EEC/10/217/HQ Development Management Committee 24 November 2010

County Matter: Minerals East District: Retention of Quarry Processing Plant and Ancillary Facilities, and the Importation of As Dug Sand and Gravel for the Purposes of Processing and Storing at Blackhill Quarry, Woodbury, Applicant: Aggregate Industries UK Ltd Application No. DCC/3003/2010 Date application received by - 18 February 2010

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Culture

Please note that the following recommendations are subject to consideration and determination by the Committee before taking effect.

Recommendation: It is recommended that: (a) subject to the Applicant entering into a legal agreement relating to the securing of the restoration of the Blackhill Quarry Complex [taking into account the existing restoration requirements for the site], routeing of mineral delivery vehicles, the maintenance of the unclassified road between the site entrance to Venn Ottery Quarry and the B3180, and haulage operations to take place in accordance with the haulage statement submitted by the Applicant, planning permission be granted in accordance with the conditions set out in Appendix II to this Report; and (b) the Mineral Planning Authority welcomes the offer by the Applicant to establish a Local Liaison Group in order to address issues arising from the importation of mineral and the operation of the plant.

1. Summary

1.1 This Report relates to a planning application to allow mineral to be imported into Blackhill Quarry for the purposes of processing and storage. The sources of mineral would come from Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] and Venn Ottery Quarry located to the north east of Blackhill Quarry.

1.2 It is considered that the main material issues in the consideration of this application are the traffic implications of hauling material into Blackhill Quarry; and, the delay in the restoration of the Blackhill Quarry complex as a result of the proposal, particularly in relation to nature conservation interests and visual impacts.

2. Background/Proposal

2.1 Blackhill Quarry is located approximately 9 kilometres to the south east of Exeter, on the southern edge of Woodbury Common.

2.2 The application site is contained within the Blackhill Quarry complex, and includes the existing plant area, offices, the weighbridge, a clean water pond, an existing silt pond, and mineral storage areas. The site area is about 16 hectares, and access to and from the site is from the B3180 County highway. 2.3 It is understood that mineral operations began at Blackhill Quarry in the 1930s, and it currently has the benefit of a number of more recent planning consents. The main permission at Blackhill Quarry was granted in 1972, and mineral extraction in this permission area ceased a number of years ago. A further consent was granted in 2002 in the area known as Thorn Tree Plantation and mineral extraction in this area is now coming to an end. The restoration of the entire Blackhill Quarry complex is secured by a Section 106 Planning Agreement, and both this and the Thorn Tree Plantation planning permissions require the restoration of the site by March 2012.

2.4 The processing plant was constructed on land adjacent to the quarry permission areas under the Town and Country Planning [Permitted Development] Order 1995. The conditions of this permitted development require that the plant area is restored upon the completion of quarrying activities.

2.5 A temporary planning permission was granted in May 2008 for the importation, processing and storage of as dug sand and gravel derived from Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] Quarry. This permission expired in November 2009.

2.6 The current proposal seeks to retain the processing plant, offices, and existing mineral storage areas for a period of 5 to 6 years in order to allow the importation of as dug sand and gravels. The processing operations at Blackhill would involve the sand and gravels being fed into the processing plant either directly from delivery vehicles, or from the stockpile area. The processing of mineral involves its washing, crushing and grading in order to provide a range of products. Water from the plant is drawn from a clean water pond, with water used in the mineral processing being fed into the silt lagoons, where it is then settled before being fed back into the clean water pond for recirculation.

2.7 Processed sand and gravels are transferred from the plant to the existing stocking areas and are generally removed from the site by heavy goods vehicle [HGV]. The processing hours at Blackhill are proposed to be 0700 to 1900 hours Mondays to Fridays, and 0700 hours to 1300 hours on Saturdays.

2.8 The source of the as dug material for processing is Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] and Venn Ottery Quarries. Operations at both of these quarries involve the removal of sand and gravel from the face by using a tracked excavator.

2.9 The mineral reserves for Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare], which would be transported to Blackhill, are approximately 176,000 tonnes, and it is likely that the completion of the operations here will be in the first part of 2011 (dependent on the granting of this planning consent).

2.10 The mineral reserves at Venn Ottery Quarry, which would be transported to Blackhill, are 1.59 million tonnes. Depending on annual sales the Applicant envisages that the importation of mineral from Venn Ottery Quarry will be completed in early 2015.

