Mick George Ltd for the Proposal to Extract 1.95 Million Tonnes of Limestone and Import a Similar Volume of Inert Fill to Achieve a Suitable Landform Upon Restoration

Ringstead Grange Quarry Ringstead, Northamptonshire

VOL I

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT (Written Text and Plans)

Proposals for Extraction of Limestone and Importation of Suitable Inert Fill

MARCH 2012

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

CONTENTS

Non-Technical Summary

1.Introduction ...... 1 1.1. Aims of the Environmental Statement ...... 1 1.2. Scoping Response ...... 2 1.3. Summary of Proposals ...... 2 1.4. Methodology Framework ...... 4 1.5. Planning History ...... 5 1.6. The Applicant Company ...... 7 1.7. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity ...... 8

2.Statement of Community Involvement ...... 10

3.Site and Environs ...... 15 3.1. General ...... 15 3.2. Landscape ...... 16 3.3. Noise ...... 17 3.4. Ecology ...... 18 3.5. Highways ...... 21 3.6. Soils ...... 22 3.7. Archaeology ...... 25 3.8. Hydrology/Hydrogeology ...... 26 3.9. Public Right of Way ...... 27 3.10. Geology ...... 28

4.Proposed Development ...... 29 4.1. General ...... 29 4.2. Working Proposals ...... 29 4.3. HGV Movements...... 36 4.4. Translocation of Hedgerows ...... 36 4.5. Mobile mineral processing plant and equipment ...... 37 4.6. Soils Handling, Management and Replacement ...... 37 4.7. Dust Suppression ...... 39 4.8. Imported Material ...... 41 4.9. Management of Surface Water ...... 42 4.10. Hours of Operation ...... 43 4.11. Lighting ...... 43 4.12. Wheelwash ...... 43 4.13. Fuel Storage ...... 44 4.14. Community Liaison ...... 44

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

5.Design Statement and Restoration Scheme ...... 45 5.1. Objectives and Restoration Concept ...... 45 5.2. Restoration Features ...... 45 5.3. Aftercare ...... 50

6.Environmental Considerations ...... 53 6.1. Introduction ...... 53 6.2. Nature Conservation ...... 53 6.3. Hydrology and Hydrogeology ...... 55 6.4. Air Quality ...... 58 6.5. Noise ...... 63 6.6. Highways ...... 65 6.7. Landscape and Visual Impact ...... 66 6.8. Archaeology ...... 67 6.9. Soils ...... 69 6.10. Cumulative Impact ...... 69

7.Summary and Conclusions ...... 71 7.1. Summary ...... 71 7.2. Overall Conclusion ...... 73

Plans Drg No R15/01 - Location Plan (1:25,000 - A3) Drg No R15/02 - Existing Situation Plan (1:5,000 - A3) Drg No R15/03 - Working Scheme (1:5,000 - A3) Drg No R15/04 - Concept Restoration Plan (1:5,000 - A3) Drg No R15/05 - Indicative Phasing Plans (A2)

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

TECHNICAL REPORTS (VOL II)

ANNEXURE 1 Scoping Opinion Request (MGL 11th October 2011)

Scoping Opinion (Northamptonshire County Council 6th December)

ANNEXURE 2 Phase I Habitat and Protected Fauna Survey Including a Winter Bird Survey (Whitcher Wildlife Ltd)

ANNEXURE 3 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Crestwood Environmental)

ANNEXURE 4 Soils Assessment (Land Research Associates)

ANNEXURE 5 Archaeological Evaluation (Phoenix Consulting)

ANNEXURE 6 Noise Assessment (AEC Acoustics)

ANNEXURE 7 Transport Assessment (David Tucker Associates)

ANNEXURE 8 Hydrological and Hydrogeological Assessment (DAB Geotechnics)

ANNEXURE 9 Dust Action Plan

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Aims of the Environmental Statement

1.1.1. This Environmental Statement, as required by the Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2011 (EIA Regulations), accompanies the planning application submitted by Mick George Ltd for the proposal to extract 1.95 million tonnes of limestone and import a similar volume of inert fill to achieve a suitable landform upon restoration. Environmental Impact Assessment was first introduced into English law by regulations in 1988, though the original procedure was known as Environmental Assessment. The EIA Regulations, came into force in March 1999 and were one of the ways in which the European Commission Directive 98/11 (which amended Directive 85/337) was transposed into English law. The Regulations were amended in 2011 coming into force in August 2011.

