Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Part 1 - Planning Application Part 2 - Statement Made in Support of the Planning Application Part 3 - Environmental Statement (Volume 1) and Appendices (Volume 2)
Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norwich
CEMEX UK Materials Limited
April 2018
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Part 1 - Planning Application
Barrington Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norwich
CEMEX UK Materials Limited
April 2018
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 1 – PLANNING APPLICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A FORMS AND CERTIFICATES
SECTION B DRAWINGS
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED IMPORTATION BY RAIL AND DEPOSIT OF INERT RESTORATION MATERIAL TO RESTORE FORMER CLAY & CHALK QUARRY PART 1 – PLANNING APPLICATION
SECTION A
FORMS AND CERTIFICATES
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 1 – PLANNING APPLICATION
SECTION B
DRAWINGS
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 1 – PLANNING APPLICATION
SCHEDULE OF DRAWINGS Drawing no. Description 17_C013_ATB_001 Location Plan 17_C013_ATB_002 Site Plan 17_C013_ATB_003 Potentially Environmentally Sensitive Receptors 17_C013_ATB_004 Nature Conservation 17_C013_ATTL_101 Current Topographical Survey 17_C013_ATTL_102 End of Phase 1 17_C013_ATTL_103 End of Phase 2 17_C013_ATTL_104 End of Phase 3 17_C013_ATTL_105 End of Phase 4 17_C013_ATTL_106 End of Phase 5 17_C013_ATTL_107 Restoration Landform P2/975/12/2 Final Restoration Scheme
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Part 2 – Supporting Statement
Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norwich
CEMEX UK Materials Limited
April 2018
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 2 – SUPPORTING STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 THE APPLICANT 1 1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT 1 1.3 THE APPLICATION SITE 2 2.0 APPLICATION FORMAT 3 3.0 THE DEVELOPMENT 4 3.1 GENERAL 4 3.2 SITE OPERATIONS (DRAWING NOS. 17_C013_ATTL_102 - 7) 5 3.3 RESTORATION (P2/975/12/2) 6 4.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 8 4.1 THE APPLICATION SITE 8 4.2 SITE CONTEXT AND SETTING 9 5.0 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY 11 6.0 CONCLUSIONS 28 APPENDIX A SOIL HANDLING METHODOLOGY APPENDIX B SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT APPENDIX C DUST ACTION PLAN APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX E DRAFT PLANNING OBLIGATION APPENDIX F GEOLOGICAL NOTE
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Applicant 1.1.1 The applicant is CEMEX UK Materials Limited (hereafter referred to as ‗the Company‘), a wholly owned component of CEMEX. The application is submitted on behalf of the Company by CEMEX UK Operations Limited, another element of CEMEX responsible for, inter alia, Town and Country Planning matters within the UK. 1.1.2 CEMEX is the second largest producer of construction materials in the world, with extensive operations in the UK and throughout Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa and Asia. 1.1.3 The Company supplies land won and marine sand and gravel, hard rock, coated stone and ready mixed concrete from East Anglia to North Wales and Fife to the South Coast of England. It also operates a number of quarry restoration developments in the South East of England, West and East Midlands and South Wales. 1.2 The Development 1.2.1 The Company seeks planning permission to extract 545 000 tonnes of sand and gravel over a four to five year period in five operational phases, plus an additional eighteen months within which to complete the site‘s restoration, making a development lifespan of between five and six and a half years. Sand and gravel would be extracted and exported from the site at a rate of approximately 140 000 tonnes per year. The application site covers 17.7 hectares of land comprising the existing quarry void, additional land from which it is proposed to extract sand and gravel, and an access linking the site to the Reepham Road via King William‘s Drive, a private road.. The extent of the application site and its location are illustrated by drawing nos. 17_C013_ATB_001 and 2, whilst the existing site topography is illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101. 1.2.2 Development would be likely to commence shortly after receipt of planning permission. Initial development works will consist of stripping the processing plant area illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101, placing that stripped in a bund immediately to the south of the plant area. Once prepared processing plant, a portable weighbridge and staff welfare facilities will be installed on site (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101). 1.2.3 The development will then proceed as illustrated by drawing nos. 17_C013_ATTL_102 – 106 as a series of five phases plus a final restoration phase. This is described in more detail by Chapter 3.0 of this Statement. 1.2.4 It is proposed to restore the site in phases to open heathland as illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2. This approach to CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 1 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
restoration at the site has proven to be acceptable to the Minerals Planning Authority on a number of occasions in the past. 1.3 The Application Site 1.3.1 The application site is bounded to the north by Marriot‘s Way, and immediately beyond that Reepham and Felthorpe Roads. Marriot‘s Way is a disused railway line now used as part of a long distance cycleway linking Norwich with Aylsham, and in the vicinity of the application site is situated in a shallow cutting. Beyond the public highways lie a small number of residential properties (see paragraph 1.3.4 below), a number of plantations, a builder‘s merchants and a series of large agricultural sheds. To the west lies plantation. Beyond, approximately 150 metres from the application boundary, lies open fields. A byway open to all traffic lies a further 200 metres to the west of the plantation/agricultural land boundary. To the south lies more plantation. Beyond the plantation lies a landfill site, restoring a former sand and gravel working. To the South West lies an isolated residential property, Keeper‘s Cottage. To the east is further plantation, giving way to open fields approximately 100 metres from the application boundary. 1.3.2 In terms of landuse the application site consists of a largely tree felled scrubby area, with the extreme east of the site having been partially worked for sand and gravel pursuant to a previous planning permission. It is situated within a surrounded by plantation woodland. 1.3.3 No rights of way cross the application site. 1.3.4 The application site is 17.7 hectares in area. The closest residential properties to the proposed extraction boundary all lie to the north of Felthorpe Road (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003), approximately 90 metres distant. To the south lies Keepers Cottage, 430 metres distant from the proposed extraction boundary at its closest point. Wood Farm lies 250 metres to the east of the planning application boundary, but this closest point is the point at which King William‘s Drive links to the Reepham Road. The property actually lies 580 metres distant from the proposed extraction boundary.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 2 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
2.0 APPLICATION FORMAT 2.1 This planning submission consists of three constituent components, namely: - Part 1 The Planning Application itself. In turn this comprises: - Section A Planning Application forms; Section B The relevant Certificates and Checklists, and; Section C The submitted drawings. Part 2 A statement made in support of the planning application (the Supporting Statement), and; Part 3 An Environmental Statement. In addition to the Supporting Statement, and in accordance with Regulation 4(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 the Company has decided to submit an Environmental Statement to accompany its planning application for the proposed extraction of sand and gravel. 2.2 The Environmental Statement consists of three documents, which are:- Volume 1, the Environmental Statement (ES), which is the written form of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which has been undertaken with regard to the proposed development; Volume 2, the appendices to the ES. These are included in a digital format on CD-ROM, but can be made available in hard copy if requested (all such requests should be made to the agent), and; Volume 3, the Non-Technical Summary of the ES, produced as a separate document. 2.3 The ES does not form part of the planning application but accompanies it.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 3 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
3.0 THE DEVELOPMENT 3.1 General 3.1.1 The Company seeks to renew planning permission to extract sand and gravel from Attlebridge Quarry and progressively restore the resultant void to a heathland habitat/afteruse. The development proposed will result in the production of 545 000 tonnes of aggregate products over a four to five year period, depending on market conditions, with an additional twelve to eighteen months to restore the site, dependant on weather and ground conditions. This equates to a development lifespan of between five and six and a half years. Drawing nos. 17_C013_ATTL_101 – 6 illustrate the proposed working scheme, including current topography, whilst drawing no. P2/975/12/2 depicts the proposed restoration. The site would be subject to five years of aftercare once its restoration is complete. 3.1.2 Planning permission for the winning and working of sand and gravel has existed in relation to this site for many years, the first permission being granted in 1996. Permission was most recently sought to extend the timeframe for this development in 2013, but this application has yet to be determined. 3.1.3 The quarrying of sand and gravel has been undertaken in the past within Phase 1, notably in the early years of the Millennium, but development ceased in 2009 due to unfavourable market conditions. More favourable conditions, and the cessation of quarrying elsewhere have combined to create a positive environment for the proposed reopening of the quarry. 3.1.4 Site access is proposed to be gained from King William‘s Drive, a private metalled road that is used as a secondary access to the nearby Attlebridge Landfill operated by Biffa. In turn King William‘s Drive allows access to the public highway, Reepham Road. A short, unmetalled, roadway links the quarry itself to King William‘s Drive. 3.1.5 The application itself is 17.7 hectares including access roads. 3.1.6 The site will be worked in five phases, Phase 1 predicted to take less than six months to complete, and Phase 2 to 5 being annual. The extent of the phases is illustrated by 17_C013_ATTL_101. Phase 5 is followed by a final restoration phase, illustrated by 17_C013_ATTL_107, which could take up to eighteen months to complete dependant on weather and ground conditions. 3.1.7 Little no tree felling is required in pursuit of this development as the trees within the extraction boundary have been previously felled.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 4 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
3.2 Site Operation (Drawing Nos. 17_C013_ATTL_102 - 7) Phase 1 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_102) 3.2.1 Phase 1 of the proposed development has been stripped of soils previously and two thirds of the exposed sand and gravel worked. The remaining sand and gravel within the phase, along its western boundary, will be worked in a westerly direction towards the processing plant. 3.2.2 The soils from the processing plant area will be stripped and stored in a bund no more than 3 metres in height on the site boundary immediately to the south of the plant to provide a degree of noise abatement. 3.2.3 Prior to the extraction of the remaining sand and gravel within the phase the processing plant will be erected in the area indicated, as will a staff welfare unit and weighbridge. At present the Company is unable to commit to the specifics of the fixed plant and buildings but in the case of the former it is likely to consist of a mobile crusher and screen, whilst the latter will be based on ISO shipping containers and incorporate a weighbridge office, welfare facility and changing area. It is proposed that the details of these items be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approved prior to their erection. 3.2.4 Details of a product stocking area will also be included in this submission. 3.2.5 Soils stripped and stored within the phase as part of previous development will be used to restore the phase to the extent and contours illustrated. Phase 2 (Drawing No. 17_C013_ATTL_103) 3.2.6 Once the processing plant is established and working within Phase 1 completed, extraction will move to Phase 2 at the western boundary of the site. An initial soil strip will be used to extend the processing plant bund, with working then commencing in the south easterly direction. Remaining soils will be cast behind the extraction face and used in the phase‘s restoration. 3.2.7 The screening process, whilst allowing different sized products to be made from the sand and gravel deposit, will also be likely to generate a degree of material for which there is no commercial market, normally due to its particle size. This material will be back hauled to its originating phase and used as a fill material, ensuring that the proposed contours can be realised. 3.2.8 Prior to the commencement of extraction soil stripped from the phase will be used to form a bund no more than 150 metres from Redcroft/Kirkwood to act as a noise attenuation barrier. It
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 5 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
is proposed to submit details of this bund prior to the stripping of soil from this phase. Phase 3 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_104) 3.2.9 Phase 3 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 2, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. Phase 4 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_105) 3.2.10 Phase 4 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 3, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. Phase 5 (Drawing No. 17_C013_ATTL_106) 3.2.11 Phase 5 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 4, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. 3.2.12 As Phase 5 draws to a close the processing plant and attendant structures and stockpiles will be relocated to allow the sand and gravel underneath the plant to be excavated. It is proposed that the details of the relocation be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approval prior to the commencement of stripping within Phase 5. Final Restoration Phase (17_C013_ATTL_107) 3.2.13 Extraction is complete and the plant and attendant structures have been removed from site. The remaining restoration resource will be spread to create the landform illustrated. 3.3 Restoration (Drawing No. P2/975/12/2) 3.3.1 This drawing illustrates the proposed final restoration. The overarching aim of the restoration scheme is to create heathland interspersed with small areas of shrub planting or individual oak or hawthorns. Final landform will be achieved within each phase when the elevations illustrated are realised, minus the soil profile. Once reached the landform surface will be ripped to a depth of 0.45 metres at 1 metre spacings. The ripping will be undertaken down slope to aid surface water drainage, to relieve compaction. Any such objects greater than 150 millimetres in diameter will be removed and placed below 2 metres of the final landform elsewhere in the site. 3.3.2 Once ripped the retained soils will be spread over the prepared ground. All soil spreading operations will be undertaken in accordance with Modified Loose Tipping Procedure (or Peninsula or Lateral Heap method) in order to minimise compaction of the restoration layer (see Appendix A).
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 6 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
3.3.3 Once the spreading of the restoration layer is complete the ground will be further ripped with a winged tine to a depth of no greater than 300mm in order to minimise compaction within the soils. 3.3.4 On completion of the above the restored land will be seeded and planted as illustrated. Details of seeding and planting specifications and mixes are provided by the above drawing. The restored land will then enter a five year aftercare programme, the details of which will be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approval prior to the commencement of soil stripping within Phase 5.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 7 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
4.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 4.1 The Application Site 4.1.1 The application site itself consists largely of felled woodland, with a small area within the first phase previously worked for sand and gravel pursuant to a previous planning permission. A small amount of restoration has also been completed in this area, with in situ restoration materials retained in bunds to complete restoration works once extraction ceases. The remaining components are the metalled access road, King William‘s Drive, and the unsurfaced access linking the Drive to the site itself. The application area is 17.7 hectares in extent, which breaks down as follows: -
Land Use Area (ha)
Felled Woodland 13
Quarry 4.3
Metalled Access Road 0.34
Unsurfaced Access Road 0.09
Total 17.7
Table 1: Land Use Summary 4.1.2 The site was originally subject to planning permission for the winning and working of sand and gravel in March 1996 (ref. no. C/5/1991/0068), and pursuant to this permission development commenced. The completion date for this development was extended in December 2003 (ref. no. C/5/2003/5005) and December 2008 (ref. no. C/5/2008/5016). A further application to extend the completion date for the development to 31st December 2017 was submitted in June 2013 (ref. no. C/5/2013/5013), although this remains undetermined. No development has taken place on the site since 2009 due to unfavourable market conditions; the improved economic climate since that date points to the recommencement of the development being financially viable. Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101 illustrates the application site at the time of application. 4.1.3 The site is surrounded by woodland, that immediately to the north, Mile Plantation, is designated as ‗Ancient Replanted Woodland or PAWS‘. A very small part of the PAWS is included within the application (0.27ha of a total of 22.17ha). All the surrounding land is also designated as a County Wildlife Site. A small part of the CWS intrudes into the application site itself (approximately 3.05 hectares of 54 in CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 8 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
total), mainly within Phase 3 (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_004). It also includes the site access. 4.1.4 Beyond the northern site boundary lies the Marriott‘s Way, a disused railway now used as a long distance cycleway. It is crossed at grade by King William‘s Drive. Immediately adjacent and parallel is the Reepham Road, an unclassified road. To the north of the Reepham Road lies further woodland, although this has not be classified as ‗ancient‘. 4.1.5 A number of isolated residential properties also lie to the north of the application site (and both the Felthorpe and Reepham Roads), these are illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003. The closest of these, Felthorpe Manor, lies 90 metres to the north, whilst Kirkwood is 120 metres to the north west. 4.1.6 To the west, beyond the plantation, lie agricultural fields and a further residential property, Keepers Cottage, 430 metres from the application boundary. 4.1.7 To the south, again beyond the plantation, lies the Attlebridge landfill operated by Biffa. This includes a landfill gas engine and leachate storage tank. 4.1.8 To the east lies a fourth potentially sensitive residential property, Wood Farm lying 250 metres from the planning application boundary, but this closest point is the point at which King William‘s Drive links to the Reepham Road. The property actually lies 580 metres distant from the proposed extraction boundary. 4.1.9 No public rights of way cross the application site. 4.2 Site Context and Setting 4.2.1 The predominant landuse in the immediate area is woodland/forestry. More widely the locale is rural in nature, but does possess a number of uses often associated with rural/urban fringe such as builders merchants, waste management facilities and intensive farming. 4.2.2 Population is typified by isolated residential dwellings, especially to the north of the site, with the closest settlements being Attlebridge 1.4 km to the south west, Upgate 1.2 km to the north west, Felthorpe 1.8 km to the north east and Taverham 1.9 km to the south east. 4.2.3 Topographically the application site occupies high point, with land falling away on all sides at a shallow gradient. Beyond Keepers Cottage to the south west the land falls away at a steeper gradient, this marking the edge of the Wensum valley. 4.2.4 The application site does not lie in proximity to any assets of heritage importance.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 9 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
4.2.5 Swannington Upgate Common SSSI lies 1 km to the north of the application site, whilst Alderford Common SSSI lies 1.7 KM to the north west. The River Wensum SAC/SSSI lies 1.2km to the south.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 10 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
5.0 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY 5.1 Core Strategy and Minerals and Waste Development Management Policies Development Plan Document 2010 - 2026 5.1.1 The Development Plan (DP) material to the determination of this planning application is the above, adopted in September 2011. 5.1.2 CS1 Mineral Extraction The strategy for minerals extraction is to allocate sufficient sites to meet the annual apportionment figures agreed by the East of England Regional Aggregates Working Party, rolled forward to 2026, for both sand & gravel and hard rock (carstone). For sand and gravel, a minimum of 25.67 million tonnes of resources needs to be allocated. However, an additional year’s apportionment (2.57 million tonnes, approximately 10 per cent) will also be allocated to introduce a degree of flexibility, so sites and/or Areas of Search delivering a total of approximately 28.24 million tonnes of sand and gravel will be allocated. The sand and gravel landbank will be maintained at between 7 and 10 years’ supply (excluding any contribution from borrow pits for major construction projects). For silica sand, given the industry’s stated intention to make further investment in infrastructure, sufficient sites and/or Areas of Search to provide a minimum 15-year landbank at the start of the Plan period (based on the average production rate from 2007-2009 and then the expected production rate from 2011) will be allocated. This equates to a site or sites to deliver a minimum of 6.4 million tonnes of silica sand. Given the commitment to review the Core Strategy regularly, a minimum 10-year landbank thereafter will be maintained. For carstone, a site or sites to deliver a minimum of 1.475 million tonnes of resources will be allocated. It is likely (from the work undertaken so far on the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD) that only one further carstone site will be required. The landbank for carstone will be maintained at 10 years’ supply. Given the size of the existing landbanks and the lack of requirement in national guidance for apportionment figures, no new allocations will be made for clay, topsoil, chalk, peat and hoggin. According to Table 7 of the Monitoring Report - Mineral Data Local Aggregate Assessment & Silica Sand Assessment 2016 the landbank of sand and gravel planning permissions within Norfolk, for the purposes of Policy CS1, stood at 11.8 years on CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 11 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
the 31st December 2016. This calculation included a contribution from the application site of 545 000 tonnes, or just under five months as the landbank is currently calculated. The Monitoring Report also confirms that as of March 2017 no applications for the winning and working of sand and gravel were in the process of being determined. On the assumption that this remains the case as of 30th April 2018, and applying the 10 year sales average used to calculate the landbank in the Monitoring Report (1 406 102 million tonnes), it is reasonable to assume that the landbank for sand and gravel within Norfolk on that date is 15 251 830 million tonnes or 10.8 years. This reduces to 14 706 830 million tonnes or 10.5 years if the sand and gravel resource within the application site is discounted as there is current no extant planning permission for the winning and working of mineral. It is acknowledged that this figure is greater than the ten years referred to by the policy. Nevertheless, given that the development proposed has benefited from planning permission for the extraction of sand and gravel continuously since 1996, that extraction was still considered acceptable in September 2014 when considered in the context of the same Development Plan, that the extent of exceedance is small and the site clearly forms part of the County‘s current landbank of sand and gravel planning permissions, it is considered that the general thrust of this policy is accorded with. Paragraph 144 of NPPF is also relevant when considering this policy. It states that great weight should be placed on the benefits of mineral extraction, including those that accrue to the economy. It is the Company‘s contention that these benefits outweigh a six month exceedance in the extent of the sand and gravel landbank referred to by this policy. 5.1.3 CS2 General locations for mineral extraction and associated facilities Resource areas for key minerals are shown on the key diagram. Areas of search and/or sites specific allocations will be identified based on these areas. Sand & gravel production Sand and gravel resources are located widely throughout the county. However, there will be a clear preference for sites which are close and/or particularly well-related via appropriate transport infrastructure, to the Norwich Policy Area, Great Yarmouth urban area, Thetford or King’s Lynn or the main market towns (Attleborough, Aylsham, Cromer, Dereham, Diss, Downham Market, Fakenham, Hunstanton, North Walsham, Sheringham, Swaffham and Watton). Extensions to existing sites will be preferred to new sites.
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Carstone and silica sand production Carstone and silica sand resources are located only in a north/south band in the west of Norfolk. Preference will be given to extensions to existing sites over new sites. Given the national significance of Norfolk’s silica sand resources, appropriate weighting will be given in decisions on which sites are to be allocated and permitted, and sites which would be able to access the existing processing plant and railhead at Leziate via conveyor or off-public highways routes will be preferred. Significant environmental constraints affecting the major settlements Whilst every potential minerals site allocation and planning application will be considered on its own merits, significant international ecological and national landscape constraints affecting the four main Norfolk settlements are detailed below: Norwich Policy Area: The valley of the River Yare falls within the Broads, which has a status equivalent to that of a National Park. On the eastern edge of the NPA, the river valley is also classed as the Broadland SPA and Broads SAC. The River Wensum is classed as a SAC from (broadly) New Costessey westwards. There is therefore a preference for new minerals sites away from the Wensum and Yare valley areas and the Broads area. Great Yarmouth urban area: Much of the borough surrounding the urban areas is within the Broads, with Breydon Water SPA and Broadland SPA also close by. In addition, Great Yarmouth North Denes SPA is located on the dunes to the north of Great Yarmouth and also at Winterton-on-Sea and Horsey. The coast between Sea Palling and Winterton lies within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is therefore a preference for locations for new minerals sites away from these protected areas. King’s Lynn: The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies to the north and north-east of King’s Lynn. Roydon Common & Dersingham Bog SAC lies a short distance to the east of the town, with East Walton & Adcock’s Common SSSI (which forms part of the Norfolk Valley Fen SAC) lying about six miles to the south-east. There is therefore a preference for locations for new minerals sites avoiding these areas (although the very limited extent of silica sand in Norfolk is recognised in this context).