2.11 Following the completion of works at Blackhill the site would be restored, and then be subject to ongoing aftercare. The existing quarry faces adjacent to the stockpile areas would be regraded and restored to heathland. The silt ponds would be kept, and the final ground level treated to promote heathland development. Although the plant would be removed, the Applicant may seek alternative uses for this area and the existing offices, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent.

2.12 The Applicant has submitted a Restoration Masterplan for the quarry which is with the Mineral Planning Authority for its consideration.

2.13 At the meeting of the Development Management Committee in October 2010, Members resolved to carry out a Site Visit prior to the consideration of this application. The Site Visit took place on the morning of 8 November 2010. The proceedings of the Site Visit are attached as Appendix III to this Report.

3. Consultation Responses

3.1 District Council - no objection but recommends that Members take into consideration the issues raised by local Parish Councils and local residents.

3.2 Environment Agency - has no objections. Comments that the importation of minerals should be done in accordance with the existing Environmental Permit. It is of the opinion that as the site is already in use, any environmental damage would be minimal.

3.3 East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - comments that the application would extend the processing activity at Blackhill, and also involves reactivating an existing planning permission at Venn Ottery Quarry (which is also within the AONB). Without this application, the site restoration plan would presumably be agreed and implemented over the coming years. This proposal is therefore changing the main activity at the site from quarrying to processing of minerals from other sites, which makes its primary business activity unrelated to materials from the site itself. The concern raised by the AONB is that this activity could continue beyond the initial period requested, thereby delaying restoration plans and the longer integrated management of this significant area of the AONB within the wider pebblebed heaths. The effect of this will be to prolong the visual/landscape impact and noise impact of the site. Whilst the Visual Impact Assessment suggests a position of largely no change, the reality is that there will be in effect change over time, on the basis that these highly visible piles, which presumably would be reducing over time as part of the site restoration works, will in fact be retained in some form for a longer period of time.

3.4 Woodbury Parish Council - no response received.

3.5 Parish Council - writes with regard to the reopening of Venn Ottery Quarry. It has no objection to the working but raises concern over the traffic implications. In particular it is concerned that the impact of HGVs using the junction at Halfway House Inn, and the narrowness of the road running to Blackhill. It comments that on this stretch of road, hedges could be cut back. It also comments that the B3180 has similar problems and hedges should be cut back to accommodate traffic.

3.6 and Harpford Parish Council - comments that the revised plans for Venn Ottery [relating to less quantity of material being extracted] will be submitted, and it seeks confirmation that it will be consulted on any future application. The Parish would support such an application subject to:

• remedial works being carried out between Venn Ottery Quarry and Lynch Head including lengthening and strengthening of passing bays; • improved signage at Lynch Head intersection with West Hill Road; • a redesign of Halfway House intersection with the A3052 with consideration being given to a roundabout as being an appropriate solution; • assurances that the Company will adhere to all planning conditions at Venn Ottery; • provision of improvements offered by the Company, including: the provision of new driveway on the eastern side of the quarry; the limitation of quarry working to weekdays only; a commitment to vacating the site as near as 7 years as possible; and limiting HGV movements at peak times.

3.7 Natural - no response received.

3.8 Devon and Cornwall Constabulary - whilst not a consultee in the planning process, the police has been contacted by members of the public to assess the impact of the proposal on the highway network in terms of road safety. The officer reports a number of observations and conclusions that:

• more caution will be required by users of the road to the quarry from the B3180; • the use of the B3180 for HGVs is an established route; • stacking space on the A3052 at Halfway House Inn is sufficient for one HGV, and there is sufficient visibility at the junctions to see vehicles that are waiting to turn; • the route to Blackhill Quarry from Halfway House Inn is already well used by HGVs; • the accident history at Halfway Inn shows no involvement with HGVs; • there is an increased risk in collision with an increase in vehicle usage, but there is no legal reason for preventing use of the highway; • there is an adequate number of passing places on the road from the B3180 to the Venn Ottery Quarry entrance; • HGVs are restricted to 40 mph due to their classification; • it would be beneficial to have improved signage near the exit of Blackhill Quarry; • there would be an increase in road noise at Halfway House Inn but this is an existing busy junction; • there is limited visibility for vehicles at the junction of the unclassified road and B3180; • concludes that the Highway Authority should consider mitigation of risks with a review of signing requirements.