1.1.2. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations integrate the EIA procedures into this existing framework of local authority control and these procedures provide a systematic method of assessing the environmental implications of developments that are likely to have significant effects. It is the task of the local planning authority to judge each planning application on its merits within the context of the development plan, taking account of all material considerations, including potential environmental impacts. EIA can help to identify the likely effects of a particular project at an early stage and this can produce improvements in the planning and design of the development and in decision-making.

1.1.3. The presentation of environmental information in a systematic way may also simplify the local planning authority’s task of appraising the application and drawing up appropriate planning conditions, enabling swifter decisions to be reached. The main objectives of this Statement are to identify and describe the existing environmental status of the land; to describe the proposed developments including the working method and restoration provisions, having full consideration of the size, scale and duration of various elements of the scheme; to identify any significant environmental effects of the development and, in the case of any effect, which may be perceived to be harmful, the measures which are proposed in order to ameliorate it; finally, a summary and conclusions are provided.

1.1.4. The Environmental Statement is contained in two volumes and is available for inspection at the offices of Northamptonshire County Council. Further copies of the Environmental Statement (i.e. both volumes) may be purchased at a combined cost of £165.00 (including postage and packaging) from: Miss K Howe Mick George Limited Second Drove Meadow Lane St Ives Cambridgeshire PE27 4YQ

1.1.5. The Environmental Statement (ES) is additionally accompanied by a Non-Technical Summary (NTS), the purpose of which is to ensure that the findings of the studies undertaken can more readily be disseminated to the general public and that the conclusions are easily understood by non- experts as well as decision makers. It is therefore essential that the NTS reflects in an accurate and balanced way the key information contained in the ES, describing all conclusions, and the facts and judgements on which they are based.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

1.2. Scoping Response

1.2.1. Scoping is the process of determining the content and extent of matters to be covered by the EIA and in the resulting Environmental Statement (ES). Whilst scoping is not mandatory for every application, the EIA Regulations provide a mechanism for developers to agree the extent of the EIA formally through the request for a “scoping opinion” where the developer asks the determining authority for its view on the technical information to be included in the ES.

1.2.2. Scoping seeks to ensure that the information provided in an ES addresses the key effects of the proposed development. Importantly, the scoping process should seek to discount, or “scope out,” those issues where significant effects are unlikely. The benefits are for local planning authorities to influence the ES in the early stages of preparation to ensure that specific concerns, based on local understanding, are properly addressed. It will identify primary concerns at an early stage in the process in order that appropriate surveys can be conducted, stakeholders consulted and methods agreed prior to submission of the application. For consultees, the Scoping will ensure that principal technical issues are addressed comprehensively resulting in a concise Environmental Statement focusing on the key areas of concern and one that should minimise the need to request further information, thereby accelerating the decision-making process.

1.2.3. A formal Scoping Opinion was sought in October 2011 and this was provided by the Northamptonshire County Council on 6th December 2011 following consultation with a range of consultees. Copies of the Scoping Request and subsequent responses are contained within Annexure 1 of this Environmental Statement. The County Council confirmed that the approach advocated by the applicant was considered appropriate and this generally concurred with the views of individual consultees dealing with technical issues.

1.2.4. In respect of amenity issues, the District Council’s Environmental Protection Officer emphasised the importance of a noise assessment and that a dust management/action plan would be essential as well as details of lighting provisions. A detailed landscape and visual impact assessment would be required as would a transport assessment which should, among other issues, consider the safety of pedestrians along the HGV route to the A45. With regard to nature conservation issues a Phase 1 habitat survey along with a winter bird survey would be required along with consideration given to opportunities for bio-diversity enhancement. Particular regard should be given to potential impacts upon the integrity of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA.

1.2.5. With regard to hydrology and hydrogeology, impacts are required to be considered and any submission should be accompanied by a flood risk assessment consistent with Planning Policy Statement 25. Soil resources should be appropriately considered along with soil handling techniques whilst cultural heritage should be assessed by way of geo-physical appraisals followed by trial trenching and subsequent analysis.

1.3. Summary of Proposals

1.3.1. The proposals involve the extraction and processing of 1,950,000 tonnes of limestone. The land will be infilled with 1,100,000m3 of inert material and progressively restored in a phased manner and operated to high environmental standards to ensure there is no material harm to the local amenity or local nature conservation interests. The proposals additionally include for the recycling of suitable imported inert fill to provide secondary aggregate plus the export of up to 12,000 tonnes per year of clay.