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Thetford: Development in or near Thetford is highly constrained by the presence of the Breckland SPA and Breckland SAC, which cover large parts of the surrounding area. Detailed work undertaken for the preparation of the (adopted) Breckland Core Strategy has meant that there is a restrictive approach to development within 1500m of those parts of the Breckland SPA that support stone curlew populations, and within 400m of those parts of the Breckland SPA that support woodlark or nightjar populations (see Policy CS14). Given the noise and disturbance of minerals extraction and processing operations, any new minerals sites close to Thetford are likely to be more acceptable in the area immediately east of Thetford only (areas to the south and west falling largely within Suffolk). The application site does not lie within any of the major settlement areas identified by the policy, although the Norwich Policy Area lies only 600 metres of the east of the application site at its closest point. The proposed route for HGVs leaving the quarry, Reepham Road and Fir Covert Road via Freeland Corner to the A1067 do form part of the County‘s Designated Lorry Route however. Despite lying outside the Norwich Policy Area its close proximity to it and to Norwich itself (9.6 km from the Norwich Ring Road) and its connection to both via Designated Lorry Routes have lead the Company to conclude that the proposed development does accord with this policy. Furthermore, when compared to September 2014 when development at this site was last considered, the construction of the A1270 is nearing completion as it likely to be the preferred route for most HGVs travelling to and from Norwich, the main designation for aggregates products produced at the application site. This will remove HGV traffic from travelling through Taverham. 5.1.4 CS13 Climate change and renewable energy generation All opportunities for new minerals and waste developments (both brand new sites and extensions to existing sites) to generate renewable energy on-site will be welcomed and should be explored fully, with a minimum of 10 per cent generated from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources, wherever this is practicable. Where it is not considered practicable to meet this 10 per cent minimum – perhaps because of financial reasons, site size, physiographical restraints of a site, and/or other environmental considerations/constraints (e.g. landscape impacts) – appropriate evidence must be provided to the County Planning Authority.
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All new residual waste treatment plants and any new non- hazardous landfill sites will need to generate electricity and/or capture heat, unless it can be demonstrated that this is not practicable. An example of where this requirement might not be appropriate would be for a plant producing refuse derived fuel (through an MBT process), where this fuel was combusted at a different plant elsewhere. The co-location of large waste plants generating heat and/or electricity with other nearby industrial and/or residential users of the heat and/or energy will be supported. Waste treatment facilities accepting biomass waste will be required to generate renewable energy. The Company has considered the potential of the site to generate renewable energy from within its footprint. It is considered that solar and wind generation are the most appropriate. Solar has been discounted on the basis that there is insufficient undisturbed footprint as a result of the proposed development to erect enough solar panels to generate a meaningful quantum of energy. Wind turbines have been discounted on the basis that the site is surrounded by woodland and the trees disrupt air flow, reducing turbine effectiveness. To erect a turbine of sufficient height to avoid this effect would be likely to be unacceptable in landscape terms. In both cases the proposed life of the site is too short to justify the capital investment required to effect either form of renewable energy generation. On this basis the Company‘s inability to demonstrate the generation of 10% renewable energy is not considered to undermine this policy aim. Nevertheless, Appendix B of this Statement is a Sustainability Statement which underlines the Company‘s ongoing commitment to review site efficiency and reduce energy usage where possible. It also outlines the Company‘s global commitment to tackling climate change and renewable energy. 5.1.5 CS14 Environmental protection The protection and enhancement of Norfolk’s natural and built environments is a vital consideration for future minerals extraction and associated development and waste management facilities in the county. In particular, developments must ensure that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on, and ideally improvements to: Natural resources, including water, air and soil; The character and quality of the landscape and townscape, including nationally designated landscapes (the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads); Biodiversity and geodiversity, including nationally and internationally designated sites and species, CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 15 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
habitats and sites identified in Biodiversity and Geodiversity Action Plans; Heritage assets and their setting, and cultural assets; and Residential amenity e.g. noise, vibration, dust, lighting, and visual intrusion. Where any development proposals would potentially have adverse impacts on any of the assets listed above, the adequacy of any proposed mitigation measures will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The highest standards of design, operation and (where relevant) restoration and aftercare of sites must be practised. Breckland SPA The Council will require suitable information to be provided to enable it to undertake an Appropriate Assessment of all proposals for development that are likely to have a significant effect on the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and will only permit development that will not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA. A buffer zone has been defined (indicated in red hatching on the Proposals Map) that extends 1,500m from the edge of those parts of the SPA that support or are capable of supporting stone curlews, within which:- a) Permission may be granted for the re-use of existing buildings and for development which will be completely masked by existing development; alternatively b) Permission may be granted for development provided it is demonstrated by an appropriate assessment the development will not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA. In other locations, indicated in orange hatching on the Proposals Map, the Council will apply the policy set out above to afford protection to other land supporting the qualifying features of the SPA. Where it can be shown that proposals to mitigate the effects of development would avoid or overcome an adverse impact on the integrity of the SPA or qualifying features, planning permission may be granted provided the County Planning Authority is satisfied those proposals will be implemented. The Council will consider the need for an appropriate assessment to determine the implications of development on other interest features of the SPA (i.e. nightjar and woodlark) on a case by case basis.
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This planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). A number of independent specialist assessments were commissioned by the Company to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), of which the Environmental Statement is the written form. These assessments included the water environment, air quality, landscape, ecology, heritage issues and noise. Within the ES Chapters 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0 and 13.0 and Appendices A – G are relevant in considering this policy. All the assessments concluded with appropriate mitigation measures that there would be no unacceptable adverse impacts on any potentially sensitive receivers as a result of the development proposed. Given this, it is considered that that proposed accords with this policy. 5.1.6 CS15 Transport All proposed minerals extraction and waste management facilities must assess and consider positively the potential for non-HGV transportation of materials to and/or from the facilities, principally by rail or water. This assessment must be included within the Transport Statement/Transport Assessment, if one is required (see Policy DM10). The County Council will consider minerals and waste development proposals to be satisfactory in terms of access where anticipated HGV movements, taking into account any mitigation measures proposed, do not generate: a) Unacceptable risks to the safety of road users and pedestrians; b) Unacceptable impacts on the capacity and/or efficiency of the highway network (including the trunk road network); c) Unacceptable impacts on air quality (particularly in relation to any potential breaches of National Air Quality Objectives and impacts on any Air Quality Management Areas) and residential and rural amenity, including from odour and noise; d) Unacceptable impacts on the natural and historic environment; and e) Unacceptable physical impacts on the highway network (e.g. road or kerbside damage). The ES has been informed by an independent Traffic Assessment (see Appendix B and Chapter 6.0 of the ES). This assessment concluded that there would be no unacceptable adverse impacts resulting from the proposed development in relation to the generation of HGVs. The route
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from the site access to the site‘s main market of Norwich is designated part of the County‘s Lorry Routes. In addition, with the recent opening of the A1270 to its junction with the A140, all traffic travelling to and from the application site to Norwich can now bypass Taverham. It is considered that the proposed development accords with this policy. To enforce the HGV routing proposed the Company is prepared to enter into a legal agreement with the Council. A previously agreed draft is included within this planning application as Appendix E. 5.1.7 DM1 Nature Conservation Development that would harm: Locally designated nature conservation and geodiversity sites; and/or Habitats, species or features identified in UK and Norfolk biodiversity and geodiversity action plans; will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that sufficient measures to mitigate harm to the site, habitat(s) and/or species can be put in place, preferably in advance of development. If appropriate mitigation measures cannot practicably be implemented, compensatory habits or geological exposure of at least an equivalent standard at a suitable alternative location should be provided. Potential adverse impacts off-site, caused by water contamination, changes to hydrology and/or air pollution, will also need to be considered. In cases where permission is granted on the basis that restoration will provide enhancement to local nature conservation efforts in the longer-term, any adverse impacts on local nature conservation during the construction and operational phases must be mitigated and fully compensated for. Ongoing management of the restored areas and compensatory habitat(s) will be required to prevent succession away from the chosen habitat(s) type unless this would be unnecessary or inappropriate. An Ecological Impact Assessment has been commissioned to inform the EIA and is appended to the ES (see Chapter 8.0) as Appendix C. This assessment concluded that no harm would result from the development on either the Triumph & Foxborrows CWS or Mileplain Plantation PAWS given the small areas of both that lie within the application boundary (3.05 and 0.27ha respectively) and the reasons why both are cited. The proposed restoration scheme, illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 is considered to be a long term benefit of the proposed development, representing a significant net increase in habitat for legally protected species, UK BAP Priority Habitats and species found both within the site and its locale. An Environmental Management Plan is submitted as part of CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 18 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
this application (see Appendix D) whose implementation will ensure no breaches of legislation occur with regard to wildlife. In combination with the restoration scheme no significant harm resulting from the development has been identified and this policy is considered to be accorded with. 5.1.8 DM3 Groundwater and surface water Applicants will need to give due regard to the policies within the Environment Agency's document 'Groundwater Protection: Policy and Practice (GP3)' and demonstrate that proposed developments would not adversely impact upon groundwater quality or resources and surface water quality or resources. A hydrological/hydrogeological risk assessment must be submitted, where applicable, to demonstrate this to the satisfaction of the County Planning Authority as advised by the Environment Agency. In line with the Environment Agency’s policy, sites for mineral extraction and associated development will be acceptable in Groundwater Protection Zone 1 provided they are above the water table. Sites for mineral extraction into the water table in Zones 2 & 3, and outside Groundwater Protection Zones, will be acceptable in principle, although proposals in Zones 2 & 3 will need to be accompanied by a hydrogeological risk assessment which demonstrates that the extraction can take place safely. Sites for waste management facilities will not be permitted in Groundwater Protection Zone 1. An independent hydrogeological assessment of the development has been commissioned and is discussed within Chapter 9.3 of the ES (and appended in full as Appendix D of the ES). It concludes that because the proposed winning and working of sand and gravel will remain above the water table no impact on groundwater has been predicted. Impacts have been identified with regard to the potential contamination of groundwater due to the spillage of fuels or other hydrocarbon liquids such as lubricants. This possibility will be mitigated by storing all such liquids in double containment vessels, retaining spill kits on site containing sorbent materials and including in all staff inductions the methodology for tackling any spillage to minimise contamination. As such this policy is complied with. 5.1.9 DM4 Flood risk The Norfolk district councils' Strategic Flood Risk Assessments will be used to inform decisions for mineral extraction and associated development and waste management facilities where appropriate. In accordance with PPS 25, the Sequential Test and, where necessary, the Exception Test must be applied to all proposals. If it is demonstrated that there are no reasonably available
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sites in areas with a lower probability of flooding that would be appropriate to the type of development or land use proposed, the applicants must demonstrate that they have applied the Sequential Approach on the site itself. In particular, ancillary uses and access roads should preferably be sited in areas at lowest risk of flooding. A Flood Risk Assessment is required for all development in Flood Zones 2 and 3, and for sites greater than 1 hectare. Through consultation with the Environment Agency, the County Planning Authority will expect developers, through site layout, design and access, to ensure flood risk is not increased as a result of all mineral extraction and waste management sites. The application site lies wholly within Flood Zone 1 and as such is suitable for the type of the development proposed. A Flood Risk Assessment has been commissioned and is included as Appendix E to the ES, and is discussed within Chapter 10.0 of the same. It concludes that: - No historical flooding has been recorded on the site; The risk of the site flooding due to river or sea flooding is negligible; Significant pluvial flood risk is present within the site, corresponding to depressions within the site (pluvial flooding occurs when an extremely heavy downpour of rain that saturates drainage systems and the excess water cannot be absorbed); The risk of groundwater flooding is low due to the depth at which groundwater is thought to lie compared to the base of the proposed quarry; During the development run off will accumulate within the quarried void, percolating into the ground given the extent of the unsaturated zone between the quarry base and groundwater, and; Once restored run off will accumulate in the lowest parts of the landform, again percolating into the ground. The restored landform will also result in a reduction of run off leaving the site, with surface water being directed into the restored void rather than running off site. 5.1.10 Given the above, it is considered that this policy is accorded with. 5.1.11 DM8 Design, local landscape and townscape character Development will be permitted if it will not harm the conservation of, or prevent the enhancement of, key characteristics of its surroundings with regard to the character of the landscape and townscape, including consideration of its historic character and settlement pattern, taking into account any appropriate mitigation measures. In line with PPS1, new development, including CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 20 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
ancillary landscaping and car parking areas, must promote good design which is compatible with the existing or planned built form of the local area and the surrounding landscape. Applicants will be expected to show how their proposals will address impacts on landscape and townscape. This would normally be undertaken through a study and evaluation of local landscape and townscape character and an assessment of how the proposal will impact on it, with reference to any relevant landscape character assessment or design guide. Alternatively it could be carried out through a local assessment using a suitable methodology, appropriate to the scale of the development proposed. In particular the potential individual and cumulative effects on the following issues must be addressed: landscape and townscape character, e.g. visual intrusion, the layout and scale of buildings and designated spaces, the built fabric, public access; and landscape and townscape sensitivity and capacity, e.g. local distinctiveness, condition, historic patterns of development, semi-natural habitats, remoteness and tranquillity, and noise and light pollution. Development will only be permitted where it would be within, or could affect the setting of, nationally or locally registered Historic Parks or Gardens, registered battlefields, conservation areas, listed buildings or the North Norfolk Heritage Coast, where the applicant can demonstrate that the development would not adversely impact on the historic form, character and/or setting of these locations, taking into account any mitigation measures. A heritage assessment has been commissioned to inform the ES (Chapter 12.0) and is appended to the same as Appendix F. It concluded that there were no designations relevant to this policy in the vicinity of the application site. 5.1.12 DM9 Archaeological Sites Applicants whose proposals could potentially affect heritage assets, or which are in areas with high potential for archaeological interest, will be required to prepare and submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation with their application to the County Council. Development will only be permitted where it would not adversely affect the significance of heritage assets (and their settings) of national and/or regional importance, whether scheduled or not. Where proposals for mineral extraction or waste management facilities would affect CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 21 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
Scheduled Monuments and/or other assets of national and/or regional importance (including their settings), there will be a presumption in favour of their preservation in situ. Following the results of a site evaluation, development which would potentially affect other heritage assets (not of national or regional importance) could be acceptable if subject to appropriate mitigation measures – such as physical preservation of the archaeology in situ, or preservation by record (including appropriate publication and archiving). The heritage assessment commissioned to inform the ES (Chapter 12.0) and appended to the same as Appendix F also addresses archaeological issues. It concluded that any archaeological remains within the extraction area will be undesignated assets of low to medium value, possibly relating to prehistoric activity. Remains may be present within the development area, especially given the current and probable historical use of the land. Parts of the woodland are probably of post-medieval date, most likely having been planted in the later 18th century. Much of the central part of the site (within Phases 1-4) was open in the post-medieval period, with one of the fields laid down to arable farming and one to pasture. Prior to the post-medieval wooding of this area it is likely that some, if not all of the site was heathland and although exploited throughout the medieval period, settlement would not have taken place here. The introduction of woodland planting to the area is likely to have had an adverse effect on earlier sub- surface archaeological deposits, as may the piecemeal clearing and altering of the landscape which appears to have occurred periodically. 5.1.13 Given the above findings no significant adverse impact on heritage assets have been identified and this policy is accorded with. 5.1.14 DM10 Transport Planning applications for new minerals and/or waste sites, or proposals that generate an increase in traffic movements or traffic impact, must be accompanied by a Transport Statement that demonstrates: Suitable highway access and egress in accordance with published highway design guidance; A suitable route to the nearest major road (trunk road or principal road or main distributor road), which may need to be incorporated in a formal Routing Agreement; Consideration of other road users, including cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians;
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Consideration of sustainable drainage and pollution control measures; and Measures to reduce car travel to the site by workers and visitors and encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport.
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In addition: If, in the opinion of the Highway Authority and/or Highways Agency, development raises significant transport issues, particularly if highway improvements are required, a more detailed Transport Assessment will be necessary. Appropriate details will be required of any highway improvements necessary to mitigate the transport impacts of the development. If appropriate, formal measures to promote travel- reduction measures will be secured by a Traffic Management Plan and/or Travel Plan. See paragraph 5.1.6 above and Chapter 6.0 and Appendix B of the ES. The development proposal is considered to accord with this policy to the point that it is material. 5.1.15 DM12 Amenity The protection of amenity for people in close proximity to potential minerals extraction and associated developments and waste management facilities will be a key consideration. Where appropriate, buffer zones, advanced planting and/or screening and other mitigation measures, such as restriction on hours of working and dust suppression measures, will be required. Development will be permitted only where it can be demonstrated that the scale, siting and design of a proposal is appropriate and that unacceptable impact to local amenity will not arise from the construction and/or operation of a facility. Noise, air quality and visual impact assessments have all been commissioned to inform the ES (see Chapters 5.0, 11.0 and 13.0, and Appendices A, F and H of the ES). Matters relating to air quality are discussed in relation to Policy DM13 below, paragraph 5.1.16. Both the noise and landscape and visual impact assessment concluded that there would be no detriment experienced as a result of the development proposed. A temporary soil bund 3 metres in height will need to be erected at a location no more than 220 metres from Kirkwood and Redcroft prior to the commencement of mineral extraction within Phase 2. 5.1.16 It is proposed, therefore, that prior to the commencement of soil stripping in Phase 2 of the development, a detailed scheme of noise mitigation for Kirkwood and Redcroft be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its approval, and that the approved scheme subsequently be implemented. 5.1.17 With regard to visual amenity, the site is surrounded by mature woodland and is not readily visible from any viewpoints outside
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its boundaries, minimising any visual impact. It is concluded, therefore, that this policy is complied with. 5.1.18 DM13 Air Quality Applicants for planning permission will be required to submit information to demonstrate that proposals effectively minimise harmful emissions to air and would not impact negatively on existing Air Quality Management Areas, nor lead to the declaration of a new AQMA. Development will be permitted if adequate measures can be agreed through planning conditions to mitigate potentially harmful air quality impacts to human health. Planning permission will only be granted in areas nearing AQMA threshold limits if an Air Quality Impact Assessment shows that the development in question and its associated activities would not increase air pollution to unacceptable levels, as defined in the National Air Quality Strategy. Chapter 11.0 of the ES draws on an air quality assessment of the proposed development appended to the ES as Appendix F. It concludes that the proposed development would not lead to a new AQMA being declared, nor would it impact upon an existing designation. The assessment concludes that the proposed development would not lead to an increase in air pollution to unacceptable levels, and with the adoption of industry best practice mitigation measures any fugitive dust emissions resultant from the development could be controlled to acceptable levels. As such this policy is accorded with. 5.1.19 DM14 Progressive working, restoration and after-care Proposals for new mineral workings must be accompanied by a scheme for the phased and progressive working and restoration of the site throughout its life. Restoration and after-use of mineral extraction sites and associated development, and temporary waste management facilities, will be determined on a case-by- case basis, prioritising the most appropriate after-use(s) for each site. This will include consideration of restoration to enhance biodiversity, geodiversity and landscape; support for green infrastructure; potential to restore and/or improve agricultural soil quality, and to facilitate leisure and recreational development (including footpaths).
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Preference will be given to after-uses and restoration that support the aims of Norfolk’s Sustainable Community Strategy, with particular emphasis on: Enhancement to the Norfolk Ecological Network; and The creation of new, high-quality, distinctive landscapes. The after-use and restoration proposal must demonstrate that: The appropriate restoration and after-use is both feasible and achievable in the proposed time scales. Due consideration has been given to opportunities to improve public access, particularly to implement the County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Due consideration has been given to supporting the aims of the Green Infrastructure Strategy. Any important geology or geomorphology on the site will be retained in sample exposures for study purposes. As required by this policy the development of the quarry will be done so on a progressive basis. The progressive, or phased, working and restoration scheme, is illustrated by drawing nos. 17_C013_ATTL_102 – 7 and described by Chapter 3.0 of this Statement. The restoration scheme, illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 and described by Chapter 3.3 of this Statement requires the employment of well used and successful restoration techniques and as such is both feasible and achievable within the timeframe proposed. It also provided a prime opportunity to improve and expand the biodiversity of both the site itself and its immediate surroundings. As such it is considered that the aims of this policy are complied with. 5.1.20 DM15 Cumulative impacts Where a proposed mineral extraction site, or waste management facility, is considered acceptable (in its own right) but the cumulative impact of a proposal in conjunction with other existing, permitted or allocated minerals extraction sites and/or waste management facilities, in the proximity is considered unacceptable, the proposal may be considered acceptable if phased so that one site follows the completion of the other or it can be demonstrated that the adverse cumulative impacts can be adequately mitigated. Planning applications must therefore be supported by information demonstrating how proposals relate to other development nearby and details of how any cumulative effects are proposed to be mitigated satisfactorily. The Company is not aware of any mineral extraction or waste management facility subject to an extant planning application CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 26 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL
or unimplemented permission in its vicinity. As such no cumulative impacts have been identified. 5.1.21 DM16 Soils Where development is proposed on agricultural land, the County Council has a clear preference for locating new mineral extraction and associated activities, and composting facilities, on land of agricultural grades 3b, 4 and 5. Development proposals affecting Grade 1 agricultural land will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, where it is demonstrated that there are no alternative locations for the development. In addition to the above, when minerals development, particularly extraction, is proposed on agricultural land of grades 1, 2 or 3a it will only be permitted where: Provision is made for high standards of soil management that would enable restoration to a condition at least as good as its previous agricultural quality. To demonstrate this, the County Planning Authority will expect soil and land quality surveys and soil handling and replacement strategies to be submitted (the latter based upon Defra’s ‘Good Practice Guide for Handling Soils’); or The benefit of restoring the land to another after-use can be shown to outweigh the loss of the agricultural use of the land. No part of the application site is in agricultural use, therefore this policy is not material to the consideration of this application. Nevertheless the Company is committed to implementing a soil handling methodology (see Appendix A) that reflects DEFRA guidance pertaining to this issue to the extent that it is revelant. Site Name Inset Map No.
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6.0 CONCLUSIONS 6.1 The Company proposes to recommence the quarry of sand and gravel from Attlebridge Quarry for a period of up to five years, with a further eighteen months to complete restoration works. The working would realise 545 000 tonnes of sand and gravel, with this material being either processed on site or transported ‗as raised‘ to Costessey Quarry for processing via a previously agreed haul route that directs traffic away from unclassified roads crossing the Wensum valley. 6.2 The site would be restored to a mix of habitats, representing a significant improvement in biodiversity of both the application site itself and its immediate environs. 6.3 The working of the mineral within the application site would make a welcome contribution to the sand and gravel landbank within Norfolk, and is well located relative to the major market for aggregates in the County, Norwich. 6.4 It is the Company‘s belief on the basis of the above policy analysis that the planning application to which this Supporting Statement relates accords with Development Plan policy. In accordance with guidance provided by paragraph 14 of the NPPF the Company believes the application should be approved without delay. 6.5 Furthermore, as a result of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment of its proposals (of which the Environmental Statement accompanying this Supporting Statement is the written form), it is of the view that with the implementation of mitigation measures the development will have no materially detrimental impact on any interest of material significance. As such it is requested that planning permission be granted.