3.8 Colyton Raleigh Parish Council - is concerned to learn of the reopening of Venn Ottery Quarry on the grounds that this will result in an increase in heavy traffic between Venn Ottery and Blackhill, and that this will affect the density of traffic at the junction of Halfway House which is already seen as a danger point.

4. Advertisement/Representations

4.1 The application was advertised in accordance with the statutory publicity arrangements. The proposed reopening of Venn Ottery Quarry has resulted in emails/letters from 19 individuals. A number of letters object to the reopening of the quarry itself, which is not the subject of this application, but also refer to impacts of traffic arising from Venn Ottery Quarry, going to Blackhill Quarry, which is material to the consideration of this application.

4.2 The issues of concern relating to traffic are:

• heavy traffic will adversely impact on the amenity of the area in terms of noise and dust; • the Transport Statement is incorrect as it underestimates the volume of traffic; • the road from the B3180 is narrow, and the HGV traffic will cause conditions of danger to other road users, particularly cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders; • the alignment of the junction at Lynch Head does not meet the appropriate visibility standards, and its increased use will impact on road safety; • the junction of the B3180 and the A3052 at Halfway House Inn does not meet appropriate standards at its increased use by heavy vehicles will impact on road safety; • the manoeuvre to cross the A3052 is difficult for HGVs as there is insufficient queuing capacity to allow a safe manoeuvre across the road.

4.3 Concerns raised other than those relating to traffic are:

• the application would delay the final restoration of Blackhill Quarry; • the increase in HGV traffic would have an adverse impact on the livery business located on the access road to the Venn Ottery Quarry; • there was a lack of consultation with those most affected by the reopening of the Venn Ottery Quarry; • consideration should be given to imposing limits on quarry extraction in order to help minimise the daily number of HGVs.

4.3 Copies of all representations received will be available for Members' inspection at the meeting.

5. Planning Policy Considerations

5.1 In considering this application the County Council, as Mineral Planning Authority, is required to have regard to the provisions of the Development Plan insofar as they are material to the application, and to any other material considerations. Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that where regard is to be had to the Development Plan, the determination shall be in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In this case the Development Plan policies are summarised in Appendix I to this report and the most relevant are referred to in more detail in Section 6 below.

6. Comments/Issues

6.1 Members will be aware that the reopening of Venn Ottery Quarry has raised a number of concerns locally. Other than the traffic issues, the concerns here relate to the implications of quarry operations in terms of impacts on nature conservation interests, visual impacts, and operational impacts in terms of noise and dust. There is an extant planning consent for mineral extraction from Venn Ottery Quarry, and given this, the extraction operations here are not considered to be material to the determination of this application. The material issues in the determination of this application are considered to be traffic and transportation issues of hauling material into Blackhill Quarry, both from Marshbroadmoor and Venn Ottery, and the delay in the restoration of Blackhill Quarry in terms of visual impacts in the AONB, and potential nature conservation impacts.

Traffic and Transportation Issues

6.2 The application is supported by Transport Statement and additional Haulage Statement relating to a voluntary traffic arrangement concerning material from Venn Ottery Quarry to Blackhill Quarry.

6.3 The Transport Statement analyses the likely increase in the level of HGV traffic and provides a Route Analysis for HGVs travelling between Blackhill Quarry and Venn Ottery Quarry. At the Site Visit on 8 November 2010, Members took the opportunity to examine the highway network as described in Appendix III to this Report.

6.4 From the information contained in the Transport Statement and evidence at the Site Visit, it is understood that the HGV movements associated with mineral extraction would be 12 movements per hour [with operating times of 0700 to 1800 hours 5 days a week] based on use of articulated lorries with a carrying capacity of 29 tonnes.

6.5 In terms of the various aspects of the proposal, it is noted that as the extraction operations had now ceased at Blackhill, there will be no increase in the level of traffic taking processed material from that site.

6.6 The route between the Venn Ottery Quarry entrance and the junction with the B3180 is considered to be adequate for the use by HGVs transporting material from the site. Whilst this road is narrow, it does have a number of passing bays. Concerns about the conflict between lorries and pedestrians and horse riders are noted. In response, the Applicant is proposing to provide a permissive bridleway along part of the eastern boundary of the site, which would provide a safe alternative for part of the HGV route. Members will note that planning permission already exists for mineral extraction, and there are currently no restrictions on the use of this road. Given the level of HGV traffic along this road there are concerns about potential for damage to the road surface. It is therefore considered appropriate to require the Applicant to carry out a Condition Survey prior to the operations commencing, with a requirement that any damage is made good during and following the completion of works at the site. In the event planning permission is granted, this can be secured by a Section 106 Agreement.

