sand and Gravel within Warwickshire and to the surrounding areas. The Second Publication Minerals Plan has identified six sites from which Sand and Gravel can be extracted in a sustainable fashion should all mitigation measures identified in the relevant policies be enacted. The Plan also formulates a series of strong Development Management policies which address potential sustainability issues associated with development of Sand and Gravel and other mineral types. These policies will ensure that sustainability effects associated with mineral site development are satisfactorily minimised or enhanced, depending on whether effects are negative or positive.
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The identified moderate (significant) negative effects associated with the Core Strategy and Site Allocations policies can thus, for the most part, be satisfactorily mitigated. Mitigation can take the form of specific techniques applied to mineral extraction sites on an individual basis (as set in the Allocations Policies for sand and gravel sites), or it could be through the application of the Development Management policies identified within the Plan when planning applications are made to WCC at a later stage. This report contains a Monitoring Programme which, if adopted by WCC, will allow the early establishment of a causal link between the implementation of the plan and the likely significant effects (positive or negative). This will allow the County officers and other relevant authorities to take appropriate action as soon as practicable. It is anticipated that a key outcome from the implementation of the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018 is that it would make a strongly positive effect on the ambition to grow the mineral extraction industry of Warwickshire and by extension the economy of the county, in a sustainable fashion.
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1. Introduction
1.1. Background This Sustainability Appraisal Report (SA Report) for the Warwickshire Minerals Plan has been prepared to fulfil the requirements for Sustainability Appraisal (SA) arising from The Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 and the requirements for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) arising under European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (the SEA Directive). It accompanies the Warwickshire Minerals Plan on the second Publication consultation. The first Publication consultation took place in December 2016-February 2017. This updated SA Report describes the process of developing the Minerals Plan from a sustainability perspective and has been produced by Atkins Ltd for Warwickshire County Council (WCC). It sits alongside the Minerals Plan Second Publication document and the updated Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Report, which have been prepared by WCC.
1.2. Warwickshire Minerals Plan The Warwickshire Minerals Plan is a Development Plan Document that sets out the spatial strategy, vision, objectives and policies for guiding mineral development in Warwickshire for the period up to 2032. . The Plan also provides a framework for minerals development management including implementation and monitoring so that any new planning applications submitted will be assessed against the most up to date policies which accord with the most recent Government guidance. Development of a minerals plan initially commenced as the Minerals Core Strategy in 2006 / 2007, but due to changes in policy, most notably for example, a greater emphasis placed by National Government on waste planning, led to a number of delays to this process. In addition, there was also the need to consult with and consider the response of, public consultation. During the development process, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and supporting technical guidance have been issued by national Government and updated. Updated Planning Practice Guidance for minerals has also been issued. It is a requirement that the Plan is in accordance with all relevant guidance and this Sustainability Appraisal process is a vital part of this process. As part of the National Planning Policy Framework, planning authorities for minerals are required to prepare a Local Aggregate Assessment (LAA) based on a rolling average of 10 years past sales and other relevant local information. These annual LAAs have identified issues in Warwickshire but the latest document (2017) has identified the following : • Sand and gravel provision – in relation to this resource, it was recognised that there should be a landbank of at least 7 years of permitted reserves. At present this landbank is 13 years, though a number of sites have closed in recent years and only one new site put forward (currently operational). Crushed rock provision – in relation to this resource, it was recognised that there should be a landbank of at least 10 years of permitted reserves. At present this resource has a healthy landbank of 27.26 years. Other Minerals Provision of other minerals – Landbank reserves for cement working are set at 15 years and 25 years for brick clay. These minerals have one site each and their continued operation depends upon mineral safeguarding. • Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) and Shale Gas Fracking – in this instance, WCC has a role as the Mineral Planning Authority to agree rights and permissions with developers of these types of resource. As such, there is a requirement for the Minerals Plan to contain a policy to ensure that proposals can be assessed properly. In addition to the issues raised from the LAA noted above, there are a series of key issues which have been identified since the issuing of the Revised Spatial Options document in 2009 (released as part of the plan development process). These issues are as follows: • Meeting the demand for aggregates and other minerals; • How to address the reduction in sand and gravel production in the County;
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• Mineral safeguarding and Prior Extraction; • Mitigating environmental impacts; • Secondary and Recycled Aggregates; • Shortage of inert fill to restore sites to agriculture; • Restoration and potential for promoting Green Infrastructure; • Restoration for Waste Management Uses; • Transportation of Minerals; • Flooding and flood alleviation; and • Onshore Oil and Gas.
1.2.1. Spatial Vision A Spatial Vision for mineral development in Warwickshire over the plan period has been developed and sets out an image of how it is anticipated the county will look like at the end of the plan period (2032). The Spatial Vision is as follows: By the end of the plan period in 2032 Warwickshire will have provided a range of minerals and construction materials to support sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life in the County. Whilst minerals can only be worked where they are found, minerals sites will have been located as close as possible to the main settlements of Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth, Leamington, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth and Atherstone to support sustainable development. Minerals will have been safeguarded from non-mineral development and opportunities for prior extraction will have been sought wherever possible. New quarries will have been located where they are environmentally acceptable or where any adverse impacts will have been mitigated to an acceptable level through good design and the imposition and monitoring of planning conditions. Mineral sites will have delivered a range of local and strategic restoration benefits. Recycled and Secondary Aggregates will continue to make a major contribution to the supply of materials to the construction industry in the County and as technology develops will continue to provide a substitute for primary aggregates in new construction projects.
i. To help achieve the Spatial Vision, a series of objectives have been developed to guide the second Publication Minerals Plan. These objectives are as follows: ii. To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level. iii. To help deliver sustainable mineral development by promoting the prudent use and safeguarding of Warwickshire's mineral resources and help prevent sterilisation of land from non-mineral development. iv. To promote the use of recycled and/or secondary materials and promote waste minimisation to reduce the overall demand for primary mineral extraction for construction aggregates.) v. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural (including controlled waters defined in the Water Resources Act 1991) and historic environment and avoid, reduce or mitigate potential adverse effects associated with mineral developments. vi. To have full regard for the concerns and interests of local communities and protect them from unacceptable adverse impacts including human health from mineral developments. vii. To minimise the impact of the movement of bulk materials by road on local communities and where possible encourage the use of alternative modes of transport. viii. To ensure mineral sites are restored to a high standard once extraction has ceased, ensure that each site is restored to the most beneficial use(s) and provides restoration benefits including green infrastructure and biodiversity. ix. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances.
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x. To reduce the effect of mineral development on the causes of climate change and facilitate adaptation to the effects of climate change. xi. To ensure the best and most versatile agricultural land is protected or restored to a condition and quality that retains its longer term capability as a high quality resource. The Second Publication Minerals Plan sets out a number of policies. These have been split into seven Site Allocations policies (one generic allocation policy and six policies allocating preferred sites), ten Core Strategy policies and twelve Development Management policies. The policies are as follows:
1.2.2. Site Allocations Policies • Policy S0 Mineral Sites to be Allocated • Policy S1 Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on Dunsmore • Policy S2 Allocation at Site 2 Lawford Heath • Policy S3 Allocation at Site 3/32 Shawell Quarry • Policy S4 Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton • Policy S6 Allocation at Site 6 Coney Grey Farm, Ryton • Policy S9 Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, Lea Marston The location of the above sand and gravel preferred sites is shown on Figure 1.
While sites have been identified for sand and gravel, in relation to other minerals (brick clays, crushed rock, cement, building stone and coal), there are no plans to allocate sites. Therefore, for any applications for new mineral sites, or extensions to existing sites, assessment of the merits of each application will be made with reference to criteria based policies in the plan.
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Figure 1 – Location of Preferred Sand and Gravel Sites
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Core Strategy Policies MCS1 – Supply of Minerals & Materials MCS2 – Sand & Gravel MCS3 – Crushed Rock MCS4 – Secondary and Recycled Aggregates MCS5 - Safeguarding of Minerals and Minerals Infrastructure MCS6 – Brick Clay MCS7 – Building Stone MCS8 – Coal Mining (Opencast and Deep Mining) MCS9 – Conventional and Unconventional Hydrocarbons MCS10 – Underground coal gasification
Development Management Policies DM1 – Protection and enhancement of the natural environment DM2- Warwickshire’s Historic Environment and Heritage Assets DM3 - Green Infrastructure DM4 – Health, Economy and Amenity - Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Development DM5 – Sustainable Transportation DM6 – Public Rights of Way and Recreational Highways DM7 – Flood Risk and Water Quality DM8 – Aviation Safeguarding DM9 – Reinstatement, reclamation, restoration and aftercare DM10 – Mineral Safeguarding DM11 – Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency DM12 – Overall Assessment of Proposals
WCC is the relevant Minerals Planning Authority in relation to this plan area and as such plays a leading role in implementing the plan policies. WCC will: • Determine planning applications in accordance with the Plan, government policy and guidance and other material considerations; • Attach conditions to planning permissions where appropriate; • Seek planning obligations or legal agreements with developers where necessary; • Enforce breaches of planning control where necessary; • Encourage co-operation and dialogue between the minerals industry and the communities by facilitating consultation and participating in liaison meetings; • Consult and engage with a wide range of stakeholders including other County Council departments, District and Borough Councils, Parish Councils, adjoining Minerals Planning Authorities, the West Midlands Aggregate Working Party, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic England , the Health and Safety Executive, DEFRA, the Highways Agency and other interest groups; and • Work collaboratively with the minerals industry issuing advice, guidance or supplementary policy documents where required. In addition, WCC has a legal duty to monitor policy implementation as part of its Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) and therefore will assess within a monitoring framework the implementation of the policies by establishing performance indicators, targets and possible sources of information. On reviewing policy implementation on an annual basis (as a minimum), it will allow the Council to gather information to shape future policy formulation and decision making, to examine the effectiveness of its policies and, where necessary, to identify policy changes or interventions.
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1.3. Requirement for Sustainability Appraisal WCC is required under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) to undertake Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the Minerals Plan. SA takes a long-term view on the effects of a plan, taking into account environmental, social and economic effects. It is also a statutory requirement to conduct an environmental assessment in accordance with the SEA Directive and the SEA Regulations 2004. The overarching objective of the SEA Directive is: “To provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans…with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with this Directive, an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans…which are likely to have significant effects on the environment.” (Article 1) The SEA Directive and the SEA Regulations state that the SEA should consider the following topic areas: • Biodiversity; • Population; • Human Health; • Flora and Fauna; • Soil; • Water; • Air; • Climatic Factors; • Material assets; • Cultural heritage, including archaeological and built heritage; • Landscape; and • And the interrelationship between these factors.
1.4. The Plan and SA Preparation Processes SA is an iterative process which identifies and reports on the likely significant effects of the plan and the extent to which its implementation will achieve the social, environmental and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined. The intention is that SA is fully integrated into the plan making process from the earliest stages, both informing and being informed by it. Figure 2 shows the plan and SA preparation processes and the linkages between both processes.
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Figure 1-1 - Plan and SA Preparation Processes
Although the requirements to carry out SA and SEA are distinct, the former Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG),proposed that both could be satisfied through a single appraisal process. It produced guidance to ensure SAs meet the requirements of the SEA Directive whilst widening the Directive’s approach to include economic and social issues as well as environmental ones. This process is outlined in the ODPM Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents - Guidance for Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities November 2005. According to the DCLG guidance, the main stages in the SA process are as follows: • Stage A – Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on scope; • Stage B – Developing and refining options and assessing effects; • Stage C – Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report; • Stage D – Consultation on the draft plan and the Sustainability Appraisal Report; • Stage E – Monitoring implementation of the plan.
The guidance also sets out a requirement for the preparation of the following reports: • Scoping Report (documenting Stage A work) which should be used for consultation on the scope of the SA (note the Scoping Report to this SA was issued for consultation in May 2015); • Sustainability Appraisal Report (documenting Stages A and B work) which should be used in the public consultation on the Preferred Options of the draft plan.
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1.5. Purpose of the SA Report The requirement to prepare a SA Report arises directly from Article 5.1 of the SEA Directive which states that: ‘An Environmental Report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated.’ In SA, the Sustainability Appraisal Report replaces the Environmental Report as required under the SEA Directive. This SA Report reports on the work undertaken during the initial stage of the SA process (Stage A) and completes Stages B, C and D by reporting on the significant social, environmental and economic effects of the preferred policies, proposed mitigation measures and proposals for monitoring significant sustainability effects and taking into account the results of public consultations undertaken by WCC (see below).
1.6. SA and Consultation The aim of the consultation on the SA Report is to involve and engage with statutory consultees and other key stakeholders on the results of the appraisal. The requirements for consultation during a SA are as follows: • Authorities which, because of their environmental responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the effects of implementing the plan or programme, must be consulted on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the Strategic Environmental Assessment. These are termed the statutory Consultation Bodies, and in England comprise the Environment Agency, Natural England and Historic England (formally English Heritage). It is also considered good practice to consult with other appropriate consultees who would have a significant influence upon or would be influenced by the implementation of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan. • The public and Consultation Bodies must be consulted on Plan and the SA Report.
The following reports have been consulted upon as part of this SA process: • Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, May 2015; • Sustainability Appraisal Report, September 2015; • Sustainability Appraisal Report, November 2016; and • Sustainability Appraisal Report, September 2018.
The organisations that have been consulted on the Scoping Report are listed below. No consultations responses have been received: • Environment Agency; • Natural England; and • Historic England.
The SA Report accompanied the Draft Minerals Plan on public consultation which took place October 2015 – January 2016 and a revised SA Report accompanied the Draft Minerals Plan on public consultation in December 2016 - February 2017. Consultation responses were received on the SA Report on both consultations and these are reported in Appendix III. This Revised SA Report accompanies the Minerals Plan Second Publication document on consultation.
1.7. Habitat Regulations Assessment The EU Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (2009/147/EEC) Directives aim to protect European birds and species and the habitats that support them. In the UK, the Directives are implemented through the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. These are known as the Habitats Regulations.
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The legislation requires ‘competent authorities’ to undertake an ‘appropriate assessment’ of plans, projects and strategies that may have a significant effect on the site, if those plans, projects or strategies are not directly concerned with the management of the protected sites themselves. The process that includes the ‘appropriate assessment’ is known as a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). The HRA of the Minerals Plan is being undertaken as a separate exercise to this SA and a HRA Screening Report has been prepared and updated by WCC as the Minerals Plan developed. A Stage 1 screening of the HRA process was undertaken between June and September 2015 of the summer 2015 version of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan. Following a public consultation exercise between October 2015 to January 2016 a number of edits to the Minerals Plan were made following comments from Natural England in 2016. The final version of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan November 2016 was rescreened and a final HRA report produced in October 2016. The Warwickshire Minerals Plan then went out for consultation in December 2016 until February 2017. In 2018, WCC has undertaken a re-screen of the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan with a change in wording and removal of ‘preferred sites’. The re-screening exercise was undertaken following best practice guidance, principally the Habitat Regulations Assessment Handbook (2018) by David Tyldesley Associates. A total of five European Sites were selected for consideration due to their location within or close to Warwickshire. These were then further refined following an assessment of the likely impacts of the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan to two key sites: Ensor’s Pool Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and the River Mease SAC in the neighbouring counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. The need to just consider these two European Sites was also agreed with the Environment Agency. Ensor’s Pool SAC is designated for its population of white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes the key potential vulnerabilities from the plan are considered to be: reduction in water quality via pollution from surface water flooding and sedimentation, an increase in water levels and potential to introduce non-native species. The River Mease SAC qualifies as being of European importance due to the presence of white-clawed crayfish, spined loach Cobitis taenia, bullhead Cottus gobio and otter Lutra lutra. It is also an important example in the European context of a water course supporting the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- Batrachion vegetation community. Key vulnerabilities of this site from the plan are from pollution (especially increased nutrient levels, particularly phosphorous), sedimentation and the introduction of non-native species. A small part of the Natural England River Mease Catchment Risk Zone lies within the north of Warwickshire. Hence pollution events here, have the potential to impact the qualifying features of the River Mease SAC outside of Warwickshire. During the screening exercise of the initial draft of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan dated summer 2015, none of the 9 Preferred Mineral Site Options or the 23 Rejected Sites were considered to have any Likely Significant Effects (LSE) on the River Mease SAC (and the Natural England River Mease Catchment Risk Zone) or Ensor’s Pool SAC should they come forward for extraction in the timescale of the plan. For other planning applications under the plan (which theoretically could be anywhere in the county where the relevant resource exists), a total of six Minerals Core Strategy Policies were scoped in as having the potential to lead to a LSE on European Sites prior to the implementation of any mitigation measures (including ‘incorporated mitigation measures’ to Policy DM1 which were suggested in version 1 of the HRA report). In January 2016, Natural England raised concerns about the wording suggested for Policy DM1 in version 1 of this report. Consultation with Natural England was undertaken between January and September 2016 to agree appropriate wording and commitments in DM1 to ensure the protection of Natura 2000 / European Sites through the implementation of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan and scope out the six Minerals Core Strategy Policies. This new wording has been incorporated in the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan 2018. The Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan was re-screened in July 2018. It is the conclusion of the 2018 updated HRA that provided the wording remains in place in Policy DM1 and that any future planning applications that lie within a 2km buffer of the Natural England River Mease Catchment Risk Zone and 3km buffer of Ensor’s Pool are considered for a project level HRA at the time of application and these impacts are considered in combination with any new projects in this area as a result of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan then an Appropriate Assessment (stage 2) will not be required. The In-combination Assessment has considered a number of plans on the advice of Natural England and the Environment Agency and has concluded there are currently no in-combination impacts to consider in relation to the Second Publication Warwickshire Minerals Plan 2018.
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The findings of the HRA have been integrated into this SA where appropriate.
2. Setting the scope of the SA
2.1. Spatial Scope
2.1.1. Study Area Warwickshire County is a two-tier local authority comprising of five District/Borough areas: • North Warwickshire Borough • Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough • Rugby Borough • Stratford-on-Avon District • Warwick District The county of Warwickshire has a diverse mineral resource that has been exploited at all stages of human activity in this region. Extraction of coal, sand, gravel, crushed rock and brick clay has historically been of particular note and still occurs at present, with extensive reserves of these minerals still extant. Figure 2-1 below shows the extent of the plan area and the location of existing minerals sites within it.
2.2. Temporal scope The Minerals Plan will cover the period up to 2032. Note that the implementation of this plan will be monitored on an annual basis (as a minimum) in order to allow WCC to gather information to shape future policy formulation and decision making, to examine the effectiveness of its policies and, where necessary, to identify policy changes or interventions.
2.3. Technical scope The SA has a wide remit and will consider the following topics: • Biodiversity; • Population; • Human health (covering noise issues among other effects on local communities and public health); • Fauna and flora; • Soil; • Water; • Air; • Noise; • Climatic factors; • Material assets (covering infrastructure, waste and other assets); • Cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage; • Landscape; and • Socio-economics.
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Figure 2-1 - Warwickshire Study Area showing Existing Minerals Sites
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3. Appraisal Methodology
3.1. Overview of Approach SA is a complex process that follows a number of sequential stages. This report has been structured to reflect the way in which work has been undertaken, presenting a logical progression through the various tasks that local authorities must complete to satisfy the formal requirements. This sequence of tasks is presented in Figure 3-1. Figure 3-1 - Relationship between SA tasks
The work presented in this report represents the findings of Stages A, B, C and D of the SA process. Figure 3-1 above can be used as a cross-reference to support the description of the subsequent stages (D&E) of the process that are outlined later in the SA Report.
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3.2. Meeting the Requirements of the SEA Directive As mentioned in Section 1 there is a fundamental difference between the SA and SEA methodologies. SEA is primarily focused on environmental effects and the methodology addresses a number of topic areas namely Biodiversity, Population, Human Health, Flora and Flora, Soil, Water, Air, Climatic Factors, Material Assets, Cultural Heritage and Landscape and the interrelationship between these topics. SA, however, widens the scope of the assessment to include social and economic topics as well as environmental as it is intended to assess the impact of a plan from a full sustainability perspective. This SA has been undertaken to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive for environmental assessment of plans. Table 3-1 sets out the way the specific SEA requirements have been met in this report.
Table 3-1 - Schedule of SEA Requirements Information to be included in the Environmental Report Where covered in Sustainability under the SEA Regulations (Regulation 12 and Schedule 2) Appraisal Report 1. An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan, Chapters 1, 2 and 4 and and of its relationship with other relevant plans and Appendix I programmes 2. The relevant aspects of the current state of the Chapters 5 and 6 and Appendix I environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan; 3. The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be Chapter 5 and Appendix I significantly affected 4. Any existing environmental problems which are Chapter 6 relevant to the plan including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC; 5. The environmental protection objectives, established Chapter 4 and Appendix I at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation 6. The likely significant effects on the environment, Chapters 9, 10, 11 and 12 and including short, medium and long-term effects, Appendices I, II and III permanent and temporary effects, positive and negative effects, and secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, on issues such as: biodiversity; population; human health; fauna; flora; soil; water; air; climatic factors; material assets; cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage; landscape; the interrelationship between the above factors 7. The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as Chapter 13 fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan 8. An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 and dealt with, and a description of how the assessment Appendix I was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information 9. A description of measures envisaged concerning Chapter 14 monitoring in accordance with Regulation 17 10. A non-technical summary of the information provided Non-technical summary
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3.3. Methodology
3.3.1. Stage A: Setting the Context and Objectives, Establishing the Baseline and Deciding on Scope
A1: Other Relevant Plans and Programmes Both the Minerals Plan and the SA Report should be set in the context of national, regional and local objectives along with strategic planning, transport, minerals, social, economic and environmental policies. This work ensures that the SA objectives generally adhere to, and are not in conflict with, objectives found in other relevant plans and programmes and also assists in the setting of sustainability objectives for the SA. In addition to this it can also be used to ascertain potential conflicts between objectives which may need to be addressed as part of the process. The plans, policies and programmes that have been reviewed are outlined in Chapter 4 and detailed in Appendix I.
A2: Collecting baseline information To predict accurately how the Plan could affect sustainability factors, it is first important to understand the current state of these factors. Baseline information is summarised in Chapter 5. Baseline datasets are presented in Appendix I covering: • Population Trends & Demographics • Biodiversity & Nature Conservation including information on: - European designations for nature conservation; - National designations for nature conservation; - Local designations for nature conservation; - Wildlife Habitats • Heritage and Cultural Heritage including information on: - Historic Landscape Character Areas - Listed buildings; - Conservation areas; - Registered Parks and Gardens; - Scheduled Monuments; • Geological Assets • Landscape • Natural Resources (Groundwater, Air & Soil) including: - EA Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies - Surface Water Quality - Groundwater and Source Protection Zones - Climate Change & Flooding • Air Quality • Minerals in the County • Health • Community Satisfaction & Cohesion • Economic Trends and Performance • Deprivation and Need - Local Child Poverty - Fuel Poverty • Education and Skills • Crime and Safety
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• Traffic and Transport The datasets have been extracted from a wide range of available publications and datasets. Sources have included, among others, national government and government agency websites. No primary research has been conducted.
A3: Identifying sustainability issues An analysis of key issues relevant to the Minerals Plan was carried out (see Chapter 6). This work was based on the review of relevant PPPs and an analysis of the baseline data.
A4: Developing the SA Framework A framework of objectives and decision-making criteria, against which the proposals in the Minerals Plan can be assessed, was drawn up. These were developed using an iterative process, based on the review of relevant PPPs, the evolving baseline and developing analysis of key sustainability issues. The SA Framework is presented in Chapter 7.
A5: Consulting on the scope of SA WCC sought the views of the consultation bodies and others on the scope and level of detail of the ensuing SA Report. A SA Scoping Report was prepared by WCC to that effect; the contents of which has informed the preparation of this SA Report. No consultation responses have been received.
