IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED

Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme,

Issue of Addendum Report to Environmental Statement – August 2005

January 2011

DATE ISSUED: January 2011 JOB NUMBER: NL06919 REPORT NUMBER: J05

IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED

Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire

Issue of Addendum Report to Environmental Statement – August 2005

January 2011

PREPARED BY:

D W Bridgwood Associate Director

APPROVED BY:

C A House Director

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accept no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.

IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION...... 1 2 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT...... 2 3 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION ...... 14 4 NOISE ASSESSMENT ...... 16 5 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT...... 17 6 TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 18 7 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ...... 19

APPENDICES

Appendix A ‐ Revised Photoviews 1‐9 including comparison Appendix B – Proposed Restoration ‐ Deep Lake Scheme NL06919/013 (August 2009) Appendix C ‐ Record of Correspondence with Staffordshire County Council

DRAWINGS

NL06919/016 ‐ Public Rights of Way NL06919/017 ‐ Proposed Restoration ‐ Pumped Drainage Scheme

NL06919/J05 January 2011

IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Concerns have been expressed by local residents relating to the formation of a lake as part of the restoration of the site. Following discussions with County Council officers it has been agreed that an alternative restoration scheme will be provided. This revised restoration scheme substitutes for the original lake proposals. Whilst the lake is no longer to be considered by the Council, the difference between the two needs to be taken into account as it was the lake restoration upon which the ES was based. Hence this Addendum has been prepared. The revised restoration scheme is set out in drawing NL06919/17(Pumped Drainage). As with the original scheme, the restoration is indicative, demonstrating what can be achieved, and it is anticipated that as restoration techniques and priorities evolve over the life of the site the final restoration will be refined and agreed through the medium of periodic review.

1.2 It will be seen that the principle difference between the two working and restoration schemes relate to:

1. The profile of the final restored void 2. The permanent pumping under the revised restoration scheme to remove the lake feature.

1.3 It is proposed to work the quarry in the same way as at present. This is necessary in order to achieve the correct blend of clays to achieve a consistent colour and finish to the bricks. More of the otherwise useable clay will then be left within the site for use in the regrading / restoration of the site and there will therefore be an overall reduction in the total amount of material recovered from the site to approximately 5.6 million m3.

1.4 The original ES dealt in detail with the impact of the proposed development scheme. This addendum focuses specifically upon the differences between to two schemes in terms of the matter originally assessed. This addendum must therefore be considered alongside the August 2005 ES, NL06919/J01.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

2 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT

2.1 Following detailed discussions with Staffordshire County Council on 4th November 2010 and subsequent correspondence attached as Appendix C to this report a comprehensive review of the restoration proposals has been undertaken. Effectively the original restoration scheme allowed for a large waterbody surrounded by woodland, scrub and open grassland. Following concerns from local residents and the local authority an alternative restoration scheme has been designed which produces a dry valley landform with two ponds in the base of the landform with a depth of approximately 3m. The restored quarry will be retained in an effectively dry state by a long term pumping arrangement. The revised restoration scheme effectively creates more substantial areas of woodland, scrub and grassland. The habitat gains and losses associated with these revisions are set out in the ecological section of this addendum.

2.2 As a consequence of the amendments to the restoration scheme a comprehensive review of the landscape and visual impact assessment has been undertaken to reflect the revised restoration scheme and also current site conditions.

2.3 This landscape and visual impact addendum should be read in conjunction with the original chapter on landscape and visual assessment which was submitted in August 2005. Where elements remain the same they will be noted in this addendum and not repeated.

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment (2002) 2.4 The methodology and approach to the assessment process remains the same as in the original submission. In order to bring the assessment up to date the photoview points have been retaken and are included with the originals in Appendix A of this submission.

Rights of Way 2.5 The public rights of way network remains the same with the exception of footpath 18(previously referred to as No.100) which was diverted in 2010 due to phasing of the mineral extraction. As part of the revised restoration proposals the route of the original path will be restored along a similar alignment to its original position.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Landform, Land Use and Vegetation 2.6 The only change to landform is that associated with the ongoing clay extraction within the working void. Vegetation cover planted within the quarry boundary has grown considerably as illustrated by photoviews 01‐09.