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A SOIL HANDLING METHODOLOGY APPENDIX B SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT APPENDIX C DUST ACTION PLAN APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 1
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 1
Appendix A
SOIL HANDLING METHODOLOGY
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 1
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 2
Appendix B
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 3
Sustainability Statement - Climate change and renewable energy generation
As a global company, Cemex have many stakeholders with varying interests and, consequently, face a broad array of issues concerning the sustainability of our business and of our world. We focus on those areas of highest concern to our company and our stakeholders so that we can appropriately address their concerns and make the most significant positive impact. Our approach to determining our priorities includes the following:
An evaluation of publicly available external sources, as well as information gathered internally, to approximate the level of concern for specific sustainability issues
Direct internal and external feedback from CEMEX's sustainability team, internal stakeholders and advisory panel members verify that we have properly assessed the level of concern. A framework through which material issues define online and printed report content
Through this process we have determined the following to be our priorities (these are not listed in order of importance):
Sustainable Construction Housing and Infrastructure Carbon Strategy Environment and Biodiversity Health and Safety Strengthening Local Communities Stakeholder Engagement
Climate change is considered one of the most critical global challenges of our time. Caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases—primarily CO2—in the atmosphere, climate change is widely understood to result from human activity. We acknowledge the local and global challenges posed by
climate change, and are committed to applying our skills, technologies, and determination to reduce the contribution of our operations and our industry to climate change.
To provide context, the global cement industry produces approximately five percent of all man-made CO2 emissions—from the chemical reactions in clinker production to fuel consumption, electricity use, and the transportation of raw materials and finished products.
Therefore, our strategy to address climate change and to operate successfully in the coming low-carbon economy includes the responsible management and reduction of our operations' CO2 emissions by: Increasing the energy efficiency of our plants Including alternative cementitious raw materials in our cement production to reduce the clinker factor Using alternative fuels and renewable sources of energy were possible Auditing and disclosing our CO2 emissions Exploring new technologies (for example, carbon capture and storage) Engaging in the sustainable transport of raw materials and distribution of our products
Carbon Strategy
Climate change is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, in the Earth‘s atmosphere. It is widely believed that this phenomenon is the result of human activity, including the burning of fossils fuels for energy and also emissions derived from a variety of agricultural and industrial processes. Minimizing climate change and its consequences is a critical global challenge.
The global cement industry produces about five percent of all manmade CO2 emissions. This greenhouse gas is generated chiefly in the production of clinker (the main ingredient in cement). Clinker is produced in large rotary kilns by processing limestone, clay, and other minerals under very high
temperatures (>1,400 °C or 2,500 °F). CO2 results from the fuel combustion required to achieve such high temperatures and from the chemical decomposition of limestone into lime and CO2. Compared to these emissions, other sources, mainly the transport of raw materials and final products and emissions related to the generation of electricity that CEMEX consumes, are very small, but still offer an opportunity to reduce our total footprint.
Energy Efficiency
We have been working with our equipment suppliers and continue to implement cutting-edge technologies to improve the energy efficiency of our operations and the thermal energy efficiency of clinker production. In particular, we seek to improve the thermal energy efficiency of clinker production by substituting older equipment with state-of-the-art kilns. For example, our new dry kiln at our plant in Broceni, Latvia, requires almost half of the thermal energy to produce clinker compared to the previous technology. In the Port of Tilbury, our new cement grinding and blending plant has a vertical cement mill—the first of its kind in the UK—that uses up to 40% less energy than a conventional mill.
Renewable Energy
We are increasingly using renewable energy to generate power for our operations. We contract in wind, hydro power, and waste-to-energy projects that power our operations and help reduce CO2 emissions. An example is the Eurus wind farm project, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, which generates around 25 percent of our power needs in Mexico, and is currently powering our company headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico. Our cement plant in Panama consumes only electricity sourced from a hydropower plant. Moreover, in Rüdersdorf, Germany, a waste-to-energy plant was built for the sole purpose of providing electricity to our neighbouring cement plant. We will continue to seek out new opportunities to generate and use renewable energy in our operations.
Alternative Fuel
While we safely and successfully use our cement kilns to dispose of some of society's waste in locations where we have completed the necessary trials and public consultations, local residents often have concerns about the use of tires and other waste as fuel. We work with our neighbours and local interest groups to help them understand the process and the safeguards we will put in place to allay their concerns.
The extent of our use of alternative fuels depends largely on local regulations, specifically whether landfill legislation is mature and well implemented.
O2 Emissions
CEMEX also participates in the following initiatives in order to measure and better manage CO2 emissions:
Carbon Disclosure Project, a voluntary initiative that requests annual information on climate-change risk management and performance. Our reporting of our greenhouse-gas emissions is subject to an external limited assurance process undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Getting the Numbers Right (GNR), a sector-wide global information database developed through the WBCSD CSI, covers more than 800 cement facilities in more than 100 countries and provides accurate, verified data on the cement industry's CO2 emissions and energy performance. We have provided data to GNR since 2007. The first report summarizing the industry's CO2 emissions was released in June of 2008. Cement production by companies participating in the GNR initiative increased by 53 percent from 1990 to 2006, whereas absolute net CO2 emissions increased by only 35 percent, demonstrating a decoupling of production and related emissions.
CO2 Offset Mechanisms
We have undertaken and registered several Clean Development (CDM) projects over the past years. Our full CDM portfolio, which now totals eight accredited projects, has the capacity to reduce our CO2 emissions by approximately 1.4 million tons annually. We expect to register additional CDM projects in the coming years
Attlebridge Impact upon Climate Change
The proposed application is a continuation of mineral extraction utilise existing equipment at Attlebridge Quarry. Although the proposed application does not include the production of renewable energy and shall not provide a minimum of 10% of renewable energy the Company promotes environmental improvements to reduce the sites carbon footprint through improved operations and maintenance.
As Attlebridge has limited static plant at present (container only) and once operational again there would be a generator for staff facilities excavator and loading shovel there is no current opportunity to introduce renewable energy. Plant on site shall include: -
Excavator – diesel
Loading Shovel – diesel
Dumper truck- diesel
Portaloo – N/A
Staff facilities – generator
The Company continues to strive to introduce renewable energy to existing and new operational sites, working in partnership with external energy companies. The Company is currently investigating solar farms across the
County and wind farms that we could contract energy to our sites and it is hoped this approach will assist renewable energy use on site.
Attlebridge is a very small operation in terms of energy use with limited plant / equipment on site. Due to the temporary nature of the remaining reserve and continued phased operation it is considered more appropriate to contract in renewable energy from local projects like off shore wind farm and local solar farms.
Although the Company does not considered Attlebridge Quarry can practically contribute to the production of renewable energy at this time any new equipment or plant would implement the following energy efficiencies which has seen a reduction in energy consumption and has improved the sites Carbon Footprint.
Improvements include: -
Light Sensors Energy efficiency lighting Efficient Production (reduced days / longer hours/ off peak production) Regular maintenance of mess rooms / windows / plant to include improved technology and efficiency Reduced haul roads/ one way systems to reduce vehicle movements Placement of mobile plant adjacent to operational area
The Company shall continue to review renewable energy on
Appendix C
DUST CONTROL SCHEME
Loading/Unloading Drop heights will be kept to a minimum wherever practicable; The materials handled will be damp; The excavator will work within the void and in an area protected from prevailing winds.
Vehicle Movements Vehicle speeds will be restricted; Unsurfaced roads will be damped down when required using a water bowser; Loading and unloading will occur in areas protected from wind; Drop heights will be minimised; All vehicles loads will be sheeted and loads inspected to ensure no potential spillage; A water bowser and sprays will be available to moisten material is required.
Crushing and Screening Modern units will be used with integral dust suppression; Crusher units will be fully contained; Units will not operate without water supply; The units will be screened wherever possible.
Soil Movement Soil removal will be restricted to low risk meteorological periods; Vehicle speeds will be restricted; Only small scale plant will be used; The duration of the activity will be minimal; Disturbed surfaces will be re-seeded as soon as is practicable.
Stockpiles Stockpiles will be sprayed with water to maintain moisture content if required; Stockpiled material screened to remove dusty fractions prior to external storage; Stockpiles will be located in areas protected from prevailing winds; The storage areas are located away from sensitive areas.
Appendix D
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix E
DRAFT PLANNING OBLIGATION
Appendix F
GEOLOGICAL NOTE
Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Part 3 - Environmental Statement Volume 1
Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norwich
CEMEX UK Materials Limited
April 2018
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 STATEMENT FORMAT 1 2.0 THE DEVELOPMENT 6 2.1 GENERAL 6 2.2 SITE OPERATIONS (DRAWING NOS. 17_C013_ATTL_102 – 107) 7 2.3 RESTORATION (DRAWING NO. P2/975/12/2) 8 3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 10 3.1 THE APPLICATION SITE 10 3.2 SITE CONTEXT AND SETTING 11 4.0 POPULATION & HUMAN HEALTH 13 5.0 NOISE (APPENDIX A) 15 6.0 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT (APPENDIX B) 21 7.0 LAND USE 29 8.0 FLORA AND FAUNA (APPENDIX C) 30 9.0 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY 35 9.1 SOILS 35 9.2 GEOLOGY 36 9.3 HYDROGEOLOGY (APPENDIX D) 38 10.0 WATER (HYDROLOGY) (APPENDIX E) 42 11.0 AIR AND CLIMATE (APPENDIX F) 45 12.0 MATERIAL ASSETS/CULTURAL HERITAGE (APPENDIX G) 56 13.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL (APPENDIX H) 57 14.0 MAIN ALTERNATIVES/RISK OF MAJOR ACCIDENTS 65 15.0 STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 67 16.0 CONCLUSIONS 69
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN UNDERTAKING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT RELATING TO THE PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL AT ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, NORWICH ...... 4
TABLE 2 STRUCTURE OF THE TECHNICAL CHAPTERS ...... 5
TABLE 3 LAND USE SUMMARY ...... 10
TABLE 4 BACKGROUND NOISE LEVELS AT POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE PROPERTIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL FROM ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY...... 16
TABLE 5 SUGGESTED MAXIMUM NOISE LEVELS AT POTENTIALLY NOISE SENSITIVE PROPERTIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL FROM ATTLEBRIDGE, DERIVED FROM THE PLANNING PRACTICE GUIDANCE...... 17
TABLE 6 SOUND POWER LEVELS OF MOBILE PLANT ASSUMED IN THE ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACT ...... 18
TABLE 7 COMPARISON OF THE PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE DERIVED NOISE LIMITS WITH THE LEVELS OF NOISE PREDICTED TO ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 19
TABLE 8 DAILY TRAFFIC FLOWS, SEPTEMBER 2013, ON REEPHAM AND FIR COVERT ROADS...... 21
TABLE 9 KING WILLIAM‘S DRIVE 2026 PREDICTED TWO WAY TAFFIC FLOWS ...... 23
TABLE 10 QUARRY TRAFFIC AS PROPORTION OF DAILY FLOWS, 2026 ...... 24
TABLE 11 METEOROLOGICAL SUSCEPTIBILITY RATING ...... 47
TABLE 12 AVERAGE MONTHLY WEATHER DATA FOR MARHAM (1981 – 2010) ...... 47
TABLE 13 DUST SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES ...... 48
TABLE 14 POTENTIAL DUST RECEIVERS ...... 49
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
TABLE 15 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY DUST CONTROL PLAN ...... 53
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 BOREHOLE LOCATIONS FOR THE AREA SURROUNDING ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY...... 37
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
1.0 STATEMENT FORMAT 1.1 Volume 1 of the Environmental Statement (ES) sets out the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the development for which planning permission is sought and consists of the following documents: The Environmental Statement (this document) containing a description of the proposed development and review of the alternative options considered, an evaluation of the baseline environment of the study area and the predicted environmental impacts, positive and negative with an assessment of their significance, and a description of any mitigation measures that would alleviate, compensate or eliminate any negative impacts identified. Secondary, cumulative and indirect impacts are also considered; The Environmental Statement Appendices (Volume 2) comprising supporting assessments and background data used in the EIA (in .pdf format only); and A Non-Technical Summary (NTS) (Volume 3) which provides a brief description of the proposals and a summary of the ES expressed in non-technical language. 1.2 The ES submitted to accompany the Company‘s planning application has two distinct parts. The first, Chapters 2.0 and 3.0, will be descriptive in nature, and will repeat the detailed descriptions of the application site and the development proposed included within the Supporting Statement. The remaining Chapters of the ES will relate to the assessment of the potential effects of the proposed development and alternatives to the development considered as part of the EIA process. 1.3 Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 requires that all Environmental Statements include descriptions of the likely significant effects, both direct and indirect, of the proposed development on the following: population and human health; biodiversity soil; land; water; air; climatic factors; materials assets; cultural heritage; landscape, and; major accidents and/or disasters.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 1 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
1.4 Appendices 1 to 10 of the Department of Environment‘s publication ―Preparation of Environmental Statements for Planning Projects that Require Environmental Assessment: A Good Practice Guide‖ structure the legal requirements of the now repealed 1988 Regulations as follows: human beings (population changes, changes in the consumption of housing or services); noise and vibration; traffic and transport; land use; flora and fauna (ecology); soil, geology and hydrogeology; water (hydrology); air and climate; landscape, and; cultural heritage/material assets. Although this guidance relates to the superseded 1988 Regulations, it is considered that it remains relevant when producing an Environmental Statement pursuant to the 2017 Regulations. 1.5 Volume 2 of the ES as Appendices consists of the technical reports which are referred to by the Statement. These are included on CD-ROM only. Should a hard copy of an Appendix be required these are available free of charge (see paragraph 1.6 below). Volume 3 is the ES Non-Technical Summary. The drawings referred to throughout the ES are located within Section C of the planning application‘s Supporting Statement. 1.6 Hard copies of the ES, plus the Supporting Statement and the planning application itself are available at a cost of £100 from CEMEX UK Operations Limited, Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, Warley, West Midlands, B69 4RJ (Tel: 0121 569 7459, Contact: Mr Shaun Denny). A pdf version (on CD) of these documents is also available from the above as a cost of £30. Alternatively, either a hard-copy or a pdf version of the Non-Technical Summary can be obtained free of charge (contact as above). 1.7 It is also possible to view the above documents both at Costessey Quarry or 8A Station Road, Attllebridge, Norwich. For the purposes of health and safety it is requested that anyone wishing to do so should make an appointment via the above contact.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 2 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
1.8 The following individuals were involved in undertaking the EIA of the project to which this Statement relates, and in the writing of the subsequent Statement. The notes to the table outline relevant expertise and experience of those contributing to the EIA/ES as required by Regulation 18(5)(b) of the 2017 Regulations: -
Discipline Individual(s) Organisation
Air Quality Tim Pinder1 EA Ltd.
Ecology Louis Pearson2 AEcol Ltd.
Environmental Impact CEMEX UK Assessment/ Shaun Denny3 Operations Town and Country Limited Planning
Geology and CEMEX UK Geotechnical Jack Manual4 Operations Engineering Limited
Heritage Rebecca Sillwood5 NPS Archaeology
Highways Aled Roderick6 PT Planners Ltd.
Hydrology Elizabeth Wilson & ESI Consulting Ltd Andrew Tait7 Hydrogeology
DB Landscape Landscape David Brittain8 Consultancy
CEMEX UK Arboriculture Alex Finn9 Operations Ltd.
Noise Robert Storey10 WBM
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 3 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Alison CEMEX UK Restoration Wise11/Louis Operations Pearson2 Ltd./AEcol Ltd.
CEMEX UK Steve Materials Limited Site Operations Spark12/Jack & CEMEX UK Manuel4 Operations Ltd.
Table 1: Personnel Involved in Undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment Relating to the Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel at Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Norwich. Notes: 1. See Appendix attached to Appendix F. 2. See Paragraphs 4.5.2 - 5 of Appendix C. 3. 2.2 BSc (Hons) Town and Country Planning, MSc Environmental Impact Assessment, Chartered Member of Royal Town Planning Institute since 1991. Has been responsible for both undertaking and commissioning EIAs since 1998 with regard to both mineral and waste developments. 4. 2.1 BSc Geology, MSc Geotechnical Engineering, Fellow of the Geological Society since 2007, Chartered Geologist since 2011. Has been responsible for commercial geological and geotechnical issues in the quarrying industry for over ten years. 5. BA in Archaeological Studies. Worked in commercial archaeology for 15 years. 6. See Appendix 1 of Appendix B). 7. First Class BSc Geology, MSc Hydrogeology), Fellow of the Geological Society of London since 2003, Member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists since 2001. 8. See paragraph 1.1.3 of Appendix H. 9. Tech Cert Arbor A 1996, Lantra‘s Professional Tree Inspection qualification 2005. Senior Arborialculturalist and Restoration Manager for RMC/CEMEX since 1995. 10. See page 2 of Appendix A. 11. 2.1 BSc (Hons) Landscape Design and Plant Science, Diploma Landscape Architecture, Chartered Landscape Architect since 1997. Has been responsible for designing restoration sites for RMC/CEMEX nationally since 1992. 12. 34 years as quarry staff, most recent ten as a quarry manager, ten years previous to that as quarry foreman. 1.9 EIA studies are commissioned early in the overall development process, often before the development is fully realised as the findings of the individual studies can shape that for which permission is eventually sought. This is a prime example of an iterative process. The technical studies have been designed in response to the scale, nature and location of the development proposed and to accord with best practice in that particular field. 1.10 Each study involved desk based research, subsequent fieldwork in the form of site inspection, surveys or the use of previously collected data, impact assessment, impact mitigation (if required), and the identification of any residual impacts. As such the conclusions of the ES are drawing from the conclusions of these studies, which are included in full as Appendices to the ES (or Volume 2). 1.11 Broadly, each technical Chapter (Chapters 4.0 – 13.0) are structured as follows: -
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 4 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Technical Chapter Structure
A description of the current and reasonably anticipatable situation relative to the application site given that the proposed development has not Baseline taken place, i.e., the status quo. It is against this that the likely significant effects of the development can be assessed.
The identification of the presence and significance of Assessment the likely environmental effects of the proposed development.
The devising of measures to remediate any significant Mitigation environmental effects to the point that they are no longer significant.
A reassessment of the significance and likelihood of effects post implementation of mitigation measures and the significance if any of any Indirect, Cumulative or residual impacts acting upon a Secondary Effects potentially sensitive receiver in concert. The likely significance, if any, of any impacts that may result from the implementation of mitigation measures.
Table 2: Structure of the Technical Chapters 1.12 The assessment of impact significance has been undertaken utilising the relevant national or international standards, or Development Plan policy. Where this is not applicable professional judgement has been used. The guidelines, methodologies and techniques used in determining the likely significant effects are documented in each of the Appendices included within Volume 2 of the ES.
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2.0 THE DEVELOPMENT 2.1 General 2.1.1 The Company seeks to renew planning permission to extract sand and gravel from Attlebridge Quarry and progressively restore the resultant void to a heathland habitat/afteruse. The development proposed will result in the production of 545 000 tonnes of aggregate products over a four to five year period, depending on market conditions, with an additional twelve to eighteen months to restore the site, dependant on weather and ground conditions. This equates to a development lifespan of between five and six and a half years. Drawing nos. 17_C013_ATTL_101 – 6 illustrate the proposed working scheme, including current topography, whilst drawing no. P2/975/12/2 depicts the proposed restoration. The site would be subject to five years of aftercare once its restoration is complete. 2.1.2 Planning permission for the winning and working of sand and gravel has existed in relation to this site for many years, the first permission being granted in 1996. Permission was most recently sought to extend the timeframe for this development in 2013, but this application has yet to be determined. 2.1.3 The quarrying of sand and gravel has been undertaken in the past within Phase 1, notably in the early years of the Millennium, but development ceased in 2009 due to unfavourable market conditions. More favourable conditions, and the cessation of quarrying elsewhere have combined to create a positive environment for the proposed reopening of the quarry. 2.1.4 Site access is proposed to be gained from King William‘s Drive, a private metalled road that is used as a secondary access to the nearby Attlebridge Landfill operated by Biffa. In turn King William‘s Drive allows access to the public highway, Reepham Road. A short, unmetalled, roadway links the quarry itself to King William‘s Drive. 2.1.5 The application itself is 17.7 hectares including access roads. 2.1.6 The site will be worked in five phases, Phase 1 predicted to take less than six months to complete, and Phase 2 to 5 being annual. The extent of the phases is illustrated by 17_C013_ATTL_101. Phase 5 is followed by a final restoration phase, illustrated by 17_C013_ATTL_107, which could take up to eighteen months to complete dependant on weather and ground conditions. 2.1.7 Little no tree felling is required in pursuit of this development as the trees within the extraction boundary have been previously felled.
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2.2 Site Operation (Drawing Nos. 17_C013_ATTL_102 - 7) Phase 1 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_102) 2.2.1 Phase 1 of the proposed development has been stripped of soils previously and two thirds of the exposed sand and gravel worked. The remaining sand and gravel within the phase, along its western boundary, will be worked in a westerly direction towards the processing plant. 2.2.2 The soils from the processing plant area will be stripped and stored in a bund no more than 3 metres in height on the site boundary immediately to the south of the plant to provide a degree of noise abatement. 2.2.3 Prior to the extraction of the remaining sand and gravel within the phase the processing plant will be erected in the area indicated, as will a staff welfare unit and weighbridge. At present the Company is unable to commit to the specifics of the fixed plant and buildings but in the case of the former it is likely to consist of a mobile crusher and screen, whilst the latter will be based on ISO shipping containers and incorporate a weighbridge office, welfare facility and changing area. It is proposed that the details of these items be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approved prior to their erection. 2.2.4 Details of a product stocking area will also be included in this submission. 2.2.5 Soils stripped and stored within the phase as part of previous development will be used to restore the phase to the extent and contours illustrated. Phase 2 (Drawing No. 17_C013_ATTL_103) 2.2.6 Once the processing plant is established and working within Phase 1 completed, extraction will move to Phase 2 at the western boundary of the site. An initial soil strip will be used to extend the processing plant bund, with working then commencing in the south easterly direction. Remaining soils will be cast behind the extraction face and used in the phase‘s restoration. 2.2.7 The screening process, whilst allowing different sized products to be made from the sand and gravel deposit, will also be likely to generate a degree of material for which there is no commercial market, normally due to its particle size. This material will be back hauled to its originating phase and used as a fill material, ensuring that the proposed contours can be realised.
