NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY 14

14.0 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTENTS

Non technical summary ...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Site Setting and Description ...... 2 Proposed Development ...... 3 Planning Policy ...... 4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ...... 5 Restoration ...... 6 Soils ...... 7 Air Quality ...... 7 Ecology ...... 8 Noise...... 9 Transport ...... 10 Hydrology and Hydrogeology...... 10 Cultural Heritage...... 11

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY 14

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Introduction

14.1 Aggregate Industries operate Quarry, an established Sand and Gravel quarry in which has been operational since November 2001. Aggregate Industries propose to extend the existing quarry in a north westerly direction over an area of some 9.3 hectares to release approximately 200,000 tons of high quality sand and gravel.

14.2 Following extraction of the available mineral, overburden from within the proposed extension site would be used to infill the quarry void in order to restore the site to a cricket pitch and a small area of agricultural land. As a result, this proposed north westerly extension is referred to by many as the ‘cricket pitch’ extension.

14.3 Staffordshire County Council have determined that the application to extend the quarry should be accompanied by an Environmental Statement and provided a Scoping Opinion dated 23rd July 2008 following the initial submission of a planning statement in April 2008.

14.4 Consequently, SLR Consulting has been instructed by Aggregate Industries to produce an Environmental Statement to address the issues raised by Staffordshire County Council in their Scoping Opinion from July 2008.

14.5 The proposed quarry extension would provide further mineral reserves for the operation of the quarry over a six month period. Mineral extraction in the proposed extension area would take place following depletion of mineral reserves within the main quarry, and would serve as an operational area whilst planning permission is sought for a larger northerly extension referred to as the ‘Dove’ extension.

14.6 The existing quarry operation currently covers an area of some 100 hectares, of which some 60 hectares are the subject of mineral extraction which operates at an output capacity of 400,000 tonnes per annum. The proposed extension covers an area of some 9.3 hectares, and would contain mineral reserves in the region of 200,000 tonnes. This extension is therefore relatively small in comparison to the currently permitted mineral extraction operation.

14.7 The proposed extension of the existing quarry operation would maintain a supply of high quality sand and gravel as well as retaining 9 full time and 2 part time employees at Uttoxeter Quarry the quarry is a significant contributor to the local economy and other direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is estimated that the quarry contributes in excess of £750,000 to the local economy each year.

14.8 This Environmental Statement is submitted on behalf of the applicant Aggregate Industries UK Limited, part of Aggregate Industries Limited an international aggregates, construction and building materials group and a member of Holcim Limited. Holcim is on of the world’s leading suppliers of

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cement, aggregates, concrete and construction related services with operations in 70 countries on all continents.

Site Setting and Description

The Application Site

14.9 The application site covers an area of some 9.3hectares and extends across two agricultural fields bisected by a track running in an east westerly direction. The site also incorporates a small part of an adjacent field along the western boundary and it is this area that would be utilised for soil storage during the proposed operation. The application site is centred on grid reference SK094355 and it’s location is shown on Drawing 1870/103A.

14.10 The land within the application site is relatively flat, lying at an elevation between 80-82mAOD. There are no watercourses passing through the application site it’s self, however the southern extent of the site is marked by a tributary of the River Tean. The Northern and north eastern extent of the application site is marked by existing ditches, whilst part of the western boundary is marked by a public footpath and hedgerow field boundary.

The Surrounding Area

14.11 The site is separated from the existing quarry by the northern arm of the River Tean. The existing quarry operation is situated to the south east of the application site. The existing plant site, which would be used to process sand and gravel extracted from the extension site is situated adjacent to the south western side of the application site. Along the north and north east sides, the application site is bordered by fields. A small coppice of trees is present along the north eastern side of the application site. Drawing 1870/111 shows the extent of the application site within the ownership boundary and it’s surrounding environ.

14.12 In terms of residential properties the nearest privately owned dwelling is Riversmede, a single residential property which is located approximately 120 metres to the west of the application site along the B5030. Spath Farmhouse and Spath Cottage are also situated along the B5030 and these properties lay approximately 210 and 280 metres to the south west of the application site respectively.

14.13 Further afield a second property also known as Spath Farm is situated on the opposite side of the B5030 some 525metres to the south west of the application site. A residential property known as Leasows Farm is situated some 315metres to the south of the application site. This property is situated along the southern side of the existing quarry operation and so is separated from the application site by the existing quarry operation.