Development Proposals 2.7 The revised restoration utilising pumped drainage of the void is illustrated by drawing NL06919/017. The final restoration plan creates substantially greater areas of woodland, woodland scrub and open grassland at the expenses of the water body. The woodland planting mixes will remain the same as agreed with the County Council under the original scheme.

2.8 Along the boundaries of the extraction area and on the restored slopes 13.45 hectares of woodland and scrub and 25.5 hectares of open grassland would be created. This substitutes for the originally proposed 21Ha lake.

2.9 In the base of the restored quarry void it is proposed that areas of 3.15 hectares damp meadow and seasonal ponds would be created.

2.10 Table 1 below compares habitat creation within the proposed pumped drainage restoration with the previous deep lake restoration proposal.

Table 1 Habitat Type Deep Lake Scheme Pumped Drainage Scheme Existing Woodland to be retained 2.8Ha. 2.8Ha. General Woodland Mix 4.2Ha. 10.05Ha. Wet Woodland Mix .7Ha. .55Ha. General Shrub Mix .1Ha 2.85Ha. Wet Shrub Mix .1Ha 0Ha. Grassland (inc. footpaths) 14.55Ha. 25.5Ha Damp Meadow .3Ha 1.6Ha. Reedbed 0Ha. .17Ha Seasonal Ponds 0Ha. .85Ha Lake 21.6Ha 0Ha. Measure includes area of retained land along south boundary of site

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

2.11 It is proposed that footpath 14 (previously referred to as No.102) is restored along its original alignment with a whole series of new pathways created in and around the restored landform as illustrated on Plan NL06919‐017.

Planning Context Related To Landscape Issues Current Planning Policy 2.12 The original Landscape and Visual Assessment written in support of the Environmental Statement was submitted in August 2005. Since this was submitted there have been a series of advancements within the approach to and adoption of Planning Policies.

Planning Context related to Landscape Issues Reviewed 2005 2.13 Planning policy relating to Landscape issues reviewed within the original 2005 submission were as follows:

• Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2011 (adopted October 2003), policies S5, C10, C11, N4, N10, N12, N17 and N22.

• Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994‐2006, policies MLP Policy 9, MLP Policy 21, MLP Policy 22, MLP Policy 23

2.14 The original submission omitted to review all elements relating to National, Regional and County wide planning policy. This now form elements within the Newcastle under Lyme Development Plan.

2.15 The following addendum should be read in conjunction with the review of planning policy included within the original submission.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Additional review of Planning policy related to Landscape Issues. 2.16 Since the original submission Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council have adopted a Core Spatial Strategy and are moving towards the preparation of a Development Framework which will replace the Local Plan adopted in 2003. The Local Plan policies have been reviewed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 8 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and a series of ‘saved’ policies extended beyond 28th September 2007. Similarly the Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994‐2006 have been reviewed.

2.17 The Development Plan for the Borough currently consists of the Newcastle under Lyme and Stoke‐on‐Trent Core Spatial Strategy and ‘saved’ Local and Structure Plan Policies. In addition to this, although under review, the Regional Spatial Strategy is included within the Development Plan.

2.18 Planning policy relating to landscape issues to be assessed within this addendum are as follows:

• West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy Policy QE 6; • Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Minerals Local Plan “Saved Policies”: MLP Policy 9, MLP Policy 19, MLP Policy 21, MLP Policy 22; • Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Structure Plan 1996‐2011 ‘Saved’ Policies NC1, NC2, NC12, MW9, R1, T4 and T5; • Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2011 ‘Saved’ Policies C11, N4, N10, N12, N17, N22 and N24. All except N24 are assessed within the original Environmental Statement.

2.19 A number of policies previously included within the Landscape and Visual Assessment for Knutton Quarry are no longer applicable, having been omitted during the policy review in 2007 and should no longer be included within the review of policy for this application.