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2.2.8 Prior to the commencement of extraction soil stripped from the phase will be used to form a bund no more than 150 metres from Redcroft/Kirkwood to act as a noise attenuation barrier. It is proposed to submit details of this bund prior to the stripping of soil from this phase. This is discussed further in Chapter 5.0 and Appendix A of this ES. Phase 3 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_104) 2.2.9 Phase 3 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 2, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. Phase 4 (Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_105) 2.2.10 Phase 4 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 3, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. Phase 5 (Drawing No. 17_C013_ATTL_106) 2.2.11 Phase 5 will be worked as a continuation of the methodology used in Phase 4, with stripped soils cast behind to effect immediate restoration whilst working progresses in a south easterly direction towards the plant. 2.2.12 As Phase 5 draws to a close the processing plant and attendant structures and stockpiles will be relocated to allow the sand and gravel underneath the plant to be excavated. It is proposed that the details of the relocation be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approval prior to the commencement of stripping within Phase 5. Final Restoration Phase (17_C013_ATTL_107) 2.2.13 Extraction is complete and the plant and attendant structures have been removed from site. The remaining restoration resource will be spread to create the landform illustrated. 2.3 Restoration (Drawing No. P2/975/12/2) 2.3.1 This drawing illustrates the proposed final restoration. The overarching aim of the restoration scheme is to create heathland interspersed with small areas of shrub planting or individual oak or hawthorns. Final landform will be achieved within each phase when the elevations illustrated are realised, minus the soil profile. Once reached the landform surface will be ripped to a depth of 0.45 metres at 1 metre spacings. The ripping will be undertaken down slope to aid surface water drainage, to relieve compaction. Any such objects greater than 150 millimetres in diameter will be removed and placed below 2 metres of the final landform elsewhere in the site.
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2.3.2 Once ripped the retained soils will be spread over the prepared ground. All soil spreading operations will be undertaken in accordance with Modified Loose Tipping Procedure (or Peninsula or Lateral Heap method) in order to minimise compaction of the restoration layer (see Appendix A of the Supporting Statement). 2.3.3 Once the spreading of the restoration layer is complete the ground will be further ripped with a winged tine to a depth of no greater than 300mm in order to minimise compaction within the soils. 2.3.4 On completion of the above the restored land will be seeded and planted as illustrated. Details of seeding and planting specifications and mixes are provided by the above drawing. The restored land will then enter a five year aftercare programme, the details of which will be submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority for its written approval prior to the commencement of soil stripping within Phase 5.
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3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 3.1 The Application Site 3.1.1 The application site itself consists largely of felled woodland, with a small area within the first phase previously worked for sand and gravel pursuant to a previous planning permission. A small amount of restoration has also been completed in this area, with in situ restoration materials retained in bunds to complete restoration works once extraction ceases. The remaining components are the metalled access road, King William‘s Drive, and the unsurfaced access linking the Drive to the site itself. The application area is 17.7 hectares in extent, which breaks down as follows: -
Land Use Area (ha)
Felled Woodland 13
Quarry 4.3
Metalled Access Road 0.34
Unsurfaced Access Road 0.09
Total 17.73
Table 3: Land Use Summary 3.1.2 The site was originally subject to planning permission for the winning and working of sand and gravel in March 1996 (ref. no. C/5/1991/0068), and pursuant to this permission development commenced. The completion date for this development was extended in December 2003 (ref. no. C/5/2003/5005) and December 2008 (ref. no. C/5/2008/5016). A further application to extend the completion date for the development to 31st December 2017 was submitted in June 2013 (ref. no. C/5/2013/5013), although this remains undetermined. No development has taken place on the site since 2009 due to unfavourable market conditions; the improved economic climate since that date points to the recommencement of the development being financially viable. Drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101 illustrates the application site at the time of application. 3.1.3 The site is surrounded by woodland, that immediately to the north, Mile Plantation, is designated as ‗Ancient Replanted Woodland or PAWS‘. A very small part of the PAWS is included within the application (0.27ha of a total of 22.17ha). All the
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surrounding land is also designated as a County Wildlife Site. A small part of the CWS intrudes into the application site itself (approximately 3.05 hectares of 54 in total), mainly within Phase 3 (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_004). It also includes the site access. 3.1.4 Beyond the northern site boundary lies the Marriott‘s Way, a disused railway now used as a long distance cycleway. It is crossed at grade by King William‘s Drive. Immediately adjacent and parallel is the Reepham Road, an unclassified road. To the north of the Reepham Road lies further woodland, although this has not be classified as ‗ancient‘. 3.1.5 A number of isolated residential properties also lie to the north of the application site (and both the Felthorpe and Reepham Roads), these are illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003. The closest of these, Felthorpe Manor, lies 90 metres to the north, whilst Kirkwood is 120 metres to the north west. 3.1.6 To the west, beyond the plantation, lie agricultural fields and a further residential property, Keepers Cottage, 430 metres from the application boundary. 3.1.7 To the south, again beyond the plantation, lies the Attlebridge landfill operated by Biffa. This includes a landfill gas engine and leachate storage tank. 3.1.8 To the east lies a fourth potentially sensitive residential property, Wood Farm lying 250 metres from the planning application boundary, but this closest point is the point at which King William‘s Drive links to the Reepham Road. The property actually lies 580 metres distant from the proposed extraction boundary. 3.1.9 No public rights of way cross the application site. 3.2 Site Context and Setting 3.2.1 The predominant landuse in the immediate area is woodland/forestry. More widely the locale is rural in nature but does possess a number of uses often associated with rural/urban fringe such as builders merchants, waste management facilities and intensive farming. 3.2.2 Population is typified by isolated residential dwellings, especially to the north of the site, with the closest settlements being Attlebridge 1.4 km to the south west, Upgate 1.2 km to the north west, Felthorpe 1.8 km to the north east and Taverham 1.9 km to the south east. 3.2.3 Topographically the application site occupies high point, with land falling away on all sides at a shallow gradient. Beyond
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Keepers Cottage to the south west the land falls away at a steeper gradient, this marking the edge of the Wensum valley. 3.2.4 The application site does not lie in proximity to any assets of heritage importance. 3.2.5 Swannington Upgate Common SSSI lies 1 km to the north of the application site, whilst Alderford Common SSSI lies 1.7 KM to the north west. The River Wensum SAC/SSSI lies 1.2km to the south.
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4.0 POPULATION AND HUMAN HEALTH Baseline 4.1 The impacts upon persons both living and using the application area and its surroundings that stem from factors such as noise, dust, traffic etc. are dealt with directly within the relevant chapters of the ES. Within this Chapter only the retention and creation of employment has been identified as a potential impact. 4.2 The development is not a large source of employment with only two members of Company staff based on site permanently, although a number of others are involved with the site on a peripatetic basis. 4.3 Considering the nature of the development proposed as a whole, the agents that have the potential to represent a risk to human health are noise, emissions to ground and surface water and emissions to atmosphere. These issues are specifically assessed by Chapters 5.0, 9.3, 10.0 and 11.0 and Appendices A, D, E and F. Assessment 4.4 No likely significant environmental effects have been identified with regard to population. 4.5 Assessment of the potential risks to human health is made within the individual chapters and appendices referred in paragraph 4.3 above. In summary, in all cases it was found that relevant guidance or advice regards thresholds below which no impacts would be experienced were accorded with, or where these were absent, it was concluded that any impacts would not be either likely or significant. In some cases these conclusions were reached on the basis of mitigation measures being adopted. Mitigation 4.6 None are considered necessary regards population. 4.7 With regard to human health details of the mitigation measures adopted are included within the individual chapters and appendices referred to by paragraph 4.3 above, but in summary these measures include: - The formation of a temporary soil bund no more than 3 metres in height along the northern boundary of Phase 2 for the duration of working within that phase; Storing all hydrocarbon liquids in double containment vessels;
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 13 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Retaining spill kits on site in the event that any such liquids leak into the wider environment inadvertently, i.e., due to a collision or refuelling spillage, and; Implementing a dust management plan for the duration of the proposed development (see Appendix C of the Supporting Statement). Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 4.8 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 14 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
5.0 NOISE (APPENDIX A) Baseline 5.1 It has been recognised that the development proposed by the Company has the potential to create disturbance to amenity due to noise. It, therefore, commissioned an independent noise assessment of its proposals to determine the extent of this disturbance in relation to government guidance on the subject, and to devise any mitigation measures if required. The complete assessment is included in the ES as Appendix A. 5.2 Four residential properties been identified as potentially ‗noise sensitive‘ for the purposes of the advice contained within the Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework. These are: - Winston House, 300 metres to the north west; Kirkwood, 150 metres to the north; Woodfarm, 600 metres east of the application site, but 1km east of the extraction boundary, and; The Lodge, Deighton Hills, 600 metres to the south. Keeper‘s Cottage, 450 metres to the south west was not used as a representative potentially sensitive property due to access restrictions. It is considered that due to Keeper‘s Cottage and The Lodge lying a similar distance from the A1067, the predominant noise source in the area, that background noise levels at both would be likely to be similar. The location of these properties relative to the application is illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003. 5.3 Background noise levels were sampled during August 2013 (for more details see Appendix A) at the potentially noise sensitive locations and the following results were recorded: -
Average Background Noise Location1 Levels (dB LA90, 15min)
Winston House 36
Kirkwood 40
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 15 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Wood Farm 40
The Lodge, Deighton 39 Hills
Table 4: Background Noise Levels at Potentially Noise Sensitive Properties in the Vicinity of the Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel at Attlebridge Quarry. Note: 1. See drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003. 5.4 It was observed that noise levels were controlled by distant and local road traffic, wind action in nearby trees, birdsong and aircraft (Norwich International Airport lies 3km to the south east of the application site). At Kirkwood noise from cutting and fans was also noted emanating from nearby commercial premises up to 1700. Assessment 5.5 Planning Practice Guidance (paragraph 021) advises that in general daytime (0700 – 1900) noise levels resultant from such development should not exceed 10dB(A) above background noise levels, subject to a maximum of 55 dB LAeq, 1hr (free field). 5.6 Planning Practice Guidance advises that when considering short-term temporary operations such as soil stripping and replacement a higher noise limit is appropriate. Having regard to paragraph 022 of the Guidance a limit of 70 dB LAeq, 1hr (free field) is recommenced. Applying the guidance outlined by the above paragraphs to the proposed development: -
Suggested Suggested Existing Maximum Maximum Background Noise Level Noise Level Location1 Level dB (General (Temporary 2 LA90 Operations) Operations) 3 3 dB LAeq, 1hr dB LAeq, 1hr
Winston 36 46 70 House
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 16 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Kirkwood 40 50
Wood Farm 40 50
The Lodge, Deighton 39 49 Hills
Keeper’s n/a 49 Cottage4
Table 5: Suggested Site Noise Limit at Potentially Noise Sensitive Properties in the Vicinity of the Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel at Attlebridge Quarry, Derived from the Planning Practice Guidance. Notes: 13. See drawing no. 16_C018_BARR_005_A. 14. Derived from Table 4 above. 15. Derived from advice contained within paragraphs 021 and 022 of Planning Practice Guidance. 16. See paragraph 5.2 above. 5.7 It has been assumed that the plant complement that will be used for the duration of the development is as follows: -
Sound Power Level Plant Item Activity (dB LWA)
Processing plant 106
Loading shovel Processing 105 operations HGV movements on 104 King William‘s Drive
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 17 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
360o Excavator for mineral extraction Extraction 106 operations Dump trucks on internal haul route
Dump trucks on overburden/soils 106 Excavator on Temporary overburden/soils operations
Dozer on 108 overburden/soils
Table 6: Sound Power Levels of Plant Assumed in Assessment of Potential Noise Impact. 5.8 An assessment of the potential noise impact of the proposed development has been carried out using the data and guidance contained within Tables 5 and 6 above. The table below summarises the results of this exercise: -
Highest Predicted Noise Limit1 (dB Level of Noise2 (dB LAeq, 1hr)2
LAeq, 1hr)3
Location1
al al
Gener General
Temporary Temporary
Operations Operations Operations Operations
Winston 46 40 42 House
Kirkwood/ 50 54 57 Redcroft4 70
Wood 50 43 43 Farm
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 18 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
The Lodge 49 44 44 Deighton Hills
Keeper’s 49 45 47 Cottage
Table 7: Comparison of the Planning Policy Guidance Derived Noise Limits with the Levels of Noise Predicted to Arise as a Result of the Implementation of the Proposed Development without Mitigation Measures. Note: 1. See drawing no. 16_C018_BARR_005_A. 2. Derived from Table 5 above. 3. Calculated on the basis of data contained within Table 6 above. 4. Site noise calculations relating to Kirkwood were measured to Redcroft, which is approximately 60 metres closer to the application site. 5.9 It can be seen from Table 7 that no noise impacts resultant from the proposed development exceed the suggested site noise limits at any of the representative potentially sensitive properties apart from Kirkwood and as such have been scoped out of further assessment. With regard to Kirkwood/Redcroft, mitigation measures will be required to reduce the noise predicted to be encountered as a result of general site operations at this location. 5.10 With regard to temporary operations no differentiation has been made with general operations, i.e., it has been assumed that the same plant complement will be operational in the same positions relative to the assessment positions. As a result no breaches of the 70 dB LAeq, 1hr limit for temporary operations is predicted. Mitigation 5.11 It has been calculated that a 3 metre high bund within 150 metres of Kirkwood and Redcroft will reduce the noise resultant from the proposed development to 47dB LAeq, 1hr, a level which is below the maximum noise limit for general operations suggested by paragraph 021 of Planning Policy Guidance to be appropriate. This means that a bund of 3 metres in height will need to be erected at a location no more than 150 metres from Kirkwood and Redcroft prior to the commencement of mineral extraction within Phase 2. 5.12 It is proposed, therefore, that prior to the commencement of soil stripping in Phase 2 of the development, a detailed scheme of noise mitigation for Kirkwood and Redcroft be submitted to the
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 19 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Minerals Planning Authority for its approval, and that the approved scheme subsequently be implemented. 5.13 As well as the specific mitigation measures described above the Company employs a number of best practice measures on all its sites to ensure that operational noise is minimised. These measures have contributed to the conclusions regarding environmental impact resulting from noise discussed in the paragraphs above. They include: All mobile plant will be fitted with efficient silencers; All internal haul roads will be maintained free of potholes and undulations; All mobile plant and road vehicles are subject to an on site speed limit; All mobile plant under the Company‘s control will be fitted with ‗white noise‘ type reversing alarms as part of an ongoing programme. Experience within the Company has indicated that this type of alarm does reduce the potential nuisance that can be experienced from traditional alarms whilst allowing the Company to comply with its health and safety obligations; Drop heights at loading or transfer points will be minimised; All plant and vehicles will be maintained in good order, and; All plant not in use on site will be turned off. 5.14 When accounting for the above mitigation measures government guidance relating to noise generated by minerals development contained within Planning Practice Guidance is accorded with or surpassed (i.e., predicted noise levels at potentially sensitive receivers are equal to or less than the values guidance advises is acceptable). As such it is thought unlikely that there would be any significant impact on human health due to noise emissions. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 5.15 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant noise environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 20 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
6.0 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT (APPENDIX B) Baseline 6.1 The site gains access to the public highway, Reepham Road via a private metalled road, King William‘s Drive. King William‘s Drive also serves as an access to the nearby Attlebridge landfill site, but given that the site is non operational traffic is limited to light vehicles and leachate tankers. 6.2 Once having gained access to the Reepham Road the majority of aggregate delivery vehicles will travel to Norwich itself via the Northern Distributer Road (NDR) and the A140, with more localised deliveries travelling via Fir Covert Road to the A1067. Only very localised deliveries will require vehicles to turn left out of King William‘s Drive. 6.3 A survey of existing travel patterns was undertaken during the week commencing 26th September 2013. This survey recorded hourly two-way traffic flows and composition over a 24 hour period at a point on the Reepham Road west of Taverham Road, and on Fir Covert Road north of Fakenham Road. The unabridged results of this survey are contained within Appendinx 2 of Appendix B of this Assessment, but average daily flows (with HGV numbers shown thus [x]) are articulated
by Table 8 below: -
1
1
1
1
tion Total1
Loca
Eastbound
Westbound
Northbound
Southbound
1584 1770 3354 - -
[43] [34] [77]
Road
Reepham
Road, Road, West
of Taverham of
3377 3421 6798 - -
[71] [66] [137]
Road
Road, Road,
North of of North
Fir Fir Covert Fakenham
Table 8: Daily Traffic Flows, September 2013 on Reepham and Fir Cover Roads. Note: 1. 24 hour survey period.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 21 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
6.4 Annual Average Daily Flow data for the A1067 has also been obtained from the Department of Transport for 2016. The nearest count point to the application site is approximately 1.3km to the west of its junction with Fir Covert Road. 10 289 vehicles were recorded, of which 561 were HGVs. 6.5 The accident history of the local road network was also considered, adopting the following study area: - Reepham Road and its junction with Fir Covert Road, including King William‘s Drive; Fir Covert Road and its junction with the A1067 Fakenham Road; Fir Covert Road at the junction with NDR, and; Fakenham Road approaches to the above junction. 6.6 It is proposed that 545 000 tonnes of sand and gravel be quarried from the application site at a rate of 140 000 tonnes per annum, which equates to 76 HGV movements from the quarry per weekday. Almost all of this traffic would be destined for Norwich or the Company‘s Costessey Quarry, with very occasional local deliveries. A further 10 light vehicle movements are also anticipated as a result of the proposed development, these will be quarry staff, contractors, sales personnel and monitoring staff. Previous planning permissions at the site have been accompanied by a legal agreement defining a route for HGVs to use to gain access to Norwich and Costessey Quarry. 6.7 On the assumption that quarrying restarts at the beginning of 2019 operations, except restoration, could be complete by 2024. For the purposes of assessment, however, a worst case scenario of quarrying not being completed until 2026 has been assumed. 6.8 The above vehicle movements would be experienced during a working day of 0700 – 1800 Monday to Friday, and 0700 – 1300 on a Saturday, with no Sunday or Public Holiday working proposed. 6.9 Data analysis reveals over the most recent five year period for which information is available twelve accidents were recorded as occurring within the study area, ten of which were classed as slight in severity. Two were considered serious, one collision occurring between a car and motorcycle at the Reepham Road/Fir Covert Road junction, and one involving three cars on Fir Covert Road prior to the opening of the NDR. Only one of the twelve involved a vulnerable user (a cyclist). 6.10 No accidents involving HGVs have been recorded, nor have any accidents been recorded at the junction of King William‘s Drive and Reepham Road.
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Assessment 6.11 As stated above the highways impact of the proposed development has been modelled for the year 2026 on the basis this is likely to be a worst case scenario with regard to the life of the development. In reality it is considered that 2024 is a more likely date for the cessation of the winning and working of mineral. 6.12 In 2026, using the 2013 data as a base and applying a growth factor of 1.9 to simulate predicted traffic growth (see Appendix B for details), the following is arrived at: -
Arm East West Totals
Reepham 3991 3991 3991 Road
King William‘s 86 0 86 Drive
Table 9: King William’s Drive, 2026 Predicted Two Way Daily Traffic Flows 6.13 The relevant advice on the design capacity in traffic terms for priority junctions of this type can be found within the document TA 42/95 ‗Geometric Design of Major / Minor Priority Junctions‘. This advises that simple junctions such as King William‘s Drive and Reepham Road are suitable in design and capacity terms to accommodate up to 500 vehicles movements per day using the minor arm of the junction (King William‘s Drive) and up to 13000 vehicle movements per day using the major road (Reepham Road). The above table illustrates that the junction will carry traffic levels significantly below its design capacity. 6.14 There have been no reported highway safety or capacity issues associated with the access, which provides visibility for emerging traffic in accordance with the relevant design standards. In addition, the review of the accident history in this location over a five year period confirms no incidents. The existing quarry access to Reepham Road is therefore considered suitable to accommodate traffic associated with a continuation of quarrying activities to 2026. 6.15 To establish if the local highway network would remain suitable in capacity terms to accommodate a recommencement of quarrying activities to a 2026 assessment year, the level of quarry traffic as a proportion of baseline traffic levels has been calculated for the following key highway links and junctions
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along the anticipated traffic route between the site, the NDR and the A1607. It has not been possible to undertake this exercise for the NDR as this route has only opened to traffic in November 2017: Reepham Road; Reepham Road / Fir Covert Road junction; Fir Covert Road; Fir Covert Road / A1067 junction, and; A1067 Fakenham Road. 6.16 The Company predicts that some 60% of quarry traffic will route to the wider network via the NDR with the remaining 40% using the A1607. The assessment of highway links undertaken reflects this distribution. 6.17 This assessment has been undertaken for daily traffic flows, with year 2026 baseline traffic levels derived from the 2013 traffic survey results and 2016 Department of Transport traffic survey data referred to by paragraph 6.4 above. Growth factors of 1.19 and 1.16 have applied for the periods 2013-2026 and 2016-2026 respectively. Using the level of quarry traffic referred to by paragraph 6.6 above predicted for these highway links the following results have been arrived at: -
Quarry Background Location Traffic Total Traffic Total1 [Proportion]1
Reepham Road 3991 86 [2.2%]
Fir Covert Road 8089 86 [1.1%]
A1067 Fakenham Road 11 935 34 [0.3%]
Table 10: Quarry Traffic as Proportion of Daily Traffic Flows, 2026. Note: 1. 24 hour survey period. 6.18 Table 10 above illustrates that during the 2026 assessment year quarry traffic will form a negligible proportion of highway link flows over the local network. For all highway links the proportion will be significantly below 3% and below 1% for the A1067. The limited proportion of quarry trips predicted suggests that in capacity terms the operation of these highways will not be affected by a continuation of minerals extraction operations to 2026. In relation to the NDR it has not been possible to obtain background traffic levels in order to calculate quarry
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traffic as a proportion of overall flows using this route. However, given that quarry traffic will form a negligible proportion of background traffic flows over other highway links in the vicinity of the site, it is reasonable to conclude that this pattern will also apply to the NDR. 6.19 The junction of Reepham, Fir Covert and Taverham Roads is a staggered priority junction located approximately 650m to the east of King William‘s Drive and quarry vehicles will use the Reepham Road west and Fir Covert Road arms of the junction to travel to and from the A1067. 6.20 The relevant advice on the design capacity in traffic terms for priority junctions of this type can be found within the document TA 42/95 ‗Geometric Design of Major / Minor Priority Junctions‘. This advises that simple junctions are suitable in design and capacity terms to accommodate up to 500 vehicles movements per day using the minor arm of the junction (Fir Covert Road) and up to 13000 vehicle movements per day using the major road (Reepham Road). 6.21 Table 10 above illustrate that during the 2026 assessment year, the major road arm of the junction will experience background daily flows of 3 991 vehicles, a level of traffic significantly below the junction‘s design capacity. For the minor arm, year 2026 daily flows of 8 089 vehicles are predicted, a level above the design capacity. However, for the junction as a whole guidance recommends a design threshold of 13 500 vehicle movements per day, which will not be exceeded by the combined level of traffic using the Reepham Road and Fir Covert Road arms of the junction. The existing junction layout should therefore be suitable in capacity terms to accommodate the extension of extraction operations at Attlebridge quarry to 2026. 6.22 In relation to highway safety, the review of the accident history in this location over a five year period confirms no incidents involving HGV‘s and only one accident classed as serious. In addition, vehicles emerging from Fir Covert Road to Reepham Road will benefit from visibility splays that comply with the relevant highway design standards. The continued use of this junction by quarry traffic should therefore not be detrimental to highway safety. 6.23 The junction of Fir Covert and Fakenham Roads, and Beech Avenue is a staggered priority junction, which includes a ghost island right turning lane within the major road, is located approximately 1.8 km to the southeast of the quarry site. Quarry vehicles will use the northern Fir Covert Road arm of the junction to access the A1067.