6.7 The B3180 is a Class 2 County Road which provides a north-south link between and . Whilst this proposal would consist almost entirely of HGV movements, there would not be a material increase in the existing overall levels of traffic on the road.

6.8 Safety concerns have been raised concerning an increased use of HGVs using the B3180/A3052 junction. The stacking space at this junction is limited, but does provide space for 2 HGVs and given the time of vehicle movements coming from Venn Ottery, it is considered that the use of this junction by HGVs would not result in any new safety issues.

6.9 The Applicant has volunteered additional traffic control measures which would help limit the impact of HGVs using the route. The Applicant's Haulage Statement is attached as Appendix IV to this Report, and it is recommended that should planning permission be granted, the measures included in the Statement be part of a Section 106 Agreement.

6.10 The Applicant has also offered to participate in a Liaison Group which would include local Parish Councils, community groups, and officers of the regulatory authorities. Such Liaison Groups have proved useful in addressing issues arising from quarry operations, and the establishment of such a Group is welcomed in the event that planning permission is granted.

Nature Conservation Impacts

6.11 Blackhill Quarry is adjacent to the SSSI, SPA and SAC, located to the north, south and east of the planning application area. However, given the area is already in use and the nature of operations will not change as a result of this proposal, it is considered there will be no additional impact on these protected areas.

Visual Impact

6.12 Blackhill Quarry is located within the East Devon AONB, and the visual impacts of the proposal are a continuation of the existing, rather than fresh impacts. The plant area is well screened and views into this area are limited from any public viewpoint.

6.13 The major impact of the proposal is the visibility of the stockpile areas, particularly for viewpoints from the East Devon Way and other public rights of way. Currently Blackhill Quarry is required to be restored by March 2012, and this proposal would effectively delay the restoration of this part of the site by up to 6 years.

6.14 Devon Structure Plan Policies CO3 and Minerals Local Plan Policy MP2 require that development proposals in AONBs do not conflict with the objective of preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Devon Structure Plan Policy MN3 [regarding AONB Landscape Protection] requires that mineral developments in AONBs must demonstrate that they are in the public interest, and that there is an overriding national need for the development which cannot be reasonably met in some other way.

6.15 In order to assess the acceptability of continued working at Blackhill, it is necessary to consider alternative arrangements for processing sand and gravels from Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] and Venn Ottery Quarries. The Applicant has provided additional information on this aspect.

6.16 There is an option to provide a processing plant at Venn Ottery, but this site is also within the AONB. At Venn Ottery the site is not well screened and the provision of processing plant here may result in additional noise and dust impact. In addition silt lagoons would also have to be established and this would delay the restoration of Venn Ottery Quarry. Also the range of products would be reduced, leading to lower annual sales and the prolonging of the life of the quarry.

6.17 The option to provide fixed plant at Rockbeare has the advantage of the site being outside of the AONB. However, the Applicant considered that this would be uneconomical in terms of the investment required due to the limited permitted reserves at Venn Ottery and Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare]. Again, if mobile plant were to be used at Rockbeare the range of materials would be less, sales reduced, and the life of Venn Ottery Quarry prolonged.

6.18 The third option is to close Blackhill which would result in immediate job losses, have a detrimental impact on supply of aggregates [including surface dressing material that is used in road repairs in the County].

6.19 In terms of the visual impact, the Applicant has agreed to produce an annual stocking plan for Blackhill, with an aim to reducing the stocking areas and hence the visual impacts. In the event that planning permission is granted this could be secured by planning condition.

6.20 It is considered that there are operational benefits for the continued use of Blackhill for the processing of sand and gravel from (Rockbeare) and Venn Ottery, and the use of Blackhill would reduce visual and operational impacts at Venn Ottery. It would however be appropriate to impose planning conditions relating to the height of stockpiles, maintenance of existing landscape screening, limiting the processing of materials to those arising from Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] and Venn Ottery, and a time limit for the life of operations.

6.21 In terms of the restoration of the site, the continued use would result in the filling of an existing quarry void by use as a silt pond. This would result in the change to the agreed restoration scheme, but this is not considered to be significant in terms of the final restoration of the Blackhill Quarry complex. The restoration of Blackhill as a whole is secured by Legal Agreement which was required as part of the Thorn Tree Plantation planning permission. It is recommended that in the event that planning permission is granted for this proposal, it would be opportune and appropriate to update the Legal Agreement in terms of the securing of the comprehensive restoration of the site.