3.3.2. Stage B: Developing and Defining Options
B1: Testing the plan objectives against the SA objectives A compatibility matrix was developed to identify to what extent the objectives of the Minerals Plan are compatible with the SA Objectives as set out in the SA framework. When testing compatibility, the scale shown in Table 3-2 was used:
Table 3-2 - Key to Compatibility of Objectives √ Broadly Compatible X Potential Conflict ? Depending upon the nature of the implementation measure NR Not Relevant / No Relationship
The results are presented in Chapter 8 and Appendix I.
B2: Developing the plan options
Assessment of Strategic Options Four strategic spatial options have been developed by WCC. Three options were set out in the Revised Spatial Options (2009) document and were subject to consultation and the fourth has emerged from responses to the consultation, new information, new requirements and changed planning policy. All the options have been assessed against the SA framework to determine their performance in sustainability terms, with reference to the social, environmental and economic factors. It should be noted that a high level assessment methodology has been used in order to give an indication of the most sustainable options. This approach assumes that all SA Objectives are equally important and thus option(s) with the most positive effect overall are noted as being most sustainable; whilst those option(s) with less positive effects are noted as being less sustainable. For the purposes of this assessment, each strategic spatial option was assigned either an anticipated positive or negative effect with the anticipated magnitude as follows (with representation of magnitude denoted in brackets):
Table 3-3 - Magnitude of effect
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Positive Effect Negative Effect Major Positive Effect (+++) Major Negative Effect (xxx) Medium Positive Effect (++) Medium Negative Effect (xx) Minor Positive Effect (+) Minor Negative Effect (x) Both Positive and Negative Effect (+/x) Uncertain Effect (?)
Note that when no Effect is anticipated, a comment is made to explain the rationale behind this anticipation. The assessment has been undertaken primarily using expert judgement which is recognised in the relevant guidance as being an acceptable and appropriate technique to be used at this stage. The results of this assessment are presented in Chapter 9 and Appendix I.
Assessment of Site Options WCC developed a Site Identification and Assessment Methodology (SIAM) for Allocating Sand and Gravel Sites originally in 2015. The SIAM was developed to identify, assess and compare potential mineral development sites, leading to the allocation of suitable mineral sites in the Minerals Plan. The SIAM has been revised in 2016 and again in 2018 to take account of public consultation comments (see separate 2018 SIAM document). The SIAM 2018 provides the steps carried out to gather robust information and evidence to inform the selection of sites. It has been prepared to ensure that it satisfies the requirements of SA of the Minerals Plan, which seeks to assess how potential mineral sites perform against a range of economic, social and environmental objectives. Stage 3 of the SIAM is fully informed by the SA of site options. The revised methodology was applied systematically to all thirty-two sand and gravel sites that have been nominated irrespective of the level of information supplied to ensure fairness, a consistent approach and provide certainty from potential developers and/or promoters. The SIAM 2018 clarifies the role of the SA in the identification of preferred mineral sites with Stage 3 of the SIAM now fully informed by separate SA results for each site option under consideration (reported in this SA Report). Stage 2 of the 2018 SIAM identified the site options which required further consideration by the SA. These site options were assessed against the SA Objectives and compared in terms of their sustainability performance. The generic assessment scale utilised is shown in Table 3-4. Assessment considerations and constraints for each SA Objective and the assessment scale developed for each SA Objective taking into account the considerations and constraints are set out in Appendix II.
Table 3-4 - Generic Assessment Scale Major adverse effect (- - -) Option likely to have a major adverse effect on the objective with no satisfactory mitigation possible. Option may be inappropriate for minerals development. Moderate adverse effect (- -) Option likely to have a moderate adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation likely to be difficult or problematic. Minor adverse effect (-) Option likely to have a minor adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation measures are readily achievable. Neutral or no effect (0) On balance option likely to have a neutral effect on the objective or no effect on the objective. Minor positive effect (+) Option likely to have a minor positive effect on the objective as enhancement of existing conditions may result. Moderate positive effect (+ +) Option likely to have a moderate positive effect on the objective as it would help resolve an existing issue. Major positive effect (+ + +) Option likely to have a major positive effect on the objective as it would help maximise opportunities.
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B3 & B4: Predicting and evaluating the effects of the Plan The policies in the Second Publication Plan have been assessed. These are split into Site Allocations, Core Strategy and Development Management policies. A detailed assessment was conducted of the policies taking into account the results of the site options assessments in Chapter 10 and the results are discussed in Chapter 11 and presented in Appendix III. The detailed assessment of each of these policies comprised a systematic two-stage process, described below.
Prediction of Effects The effects have been predicted for each of the SA objectives in terms of the change to the current baseline and are described in terms of their nature and magnitude using the following parameters: • Magnitude • Geographical scale; • Timing of effect – short, medium, long term; • Duration of effect – temporary or permanent; • Certainty of effect – low, medium, high Predictions were made using the evidence of the baseline data wherever possible. Short term effects were defined as those predicted to commence within the first five years from implementation of the Minerals Plan. Medium-long term effects were defined as those predicted to commence within or extend into the period from five years after the implementation of the Minerals Plan.
Assessment of the Significance of Effects The next stage of the assessment comprised the evaluation of predicted effects. The evaluation involved forming a judgement on whether or not the predicted effects will be significant. The technique that has primarily been used to assess the significance of effects in this assessment is a qualitative assessment based on expert judgement. Other techniques included consultation with stakeholders involved in the SA process, geographical information systems and reference to key legislation, primarily the SEA Regulations 2004 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2011. As with the prediction of effects, the criteria for assessing the significance of a specific effect used in this assessment, as outlined in Annex II of the SEA Directive, has been based on the following parameters to determine the significance: • Scale; • Permanence; • Nature and sensitivity; and • Cumulative effects.
In the current practice of SA, the broad-brush qualitative prediction and evaluation of effects is often based on a seven point scale comprising easily understood terms. The assessment scores for each set of predicted effects were categorised using the scale of significance shown in Table 3-5. Note that moderately and strongly positive and negative effects have been considered of significance whereas neutral and slightly positive and negative effects have been considered non-significant. It is also important to note that there may be mixed beneficial and adverse effects.
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Table 3-5 - Scale of Significance Assessment Scale Scale of Effect Significance of Effect +++ Strong positive Significant ++ Moderate positive + Slight positive Not Significant 0 Neutral or no obvious effect
- Slight negative -- Moderate negative Significant --- Strong negative ? Effect uncertain/Requires further clarification
Secondary and Cumulative Effects Assessments Annex I of the SEA Directive requires that the assessment of effects include secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects. Secondary or indirect effects are effects that are not a direct result of the plan but occur away from the original effect or as a result of a complex pathway e.g. a development that changes a water table and thus affects the ecology of a nearby wetland. These effects are not cumulative and have been identified and assessed primarily through the examination of the relationship between various objectives during the assessment of environmental effects. Cumulative effects arise where several proposals individually may or may not have a significant effect, but in- combination have a significant effect due to spatial crowding or temporal overlap between plans, proposals and actions and repeated removal or addition of resources due to proposals and actions. Cumulative effects can be: • Additive- the simple sum of all the effects; • Neutralising- where effects counteract each other to reduce the overall effect; and • Synergistic– is the effect of two or more effects acting together which is greater than the simple sum of the effects when acting alone. For instance, a wildlife habitat can become progressively fragmented with limited effects on a particular species until the last fragmentation makes the areas too small to support the species at all. Many environmental problems result from cumulative effects. These effects are very hard to deal with on a project by project basis through Environmental Impact Assessment. It is at the strategic level that they are most effectively identified and addressed. Cumulative effects assessment is a systematic procedure for identifying and evaluating the significance of effects from multiple activities. The analysis of the causes, pathways and consequences of these effects is an essential part of the process. Cumulative (including additive, neutralising and synergistic) effects have been considered throughout the entire SA process, as described below: • As part of the review of relevant strategies, plans and programmes and the derivation of SA Objectives, key receptors have been identified which may be subject to cumulative effects; • In the process of collecting baseline information cumulative effects have been considered by identifying key receptors (e.g. specific wildlife habitats) and information on how these have changed with time, and how they are likely to change without the implementation of the Minerals Plan; • Through the analysis of environmental issues and problems, receptors have been identified that are particularly sensitive, in decline or near to their threshold (where such information is available); • The development of SA Objectives has been influenced by cumulative effects identified through the process above and SA Objectives that consider cumulative effects have been identified; • The likely cumulative effects of the strategic alternatives have been identified which highlighted potential cumulative effects that should be considered later in the SA process; and
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• The likely cumulative effects of the Mineral Local Plan policies have been identified. Cumulative effects are addressed in detail in Chapter 12.
B5: Consider ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects Mitigation measures (Chapter 13) have been identified during the evaluation process to reduce the scale/importance of significant negative effects.
B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of the plan’s implementation Monitoring involves measuring indicators which will enable the establishment of a causal link between the implementation of the plan and the likely significant effect (positive or negative) being monitored. It thus helps to ensure that any adverse effects which arise during implementation, whether or not they were foreseen, can be identified and that action can be taken by WCC to deal with them. The proposed monitoring programme is presented in Chapter 14.
3.3.3. Stage C: Preparing the SA Report The SA Report detailed the outcomes of the Stage A, B and C tasks undertaken and accompanied the Draft Minerals Plan on public consultation.
3.3.4. Stage D – Consulting on Draft Plan and SA Report The next stage in the SA process involved assessing significant changes to the Draft Minerals Plan resulting from various public consultation exercises and the preparation of revised SA Reports to accompany the Minerals Plan as it evolved. A Revised SA Report has now been prepared on the Minerals Plan Second Publication document. At plan adoption, a statement will be prepared showing: • How sustainability considerations have been integrated into the plan, for example any changes to or deletions from the plan in response to the information in the final SA Report. • How the SA Report has been taken into account. • How the opinions and consultation responses have been taken into account. • The reasons for choosing the plan as adopted in the light of other reasonable alternatives dealt with. • The measures that are to be taken to monitor the significant environmental effects of implementation of the plan or programme.
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4. Identifying Other Plans and Programmes and Environmental Objectives
The first task of SA is the identification of other relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives. A plan may be influenced in many ways by other plans and programmes and by external environmental objectives, such as those laid down in policies and legislation. This task is carried out in response to the requirements of the SEA Directive, which specifically states that the Environmental Report should provide information on: “The plan’s relationship with other relevant plans and programmes” and “the environmental protection objectives, established at international, [European] Community or national level, which are relevant to the plan... and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” (Annex 1 (a), (e)) This task helps establish a clear context for the SA and is important because these programmes, plans and objectives may influence the preparation of the Minerals Plan. A wide range of plans, programmes and policies (PPPs) relevant to the Warwickshire area were identified. The full list of reviewed plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives, with hyperlinks to each document, can be found in Appendix I and Table 4-1 lists the PPPs that have been considered. The purpose of the review has not been to highlight every detail from every document selected, but to identify the key implications for the SEA. For each document reviewed Appendix I sets out the name of the document, its date of publication/period of validity, key objectives/targets, and potential implications for the SA of the Minerals Plan.
Table 4-1 - Relevant Plans, Policies or Programmes
Plan, Policy or Programme International / European European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) European Sustainable Development Strategy (ESDS) The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, 2002 Aarhus Convention, 1998 EC Council Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats of Wild Fauna and Flora (Directive 92/43/EC) 1992 Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 (EC, 2011) Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (agreed in 1997, ratified in 2005, and amended in 2012.) UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1994) and Paris Agreement (2015) Nagoya Commitment (UN Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) 2010 EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) UN Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971
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EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Flood Risk Directive (2007/60/EC) Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Directive (2008/1/EC) EU Thematic Strategy on Soil Protection (EC, 2004) EU Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention and Recycling (EC, 2005) Mining Waste Directive (2006/21/EC) Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) The European Landscape Convention 2000 Convention on the protection of Archaeological Heritage (1992) EU Thematic Strategy on Air Quality (2005) Ambient Air Quality Directives (2008/50/EC) Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (COM (2011) 571) (EC, 2011) National A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment (HM Government, 2018) Securing the Future: Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy (DEFRA, 2005) National Planning Policy Framework 2018 Planning Practice Guidance (2014) documents on the following topic areas: Air Quality; Climate Change; Conserving and enhancing the historic environment; Health and Wellbeing; Noise; Minerals; Natural Environment; Light Pollution; Renewable and low carbon energy; Environmental Impact Assessments; Strategic Environment Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal; Water Supply, Wastewater and Water Quality; and Flood Risk and Climate Change Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Environment Act 1995 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Guidance for Local Authorities on Implementing the Biodiversity Duty, DEFRA (2007) Securing Biodiversity – A new Framework for delivering priority habitats and species in England 2008 Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach (2007) Guidance to Local Authorities on Implementing the Biodiversity Duty (2007) A Strategy for Trees, Woods and Forests, DEFRA (2007)
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UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994) Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, DEFRA (2011) Natural Environment White Paper: The Natural Choice, Securing the value of Nature, DEFRA (2011) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation White Paper, DoH - 1999 Waterways for Tomorrow - 2000 The Inland Waterways of England and Wales in 2007, Inland Waterways Advisory Council (2007) Air Quality Strategy for the UK. Working together for clean air, DETR The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (DEFRA, 2007) Air Quality Standards Regulation 2010 Air Pollution: Action in a Changing Climate (DEFRA, 2010) Air Transport White Paper, DfT Energy White Paper, DTI - Feb 2003 River Basin Management Plans Severn, Humber and Thames (Environment Agency) The Flood Risk Regulations 2009 Flood and Water Management Act 2010 Future Water, the Government’s Water Strategy for England (DEFRA, 2008) The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (FCERM) 2011 Natural Environment White Paper (DEFRA, 2011) National Planning Policy for Waste 2014 Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011 Waste Management Plan for England 2013 Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 Household Waste Recycling Act 2003 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 Synthesis report: priorities for the next five years: Government Report (2012) Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change (Stern, 2007) Building a Low-Carbon Economy – The UK’s Contribution to Tackling Climate Change (Committee on Climate Change, 2008) The Fourth Carbon Budget: Reducing Emissions Through the 2020s (CCC, 2010) and the Fifth Carbon Budget: The First Steps Towards a Low Carbon Economy (CCC, 2015). UK Renewable Energy Road Map 2013 Carbon Plan (DECC, 2011) The National Adaptation Programme – Making the country resilient to a changing climate (2013) Town and Country Planning (Safeguarding of Aerodromes, Technical Sites and Military Explosives Storage Areas) Direction 2002 (ODPM Circular 01/03) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
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National and Regional guidelines for aggregates provision in England, 2001-2016 National and Regional guidelines for aggregates provision in England, 2005-2020 Mineral extraction in Great Britain 2012 (Business Monitor PA1007) ONS – DCLG 2016 The Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2006 (HMSO, 2006) as amended by the Contaminated Land (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 Regional West Midlands: A Regional Sustainable Development Framework 2006 Restoring the Region’s Wildlife - the Regional Biodiversity Strategy for the West Midlands, 2005 West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework, NBS (2004) Sub-Regional & Local Plans Cotswold AONB Management Plan 2013-2018 The Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Warwickshire, Stratford-on-Avon, Rugby Borough and North Warwickshire Borough Council Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) update, 2013 Stratford on Avon District Core Strategy 2011-2031 (adopted July 2016) Stratford-on-Avon Site Allocation Plan and Gypsy & Traveller Local Plan (under preparation) Neighbourhood Plans: Bidford-on-Avon (adopted July 2017) Kineton (adopted October 2016) Long Compton (adopted April 2016) Salford Priors (adopted July 2017) Welford-on-Avon (adopted December 2017) Brailes (under preparation) Ettington (under preparation) Harbury (under preparation) Shipston-on-Stour (under preparation) Snitterfield (under preparation) Stratford-upon-Avon (under preparation) Wellesbourne and Walton (under preparation) Wilmcote and Pathlow (adopted February 2018) Wootton Wawen (adopted February 2018) Warwick District Local Plan 2011-2029 (adopted September 2017) Neighbourhood Plans: Barford (adopted October 2016) Whitnash (adopted July 2015) Baginton and Bubbenhall (under preparation) Bishop's Tachbrook (under preparation) Budbrooke (under preparation) Burton Green (under preparation) Kenilworth (under preparation) Lapworth (under preparation) Royal Leamington Spa (under preparation) Leek Wootton and Guy's Cliffe (under preparation) Old Milverton & Blackdown (under preparation)
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Radford Semele (under preparation) Rugby Borough Local Plan (under preparation) Neighbourhood Plans: Brandon and Bretford (under preparation) Brinklow (under preparation) Coton Forward (under preparation) Dunchurch (under preparation) Ryton-on-Dunsmore (under preparation) Willoughby (under preparation) Wolston (under preparation) Wolvey (under preparation) North Warwickshire Local Plan (under preparation) Neighbourhood Plans: Arley (adopted December 2016) Hartshill (adopted March 2017) Coleshill (adopted June 2017) Austrey (adopted June 2017) Mancetter (adopted September 2017) Fillongley (under preparation) Atherstone (under preparation) Corley (under preparation) Nether Whitacre (under preparation) Polesworth (under preparation) Dordon (under preparation) Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Local Plan (under preparation) No designated Neighbourhood Plan areas in the borough. Warwickshire, Coventry & Solihull Sub Regional Green Infrastructure Strategy - 2013 National Character Area Profiles: Arden, Severn and Avon Vales, Cotswolds (Natural England 2014) Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 3 (2011 -2026) Warwickshire Sustainable Community Strategy Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) 5 year strategy 2011 -2026 Warwickshire County Council Climate Change Strategy Warwickshire County Council Biodiversity Strategy Emerging Warwickshire Geodiversity Action Plan Warwickshire Waste Minimisation Strategy 2007-2015, Warwickshire Waste Partnership Warwickshire County Council Waste Core Strategy, adopted 2013 Warwickshire County Council Energy strategy and policy Warwickshire County Council The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature Warwickshire County Farms and Smallholdings Strategy 2015 – 2025
The key points emerging from the review of relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives that the Warwickshire Minerals Plan may be able to positively influence (either directly or indirectly) are outlined below:
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• The need for humans to live and operate within Planetary Boundaries of sustainability and for developments to consider sustainability across the whole life of the development. • There is a need to conserve and enhance biodiversity (as per, for example, the County Biodiversity Strategy), and avoid any significant impacts on Natura 2000 sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and county importance as per Habitats Directive requirements. In determining site allocations, account should be taken of the particular sensitivities of these sites that could potentially be affected. • There is a need to conserve protected, notable, rare and endangered species. In determining site allocations, account should be taken of particular sensitivities of these species that could potentially be affected. • Strict requirements should be in place to prevent water pollution and to contribute to meeting Water Framework Directive objectives – note WCC are co-deliverer of the WFD in the county. • Air quality should be protected. • Noise from developments, including transport noise, should be minimised. • Landscape should be protected from harmful development, whilst recognising that some operations will be temporary and could result in landscape benefits in the longer term. This will be especially crucial in designated landscapes (in particular that part of the county within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Development in protected areas should be guided by the overarching aim of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of these areas. Full consideration should be given to the Warwickshire Landscape Character Guidelines and to the AONB Management Plan. • The wide ranging and extensive heritage assets within Warwickshire (designated and undesignated) and the wider historic environment should be conserved and enhanced. This includes avoiding adverse impacts through location and design and protecting vulnerable heritage. Policy should be informed by an understanding of the significance of a heritage asset, including its setting. Where loss of significance is unavoidable, assessment and recording should be required where appropriate. • All public bodies have a duty to have regard to biodiversity conservation when carrying out their functions (the ‘biodiversity duty’). The conservation of biodiversity should become properly embedded in all relevant policies and decisions. Consideration should be given to how biodiversity enhancement as part of mineral developments can be used to bring about more sustainable development, through integration with other policy objectives and other land uses, for example housing and economic development, health, education and social inclusion. • Carbon emissions should be minimised through directing development to sustainable locations where possible and encouraging lower-carbon practices in construction, operation and transport. Strategies should help the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Across Warwickshire the local target is to reduce total countywide carbon emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by 2020 and put in place measures to enable reduction by 80% by 2050. • Opportunities to contribute to a linked green infrastructure networks should be maximized and contribute to the formations of woodland, grassland and wetland core area. • To ensure that the implementation of the Minerals Plan does results in a net gain to biodiversity. • To ensure that implementation of the Minerals Plan does not result in / contribute to any additional flood risk in the river basins of the Severn, Humber or Thames. • To ensure that implementation of the Minerals Plan contributes positively to employment / economic development opportunities and quality of life in Warwickshire. • To ensure that implementation of the Minerals Plan does not result in a negative impact on the health of individuals or local communities. The above points, coupled with consideration of baseline data (discussed in the next chapter of this report), enables the initial identification of the key environmental issues (Chapter 6) that will need to be addressed in the SA Report.
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5. Baseline
The next task in the SA covers the collection of baseline information. The review of other plans and programmes undertaken has provided a considerable amount of baseline information and this information has been complemented by collection of data on key indicators. More specifically, the SEA Directive says that the Environmental Report should provide information on: “relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan” and the “environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected” (Annex I (b) (c)) and “any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC (Birds Directive) and 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive)” (Annex I (d)). The aim of the baseline data collation is to give an overview of the sustainability characteristics of the strategy area. This enables informed judgements to be made with regard to the likely evolution of the strategy area in the future, which in turn enables judgements to be made about the emerging Minerals Plan. The identification of sustainability issues provides an opportunity to help define key issues for the Minerals Plan and to improve the plan’s objectives and options. In order to achieve this, a preliminary set of baseline data has been extracted from a wide range of available publications and datasets. Sources have included national government and government agency websites, and the review of plans and policies carried out as outlined in Chapter 4. No primary research has been conducted. Detailed baseline data have been provided in Appendix I. Data have been collated and analysed for the following indicators (note: although particular indicators are listed under specific headings, most of the indicators will have an effect on both environmental and social factors): • Population Trends & Demographics • Biodiversity & Nature Conservation including information on: - European designations for nature conservation; - National designations for nature conservation; - Local designations for nature conservation; - Wildlife Habitats • Heritage and Cultural Heritage including information on: - Historic Landscape Character Areas - Listed buildings; - Conservation areas; - Registered Parks and Gardens; - Scheduled Monuments; • Geological Assets • Landscape • Natural Resources (Groundwater, Air & Soil) including: - EA Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies - Surface Water Quality - Groundwater and Source Protection Zones - Climate Change & Flooding • Air Quality • Minerals in the County • Health • Community Satisfaction & Cohesion
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• Economic Trends and Performance • Deprivation and Need - Local Child Poverty - Fuel Poverty • Education and Skills • Crime and Safety • Traffic and Transport It is considered that the data collated is of a sufficient level and accuracy to provide a comprehensive overview of the sustainability situation in Warwickshire as it currently stands in relation to the Minerals Plan.
5.1. Summary of Data Analysis Warwickshire lies to the south and east of the West Midlands conurbation and has established strong links with the adjoining authorities of Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull in the West Midlands, but also with the South East. Warwickshire is bounded to the North West by the West Midlands Metropolitan conurbation and Staffordshire, Leicestershire to the north east, Northamptonshire to the east, Worcestershire to the west, Oxfordshire to the south and Gloucestershire to the south west. Despite the focus of population within the main towns of the County, a significant part of Warwickshire is rural in nature with the majority of people living in the north and central areas of the County. Warwickshire is a two-tier local authority comprising of five District/Borough areas: • North Warwickshire Borough • Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough • Rugby Borough • Stratford-on-Avon District • Warwick District
Warwickshire has a population of around 548,000 people according to the latest population figures from the 2012 mid-year estimates, with the population projected to reach a total of 591,200 by 2021. The population has an ageing profile. To the north of the County, Rugby and Nuneaton and Bedworth are traditional industrial towns, where established industries include (or included) coal mining, textiles, cement production and engineering. Heavy industry is in continued decline, replaced by distribution centres, light to medium industry and services. In the centre and south of Warwickshire, lie the more prosperous towns of Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon sustain light to medium industries, services and tourism. Warwickshire’s population has been growing for the past four decades with a key factor being the continued in-migration from the urban areas of Coventry and Birmingham. Despite being in general prosperous, there are inequalities in employment and Quality of Life indicators alongside pockets of deprivation across the county. Typically, though the majority of the less prosperous areas with higher levels and larger concentrations of deprivation are located in the north of the county e.g. the Boroughs of Nuneaton and North Warwickshire. In relation to health, while this is generally better than the national average, like prosperity, it varies across the county. Strong transport links are a key feature of the county. Warwickshire lies at the heart of Britain’s transport network, with a wide range of motorway, rail and canal connections. Warwickshire has a landscape of considerable variety and complexity, with seven distinct landscape character areas, including one area part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The character of the landscape and its local distinctiveness is shaped and influenced heavily by the long period of human activity in the county – manifested by the wide range of historic and cultural heritage features to be found. Warwickshire’s landscape characters areas are highly valued by local communities and enhancement zones have been identified. Particular value is placed on that part of the county within the Cotswolds AONB.