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6.24 Design guidance advises on the traffic flow ranges that are appropriate for the major and minor arms of ghost island priority junctions. This recommends that junctions of this type are suitable in design and capacity terms to accommodate up to 5000 vehicle movements per day using the minor arm of the junction (Fir Covert Road) and up to 18000 vehicle movements per day using the major road (Fakenham Road). 6.25 Table 10 above illustrates that during the 2026 assessment year, the major road arm of the junction will experience background daily flows of 11 935 vehicles, a level of traffic significantly below the junction‘s design capacity. For the minor arm year 2026 daily flows of 8 089 vehicles are predicted, a level above the design capacity. However, for the junction as a whole the guidance recommends a design threshold of 23 000 vehicle movements per day, which will not be exceeded by the combined level of traffic using the Fir Covert Road and Fakenham Road arms of the junction. The existing junction layout should therefore be suitable in capacity terms to accommodate the extension of extraction operations at Attlebridge quarry to 2026. 6.26 In relation to highway safety at this location, the accident history review again confirms no incidents involving HGV and no accidents classed as serious. Guidance compliant visibility splays are also achievable for traffic emerging from Fir Covert Road. The continued use of this junction by quarry traffic should therefore also not be detrimental to highway safety. 6.27 The County Highway Authority, in considering previous applications for planning permission for very similar developments to that proposed, have previously deemed the environmental network impact of 86 daily trips associated with the quarry to be acceptable for the local highway network. This level of traffic is not predicted to increase with the recommencement of sand and gravel extraction and therefore should remain acceptable. The guidelines for the environmental assessment of road traffic published by the IEMA advise a screening process to determine when it is necessary to undertake an environmental assessment of changes in road traffic levels. They recommend that an environmental assessment may be necessary when overall traffic increases by 30% or more. 6.28 Table 10 illustrates that when compared with background daily traffic levels, vehicles associated with extraction operations will comprise a negligible proportion of overall traffic levels using local highways, which is significantly below threshold for an environmental assessment recommended by the IEMA.
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6.29 Paragraphs 6.9 and 6.10 above present an accident analysis for highways in the vicinity of the site focussing on King William‘s Drive, Reepham Road, Fir Covert Road and the A1067 Fakenham Road. 6.30 The accident analysis confirms a limited accident history during the most recent five year period with respect to serious accidents. A total of twelve accidents were recorded over an extensive study area, with the majority (ten) classed as being slight in severity. These incidents did not involve HGV vehicle movements at King William‘s Drive or at any other location within the study area. 6.31 Overall, the accident records suggest that traffic associated with previous site activities and HGV vehicles using the existing access has not resulted in an accident problem over the local highway network. Since the development will not lead to an increase in permitted traffic using local highways and given the lack of any accident history involving quarry vehicles, it is considered that the proposals will not be detrimental to highway safety. Mitigation 6.32 No impacts have been identified as a result of the above assessment, there no specific mitigation measures are required. Nevertheless, these conclusions have been reached on the basis of HGVs using the quarry taking a specific route. For vehicles seeking to travel to Norwich there is no other logical route to take, but it is conceded that for vehicles seeking to travel between the application site and Costessey Quarry using the network of unclassified roads that lie between the two would significantly reduce journey distance if not time. It is accepted that were HGVs to use these roads rather than that assessed the conclusions of the assessment may be somewhat different. 6.33 To that end the Company is willing to maintain the extant legal agreement with the Minerals Planning Authority (see Appendix E of the Supporting Statement) that seeks to ensure that all HGV traffic between the application site and Costessey Quarry use the following route: - King William‘s Drive; Reepham Road; Fir Covert Road to A1067 Fakenham Road and A140, or; NDR to A140. 6.34 Adherence to and enforcement (if necessary) of this HGV routing agreement will ensure HGVs do not stray onto unsuitable roads in the vicinity of the application site and that the findings of this assessment remain accurate.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 27 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 6.35 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant and future traffic environment to the extent that it is relevant to the proposed development; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 28 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
7.0 LAND USE Baseline 7.1 The application site is former plantation, now felled, apart from that previously quarried for sand and gravel which remains partly restored. Table 3 within Chapter 3.0 identifies the landuses present within the site and their extent. Assessment 7.2 No impacts have been identified as a result of this short term and temporary change in landuse. Once complete, a positive impact will be experienced as the site is restored and becomes integrated into its surrounding environment. This is discussed in more detail within Chapter 13.0 of this Statement.
Mitigation 7.3 No mitigation measures are felt necessary to be required.
Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 7.4 No secondary or indirect impacts are predicted. The assessment accounts for the extant environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 29 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
8.0 FLORA AND FAUNA (APPENDIX C) Baseline 8.1 The Company commissioned an independent assessment of the ecological value of the application site and its environs in 2017. This is included within the Environmental Statement as Appendix C. 8.2 A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) was undertaken by the Company‘s ecological advisors during 2017 which incorporated the following: - Identification of the likely Zone(s) of Influence (ZoI); Scoping and evaluation of Valued Ecological Receptors; Identification of potential impacts; Identification of Valued Ecological Receptors likely to be affected by potential impacts; Assessment of the significance of potential impacts upon Valued Ecological Receptors within the Zone of Influence; Avoidance, mitigation, compensation and enhancement; Monitoring, and; Summing up. 8.3 The ZoI was defined as the application boundary. This conclusion was reached on the basis of the findings of the hydrological, hydrogeological, air quality and acoustic assessments; no significant effects were predicted upon either on site or off site Valued Ecological Receptors (VERs). 8.4 Regards VERs, no statutory sites, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, lie within the application area. Two Non- Statutory Wildlife Sites, Triumph & Foxburrow Plantations County Wildlife Site (CWS) and Mileplain Plantation PAWS (Planted Ancient Woodland Site – an ancient woodland site where the semi-natural woodland has been replaced with a plantation) lie within the application boundary (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_004). Although as non statutory wildlife sites neither benefits from legal protection, both are of sufficient standing to warrant further assessment as part of this EIA. 8.5 Using a structure based assessment framework data collected as part of a Phase 1 mapping exercise in 2013 (undertaken by the same consultants as undertook the 2017 ecological assessment) and the 2017 survey it was concluded that the site contains 1.98 ha of one habitat of conservation importance, comprising semi-improved acid grassland (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_004). Although not legally protected, this habitat is Section 41, a UK and local BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) priority habitat.
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8.6 With regard to species a structure based assessment was performed to identify which species would have a reasonable likelihood of occurring within the ZoI. 8.7 Applied to invertebrates, 43 species are considered to have a reasonable likelihood of being present within the application site. Nevertheless, as none of these species are legally protected it was considered that an invertebrate survey was not proportionate. 8.8 The site contains no suitable habitat for fish. 8.9 Turning to amphibians, whilst it was predicted that there was a potential for great crested newts to be present within the site, there was insufficient grounds to predict a reasonable likelihood of the species being present. With regard to common toads, it was assessed that there was a reasonable likelihood of them occurring within the application site, but the species is not legally protected and therefore a specific survey would be disproportionate. As no common toads were recorded during a subsequent reptile survey, it is concluded that amphibians need not be considered further as part of this assessment. 8.10 The structure based assessment identified that there was a reasonable likelihood of slow worms occurring on site, and that the application site also has the potential to host common lizards, grass snakes and adders. This amounted to sufficient grounds to conclude a reptile survey would be proportionate. Such a survey was undertaken during May and June 2017, and identified the presence of four slow worms, eight common lizards and one grass snake. As all species are legally protected it is appropriate to consider the impact of the development. 8.11 Whilst it was predicted that one bird species of international importance; woodlark, and a further 11 of national importance might potentially occur, there were insufficient grounds to suggest a ‗reasonable likelihood‘. As such it was considered that a bird survey was not proportionate. 8.12 Excluding bats, two mammal species, were considered to have the potential to occur within the application site; brown hare and hedgehog. As neither are legally protected, nor were they predicted to have a reasonable likelihood of being present on site; a mammal survey was not considered proportionate. 8.13 With regard to roosting bats a survey of potential roost sites was undertaken in April 2017. It identified only one tree as possessing features suitable for roosting bats. The survey identified there were no droppings or bats present within this tree and that was not a ‗reasonable likelihood‘ of bats being
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present within the application site. The tree was subsequently felled. 8.14 Although no potential bat roosts are present within the application site boundary, the PEA concluded that there was a reasonable likelihood of three bat species, barbastelle, noctule and common pipistrelle, occurring within the application site, with a further two, whiskered and Leisler‘s bats having the potential to do so. All five species are legally protected. Given this, a survey would be a proportionate response. However, once brought to the Company‘s attention the proposed development was designed so that no foraging habitat would be lost, nor would any linear landscape element (potentially acting as a commuting route) be materially affected so as to degrade its suitability. It was therefore concluded that a foraging/commuting habitat survey would be disproportionate to the impact predicted. 8.15 Given that five species may use the application site for foraging, and all five are legally protected, the impact of the proposed development on these species will be considered as part of this EIA. Assessment 8.16 Taking the findings of the above, Triumph & Foxborrow Plantations CWS is 54ha in extent, and is cited for its mixed broadleaved woodland. Approximately 3.05ha of the CWS lies within the application site, or 6% of the total. The proposed development will result in the loss of this 6%, albeit that it does not contain any mixed broadleaved woodland. No habitats of the types cited within the CWS are proposed as part of the site‘s restoration, so no positive direct effects have been identified. Overall, it is predicted that the effect on the CWS will be of medium magnitude, which is not considered to be significant. 8.17 Mileplain Plantation PAWS (see paragraph 8.4) is cited for its plantation on an ancient woodland site. Approximately 0.27ha of the PAWS lies within the application site, or 1%, which will be lost as a result of the development. No habitats of the types cited within the PAWS are proposed as part of the site‘s restoration, so no positive direct effects have been identified. Overall, it is predicted that the effect on the PAWS will be of medium magnitude, which is not considered to be significant. 8.18 The application site includes 1.98ha of Lowland Heathland and Dry Acid Grassland which will be lost as part of the proposed development. As part of the site‘s progressive restoration, however, 14.09ha of the same habitat will be created, a 612% net increase over the life of the development. Overall,
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therefore, this is considered to be a positive effect of the development. 8.19 The site currently includes 6.48ha of habitat that could potentially be suitable for 43 species of invertebrates. Whilst this will be lost during the course of the proposed development, progressive restoration of the site will ultimately see the creation of 17.71ha of habitat that could be suitable for a wider range of invertebrate species (59 compared to 43). This represents a net increase of 173% regards habitat and 37% increase in number of potential species; a positive effect. The development proposed would result in the loss of 81% of the slow worm habitat within the site and 82% of the habitat for common lizards and grass snakes. This is a significant impact for which mitigation measures are required. 8.20 Balanced against this, however, the progressive restoration of the site will result in a net increase of slow worm habitat by 465%, and by 210% for common lizards and grass snakes. Although not found as a result of survey, the site currently contains 4.79 ha of habitat suitable for adders, this will increase by 258% as a result of the proposed restoration scheme. 8.21 Overall, the proposed development will represent a positive impact on the reptile community, but mitigation measures nevertheless need to be devised to ensure that during the course of its implementation no breach of legislation occurs. 8.22 The proposed restoration scheme, illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2, will, once fully realised, will represent a significant habitat gain for ten bird species potentially using the application site, a non significant gain for a further species and a non significant loss of habitat to one species (house sparrow). 8.23 With regard to brown hare and hedgehogs, the application site currently includes 2.17ha of suitable habitat. Post development this will increase to 9.77ha, an increase of 350%. A net benefit to these species is therefore predicted, and a resultant biodiversity gain. 8.24 As no bat roosts are present on site impacts are restricted to foraging only. The development will result in the loss of much of the small areas of bat foraging habitat within the site. The implementation of the restoration scheme will, however, result in the provision of 15.23 ha of bat foraging habitat compared to the existing 4.39ha. This is a significant net gain in habitat for the five bat species identified as potentially using the site for foraging. 8.25 No potential indirect negative impacts off site were identified.
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8.26 Given that the above assessment has identified a number of potentially significant impacts mitigation measures are appropriate. Mitigation 8.27 The above assessment has identified the need for specific mitigation measures relating to reptiles and birds. This can be addressed by the implementation of an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) in tandem with the undertaking of the proposed development. As such an EMP has been commissioned from the author of the Ecological Impact Assessment and is submitted as part of the planning application as Appendix D of the Supporting Statement. By implementing the submitted Ecological Management Plan, the development of the application site will not result in any significant negative change to the integrity of any Statutory or non-Statutory Wildlife Site or to the conservation status of Valued Ecological Receptors present within the ‗zone of influence‘ both on- and off-site. 8.28 The proposed restoration scheme has been predicted to result in a significant net increase in biodiversity associated with the application site, in order to satisfy the spirit of the National Planning Policy Framework by contributing to, and enhancing the natural and local environment, by providing a net gain in the provision of Priority Habitats. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 8.29 No secondary or indirect impacts are predicted. 8.30 The assessment accounts for the extant ecological environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
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9.0 SOILS, GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY (APPENDIX D) 9.1 Soils Baseline 9.1.1 The entire site has been subject to woodland plantation for many years, as a result the land is considered non-agricultural for the purposes of agricultural land classification. 9.1.2 The soils with the application site are freely draining slightly acid sandy soils their main surface texture is classed as sandy with a naturally low fertility. This is characteristic semi natural habitat - acid dry pastures; acid deciduous and coniferous woodland. 9.1.3 A soil resource of this nature lends itself to a heathland restoration. Assessment 9.1.4 All soils are susceptible to structural damage if they are moved in unsuitably moist or dry conditions. Failure to implement effective mitigation measures could compromise the proposed restoration scheme, which would represent a significant negative impact. Mitigation 9.1.5 In order to minimise damage to the soil structure and maximise the likelihood of a successful restoration the Company will implement a soil handling and storage methodology. This methodology is contained within Appendix A of the Supporting Statement. Its implementation will ensure that damage to the soil structure is minimised, maximising the likelihood of a successful restoration. 9.1.6 The adoption of this methodology, which represents industry best practice for the quarrying and restoration of quarries and will ensure that there is no materially significant damage to the soil structure resulting from the development. 9.1.7 Whilst in storage all storage bunds will be restricted to no greater than three metres in height to minimise the possibility of compaction of soils at the base. They will also be given a slightly convex profile to aid the shedding of water. Once established all storage bunds will be seeded with a low maintenance grass seed mix. All bunds will be managed for weed growth as appropriate. 9.1.8 All on staff site and contractors will, as part of their site induction, be advised of the location of the soil bunds and the importance of them not being disturbed or driven over except for seeding and weed management, or when the soils contained within them is to be used for restoration purposes.
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Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 9.1.9 No secondary or indirect impacts are predicted. The assessment accounts for the extant environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore. 9.2 Geology (see Appendix F of the Supporting Statement) Baseline 9.2.1 Using British Geological Society information it has been identified that several boreholes have been drilled within the area surrounding application site. These give an indication of the geology encountered in the wider area around the quarry. The location of five of the boreholes are shown below: - TG 11 NE 3 0.6m Overburden 12.2m Sand & Gravel TG 11 NE 4 0.3m Overburden 13.4m Sand & Gravel TG 11 NW 19 0.3m Overburden 13.7m Sand & Gravel TG 11 NW 23 0.3m Overburden 1.2m S&G 4.3m Clay 9.1m S&Gl TG 11 NW 24 1.8m Overburden 17.7m Sand & Gravel
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9.2.2 The following figure illustrates the location of these boreholes relative to the application site: -
Figure 1: Borehole Locations for the Area Surrounding Attlebridge Quarry. 9.2.3 The Company has previously investigated and extracted sand and gravel within Phase 1 of the application site. There have been a number trial pits recorded within the quarry area, all of which were terminated without the base of the mineral deposit having been reached. The trial pits are on average 4.5m deep. From reviewing the trial pit records, the mineral is described as a gravelly sand through to a sandy gravel and very cobbly hoggin. 9.2.4 The mineral resource identified is considered of a suitable quality for use as a concreting aggregate after processing. Assessment 9.2.5 The extraction of mineral, the development to which this Statement relates, will result in the removal of the bulk of the sand and gravel from within the application site. No impacts on the geological environment are predicted as a result of this however. Mitigation 9.2.6 Mitigation measures are not considered appropriate in this instance. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 9.2.7 The modification of the geology through the extraction of mineral can have an impact upon both the hydrogeology and hydrology of an area. These potential impacts are discussed within Chapters 9.3 and 10.0 of this Statement. The
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assessment accounts for the extant geological environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore. 9.3 Hydrogeology (Appendix D) Baseline 9.3.1 The Hydrogeological Assessment, included within this ES as Appendix D, contains a detailed description of the groundwater environment within the application site. 9.3.2 Geological baseline conditions are described in Section 9.2 above. 9.3.3 Attlebridge landfill, operated by Biffa Waste Services Ltd., is located 260 metres to the south of the application site. It is a co-disposal site, i.e. it accepts both non-hazardous and hazardous waste. A second landfill, Deighton Hills, is located 850 metres to the south and accepted inert materials between 1980 and 1985. 9.3.4 The glaciofluvial sand & gravel deposits are classified as a ―Secondary A Aquifer‖. Secondary A Aquifers are permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale, and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. These are generally aquifers formerly classified as minor aquifers. 9.3.5 The alluvium in the vicinity of the Site is also classified as a ―Secondary A Aquifer‖. The Chalk bedrock is classified as a Principal Aquifer. Principal Aquifers are layers of rock or drift deposits that have high intergranular and/or fracture permeability meaning they usually provide a high level of water storage. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. 9.3.6 Groundwater was not encountered in any of the trial pits excavated during the 1998 2017 site investigations (Appendix C within Appendix D of this Statement) which indicates groundwater levels are likely to be >15 m bgl. 9.3.7 An at rest water level of 19.5 mAOD at a point approximately 300 metres to the south of the application site, and a rest water level of 21.4 mAOD approximately 200 metres to the north west, would suggest that the groundwater level beneath the application site is at least 20 m bgl, although minor perched groundwater could potentially be present above this. Other rest water level data indicates groundwater levels falling to the north, west and south towards the Swannington Beck and the River
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Wensum suggesting the Chalk aquifer provides baseflow to these features with groundwater flow towards them. 9.3.8 Limited groundwater level data was provided by the Environment Agency in 2013 for the Attlebridge landfill site located 260 m to the south. Data was provided for eight boreholes ranging in depth from 43 to 50 m bgl. This depth would suggest their bases are within the Chalk by some considerable thickness and therefore it is likely that groundwater levels are representative of levels in the Chalk. Groundwater levels were available for 9 dates between June 2005 and December 2007 with average levels ranging from 28 to 39 m bgl. Ground level datums were not available but based on an estimate of ground level the groundwater level is likely to be in the order of 10-20 mAOD. The groundwater level information beneath the landfill is consistent with the conclusion above that groundwater levels are likely to be > 20 m bgl beneath the application site. 9.3.9 There are a number of potential receptors in the vicinity of the application site, including: The River Wensum, 1.3km south west of the application site, and the Swannington Beck, 1.3km to the north (these are both considered the primary surface water receptors); Five licensed surface water abstraction points within 2.5 km of the application site, all abstracting water from the Wensum or Swannington Beck for agricultural purposes; Five licensed groundwater abstractions with 2.5 km of the application site, and; 55 private water supplies within 2 km of the application site. Three nationally or internationally important ecological designation lie within 1.5 km of the application site, Swannington Upgate Common SSSI, Alderford Common SSSI and the River Wensum SAC and SSSI. These are discussed in more detail within Chapter 8.0 of this Statement. Assessment 9.3.10 No inflow of groundwater into the quarry is anticipated given the predicted level of groundwater to be > 20m bgl, a substantial depth below the base of the proposed excavation. Although inflows from perched groundwater is possible, these are not considered significant. During the original excavation of Phase 1 no groundwater inflow was encountered. 9.3.11 The ―typical‖ volume of rainfall to the excavation has been estimated. The rate of rainfall inflow can be estimated from the average rainfall of 630 mm/a (See Appendix D of this Statement) and a quarried area of 17.75 hectares. An average
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value of 306 m3/d (3.5 l/s) of rainfall entering the excavation is calculated based on the entire excavation area (Phase 1 to Phase 5) being open. Winter rainfall values may exceed this; for example the mean November rainfall of 66 mm would generate 390 m3/d (4.5 l/s). The rainfall inflow calculation is conservative as losses due to evaporation are not taken into account. 9.3.12 The current Attlebridge quarry manager who oversaw the extraction of Phase 1 indicated that surface water percolated to ground rapidly with some minor collection of surface water in low points following heavy rainfall. This affect was increased in some areas where clay layers were encountered in the geology. Surface water never flooded significant areas of the quarry and no pumping off site was ever required. 9.3.13 It is anticipated that, during the quarrying operations, storm run- off from the Site will accumulate within the lowest section of the quarry void which will act as a temporary storage feature before percolation to ground or capture for use in the quarry plant (see Chapter 10.0 and Appendix E of this Statement). No off site pumping/discharge will be required. 9.3.14 The impact of the proposed development is limited by the fact that no dewatering of the quarried void is required, no abstraction of groundwater is proposed, no discharge of water off site is proposed, and there are no ponds or lakes in the site‘s vicinity. 9.3.15 The restoration scheme would result in the reduction of the unsaturated zone which could in turn reduce attenuation rates of the watertable beneath. This potential impact has been discounted on the basis of the relatively limited depth of the unsaturated zone to be removed compared to the undisturbed depth to be left in situ. Open water features would also increase evaporation rates, decreasing aquifer recharge rates, but no permanent open water features are proposed, so this too has been discounted. 9.3.16 The only likely vectors by which environmental impacts upon the groundwater environment could be encountered as a result of the proposed development are the release of a pollution agent such as diesel fuel or hydraulic oil. 9.3.17 It is not proposed to store potentially polluting agents within the application site, but it is possible that collisions, mis-fueling of vehicles or hydraulic failures could result in their inadvertent release. This is a potential impact that requires the devising of mitigation measures. 9.3.18 The escape of these types of materials into the wider groundwater environment is felt to have the potential to impact
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upon human health through contaminating drinking water that may be abstracted from the underlying aquifer. Mitigation 9.3.19 Oil sorbent material will be retained on site for use in the event that diesel or hydraulic oil is released as a result of an emergency situation to mop up fuels etc. After use any contaminated materials will be disposed of off-site in accordance with best practice. All storage vessels containing oils or fuels will be placed within an impermeable containment vessel of a volume of at least 110% of the volume of the vessel it contains so that even in the event of total failure its contents will not be released into the wider environment. 9.3.20 Given the adoption of the above mitigation measures, which are industry best practice, it is assessed that there is neither a likely nor a significant risk of such materials contaminating drinking water supplies. As such no risk to human health has been identified. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 9.3.21 No secondary or indirect impacts are predicted. The assessment accounts for the extant hydrogeological environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