14.14 With regards to the existing quarry operation, Sand and Gravel extraction is currently taking place in an area to the south east of the application site. The currently permitted area of mineral extract spans an area of some 60hectares.

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14.15 The existing plant site would be utilised to process minerals arising from the proposed extension site and this is situated immediately to the west of the application site. Access into Uttoxeter Quarry is gained from the B5030 via a dedicated haul road. This haul road swings around Spath Farm which is enclosed by a landscaped bund which screens views of the quarry from the Farm.

14.16 The general area surrounding the application site is rural in nature. The land comprises of fields with vegetated boundaries. The topography of this land varies slightly to produce slightly undulating hills.

Proposed Development

14.17 The development proposal is an extension to Uttoxeter Quarry to extract approximately 200,000 tonnes of sand and gravel with restoration to a community recreational use (cricket ground facility) using indigenous soils/overburden.

14.18 The Applicant is currently in discussions with Uttoxeter Cricket Club regarding the establishment of a new cricket ground facility on land owned by Aggregate Industries at Uttoxeter Quarry. This new facility would replace the Club’s existing facility adjacent to Uttoxeter Racecourse which has been identified for future re-development.

14.19 It is proposed that the extension would be worked in four phases, with the first phase of extraction works taking place in the north west of the site and progressing in a clockwise direction through the application site. Drawing 1870/104B shows the proposed phasing for mineral extraction and restorations works within the application site.

14.20 Drawing 1870/112 also shows the proposed phasing and soils movements between phases and storage area present in an area along the western edge of the application site. The proposed soil storage would take place in an existing field which would be returned to a farming use rather than a recreational afteruse. The soils storage bund would provide visual and acoustic screening for the proposed extension. Details of soils, overburden quantities arising from each phase of the proposed extension area also shown on Drawing 1870/112.

14.21 The proposed quarry extension area would be worked as a separate void accessed from a new access point and haul road created in the south west corner of the site.

14.22 The proposed extension area would be worked using an excavator at the face with mineral being loaded onto articulated dumpers to transport the mineral back to the processing plant via the haul route shown on Plan no. 1870/104B.

14.23 As the site would be progressively stripped, extracted and restored the overall timescale for the development is approximately 9-12 months. The Phase 1 soils/overburden strip operation would take around 3-4 weeks thereafter soils stripping, mineral extraction and restoration works would be

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on a phases basis over 6 months with a further 2-5 months to complete restoration, grass seeding and hedgerow planting works.

14.24 There are numerous benefits to the proposed development including:

• A proven high quality sand and gravel reserve of approximately 200,000 saleable tonnes; • the sand and gravel reserves can be worked without any unacceptable environmental impacts or where environmental impacts have been identified these can be adequately mitigated. • The quarry benefits from a direct access onto the B5030 in close proximity to the strategic road network. • The proposed after use would provide a long term home for Uttoxeter Cricket Club or an alternative recreational facility for the benefit of the local community.

Planning Policy

14.25 Within section 4 of the Environmental Statement consideration is given to the proposed development in light of the current national, regional and local planning policy.

14.26 National planning policy comprises of the Minerals Planning Statements (MPS) 1 and 2. Regional Planning Policy takes the form of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the area.

14.27 At County level the saved policies within the Minerals Development Plan Documents such as the Mineral Local Plan and Structure Plan have been considered, as well as any policies within the forthcoming Minerals Development Framework such as the Minerals Core Strategy. Finally, District Local Plans have also been considered.

14.28 The Mineral Planning Authority (MPA) for the Staffordshire area comprises of Staffordshire County Council and the Stoke on Trent City Council. The MPA is responsible for determining mineral planning applications in accordance with the current Development Plan. With regards to Regional, County and Local level minerals planning policy was consulted as outlined below;

• Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the (June 2004); • Saved policies within the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan (May 2001); • Saved policies within the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Minerals Local Plan; • Local Plan (July 2006); • Forthcoming Local Development Framework Policies.

14.29 The planning policy section of the environmental statement found that the proposed development broadly accords with national, regional and local planning policy. With regards to national planning policy, MPS 1 outlines that minerals are essential to the nations prosperity and that an adequate and steady supply of minerals should be made available. In accordance with the

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aims of MPS 1 the application site is not situated within an area designated as an AONB or other European designation.

14.30 MPS 2 concerns the environmental effects of mineral extraction in . Again, the development proposals accord with overarching aims of this planning policy document. Technical assessments have been carried out to consider the potential for the development to impact on the surrounding environment. A wide range of assessments have been carried out in accordance with the Scoping Opinion provided by Staffordshire County Council. The Methodology and findings of the assessments can be read in more detail in their dedicated section of the Environmental Statement, however with the implementation of mitigation measures the operation of the quarry would have no or little impact on the surrounding area.