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Warwickshire has a relatively large resource of high-quality agricultural land, but there is a risk that an increasing national focus on economic growth could increase the chance of such land being lost to development. There are many sites designated for nature conservation –from the international levels such as Ensor’s Pool Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to the local level with 253 Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). Of particular note in the context of this SA are the 20 SSSI’s and 90 local sites designated for geological purposes. As with many areas of Britain, the biodiversity of the county, in particular agricultural areas, has seen large scale changes due to changes in agricultural practices – in particular since World War 2. Recognition of these and other impacts on biodiversity means that there is a need for appropriate spatial planning to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the county and support the aim and objectives of the County’s Biodiversity Strategy. Warwickshire’s only Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is Ensor’s Pool – designated for White-clawed crayfish. Note that while it is thought that this species has been lost (as of November 2014), this SAC designation is still existing and should be treated as such. The overwhelming majority of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the county are now in 'favourable' (79.8% as of May 2015) condition and nearly 99% are meeting the Public Service Agreement target. Warwickshire has suffered a 97% loss of flower rich pasture and meadowland since 1945. There has been a loss of 32% of hedgerows in the same period. There is a requirement to enhance biodiversity and protect designated areas. The topography and drainage pattern of the county mean that parts of the county are at particular risk of flooding – with significant events in both rural and urban areas happening in the recent past. Common causes are river flooding, surface water flooding and sewer flooding. Water quality, in particular the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), must be adhered to. There are three river catchments within Warwickshire County: Avon Warwickshire Catchment, the Blythe Operational Catchment (part of the larger Humber/Tame Catchment) and the Cherwell Operational Catchment (part of the larger Thames Catchment). The overall water quality has been deteriorating in the three catchments.
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6. Key Issues and Opportunities
The identification of key sustainability issues most relevant to the Minerals Plan has been based on: the review of additional relevant plans and programmes carried out in Section 3 and Appendix I, the analysis of the baseline data described in Chapter 5 and Appendix I, and consideration of issues likely to be addressed in the Minerals Plan itself. A summary of key sustainability issues is presented in Table 6-1.
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Table 6-1 - Key Sustainability Issues
Sustainability Description Relevant sustainability Reason Linkage to SA objectives Issue issue identified for Minerals (see Table 7-1) Plan Biodiversity There is a requirement to protect Restoration and after uses Minerals development can influence SA objective 1 protection sites and species of national, Protection and biodiversity resources due to the scale of the regional and local importance and enhancement of the natural footprint and the nature of the processes minimise the loss of biodiversity, and built environment involved. Delivering sustainable mineral including biodiversity which is not development should inherently consider the Reinstatement, restoration statutorily protected, within the implications for biodiversity assets and and aftercare County. In particular, the resources.
contribution that the extensive rural Warwickshire is already working to these areas make to biodiversity in ends with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Living Warwickshire is valued within the Landscapes projects, the proposed Nature County. In addition, there is a Improvement Area, biodiversity opportunity general need to cover a complete mapping and the sub-regional green ecological network within the county infrastructure study. It is therefore important based on designated sites and that this sustainability issue considers the areas/ corridors to link them. wider measures needed to achieve effective and sustainable nature conservation and include this within the SA process for the Minerals Plan. Climate Change There is a national need to consider Secondary and recycled It is important that future minerals sites are SA Objective 3 and Flood Risk the impact of climate change and aggregates planned and safeguarded from the potential manage the risk of flooding. Parts Minerals safeguarding effects of climate change. of the County are within flood risk Flood risk and hydrology Delivering sustainable minerals development areas and the region has a part to close to the markets where it they are play in achieving regional and needed, will, reduce potential effects on national targets relating to reducing climate change e.g. through reduced the impact of climate change dependency on transportation. Minerals can also help alleviate flooding with low-lying restorations. Landscape Many areas within Warwickshire Protection of Environmental Warwickshire has a significant historic and SA Objectives 5 and 14 creation and have a positive image which nature conservation resource. Minerals
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Sustainability Description Relevant sustainability Reason Linkage to SA objectives Issue issue identified for Minerals (see Table 7-1) Plan protection capitalise on the historic and natural Resources development has created some of the most resources within the County and Recreational assets and attractive landscapes in the county and will which attract people to live in and Public Rights of Way continue to influence this resource. Often it visit the county. There is a need to can seem in the short-term that there is only
protect these assets and improve an adverse effect from minerals development this positive perception and image but when the sites are restored they can throughout the County to areas provide a recreational, landscape and nature which are less attractive. conservation resource for future generations. This attracts people to come and live in the county. The positive environmental impacts of minerals development must be promoted. Protection of Natural resources must be Protection and Delivering sustainable mineral extraction SA Objectives 2 and 7 Natural Resources protected: there are numerous ways enhancement of the natural should ensure effective control over these - air, groundwater of doing this e.g. through AQMA’s in and built environment issues. and soil terms of air quality and Minerals safeguarding Over-use of groundwater depletes the public Groundwater Protection Zones in water supply. Rivers and wildlife also depend the case of ground water. heavily on groundwater and may be harmed,
Ground water is vulnerable to or lost, if groundwater levels become too contamination and is difficult to low. Thirty-five per cent of groundwater clean. Nitrate, pesticides, solvents bodies are classified as at ‘poor quantitative and other chemicals can get into status’ under the EU Water Framework groundwater from surface water and Directive because of Abstraction pressures. soils. Therefore minerals sites have strict conditions Soils need to be protected for their as to ensure soils and ground water are function. Planning Conditions can protected. ensure effective control. Historic Warwickshire’s historic natural and Protection and Warwickshire has a significant historic and SA Objective 6 Environment built environment attracts tourists enhancement of the natural nature conservation resource. Minerals and people to come and live and and built environment development can influence this resource work in the county. Building stone positively when carried out well and negatively when implemented badly. Reinstatement, restoration Protection of the historic resource through the and aftercare development management policies in the
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Sustainability Description Relevant sustainability Reason Linkage to SA objectives Issue issue identified for Minerals (see Table 7-1) Plan Sustainable design and Minerals Plan is therefore needed. operation Health Warwickshire has an increasingly Managing health, economic Mineral development must be managed safely SA Objective 4 elderly population which will require and amenity impacts of and with the necessary environmental more resources to be given to mineral development. protection policies in place to ensure that
healthcare in the future. Access to Sustainable transportation there are no health issues caused by the healthcare and education to lead of minerals. location of mineral facilities or from more healthy lifestyles are issues transporting minerals around the county. Restoration and after uses that need to be addressed. Access Access to natural green spaces is one of the Reinstatement, restoration to green spaces can help in ways that people can gain health benefits and aftercare improving mental health of the provided by the natural environment and so population. the Minerals Plan needs to consider the impact of policies on such provision and the subsequent effects this could have on health and wellbeing. Sustainable Warwickshire is required to produce Supply of Minerals Minerals are required for the county’s future SA Objective 8 Mineral Extraction aggregates and other minerals Aggregate Minerals economic growth. At the same time, it is important that environmental safeguards Minerals Safeguarding ensure that the mineral can be extracted Secondary and Recycled safely and sustainably as close to where the Aggregates mineral is needed. Mineral Warwickshire Minerals Safeguarding Whilst producing primary aggregates and SA Objective 12 Safeguarding Secondary and Recycled other minerals for the plan period it is Aggregates important that future supplies are not exhausted in the short term. Consequently,
the county needs to protect mineral reserves where they are threatened by non-mineral development. Another way of preserving mineral reserves is by increasing the production of secondary and recycled aggregates. Transport and There are marked variations in Sustainable transportation In developing an appropriate solution to SA objective 11
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Sustainability Description Relevant sustainability Reason Linkage to SA objectives Issue issue identified for Minerals (see Table 7-1) Plan Movement accessibility and mobility within of minerals minerals planning within Warwickshire, an Warwickshire, particularly in terms Transportation effective transport infrastructure plays a of public transport provision. There fundamental role. There will be pressure on
is an identified need to provide roads around the new sites and therefore better linkages between urban and alternatives to road transport should be fully rural communities as well as access considered. This, for example, could to employment opportunities. There potentially make use of the strong rail and is a need to ensure highways canal connections in and from the county to especially for pedestrians and further afield. cyclists. Economic Activity There are relatively high levels of Supply of Minerals The delivery of mineral developments will SA Objective 16 economic activity associated with Aggregate Minerals create a demand for employment thus tourism and knowledge based stimulating economic activity. In addition, industries while there is a relatively appropriately managed developments are low dependency on state benefits. likely to have a lesser detrimental effect on natural and built resources within the County which support tourism. Unemployment Only Nuneaton and Bedworth has a Supply of Minerals New mineral development can help to provide SA Objective 16 and claimant count higher than the Aggregate Minerals local employment. Minerals supply the overall Worklessness. average for England and Wales economy which is essentially built on the
(3.6%) – 2010. Warwickshire has construction sector. Consequently, minerals traditionally had low unemployment indirectly, support a massive amount of new but the downturn which began in local jobs in house building and infrastructure. 2008 has pushed the figures higher in recent years. Community Social inclusion is not as good as it Supply of Minerals The Minerals Plan must enable people to Engagement could be in Warwickshire; 25% of participate in decision making. The framework SA Objective 15 people feel they can’t influence the by which this can be achieved is set out in the decision making process. SCI. This will help influence the strategy and policies within the Minerals Plan. Education plays a significant role in ensuring the community and key stakeholders can provide informed comment on new minerals
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Sustainability Description Relevant sustainability Reason Linkage to SA objectives Issue issue identified for Minerals (see Table 7-1) Plan developments. Developers and operators should help the community by engaging in pre- application discussions to explain their proposals.
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7. SA Framework
The SA Framework is a key component in completing the SA and comprises a bespoke series of objectives. The purpose of the SA Framework is to provide a set of criteria against which the performance of the Minerals Plan can be predicted and evaluated. It is developed by synthesising the baseline information and sustainability issues into a systematic and easily understood tool that allows the assessment of effects arising from the implementation of the Minerals Plan in key areas. A framework of 16 objectives and associated decision-making criteria has been drawn up, developed through the analysis of baseline information and identification of key issues, as well as the PPP review. The Scoping Report consultation and which issues can potentially be addressed by the Mineral Plan were a key consideration. The 16 identified objectives (Table 7-1 below) have been worded so that they reflect one single desired direction of change for the theme concerned and do not overlap with other objectives. They include both externally imposed environmental objectives and others devised specifically in relation to the context of the Minerals Plan being prepared and they are distinct from the Minerals Plan objectives. Decision-making criteria have been identified for each objective to aid in the assessment.
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Table 7-1 - SA Framework SA Objective Decision Making Criteria (*denotes possibility of cumulative effects) 1.To conserve and enhance biodiversity * Will the WMP • Support the key objectives of Warwickshire’s and other planning authorities’ Biodiversity Action Plans? • Avoid damage to designated wildlife and geological sites, protected species and their habitats? • Maintain biodiversity, and avoid irreversible losses? • Promote the restoration of habitats and species to viable levels at minerals facilities? • Encourage operators to promote the sustainable management of wildlife resources and ecological processes at operational or decommissioned facilities and workings? 2.To protect and improve water quality Will the WMP and resources * • Compromise surface water or groundwater quality or flow characteristics? • Increase the likelihood of releasing substances prescribed under relevant EU and national legislation? • Encourage compliance with the Water Framework Directive? • Aim to redress any adverse water quality impacts arising from existing minerals activities? • Encourage operators to reduce specific water abstraction and consumption rates connected with their operations? 3.To avoid reduce and manage flood risk Will the WMP * • Promote facilities and management practices that avoid increased flood risk, and comply with local and national flood control policies? • Enable flood alleviation schemes as part of future mineral site restoration? 4. To safeguard environmental quality in Will the WMP order to minimise potential impacts on • Limit statutory nuisance associated with air pollution, noise, dust, light pollution and gaseous emissions? community health * • Promote high standards of air pollution control and management at minerals facilities? • Indirectly minimise carbon emissions through sustainable minerals haulage / transport strategy? • Encourage the use of ‘clean’ / low emission technologies on minerals sites? • Promote co-operation between minerals operators, the MPA, local residents and environmental health officers at minerals sites through regular liaison committees?
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SA Objective Decision Making Criteria (*denotes possibility of cumulative effects) 5.To conserve and enhance the quality of Will the WMP the landscapes and townscapes * • Improve landscape quality and the character of open spaces and public realm? • Enhance the quality of priority areas for townscape and public realm enhancements? • Seek to minimise the visual intrusion of minerals operations through high quality architectural design and landscape treatment, while protecting and enhancing existing high quality views? • Pay regard to statutorily protected land or other land of high environmental value? • Pay regard to rural employment and agricultural interests, ensuring that farm businesses are considered fully in the decision making process? 6. To preserve or enhance buildings, Will the WMP sites, areas of special architectural or Protect and enhance the setting of Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, SAMs and other features of cultural, historic interest or archaeological interest historical and archaeological value? and their settings Encourage the avoidance of archaeological features and remains potentially affected by minerals operations?
Seek to promote liaison between minerals operators and agencies tasked with the protection of archaeological and cultural heritage sites at vulnerable locations? 7. To protect soil resources * Will the WMP • Ensure that soil storage regimes delivered on site so that quality soils can be used again after completion of the development for restoration purposes? • Ensure that minerals operators are obliged to adopt the highest standards of maintenance, restoration and aftercare of land? • Ensure Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land is protected? 8. To preserve and protect geological Will the WMP features and promote geological • Ensure that where geological features are identified they can be effectively protected and enhanced where conservation possible? • Encourage the avoidance of archaeological features and remains potentially affected by minerals operations?
9. To promote the delivery of energy Will the WMP efficiency and carbon reduction targets * • Promote a proactive reduction in the volume of greenhouse gas emissions released by minerals activities across the county?
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SA Objective Decision Making Criteria (*denotes possibility of cumulative effects) • Encourage high standards of engineering design to ‘future proof’ structures and facilities against more extreme climate and weather events? E.g. higher average, and more extreme, temperatures; soil moisture deficits; urban drainage system flooding? • Prevent inappropriate development on flood plains, particularly those increasing flood risk to Warwickshire residents, or exposing businesses or personnel to greater risks? 10. To reduce consumption of natural Will the WMP resources * • Promote the principles of sustainability in the design, operation and restoration of minerals facilities? • Encourage developers and operators to subscribe to ‘greening’ their supply chains, by controlling and influencing the indirect environmental impacts of their operations? • Reduce the consumption rates of primary aggregates through sustainable construction methods, such as the re- use and recycling of secondary aggregates and demolition wastes? • Aim to develop a clearer understanding of the direct and indirect impact of operations upon natural resource demands, and the means to reduce these impacts? 11. To encourage the sustainable Will the WMP transportation of minerals * • Ensure that minerals sites are located as closely as possible to the markets they serve? • Minimise transportation distances? • Ensure that local communities are not adversely impacted by the transportation of minerals? 12.To adequately safeguard reserves of Will the WMP minerals for future generations • Safeguard mineral supplies through effective and efficient management of the county’s mineral reserves? 13.To ensure minerals restoration makes Will the WMP the best possible use of former mineral • Optimise the social, economic and environmental benefits of restoration schemes? operations • Ensure that material used for inert fill is minimised to encourage more recycling of construction and demolition waste? 14. To protect and enhance material Will the WMP assets such as Green Belt, Public rights • Protect material assets in the first instance and mitigate and enhance such features where possible, where full of Way and open space * protection is not possible? 15. To enfranchise the community in Will the WMP improving the local environment • Avoid neighbourhood ‘dissatisfaction’ as places to live adjacent to minerals facilities, thereby encouraging
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SA Objective Decision Making Criteria (*denotes possibility of cumulative effects) ‘ownership’? • Aim to improve residential amenity and ‘sense of place’ at locations currently adversely affected by minerals operations? • Encourage a ‘secure through design’ approach to the planning of new minerals facilities, reducing the likelihood of anti-social behaviour, crime and a general sense of apprehension within the community? 16. To ensure that the minerals industry Will the WMP plays a central role in the sustainable • Support stable employment and employment in Warwickshire? economic development of Warwickshire * • Explore opportunities for the minerals sector to contribute to objectives, which aim to reduce economic disparities within the County?
Note: In this revised SA Report, SA Objective 6 has been slightly amended to reflect the latest wording of the NPPF 2018 and agricultural land is now a consideration under SA Objective 7 rather than SA Objective 14. SA Objective 14 has been amended to remove the consideration of agricultural land. All assessments undertaken of the Second Publication Plan reflect these changes.
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8. Testing the Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives
8.1. Introduction This chapter sets out the iterative process of assessment that has been completed in respect of the Minerals Plan objectives. The initial assessment of the first iteration of the plan’s objectives is described, followed by the changes made resulting in the version that appears in the Minerals Plan Publication document. A commentary on the latest version of the Plan’s Objectives and their overall compatibility with the SA Objectives completes the chapter. The draft objectives of the Minerals Plan (as at April 2015) and the SA objectives are noted in the following table which also shows that for the most part there is relevance between the two sets of objectives, they are either broadly compatible, or offer the potential to be compatible dependent upon the implementation measures proposed through development of the Plan policies. There are a small number of areas where there was the potential for conflict between objectives. The full results are presented in Appendix I. All objectives were tested for compatibility using the following criteria:
Table 8-1 - Key of objective compatibility √ Broadly Compatible X Potential Conflict ? Depending upon the nature of the implementation measure NR Not Relevant / No Relationship
Considering the rationale outlined above for the compatibility of the Minerals Plan Objectives and the SA Objectives, it is considered that there is a high degree of compatibility between the two sets of objectives as shown in Table 8-2. This high degree of compatibility reflects WCC’s set of robust and comprehensive Mineral Plan Objectives which address most aspects of sustainability under consideration.
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Table 8-2 - Compatibility Assessment of the April 2015 Mineral Plan Objectives and SA Objectives
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There remain a small number of areas where there is the potential for conflict between Mineral Plan Objectives and Sustainability Appraisal Objectives. This is the case for Plan Objective i) To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level, which presents the highest number of potential conflicts and compatibility depend upon implementation measures. However, these potential conflicts are likely to be resolved satisfactorily and more sustainable implementation measures likely to be applied, through the application of other Plan objectives as identified below: i. To help deliver sustainable mineral development by promoting the prudent use and safeguarding of Warwickshire's mineral resources and help prevent sterilisation of land; ii. To promote the use of recycled or secondary materials and promote waste minimisation to reduce the overall demand for primary mineral extraction; iii. To conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment and mitigate potential adverse effects associated with mineral developments; iv. To have full regard for the concerns and interests of local communities and protect them from unacceptable environmental effects resulting from mineral developments; v. To ensure mineral sites are restored to a high standard once extraction has ceased and ensure that each site is restored to the most beneficial use(s); vi. To reduce the effect of mineral extraction on the causes of climate change; and vii. To ensure the best quality agricultural land is protected or replaced to its former quality.
However, conflicts are likely to remain between: • Plan Objectives iv. and vii. and SA Objective 7 ‘Protect and enhance soil resources’ as efforts to conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment and mitigate potential adverse impacts associated with mineral developments are likely to protect soil resources but it is unlikely that soil quality will be enhanced and effective restoration will provide the opportunity to protect the soil resource of the former site but it is unlikely to enhance its quality, respectively. • Plan Objective viii. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances and SA Objectives dealing with the protection of geological features and promote geological conservation (SA Objective 8) and adequately safeguarding reserves for future generations (SA Objective 12), as the promotion of the use of locally extracted materials is likely to result in the loss of important geological features and lead to quicker mineral exploitation.
Review of Plan Objectives Considering the above, and following a review of the national mineral objectives, WCC has slightly revised the Consultation Plan Objectives. These remain compatible with the SA objectives as noted above and are as follows: i. To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level. ii. To help deliver sustainable mineral development by promoting the prudent use and safeguarding of Warwickshire’s mineral resources and help prevent sterilisation of land from non-mineral development. iii. To promote the use of recycled and/or secondary materials and promote waste minimisation to reduce the overall demand for primary mineral extraction for construction aggregates. iv. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment and avoid, reduce or mitigate potential adverse effects associated with mineral developments. v. To have full regard for the concerns and interests of local communities and protect them from unacceptable environmental adverse impacts resulting from mineral developments; vi. To minimise the impact of the movement of bulk materials by road on local communities and where possible encourage the use of alternative modes of transport. vii. To ensure mineral sites are restored to a high standard once extraction has ceased and ensure that each site is restored to the most beneficial use(s). viii. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances.
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ix. To reduce the effect of mineral development on the causes of climate change. x. To ensure the best quality agricultural land is protected or replaced to its former quality.
Further to the 2015 public consultation, the Council has further revised the Plan Objectives. The changes introduced enhance the compatibility with the SA objectives and are as follows: xi. To secure a steady and adequate supply of aggregates and other minerals required to support sustainable economic growth at the national, sub-regional and local level. (no change) xii. To help deliver sustainable mineral development by promoting the prudent use and safeguarding of Warwickshire's mineral resources and help prevent sterilisation of land from non-mineral development. (no change) xiii. To promote the use of recycled and/or secondary materials and promote waste minimisation to reduce the overall demand for primary mineral extraction for construction aggregates. (no change) xiv. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural (including controlled waters defined in the Water Resources Act 1991) and historic environment and avoid, reduce or mitigate potential adverse effects associated with mineral developments. (change) xv. To have full regard for the concerns and interests of local communities and protect them from unacceptable adverse impacts including human health from mineral developments. (change) xvi. To minimise the impact of the movement of bulk materials by road on local communities and where possible encourage the use of alternative modes of transport. (no change) xvii. To ensure mineral sites are restored to a high standard once extraction has ceased, ensure that each site is restored to the most beneficial use(s) and provides restoration benefits including green infrastructure and biodiversity. (change) xviii. To promote the use of locally extracted materials to encourage local distinctiveness and reduce transportation distances. (no change) xix. To reduce the effect of mineral development on the causes of climate change and facilitate adaptation to the effects of climate change. (change) xx. To ensure the best and most versatile agricultural land is protected or restored to a condition and quality that retains its longer term capability as a high quality resource. (change)
9. Spatial Options Appraisal
Stage B2 of the SA process involved the generation of plan options. This exercise was undertaken in part to fulfil the requirements of the SEA Directive, which requires that the Environmental Report should consider: ‘reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme’ and give ‘an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with’ (Article 5.1 and Annex Ih).
9.1. Development of Spatial Options WCC previously (in 2009) proposed 3 Spatial Options as part of the development of the Spatial Strategy as follows: • Spatial Option 1: Development / Transport led (Extensions only). NB Concentrated only in existing large quarries • Spatial Option 2: A continuation of the existing local plan strategy (Geology led) – Dispersed site selection within geological areas. No major emphasis on transport connections or focus on future growth areas. • Spatial Option 3: Development / Transport / Accessibility led option – Based on the selection of new and existing sites close to the main road network and close to main growth areas in the county focused primarily within a ‘Minerals Development Corridor’.