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10.0 WATER (HYDROLOGY) (APPENDIX E) Baseline 10.1 The application site lies within Flood Zone 1 as defined by the Environment Agency (EA), and as such lies outside the area expected by be flooded by a 1:1 000 year fluvial flood event. It has also been assigned a ‗negligible‘ risk of flooding according to the National Flood Risk Assessment Rating (River and Coastal). There are no areas designated as Flood Zone 2 or 3 within 250 metres of the application site. 10.2 There are no flood defences, areas benefitting from flood defences or flood storage areas within 250 metres of the application site. 10.3 There are no records of any flood events occurring within 250 metres of the application site, nor is it considered to be at risk of potential flooding as a result of a reservoir failure. 10.4 The site is considered to be at negligible risk of groundwater flooding, i.e., when groundwater rises above the ground surface. 10.5 There is a general lack of surface water features within a 1km radius of the site, probably due to low rainfall/effective rainfall and the high permeability of the area‘s geology. The nearest watercourse is the River Wensum which lies 1.3km to the south west of the application area in a shallow valley feature. Also lying 1.3km distant (to the north) from the application site lies Swannington Beck, a tributary of the Wensum. The application site is located close to the watershed of these water courses. 10.6 A small water feature lies within the application site itself, a shallow area of standing water within Phase 1, who‘s existence is as a result of previous quarrying pursuant to an earlier planning permission. A minor water feature approximately 300 metres to the south west is associated with Attlebridge landfill site. There are also a number of small areas, corresponding to low spots within the application site, where pluvial flooding may occur, such as the partially extracted void within Phase 1 (pluvial flooding occurs when an extremely heavy downpour of rain that saturates drainage systems and the excess water cannot be absorbed);. 10.7 Environment Agency reports that the climate within the Broadland Rivers catchment abstraction management strategy (CAMS) area which the Site is within is typified by low rainfall with little variation in the monthly average throughout the year. It is reported that the annual rainfall is approximately 600mm with only a small variation across the catchment. The wettest conditions are experienced towards the west of the CAMS area
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in regions of higher ground and around the headwaters of the River Wensum and River Bure. 10.8 Rainfall data were also taken from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which reports average rainfall from 1941 to 1970. This source gives an average rainfall of 623 mm/a for the area over this period. 10.9 Surface water (pluvial) flooding is usually associated with extreme rainfall events but may also occur when rain falls on land that is already saturated or has a low permeability. Rainfall that is unable to infiltrate into the ground generates overland flow which can lead to flooding or ‗ponding‘ in localised topographical depressions before the runoff is able to enter the drainage system or infiltrate to ground. There are areas within 50 metres of the application site identified as at significant risk of pluvial flooding (defined as being affected by surface water flooding in a 1 in 75 year rainfall event to a depth of greater than 0.1 metres). Assessment 10.10 The sequential test established by Defra and the EA directs development towards areas of the lowest probability of flooding. As an area of the lowest flood risk, Zone 1 is considered suitable for all landuses. As such, and in terms of flood risk, the application site is considered appropriate for the development proposed. As the site lies within Flood Zone 1 the risk of fluvial flooding is considered minimal and as such has been scoped out of the EIA. 10.11 Assessing nearby residential properties all apart from Keeper‘s Cottage lie at a lower elevation than the application site. The nature of the development is such, however (i.e. creating a void through mineral extraction) that surface water run off currently experienced from the land will progressively be redirected into the quarry and away from these properties as the development progresses, reducing the risk of pluvial flooding. This redirected surface water run off will be contained within the quarries void, where significant flood storage is available, and infiltrate through the ground surface. 10.12 With regard to restoration, the final landform will typically be 4.5 metres below current ground levels, creating a modified sub- catchment that will drain surface water to the lowest point of the restored landform. In effect the restoration will direct run off away from local residences and those areas at risk of pluvial flooding. Chapter 6.0 of Appendix E of this Statement provided the details of the calculations that have been undertaken to demonstrate that even accounting for climate change, both the operational and restored quarry landforms will not result in an
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increase of pluvial flooding risk to surrounding areas, and that the void created can easily accommodate the predicted volume of surface water run off. 10.13 Given that mobile plant will be used as part of the development there is a risk of hydrocarbons such as fuels and oils to be released into the wider water environment either accidentally or through malicious intent (see paragraph 9.3.16 – 17, and paragraph 9.3.18 regards impact in human health). Mitigation 10.14 No impact as a result of hydrological issues have been identified, so no specific mitigation measures have been identified. 10.15 The release of hydrocarbons into the water environment is clearly a potential detrimental impact. Measures devised to minimise this potential impact are details in paragraph 9.3.18 above. These measures will also ensure that no likely significant effects are experienced regarding human health (see paragraph 9.3.20). Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 10.16 No secondary or indirect impacts are predicted. The assessment accounts for the extant hydrological environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
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11.0 AIR AND CLIMATE (APPENDIX F) Baseline 11.1 The application site is located within the District Planning Authority of Broadland. Broadland includes the northern suburbs of Norwich and the rural areas to the north and east of the city. The wider Attlebridge area is rural in nature and the existing air quality environment is characterised by predominantly agricultural activities. 11.2 Detailed reviews of local air quality within Broadland have been undertaken as part of the national air quality strategy updating and screening assessment programme. The 2008 assessment identified that an exceedance of NOx was likely at a junction in northern Norwich and an Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) was declared, however this was revoked in 2010. The last assessment did however indicate that the air quality objectives contained within the National Air Quality Strategy are likely to be achieved throughout the area and reference to the national background pollution maps suggests that PM10 concentrations in the area are likely to range from 13-17 μgm-3 and NO2 concentrations in the area are likely to range from 10 – 20 μgm-3. 11.3 In undertaking its screening assessment, Broadland District Council has followed the latest DEFRA technical guidance, which outlines the difficulties associated with quantifying dust emissions from quarrying and quarry sites. The guidance recommends that the following approach is taken when assessing all potential sources of emission: If there are no relevant locations for public exposure within 1000 metres of the dust emissions source then there should be no need to undertake further assessment; -3 If the PM10 background is less than 26 μgm , as they are at Attlebridge, then there is no need for further assessment if there are relevant locations for public exposure within 200 to 400 metres; Where properties lie closer than 200 metres to the source, local authorities are advised to investigate whether any dust nuisance complaints have been reported, as this may give a guide to potential problems. The absence of complaints is not alone a basis for saying that the objectives will not be exceeded, and authorities are advised to take account of local background levels and their own professional judgement based on visual inspection of the operations.
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11.4 There are no properties within 100m of the application site and no history of complaints from when the quarry was previously operational. Guidance also confirms that quarrying activities are unlikely to contribute to background PM10s. 11.5 In addition to the Broadland District Council assessment of all local sources of dust there have been numerous generic assessments of the potential local dust contribution from quarrying operations in the UK, all of which have shown quarries to be insignificant contributors to local PM10 concentrations. 11.6 The risk periods for dust generation always directly relates to meteorology. Analysis of precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, winds and atmospheric stability can give an indication of periods when dusty materials can dry quickly and dust control measures such as water spraying may be required. The greatest risk of dust generation is when drying conditions occur, although dust generation is not restricted to these periods and can also occur during dry freezing conditions when dust control can be less effective. 11.7 Wind rose data has been obtained from Coltishall Weather Station, approximately 13 km to the north-east of Attlebridge quarry. This data illustrates that the prevailing winds in the area, in common with most of the UK, are south-westerly. 11.8 To assist in characterising the susceptibility of dust sensitive receivers in relation to prevailing meteorological wind conditions Table 11 identifies the potential risk from dust dispersal as ‗high‘ for receivers who receive over 20% wind frequency and are located less than 100m from the dust source. In comparison, receptors that are over 250m from the dust source can be considered to have a ‗very low‘ susceptibility.
Distance from Dust source to Sensitive Receptor Wind Frequency 101 – 176 – <100mm >250mm 175mm 250mm
<6% Low Low Low Very Low
6 – 13% Medium Low Low Very Low
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13 – 20% Medium Medium Low Very Low
>20% High Medium Low Very Low
Table 11: Meteorological Susceptibility Rating 11.9 Rainfall data for the Attlebridge area has also been obtained from the Marham Weather Station, 40 km to the west of the site
(Table 13 below).
Days Max Min of Air Temp Temp
o o Frost Month
( C) ( C) (knots)
(hours) Days of
(days) Sunshine
Rainfall >= Rainfall>=
1mm (days)
Wind @ Wind 10m Rainfall(mm) Jan 6.9 0.8 11.6 56.8 56.1 11.6 10.4 Feb 7.4 0.7 11.8 78.7 39.3 9.5 10 Mar 10.4 2.5 6.8 104.5 49.1 10.6 10.1 Apr 13.1 4.2 3.2 161.1 47.2 9.7 9.1 May 16.7 7.2 0.5 203.8 53.3 8.9 8.7 Jun 19.4 10.1 0 189.5 59.2 10.3 8 Jul 22.2 12.2 0 206.7 52.1 8.7 7.7 Aug 22 12.1 0 191.8 58.8 8.4 7.8 Sep 18.9 9.9 0.1 137.7 55.3 9.1 8.2 Oct 14.6 7 1.5 111.2 67.3 10.3 9 Nov 10 3.5 5.9 68.7 62.2 11.5 9 Dec 7.1 1.1 11.9 49.6 52.7 10.5 9.2 Year 14.1 6 53.1 1560.1 652.5 119.2 8.9 Table 12: Average Monthly Weather Data for Marham (1981 – 2010)1 Note: 1. NGR 5736E 3090N Altitude: 21 metres AMSL
11.10 The rainfall data illustrates that the area receives an average rainfall when compared to the rest of the UK. The area typically experiences rainfall on 119 days of the year (33 per cent of the time). This further reduces the potential for dust emissions. 11.11 The site is fully enclosed by mature woodland which provides considerable screening from winds. A review of neighbouring activities has been conducted. The majority of locations surrounding the site are isolated farms and properties with a few commercial businesses including two builder‘s merchants and the Taverham Nursery and Garden Centre complex on Fir Covert Road. A selection of representative properties has been
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identified to illustrate distances and bearings from the site (see drawing no.17_C013_ATB_003 and Table 14 below). 11.12 Potential increases in ambient dust levels will have varying degrees of potential impact dependant on the type and sensitivity of the receiver. Increased dust levels on agricultural land, for example, are likely to have a much lower impact than similar levels of dust falling on a paint spraying or food processing facility, where very small amounts of dust can affect activities. Although this principle does not always apply the following table categorises dust sensitive receivers and highlight their risk in relation to potential dust sources.
Medium High Sensitivity Low Sensitivity Sensitivity
Agricultural Hospital land excluding Electronic Schools market industry Residential gardening Painting areas Heavy activities Shops industry Food Offices Parks and processing open spaces
Table 13: Dust Sensitive Activities
11.13 There are no known high sensitive land-use activities within 1000m of the site. Most of surrounding activities are medium sensitivity residential properties with the closest sensitive receivers located approximately 100m from the northern boundary of the site at its nearest point. Table 15 below identifies representative potential dust sensitive receivers, their bearing and distance from the processing plant, along with the
resultant likely wind frequencies.
1
(m)
Dust Dust quency
nearest
Approx. Approx. Approx.
plant (m) plant
Receptor
Indicative
fre
Sensitivity
Bearing from
site boundary
Distance from Distance from
Susceptibility
workingphase
% of time % of wind
Meteorological
Very Wood Farm ENE 870 620 15
Low Medium
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Very Spring Farm ENE 800 700 7
Low Medium
Mid Norfolk Shooting Very S 700 620 6 School/The Low
Lodge Medium
Old Hall Very SSW 1 300 1 100 6
Cottages Low
Medium
Keeper‘s Very SSW 650 470 6
Cottage Low
Medium
Redcroft NNW 850 150 5 Low
Medium
Felthorpe N 750 100 8 Low
Manor Medium
Table 14: Potential Dust Sensitive Receivers Note: 1. See Table 14 above.
11.14 The likelihood of dust impacts occurring at distances over 100m from the site is very low as the majority of fugitive dust from the site is likely to be greater than 30μm in size and is very likely to deposit within 100m of the source. No properties lie within 100m of the sites and only a handful of properties are located within 500m from the boundary of the application area as measured at the nearest point from the edge of the operating area/void. 11.15 The micrometeorology of the site is affected to a great extent by the presence of the surrounding woodland and existing vegetation. This screening forms a very effective wind barrier which will suppress dust emissions by reducing wind velocities over bare ground hence reducing the level of wind erosion. Tree lines can also act as an efficient dust filter and can be a useful dust control safeguard. 11.16 Studies by the United States Environmental Protection Agency suggest that a wind break of 50 per cent porosity, which is five
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times the length of the source width, of height equal to the emission height and positioned at a distance twice the height of the source, would reduce dust emissions by up to 60 per cent. The existing woodland around Attlebridge can be expected to exceed this screening efficiency. 11.17 The closest residential potentially dust sensitive receivers downwind of the prevailing wind direction is Wood Farm which is located approximately 620m from the site boundary (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003). Much of the intervening distance is mature woodland screening. Assessment 11.18 The application site contains approximately 545,000 tonnes of sand and gravel reserves which equates to approximately 5 years production at a proposed extraction rate of 140,000 tonnes per annum. Extraction of phase 1 has commenced and in the most part is complete leaving four further phases. Extraction is planned to continue in a south-easterly direction. A processing plant, consisting of a crusher and screen will be located in the southern part of the site away from nearby residential properties (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_102). 11.19 No dewatering is proposed to be carried out and in common with most sand and gravel sites the mineral will retain a high moisture content which will reduce the risk of dust emissions. The sand and gravel will be excavated using a hydraulic excavator and loading shovel and either dry processed on site or transported ‗as dug‘ to Costessey Quarry for processing. 11.20 Site design considerations which will reduce the dust emission potential of the Attlebridge site include: maintaining the extensive existing tree screening to reduce wind speeds; managing storage piles in the existing sheltered quarry areas; designing storage piles and bunds with gentle slopes to reduce wind whipping. 11.21 The site has operated as a quarry in the past and CEMEX has put in place operational management procedures to prevent and minimise the risk from particulate matter and mud and dirt escaping from the site. The site would operate between 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. No operations would take place on Sundays or public/bank holidays. 11.22 Dust is ubiquitous in the environment being dispersed by wind from a wide range of both natural and anthropogenic sources. The existing dust environment around Attlebridge Quarry is
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therefore likely to contain dusts, typically from local agricultural activities, local roads and from regional and trans-boundary dispersal of dust from the erosion of bare rock, sand, soil and pollen. 11.23 Dust is also one of the most complex pollutants to assess because of the infinite variation of sources, particle shapes, sizes, density and their resultant aerodynamic qualities. These qualities also determine the likelihood for a particle to be suspended by wind, transported and potentially deposited. Fugitive dust particles generated from materials handling typically range in diameter from 30 to 300 μm. The largest particles, because of their weight, generally travel only short distances and deposit near to the emission source. The smaller particle sizes however can travel further, especially during dry windy periods. The higher the wind speed the further a particle can be dispersed and the greater the size of particles that can be kept aloft excavation area, in comparison, can be classed as line sources as emissions can occur along the entire route. 11.24 Vehicle movements are likely to present the highest risk of dust nuisance as emissions can increase rapidly in proportion to vehicle speed and traffic volume but despite this risk, research has shown that the majority of 50 μm particles, typically produced from un-surfaced roads, deposit rapidly within 8m. For 20 μm particles a similar decline occurred at 30m. The movement of soil and the creation of bunds are also likely to present a high dust nuisance risk as this activity occurs close to sensitive receivers when machinery movements can lift dust into the air. Disturbed soils, with no vegetation cover, can also become exposed to strong winds. 11.25 The escape of fugitive dust beyond the site boundary can have human health effects if it is inhaled. It is appropriate to consider this risk further. Mitigation 11.26 Given that the above assessment has identified impacts that have the potential to impact detrimentally on amenity, it is appropriate to develop mitigation measures to eliminate or minimise these potential impacts. 11.27 At the application site, as at all CEMEX sites, the quarry manager is responsible for ensuring effective dust control and this relies on good site operational controls such as: - identifying and monitoring the intensity of potential dust generating activities; monitoring weather conditions during dry, dust sensitive periods; responding to potential and actual dust problems;
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planning contingency measures, and; ceasing operations when major impacts cannot be avoided. 11.28 Good environmental performance requires effective management. CEMEX employs structured environmental management with employees at all levels having the necessary training and instruction in their duties relating to control of the process and emissions to air. The Quarry Manager will have responsibility for ensuring that the risk of any potential dust nuisance arising from quarrying activities are minimised. The likelihood of failure of any dust prevention management techniques is likely to be low. 11.29 A Dust Management Plan is incorporated into the site procedures and is continually revised as necessary to ensure that it remains appropriate to the activities occurring at the site and that any change in conditions relating to dust management are dealt with as part of those revisions. In particular, the monitoring procedures and compliance actions will be updated as required by the procedures specified within it. A summary of the dust control techniques which will be utilised at the application site are outlined below: -
Loading/Unloading Drop heights will be kept to a minimum wherever practicable; The materials handled will be damp; The excavator will work within the void and in an area protected from prevailing winds.
Vehicle Movements Vehicle speeds will be restricted; Unsurfaced roads will be damped down when required using a water bowser; Loading and unloading will occur in areas protected from wind; Drop heights will be minimised; All vehicles loads will be sheeted and loads inspected to ensure no potential spillage; A water bowser and sprays will be available to moisten material is required.
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Crushing and Screening Modern units will be used with integral dust suppression; Crusher units will be fully contained; Units will not operate without water supply; The units will be screened wherever possible.
Soil Movement Soil removal will be restricted to low risk meteorological periods; Vehicle speeds will be restricted; Only small scale plant will be used; The duration of the activity will be minimal; Disturbed surfaces will be re-seeded as soon as is practicable.
Stockpiles Stockpiles will be sprayed with water to maintain moisture content if required; Stockpiled material screened to remove dusty fractions prior to external storage; Stockpiles will be located in areas protected from prevailing winds; The storage areas are located away from sensitive areas.
Table 15: Attlebridge Quarry Dust Control Plan
11.30 Effective preventative maintenance will also be undertaken on all plant and equipment concerned with the control of emissions to the air and spares and consumables will be available at short notice in order to rectify breakdowns rapidly. Plant personnel complete a daily site diary. This will be kept on site, and will be available for inspection. Daily comment is made about weather conditions on site when necessary. Daily checks will be carried out to ensure that there are no visible emissions across the boundary. 11.31 The site was formerly independently certified to the internationally recognised ISO14001:2004 which requires continual improvement and provides additional safeguards and a rigorous demonstration of compliance with all legal requirements. In compliance with these procedures and standards the plant will undergo daily, weekly and monthly maintenance checks. The quarry will also have extensive management and supervision to meet the above standard. For example, internal environmental, quality and safety audits are complemented by external quality audits and system reviews.
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CEMEX also undertakes annual environmental compliance audits of all its operational sites to assess environmental aspects, raise standards, and promote greater environmental awareness. The audits assess the operations with reference to the compliance with planning conditions, permit conditions, legislation recognised good practice and their environmental implications. This is carried out in conjunction with the CEMEX Sustainability Department who are responsible for the environmental monitoring of all company sites. 11.32 Effective dust control measures will be in place at the application site as a matter of corporate policy. Vehicles arriving or leaving the site with loads that may give rise to dust in transportation are required to be sheeted. Such controls are not normally required for the transportation of materials which are above 75mm, as these materials are unlikely to give rise to dust emissions. Sheeting prevents dust emissions from road vehicles and when dry aggregates are loaded or unloaded dust emissions are minimised, when required, by water suppression. No loaded lorries carrying sand and gravel leave the site unsheeted. 11.33 The existing site access road through woodland to the extraction area will continue to consist of a compacted hoggin base as to provide a suitable running surface for vehicles. Following extraction the road will be restored to a forest track to allow access for maintenance. 11.34 Access from the application site onto the public highway is via King William's Drive, a private metalled road, and onto Reepham Road. A high standard of housekeeping is maintained and any spillages that may give rise to dust emissions are cleaned up promptly, normally using wet handling methods. Vehicle exhausts will be directed above the horizontal to prevent exhausts blowing onto road surfaces. Given the site dust control measures above there will be no dust on the highway as a result of the vehicle movements and no anticipated increase in NO2 emissions. 11.35 When accounting for the mitigation measures proposed above, plus the sensitivity of neighbouring properties, meteorological susceptibility and the likelihood of dust emissions occurring, the potential risk of an air quality impact being experienced at any of the potentially sensitive properties identified is very low. Given this finding it is not considered likely that a significant impact on human health due to air quality issues will be experienced. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 11.36 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant environment; the Company
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is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
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12.0 MATERIAL ASSETS/CULTURAL HERITAGE (APPENDIX G) Baseline 12.1 The Company commissioned an appraisal of the potential impact of the proposed development upon the cultural heritage of the area. This is appended to the ES as Appendix G. 12.2 There are no statutory archaeological designations (for example, Scheduled Ancient Monuments), Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings in the vicinity of the application site. 12.3 The site was previously a conifer plantation, with the trees felled in the late 1990‘s. Subsequent to the felling stumps were ‗grubbed up‘, disturbing the land across the site. Furthermore, land within Phase 1 has been partially worked pursuant to a previous permission, so any archaeological value in this area will have been lost. 12.4 A desk study of the archaeological value of the application has been commissioned and is appended to this Statement as Appendix G. This assessment includes an examination of records held by the Norfolk Historic Environment Records and Norfolk Records Office. 12.5 In considering planning application no. C/5/2013/5013 the County Council‘s Historic Environment Officer considered that there were no implications for the historic environment as a result of that development. The development to which this ES relates shares a disturbance footprint with that development. Assessment 12.6 The desk study establishes the following: - (i) There are no archaeological sites recorded within the boundary of the extraction area itself. (ii) There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments within or adjacent to the site; (ii) There are no formally designated archaeological sites or historic features within or immediately adjacent to the site; (iii) There are no listed buildings or conservation areas within or adjacent to the site; and (iv) There are a total of 29 sites recorded on the Norfolk HER within the survey area (1km) which include Prehistoric, Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Post Medieval, Second Wold War and undated 12.7 LIDAR data enables archaeological mapping beneath forest canopy providing an overview of broad continuous features that may be indistinguishable on the ground. This process has been undertaken over the application site. There are meandering
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lines visible within the plantations which may relate to tracks within the woodland possible corresponding with those visible on the ordnance survey map (1880s). The ‗Mileplain Plantation‘ adjacent to the extraction area is covered with what are thought to be planting ridges, implying different planting strategies. 12.8 Cartographic evidence provides the earliest mapping from the 1730 and is an estate plan of lands in both Attlebridge and Swannington belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Norwich. The site lies just off the map in an area identified as Attlebridge Heath. A map from the 1797 depicts the site as partially woodland in Phase 5 and Clumps of Fir although the current woodland does not include any fir trees. In 1826 the woodland expands to the north referenced ‗Youngs Plant‘ and a barn on the western boundary is no longer referenced. In 1837 Map shows additional woodland. The 1880 Ordnance survey map shows the Mileplain Plantation and the removal of previous planting as shown in 1837 back to heath land. The extraction area appears predominantly clear of woodland plantation. The Mileplain Plantation expanded into the extraction area in the 1907/08 Ordnance survey and then further in 1957 Ordnance Survey and completely by 1975-76 Ordnance Survey. 12.9 The archaeological evidence in the area of the extraction site is fairly limited with little recorded close to the site itself. The search radius for the site in general returned reasonably small amounts of activity. Much of the area surrounding the site is designated as Ancient Replanted Woodland, which means that it was probably wooded for much of the post-medieval period and possibly earlier, although the land use of earlier periods is not easy to determine. It does seem from cartographic evidence that there is one area of woodland that is earlier than the rest; this is not part of the extraction area and is mostly located in what is now known as ‗Mileplain Plantation‘. Much of the central part of the extraction area was open heathland, arable or pasture land for a large part of the post-medieval period. There is evidence relating to the prehistoric, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval periods in the area. There is no Roman activity recorded in the vicinity and the single occurrence of Anglo- Saxon evidence is via place name evidence. It seems probable that if there are archaeological remains present within the boundary of the extraction site it is most likely that they will be of prehistoric or post-medieval date. Prehistoric evidence in the area mainly relates to funerary monuments (long and round barrows) and the slightly elevated landscape of the Wensum valley here is typical of preferred locations for prehistoric funerary and landscapes.