14.31 Following a review, the proposed development was also found to accord with regional planning policy in that the development would retain a number of direct and indirect employment roles. The proposals also accord with the policies within the RSS relating to the environment.

14.32 County level planning policy produced by Staffordshire County Council and Stoke City Council as the Mineral Planning Authority comprises of the saved Minerals Local Plan, the Structure Plan and the forthcoming Minerals Development Framework.

14.33 The proposed development was found to accord with those saved policies within the Structure Plan that are relevant to the quarry extension. The saved policies within the Minerals Local Plan are more relevant to the proposed development. In accordance with these saved policies, there was found to be a need for Sand and Gravel to supplement the existing landbank, whilst the proposals also made provision for the restoration of the application site.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

14.34 A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the proposed development was carried out in January 2008 by Bowman Planton Ltd on behalf of Aggregate Industries.

14.35 This LVIA was included in the planning application to Staffordshire County Council in April 2008. Following receipt of the planning application, Staffordshire County Council determined that the application for the extension of Uttoxeter Quarry should be accompanied by an EIA. Subsequently Staffordshire County Council provided a scoping opinion (dated 23 July 2008) outlining the extent of the technical assessment included within the EIA.

14.36 The Scoping Opinion provided by Staffordshire County Council in July 2008 considered that the LVIA included previously submitted as part of the planning application in April was ‘a fair assessment’. The scoping opinion agrees with the findings of the LVIA, ‘that there would be substantial significant impact during the operations but following restoration there would be no impact is reasonable. The working phase will be for less than a year therefore the detrimental effects will be for a limited period’.

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14.37 The comments provided in the scoping opinion find that the Landscape and Visual Impact to be a fair and reasonable assessment. It is therefore considered that the LVIA is acceptable as it currently stands. Therefore, no changes or alterations have been made to the LVIA produced in January 2008 by Bowman Planton Ltd. The LVIA has been included in the Environmental Statement as appendix 5/1 for consideration.

Restoration

General

14.40 Following completion of the mineral extraction operation the extension site would be restored to a recreational facility. Overburden and soils arising from within Uttoxeter Quarry would be used to infill the void resulting from mineral extraction within the extension area. The restoration would return the ground levels in the extension area to a similar level as before the mineral extraction took place.

14.41 The applicant proposes that the extension site be used for recreational purposes and used by a local cricket club as a cricket pitch and facilities. Further information is provided below regarding the manner in which restoration would be undertaken at the proposed extension.

Restoration Scheme

14.42 The proposed restoration scheme for the site is shown on Drawing 1870/105C and restoration sections are shown on Drawing 1870/113. These drawings show how the application site would compliment the approved restoration plan for the quarry under Planning Permission referenced ES.05/13/52M.

14.43 The site would be backfilled using a combination of overburden and surplus soils currently stored in the existing quarry (Phase 12). A table detailing restoration material sources and destinations is show on Drawing 1870/104B.

14.44 The pasture field in the North West corner of the application site used for soil storage would be reinstated to agricultural land. Topsoil stripped from the subsoils storage area would reinstated and the area re-seeded with an appropriate agricultural seed mix.

14.45 As the site would be progressively stripped, extracted and restored the overall timescale for the development is approximately 9-12 months. The Phase 1 soils/overburden strip operation would take around 3-4 weeks thereafter soils stripping, mineral extraction and restoration works would be on a phases basis over 6 months with a further 2-5 months to complete restoration, grass seeding and hedgerow planting works.

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Soils

14.46 A report has been compiled by Land Research Associates Ltd (LRA) regarding the soil resources and the land within the application site for the proposed extension to Uttoxeter Quarry.

14.47 The agricultural quality of the soils within the application site were determined using existing mapping as well as a soils survey. In order to characterise the soil resources within the site, a survey was carried out during October 2007. Soils were inspected using a mixture of pits and augerings.

14.48 The main findings of the report were that the soils within the application site are of good agricultural quality (grades 2 - 3a) which is classed as best and most versatile land. However, the LRA report also acknowledges that ‘Careful reinstatement as a cricket field will retain it’s agricultural potential as a best and most versatile land.’ and the report makes some recommendations for the reinstatement of the topsoils at the site following completion of the mineral extraction works.