• Local Plan Policy S5 – Conservation of Agricultural Land • Local Plan Policy C10 – Diversion of Public Rights of Way • Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Minerals Local Plan Policy 23

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Policy within the Newcastle under Lyme Development Plan West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy 2.20 Chapter 8 of the WMRSS considers the Environment. Within this chapter, the policy of relevance for landscape issues is QE6, the relevant sections of which state:

“Policy QE6: The conservation, enhancement and restoration of the Region’s landscape Local authorities and other agencies, in their plans, policies and proposals should conserve, enhance and, where necessary, restore the quality, diversity and distinctiveness of landscape character throughout the Region’s urban and rural areas by: i) ensuring that a consistent approach is taken to landscape and character issues, particularly where they cross local planning authority boundaries; ii) … iii) … iv) protecting and, where possible, enhancing natural, man‐made and historic features that contribute to the character of the landscape and townscape, and local distinctiveness; v) considering other factors that contribute to landscape character including tranquillity and the minimisation of noise and light pollution; and vi) identifying opportunities for the restoration of degraded landscapes including current and proposed minerals workings and waste disposal sites.”

2.21 RSS Policy QE6 sets out criteria for the conservation, enhancement and restoration of the Region’s landscape. Mitigation measures address potential impacts on the existing tranquillity of the area as noise and light pollution will be minimised. The restoration scheme provides measures for the restoration of the degraded landscape in line with the guidance within the Supplementary Planning Guidance; Planning for Landscape Change: Potteries and Churnet Valley; Coalfield Farmlands: minerals working and restoration, during and following completion of the extraction works. This includes enhancing of biodiversity, through habitat creation, the creation of links into the wider landscape and the provision of a substantial buffer to the urban fringe.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994 – 2006 2.22 The policies of relevance within the Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994 – 2006 (Saved Polices) are MLP Policy 9, MPL Policy 21 and MPL Policy 22. These have been included and reviewed within the original Environmental Statement.

Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Structure Plan 1996 ‐ 2011 ‘Saved’ policies 2.23 Policies deemed to be extended beyond 28th September 2007 by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government are included within ‘Saved’ polices within the Staffordshire and Stoke‐on‐Trent Structure Plan 1996‐2011. The policies of relevance are NC1, NC2, MW9, R1, T4 and T5.

2.24 Policy NC1 states:

Policy NC1: Protection of the Countryside: General Considerations The countryside will be safeguarded for its own sake and non‐renewable and natural resources will be afforded protection. Development which is acceptable with respect to other Structure Plan policies should respect the character of the countryside and maintain or improve the environment. Where overriding economic or social interests outweigh the need for environmental maintenance or improvement, development proposals should include measures for adequate mitigation of, or compensation for, adverse environmental impacts.

2.25 Policy NC2: Landscape protection and restoration states:

“Development should be informed by and be sympathetic to landscape character and quality and should contribute, as appropriate, to the regeneration, restoration, enhancement, maintenance or active conservation of the landscape likely to be affected. Proposals with landscape and visual implications will be assessed having regard to the extent to which they would:

(a) cause unacceptable visual harm; (b) introduce (or conversely remove) incongruous landscape elements; (c) cause the disturbance or loss of (or conversely help to maintain): (i) landscape elements that contribute to local distinctiveness;

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

(ii) historic elements which contribute significantly to landscape character and quality, such as field, settlement or road patterns; (iii) semi‐natural vegetation which is characteristic of that landscape type; (iv) the visual condition of landscape elements; (v) tranquillity.”

2.26 Staffordshire County Council adopted the document ‘Planning for Landscape Change’ in May, 2001 to support the implementation of Policy NC2 of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan 1996‐2011.

2.27 This document is Supplementary Planning Guidance relating to landscape protection and restoration. It maps the quality and character of the landscapes of Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent and assesses the general sensitivity of individual landscapes to change.

2.28 The relationship of this Supplementary Planning document to the landscape character of the study area is covered within the original submission.