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After the development of the above 3 Spatial Options, it was identified that there were issues with the supply of sand and gravel in the county and the continued appropriateness of the Mineral Development Corridor approach derived from regional planning documents and a new Option 3a was developed in 2015 as follows: • Spatial Option 3a: As Option 3 but omitting development corridors in favour of supporting the development of the main settlements in the County and adjoin markets such as Coventry and augmented with preferred sand & gravel sites.
9.2. Working Towards a Preferred Option It should be noted that a high level assessment methodology has been used in order to give an indication of the most sustainable options. This approach assumes that all SA Objectives are equally important and thus option(s) with the most positive effect overall are noted as being most sustainable; whilst those option(s) with less positive effects are noted as being less sustainable. Further details on the methodology utilised are provided in Chapter 3.
9.2.1. Comparative Advantages / Disadvantages of Options The detail of the assessment of the four Strategic Spatial Options against the SA framework is shown in Appendix I. An overview of the anticipated effects of the Strategic Spatial Options in terms of the sustainability performance and their comparative advantages / disadvantages is as follows:
Table 9-1 - Spatial Option 1 This option is Development / Transport led (Extensions only) and is concentrated only in existing large quarries. Advantages Disadvantages The main advantage with this option is that it would Utilising existing sites provides an advantage to restrict effects to existing large scale sites and existing operators and will not contribute to therefore not introduce new mineral operations into objectives to reduce economic disparities in the the environment. This option would also afford the county. It is also known that there is an existing opportunity to utilise the existing infrastructure at shortfall in sand & gravel provision in the county and these sites, thereby reducing further the area this option would not address this issue. In addition, impacted by mineral operations. Utilising existing some existing sites are nearing the end of their life sites & infrastructure could also lead to less and therefore this is not sustainable economic greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, local development. In terms of the effect on local communities would be aware of and perhaps communities, while they may be accustomed to the accustomed to the operation and may already have operation, dissatisfaction can still occur due to liaison groups and procedures in place to address prolonged and extended development. The use of any issues which impact on the community. The existing sites & infrastructure is also not likely to lead local community may also have an economic interest to a change in transport options. in the operation as it may be a source of employment or income to the local area.
Summary: This option may be best in terms of reducing the overall effect on the environment, but it does not provide an opportunity to address issues relating to economic development, shortfalls in types of mineral supply and a step change in transport of minerals.
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Table 9-2 - Spatial Option 2 This option is a continuation of the existing local plan strategy (Geology led) – Dispersed site selection within geological areas. No major emphasis on transport connections or focus on future growth areas. Advantages Disadvantages This option would lead to dispersed sites across the Dispersed sites mean that more communities will be county and this could aid reducing economic impacted by mineral operations and the requirement disparities by providing employment opportunities for infrastructure to support these. This could effect across a wider area. This option would allow new negatively on the health of people in these areas as operators to develop sites. This option may also help well as increase neighbourhood ‘dissatisfaction’ and ‘spread the load’ around a larger number of disrupt residential amenity. This option would lead to communities rather than it being concentrated in a a greater risk that sites of interest / protected sites smaller number of existing sites. Dispersed sites for biodiversity or heritage could be impacted. may also provide an opportunity for utilising different Dispersed sites would also lead to a greater effect on transport options e.g. canal or rail options. landscape / townscape and potentially a larger number of water bodies could be negatively impacted. Areas of Green Belt, PROW and open
space would also be at greater risk due to sites being located across the county. This option does not address directly known issues surrounding supply of certain types of mineral.
Summary: The unfocused nature of this option means that negative effects could be experienced across the county.
Table 9-3 - Spatial Option 3 Development / Transport / Accessibility led option – Based on the selection of new and existing sites close to the main road network and close to main growth areas in the county focused primarily within a ‘Minerals Development Corridor’. Advantages Disadvantages Option will lead to dispersed sites across the county Dispersed sites mean that more communities will be and this could aid reducing economic disparities by impacted by mineral operations and the requirement providing employment opportunities across a wider for infrastructure to support these. This could effect area. The focus on sites close to the road network negatively on the health of people in these areas as and main growth areas could help reduce new well as increase neighbourhood ‘dissatisfaction’ and infrastructure costs to operators and may lead to a disrupt residential amenity. This option would lead to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by utilising a greater risk that sites of interest / protected sites existing infrastructure. The use of this existing for biodiversity or heritage could be impacted. infrastructure would also reduce the area in which Dispersed sites would also lead to a greater effect on effects can occur. This option would allow new landscape / townscape and potentially a larger operators to develop sites. This option may also help number of water bodies could be negatively ‘spread the load’ around a larger number of impacted. Areas of Green Belt, PROW and open communities rather than it being concentrated in a space would also be at greater risk due to sites smaller number of existing sites. Dispersed sites being located across the county. It should be noted may also provide an opportunity for utilising different though that the focus on sites close to the main road transport options e.g. canal or rail options. At existing network and close to main growth areas will reduce sites local communities would be aware of and the area in which effects could occur. It should also perhaps accustomed to the operation and may be noted that the Mineral Development Corridor already have liaison groups and procedures in place approach was a regional planning approach to future to address any issues which impact on the growth in the county rather than locally derived community. The local community may also have an /focussed growth within the Districts which the NPPF economic interest in the operation as it may be a now encourages.
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source of employment or income to the local area. This option does not address directly known issues surrounding supply of certain types of mineral.
Summary: While this option could lead to effects across the county, the focus on existing roads & growth areas will reduce the area in which this could occur.
Table 9-4 - Spatial Option 3a As Option 3 but augmented with preferred sand & gravel sites. Advantages Disadvantages Option will lead to dispersed sites across the county Dispersed sites mean that more communities will be and this could aid reducing economic disparities by impacted by mineral operations and the requirement providing employment opportunities across a wider for infrastructure to support these. This could effect area. The focus on sites close to the road network negatively on the health of people in these areas as and main local growth areas could help reduce new well as increase neighbourhood ‘dissatisfaction’ and infrastructure costs to operators and may lead to a disrupt residential amenity. This option would lead to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by utilising a greater risk that sites of interest / protected sites existing infrastructure. The use of this existing for biodiversity or heritage could be impacted. infrastructure would also reduce the area in which Dispersed sites would also lead to a greater effect on effects can occur. This option would allow new landscape / townscape and potentially a larger operators to develop sites. This option may also help number of water bodies could be negatively ‘spread the load’ around a larger number of impacted. Areas of Green Belt, PROW and open communities rather than it being concentrated in a space would also be at greater risk due to sites smaller number of existing sites. Dispersed sites being located across the county. It should be noted may also provide an opportunity for utilising different though that the focus on sites close to the main road transport options e.g. canal or rail options. At existing network and close to main growth areas will reduce sites local communities would be aware of and the area in which effects could occur. perhaps accustomed to the operation and may already have liaison groups and procedures in place to address any issues which impact on the community. The local community may also have an economic interest in the operation as it may be a source of employment or income to the local area.
This option addresses known issues relating to the supply of sand & gravel.
Summary: While this option could lead to effects across the county, the focus on existing roads & growth areas will reduce the area in which this could occur. This option has the added advantage over Option 3 of focussing on a known issue relative to the supply of sand and gravel.
9.3. Conclusions It is considered that from an environmental sustainability perspective, Spatial Option 1 represents the option that would potentially have the least effect. However, it is important to recognise that in any sustainability appraisal, economic and social issues are also considered. From a comparative review of all the Options it is considered that Spatial Option 3a represents the best ‘all round’ option in terms of sustainable development. Spatial Option 3a has been taken forward by WCC as the preferred option.
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10. Assessment of Site Options
10.1. Identification of Sites Options A key role of the Minerals Plan is to make provision for the future supply of certain minerals that occur within Warwickshire, more specifically sand and gravel. The Minerals Plan therefore aims to identify preferred sites where resources are known to exist and where planning permission might reasonably be anticipated. WCC developed a Site Identification and Assessment Methodology (SIAM) for Allocating Sand and Gravel Sites. The SIAM was developed to identify, assess and compare potential mineral development sites, leading to the allocation of suitable mineral sites in the Minerals Plan. The SIAM was originally developed in 2015 and was updated in 2016 and more recently in 2018 to take account of public consultation comments. The SIAM 2018 provides the steps carried out to gather robust information and evidence to inform the selection of sites. It has been prepared to ensure that it satisfies the requirements of SA of the Minerals Plan, which seeks to assess how potential mineral sites perform against a range of economic, social and environmental objectives. Chapter 2 Methodology provides further detail on the SIAM 2018. Stage 2 of the 2018 SIAM identified the site options which required further consideration by the SA. Twelve site options have been identified as not having exclusionary constrains (see Table 10-1) and these have been assessed against the SA Objectives as realistic site options and compared in terms of their sustainability performance (this section of the report).
Table 10-1 - Sites options considered in the assessment Site option Area 1 - Bourton on Dunsmore, Straight Mile 29 ha 2 – Lawford Heath 61.7 ha 3 – Shawell Quarry 33 ha 4 – Wasperton Hill Farm, Wasperton 85 ha 5 – Glebe Farm, Wasperton 14 ha 6 – Coney Grey Farm, Ryton 47 ha 7 – Salford Priors 50 ha 9 – Hams Lane, Lea Marston 48 ha 22 South – Brinklow South 17.8 ha 23 North - Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath 8.26 ha 23 South - Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath 26.51 ha 32 – Shawell quarry extension 3 ha
The summary results of the assessments are presented in Table 10-3 and a discussion of the assessment results follows for each site option. Detailed assessments are provided in Appendix II together with maps showing the location of each sites and the constraints that apply to them. The following generic assessment scale has been utilised:
Table 10-2 - Generic assessment scale key
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Major adverse effect (- - -) Option likely to have a major adverse effect on the objective with no satisfactory mitigation possible. Option may be inappropriate for minerals development. Moderate adverse effect (- -) Option likely to have a moderate adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation likely to be difficult or problematic. Minor adverse effect (-) Option likely to have a minor adverse effect on the objective. Mitigation measures are readily achievable. Neutral or no effect (0) On balance option likely to have a neutral effect on the objective or no effect on the objective. Minor positive effect (+) Option likely to have a minor positive effect on the objective as enhancement of existing conditions may result. Moderate positive effect (+ +) Option likely to have a moderate positive effect on the objective as it would help resolve an existing issue. Major positive effect (+ + +) Option likely to have a major positive effect on the objective as it would help maximise opportunities.
It should be noted that the following SA objectives have not been considered in the site options assessments as they are considered not to be differentiators between sites i.e. sites are expected to adhere to these objectives in an equal fashion. • SAO 9. To promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets • SAO 10. To reduce consumption of natural resources • SAO 12. To adequately safeguard reserves of minerals for future generations • SAO 13. To ensure minerals restoration makes the best possible use of former mineral operations • SAO 15. To enfranchise the community in improving the local environment These SA objectives will be pursued for preferred sites through the relevant Development Management Policies set out in the Minerals Plan which address these particular SA Objectives.
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Table 10-3 Site Options Summary Assessment SA objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 22 23 North 23 32 South South 1. To conserve and (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) enhance biodiversity 2. To protect and (--) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) (-) (--) (0) improve water quality and resources 3. To avoid reduce (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) (-) (-) (0) (0) (-) (0) and manage flood risk 4. To safeguard (-) (-) (-) (-) (--) (-) (---) (-) (-) (-) (---) (-) environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health 5. To conserve and (-) (-) (--) (-) (--) (-) (--) (--) (-) (-) (--) (-) enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes 6. To preserve or (0) (-) (-)? (--) (--) (0) (0) (-) (0) (0) (-) (-)? enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and their settings 7. To protect soil (-) (-)? (0) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-)? (-)? (-)? (0)
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SA objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 22 23 North 23 32 South South resources 8. To preserve and (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) protect geological features and promote geological conservation 11. To encourage the (-) (-) (0) (-) (0) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) sustainable transportation of minerals 14. To protect and (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (-) (0) (-) (-) (0) (0) (-) enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space 16.To ensure that the (++) (+++) (-) (++) (+++) (+) (++) (++) (++) (-) (+) (+) (+) (+) minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire
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10.2. Results of Site Options Assessments
Site 1 Bourton on Dunsmore, Straight Mile The site area comprises of a 29 ha area of relatively flat land, comprising two parcels of land to the south of the A45 lying either side of the Straight Mile (B4453). It is currently in agricultural use comprising medium to large hedged fields. To the north of the site lies agricultural land with properties fronting onto the A 45 (west bound) beyond and to south of the site lies agricultural land with the villages of Bourton-on-Dunsmore (over 500m) and Draycote (1km) beyond. To the west lie agricultural land and an industrial estate beyond. To the east and north east of the southern parcel lie Bernhards Nurseries Ltd and Rugby Wyevale Garden Centre with the A45/A4071/B4453 junction beyond housing a Travelodge, McDonald’s and service station. PROW 186 runs along the southern boundary of the southern parcel of land. The SA has identified potential moderate negative effects on one of the SA Objectives: SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources). Moderate negative effects have been identified on SAO 2. The proposed site lies within a Drinking Water Protection Area (surface water) and safeguards would need to be put in place to alleviate any pollution risk to the River Leam which lies 2.5kms to the south west of the site. These safeguards would be established through an Environmental Assessment submitted at the planning application stage. In addition, provision of suitable mitigation measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Draycote Meadows SSSI would be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues that may arise during operation and restoration. There are also licensed abstractions in the vicinity of the site: a borehole at Bernhards Rugby Nursery Ltd, a well at Bungalow Nurseries and a surface water abstraction at Heath Farm. There would be a need to demonstrate that the proposed development (including any de-watering operations) and restoration of the site will not derogate these abstractions. Mitigation may be problematic for this SA Objective. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on seven SA objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk, SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). SAO 1 is likely to be impacted negatively on a minor scale since Draycote Meadows SSSI lies 870m to the south-east of the site and may be hydrologically linked to the site as well as hedgerows and hedgerow trees existing within the site. These existing hedgerow features should be retained. It is considered that there is a minor negative effect on SAO 3 as both parcels of land are located in Flood Zone 1 (low risk of flooding). There may be potential to exacerbate local flooding issues outside the site boundary so a surface water drainage flood risk assessment would be required to establish if mitigation measures are necessary at the planning application stage. The proposal to restore the site to wetland and marsh habitats could provide the opportunity to address local flooding issues. Although the site lies outside of Rugby AQMA, there is still potential for minor negative impacts of SAO 4. This is because although there are no residential properties within and/or adjacent to the site; Bernhard’s Nurseries Ltd which is separated by existing vegetation, a road and buildings/structures from the site may be affected by working. Mitigation measures are likely to be required but achievable. An Environmental Management Plan would also be required at the planning application stage. The objective to conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes (SAO 5) has been in identified a being negatively impacted on a minor scale. The site falls within the Dunsmore Plateau Farmlands landscape character type which in this area is characterised by a broad flat summit which falls away steeply along its northern and southern margins. The site is relatively flat, forming part of the summit, and is intensively farmed. However, it still retains its historic geometric pattern of medium to large scale hedged fields. Hedgerows, including roadside hedgerows, have developed gaps. Road visual impact should be minimal providing the existing hedgerow network and screen planting is gapped up and retained throughout the working phases. Safeguarding existing hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees coupled with advanced planting and the phased working and restoration of the site should minimise any potential adverse
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landscape and visual impacts. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment and a Tree Survey would be required for this site at the planning application stage. Minor negative effects are predicted on SAO 7 as the two parcels of land comprise 24 ha of BMV land (Grades 2 and 3a) and 5.2 ha is non BMV land. The BMV land can be restored by infilling with inert wastes and lowering the land where feasible whilst the non BMV land may be used for nature conservation uses or to provide soils for restoration of the BMV land. Phased working and restoration would be required. All soils to be stored on site for restoration purposes. The site is expected to have minor negative effects on the sustainable transportation of minerals (SAO 11). Although there are no objections from the Highways Authority to the development of the site vehicles would need to be routed north eastwards via B 4453 to the A45 and/or A4071. A new access route, junction improvements and road crossing (tunnel/conveyor) would need to be provided to enable the two parcels to be worked and restored. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. There are also no other suitable transport links (such as canals or railway networks) that could be used for moving minerals to local markets. The final objective that could be impacted negatively on a minor level is SAO 14. This is because the site lies inside Green Belt, however any mobile plant used to process minerals on the site could be sited to avoid any harm to the openness of the Green Belt. No GI or PRoWs would be affected by this proposal. As the site is not located in a deprived area and is likely to provide local employment, a moderate positive effect has been identified for SAO 16. Minerals from this site could be used to produce materials for developments proposed in the Rugby area. Sites such as Rugby Wyevale Garden Centre and Bernhard's Nurseries Ltd are unlikely to be affected due to distance, existing and intervening features and mitigation measures. The SA has identified two objectives on which the site is likely to have no effect: SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) and SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation). This is because there are no heritage assets within or adjacent to the site therefore there would be no harm to any heritage assets and there are no geodiversity features that exist on site. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 2 Lawford Heath This 61.7 ha site comprises two parcels of land lying either side of Lawford Heath Lane, north of the A45 at Lawford Heath. The two parcels of land are currently in agricultural use comprising medium to large hedged fields. There are no settlements (a cohesive group of 10 or more dwellings) nearby and it has good access to Coalpit Lane and the local highway network. There are a number of properties bordering the western boundary of the western parcel of land including Park Farm, South Lodge Farm, Wolston Grange Care Home, North Lodge Farm, The Cottage, Wolston Grange Cottage, North Lodge and a cattery. The eastern parcel is bordered by Blue Boar Farms buildings to the north and south-west. To the north of the site lies agricultural land and restored areas of Ling Hall Quarry complex, to the east Ling Hall Quarry and agricultural land, to the south A45 (east bound) and the junction of the A45/A4071/B4453 and to the west agricultural land with the A45 beyond. PROW R164 crosses the extreme eastern end of the western parcel and the western end of the eastern parcel in a mainly north – south direction from Lawford Heath Lane to A 45 London Road. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on ten SA Objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals), SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) and SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire).
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Negative effects on SAO 1 (Conserve ad enhance biodiversity) could occur as Draycote Meadows SSSI lies at its nearest point 1km to the south-east of the site and may be hydrologically linked to the site. On the southwestern edge of the western parcel there also lies a pond which forms part of a tributary (watercourse) to the River Avon (and tributaries) LWS. A 180m length of a tributary (watercourse) of the River LWS also enters the eastern parcel at the mid-point on the northern boundary. Provision of suitable mitigation measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Draycote Meadows SSSI would be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues that may arise during operation and restoration. While the pond in the western parcel lies on the edge of the allocation, a suitable standoff would still be required to protect the pond. Equally, a suitable standoff would be required to protect the tributary of the River LWS which enters the eastern parcel at the mid-point on the northern boundary. The exact extent of any standoffs required would need to be determined during the planning application stage. An ancient small leaved lime tree lies adjacent to the western boundary of the western parcel but it would fall within the proposed 100m standoff zone from the properties lying beyond the western boundary and therefore would not be affected by this development. The site would have negative minor effects on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) as the proposed site does not fall within a Drinking Water Protected Area so the proposed development would not affect public drinking supply. There are licensed abstractions from ponds on the disused Church Lawford airfield and a borehole at Manor Farm. Any planning application would need to demonstrate that the proposed development, (including any de-watering operations), and that restoration of the site would not derogate these abstractions. There are a few ordinary watercourses, tributaries of the Main River Avon within or on the boundary of the site. These would be protected by suitable standoffs. SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk) would be affected negatively on a minor level as the site is located in Flood Zone 1 which means there is a low risk of flooding. There are also a few ordinary watercourses, tributaries of the Main River Avon within or on the boundary of the site. A site-specific Flood Risk Assessment would need to be prepared to determine the flood risk from these watercourses and ensure that the development does not increase the flood risk elsewhere and identify opportunities to reduce the risk overall. Minor negative effects predicted on SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as the eastern edge of the eastern parcel of the site is within Rugby AQMA. There are also a number of properties bordering the western boundary of the western parcel of land including Park Farm, South Lodge Farm, Wolston Grange Care Home, North Lodge Farm, The Cottage, Wolston Grange Cottage, North Lodge and a cattery. The eastern parcel is bordered by Blue Boar Farms buildings to the north and south-west. The provision of a buffer zone of a minimum of 100 metres from these properties would be needed to minimise any potential adverse impacts from such things as noise and dust. The suitability of this buffer zone would need to be reviewed at the planning application stage. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would also be required at the planning application stage setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise mitigation measures. The SA identified that SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes) would be negatively affected on a minor level as the site falls within the Dunsmore Plateau Farmlands landscape character type which in this area is characterised by a broad flat summit which falls away steeply along its northern and southern margins. The site is relatively flat, forming part of the summit, and is intensively farmed. However, it still retains its historic geometric pattern of medium to large scale hedged fields. Hedgerows, including roadside hedgerows, have existing and developing gaps. Road visual impact should be minimal providing the existing hedgerow network and screen planting is gapped up and retained throughout the working phases. Safeguarding existing woodland blocks, hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees coupled with advanced planting and the phased working and restoration of the site should minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. Minor negative effects were also identified for SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings). This is a Grade II listed building known as Park Farmhouse which is located on the A45 and lies adjacent to the southern boundary of the western parcel. There is likely to be no harm to the significance of the setting of this designated heritage asset because of strong existing vegetation around the curtilage of the building restricting views, the lack of public access, the building’s orientation of north to south, its location on the A45, working will only take place
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to the east of the building, the building is separated from the site by an existing farm access to South Lodge Farm, working in this location would be temporary and the site would be restored to its existing agricultural use. In addition, a suitable standoff from the asset (100m minimum) to maintain its setting would be required. The exact extent of the standoff would need to be determined during the planning application stage. The SA identified minor negative effects on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources). Although there was no ALC survey for this site available, for the purposes of the assessment it has been assumed that it is Grade 3a. All the Grade 3a agricultural land can be restored using imported inert wastes and lowering the land to above the winter water level. Phased working and restoration would be required as well as all soil needing to be stored on site for restoration purposes. ALC would need to be established at planning application stage. Minor negative effects are predicted for SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) as there would be an increase in HGV traffic as a result of development of this site. Access onto Coalpit Lane would require improvements to the road if worked as a standalone site. All HGVs would need to travel via the A45. Ling Hall Quarry is subject to an existing S106 agreement which restricts the point of access and the routes taken by vehicles associated with the mineral and landfill activities. These restrictions would apply for the duration of the operations on the site. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. There are no suitable canal or railway networks available that could be used to transport minerals. SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) would be negatively impacted on a minor level as the site lies within the greenbelt. If the site is worked as a standalone site then mobile plant would need to be sited to maintain openness. However, the site lies adjacent to an existing mineral site Ling Hall quarry which has processing plant for imported minerals. To avoid the need to site a new plant and create a new access point, consideration should be given to working the site back to Ling Hall quarry by overland conveyor. Two small sections of PROW R164 can be temporarily diverted. No GI would be affected. When considering SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire), the site is likely to result in both minor negative and major positive effects. This is because although it is not in a derived area local employment is possible. As well as this minerals from this large site could be used to produce materials for developments in the Rugby area. Stand- offs, mitigation measures and the prohibition of access to the site from the existing vehicular access to various properties including Wolston Grange Care Home should minimise any potential adverse impacts on businesses at Wolston Grange/North Lodge to the north and north west of the western parcel of land. The SA only identified one objective that would not be affected in any way by the site and that was SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation). This is because no geodiversity features exist on site. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 3 Shawell Quarry Site 3 is a 33ha extension to the existing Shawell Quarry (in Leicestershire to the east of the A 45) to the west of the A5 and south of the A426 at the junction of the A5/A426. The site is currently in agricultural use comprising medium to large hedged fields in a very open landscape. It is bounded by the A426 to the north west with agricultural fields beyond. To the north at the junction of the A426/A5 and on its south western and eastern approaches there are a small number of properties and businesses. To the north east beyond the A426/A5 junction lies agricultural fields and Shawell Quarry. To the east beyond the A5 is agricultural fields and Shawell Quarry complex and to the south the site is bounded by woodland and agriculture with Coton House and grounds beyond. The nearest settlement is Churchover located approximately 1.6km to the west of the site. The quarry has good access to the local highway network and is in close proximity to the junction 1 of the M6 and the M1 motorways. A section of PROW R64x crosses the site from west to east. The SA identified one objective which would be affected negatively on a moderate level. This is SAO 5 which aimed to conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes. The site’s visual impact could be considerable as the site falls within the High Cross Plateau landscape character type which is characterised by a large scale, rolling landscape with wide views. The site is also relatively flat and
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intensively farmed with the nearest settlement Churchover located approximately 1.6km to the west of the site. Visual impact from working on the users of the A5 and A 426 would be minimal providing the existing hedgerow network and screen planting is retained. Advanced hedgerow planting, allowing hedgerows to grow taller, and providing a small block of woodland planting immediately south of the roundabout to screen the properties north of Site 3 and the phased working and restoration of the sites would, in principle, help minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. Any mitigation measures may be problematic. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on six SA Objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk ), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). The minor negative effects on SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) are due to Cave's Inn Pits SSSI lying 700m to the south east of the site. Provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of interest of Cave's Inn Pits SSSI to address any potential hydrological and air quality environmental impact pathways would be required. The location of the SSSI some distance away from the site is favourable in terms of attenuation of any impacts but the exact extent of any buffer zone required would need to be established during the planning application stage. The southern part of the site also borders an ordinary watercourse which forms part of the River Avon (and tributaries) LWS which would require protection through the provision of an adequate standoff. Appropriate stand offs (30m minimum) for existing woodlands (Coton Spinney and Spinney) would also be required. The exact extent of any standoffs required would need to be determined during the planning application stage. Additional, minor negative effects relate to SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources). The proposed site does not fall within a Drinking Water Protected Area so the proposed development would not affect public drinking supply however; there is an ordinary watercourse on the southern boundary of the site which may be affected by any workings on the site. Measures to protect the water quality of the watercourse would be required and these should include a suitable standoff distance. Minor negative effects expected on SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk) as the site is located in Flood Zone 1 (low risk of flooding). The ordinary watercourse on the southern boundary of the site would require protection measures and these should include a suitable standoff distance to be agreed with the Lead Local Flood Authority. A site specific hydrogeological assessment would be required to establish the exact minimum standoff distance. Although the site lies outside of the Rugby AQMA, minor negative effects where identified for SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as there are 3 residential properties and one business which lie to the north of the A 426 which forms the northern boundary of the site. The properties, however are separated, from the site by a major road and existing vegetation and therefore a standoff of 100m (minimum) would seem appropriate to protect any amenities. Working near these properties would also only be for a temporary period minimising the negative effects. There is also a service station and then a residential property lying to the east of the A5 which forms the eastern boundary of the site at the junction of the A5/A426 and Gibbet Lane. The A5, which is quite wide with a layby at this point, and existing vegetation and the topography would protect any amenities from working at these properties. Where stand offs are required the exact extent of any standoffs required would need to be determined during the planning application stage. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required for this site setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise mitigation measures. In addition, an Environmental Management Plan will be required at the planning application stage. There is also opportunity for advance tree planting at the junction of A5/A426 would assist in reducing any visual impacts from working. Even though there will be no harm to designated assets as none in the vicinity, minor negative effects have been identified for SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings). The site abuts the A5 which is a roman road and an archaeological evaluation would be required as a result to establish if mitigation measures are required.