14.49 The full details and findings of the Soil Resource report produced by Land Research Associates for this proposed extension is included within Appendix 7/1 of the Environmental Statement

Air Quality

14.50 The potential impacts arising from the extraction of sand and gravel at the proposed north western extension area at Uttoxeter Quarry has been considered in a report produced by Advance and Environmental, and also a report by SLR Consulting Ltd. 14.51 The report produced by Advance Environmental considers the potential for dust impacts arising from mineral extraction and the associated ancilliary development. This report found that the potential for fugitive dust emissions arising from the excavation of sand and gravel in the proposed north western extension of Uttoxeter Quarry would be minimal due to the high moisture content of the excavated mineral. 14.52 Advance Environmental found that the creation of a screening mound along the western side of the site, and trafficking of HGV’s along the access route into the site have the greatest potential to cause dust. However it was considered that mitigation measures would be sufficient to control dust arising from both of these processes. 14.53 In response to the Scoping Opinion received for the proposed extension received from Staffordshire County Council some further work was carried out by SLR Consulting to assess the potential impacts for deposited dust arising from the proposed activities at the north western extension area. Due to the close proximity of dust sensitive receptors to the application site, assessment for deposited dust progressed onto a Tier 2 assessment.

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14.54 A risk screening impact assessment was undertaken for dust generating activities within the north western extension area taking into account the distance from the emission source and local meteorological conditions. The predicted dust impact from the proposed north western extension area at all receptors was considered to be acceptable or insignificant. 14.55 The mitigation measures proposed for control of dust emissions from onsite operations would further reduce the potential impact from dust at surrounding receptors. The assessment found that once additional mitigation measures are taken into account the residual impacts from the proposed activities are considered to be insignificant at all receptor locations. 14.56 All potential dust impacts from the proposed development are considered to be reversible i.e. the risk of impact would cease on completion of the quarrying and restoration of the area. The impacts are considered to be short term (reflecting the proposed 6 month phased extraction) with no significant impacts on local air quality from the proposed development.

Ecology

14.57 SLR Consulting carried out an ecological impact assessment following guidelines published by IEEM (2006), to assess the likely effects upon flora and fauna for the continued development of the north western extension of Uttoxeter Quarry.

14.58 SLR Consulting undertook an ecological survey of the proposed extension to Uttoxeter Quarry and land immediately surrounding this application site during August 2008. The application site was surveyed using the extended Phase I methodology, as recommended by the former IEA and IEEM.

14.59 The application site comprises three fields of improved grassland, surrounded by hedgerows with scattered mature trees and dry ditches. The southern boundary is marked by a tributary of the River Tean, a corridor which is shaded by mature trees, scrub and semi-improved grassland.

14.60 Ecological evaluation has identified the following receptors of ecological importance within the site.

• River Tean Corridor; • species-rich hedgerow (TN 3); • bats; and • the breeding bird assemblage.

14.61 The habitat receptors have been identified for the range of functions they provide to fauna species as well as their inherent value as semi-natural habitats.

14.62 Preliminary impact assessment has identified a range of potential hazards, i.e. habitat loss, fragmentation, hydrological, dust, noise and visual impacts; that could result from the continued operation of the quarry. The ecological receptors have been assessed against these hazards to identify the likelihood of significant ecological effects.

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14.63 Ecological impact assessment has not identified any adverse effects upon statutory or non-statutory designated sites.

14.64 Mitigation measures have been devised to minimise the potential impacts upon habitats, birds and bats. Specific mitigation and avoidance measures have been outlined for breeding birds to ensure that there are no adverse effects upon these species during vegetation clearance.

14.65 The implementation of operational good practice with regard to dust suppression, protection of surface water, minimisation of noise and visual disturbance would ensure that there are no significant adverse effects upon flora and fauna associated with the site whilst the development is progressing and no residual impacts of the proposed development have been highlighted.

Noise

14.66 An assessment has been carried out by SLR Consulting to consider the potential for the proposed extension to give rise to noise impacts at the nearest noise-sensitive properties to the application site. This assessment was carried out with reference to British Standard BS5228: 1997 and the requirements within.

14.67 The existing planning permission includes a condition relating to noise which sets out that a noise limit of 55dB LAeq,1hr free-field at several properties surrounding the site including Riversmede to the west of the proposed extension.

14.68 Operational noise effects associated with the development were anticipated to include:

• soil stripping, overburden handling and screen mound construction; • minerals extraction; and • transportation of extracted mineral to the plant site.