7. Reasons for Recommendation/Alternatives Considered

7.1 It is considered that with the securing of the arrangements set out in the Section 106 Agreement, there are no objections to this proposal from a traffic and transportation point of view. On balance the continuation of processing at Blackhill is preferable in amenity terms than processing operations taking place at Venn Ottery Quarry. It is therefore considered that planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation of this Report.

Stewart Redding County Development Manager

Electoral Divisions: Exmouth Halsdon and Woodbury; Exmouth Brixington and Withycombe; Budleigh

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Mike Deaton

Room No: ABG, County Hall

Tel No: 01392 382160

Background Paper Date File Ref.

Casework file February 2010 DCC/3003/2010

md121110dma sc/blackhill quarry 4 171110

Appendix I To EEC/10/217/HQ

Planning Conditions

1. The use of the Blackhill plant for the processing mineral arising from the Marshbroadmoor (Rockbeare) Quarry and Venn Ottery Quarry shall cease no later than 31 December 2016.

REASON: To enable the Mineral Planning Authority to control development of a temporary nature and to comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Mineral Planning Authority dust and noise mitigation measures within the application site shall be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Scheme dated 8 February 2010 submitted with the planning application.

REASON: In order to protect the amenity of the local area.

3. Before the development commences a visibility splay to the left of the site egress at Blackhill Quarry, with dimension of 2.4metres by 80 metres, shall be provided by the removal of anything which obstructs visibility above a height of 1500mm above the height of the carriageway. The visibility splay shall be maintained clear of any obstruction to visibility for the duration of the operations subject of this planning permission.

REASON: In the interests of highway safety

4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority the additional use of the Blackhill processing plant hereby permitted shall be only for minerals extracted from the Marshbroadmoor (Rockbeare) Quarry subject of ROMP approval 7/11/98/P0050 and Venn Ottery Quarry subject of ROMP approval 97/P1588.

REASON: To allow the Mineral Planning Authority to adequately control the development in the interests of the amenity of the area and in the interests of highway safety.

5. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority, operations at the Blackhill processing plant shall take place only during the hours of 07.00 to 19.00 hours Mondays to Fridays and 07.30 to 13.00 hours on Saturdays. For the avoidance of doubt these hours relate to the delivery of material for processing which is conditioned by the associated Section 106 agreement.

REASON: In the interests of the amenity of the area.

6. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Mineral Planning Authority, the existing the existing trees in around the plant area, in land controlled by the applicant company, shall be retained during the life of the operations hereby permitted.

REASON: In the interests of visual amenity of the area.

7. Within 12 months of the date of this permission, a scheme shall be submitted for the approval in writing of the Mineral Planning Authority detailing the restoration of application site to heathland. The required scheme shall include details of: • The final levels of the stocking areas and the slope/profiles of adjacent quarry faces. • Methods for the restoration of the silt ponds. • The machinery to be used in soil re-spreading operations. • Method of soil replacement. • Methods for the re-establishment of heathland communities and other wildlife features. • Subsequent management of the restored area.

The restoration shall be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme, or such alternative schemes as may be subsequently approved in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.

REASON: To ensure securing appropriate restoration in the interests of visual amenity and nature conservation.

8. An aftercare scheme detailing the necessary steps to be taken to restore the application area to the required standard for amenity and nature conservation shall be submitted for approval in writing of the Mineral Planning Authority within one year of the date of this decision notice. The steps to be taken shall cover a period of ten years from the completion of the replacement of topsoils.

REASON: To ensure that the restored land is correctly husbanded to bring the land to an appropriate standard required for amenity and nature conservation.

9. Prior to the commencement of the development the operator shall submit a detailed stocking plan that shall include measures to reduce the quantities of stock held on the site and provide a height limit to the stockpiles. The stocking plan shall be reviewed annually and the development should be carried out in strict accordance with the agreed details, or such alternative details that may and subsequently be agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.

REASON: In the interests of the visual amenity of the area.