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Minor negative effects on SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) as although this site lies outside Green Belt, existing PROW R64x would need to be temporarily diverted. Neutral effect on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) because phased working and restoration would be required for this site for it to be restored to agriculture, without the importation of inert wastes, due to the ability to change the final levels of the land (lower) without impacting on the landscape. For this to be done, all soils would need to be stored on site for restoration. The ALC survey shows us that the site is comprised of 20.4ha of Grade 3a and 12.6ha of Grade 3b of agricultural land. SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) and SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of materials) have been identified as unaffected by the site. No geodiversity features exist on this site and no road transport would be required as the material can be removed by overland conveyor back to the existing quarry at Shawell. Shawell Quarry is also not rail or water connected so there are no opportunities for sustainable transportation. A moderate positive effect could be seen on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire). This is because the site is not located in a deprived area and local employment is possible. Minerals from this site can also be used to produce materials for local developments. Distance to the working face, mitigation measures and the type of buildings and uses are likely to ensure local businesses are not adversely affected by mineral working. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 4 Wasperton Hill Farm, Wasperton The site lies 6 kms south of Warwick and about 350m south of the southern edge of Barford Village and covers an area of 85 hectares. The site is an approximately level area of arable farmland part of Wasperton Hill Farm of which approximately 50% is best and most versatile. The land is laid out in several large fields and parts of fields, divided by hedgerows. There are some hedgerow trees and small plantations. The A429, Warwick to Cirencester principal road, runs north to south along the site’s western boundary. There are three existing agricultural accesses off the A429 to the site; two at the northern end to connect Wasperton Farm and Holloway Farm to the main highway and one at the southern end which provides access to Marlpit Cottages. The majority of Barford Village lies to the north of the lane along Wellesbourne Road and along Church Street/High Street road running to the north east. . On the other side of the A429 lies the small settlement of Wasperton the majority of which is a designated Conservation Area. A large part of Barford Village is a designated Conservation Area. The main exclusions being the business properties and Bremridge Close housing estate along and off Wellesbourne Road and the post war housing estates at the southeast corner of the village; Sandy Way and Dugard Place. There are no buildings situated within the site and one public right of way runs across the site. The SA has identified one SA objective where the effects are expected to be moderate negative: SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings). There are potentially five listed buildings around Site 4 which could be affected by mineral working (Forge Cottage, Wasperton House, Seven Elms, Wasperton Hill House, and Wasperton Farmhouse). However, there is no visibility between Wasperton House and Forge Cottage and the site, respectively, so no association and the intervening distance make these assets less likely to be affected. For Wasperton Hill House (Grade II listed building) lying 650m to the east of Site 4, the significant intervening distance to the site’s eastern boundary, the temporary nature of the working, the mitigation measures necessary for other SA objectives including the site being restored to its existing agricultural use, would result in no likely harm to the significance of its setting. For Seven Elms and Wasperton Farmhouse, however, effects are likely but with appropriate mitigation it is unlikely that harm to the significance of the setting would occur. Mitigation may be problematic, however, for these cases as many intervening factors would require consideration. Seven Elms is a Grade II listed building and lies at its nearest point 55m from the southern boundary (north east of the asset) of Site 4. The building is no longer a farm house and has been subject to change, there is a building and vegetation between the site and the asset which limits views in a north easterly direction, the intervening distances to the site’s southern boundary (200m to the north west and 400m to the west of the
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asset), and working in this location would be temporary and subject to other mitigation measures and the site would be restored to its existing agricultural use. In addition, a suitable standoff (100m minimum) from the asset to maintain its setting would be required. The exact extent of the standoff would need to be determined during the planning application stage. Wasperton Farmhouse is a Grade II listed building and lies at its nearest point 70m from the northern boundary (south of the asset) of Site 4. Lack of working proposed to the north and west of the asset retaining its existing agricultural land use, working to the south would be screened by existing vegetation and working to the east screened by an existing building and vegetation, the lack of public access to the site with the main road over 300m to the west and no public footpaths nearby, working in this location would be temporary and subject to other mitigation measures and the site would be restored to its existing agricultural use. In addition, a suitable standoff (100m minimum) from the asset would be required. The exact extent of the standoff would need to be determined during the planning application stage. There are significant physical barriers between Barford and Wasperton Conservation Areas and the site due to the presence of property, land and roads which mean that neither the areas nor their settings would be harmed by mineral working. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on eight SA objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk, SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) was identified in the SA as being negatively affected on a minor level as a watercourse runs along part of the northern boundary and into the site and this forms part of the River Avon (and tributaries) LWS. Due to this, suitable standoffs would need to be provided to protect the watercourse and LWS. Existing hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees on site would also need to be safeguarded and where possible strengthened. The exact extent of any standoffs required would need to be determined during the planning application stage. The proposed site does not fall within a Drinking Water Protected Area so the proposed development would not affect public drinking supply. A watercourse however runs along part of the northern boundary and into the site which is the main factor for the minor negative effects on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources). Measures to protect the water quality of the watercourse would be required and these should include a suitable standoff distance. Minor negative effects were predicted on SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk) as although the majority of the site is located in Flood Zone 1 (low risk), the southern edge of site is in Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3 (medium/high risk). As a result, a flood risk assessment would be required at the planning application stage. There are minor negative effects predicted for SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as although the site lies outside of any AQMAs there are a large number of surrounding buildings. A 350m standoff provided by the developer from Barford Village would help minimise air quality effects. 100 m (minimum) standoffs would also be required with respect to The Forge Cottage, Wasperton Farm, Holloway Farm, Glebe Farm and Seven Elms and Seven Elms Barn. The suitability of these standoffs would need to be confirmed at the planning application stage. Dust emissions can be reduced by various mitigation measures including good operational management and the design and layout of the site. Properties around the site are also already the subject of dust emissions as a result of normal agricultural activities. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required for this site setting out dust and noise suppression mitigation measures at the planning application stage. A health impact assessment would need to be undertaken as part of an environmental assessment at the planning application stage. This assessment would need to consider the health and morbidity of local residents. SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes) has been identified as being negatively affected by the site. The site is within 13km of the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty (AONB); lies 350m from Barford Village (existing and planned development) and falls within the River Avon Valley. The majority of the site lies within the Terraced Farmlands landscape character type while land to the west lies in the River Meadowlands landscape character type. The Terraced Farmlands is typified by a large
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scale geometric field pattern and is relatively flat, and intensively farmed. The land to the north of Wasperton Lane gently rises to the north and the land 650m beyond the eastern boundary also rises eastwards to the B 4087. At over 1 km to the west of the site beyond the River Avon the land rises to the A46 beyond. With the stand offs (100 minimum) to The Forge Cottage, Wasperton Farm, Holloway Farm, Glebe Farm and Seven Elms and Seven Elms Barn, safeguarding and where possible strengthening existing hedgerows and mature hedgerow trees coupled with advanced tree and hedgerow planting on the north western and eastern boundaries, no loss of agricultural land and the phased working and restoration of the site to agriculture should minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. The suitability of the various standoffs would need to be confirmed at the planning application stage (see also assessment for SA Objectives 4 and 6). A landscape and visual assessment would be required at the planning application stage. The use of soils for temporary visual (and noise) screening would help reduce impacts and ensure the site is restored to the required standard. The ALC survey shows that there is no Grade 1 land. There are 11.5ha of Grade 2 and 40.7ha of Grade 3a land and the remainder (32.8ha) is not BMV agricultural land. It is considered that there is a minor negative impact on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) as although 58% of the site is BMV restoration to agriculture by infilling with inert wastes is likely to be achievable, phased working and restoration would be required. All soils would also need to be stored on site for restoration. Minor negative effects were identified on SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) as although the Highway Authority have indicated that the A429 should be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic and larger vehicles (HGVs) and that it provides an excellent link onto the A46 and M40, and then onto the wider highway network, improvements would need to be made before use. Depending on the number of vehicular trips likely to be generated and the direction of travel a right turn lane may be necessary. The exact location of the access would need to be determined at the planning application stage through the submission of a Transport Assessment. Minor negative effects on SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) as the PROW 101a crossing the southern end of site could be temporarily diverted. No geodiversity features that exist on site or in the vicinity so no effects on SAO 8. The SA identified one of the objectives as having a major positive effect on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire). Minerals from this large site could be used to produce materials for development projects in Warwick/Kenilworth/Leamington Spa and Stratford on Avon. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 5 Glebe Farm, Wasperton The site is an approximately level area of some 14 ha of arable farmland and the land is laid out in several large fields divided by hedgerows. The land has a northern boundary to the proposed Site 4 which is largely arable farmland. To the west of the site lies farmland and beyond the A429, about 350m away, lies the small settlement of Wasperton the majority of which is a designated Conservation Area. The nearest house in Wasperton to the site is Wasperton House which is a listed building. The only building within the site is Glebe Farm which forms part of the western boundary of the site. There are two dwellings on the edge of, or close to the edge of, the site Seven Elms which is a listed building and Seven Elms Barn. One public right of way runs across the site. Bridleway W100 traverses the access track from the A429. Another right of way W101a runs close to the site’s northern boundary along the access track to Marlpit Cottages. SA has identified potential moderate negative effects on four SA objectives: SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk, SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes) and SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings). SAO 3 was identified as being negatively affected to a moderate level as the site is located in Flood Zone 3 (high risk). A flood risk assessment would be required at planning application stage. In addition, there would
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be a requirement for a suitable standoff distance from Thelsford Brook to be agreed with the Lead Local Flood Authority. A site specific hydrogeological assessment would be required to establish the exact minimum standoff distance. Moderate negative effects were identified for SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as although the site is not situated within an AQMA, there is one property (Glebe Farm) which lies within the site and two properties which lie immediately adjacent to the eastern boundary. These would be affected as the access points pass through the site therefore these properties may need to be vacated although this would need further investigation through an Air Quality and Noise Assessment. This would be required at the planning application stage setting out dust and noise suppression mitigation measures. SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes) was identified as negatively affected to a moderate level as the sensitivity for visibility remains at moderate due the listed building and its setting. The setting of the Grade II listed building Seven Elms would be temporarily affected during operation. Its setting could be enhanced following restoration by reintroducing appropriate hedgerow trees and returning the land back to agriculture. The southeast portion, comprising two fields, is of moderate sensitivity in terms of the fragility of its inherent character and relates to the Thelsford Brook corridor. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. Moderate negative effects would occur for SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) as a Grade II listed building known as Seven Elms is located directly adjacent to the site. There is also an important Scheduled Ancient Monument of Thelsford Priory which lies 285m to the south west of the site. A heritage assessment of the impact on the contribution the setting makes to the designated heritage assets would be required. Minor negative effects were identified for 5 SA objectives: SAO 1 (To conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water resources), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). Although there are no international, national or local designations affected by this site, SAO 1 (To conserve and enhance biodiversity) has a minor effect due to the need to retain existing hedgerows on the boundary of the site, especially on the south-eastern boundary where that hedgerow has been identified through an initial Hedgerow Regulations Assessment as being important. SAO 2 could be negatively affected on a minor level as the water quality of Thelsford Brook could be affected, therefore appropriate stand offs would be required. The same applies to SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) as the footpath will not require diversion but may be affected by any crossing points required to access the southern fields. The ALC survey shows that only 5.3ha of the 14ha site is BMV agricultural land (Grades 2 and 3a). Mineral working will negatively affect this land and hence SAO 7, however the 5.3ha BMV land could be restored to agriculture using imported inert wastes and by using soils from the 8.7 ha of non- BMV land on site. Phased working and restoration would be required. All soils would also need to be stored on site for restoration. SAO 11 is predicted to be affected at a minor level as if the adjacent Site 4 is allocated then Site 5 would be accessed through that site and no new access would be required and the existing farm access which also provides access to Seven Elms and Seven Elms Barn would not have to be utilised for mineral HGV traffic. If Site 4 is not allocated then mineral HGV traffic would have to use the existing farm access and access track up to Glebe Farm where it may be possible to site a small mobile processing plant. The speed limit on Wellesbourne Road adjacent to the site is National Speed Limit therefore visibility splays of 215m are required in both directions, which appears to be achievable. Wellesbourne Road can currently accommodate high number of large vehicles and HGV’s therefore; the proposed site should not have a major impact on the surrounding highway network. The existing access onto the A 429 may have to be improved depending on the number of vehicle trips likely to be generated. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. Minor positive effects have been identified for SAO 16 as is likely to provide small local employment. Minerals from this small site could be used to produce materials for development projects in Warwick/Kenilworth/Leamington Spa and Stratford on Avon.
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Recommendation: It is recommended that this site is not taken forward, on the basis that it exhibits a number of moderate negative effects against SA objectives. There are more sustainable sites in which to undertake mineral working.
Site 6 Coney Grey Farm, Ryton The site lies east of Middlemore Business park beyond the River Avon and to the west of the A423 at Ryton covering an area of 47 hectares. The site comprises medium to large scale mixed farming with hedged field boundaries in the main and a block of woodland to the west. The eastern half of the site has previously been worked and restored to a lower level with imported wastes. The entrance to the site on A423 is part of a new roundabout to serve the new Prologis business park. There are no settlements nearby and the site has direct access to the local highway network. There are farm buildings located in the centre of the site. To the north of the site lies farmland, a caravan park and residential properties, to the east beyond the A423 an employment park with the A45 beyond. To the south lies farmland and residential and business properties and existing industrial uses. The River Avon forms the western boundary of the site beyond which is a business park. PROW R152 runs through the western side of the site in a north to south direction. There is a small wooded area at the south west end of the site. The SA identified minor negative effects on eight of the SA objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of materials) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) was identified as being negatively affected on a minor level as the site is situated 600m west of Ryton Woods SSSI and 1km from Brandon Marsh SSSI. Suitable measures would need to be put in place to address any potential hydrological, water quality and air quality impacts. An existing wooded area within the site would need to be protected from mineral working and a protected species surveys would be required at the planning application stage. Minor negative effects could occur on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) as the western boundary of the western part of the site abuts the River Avon LWS. There are also two watercourses connected to the LWS; one runs along the southern boundary of the site and the other passes through the site north to south. Measures to protect the water quality of the watercourses would be required and these should include a suitable standoff distance. Due to the fact that the western half of the site is located in Flood Zone 3 on the Main River Avon minor negative effects were identified on SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk). This area however is not proposed for mineral working so effects would be minimal. A flood risk assessment and a hydrogeological assessment would be required at the planning application to assess the minimum standoff distance from the river Avon for any proposed engineering works. Although the site lies outside of Coventry AQMA, minor negative effects are predicted on SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health). This is due to the 4 large residential properties to the South of the eastern half of the site, the 6 residential properties and a caravan park with 27 mobile homes to the north of the eastern half of the site. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required at the planning application stage for this site setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise suppression mitigation measures. SAO 5 was identified as being negatively affected on a minor level due to potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. In order to minimise these impacts safeguarding and strengthening of primary linear features (hedgerows, woodland edges and wooden stream lines) and advance planting along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries and phased working and restoration would be required. Of the 47ha on site, 46ha are Grade 3 agricultural land. As such minor negative effects on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) as the majority of the site can be restored using on-site materials or imported inert wastes. All soils would need to be stored on site for restoration. SAO 11 is predicted to be negatively affected to a minor level as there are no suitable canal or railway networks available that could be used to transport minerals. Coney Grey Farm however has direct access
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onto a new island on the A423 which is suitable for use by HGVs. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. SAO 14 is considered to be negatively affected on a minor level as the site lies within Green Belt. Part of site has been previously worked and restored to a lower level. If the site is worked as a standalone site then a small mobile processing plant may be acceptable if carefully sited to maintain openness. Both SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) and SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) are not affected by the site as there are no such designated assets on or around the site. Only one of the objectives was identified as being positively affected on a moderate scale: SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire). The site is likely to provide local employment. The minerals from the site could also be used to produce materials for development in the local area and neighbouring Coventry. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 7 Salford Priors The proposed site is situated to the west of the village of Salford Priors and east of Iron Cross covering an area of 50ha. This is a medium sized site comprising two parcels of land either side of School Road and lying to the west of Salford Priors and east of Iron Cross (B4088). The site comprises a number of fields of intensively managed farmland the majority of which is Grade 2 agricultural land. Within the southern parcel of land lies PROW AL 5 which runs from north-east to south-west adjacent to Lower Farm before crossing a watercourse and then proceeding in a south westerly direction to Rushford village. To the east and south of the southern parcel lies agricultural land while to the west lies the B4088, Iron Cross village and agricultural land beyond. School Road forms the northern boundary with the northern parcel beyond including two properties Salford Farm buildings and Old Barley House. To the north of the northern parcel lies agricultural land and the route of the mineral access track to Marsh Farm Quarry which is currently being restored. To the east lies agricultural land and the western edge of Salford Priors while to the south lies School Road including Salford Farm buildings and Old Barley House, with the southern parcel beyond. To the west of the site lies the village of Iron Cross and B4088. The SA identified SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as being negatively affected on a major level. This is due to the topography, the location of the properties around the site, the proximity to the villages of Iron Cross and Salford Priors, the requirement to cross School Road in two locations to access the two parcels, and the trimmed hedges and few trees. All these factors mean that 100m minimum stand offs in this situation may not be sufficient to protect the amenities of local people and wider stand offs may make the site unviable. Moderate negative impacts were identified on SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes). School Road and land immediately either side of it forms a low ridge line and this will be visible from nearby roads and the PROW network. Minor negative effects were identified in the SA for 5 of the SA objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) and SAO 11 (To encourage sustainable transportation of resources). SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) and SAO 3 (To enhance and manage flood risk) will be negatively affected on a minor level as the northern half of the site includes and borders a watercourse (Ban Brook) which forms part of the River Arrow LWS. The southern half also includes and borders a watercourse which forms part of the River Arrow LWS. Appropriate stand offs would be required in both cases to be determined at the planning application stage. Protected species surveys would be required at the planning application stage as well as a flood risk assessment. As the majority of the site is Grade 2 agricultural land minor negative effects on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) are predicted. It is possible that less than half of the site would need to be worked for minerals; such that the BMV land could be restored. All soils to be stored on site for restoration.
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SAO 7 could be negatively affected to a minor level as a single access onto B4088 from the northern half would be required. Southern half would be accessed through two crossings over or under (tunnel/conveyors) School Road to connect to northern half of the site. To avoid having to install a new access in the northern parcel the opportunity to connect to and use the existing haul road and access point on to B 4088 at Marsh Farm Quarry which lies to the north of the northern half of the site should be explored at the planning application stage. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. There is no effect predicted on SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings), SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). SAO 6 is unaffected due to the topography, intervening distances and vegetation and buildings so there would be no harm to any heritage assets. The SA identified a moderate positive effect on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as local employment is possible. Minerals from the site could also be used to produce materials for use in development projects in the local area and beyond. Recommendation: Due to the major negative effects on SAO 4 it would be recommended that this site not be taken forward.