2.29 The works and subsequent restoration will satisfy policies NC1 and NC2 by ensuring that the additional extraction remains within existing approved boundaries, reducing impact upon the wider countryside and landscape character. The restoration proposals will remove the incongruous landscape elements associated with the extraction and through the restoration proposals introduce woodland and landform associated with this landscape character.

2.30 Policy MW9 – Reclamation:

“Proposals for mineral development and waste disposal will only be acceptable where provision is made to secure the appropriate rehabilitation of the site. Where a site is subject to restoration and aftercare provisions, it should be demonstrated that it will be returned, at the earliest, practicable opportunity, to an acceptable after‐ use(s) compatible with the Development Plan.”

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

2.31 A restoration plan has been prepared, and reflects the priorities highlighted within the Landscape Character Assessment for the area. The restoration of the site seeks to continue and secure the appropriate rehabilitation of the site and return it to an acceptable after use in line with existing planning approvals and conditions and policy MW9.

2.32 Policy R1 Providing for Recreation and Leisure:

(a) provide facilities in or close to population centres; (b) provide relief for over‐used and/or more remote recreational areas; (c) minimise potential conflict with other activities and wildlife interests; (d) contribute to the reclamation and reuse of derelict or despoiled land; (e) relate to existing or extended open space/public access systems, including public paths; (f) be accessible by a variety of means of public and private transport.

2.33 Policy T4 – Greater Priority will be given to pedestrian movement by:

(f) maintaining , developing and promoting a network of paths and bridleways for recreational use, based upon the existing rights of way network, canal towpaths and disused railway lines unlikely to be required for rail use in the future.

2.34 Policy T5 – Cycling will be encouraged by:

(g) developing a regional network to provide a link between the National Cycle Network and local networks in urban areas.

2.35 Existing recreation facilities adjacent to Silverdale are to be retained and enhanced, and a footpath and cycling network introduced linking the restored site on into the wider landscape and through to Apedale Country Park. These proposals will significantly contribute to the achievement and quality of policies R1, T4 and T5.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Newcastle and Stoke on Trent Core Spatial Strategy 2.36 The Core Spatial Strategy was adopted on 28th October 2009 and sets out a broad framework for the future development of the whole of Newcastle‐under‐Lyme and Stoke‐on‐Trent. Policies that are of relevance to the quarry restoration are ASP6 and CSP5.

2.37 Policy ASP6 – Rural Area Spatial Policy:

2. The Council will take a positive approach towards rural enterprise relating to the availability of the local workforce. In particular opportunities will be sought to encourage: ‐ The sensitive and sustainable diversification of traditional rural economies ‐ A positive contribution towards enhancing local landscape and biodiversity 7. The implementation of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Staffordshire will work to facilitate the improved provision of off road routes for horses and cyclists and its integration with an enhanced public network. 8. The strategic location of Apedale Community Country Park will continue to be exploited to provide a key leisure and recreation resource with wide visitor appeal and will act as a catalyst for a new Community Park in the Lower Apedale Valley and other community recreational facilities, thereby affording excellent access to the countryside for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those with mobility impairments.

2.38 The footpath and cycling network proposed within the restoration plan facilitate improvements to the public access network and link through to Apedale Country Park.

2.39 Policy CSP4 – Natural Area:

The quality and quantity of the plan area’s natural assets will be protected, maintained and enhanced through the following measures:

1. Working with relevant partners to enhance the plan area’s natural habitats and biodiversity to achieve the outcomes and targets set out UK Biodiversity Action

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Plan, Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan and the Staffordshire Geodiverstity Action Plan; 2. Ensuring that the location, scale and nature of all development planned and delivered through this Core Spatial Strategy avoids and mitigates adverse impacts, and wherever possible enhances, the plan area’s distinctive natural assets, landscape character, waterways, network of green corridors and priority species and habitats identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan; 3. Ensuring that the value of previously developed land as a source of biodiversity is recognised and appropriate measures are taken to reduce the negative impact of development upon this resource and wherever possible achieve an enhancement.