14.69 The predicted noise levels produced by operations associated with the proposed development have been calculated using the methodology contained in BS5228. Calculations have been undertaken using the proprietary noise modelling software CADNA/A.

14.70 Section 10 of the Environmental Statement provides the predicted noise levels at noise sensitive properties around the application site for each separate operation that would take place within the extensions site i.e. soils stripping, mineral extraction, and the cumulative effects of both operations.

14.71 The noise assessment has found that noise levels from operations associated within the proposed extension would be well within the conditioned criterion of 55dB LAeq,1hr at all locations assessed. The assessment also found that mitigation measures, above and beyond those included as part of the proposals, are considered unnecessary.

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Transport

14.72 SLR Consulting have produced a Transport Statement to be included within the Environmental Statement to consider the potential for the proposed development to impact on the local road and transportation network.

14.73 Access to Uttoxeter Quarry is gained via an existing access situated along the B5030 and is the only access available into the quarry site. Sand and Gravel extracted at the Quarry site is exported by HGV, the current sand and gravel output rate would be continued should planning permission for the North Western extension be granted. To this extent, vehicle movements to and from Uttoxeter Quarry would remain the same as per the current situation.

14.74 The proposed extension would prolong quarrying operations for a further 6 months when the current planning permissions expire in 2013. However, the development proposals would not generate additional traffic levels when compared to the existing situation.

14.75 Capacity tests undertaken on the A50 / B5030 roundabout junction, demonstrate the junction would operate adequately in the future situation and the development proposals would have no impact on capacity.

14.76 A review of traffic-related environmental issues has concluded that the development proposals would not have a material impact on the surrounding environment.

14.77 In overall terms, it was concluded that the development proposals would have no impact in terms of transportation and highways.

Hydrology and Hydrogeology

14.78 Section 12 of the Environmental Statement considers the current (baseline) hydrological and hydrogeological setting of the application site and surrounding area (up to 1km radius around the site boundary). It also includes an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the hydrological and hydrogeological regimes, should no mitigation measures be employed as part of the development.

14.79 Appropriate mitigation measures are then proposed and the potential residual impacts assessed, in order to confirm that the proposed development would not have any significant negative impacts on the hydrological and hydrogeological conditions.

14.80 The approach applied to the impact assessment was a qualitative risk assessment methodology, in which the probability of an impact occurring and the magnitude of the impact, if it were to occur, were considered. This approach provides a mechanism for identifying the areas where mitigation measures are required, and for identifying mitigation measures appropriate to

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the risk presented by the development. This approach allows effort to be focused on reducing risk where the greatest benefit may result.

14.81 The baseline groundwater and surface water regimes at the application site have been assessed and the qualitative risk assessment found that the potential impacts of the proposed development upon the hydrogeological and hydrological environments have been identified and assessed, and where appropriate, mitigation measures have been accommodated into the design of the proposed development.

14.82 It is recommended that all aspects of the proposed operation at the site are in accordance with best practice guidance.

14.83 Overall, it was concluded that, with respect to groundwater and surface water, there are no significant residual impacts of the development after consideration of the identified mitigation measures.

Cultural Heritage

14.84 Section 14 of the Environmental Statement considers the cultural heritage potential in the area of the proposed North Western Extension of Uttoxeter Quarry. A baseline assessment of the proposed extension area was carried out by SLR Consulting in light of the Scoping Opinion received from Staffordshire County Council.

14.85 It was found that Uttoxeter Quarry lies within a significant historical area with the Roman fort and settlement of Rochester some 4km to the north. Later prehistoric activity in the form of earthworks dating to the Bronze Age and Iron Age are located close by. In addition, an Anglo-Saxon settlement is recorded in the neighbouring villages of Stramshall and Crakemarsh. The market town of Uttoxeter has its origins firmly dating to the early medieval period, with tenuous evidence dating to the Roman and Bronze Age periods.

14.86 Previous research, undertaken by Phoenix Consulting in 2008 which is included in appendix 13/1 has revealed remnants of a medieval cultivated field system in the form of ridge and furrow marks as well as a World War II pillbox.

14.87 As a result of this intensive prehistoric and early medieval activity the landscape surrounding the quarry could be considered archaeologically and historically complex and significant. As a result the Cultural Heritage chapter of the Environmental Statement makes suggestions for a walkover study prior to the commencement of works and recommends a staged mitigation strategy to enable the identification and recording of any features of archaeological importance. Should such features be identified as being present within the site, a watching brief could take place during the stripping of topsoils to check for the presence of important archaeological features.

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