Site 9 Hams Lane, Lea Marston This site lies to the west of Lea Marston village near to Junction 9 of M42 (Dunton Island) and covers an area of 48 hectares. To the north of the site lies Blackgreaves Farm, residential properties and beyond Blackgreaves Lane a restaurant, Lea Marston Hotel and leisure centre (including a golf course), to the east lies Lea Marston village, farmland and woodland (including Sych Wood) with the River Tame and lakes and Birmingham – Derby mainline railway beyond, to the south National Grid electricity transmission assets and farmland and to the west farmland, Dunton Quarry, Dunton Wood, Reindeer Park with part of the Lea Marston golf course beyond. To the south east beyond the mainline railway from Derby to Birmingham lies Hams Hall distribution park. To the south and west (250m from the safeguarding zone) of the site lies the line (north –south alignment) of the proposed High Speed 2 railway linking Birmingham to London (Phase One route) with land to the north west beyond the A4097 being proposed as a railhead to help with the construction of the new railway (Kingbury Railhead). To the west and north of the site lies the proposed HS2 Phase 2 route which will provide new rail links to the north and west of England. The site is currently in mainly agricultural use comprising large open hedged fields, but parts of the site are also used from time to time for other temporary uses. For example, part of the northern end of the site is used by a shooting club and the stocking of fish in a small water body. The settlement of Lea Marston lies 200m to the east, but the site has good access to the local highway network. There are three overhead pylons on the site which are to be retained. PROWs M23, M14 and M16 cross the site from west to east in the north, centre and south respectively. Only one of the objectives was identified as being negatively affected to a moderate level. This was SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes) as the landform is gently rolling, open in aspect and is intensively farmed which enhances any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts from the site. The SA identified minor negative effects on nine of the SA objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals), SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) and SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire). Minor negative effects were identified on SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) as Whitacre Heath SSSI lies 650m to the east of the site. Provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features would be required for any potential hydrological, water quality and air quality impacts would need to be considered. The site abuts Dunton Wood LWS and Hams Hall Woodlands (a
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narrow band of woodland along the roadside on Hams Lane. Sych Wood (ancient woodland) also lies 100m to the east of the site beyond Hams Lane, although it is unlikely that it would be impacted by the working, but this would need to be confirmed during the planning application stage. The exact extent of any buffer zones would need to be determined during the planning application stage. Protected species surveys would also be required. There are a number of watercourses which lie around the site which results in minor negative effects on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) and SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk). A tributary of the River Tame lies to the east of Haunch Lane which forms the north-eastern boundary of the site and runs in a south – north direction along the side of the road before travelling eastwards to the river at the junction of Blackgreaves Lane and Haunch Lane. There is also a watercourse/ditch running alongside Hams Lane from the southern end of the site. It connects to a ditch running along the boundary of the site and National Grid at the southern end. There is also a spring in the central part of the site which collects in a small pond. In the extreme corner of the site is a body of water which the owner uses to stock fish. The exact extent of any standoffs required would need to be determined during the planning application stage. The site is situated within Flood Zone 1 (low flood risk). Although the site does not lie within any AQMA there are properties bordering the north-western boundary of the site accessed from Blackgreaves Lane and buildings at Reindeer Park on the western side south of Dunton Wood. This means that the site could have minor negative effects on SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health). A minimum stand- off of 100m from individual properties on Blackgreaves Lane and at Reindeer Park, Kingsbury Road and a 30m stand off from Dunton Wood would be required. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required for this site at the planning application stage setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise suppression mitigation measures. The SA identified minor negative effects on SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) as Blackgreaves Farmhouse which lies on Blackgreaves Lane to the north of the site is a Grade II listed building. There is likely to be no harm to the significance of the setting of this designated heritage asset because of the presence of a number of farm buildings and properties between the farmhouse and the site, the building’s orientation with front façade facing east, working in this location would be temporary and the site would be restored to its existing agricultural use. The SA identified minor negative effects on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources). According to previous ALC surveys there is Grade 2 (1.5 ha), Grade 3a (30.1 ha), Grade 3b (7 ha) and Other land (9.4 ha) on the site which will be affected by site works. BMV land (Grade 2 and 3a) however can be restored using imported inert wastes. All soils would need to be stored on site for restoration. Phased working and restoration would also be required. The objective to encourage the sustainable transportation (SAO 11) may be negatively affected on a minor level as there is no access possible through Lea Marston Village. Access on Hams Lane would need to be improved if it is to be used. A railway line is located nearby but it is unlikely to be able to transport minerals or mineral derived products direct due to the lack of available land and facilities and adverse impacts on the environment from the construction of the handling facilities. Minor negative effects were identified on SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) as not only does the site lie within Green Belt, but three sections of PROWs M14, M16 and M23 would need to be temporarily diverted. If the site is worked as a standalone site, then any mobile plant would need to be sited so as to reduce any potential impact on the openness of the Green Belt. As the existing Dunton Quarry lies close by to the west of the site consideration should be given at the planning application stage to working the site back to this quarry by overland conveyor. Minor negative effects were identified on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as, although unlikely, there could be direct or indirect impacts on local businesses. Moderate positive effects were also identified as local employment is possible and the minerals from this site could be used to produce materials for local development projects and elsewhere and also to help in the construction of HS2 and the proposed Kingsbury Rail Head. No effects were identified on SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) as no geodiversity features exist on site.
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Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 22 Brinklow South A 17.8ha southerly extension to the existing Brinklow Quarry comprising agricultural land. To the north of the site lies Brinklow Quarry, in particular the main processing plant. To the east, south and west lies agricultural land. Immediately to the east of the processing plant the land has been raised and grassed to provide a visual screen to isolated properties on the B4455 between Brinklow and Bretford which lies 1km to the east of the present quarry. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on six of the SA Objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity, SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). Minor negative effects were identified for SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) as two Ancient Woodlands (Birchley Wood and New Close Wood) and LWS lie 300m to the west of the site. Due to the distance from the site however, it is unlikely that it these would be impacted by working the site. An existing hedgerow which sits on the western-side of the site should be safeguarded and protected species surveys would be required at the planning application stage. SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) is identified as being affected on a minor level as although the site lies outside of any AQMA, Birchley Farm house lies 130m to the west of the most north-western part of the site and 280m to the west of the existing quarry boundary so it may be affected by workings on the site. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required for this site setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise mitigation measures at the planning application stage. Minor negative effects on SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes) as the village of Brinklow lies 1km to the north east of the site and the village of Bretford 1km to the south east. In terms of the visual baseline, inter-visibility is medium-low. Safeguarding the existing hedgerow pattern would minimise any potential landscape and visual impacts from working this site. This would need to be considered at the planning application stage. When looking at the effects on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources), all the site is believed to be Grade 3b agricultural land and therefore non BMV land. An ALC survey would be required to confirm the quality of the land during the planning application process. The site would be worked as an extension to the existing quarry and therefore due to its close proximity to the existing processing plant no new separate road access would be required. The existing quarry has a safe road access onto the Coventry Road to the north of the existing quarry. An existing S106 Legal agreement restricts vehicles passing through Brinklow village, so this could have minor negative effects on SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of materials). A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) is identified as being negatively affected at a minor level as the site lies within the Green Belt. The site however is adjacent to existing operations, so no additional plant would be required or new access. Four of the objectives were identified in the SA as not being affected by works on the site: SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) and SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation). SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) and SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk) are unaffected as the proposed site does not fall within a Drinking Water Protected Area so the proposed development would not affect public drinking supply. The site is situated within Flood Zone 1 and no flood risk is predicted. There are also no watercourses within or around the site requiring protection from working this site.
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SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) is unaffected as there are no designated assets within the site or around its boundaries so there would be no harm to any heritage asset. As there is no geodiversity on site it is also predicted that SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) will be unaffected. The SA identified SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) being positively affected to a minor level as local employment is possible. Minerals from this small site could also be used to produce materials for use in development projects in the local area and in Coventry. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 23 Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (north) A 34ha satellite site to Site 2 Lawford Heath comprising two parcels of agricultural land either side of A45. The northern parcel comprises of 8.26 ha of agricultural land as a single field. To the north of the site lies Northampton Lane (also a PROW R168) which is a designated greenway with agricultural land beyond. To the east lies PROW R168d, grassland and a small garden centre (Rimo Growers @ Medda Place). Coventry Road (B4429) and the island junction with the A45/M45 lies to the south of the site and to the west a field with properties (240m) and a group of small industrial units (340m) to the west. The SA identified minor negative effects on six objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of landscapes and townscapes), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) and SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of materials). The SA identified minor negatives on SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) as the northern parcel lies about 1km to the northeast of Draycote Meadows SSSI and Draycote Water LSW. It also lies 500 m east of Rugby- Leamington Disused Railway LWS. Provision of suitable mitigation measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Draycote Meadows SSSI would be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues that may arise during operation and restoration. The location of the SSSI and LWS some distance away from the site is favourable in terms of attenuation of any impacts but the exact extent of any buffer zone required would need to be established during the planning application stage. A protected species survey will also be required. SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) was identified as being negatively affected to a minor level as although the proposed site does not lie within a Drinking Water Safeguarding Zone for surface water, there is a safeguarding zone which lies to the south of the A45. This means that safeguards would need to be put in place to alleviate any pollution risk to the River Leam which lies 2.5kms to the south west of the site. These safeguards would be established through an Environmental Assessment submitted at the planning application stage. Minor negative effects on SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) as a group of residential properties lies 180m to east of the site beyond the garden centre on the Coventry Road and also properties 240m and 340m to the west of the site boundary. An Air Quality and Noise Assessment would be required for this site at the planning application stage setting out nitrogen dioxide, dust and noise suppression mitigation measures. A standoff of 100m (minimum) would be required from the garden centre buildings which lie 90m to the east of the site behind a mature hedgerow and grassland. The suitability of this standoff would need to be reviewed at the planning application stage. SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes) is negatively affected on a minor level as although the sensitivity of the inherent landscape character is low, visibility is considered moderate. The nearest settlement is Thurlaston Village some 360m to the south east beyond the Coventry Road and M45 motorway may therefore be visually affected by the site. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. As an ALC survey would be required to confirm the quality of the land at the planning application stage, the effect of the site on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) cannot be accurately predicted. It is presumed
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however that the effects will be minor negative with it known that the whole site comprises of 0.25ha of Grade 2 agricultural land and 33.75 ha of Grade 3. Minor negative effects on SAO 11 are predicted (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) as there would be an increase in HGV traffic as a result of development of this site. A Transport Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. The SA identified four of the objectives as being unaffected by the site: SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings), SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). SAO 3 is unaffected as the site lies in Flood Risk Zone 1 (low risk) and there are no watercourses within or in the vicinity of the site. SAO 6 is unaffected as there are no designated heritage assets within or around the site so there would be no harm to any heritage assets. SAO 8 is unaffected as no geodiversity features exist on site. SAO 14 is unaffected as the site lies outside the Green Belt, no PROW and no GI would be affected. Minor positive effects were identified on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as local employment is possible. Minerals from this small site could also be used to produce materials for use in development projects in Rugby. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
Site 23 Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (south) A 34ha satellite site to Site 2 Lawford Heath comprising two parcels of agricultural land either side of A45. The southern parcel 26.51ha lying south of the A45 comprises agricultural land including Barnwells Barn farm buildings. To the north of the site lies A45 and B4429 with agricultural land beyond. To the east lies the village of Thurlaston beyond which to the south east lies Draycote Water. To the south lies Thurlaston village, agricultural land and a golf course. To the west lies Draycote Hotel and golf course. PROW R 185a runs adjacent to the northern boundary at the southern end of the site and along its eastern boundary before connecting to Stock Lane. Major negative effects were identified in the SA on SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health). This is due to a large number of properties that surround the site which would be affected by any workings. A number of properties are situated 30m to the east in Thurlaston Village, principally in Stocks Lane. In Biggin Hall Lane there are further residential properties which abut the south-eastern boundary. A hotel and golf course form the northwest boundary to the site and Barnwell’s Barn farm house lies in the middle of this parcel of land. Application of a minimum 100m stand off from these would make working the southern area unviable. Site may not be appropriate for sand and gravel extraction. The SA identified moderate negative impacts on three objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) and SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes). SAO 1 was identified as being negatively affected to a moderate level as the southern parcel lies over 500m to the north east of Draycote Meadows SSSI and over 500m to the north of Draycote Water LWS. It also lies 200m east of Rugby- Leamington Disused Railway LWS. No natural features on site to note. Provision of suitable mitigation measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Draycote Meadows SSSI would be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues that may arise during operation and restoration. Suitable stand offs would be required from the two LWS. The exact extent of any buffer zone required for the SSSI and LWSs would need to be established during the planning application stage. Given that this site surrounded by nature conservation designations, mitigation of effects may be problematic. Protected species surveys would be required at the planning application stage. Moderate negative effects were identified on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) as the site lies in a Drinking Water Safeguard Zone for surface water. It would be subject to safeguards being put in place to alleviate any pollution risk to the River Leam which lies 2.5kms to the south west of the site. These safeguards would be established through an Environmental Assessment submitted at the planning application stage. Mitigation of any effects on water quality and resources may be problematic.
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SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes) is negatively affected on a moderate level as although the sensitivity of the inherent landscape character is low, visibility is considered moderate. Thurlaston Village lies within 30m of the site (Stocks Lane) but at a lower level and behind existing vegetation so visual effect is reduced. The properties in Stock Lane (cul de sac) are orientated south west to north east meaning that they do not directly front onto the site at this point, however the site may be visible. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required at the planning application stage. Minor negative impacts were identified on four objectives: SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance of their settings), SAO 7 (To protect soil resources and SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals). Effects on SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk) are predicted to be minor negative as at the western end of the site beyond its boundary but adjacent to the golf course there is a pond and a watercourse which could be affected. The watercourse drains to the west and links to a tributary to the River Leam at the former railway line further west and south. A suitable standoff would be required from the pond and watercourse. The nearest listed building in the village is The Old Forge in Main Street 200m to the east which could potentially be affected, resulting in minor negative effects on SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance of their settings). At its nearest point the Thurlaston Conservation Area, based largely on properties in Main Street, is 100m from the site. Because there are intervening buildings between the Conservation Area and the site and the local topography no harm to any heritage assets is predicted. This would need to be confirmed at the planning application stage. As an ALC survey would be required to confirm the quality of the land at the planning application stage, the effect of the site on SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) cannot be accurately predicted. It is presumed however that the effects will be minor negative with it known that whole site comprises of 0.25ha of Grade 2 agricultural land and 33.75 ha of Grade 3. SAO 11 would be negatively affected to a minor level as there would be an increase in HGV traffic on the A45 access point as a result of development of this site. A transport assessment would be required at the planning application stage. No effects were identified on SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) as no geodiversity features exist on site, and on SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) as the site lies outside the Green Belt, no PROW would be affected and no GI would be affected. Minor positive effects were identified on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as local employment is possible. Minerals from this small site could also be used to produce materials for use in development projects in Rugby. Recommendation: Due to all the significant negative effects noted above it is recommended that this site not be taken forward.
Site 32 Shawell Quarry Extension This is a very small 3ha extension which forms the western edge of a much larger site (Shawell – Southern Extension) allocated in the submitted Leicestershire Mineral Plan to the existing Shawell Quarry lying to the east of the A5. The strip of land to the east of the A5 is in agricultural use comprising a large field well screened from the A5. Site 32 is bounded to the west by A5, to the south by Shawell Quarry, to the east by agriculture and the quarry complex and to the north by agriculture. The nearest settlement is Churchover located approximately 1.6km to the west of the site. The quarry has good access to the local highway network and is in close proximity to the junction of the M6 and the M1 motorways. The SA has identified potential minor negative effects on five of the SA Objectives: SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity), SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health), SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes), SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance
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and their settings) and SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space). The SA identified potential minor effects on SAO 1 (Conserve and enhance biodiversity) as the site lies within 650m of Cave's Inn Pits SSSI (marsh and open water habitats), which is located to the south - east of the site. The SSSI is sensitive to hydrological and air quality environmental impact pathways. The provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of interest on Cave's Inn Pits SSSI would be required. The location of the SSSI some distance away from the site is favourable in terms of attenuation of any impacts but the exact extent of any buffer zone required would need to be established during the planning application stage. No LWSs would be affected and protected species surveys would be required. A 15m standoff (minimum) is to be provided to hedgerows/trees on the boundary with A5. In Leicestershire restoration to include woodland to link existing woodland areas between Gibbert Lane and the A5, management of retained hedgerows, and retention of the woodland belt between the current extraction site and Rugby Road (A426) is required. The exact extent of the standoff required would need to be determined during the planning application stage SAO 4 (To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health) is affected negatively to a minor level as one residential property and a service station lie 150 m to the north west of the site at the junction of the A5 and Gibbet Lane behind extensive vegetation and one residential property 100m to the north east of the site on Gibbet Lane. The exact extent of any standoffs required to protect amenity would need to be determined during the planning application stage. The site falls within the High Cross Plateau landscape character type which is characterised by a large scale, rolling landscape with wide views. The site is relatively flat and intensively farmed. These wide views are the reason for the minor negative impacts identified in the SA for SAO 5 (To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes). Visual impact would be minimal providing the existing hedgerow on the A5 is retained and the phased working and restoration of the site would help minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment would be required.at the planning application stage The site is within the setting of SAM Tripontium Roman Station and adjacent to the roman road A5 Watling Street, and within the setting of motte castle and associated earthwork SSW of All Saints Church. The site therefore has high potential for the survival of below ground Roman archaeological remains of national importance, so a programme of archaeological assessment and evaluative fieldwork should be undertaken to identify the exact scale of effects on SAO 6 (To preserve and enhance sites features and areas of historic, archaeological or architectural importance and their settings) and prior to the determination of any planning application. While Shawell Conservation area lies over 900m to the east the site, the conservation area is separated from the site by the large Shawell Quarry complex so there would be no change to the setting of this asset. SAO 14 (To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space) was predicted to be affected negatively to a minor level as in Leicestershire provision of improved public access, particularly between Gibbet Lane and A5 and the provision for the retention of bridleway X27 (as currently diverted) would be required. The exact conditions to be determined at planning application stage. No effects were identified on 5 of the objectives. SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) and SAO 3 (To avoid, reduce and manage flood risk) would be unaffected as no watercourses exist on or border the site. The area is also in Flood Zone 1 (low risk of flooding) and the proposed site does not fall within a Drinking Water Protected Area, so the proposed development would not affect public drinking supply. SAO 11 (To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals) would be unaffected as no road access would be required. Material would be removed by dump truck and conveyor back to the existing quarry. Shawell Quarry is not water or rail connected so no opportunities for sustainable transportation. As there is no BMV land on the site and according to the ALC survey for the site all the land is Grade 3b, SAO 7 (To protect soil resources) will be unaffected by the site. SAO 8 (To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation) is also unaffected as no geodiversity features exist on site.
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Minor positive effects were identified on SAO 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as local employment is possible. Minerals from this small site could also be used to produce materials for use in development projects in the local area and beyond. Recommendation: It is recommended that this site be taken forward.
10.3. Conclusions & Recommendations The aim of this assessment exercise has been threefold: • Identification of more sustainable (preferred) site options for consideration in the Minerals Plan; • Identification of less sustainable (not preferred) site options which should only be considered if more sustainable options are undeliverable or if there are other reasons for considering these sites; and • Identification of options which should not be given further consideration. Prediction of minor adverse effects indicates that mitigation is possible and resulting effects are likely to be minor (not significant) and thus not a cause of concern. The same is true for site options with neutral or no effects. Thus, site options exhibiting the most number of this type of effect across SA objectives are the most sustainable and are the first to be selected for further consideration. Moderate adverse effects, on the other hand, indicate that mitigation is problematic, potentially resulting in the occurrence of undesirable significant adverse effects. On this basis, the least number of moderate adverse effects a site option presents, the more preferred it becomes from a sustainability perspective as the risks involved are less. As a general rule of thumb, site options with four or more moderate adverse effects or any major negative effects result in a site being considered ‘less sustainable’ and site options with three or less moderate adverse effects are considered ‘more sustainable’. Sites with major adverse effects against one or more SA objectives should not be given further consideration. Based on the above, the following have been identified: More sustainable site options: • Site 1 – Bourton on Dunsmore, Straight Mile • Site 2 – Lawford Heath • Site 3 – Shawell Quarry • Site 4 – Wasperton Hill Farm, Wasperton • Site 6 – Coney Grey Farm, Ryton • Site 9 – Hams Lane, Lea Marston • Site 22 – Brinklow South • Site 23 North – Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (North) • Site 32 – Shawell Quarry Extension Less sustainable site options: • Site 5 – Glebe Farm, Wasperton Options which should not be given further consideration: • Site 7 – Salford Priors • Site 23 South – Barnwell’s Barn Farm, Lawford Heath (South) It is therefore recommended that Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 ,22, 23 North and 32 are carried forward to the Stage 4 of SIAM 2018 where preferred sites for inclusion in the Minerals Plan are identified by WCC.
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11. Assessment of Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018
11.1. Introduction The SEA Directive states that in the Environmental Report, ‘the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme….and reasonable alternatives….are [to be] identified, described and evaluated’ (Article 5.1). The Environmental Report should include information that may ‘reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme [and] its stage in the decision-making process’ (Article 5.2). In addition, the SEA Directive requires the Environmental Report to outline measures to prevent, reduce and, as fully as possible, offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme (Annex I (g)). Existing SA guidance recognises that the most familiar form of SA prediction and evaluation is generally broad-brush and qualitative. It is recognised that quantitative predictions are not always practicable and qualitative predictions can be equally valid and appropriate. Examples of the prediction and evaluation techniques for assessing significance of effects are expert judgement, dialogue with stakeholders and public participation, geographical information systems, reference to legislation and regulations and environmental capacity. Chapter 9 details how the SA influenced the development of the Spatial Options and Chapter 10 details the assessment results of the alternative sand and gravel sites. This chapter outlines the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018 Site Allocations, Core Strategy and Development Management policies and provides a qualitative assessment of each proposed policy. It should be noted that the assessment results of the site options discussed in the previous chapter have been taken into consideration in the assessments of the Site Allocations policies. As noted in Chapter 3, the detailed assessment comprised a systematic two-stage process. In summary, this process predicts effects for each of the SA Objectives in terms of nature and magnitude and then evaluates predicted effects in terms of significance. As a result of the consultation on the SA Report 2016 alongside the Publication Plan 2016 (December 2016 - February 2017), WCC has made changes to the plan. A further stage of assessment has been undertaken (July- September 2018), which assesses the policies within the Second Publication Plan 2018 taking into account the 2015 and 2016 assessments and this is presented in this chapter. A previous iteration of assessment was undertaken in 2016 to take account of the results of the consultation on the Publication Plan 2015 and the SA Report 2015 and this is reported in the SA Report 2016 available on the Council’s website.
11.2. Changes to Policies Appendix III presents the changes to the policies that have been made within the Plan between the 2015 and 2016 assessments and the further changes that WCC has made as a result of the 2016 consultation. Commentary of whether the changes to the Plan have necessitated a revision of the assessments for the corresponding SA Report iteration is provided. This is summarised in Table 11-1, Table 11-2 and Table 11-3 below per type of policy (Site Allocations, Core Strategy and Development Management). The Second Publication Plan 2018 allocates six sand and gravel sites. Table 11-1 lists each site allocation policy in the Publication Plan 2016 and its equivalent in the Second Publication Plan 2018 and notes the requirement for further consideration of SA. Most site allocations policies have been changed and two sites have been removed from the plan. This resulted in the need for further SA to be undertaken at this stage.
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Table 11-1 - Site Allocation Policies 2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N S0: Overarching Policy - Mineral S0: Overarching Policy - Mineral Sites N Sites to be Allocated to be Allocated S1: Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on S1: Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on Y Dunsmore Dunsmore S2: Allocation at Site 2 Lawford S2: Allocation at Site 2 Lawford Heath Y Heath S3: Allocation at Site 3/32 Shawell S3: Allocation at Sites 3/32 Shawell Y Quarry Quarry S4: Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton S4: Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton Y S5: Allocation at Site 5 Glebe Farm, N/A – Site Removed Site removed from SA Wasperton S6: Allocation at Site 6, Coney Grey S6: Allocation at Site 6, Coney Grey Y Farm, Ryton Farm, Ryton S7: Allocation at Site 7 Lower Farm, N/A – Site Removed Site removed from SA Salford Priors S9: Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, S9: Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, Y Lea Marston Lea Marston
The Second Publication Plan 2018 sets out several Core Strategy and Development Management policies. Table 11-2 and Table 11-3 below list each policy in the Publication Plan 2016 and its equivalent in the Publication Plan 2018 and note the requirement for further consideration of SA. Minor changes have occurred in the policies in the last iteration of the development of the Plan resulting in no further requirement for specific assessments. However, an overall requirement has arisen to review the previous assessments to reflect the exact content of the policies in the Second Publication Minerals Plan 2018. In addition, Policy DM12 was assessed for the first time. Appendix III presents the latest assessment results integrating the results of the previous 2015 and 2016 assessments.