2.40 The restoration proposals will seek to identify and implement the creation of natural habitats targeted within the Biodiversity Action Plans. The adverse impacts of the increased extraction will be restricted to within the approved extraction boundary and be no greater than the current approved scheme or the deepening proposals. The restoration proposals will enhance the landscape character and natural assets of the area and create new green corridors to the wider landscape around and including Apedale Country Park.

2.41 Policy CSP5 ‐ Open Space/Sport/Recreation:

The plan area’s open space, sports and leisure assets will be enhanced, maintained and protected through the following measures:

1. Close partnership working to deliver the key elements of the Urban North Staffordshire Green Space Strategy 2. Close partnership working to deliver improved quality and accessibility, and additional sports and leisure facilities will be developed to meet local needs identified in Newcastle’s Leisure Needs and Playing Pitch Strategy and Stoke’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy and any approved revisions or replacement strategies 4. Ensuring that the plan area’s network of open spaces, sports and leisure assets are interlinked and accessible to all, secure, and provide quality leisure and amenity facilities

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

2.42 Existing recreation facilities adjacent to Silverdale are to be retained and enhanced, and a footpath and cycling network introduced linking the restored site on into the wider landscape and through to Apedale Country Park. These proposals will significantly contribute to the achievement of policy CSP5.

Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2011 (adopted 2003) 2.43 A number of ‘Saved’ policies within the Newcastle under Lyme Local Plan 2011 (adopted 2003) are relevant to the issues and details of the quarry, in particular the benefits that the proposed restoration will deliver. Policies that are of relevance are C11, N4, N10, N12, N17, N22 and N24. All except N24 are assessed within the original Environmental Statement.

2.44 Policy N24 – Water based landscape features:

2.45 Subject to other plan policies, the Council will support proposals for water based landscape features either in their own right or as part of drainage measures approved by the Environment Agency. Where such proposals can be permitted, they must not harm the quality of the landscape or diminish its nature conservation value and will be expected to take the opportunity provided to make a positive contribution to local biodiversity.

2.46 The creation of suitably scaled water bodies within the restored valley will positively enhance the biodiversity and quality of the landscape and satisfy the requirements of policy N24.

Landscape Impact Assessment 2.47 The fundamental difference between the restoration proposals is the presence of a large water body as shown in drawing NL06919/13 against a fundamentally dry restoration in drawing NL06919/17. In terms of quarrying operations these remain the same for both. Extraction timescales will remain the same. However under the pumped drainage restoration, all regrading and planting works will be carried out within 12 months of the quarry ceasing clay production.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

Visual Impact Assessment 2.48 The visual impacts of the revised restoration remain as those identified within the original submission, with the exception of the advanced planting along the south west and the eastern boundaries of the site that will limit and foreshorten the views from the settlements adjacent to these parts of the site.

2.49 Following the completion of restoration works the limited views into the site will be of an improved quality through the diversity of habitats created.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

3 ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION

3.1 The Ecology and Nature Conservation chapter of the 2005 ES concluded that the proposed deepening of the quarry would not have an additional impact over and above the habitat loss occurring as a result of the already permitted scheme.

3.2 A suite of ecological surveys were carried out to support the 2005 ES comprising Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey, badger survey and great crested newt survey. The habitat survey identified that Knutton Quarry supported a range of habitat types including bare ground associated with the operational quarry site, dense and scattered scrub, broadleaved woodland, semi‐improved grassland, tall ruderals, hedgerows and a number of waterbodies.

3.3 Detailed protected species survey for badger identified the presence of outlier badger setts associated with a main sett located off site. Presence/absence survey for great crested newt recorded no evidence of this species.

3.4 Great crested newt presence/absence surveys were subsequently undertaken in 2006, 2007 and 2009. No great crested newts were identified during 2006 and 2007. In 2009, a total of five adult great crested newts were recorded in a single waterbody (i.e. a ‘small’ population based on Natural Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines, 2001) were identified outside the working area of the site. A package of ‘reasonable avoidance measures’ to avoid harm to great crested newts was prepared and has been implemented from June 2009 onwards to ensure that there has been no decline in the population status of this species as a result of quarry operations.