Appendix II To EEC/10/217/HQ

Development Plan Policies

Devon Structure Plan (Adopted 2004 ): Policies ST1 (Sustainable Development), CO8 (Archaeology); CO9 (Biodiversity and Earth Science Diversity); CO10 (Protection of Nature Conservation Sites and Species); CO13 (Protection of Water Resources and Flood Defence); CO15 (Air Quality); CO16 (Noise Pollution); MN2 (Environmental Effects of Mineral Working); MN4 (Mineral Working Areas) and TR10 (Strategic Road Network).

Devon County Minerals Local Plan (June 2004) : Policies MP1 (International Sites) MP3 (SSSI’s and National Nature Reserves); MP10 (Maintenance of the County’s Nature Conservation Resource); MP41 (Development Control Considerations); MP43 (Transport of Minerals); MP45 (Water Resource Protection); MP47 (Flood Risk and Floodplains); MP 48 (Disposal of Mineral Waste); MP55 (Non-operational Land and Features) and MP56 (Restoration).

Appendix III To EEC/10/217/HQ

Proceedings of the Committee Site Visit - 8 November 2010

1. Summary

1.1 The Site Visit was held on the morning of Monday 8 November 2010. Development Management Committee Members Councillor McInnes [Chair], Edgell, Wragg, Walters, Clarance, Giles, Diviani, Bowden, Berry and Radford attended together with Local Division Members Hughes and Channon and were accompanied by officers of the Environment, Economy and Culture Directorate.

2. The Site Visit

2.1 The Members of the Development Management Committee were driven by minibus from Exeter to Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare Quarry]. Members noted the location of the quarry and were then driven along the B3180, which is the mineral haul road leading towards Blackhill Quarry. Along this part of the route Members noted the characteristics of the road [it having sufficient width to accommodate HGVs] and the location of residential properties at West Hill.

2.2 The minibus travelled along the B3180 to the junction with the unclassified road leading to the Venn Ottery Quarry entrance at Lynch Head. Members noted the narrowness of the road but the availability of a number of passing places. At the site the Development Management Committee Members were joined by Local Division Members, Councillors Channon and Hughes. Members took the opportunity to view Venn Ottery Quarry. The operations which would take place here were explained to Members by officers.

2.3 Members were then driven from the quarry, noting the quarry entrance, back along the Unclassified County road to its junction with the B3180. At this junction Members noted the visibility of this junction.

2.4 Members then travelled along the B3180 to its junction with the A3052 at Halfway House Inn. Here Members left the minibus in order to examine the staggered junction where the B3180 crosses the A3052. At the junction Members examined: the level of traffic, and speeds of vehicles on the A3052; visibility of the junctions from the arms of the B3180 onto the A3052; the availability of queuing space for vehicles turning off the A3052 onto both legs of the B3180; the intervisibility between users of the A3052 and vehicles in the queuing spaces waiting to turn off the A3052.

2.5 Members boarded the minibus and were driven across the A3052, using the staggered junction, and continued on the B3180 towards Blackhill Quarry. During the section of the route Members noted localised narrowing of the road.

2.6 At Blackhill Quarry Members viewed the existing plant and the operator explained the processing involved in screening, working, and crushing of the sand and gravel.

2.7 Members took the opportunity to ask the Applicant questions relating to traffic issues. It was stated that the deliveries of sand and gravel would take place using articulated vehicles which can carry 29 tonnes. Based on the sizes of vehicles the lorry movements for Venn Ottery would be 12 movements per hour, based on a 5 day working week, and 14 movements an hour based on a 4 day working week. The contractual arrangements for the deliveries would be with a single company, using 6 individually numbered vehicles. This would give the Applicant the ability to ensure that vehicles would act in accordance with its Haulage Statement as each lorry would be identifiable and the Applicant would have the ability to check individual tachographs. The Haulage Statement as produced by the Applicant is attached as Appendix IV to this Report.

2.8 The Applicant commented that between 17 May 2010 and 19 August 2010 as dug sand and gravel had been transported from Marshbroadmoor [Rockbeare] using 8 articulated lorries on a turnaround basis, with 11 movements an hour. He said that there had been no difficulties in terms of traffic impacts.

2.9 Members then went into the quarry area to look at the stockpiles and took the opportunity of examining the restoration of the site which had taken place to date.

2.10 After exiting Blackhill Quarry, the minibus followed an articulated lorry along the haul road to Venn Ottery Quarry. This gave the opportunity for Members to take into account the likely impact of articulated vehicles using the roads to and from Venn Ottery Quarry.

Appendix IV To EEC/10/217/HQ