Table 11-2 - Core Strategy Policies 2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N MCS1: Supply of Minerals and MCS1: Supply of Minerals and N Materials Materials MCS2: Sand and Gravel MCS2: Sand and Gravel N MCS3: Crushed Rock MCS3: Crushed Rock N MCS4: Secondary and Recycled MCS4: Secondary and Recycled N Aggregates Aggregates MCS5: Safeguarding of Minerals and MCS5: Safeguarding of Minerals and N Mineral Infrastructure Mineral Infrastructure MCS6: Brick Clay MCS6: Brick Clay N MCS7: Building Stone MCS7: Building Stone N MCS8: Coal Mining (surface and MCS8: Coal Mining (surface and deep N
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2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N deep mining) mining) MCS9: Conventional and MCS9: Conventional and N unconventional hydrocarbons unconventional hydrocarbons MCS10: Underground Coal MCS10: Underground Coal N Gasification Gasification
Table 11-3 - Development Management Policies 2016 Policy 2018 Policy Requirement for further SA consideration? Y/N DM1: Protection and enhancement of DM1: Protection and enhancement of N the natural environment the natural environment DM2: Warwickshire’s Historic DM2: Warwickshire’s Historic N Environment & Heritage Assets Environment & Heritage Assets DM3: Green Infrastructure and DM3: Green Infrastructure and N Minerals Development Minerals Development DM4: Health, Economy and Amenity - DM4: Health, Economy and Amenity - N Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Development Development DM5: Sustainable Transportation DM5: Sustainable Transportation N DM6: Public Rights of Way and DM6: Public Rights of Way and N Recreational Highways Recreational Highways DM7: Flood Risk and Water Quality DM7: Flood Risk and Water Quality N DM8: Aviation Safeguarding DM8: Aviation Safeguarding N DM9: Reinstatement, reclamation, DM9: Reinstatement, reclamation, N restoration and aftercare restoration and aftercare DM10: Mineral safeguarding DM10: Mineral safeguarding N DM11: ‘Whole Life’ Carbon and DM11: Carbon Emissions and N Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency DM12: Overall Assessment of DM12: Overall Assessment of Y (as policy was a Proposals Proposals recommendation of 2016 assessment)
11.3. Site Allocation Policies Assessment
11.3.1. Results
Policy S0: Mineral Sites to be allocated Policy S0: Mineral Sites to be allocated is a contextual policy concerning the allocation of a suite of six sites for the local delivery of sand and gravel to meet the development and infrastructure needs. The purpose of the Minerals Plan to ensure there are sufficient allocated mineral resources to support sustainable economic
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development through the allocation of six preferred sites. This contextual policy is expected to result in positive significant effects against SA Objective 16 (To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire) as all sites will cumulatively contribute to this objective. Significant negative effects are likely against SA Objective 10 (To reduce consumption of natural resources) as all sites are likely to cumulatively have negative effects on this objective through their provision of primary materials. A discussion of the assessment results for policies S1, S2, S3, S4, S6 and S9 (building on the site options assessments presented in Chapter 10) with regards to all SA Objectives is provided below accompanied by SA recommendations to mitigate significant effects identified as necessary. The summary of the assessment of the policies allocating the preferred sites in the Second Publication Plan 2018 is shown in Table 11-4.
Policy S1: Allocation at Site 1 Bourton on Dunsmore
The allocation of Site 1 was significantly reduced from 110ha to 29ha in the 2016 iteration and the revised site option has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • As Draycote Meadows SSSI lies 1km to the south east and mitigation measures will be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues. • All HGVs to travel via A45 and northern end of B4453. • Habitats such as hedgerows and hedgerows trees are present on the site will require protection. • Provision of mitigation to alleviate any pollution risk to the River Leam and a flood risk assessment to be undertaken covering both the site and elsewhere. • A need to demonstrate that the proposed development (including any de-watering operations) and restoration of the site will not derogate these abstractions. • Important hedgerows and hedgerow trees to be protected and advance planting to take place and be established to reduce any landscape impacts arising from mineral working. • The need to minimise impact on the openness of the Green Belt. In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site to be introduced in the policy to address concerns over air pollution; • A requirement for ‘quality soils to be stored on site to be used again after completion for restoration purposes’ to be introduced in the policy to ensure BMV agricultural land can be reinstated after working of site has completed; and • A requirement for ‘mobile plant to be located so as to reduce impact on the openness of the green belt’. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy. As a result, it is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy with the exception of SO2 protect and improve water quality and resources. A moderate (significant) negative effect is predicted against SA Objective 2 (to protect and improve water quality and resources) for Policy S1 as the allocated site lies within a Drinking Water Protection Area and in close proximity to the Draycote Meadows SSSI which has hydrological special features. In order to address this, it is recommended that the reasoned justification for Policy S1 is amended to include the following requirement: - A requirement for a hydrological and water quality study to be undertaken at the planning application stage together with a demonstration that the proposed development will not derogate the existing licensed abstractions.
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On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
Policy S2: Allocation at Site 2 Lawford Heath Allocated Site 2 continues to be a large new site, totalling 61.7ha (as opposed to the original 113ha in 2015). The revised site option has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • As Draycote Meadows SSSI lies 1.5km to the south east and mitigation measures will be required to address any hydrological and water quality issues. • The eastern parcel is affected by the River Avon LWS but stand offs would be provided to protect that part of the water course in the site boundary. • All HGVs to travel via A45 and eastern end of Coalpit Lane. • An ancient small leaved lime tree exists near the site and can be protected and a pond in the eastern parcel which require protection. • Licensed abstractions exist in the vicinity of the site. There will be a need to demonstrate that the proposed development (including any de-watering operations) and restoration of the site will not derogate these abstractions • The smaller size of the revised site reduces the risk of working close to potential sensitive receptors such as at Wolston Grange Nursing Home, The Crescent and The Ryelands. Minimum stand-off of 100m from individual properties (Park Farm, Blue Boar Farms, South Lodge Farm, North Lodge Farm and Wolston Grange Nursing Home and Coalpit Lane) will be required as negative effects have been identified. Exact stands off to be determined at planning application stage • The site is currently in agricultural use comprising medium to large hedged fields. Restoration of the site back to agricultural land using imported inert fill and by lowering the level of the land. • There is a need to maintain the setting and structural integrity of the listed building at Park Farm. • Archaeological evaluation of the site including the Scheduled Ancient Monument lying to the east of Coalpit Lane. • Part of the site is Grade 3 BMV agricultural land so appropriate soil storage regimes on site will be required to minimise the effects. • The site is located within Green Belt land. In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site to be introduced in the policy to address concerns over air pollution; • A requirement for ‘quality soils to be stored on site to be used again after completion for restoration purposes’ to be introduced in the policy to ensure BMV agricultural land can be reinstated after working of site has completed; and • A requirement for ‘mobile plant to be located so as to reduce impact on the openness of the green belt’. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy. As a result, it is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy. On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
Policy S3: Allocation at Site 3/32 Shawell Quarry The allocated site comprises two sites: one (site 3) is a small extension (33ha) to the existing Shawell Quarry in Leicestershire to the west of the A5 and south of the A426 at the junction of the A5/A426 and the other (site 32) is a small strip of land (8.26ha) east of the A5 which forms the western edge of a larger potential allocation of land in neighbouring Leicestershire County Council (LCC) Minerals Plan. The revised site option
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has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • Provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of interest of Cave’s Inn Pits SSSI. • For site 3, existing woodland (Coton Spinney and Spinney), the southern part of the site borders a watercourse which forms part of the River Avon LWS which requires protection and a 30m stand- off is required to existing woodlands (Cotton Spinney and Spinney). • Site 32 which forms part of a much larger site in Leicestershire contains woodland and hedgerows. The woodland belt between the current extraction area and Rugby Road (A426) to be retained, management of retained hedgerows and restoration to include woodland to link existing woodland area between Gibbet Lane and the A5. • For site 32, one residential property and a service station lie 150 m to the north west of the site at the junction of the A5 and Gibbet Lane behind extensive vegetation and one residential property 100m to the north east of the site on Gibbet Lane. The exact extent of any standoffs required to protect amenity would need to be determined during the planning application stage. • Site 32 is within the setting of a SAM and adjacent to a roman road and within the setting of motte castle and associated earthwork SSW of All Saints Church. Policy S3 requires appropriate management of these non-designated assets. The policy requires archaeological evaluation for both sites further supporting SA Objective 6. • Restoration proposals which reflect the objectives of the Lutterworth Lowlands local landscape and Leicestershire Vales national landscape character areas, and provide the best balance of enhancing biodiversity and preserve the best and most versatile soil resources (Site 32) • Site 3 has 20.4ha of Grade 3a and 12.6ha of Grade 3b of BMV agricultural land. Appropriate soil storage regimes on site will be required to minimise the effects. • Both sites being worked back by overland conveyor to Shawell Quarry. • The provision of suitable measures to protect the watercourse running along the southern boundary of Site 3. • Provision for the retention of Bridleway X27 (as currently diverted) and X28, and Footpaths X18 and X30 (Site 32). In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site to be introduced in the policy to address concerns over air pollution. • A requirement for ‘quality soils to be stored on site to be used again after completion for restoration purposes’ to be introduced in the policy to ensure BMV agricultural land can be reinstated after working of site has completed. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy bar the requirement for stand offs for site 32 from one residential property and a service station lie 150 m to the north west of the site at the junction of the A5 and Gibbet and one residential property 100m to the north east of the site on Gibbet Lane. The reason is that allocation of site 32 in the Minerals Plan needs to be consistent with the allocation by LCC for the same site and in their plan (which is in a more advanced state of development ie. submission stage). LCC do not quote or make any references to individual properties or stand-offs in their equivalent policy. It is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy, with the exception of SO5 conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes where effects are predicted as potentially significant (moderate) negative. In order to address this, it is recommended that the reasoned justification for Policy S3 is amended to include the following requirement: • A requirement for a detailed landscape and visual impact assessment to be undertaken at the planning application stage.
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On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
Policy S4: Allocation at Site 4 Wasperton Allocated Site 4 continues to be a large site of 85ha (reduced from 110ha in 2015) located to the south of Barford and east of Wasperton adjacent to the A429. The revised site option has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • The provision of suitable measures to protect the watercourse (River Avon and tributaries Local Wildlife Site) passing along the northern boundary and partly into the site. • Protection to hedgerows as well as advanced planting and opportunities to provide ecological enhancements to the restoration of the site. • Impacts are likely on individual residential properties on the southern and northern edges of the site and Wellesbourne Road respectively. However, the policy requires a minimum 100m stand-off from individual properties (The Forge Cottage, Wasperton Farm, Holloway Farm, Glebe Farm and Seven Elms/Seven Elms Barn) which should reduce the visual effects. Exact stand -offs be determined at planning application stage. • Wasperton Farm lies adjacent to the northern boundary and Seven Elms/Seven Elms Barn adjacent to the extreme south east corner of the site. A minimum 100m landscape buffer could be provided to maintain setting of listed buildings and there is a need to maintain the setting and structural integrity of the listed buildings at Wasperton Farm and Seven Elms. • 11.5ha of Grade 2 and 40.7ha of Grade 3a land and the remainder 42% is not BMV agricultural land. These effects could be minimised through appropriate soil storage regimes on site. In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site to be introduced in the policy to address concerns over air pollution; • A requirement for ‘quality soils to be stored on site to be used again after completion for restoration purposes’ to be introduced in the policy to ensure BMV agricultural land can be reinstated after working of site has completed. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy. As a result, it is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy, with the exception of SO6 preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings where effects are predicted as potentially significant (moderate) negative. In order to address this, it is recommended that the reasoned justification for Policy S4 is amended to include the following: • Due to the number of intervening factors regarding the landscape assessment, a detailed landscape and visual impact assessment to be undertaken at the planning application stage. A requirement for a detailed heritage assessment to be undertaken at the planning application stage
On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
Policy S6: Allocation at Site 6 Coney Grey Farm, Ryton This is a small satellite site, 47ha in area, located to the east of Coventry Airport Business Park and the A423 at Ryton. It has the potential to release 0.3 -0.4 million tonnes of sand and gravel during the plan period to serve the markets of Coventry and Kenilworth. Material may be processed elsewhere such as at Bubbenhall Quarry but the site may be developed as a stand- alone site using small mobile processing plant. The eastern half of the site has previously been worked and restored at a lower level/infilled and is adjacent
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to other employment uses. The revised site option has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • The site lies 600m to the west of Ryton Woods SSSI and 1km from Brandon Marsh SSSI. The site abuts the River Avon LWS but working is likely to take place over 200m to the east of the river. There are two watercourses connected to the LWS; one runs along the southern boundary of the site and the other passes through the site north to south but is likely to be outside the working area. The site also abuts the Siskin Drive Bird Sanctuary LWS but working is likely to take place some 200m to the east of the LWS. The provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Brandon Marsh SSSI and Ryton Woods SSSI are required to address potential hydrological, water quality and air quality impacts and also to protect the River Avon LWS and Siskin Drive Bird Sanctuary LWS. There are potential local site specific ecology constraints such as existing woodland and hedgerows which may support protected species. • Advance planting on the roadside boundary and next to properties fronting onto the northern, eastern and southern boundaries of the site. • The western edge of the site is considered to be of high landscape sensitivity; the remaining area moderate sensitivity in terms of its visibility but low landscape sensitivity. there may be adverse visual impact on nearby properties. minimum landscape buffer 100m from individual properties fronting onto the eastern half of the site (north and south) and a buffer to the River Avon as well as advance planting on the roadside boundary and next to properties on the northern and southern boundaries. • Phased working and progressive restoration to agriculture with increased biodiversity and flood storage/flood alleviation. In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site; • A requirement for ‘quality soils to be stored on site to be used again after completion for restoration purposes’ to be introduced in the policy to ensure BMV agricultural land can be reinstated after working of site has completed. The restoration plan should have regard to the Dunsmore Living Landscape scheme; and • A requirement for ‘mobile plant to be located so as to reduce impact on the openness of the green belt’. Operating as a satellite site to an existing or planned quarry in the Rugby/Warwick area or operating as a stand- alone site using small mobile processing plant if a suitable location can be found within the site. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy. As a result, it is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy. On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SAO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
Policy S9: Allocation at Site 9 Hams Lane, Lea Marston The allocated site comprises 48ha and is located to the west of Lea Marston near to Junction 9 of M42 (Dunton Island). The revised site option has been assessed in Chapter 10. The assessment results indicate the requirement for key policy considerations should the site be allocated. These are: • Provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance the special features of Whitacre Heath SSSI to address any potential hydrological, water quality and air quality impacts and a 30m buffer from Dunton Wood. Sych Wood lying to the east of the site. • If worked as a stand- alone site suitable access onto Hams Lane and all vehicles turning right to Faraday Avenue. No access through Lea Marston village. • Exploring the opportunity to work the site back to Dunton Quarry by overland conveyor. • Hedgerows present on the site which may support protected species. site could be developed in phases allowing the protection to hedgerows as well as advanced planting and opportunities to provide ecological enhancements to the restoration of the site. • Additional woodland planting.
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• The landscape sensitivity of the site is high-medium with visual impact potentially moderate. Minimum 100m landscape buffer to minimise visual impacts to properties on Blackgreaves Lane and Reindeer Park off Kingsbury Road. • Site to be restored back to agricultural land • Part of the site is Grade 3 agricultural land. These effects could be minimised through appropriate soil storage regimes on site • Whilst access on Hams Lane would need to be improved, the site has good access to the wider highway network from Hams Lane. There is a railway line nearby but it is unlikely to be able to transport minerals or mineral derived products direct due to the lack of available land and facilities. Hams Hall Freight Centre is also located nearby but materials would have to be transported by road to a suitable handling facility which would need to be constructed. • If worked as a stand-alone site mobile plant to be located so as to reduce impact on the openness of the Green Belt. In addition, in the previous iteration of assessment, recommendations were made by the SA (and fully considered by the Council) for: • A requirement for ‘an Environmental Management Plan to be prepared for the site. • The working and restoration plan should take into account and contribute to the Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership Scheme and Trent and Tame River Valleys Futurescape project. • Take into account any mitigation approved to minimize the impact of HS2 on Lea Marston village. The detailed assessment of this policy undertaken in Appendix III has confirmed the integration of all of the above requirements in the policy. As a result, it is expected that no significant negative effects will arise from the implementation of this policy, with the exception of SAO5 conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes where effects are predicted as potentially significant (moderate) negative. In order to address this, it is recommended that the reasoned justification for Policy S9 is amended to include the following: • A requirement for a detailed landscape and visual impact assessment to be undertaken at the planning application stage. On the other hand, significant positive effects are expected to arise out of SAO16, ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire. The summary results are presented in Table 11-4.
11.3.2. Cumulative effects The cumulative effects of the workings of new sites located in proximity to each other and/or in the proximity of existing mineral workings have been considered for the following: • Sites 1, 2 and nearby Ling Hall quarry (Ling Hall quarry is no longer being worked but does import aggregates to produce concrete and roadstone products up to September 2021). The summary of the cumulative assessment scores against each SA Objective is shown in Table 11-5. The negative effects when considering the activities of the three sites together are likely to remain slight and non- significant. This is because of the several mitigation measures being proposed for the new sites (1 and 2) and the restoration measures being put into place at the existing mineral workings (Ling Hall Farm quarry). Equally, no change in significance of beneficial effects is predicted which remain slight.
11.3.3. Conclusions The revisions made to the policies, both in terms of the size of some of the sites and the mitigation measures that need to be considered for each site, have resulted in mainly slight negative effects being predicted against most SA Objectives. This remains the case when considering the cumulative effects of simultaneous working of sites in the vicinity of each other. There are, however, exceptions. Policies S3 and S9 are likely to result in moderate (significant) negative effects on landscape despite the mitigation measures being put forward. This is because of the large size of
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the allocations being proposed and the length of time some of the mitigation measures will take to become effective. Policy S4 is also likely to result in moderate (significant) negative effects on areas of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings (SA Objective 6) as there are 3 listed buildings near to the site. Policy S1 is likely to result in moderate (significant) negative effects on SAO 2 (Protect and improve water quality and resources) as the site lies within a Drinking Water Protection Area (surface water) and is in close proximity to Draycote Meadows SSSI which has hydrological special features. Significant positive effects are predicted for SA Objective 16 as all of the sites will ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire (though it is to be recognised that some slight adverse effects are also identified in relation to this Objective for some sites). .
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Table 11-4 - Summary of Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Second Publication Document 2018) SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 1.To conserve and enhance biodiversity See individual ------assessments for Policies S1-S9 2.To protect and improve water quality and resources See individual ------assessments for Policies S1-S9 3.To avoid reduce and manage flood risk See individual ------assessments for Policies S1-S9 4. To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise See individual ------potential impacts on community health assessments for Policies S1-S9 5. To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and See individual ------townscapes. assessments for Policies S1-S9 6. To preserve or enhance buildings, sites, areas of special See individual 0 - - -- 0 - architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and assessments for their settings Policies S1-S9 7. To protect soil resources See individual ------assessments for Policies S1-S9 8. To preserve and protect geological features and promote See individual 0 0 0 0 0 0
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SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 geological conservation assessments for Policies S1-S9 9. To promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon See individual ------reduction targets assessments for Policies S1-S9 10. To reduce consumption of natural resources ------
11. To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals See individual ------assessments for Policies S1-S9 12.To adequately safeguard reserves of minerals for future See individual 0 0 0 0 0 0 generations assessments for Policies S1-S9 13.To ensure minerals restoration makes the best possible use of See individual 0 0 0 0 0 0 former mineral operations assessments for Policies S1-S9 14 To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, See individual ------Public Rights of Way and open space. assessments for Policies S1-S9 15. To enfranchise the community in improving the local See individual 0 0 0 0 0 0 environment assessments for Policies S1-S9
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SA Objective Policy S0 Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S9 16.To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the ++ ++ -/++ ++ ++ ++ -/++ sustainable economic development of Warwickshire
Key: Assessment Scale Assessment Category Significance of Effect +++ Strong positive Significant ++ Moderate positive + Slight positive Not Significant 0 Neutral or no obvious effect
- Slight negative -- Moderate negative Significant --- Strong negative ? Effect uncertain/Requires further clarification Note: Those effects which are either moderate or large are deemed to be significant
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Table 11-5 - Summary of Cumulative Assessment of Site Allocation Policies (Publication Document 2018) and existing Ling Hall quarry SA Objective Policies S1+S2+Ling Hall 1.To conserve and enhance biodiversity -
2.To protect and improve water quality and resources -- 3.To avoid reduce and manage flood risk -
4. To safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health -
5. To conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes. -
6. To preserve or enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeological interest and their - settings 7. To protect soil resources -
8. To preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation 0
9. To promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets -
10. To reduce consumption of natural resources -
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SA Objective Policies S1+S2+Ling Hall 11. To encourage the sustainable transportation of minerals -
12.To adequately safeguard reserves of minerals for future generations 0
13.To ensure minerals restoration makes the best possible use of former mineral operations 0
14 To protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and open space. - 15. To enfranchise the community in improving the local environment 0
16.To ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire -/++
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11.4. Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Assessment
11.4.1. Results A revised detailed assessment has been undertaken of each of the Core Strategy and Development Management policies contained in the Minerals Plan Second Publication document (as at August 2018) and this is presented in Appendix III. Table 11-7 below presents a summary of the effects from the revised detailed assessments and a discussion follows. As explained already, these policies have evolved since 2015, in many cases as a result of SA recommendations. A summary of these recommendations and how they were considered in the plan is provided in Table 11-6. The Second Publication Plan shows a mix of positive and negative results and there continue to be a considerable number of areas where the anticipated outcomes of the Plan’s Core Strategy policies on environmental objectives are negative. This is mainly due to the nature of the plan proposals – in short, the mineral extraction industry has a known environmental impact by the nature of the activities involved – resulting in significant negative effects being predicted for most Core Strategy policies. Significant negative effects continue to be noted for the following SA Objectives: • Conserve & enhance biodiversity; • Protect & improve water quality and resources; • Avoid, reduce and manage flood risk; • Safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health; • Conserve and enhance the quality of the landscape and townscapes; • Preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings; • Protect and enhance soil resources • Promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets; and • Protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and Open Space. The Development Management policies which were strengthen in the 2016 iteration of assessment (in particular the addition of Policy DM2: Warwickshire’s Historic Environment & Heritage Assets and DM3: Green Infrastructure) continue to act in a ‘cross cutting’ and counteracting manner ie. the predicted significant effects for the Core Strategy policies would be minimised by ensuring that environmental issues are suitably considered as part of any mineral development. The robustness of these ‘cross cutting’ Development Management policies is illustrated in Table 11-6 by the fact that every single SA Objective has at least one Development Management Policy that resulted in a likely ‘Positive’ or ‘Significantly Positive’ outcome for mineral development proposals. In addition, revised Policy DM11: Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency requires that planning applications will need to demonstrate how carbon reduction and resource efficiency will be achieved during the life cycle of the development (construction, operation and reinstatement or restoration). New policy DM12 provides a clear approach regarding the mitigation hierarchy that needs to be followed in any mineral development proposals.
11.4.2. Conclusions It is considered that the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018 has a strong set of Development Management policies which will lead to more sustainable minerals development and will ensure that identified significant negative effects arising from Core Strategy policies are properly mitigated. These policies will also apply to all mineral sites allocated through the plan.
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Table 11-6 - SA Recommendations and WCC’s responses SA Recommendation WCC’s response 2015 iteration One of the key roles of the SA is to ensure that the formation of plans and policies takes into account sustainability considerations where possible. There were two SA objectives for which the 2015 Plan policies provided minimum coverage with most effects being neutral. These were SA Objective 10- Reduce consumption of natural resources and SA Objective 15- Enfranchise the community in improving the local environment. As such two recommendations were made in this respect: • SA Objective 10 – ‘Reduce consumption of natural resources’ - The Council has taken the recommendation into consideration and has Mineral developments must address issues such as effects on the amended the Draft Plan to include the following new policy: climate (carbon emissions), operational effects on the environment Policy DM9 – ‘Whole Life’ Approach to Mineral Developments and resource efficiency; effects on the people who will work at the facility, who live beside the facility and who will be effected by its All mineral proposals shall be prepared and implemented using a operation; and sustainable supply chain – both suppliers and ‘Whole Life’ approach to planning, construction, operation, customers. This is known as ‘Whole Life’ approach. It was reinstatement and restoration. recommended that a new DM policy is added to the Minerals Plan as follows: Justification DM9 – ‘Whole Life’ Approach to Mineral Developments All mineral developments subject to this Plan are to take a ‘Whole Life’ Mineral developments must address issues such as effects on the approach to planning, construction, operation, reinstatement and climate (carbon emissions), operational effects on the environment restoration. and resource efficiency; people who live in proximity to the facility and who will be affected by its operation; and sustainable supply chain – both suppliers and customers. This is known as ‘Whole Life’ approach.