3.5 The revised restoration proposals will not result in any change in the working boundary of the quarry. Since the 2005 ES concluded that there would be no impact on habitats or protected species as a result of the permitted scheme, then it is reasonable to conclude that there would be no impact on protected species over and above that associated with the permitted scheme.

3.6 The original restoration proposals included the creation of a large water body. The revised restoration will include two smaller ponds and reedbed habitat in the base of the void and a greater extent of grassland, including wildflower grassland and native

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

scrub and woodland habitat. The larger waterbody is likely to have provided opportunities for waterfowl not present in the revised scheme, but may have been more limited in its value for other species including great crested newt (this species generally prefers smaller waterbodies which offer more sheltered conditions).

3.7 In contrast, the mosaic of habitats associated with the revised proposals will provide habitat for a wider range of species including foraging badger, birds and foraging bats associated with the more extensive areas of grassland, woodland, scrub and reedbed and amphibians, including great crested newt, associated with the smaller waterbodies.

3.8 On balance, the revised restoration proposals are considered marginally better for biodiversity than the initial scheme, particularly benefitting great crested newt and offering a greater diversity of habitats overall.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

4 NOISE ASSESSMENT

4.1 The noise assessment in the 2005 ES noted that planning permission already exists for the extraction of mineral from the site and concluded that the extra depth of extraction proposed would not significantly alter the potential for noise impact. If anything the extra depth would provide additional screening, thereby reducing noise impact outside the site.

4.2 Noise predictions indicate that the short‐term noise limit of 70 dB LAeq would be achieved at all locations throughout the duration of site operations. The maximum

daytime noise limit of 55 dB LAeq would also be met at all locations. Noise mitigation measures have been put forward to further reduce the noise impact. The revised proposals would be worked in the same way as the original deepening proposals, with only a slight reduction in the amount of clay removed. Consequently there is unlikely to be any difference in noise generated or experienced outside the site.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

5 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

5.1 The 2005 ES concluded that dust emissions from Knutton quarry are already well controlled and will continue to have little significant impact on the area. The permitted and proposed deepening are unlikely to lead to a significant increase in dust emissions. Neighbouring receptors are of sufficient separation distance and favourable downwind frequency for the majority of dust to be deposited beforehand.

5.2 There are a number of mitigation measures, associated mainly with good practice in the operation of the site which can effectively control dust emissions. These mitigation measures will be implemented in the same way with either the initial or revised restoration schemes for the deepening. Consequently it is not anticipated that the revised proposals will have any adverse effect on dust or air quality.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

6 TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

6.1 The 2005 ES concluded that the impact of quarry vehicle movements on the local roads surrounding Knutton Quarry does not compromise road safety. There is adequate capacity in the local highway network to accommodate the existing vehicle traffic generated by the quarry and the deepening will extend the life of the quarry rather than lead to significant effects on local residents through intensification of vehicle movements.

6.2 The revised restoration proposals will lead to a reduction in the mineral recovered form the site, and consequently a reduction in the traffic on the local highway network. This reduction will be slight, but the revised development overall will have a positive benefit on traffic generation compared to the lake restoration originally proposed.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

7 HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

7.1 The revised proposals represent a change to the hydrology of the site. The original proposals for the restoration of the site included a lake with a controlled run off to the Silverdale Brook. The proposal was for the natural drainage of the lake to the Silverdale Brook. The run‐off from the site would be moderated to give a controlled flow into the Brook.

7.2 The revised proposals will involve the permanent pumping of the site. The rate of run‐off will be controlled and the effect of this will be that drainage to the Silverdale Brook will be identical under either scheme. The permanent pumping of the void will of course require a significant energy input and is consequently less sustainable than the original restoration proposals. However, there should be no significant difference on the hydrology or hydrogeology of the site as a result of the revised restoration scheme.

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IBSTOCK BRICK LIMITED Knutton Quarry, Newcastle‐under‐Lyme, Staffordshire Addendum to Environmental Statement – August 2005

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