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12.10 It is thought likely that any archaeological remains within the extraction area will be undesignated assets of low to medium value, possibly relating to prehistoric activity. Remains may be present within the development area, especially given the current and probable historical use of the land. Parts of the woodland are probably of post-medieval date, most likely having been planted in the later 18th century. Much of the central part of the site (within Phases 1-4) was open in the post-medieval period, with one of the fields laid down to arable farming and one to pasture. Prior to the post-medieval wooding of this area it is likely that some, if not all of the site was heathland and although exploited throughout the medieval period, settlement would not have taken place here. The introduction of woodland planting to the area is likely to have had an adverse effect on earlier sub-surface archaeological deposits, as may the piecemeal clearing and altering of the landscape which appears to have occurred periodically. 12.11 The site has been classified as ‗low to medium‘ so far as archaeological potential is concerned. On the available evidence the principal potential for archaeological remains being present is seen as the prehistoric. Mitigation 12.12 When considering planning application no. C/5/2013/5013 the County Council‘s Historic Environment Officer did not recommend any further archaeological works based on the findings of the same desk top evaluation. The Company is of the view that there has been no material change in circumstances with regard to this aspect of the development proposed compared to that previously considered, and that as such no further mitigation measures are required. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 12.13 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant heritage environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
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13.0 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL (APPENDIX H) Baseline 13.1 The Company has undertaken a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) of the proposed development. This is incorporated into this ES as Appendix H. 13.2 A description of the application site, and both its immediate and wider surroundings is provided by Chapter 2.0 of this Statement, and Section 2.0 of Appendix H of this Statement. The application site is not subject to any statutory landscape quality based designations. It is also not subject to any non statutory landscape designations. 13.3 The application site is not subject to any landscape related designations such as Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens or Registered Battlefields. 13.4 The site lies within NCA (National Character Area) 78: Central North Norfolk as defined by Natural England. The summary description of the NCA states: - A gently undulating, sometimes flat, landscape dissected by river valleys…; Tranquil agricultural landscape with extensive areas of arable land, dominated by cereals with break-cropping of sugar beet and oilseed rape, and some pastures along valley floors; Ancient countryside, much of it enclosed by the 16th century, with a sporadically rationalised patchwork field system, sinuous lanes and hedges with hedgerow oaks; Relatively well-wooded landscape, with ancient oak and beech woodland and areas of conifer plantation; Important species, maritime cliff habitats and slopes, alkaline valley fen communities and areas of remnant heathland; and Dense network of public rights of way including the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, with main recreational activity centred on coastal areas” 13.5 The Broadland District Landscape Character Assessment was originally produced in 2008 and updated in 2013. It identifies six Landscape Character Types (LCT), which are further divided into sixteen Landscape Character Areas (LCA). The application site lies within LCT Woodland Heath Mosaic and LCA B1: Horsford Woodland Heath Mosaic. The key characteristics of the LCT are as follows: “Generally flat, plateau landscape, covered with a pattern of large-scale woodland and plantations;
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Mixture of old deciduous woodland and more recent coniferous plantations, interspersed with small areas of remnant heathland contained within the woodland; Woodland is interspersed with relatively large arable fields; Presence of boundary oaks within hedgerows; General absence of settlements, other than sporadic 20th century settlements that line straight roads, which cut across the landscape; Views are generally strongly contained by dense blocks of woodland; Woodland provides a strong sense of enclosure; and Small pockets of acid grassland (NVC category U4) within heathland mosaic” 13.6 In addition, with regard to the LCT:- “Strength of character varies throughout this Landscape Character Type. In places, there is a strongly recognisable sense of place as a result of views to adjacent Landscape Character Types. In others, however, due to the intermittent sense of enclosure provided by woodland, views are limited and sense of place is weaker. Overall, there is a strong landscape pattern as a result of the geometric arrangement plantation woodlands and the generally straight road network. Blocks of mature woodland are generally in good condition, however, there is evidence of decline at edges and also in the hedgerow network, which is gappy in places.” 13.7 Specific Management Objectives for the LCT include: “Seek to conserve and enhance woodland, wood pasture and heathland and associated wetland habitats, which represent areas of high biodiversity importance with a wide range of habitats; Seek opportunities for the creation of larger areas of heathland; Encourage new woodland edge planting of native deciduous broadleaved to reduce the visual and ecological impact of the coniferous plantations; and Encourage the use of native tree species in new planting, which reflects the underlying soil conditions and maintaining regional character” 13.8 For LCA B1: Horsford Woodland Heath Mosaic, the following of relevance is stated under Summary of Visual Character: “Today, the area is a mixture of arable farmland, old deciduous woodland and recent coniferous plantations. Only small remnant patches of heathland and fen are found within interior parts of the woodland, often protected by European designations for their high ecological value.
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Large rectangular arable fields abut the woodland in northern and southern parts of the area. Views are strongly contained by woodland, often forming close horizons. From outside the area, woodland is prominent within views, forming distinctive wooded horizons, and; A network of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways traverse the area, including a national trail west of Horsford (Marriott’s Way). The plantations provide an important recreational resource for the public in the District.” 13.9 For LCA B1, the following Landscape Planning Guideline is relevant to the Proposed Development: “Seek to ensure that potential new developments comprise a fully integrated landscape and urban design strategy, which is consistent with the local landscape character and screen existing and potential harsh settlement edges” 13.10 There are no studies that have considered the landscape character of the application site and immediate surrounding area. Phase 1 has been partially worked and left for a number of years so it has developed natural regenerated, heathy grassland areas with some patches of developing heather, which is, in part, similar to the “small remnant patches of heathland….found within interior parts of the woodland‖ as mentioned in relation to LCA B1 above. The rest of the site has been clear felled so is now open with areas of remnant brashings, bracken and rough grass, which is not generally typical of the immediate surroundings or of the LCA‘s mentioned above. However, the nature of the adjacent mature woodland, which curtails views and leads to a sense of enclosure, is evident within the wider landscape where dense areas of woodland contain medium and long distance views and results in a close horizon. 13.11 Five viewpoints have been selected as the basis of the assessment, representing views available to a number of visual receptors including residents and road users. Figure 1 within Appendix H illustrates the location and orientation of the viewpoints adopted as representative for the purposes of the LVIA. Assessment 13.12 The assessment of the effects of the proposed development have been split into two phases, impacts experienced during the site‘s operation and impacts felt ten years after completion of the site‘s restoration. The sensitivity of the application site in terms of landscape character is classified as Low. It is not
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 61 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
located within an area nationally designated for its landscape or scenic value such as a National Park or AONB and there are no other landscape or nature conservation designations relating to the Site that indicate its character is particularly sensitive. 13.13 During the implementation of the planning permission the character of the working phases and processing plant site area would change to that of an intermittently busy industrial operation, which would be immediately noticeable. However, these activities would be contained within the wider wooded surrounding the application site so there would be no impacts on the wider landscape character, works would be temporary (approximately 4-5 years extraction, 1.5 years final restoration) and the adverse effects would be mitigated by the progressive restoration scheme. The Magnitude of Effects on landscape character would therefore be Medium adverse. 13.14 Significance of Effects is therefore rated as Minor – Moderate adverse. While there would be limited effects on landscape character, these would be very local in nature, of little note and would not affect the character of the wider surrounding area. 13.15 Turning to the ten years post restoration scenario, the restored site would be integrating well with the surrounding woodland, with scrubby patches of vegetation evident in various areas across the heathland and the heather beginning to develop in clumps across the land surface. Grazing stock (preferably cattle) may be introduced by the landowners at certain times of the year which would help create the ideal conditions for the heathland to thrive, in combination with other management practices such as vegetation removal as necessary. The character of the Site would be improved from the existing cleared woodland landscape and Magnitude of Effects on landscape character at this point would be Negligible beneficial. 13.16 Significance of Effects is therefore rated as Negligible beneficial. The character of the Site would be similar to existing: with open, gently undulating heathy grassland including some areas of naturally regenerated vegetation. Improved management would have helped the land develop well, provide benefits to nature conservation and integrate successfully with the boundary woodland. 13.17 The assessment also considers the impact on observers located at the five representative viewpoints illustrated by Figure 1 within Appendix H. Due to the application site‘s very enclosed location provided by the extensive boundary woodland, views of the site are screened from almost all publicly accessible locations such as Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and private properties in the vicinity, even in winter. The only clear view of the site is available from King William‘s Drive. Views of the
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 62 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
access road itself, where it meets Reepham Road, are available from the Marriot‘s Way, a long distance footpath and bridleway that also forms part of the National Cycle Network. 13.18 Five panoramic photographs have been presented in Figures 2, 3 and 4 which are included within Appendix H of this Statement. Viewpoints 1 and 2 show the appearance of the Site) from a position just inside the southern boundary. These views do not represent any visual receptors and are included for information purposes only. Similarly, Viewpoint 3 is included to illustrate the well wooded surrounding area in close proximity to the Site and does not represent any visual receptor(s) looking towards the Site. 13.19 Viewpoint 4 is located on the Marriot Way, (part of the National Cycle Network) where it crosses the entrance to the Site access road, just off Reepham Road. While the Sensitivity of cycle path users is rated as High, the Magnitude of Visual Effects during the Operational Stage would be Negligible at best (i.e. during winter) at this location and at all other locations along the Marriot Way. Significance of Effects is therefore considered to be Minor adverse. At the 10 years post restoration stage Magnitude and therefore Significance would be Neutral. 13.20 Viewpoint 5 represents road users on Felthorpe Road to the north of Phase 2 who are classed as having a Low - Medium Sensitivity to the proposed development. The view looking southeast towards the Site shows how the mass of intervening vegetation completely screens views in summer. In winter, there may be partial glimpses of the edge of the Phase 2 area but these would be very limited and also transitory. Magnitude of Visual Effects during the Operational Stage would again be Negligible during winter and Significance of Effects is therefore considered to be Negligible adverse. At the 10 years post restoration stage Magnitude and therefore Significance would be Neutral. 13.21 No likely significant impacts on the landscape have been identified as a result of the assessment. No specific mitigation measures are proposed therefore. Mitigation 13.22 No mitigation measures have been proposed as a result of the above assessment given that no residual adverse likely significant environmental effects have been identified. Nevertheless, a number of features having been incorporated into the design of the development from inception which are considered good practice in mitigating landscape impact. These include: -
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 63 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
Proposing a final restoration landform that seeks to blend into the surrounding landscape; The prior stripping, storage and reuse of soils; The adoption of MAFF Good Practice Guidance for the handling and storage of soils; The proposed net gain of 12.11 hectares of UK BAP Priority Habitat resulting from the implementation of the restoration scheme illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 (see also Table 21 within Appendix C), and; Restoring the site in a progressive manner as quarrying progresses, minimizing the extent of the site that is subject to disturbance at any one time. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 13.23 No secondary or indirect impacts have been identified. The assessment accounts for the extant environment; the Company is not aware of any proposed development in the vicinity of the application site that may materially change the conclusions reached in the assessment. No cumulative impacts have been identified, therefore.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 64 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
14.0 MAIN ALTERNATIVES/RISKS & MAJOR ACCIDENTS Baseline 14.1 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 requires an applicant that produces an Environmental Statement to accompany a planning application to outline the main alternatives to the development proposed that were studied as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. The applicant should also give an indication of the main reasons for choosing the development proposed. 14.2 The Regulations also require ―...A description of the expected significant environmental adverse effects of the development on the environment from the vulnerability of the development to risks of major accidents and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned.‖. Article 3(13) of EU Directive 2012/18/EU(3) defines a major accident as: - ―an occurrence such as a major emission, fire, or explosion resulting from uncontrolled developments in the course of the operation of any establishment covered by [the] Directive, and leading to serious danger to human health or the environment, immediate or delayed, inside or outside the establishment, and involving one or more dangerous substances‖. Assessment 14.3 Previous planning permissions proposed that the site be worked in reverse phase order compared to that currently proposed. This approach has not be proposed as part of this proposal as the current working scheme allows for more progressive restoration to take place, i.e., quarry vehicles do not have to cross otherwise restored areas to gain access to the plant site from the working face. 14.4 Previous planning permissions have proposed that the sand and gravel quarried from the application site be hauled in its ‗as raised‘ state to Costessey Quarry for processing into a range of aggregate products. This option has been rejected as financially unviable, although this may change in the lifetime of the proposed development dependant on market conditions. For this reason the Company remains happy to enter into a planning obligation with the Minerals Planning Authority regards the route taken by HGVs to travel between Attlebridge and Costessey Quarries. 14.5 In considering the installation of an aggregate processing plant the Company considered both a dry and wet process. It has been decided at this time to progress with the dry option as the Environment Agency have advised that it would be unlikely that
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 65 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
an abstraction permit would be granted for the groundwater abstraction required for a wet processing plant, and other options are not currently financially viable. 14.6 The characteristics of the development are such (see Chapter 2.0 above) that no vulnerabilities to a major accident of disaster as defined by the Directive have been identified. As such this issue has not been assessed further. Mitigation 14.7 No mitigation measures are required. Secondary, Cumulative or Indirect Impacts 14.8 No secondary, cumulative or indirect impacts are predicted.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 66 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
15.0 STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 15.1 Representatives of the Company met members of Attlebridge Parish Council on the 23rd March 2018 to discuss the submission of the planning application to which this ES relates. The following issues were highlighted as a result of this meeting: - 545 000t at 120ktpa = 4-6 years depending on market demand; Noise in the area is an issue – the shooting club being mentioned. Also complained about noise from the tree and shrub clearance- chainsaws and chipping machine; Plant will be set down in base of quarry which will provide additional noise screening. Application will be submitted in 2 – 3 weeks. Hope to get permission before end of 2019; Plant will be likely to be laid on a concrete slab; Question on size of lorries to be used; Lorry routing into Norwich and the effect of the recently completed Relief Road; Reported that there are new and proposed weight limits on local roads through villages since last application. Felthorpe also seeking a weight limit; Are there busier periods? – output tends to be constant, but March – June tend to be busier, with August quiet due to holidays, then a pick up in the early autumn. Sales fall off over the winter with a Christmas shutdown; Will the site be de-watered? Direction of working? 15.2 These issues were responded to as follows: - Noise assessment indicates that a 3 metre high noise attenuation bund located 120 metres from Redcroft and Kirkwood prior to the commencement of Phase 2 will ensure that government guidance regards noise from mineral workings is accorded with. Tree clearance work is now complete; Both rigid and articulated lorries are likely to be used; Apart from local deliveries all lorries to and from the site will travel either to Norwich itself or Costessey Quarry. The Company is proposing to retain the existing legal agreement regards lorry routing but it is likely that most, especially those travelling to Norwich rather than Costessey, will travel via the new Relief Road;
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 67 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
New weight limits are noted but should not impact upon the Company‘s operations because they relate to roads that will not be used for through traffic, only for local deliveries; The site will not be dewatered, and; Direction of working is illustrated by the revised working drawings. Once the original Phase 1 is worked out working will move to the opposite end of the quarry and work back from the Felthorpe Road, which is the opposite way round to previous permissions for quarrying at Attlebridge.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 68 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
16.0 CONCLUSIONS 16.1 In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 an Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out with regard to the development described in Chapter 3.0 of this Environmental Statement. This Statement is the written form of that EIA. 16.2 The EIA identified a number of potentially materially significant environmental impacts that could result from the proposed development. These are:- The potential for increased levels of noise experienced within 220 metres of Kirkwood and Redcroft; The loss of BAP priority habitat due to quarrying; The potential for fugitive dust to escape the site boundary due to quarrying or aggregate processing; The potential for the soil resource within the site to be damaged as a result of being stripped and stored, in turn potentially leading to a decrease in restoration quality; The possibility of fuels and lubricants being released either into the surface or ground water environment and entering the water table, which is a primary aquifer with high or intermediate vulnerability. It is recognised that without mitigation the development would result in the likely occurrence of materially significant impacts. 16.3 In response the above a series of mitigation measures have been devised that seek to reduce the scale of the potential impacts identified above to levels where they cease to be material or are compensated for by other elements of the Company‘s proposals. These measures consist of: - the erection of a temporary soil bund along the northern boundary of Phase 2, the details for which will be agreed with the Mineral Planning Authority prior to the commencement of soil stripping within this phase; adopting the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries‘ guidance regards the handling of soils; implementing a dust action plan for the life of the development; proposing to implement a Ecological Management Plan (EMP); creating through the implementation of the restoration scheme 14.09ha of BAP priority habitat will be created, a 612% net increase over the life of the development, and;
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 69 ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 1)
having an emergency protocol in place to contain the release of fuels etc., whether this be accidental or deliberate. 16.4 No major accidents and/or disasters that are relevant to the proposed development have been identified. 16.5 The assessment identified that likely significant health impacts were theoretically possible as a result of noise or emissions to air or water. These possibilities were considered in more detail within the relevant assessments. In all cases it was concluded that risk were very low, that accepted standards were accorded with and/or industry best practice is proposed to be adopted in terms of mitigation. As such it has been concluded that the development will not give rise to any likely significant risks to human health. 16.6 It is the Company‘s belief that the Environmental Impact Assessment to which this Environmental Statement relates has identified all likely significant detrimental impacts that may result from the proposed development. In addition, it is considered that the development as proposed accords with all relevant Development Plan policy considerations (see the accompanying Supporting Statement). 16.7 As such it is requested that planning permission be granted for the development proposed.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED 70
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Volume 2 – Appendices to the Environmental Statement
Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norfolk
April 2018
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORFOLK APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 2) APPENDICES SCHEDULE OF APPENDICES Appendix A Noise Assessment B Transport Assessment C Ecology Assessment D Hydrogeological Impact Assessment E Flood Risk Assessment F Air Quality Assessment G Heritage Appraisal H Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
All Appendices included within this Environmental Statement are contained within the CD attached to the back cover of the document. For hard copies please contact CEMEX UK Materials Ltd., [email protected].
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Proposed Extraction of Sand and Gravel
Volume 3 – Non Technical Summary
Attlebridge Quarry, Reepham Road, Attlebridge, Norfolk
April 2018
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORFOLK APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Applicant 1.2 The Development 1.3 The Application Site 1.4 Background to the Environmental Statement
2.0 THE ASSESSMENT
2.1 Introduction 2.2 Population 2.3 Noise and Vibration 2.4 Traffic and Transport 2.5 Land Use 2.6 Flora and Fauna 2.7 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology 2.8 Water (Hydrology) 2.9 Air and Climate 2.10 Materials Assets/Cultural Heritage 2.11 Landscape 2.12 Main Alternatives 2.13 Community Involvement
3.0 CONCLUSIONS
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Applicant 1.1.1 The applicant is CEMEX UK Materials Limited (hereafter referred to as ‗the Company‘), a wholly owned component of CEMEX. The application is submitted on behalf of the Company by CEMEX UK Operations Limited, another element of CEMEX responsible for, inter alia, Town and Country Planning matters within the UK. 1.1.2 The Company supplies land won and marine sand and gravel, hard rock, coated stone and ready mixed concrete from East Anglia to North Wales and Fife to the South Coast of England. 1.2 The Development 1.2.1 The Company seeks planning permission to: - Quarry 545 000 tonnes of sand and gravel; At a rate of approximately 140 000 tonnes per year this will take between 5 and 6.5 years; Once complete the land will take up to a further 18 months to restore; The overall life of the development is predicted to take, therefore, between 6 and 8 years to complete, and; The land will be restored open heathland as illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2. 1.2.2 The site: - Covers 17.7 hectares (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101); Quarrying would be likely to commence on receipt of planning permission; All traffic will leave the site via King William‘s Drive, a private road, and Reepham Road, with all but local deliveries travelling to the Norwich area or Costessey Quarry; Will be worked progressively in 5 phases, with phases preceding that being quarried being restored to minimise disturbance (see drawing nos. 17_C013_ATTL_102 – 106), and; A dry processing plan will be installed as illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATTL_101, although it is proposed to agree the exact details of the plant with the Council prior to its erection. 1.3 The Application Site 1.3.1 The site‘s surroundings are illustrated by drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_001 and 2: - North – lies the Marriot‘s Way, a disused railway line now used as a cycleway, and the Reepham and Felthorpe Roads. Beyond the roads lie a small number of isolated residential properties (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_003), a builder‘s merchants, a series of agricultural sheds and plantation woodland;
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
West – Further woodland plantation, and beyond this (150 metres open fields. To the south west lies Keeper‘s Cottage; South – Further woodland plantation, beyond which lies a former sand and gravel pit and landfill, now restored; East – Further woodland plantation, which gives way to open agricultural fields after 100m. 1.3.2 Overall the site consists of recently tree felled scrub. The extreme eastern part of the site has been partially quarried for sand and gravel in the past and restored to an extent. As can be gather from paragraph 1.3.2 above it is enclosed by plantation woodland. 1.3.3 No rights of way cross the application site. 1.4 Background to the Environmental Statement 1.4.1 Due the requirements of Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 an Environmental Statement must accompany a planning application for development of the nature proposed. An Environmental Statement must be accompanied by ―A non-technical summary of the information provided‖. This document is submitted in fulfilment of this requirement. 1.4.2 Copies of the full Environmental Statement are available for inspection at the following location during normal office hours: - Norfolk County Council, Planning Department, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk. NR1 2DH. Tel. (0344) 800 8020 1.4.3 A full copy of the Environmental Statement is available for inspection at Costessey Quarry, the closest manned Company facility to the application site, but due to health and safety considerations it is requested that an appointment to view is made in advance. Please contact either Steve Spark or Shaun Denny as follows to make such arrangements: -
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Steve Spark, Shaun Denny, CEMEX UK Materials Limited, CEMEX UK Operations Limited, Costessey Quarry, Wolverhampton Road, Alex Moorhouse Way, Oldbury, Costessey, Warley. Norwich. B69 4RJ. NR5 0JT. Tel. (0121) 569 7459 Tel. (01603) 742427.