The Council has taken the recommendation into consideration and has • SA Objective 15 – Enfranchise the community in improving the included the new paragraph in revised Policy DM2. local environment - Mineral developments must address neighbourhood ‘dissatisfaction’ in places adjacent minerals facilities. ‘Mineral development should be undertaken in close consultation with local communities in order to address any valid local concerns raised by The strengthening of Policy DM4 was recommended through the Page 113 of 132
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SA Recommendation WCC’s response inclusion of the following paragraph: the proposals.’ ‘Mineral development should be undertaken in close consultation with local communities in order to address any neighbourhood issues’. 2016 iteration A number of recommendations arose out of the assessments aiming mainly at clarifying the intention of various aspects of policy. These recommendations are outlined below:
1- It was noted that the overall approach to assessment outlined in The Council has taken the recommendation into consideration and has revised Policy DM1 (now focussed on environmental assets and amended the Publication Plan to include the following new policy: landscapes) had not been reflected in other plan policies dealing with other aspects of the environment, economy and society. It Policy DM12 Overall Assessment of Proposals was recommended that a new cross-cutting policy be introduced Proposals should clearly demonstrate that any adverse impacts have to ensure this wider coverage in terms of assessment approach. been considered under the following mitigation hierarchy: Stage 1 i) Avoided; or Stage 2 ii) Satisfactorily mitigated where all avoidance has been implemented as far as possible; or Stage 3 iii) Adequately compensated for either onsite or offsite (as a last resort where any adverse impacts cannot be avoided or
satisfactorily mitigated).
All opportunities to satisfy Stage 1 and Stage 2 should be exhausted before proceeding to the next stage.
2- Revised Policy DM1 no longer deals directly with flood risk and The Council has taken recommendations 2, 3 and 4 into consideration and drainage in terms of impact of minerals development. As Policies has amended the Policy DM1 in the Publication Plan as follows: DM4 and DM7 deal specifically with these aspects, it was recommended that the mention to ‘flood risk and drainage’ as a Policy DM1 Protection and enhancement of environmental assets and landscapes bullet under the adverse impacts that Policy DM1 is aimed at addressing be removed from the Policy. Also, as Policy DM4 now Mineral development should protect, conserve, and where possible deals with impacts of minerals development on community enhance, environmental assets and landscapes (the natural health, it was recommended that the mention to adjacent land environment) by ensuring that there are no unacceptable adverse
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SA Recommendation WCC’s response uses and occupiers was also removed as a ‘bullet’. The Council impacts upon: has enacted both these recommendations in the final Policy DM1 • the quality and character of the landscape; (see item 4. below). • natural resources (including water, air and soil resources);
• biodiversity; 3- It was recommended that Policy DM1 would benefit from clarification regarding the exact approach to protecting valuable • geodiversity; landscapes, as key elements of this approach were only stated in Mineral development proposals should demonstrate that nature the supporting text to the policy. The Council has revised Policy conservation sites, species, and habitats (an indicative list of sites, DM1 accordingly (see item 4. below). species, and habitats is contained in Table 9.1) of international and national importance will be preserved or conserved and, where possible, enhanced. The level of protection to be afforded to the 4- It was felt that the reference to ‘open space, sports and asset will be commensurate with its designation and significance. recreation’ as a bullet under the adverse impacts that Policy DM1 is aimed at addressing was misplaced, as the revised policy no Any mineral development proposals which would have adverse longer dealt with these issues. A recommendation was made effects on the integrity of any European Site (Natura 2000 sites) that a new policy covering these aspects would provide clarity by (either alone or in combination with other plans and projects) will not moving relevant supporting text out of Policy DM1 (see also be permitted unless: recommendation 5). • there are no alternative solutions; and • there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest; and • adequate compensatory measures can be taken to ensure the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. Proposals should also maintain or, where possible, enhance biodiversity and recognised sites, species, and habitats (an indicative list of sites, species, and habitats is contained in the table
below) of sub-regional or local importance. The level of protection to be afforded to the asset will be commensurate with its level of importance and contribution to wider ecological or geological/geomorphological networks. Planning permission will not be granted for mineral development which will result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of,
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SA Recommendation WCC’s response the mineral development in that location clearly outweigh the loss. Mineral development proposals will be supported where they deliver a net gain in biodiversity and contribute to establishing a coherent and resilient ecological network.
The Council has taken the two recommendations above into
consideration. The wording of Policy DM3 Green Infrastructure has been 5- With the introduction of a new policy on Green Infrastructure amended in the Publication Plan to included Green Belt issues. (DM3), the Publication Plan will afford a higher degree of Policy DM3 Green Infrastructure protection to natural assets. However, it was found that Green Belt and Open Space had been overlooked in policy terms as Proposals for minerals development will only be granted where revised Policy DM1 no longer covered these but new Policy DM3 proposals do not compromise the integrity of strategic and local was not specifically aimed at these either. It was recommended green infrastructure assets in connecting locations of natural and that new policies focussing on these two themes were introduced cultural heritage, green spaces, biodiversity or other environmental in the Publication Plan. interest in urban and rural areas. The design and layout of the operation and restoration of new mineral sites and the restoration of existing mineral sites should take account of and provide opportunities to create, maintain and enhance green infrastructure provision, and improve accessibility to these assets. Where new green infrastructure assets are to be created details of the arrangements for the long term management of the asset will need to be provided prior to the determination of any planning application. Proposals should also comply with local Green Belt policies where applicable. In addition, wording has been added to Policy DM4 to include reference to open spaces, sports and other recreational assets as part of the local community environment which requires protection. Policy DM4 Health, Economy and Amenity - Minimising the Impacts of Mineral Development Planning permission will not be granted for mineral development proposals which will have unacceptable adverse impacts on the local communities (including adjacent land uses or occupiers) and their Page 116 of 132
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SA Recommendation WCC’s response environment (including open spaces, sports and other recreational assets) and on the economy (including tourism), either individually or cumulatively with other existing or proposed developments through any of the following: • noise • lighting/illumination • visual intrusion • vibration/blast vibration • public health • dust • emissions to air and or/odours • contamination of land • water pollution • road traffic • loss of best and most versatile agricultural land • land instability • flooding. Mineral development should be undertaken in close consultation with local communities in order to address any valid local concerns raised by the proposals.
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Table 11-7 - Summary of Assessment of Core Strategy and Development Management Policies (as at August 2018) SA Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy Objective
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 1. To ------/+ 0 ------+++ + ++ + 0 0 + 0 + 0 + + conserve and enhance biodiversity 2. To protect ------/+ 0 ------+ 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 + 0 + + and improve water quality and resources 3. To avoid, ------/+ 0 ------+ 0 + + 0 0 +++ 0 + 0 + 0 reduce and manage flood risk 4. To ------0 ------+ 0 + +++ + + + + 0 0 0 0 safeguard environmenta l quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health 5. To ------/+ 0 ------+++ +++ ++ + 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + conserve and enhance the quality of the landscapes and townscapes
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SA Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy Objective
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 6. To ------/+ 0 ------0 +++ ++ 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + + preserve or enhance buildings, sites, areas of special architectural or historic interest or archaeologic al interest and their settings 7. To protect - - - -/+ 0 - - 0 - - - ++ 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 + + and enhance soil resources 8. To - - - -/+ 0 ------+++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 + 0 + preserve and protect geological features and promote geological conservation 9. To + 0 0 + 0 0 0 ------0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets
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SA Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy Objective
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 10. To + 0 0 + 0 0 0 - - - - 0 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 reduce consumption of natural resources 11. To 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ 0 0 0 0 0 + + encourage the sustainable transportatio n of minerals 12. To + -/+ -/+ + ++ -/+ -/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ + 0 adequately safeguard reserves of minerals for future generations 13. To 0 -/+ -/+ 0 0 -/+ -/+ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +++ 0 0 0 ensure minerals restoration makes the best possible use of former mineral operations 14. To ------/+ 0 ------0 0 + ++ 0 +++ 0 0 + 0 0 + protect and enhance material assets such as Green Belt, Public
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SA Warwickshire Minerals Plan Policy Objective
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MCS1 MCS2 MCS3 MCS4 MCS5 MCS6 MCS7 MCS8 MCS9 MCS10 MCS11 DM1 DM2 DM3 DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM DM12 Rights of Way and Open Space
15. To 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ++ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 enfranchise the community in improving the local environment 16. To ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 0 0 + 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ensure that the minerals industry plays a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire
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12. Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects
As noted in Chapter 3, there is a requirement to consider Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects of policies in the Mineral Plan. Secondary and Indirect effects are effects that are not a direct result of the plan, but occur away from the original effect or as the result of a complex pathway. Cumulative effects arise where several proposals individually may or may not have significant effect but in-combination have a significant effect due to spatial crowding or temporal overlap. Synergistic effects are when two or more effects act together to create an effect greater than the simple sum of the effects acting alone. See Chapter 3 for more detail on these terms and the methodology used. The results of the assessments of direct effects of the Plan policies are presented in Appendix III for the Site Allocations, Core Strategy and Development Management policies and discussed in Chapter 11. As required by the SEA Regulations, cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects have also been considered during the SA. Table 12-1 lists the results of this analysis.
Table 12-1 - Summary of Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects Effects Causes Significance Cumulative effects on The nature of mineral extraction means that Minor negative cumulative biodiversity at each site considered for minerals effects after mitigation as per development there is likely to be a loss of Policies DM1 and DM3 biodiversity. For a county that has lost a applied. significant amount of biodiversity features In addition, potential medium since 1945 this would have a cumulative to long term cumulative impact that would be contrary to the aims of benefits as enhancement the county biodiversity strategy and measures are implemented. biodiversity action plans. However, the
Mineral Plan Policies DM1, and DM3 place strong emphasis on the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment and therefore when applied to each site cumulatively the negative impact will be much reduced and this offers the opportunity for biodiversity enhancement in the long term. Cumulative effects on It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor negative environmental quality & minerals development will likely have a slight cumulative effects after health negative effect on environmental quality mitigation as per Policy DM4 which could impact on community health. applied. There would be a potential cumulative negative effect on health provision if there was a temporal overlap of site exploitation (taking a precautionary approach of all sites operational at the same time). However, Mineral Plan Policy DM4 recognises the potential for cumulative effects and places strong protection on the local environment and communities. Cumulative effects on It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor cumulative landscape / townscape minerals development will likely have either effects when Policies DM1, a moderate negative or strong negative and DM3 (and to a lesser
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Effects Causes Significance effect on landscape / townscape which could extent Policy DM4) are represent a cumulative negative effect on enacted. the county if (taking a precautionary approach) all sites were developed at the same time (temporal overlap). However, policies DM1, DM3 and DM4 place strong protection on landscape / townscape (especially designated areas) and ensures that mitigation will be enacted at each site. Cumulative effects on soil It is considered that each site considered for Neutral to minor cumulative resources minerals development will likely have a slight effect when measures negative effect on soil resources, but in encouraged by policies DM1, some cases moderate negative effects could DM4 & DM9 are enacted. occur on best quality agricultural land. Warwickshire, as a whole, has typically high grade soil resources and as such the loss of good soil at each site would have a cumulative loss of typically good grade soil. However, policies DM1 and DM9 place strong protection on soil resources (e.g. encourage soil storage and prevent it being polluted) and a strong emphasis on reinstatement, restoration and aftercare. Cumulative effects on Due to the nature of mineral exploitation, Significant cumulative consumption of natural each site considered for minerals negative effects as more resources development would likely have a slight mineral exploitation takes negative effect. Policy DM5 does encourage place. Sustainable Transportation and other measures in other policies such as reuse of aggregate would help reduce the overall cumulative negative effects but it is still considered that the nature of the activity (Mineral exploitation) will still be negatively significant. Cumulative effects on It is considered that sites considered for Neutral to minor cumulative Green Belt, PROW and minerals development will likely have slight negative effects after Open Space effects on Green Belt, PROW and Open measures contained within Space. However, policies DM1, DM3, DM6 policies DM1, DM3 and DM6 and DM9 all place strong protection on these and DM9 are enacted. features. For this reason, it is considered that application of the measures within these policies such as provision of alternative PROW will ensure that the cumulative effects are neutral. Cumulative effects on Mineral site development will have a strong Strong positive cumulative sustainable economic positive benefit to the sustainable economic effects as more mineral development development of Warwickshire – this is in exploitation takes place. keeping with the aspiration of the Minerals Plan i.e. to ensure there are sufficient allocated mineral resources (in particular sand & gravel for each of these sites) to support sustainable economic development.
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13. Mitigation
The term ‘mitigation’ encompasses any approach, which is aimed at preventing, reducing or offsetting significant adverse sustainability effects that have been identified. In practice, a range of measures applying one or more of these approaches is likely to be considered in mitigating any significant adverse effects predicted as a result of implementing the Draft Plan. In addition, it is also important to consider measures aimed at enhancing positive effects. All such measures are generally referred to as mitigation measures. However, the emphasis should, in the first instance, be on proactive avoidance of adverse effects. Only once all alternative options or approaches to avoiding an effect have been examined should mitigation then examine ways of reducing the scale/importance of the effect. Mitigation can take a wide range of forms, including: • Changes to the preferred measures, including bringing forward new options to address specific elements that cause adverse effects, or adding or deleting options; • Refining options in order to improve the likelihood of positive effects and to minimise adverse effects; • Technical measures (such as setting guidelines) to be applied during the implementation stage; • Identifying issues to be addressed in project environmental impact assessments for certain projects or classes of projects; • Proposals for changing other plans and programmes; and • Contingency arrangements for dealing with possible adverse effects. Mitigation measures (in the form of recommendations) were identified in the individual assessments of the proposed policies and are highlighted in the policy specific recommendations in Chapter 11. Chapter 11 also provides an account of how these mitigation measures have been taken into account in the revised/new policies. The mitigation measures proposed are listed below:
Development management policies • Addition of new policies on Green Belt, Open Space and Recreation, Carbon Emissions and Resource Efficiency and Overall Assessment of Proposals • Strengthening of Policy DM4 through the inclusion of the following paragraph: ‘Mineral development should be undertaken in close consultation with local communities in order to address any neighbourhood issues’. • Various amendments to Policy DM1 to clarify its intention
Site allocation policies A number of mitigation measures have been identified for the sites as follows (note that this is not a comprehensive list and further detail about specific mitigation measures can be found in Chapter 11): • Application of relevant Development Plan policies – DM1 through DM9; • Preparation of Environmental Management Plans for mineral sites; • Provision of suitable measures to protect and where possible enhance SSSI and LWS in the vicinity of the sites • Provision of suitable measures to protect and where possible ecological features, including watercourses, within/in the vicinity of the sites • Trees and hedgerows on site to be retained where possible • Advanced tree, plant and hedgerow planting • Protected species surveys as appropriate; • Need to maintain the setting and structural integrity of listed buildings; landscape buffers to maintain setting;
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• Archaeological investigation to be carried out as part of development process to identify any unknown features of cultural heritage; • Use of Best Practice measures at each development site to protect water quality; • Use of Best Practice measures e.g. to reduce noise & vibration to mitigate against impact on sensitive receptors / local communities; • Prior extraction of minerals to take place if appropriate / practicable; • Appropriate landscaping proposals to be made in relation to each development site; • Appropriate reinstatement proposals to be made in relation to each development site; • Enhancement, retention or alternative provision (as appropriate) of features such as PROW; • Mobile plant to be located so as to reduce the impact on the openness of Green Belt; • Protection of public water supplies; • No derogation of licensed abstraction in the vicinity of the site; • Soils to be stored on site to be used again for restoration purposes; • Best practice measures to be made in relation to the protection of soil from pollution; and • Soil management best practice and the need for a robust programme of soil aftercare.
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14. Monitoring
The SEA Directive states that ‘member states shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes…..in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action’ (Article 10.1). In addition, the Environmental Report should provide information on a ‘description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring’ (Annex I (i)) (Stage E). SA monitoring will cover significant social and economic effects as well as significant environmental effects; and it involves measuring indicators which will enable the establishment of a causal link between the implementation of the plan and the likely significant sustainability effects (both beneficial or adverse) being monitored. This will allow the identification of any unforeseen adverse effects and enable appropriate remedial action to be taken. Existing guidance recommends monitoring to be incorporated into Local Authority’s existing monitoring arrangements. In accordance with Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Local Authority is required to prepare an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to assess the implementation of the Local Development Plan and the extent to which policies and proposals are being achieved and to identify any changes if a policy is not working or if the targets are not met. In order to reach a final framework of indicators for the AMR for the Minerals Plan, WCC will need to consider the indicators proposed in the SA to identify those which can be most effectively used to monitor the sustainability effects. This will need to be undertaken in dialogue with statutory consultees and other bodies, as in many cases the monitoring information may need to be provided by outside bodies. The following significant effects against all the SA objectives (including cumulative, synergistic and indirect effects) have been identified by the assessment and form the basis of the monitoring programme:
SA Objectives with identified significant effects • Conserve and enhance biodiversity • Protect and improve water quality and resources • Avoid reduce and manage flood risk • Safeguard environmental quality in order to minimise potential impacts on community health • Conserve and enhance the quality of landscape and townscapes • Preserve and enhance sites, features and areas of historic archaeological or architectural importance and their settings • Protect soil resources • Promote the delivery of energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets • Protect and enhance material assets such Green Belt, Public Rights of Way and Open Space
Neutral or Significant Beneficial Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects • Cumulative effect on biodiversity • Cumulative effects on environmental health & quality • Cumulative effects on landscape / townscapes • Cumulative effect on soil resources • Cumulative effect on sustainable economic development
Significant Adverse Cumulative, Synergistic and Indirect Effects • Cumulative effect on consumption of natural resources
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At this stage, the monitoring programme as outlined in Table 14-1 remains preliminary. The programme will continue to evolve based on the results of public consultation, dialogue with environmental and other consultees and the identification of additional data sources, as in some cases information will be provided by outside bodies. However, it should be noted that there will be a need for careful consideration of the practicalities of monitoring to be taken into account in shaping the final monitoring strategy, especially in the context of potentially limited resources at the local level. The emphasis must be on creating a balanced, effective, yet achievable set of monitoring criteria. The monitoring programme will be finalised in the Post Adoption Statement.
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Table 14-1 - Proposed Monitoring Programme Effect to be monitored Potential indicator(s) to be used Target Responsibility for undertaking monitoring and proposed frequency Conservation and Proportion of mineral developments which have an adverse effect on Nil WCC - Annual enhancement of European Sites biodiversity Area of SSSI lost to mineral developments Nil WCC - Annual Amount of protected woodland and trees lost mineral developments Nil WCC - Annual Area of LNR lost to mineral developments Nil WCC - Annual Proportion of new mineral developments delivering habitat creation or Increase WCC - Annual enhancement Protection and Number of pollution incidents per year on surface/ground water recorded Decrease Environment Agency – Annual improvement of water by the Environment Agency attributed to minerals developments quality & resources Avoidance, reduction Number of mineral workings in flood plains Decrease WCC - Annual and management of Number of flood relief schemes located in former restored mineral sites Increase WCC - Annual flood risk The safeguarding of Number of complaints relating to disturbance as a result of minerals Decrease WCC - Annual environmental quality activity, by type, per year and impact on human health Proportion (area) of restored workings available for outdoor recreational Increase WCC - Annual and educational purposes Changes in levels of main pollutants for national air quality targets at Decrease WCC - Annual minerals sites/on principal minerals transport routes Permissions for minerals activities with conditions regarding dust control Increase WCC - Annual Conservation & Number of minerals planning permissions featuring enhancement of the Increase WCC - Annual enhancement of landscape and townscape in line with landscape character assessments landscapes / Area of ancient and semi-natural woodland lost as result of minerals Nil WCC - Annual townscapes activity
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Effect to be monitored Potential indicator(s) to be used Target Responsibility for undertaking monitoring and proposed frequency Proportion of mineral planning permissions per year located in, or Nil WC - Annual adversely impacting upon, designated landscape area Area of woodland planting schemes on mineral sites Increase WCC - Annual Number of new public rights of way Increase WCC - Annual Area of Green Infrastructure Corridors created as a result of minerals Increase WCC - Annual development Preservation and Number of known historic environment sites, monuments or complexes Nil WCC / Historic England - Annual enhancement of sites of affected by minerals development proposals historic archaeological Number of minerals development permissions deemed to have an Nil WCC / Historic England - Annual or architectural adverse impact on the setting of a listed building, conservation area or importance and their other designated site settings Supplies from quarries supplying traditional building materials Increase WCC - Annual Protection and Number of soil storage regimes Increase WCC - Annual enhancement of soil Area of Grade 1, 2 or 3a agricultural (BMV) land permanently lost to Nil WCC – Annual resources minerals workings Area of agricultural land restored to former or higher quality Increase WCC – Annual
Mineral industry playing Employment figures for Minerals industry on Warwickshire Increase WCC - Annual a central role in the sustainable economic development of Warwickshire Consumption of Natural Comparison of actual mineral output against that predicted in LAA No WCC - Annual Resources deviation
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15. Conclusions
Based on the findings of the SA, it is possible to draw a number of key conclusions with regards to the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018. These are outlined below. While overall, the Plan represents a balanced approach in terms of sustainability performance, it should be noted that by its nature, mineral extraction will have environmental effects – frequently negative. However, in general, the Plan strives to meet the range of sustainability objectives identified in the SA framework, whilst ensuring that the plan adheres to national minerals guidance and makes sufficient provision for minerals required over the plan period. It is known that there are issues with supply of Sand and Gravel within Warwickshire and to the surrounding areas. The Second Publication Minerals Plan has identified six sites from which Sand and Gravel can be extracted in a sustainable fashion should all mitigation measures identified in the relevant policies be enacted. The Plan also formulates a series of strong Development Management policies which address potential sustainability issues associated with development of Sand and Gravel and other mineral types. These policies will ensure that sustainability effects associated with mineral site development are satisfactorily minimised or enhanced, depending on whether effects are negative or positive. The identified moderate (significant) negative effects associated with the Core Strategy and Site Allocations policies can thus, for the most part, be satisfactorily mitigated. Mitigation can take the form of specific techniques applied to mineral extraction sites on an individual basis (as set in the Allocations Policies for sand and gravel sites), or it could be through the application of the Development Management policies identified within the Plan when planning applications are made to WCC at a later stage. This report contains a Monitoring Programme which, if adopted by WCC, will allow the early establishment of a causal link between the implementation of the plan and the likely significant effects (positive or negative). This will allow the County officers and other relevant authorities to take appropriate action as soon as practicable. It is anticipated that a key outcome from the implementation of the Minerals Plan Second Publication 2018 is that it would make a strongly positive effect on the ambition to grow the mineral extraction industry of Warwickshire and by extension the economy of the county, in a sustainable fashion.
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16. References
Directive 2001/42/EC "on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment”, European Commission (2001) Available at: http://europa.eu.int/eur- lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_197/l_19720010721en00300037.pdf The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/1633) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, ODPM (September 2005). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-environmental-assessment- directive-guidance Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Guidance for Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities, ODPM (November 2005). Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20061101024838/http:/www.communities.gov.uk/pub/346 /SustainabilityAppraisalofRegionalSpatialStrategiesandLocalDevelopmentDocuments_id1161346.p df National Planning Policy Framework, DCLG (July 2018). Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7 40441/National_Planning_Policy_Framework_web_accessible_version.pdf
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