Copies of the Environmental Statement are available for purchase at a cost of £100, and any enquiries should be forwarded to Shaun Denny at the above address. A pdf version (on CD) of these documents is also available from the above at a cost of £20. The Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge both in hard copy and .pdf. 1.4.4 A copy is also available for viewing within Attlebridge village. As this has been deposited at a private residence it is requested that anyone wishing to view this copy contacts Shaun Denny at the above for the necessary arrangements to be made.
CEMEX UK MATERIALS LIMITED ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
2.0 THE ASSESSMENT 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 An Environmental Statement (ES) is a written report describing the undertaking and conclusions of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An EIA establishes present conditions (the baseline situation), predicts the potential environmental effects (impacts) and develops ways of reducing any identified potential effects (mitigation measures). 2.1.2 The undertaking of an EIA and the subsequent writing of an ES assessed the following environmental factors in the context of the proposed development: - population and human health; biodiversity soil; land; water; air; climatic factors; materials assets; cultural heritage, and; landscape. 2.1.3 The Regulations also require ―...A description of the expected significant environmental adverse effects of the development on the environment from the vulnerability of the development to risks of major accidents and/or disasters which are relevant to the project concerned.‖. A major accident is defined as: - ―an occurrence such as a major emission, fire, or explosion resulting from uncontrolled developments in the course of the operation of any establishment covered by [the] Directive, and leading to serious danger to human health or the environment, immediate or delayed, inside or outside the establishment, and involving one or more dangerous substances‖. 2.1.4 The following is a summary of the Environmental Statement with regard to the above issues that were considered significant in the course of conducting an EIA into the Company‘s proposed development. 2.2 Population & Human Health 2.2.1 The proposed development is likely to lead to two full time additional jobs. 2.2.2 No impacts have been identified because of this. 2.2.3 No mitigation measures are required. 2.2.4 The assessment identified potential risks to human health because of dust emissions and accidental spillages of fuels
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
and/or oils into the wider water environment. These are discussed below. 2.3 Noise 2.3.1 Drawing no 17_C013_ATB_003 identifies the properties considered to be potentially sensitive to noise from the quarry. These are: - Winston House, 300 metres to the north west; Kirkwood, 150 metres to the north; Woodfarm, 600 metres east of the application site, but 1km east of the extraction boundary, and; The Lodge, Deighton Hills, 600 metres to the south. 2.3.2 Background noise levels without the quarry operating were measured in August 2013. These values were then used to calculate maximum noise levels at these properties given Government guidance relating to noise and quarrying. These levels were: -
Winston House, 46 dB LAeq, 1hr; Kirkwood, 50 dB LAeq, 1hr; Wood Farm, 50 dB LAeq, 1hr, and; The Lodge, Deighton Hills, (representing Keeper‘s Cottage), 49 dB LAeq, 1hr. 2.3.3 The noise created by quarry plant was also measured, including a processing plant, loading shovel, HGVs travelling along King William‘s Drive, and dumpers. At all locations other than Kirkwood/Redcroft it was found that the levels calculated above could be achieved. At Kirkwood/Redcroft however, the level was predicted to be exceeded. 2.3.4 The above indicates that the Company needed to devise measures (referred to as mitigation measures) to reduce the impact of quarrying due to noise. As a result it has been calculated that a soil bund no more than 3 metres in height placed within the application area at a distance of 150 metres from Kirkwood/Redcroft will reduce noise at these properties to acceptable levels. 2.3.5 Furthermore, a number of other mitigation measures will continue to be implemented that are considered industry best practice, including: - All mobile plant will be fitted with efficient silencers; All internal haul roads will be maintained free of potholes and undulations; All mobile plant and road vehicles are subject to an on site speed limit; All mobile plant under the Company‘s control will be fitted with ‗white noise‘ type reversing alarms as part of an ongoing programme;
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Drop heights at loading or transfer points will be minimised; All plant and vehicles will be maintained in good order, and; All plant not in use on site will be turned off. 2.3.6 These measures, in combination, will ensure that there is no lose of amenity due to noise, either to existing or future local residents. 2.4 Traffic and Transport 2.4.1 It is proposed to produce 545 000 tonnes of sand and gravel at a rate of 140 000 tonnes a year, commencing operations in 2019 if permission is granted. This is the equivalent of 76 HGVs leaving the site per day for a period up to 2026, depending on sales, although an end date of 2024 is considered more realistic. 2.4.2 A working day of 0700 – 1800 Monday to Friday, 0700 – 1300 on Saturday and no working on Sunday or Public Holidays is proposed. 2.4.3 Almost all the sand and gravel will travel to Norwich as it‘s by far the largest market. Only very localised deliveries would require a left turn onto the Reepham Road from King William‘s Drive. Some material may be transported to Costessey Quarry. 2.4.4 All HGVs travelling between the quarry and Norwich would be required to use the following route: - Reepham Road and its junction with Fir Covert Road, including King William‘s Drive; Fir Covert Road and its junction with the A1067 Fakenham Road; Fir Covert Road at the junction with NDR, and; Fakenham Road approaches to the above junction. 2.4.5 All HGVs travelling between the quarry and Costessey Quarry would be required to follow the above route, then the A147 and A1047 to the Longwater junction with the A47. 2.4.6 An assessment has been made of all the road junctions that HGVs will encounter plying the above route (to the extent that this was possible given the recent completion of the NDR). At no point was it concluded that any of these junctions were not able to accommodate the additional traffic that would result from the development, even when accounting for predicted traffic growth for 2026. 2.4.7 Accident figures were also reviewed and revealed that there were relatively few accidents, none involving HGVs and
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
classed as serious. As a result, it has been concluded there is unlikely to be a significant environmental impact due to traffic. 2.4.8 It is recognised that the unclassified road network near the application site would not be suite for use as through routes for traffic of the scale and nature proposed, hence the routes proposed in paragraphs 2.4.3 and 4 above. To allow the Council to enforce these routes the Company is prepared to enter into a legal agreement which will provide the Council with the ability to act against the Company if these routes are not adhered to. 2.5 Land Use 2.5.1 Land use within the application area is as follows: -
Land Use Area (ha)
Felled Woodland 13
Quarry 4.3
Metalled Access Road 0.34
Unsurfaced Access Road 0.09
Total 17.7
2.5.2 No mitigation measures are felt necessary as no detrimental impacts have been identified. The restoration proposed, illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2, once fully realised, will result in a positive impact as result of improved biodiversity (discussed in Section 2.6 below). 2.6 Flora and Fauna (see drawing no. 17_C013_ATB_004) 2.6.1 The Company has commissioned an independent assessment of the ecological value of the application site in 2017. A ‗desk based‘ assessment methodology identified: - A part of Triumph & Foxborrow Plantation, a non statutory County Wildlife Site (CWS) (3.05 hectares out of a total of 54 hectares), lies within the application site; A part of Mileplain Plantation a Planted Ancient Woodland Site or PAWS (0.27 hectares or 1% of the whole PAWS) (PAWS are ancient woodland sites where the semi-natural woodland has been replaced by plantation), lies within the application site; The application site contains almost 2 hectares of Lowland Heath and Dry Acid Grassland, which is a
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
UK and local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitat; That there was a reasonable likelihood of slow worms, adders, common lizards and grass snakes occurring on site. Given this, and the fact that all these species are legally protected, a reptile survey was considered necessary and was commissioned; One tree within the application site was considered a potential bat roost site. This tree was also surveyed, therefore; It was concluded that three species were reasonably likely to would use the site for foraging, and a further two had the potential to do so. As such, and given the extent of their legal protection, bats would also need to be considered as part of the EIA. 2.6.2 Although containing 3.05 hectares of the Triumph & Foxburrow CWS, that part of the CWS within the site does not contain any of the habitats for which it has been designated. Similarly, that part of the Mileplain Plantation PAWS that lies within the site does not contain any of the habitats for which it been designated either. As such the impact on both designated sites was not considered significant. 2.6.3 The Lowland Heath and Dry Acid Grassland habitat will be lost as part of the development. This predicted loss is significant and warrants measures to either mitigate or compensate for it. 2.6.4 Reptiles were found on site during the commissioned survey and much of their habitat will be lost because of quarrying. It is necessary both to mitigate/compensate against this lost and to protect the individual animals present on site as they are subject to a degree of legal protection. 2.6.5 The tree identified as a potential bat roost was felled immediately after the survey confirmed it was not actually in use as such so no impact is predicted. 2.6.6 The restoration scheme illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 has been specifically designed to compensate for the loss of the habitats identified in paragraph 2.6.3 and to enhance the habitat value compared to that which existing currently. Its full implementation will result in the following positive impacts: - The creation of 14.09 hectares of Lowland Heath and Dry Acid Grassland habitat, an increase of 612% compared to the existing situation; An increase in potential habitat for slow worms and grass snakes and common lizards of 465% and 210% respectively. Although not found on site, it will also represent an increase of adder habitat of 258% when compared to the current situation;
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
No new bat roosts will be created but the restoration scheme incorporates 15.23 hectares of bat foraging habitat compared to 4.39 hectares currently present, and; Although not considered significant, the proposed restoration scheme will also result in a 173% increase in potential invertebrate habitat, a 350% increase in brown hare and hedgehog habitat and a significant increase in potential habitat for 10 bird species. 2.6.7 The Company has devised an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) which will provide a method for handling reptiles and nesting birds in such a way that the Company‘s legal obligations will be met and any impact on these species will be removed or reduced to an acceptable level. This Plan has been submitted to the Council as part of the planning application. 2.7 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology 2.7.1 The entire application site has been subject to woodland plantation for many years. Partly because of this it is not proposed that the site be restored to agricultural use. 2.7.2 Nevertheless, poor handing techniques can lead to soil damage which in turn can impact on the likely success of even a non agricultural restoration. As a result, it is proposed to: - Adopt a recognised soil handling technique proven to minimise soil structure damage; Restrict soil bund heights to 3 metres or less, and ensure they are given a convex profile to aid water shedding; Grass seed and maintain bunds for their lifetime to minimise erosion, and; Instruct all site staff as part of their site induction regards the location of soil bunds and the importance of them not being disturbed or driven over. 2.7.3 Through a combination of information provided by the British Geological Society and field investigations it has been proven that the site contains 545 000 tonnes of aggregate described as a gravelly sand through to a very cobbly hoggin. This material, once processed, is suitable for the manufacture of concreting aggregate. 2.7.4 Whilst quarrying this material could lead to impacts, these are documented both in the preceding and following sections. No impacts specific to the geological environment have been identified, so no mitigation measures have been proposed.
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
2.7.5 The application site lies within a secondary aquifer (a layer of permeable rock, sand, or gravel through which ground water flows, containing enough water to supply wells and springs), but above a Principle Aquifer that is comprises of chalk. The development has the potential to impact on groundwater as follows: - Inadvertent or malicious spillage of oils or fuels. 2.7.6 It was felt unlikely that the quarry would have direct impact on the chalk aquifer as during the course of investigatory drilling it was determined that it lies at least 20 metres below the proposed base of the quarry 2.7.7 It is proposed to tackle that identified by paragraph 2.7.5 as follows: - Oils and fuels will be kept in bunded tanks that even were the tank to completely fail, its entire contents will be retained within the bund and will not escape into the aquifer. Sorbent kits will be retained on site and staff trained in their use of fuels or oils are released as a result of an accident in the quarry. After use any contaminated materials will be disposed of off-site in accordance with best practice; 2.8 Water (Hydrology) 2.8.1 The Company has commissioned a flood risk assessment (FRA) for the proposed development. The site lies within Flood Zone 1 as defined by the Environment Agency. This means the risk of flooding from a surface water feature is considered minimal. 2.8.2 No flood defences, flood storage areas or records of any flood events have been identified within 250 metres of the application site. It is also considered to be at minimal risk of groundwater flooding due to the depth below the surface at which groundwater lies (see paragraph 2.7.6 above). 2.8.3 Surface water (pluvial) flooding is usually associated with extreme rainfall events but may also occur when rain falls on land that is already saturated or has a low permeability. Rainfall that is unable to infiltrate into the ground generates overland flow which can lead to flooding or ‗ponding‘ in localised topographical depressions before the runoff is able to enter the drainage system or infiltrate to ground. There are areas within 50 metres of the application site identified as at significant risk of pluvial flooding (defined as being affected by surface water flooding in a 1 in 75 year rainfall event to a depth of greater than 0.1 metres). 2.8.4 Flood Zone 1 is an appropriate location for development of the nature proposed. All the local residential properties identified
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
apart from Keeper‘s Cottage lie at a lower elevation that then site, but because quarrying involves creating a void at a lower level rainfall will be directed into the quarry and away from the properties, reducing flood risk. 2.8.5 In the turn it has been calculated that the void created by quarrying will easily accommodate the volume of surface water run off predicted, even accounting for climate change. 2.9 Air and Climate 2.9.1 The proposed development will require the retention for an additional 4 to 6 years of a number of sources of emissions in the form of mobile and fixed plant. In assessing this it is not considered that the retention of plant is significant in the context of overall air quality. This conclusion has been reached on the basis that no air quality issues relating to the continued presence of the development have been identified 2.9.2 It is possible that the development could result in dust escaping beyond its perimeter (fugitive dust). The main sources of dust are as follows:- Soil and overburden stripping, handling and placement; Extraction of sand and gravel; haul roads; wind action on stockpiles of processed material, operation of the processing plant, and; loading and unloading of dumpers and aggregate delivery vehicles. 2.9.3 To mitigate the above the following measures will be adopted, many of them derived from the currently approved dust monitoring scheme: - access to a tractor and bowser at all times to be used to dowse any source of fugitive dust; instructing all plant drivers as part of their site induction to adhere to site speed limits and report to site management any issues regards dust being liberated as a result on internal site haulage; Establishing a site speed limit of 10 mph; Ensuring all mobile plant are not equipped with downward facing exhausts; In addition, in unfavourable conditions, such as high winds, soil stripping and replacement, and the unloading, transportation and placement of restoration material or chalk will be suspended if it is evident that fugitive dust is escaping the site boundary. Such conditions will be assessed by the site manager visually, and;
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Drop heights from excavator to dumper body will be minimised to reduce the velocity of the overburden, minimising dust release. 2.9.4 The Company proposes to implement a dust control plan for the life of the quarry and has submitted this as part of the application. With the implementation of this plan no health impacts resulting from fugitive dust have been identified by the EIA. 2.10 Material Assets/Cultural Heritage 2.10.1 An appraisal of the potential impact of the proposed development on cultural heritage issues has been commissioned and had identified no statutory heritage designations in the application site‘s vicinity. It did, however, identify 29 sites recorded on the Norfolk Historic Environment Record within 1km of the site. 2.10.2 It is thought likely that any archaeological remains within the extraction area will be undesignated assets of low to medium value, possibly relating to prehistoric activity. Remains may be present within the site, especially given the current and probable historical use of the land. Parts of the woodland are probably of post-medieval date, most likely having been planted in the later 18th century. Much of the central part of the site (within Phases 1-4) was open in the post-medieval period, with one of the fields laid down to arable farming and one to pasture. Prior to the post-medieval wooding of this area it is likely that some, if not all of the site was heathland and although exploited throughout the medieval period, settlement would not have taken place here. The introduction of woodland planting to the area is likely to have had an adverse effect on earlier sub-surface archaeological deposits, as may the piecemeal clearing and altering of the landscape which appears to have occurred periodically. 12.11 The site has been classified as ‗low to medium‘ so far as archaeological potential is concerned. On the available evidence the principal potential for archaeological remains being present is seen as the prehistoric. 12.12 When considering planning application no. C/5/2013/5013 the County Council‘s Historic Environment Officer did not recommend any further archaeological works based on the findings of the same desk top evaluation. The Company is of the view that there has been no material change in circumstances with regard to this aspect of the development proposed compared to that previously considered, and that as such no further mitigation measures are required.
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
2.11 Landscape & Visual 2.11.1 The Company has undertaken a comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) of the proposed development. The site is not subject to any landscape quality based designations. 2.11.2 The core of a LVIA is to determine how visible a development is. To do this five viewpoints have been chosen as representing views available to a number of visual receptors. Using an accepted methodology, the LVIA attempted to quantify the visual impact of the development using the range Minor/Negligible (low) to Major (high). It also split how it rated visual impact into two parts, during the undertaking of the restoration scheme and ten years after it had been constructed and restored. 2.11.3 The Significance of Effects of undertaking the development itself has been assessed as Minor – Moderate adverse. While there would be limited effects on landscape character, these would be very local in nature, of little note and would not affect the character of the wider surrounding area. This is because the site is largely surrounded by plantation woodland and is not readily visible from outside the site boundary. 2.11.4 With regard to 10 years after restoration has been completed, the Significance of Effects has been assessed as Negligible beneficial. The character of the Site would be similar to existing: with open, gently undulating heathy grassland including some areas of naturally regenerated vegetation. Improved management would have helped the land develop well, provide benefits to nature conservation and integrate successfully with the boundary woodland. 2.11.5 As such no specific mitigation measures are proposed, but intrinsic to the restoration scheme illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 are a number of good practice features, including:- Proposing a final restoration landform that seeks to blend into the surrounding landscape; The prior stripping, storage and reuse of soils; The adoption of MAFF Good Practice Guidance for the handling and storage of soils; The proposed net gain of 12.11 hectares of UK BAP Priority Habitat resulting from the implementation of the restoration scheme illustrated by drawing no. P2/975/12/2 (see also Table 21 within Appendix C), and; Restoring the site in a progressive manner as quarrying progresses, minimizing the extent of the site that is subject to disturbance at any one time
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
2.12 Main Alternatives 2.12.1 Previous planning permissions have proposed that the sand and gravel quarried from the application site be hauled in its ‗as raised‘ state to Costessey Quarry for processing into a range of aggregate products. This option has been rejected as financially unviable, although this may change in the lifetime of the proposed development dependant on market conditions. 2.12.2 Both wet and dry processing plants were considered by the Company. It has been decided at this time to progress with the dry option as the Environment Agency have advised that it would be unlikely that an abstraction permit would be granted for the groundwater abstraction required for a wet processing plant, and other options are not currently financially viable. 2.12.3 The characteristics of the development are such no vulnerabilities to a major accident of disaster as defined by the Directive have been identified. 2.13 Community Involvement 2.13.1 A meeting was held between CEMEX representatives and Attlebridge Parish Councillors on the 23rd March in order for the Company to be able to outline its future intensions regards Attlebridge Quarry and give Parish councillors to question the Company regards the same. 3.0 CONCLUSIONS 3.1 The Environmental Statement examines a series of issues that were identified by the Environmental Impact Assessment of have a likely significant impact on the environment. It was concluded that although a number of potentially significant impacts may occur, these could be mitigated to the point of insignificance by the adoption and implementation of mitigation measures. 3.2 The Assessment identified a number of potentially materially significant environmental impacts that could result from the proposed development. These are:- The potential for increased levels of noise experienced at Kirkwood/Redcroft as a result of the development of Phase 2 of the quarry; The proposed development is predicted to result in the loss of 1 UK and Local BAP Priority Habitat and reptile habitats. A survey found a number of reptiles, including slow worms, on site. The represents a likely significant effect in Environmental Assessment terms; The potential for the soil resource within the site to be damaged as a result of being stripped and stored,
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
in turn potentially leading to a decrease in restoration quality; The possibility of fuels and lubricants being released either into the surface or ground water environment and entering the water table, and; A risk of fugitive dust escaping the site boundaries. It is recognised that without mitigation the development would result in the likely occurrence of materially significant impacts. 3.3 In response the above a series of mitigation measures have been devised that seek to reduce the scale of the potential impacts identified above to levels where they cease to be material or are compensated for. These measures consist of: - the construction of a 3 metre high soil bund prior to quarrying being closer than 150 metres from Kirkwood or Redcroft; adopting the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries‘ guidance regards the handling of soils; implement a Ecological Management Plan (EMP); creating through the implementation of the restoration scheme replacement habitats in much greater abundance than that currently available within the site having an emergency protocol in place to contain the release of fuels etc., whether this be accidental or deliberate and; implementing a dust control scheme that will ensure that dust is not emitted beyond the site boundary. 3.4 It is the Company‘s belief that the Environmental Impact Assessment to which this Environmental Statement relates has identified all likely significant detrimental impacts that may result from the proposed development. In addition, it is considered that the development as proposed accords with all relevant Development Plan policy considerations (see the accompanying Supporting Statement).
ATTLEBRIDGE QUARRY, REEPHAM ROAD, ATTLEBRIDGE, NORWICH APRIL 2018 PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL PART 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (VOLUME 3) NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
SCHEDULE OF DRAWINGS Drawing Number 17_C013_ATB_001 Location Plan 17_C013_ATB_002 Site Plan 17_C013_ATB_003 Potentially Environmentally Sensitive Receptors 17_C013_ATB_004 Nature Conservation 17_C013_ATTL_101 Current Topographical Survey 17_C013_ATTL_102 End of Phase 1 17_C013_ATTL_103 End of Phase 2 17_C013_ATTL_104 End of Phase 3 17_C013_ATTL_105 End of Phase 4 17_C013_ATTL_106 End of Phase 5 17_C013_ATTL_107 Restoration Landform P2/975/12/2 Final Restoration Scheme