1.3.2. Following a Public Hearing in 2010 and the recommendations of an independent Inspector, the site has been identified within Northamptonshire County Councils Minerals and Waste Development Framework as a preferred site for limestone extraction (Policy M2). The submitted scheme provides the opportunity to supply secondary and recycled aggregates consistent with Policy CDM5 of the County Council’s Control and Management of Development DPD. A working design and restoration scheme has been prepared to ensure that the project is developed in an efficient and systematic manner and which seeks to maximise the recovery of this mineral resource and minimise any potential environmental impacts of the operation in accordance with other development plan policies, as well as landscape and biodiversity objectives of the County Council.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

1.3.3. As recognised by the Planning Inspectorate when considering the County’s MWDF in December 2010, the proposed operations are generally remote from residential dwellings and by implementing suitable environmental controls the local amenity of the limited number of individual properties around the site would be maintained. A working scheme has been prepared to ensure that the site is progressively worked and restored in an efficient and systematic manner, ensuring any potential environmental impacts of the operation are minimised. Unlike many hard rock quarries there is no proposal to establish a large permanent crushing and processing plant on site. Instead, smaller mobile equipment will be employed and will generally operate at the base of the quarry to further minimise noise and dust emissions and significantly reduce potential adverse visual impact. Moreover, unlike a previous proposal for the site, there are no requirements to blast on site; instead, hydraulic machines will break the material prior to being transported to the mobile processing plant.

1.3.4. A new site access and associated site infrastructure will be established onto Raunds Road (B663) and all HGV traffic apart from local deliveries will be routed to the A45 to the south and the Company will enter into a legally binding HGV routing agreement with the County Council to that effect. A public footpath (NR3) traverses the western sector of the site and will require temporary diversion around the north-western periphery of the development.

1.3.5. In order to achieve a beneficial restoration profile, suitable material will be imported on to site as soon as sufficient area becomes available. Such operations will be strictly controlled by the Environment Agency in accordance with the provisions of an Environmental Permit. A proportion of this imported material may be suitable for recycling into secondary aggregate, in which case it will be stockpiled at the base of the quarry and processed at regular intervals using the mobile mineral processing equipment on site.

1.3.6. The proposed restoration scheme has been drawn up having regard to maintaining the value of agricultural land whilst considering the findings of the landscape assessment drawing upon information provided in landscape character assessments and landscape policies applicable to the site. The restoration of the site will accordingly take on the typical character of the locality with agricultural fields, delineated by hedgerows combined with broadleaved woodland planting coupled with areas of permanent grassland.

Key Facts

Application Area 64.3 ha

Area of mineral extraction 51.9 ha

Volume of Limestone to be excavated 1,950,000 tonnes and processed

Volume of Imported Inert Material 1,100,000 m3

Quarry Working Hours Mon-Fri 0700 - 1800 hrs Sat 0700 - 1300 hrs

HGV Movements Mon - Fri 0600 - 1700 hrs Sat 0700 - 1300 hrs

Final Restoration 52.1 ha Agricultural land 8.6 ha Calcareous grassland 1.8 ha Woodland 1.2 ha Wetlands

Aftercare Management 5 years from completion of restoration

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

1.4. Methodology Framework

1.4.1. Various good practice guidance notes encourage the use of accepted methodologies for undertaking technical appraisals along with the expert opinion of the specific consultant employed. The following provides a brief summary of those methodologies employed as relevant to this Environmental Statement.

Hydrology/Hydrogeology

1.4.2. The hydrological and hydrogeological assessment has been undertaken by a consulting engineer and the format has previously proved acceptable to the regulatory authorities. The Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken fully in accordance with the methodology detailed within Annex E of Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25 – Development and Flood Risk) revised in 2010.

Archaeology (Assessment Methodology)

1.4.3. In response to specific requirements of the curatorial authority, a geo-physical survey was undertaken in October 2011 where the site was investigated by means of a recorded magnetometer survey. Targeted trial trench evaluation was undertaken in the January 2012. The remit of the trial trenching programme was discussed in detail with the Council Archaeological Officer. Trial trenches were excavated within the footprint of the identified geophysical readings that suggested the presence of possible ditches, enclosures, hut circles and other linear and pit-like features. Additional trenches were placed across the site to test apparently ‘blank’ areas.

Traffic (Highways)

1.4.4. A Transport Assessment has been prepared by independent highways consultants, David Tucker Associates and the appraisal conforms with good practise guidance in accordance with the Guidelines for the Transport Assessment, and the criteria set out in government circular 02/2007. The Assessment reviews existing highways conditions including personal injury accidents and appraises potential highway capacity and highway safety impacts.

Landscape And Visual Appraisal

1.4.5. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the proposed scheme has been conducted by independent consultants (Crestwood Environmental Ltd) encompassing the “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” (GLVIA) published by the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 2002, and “Landscape Character Assessment. Guidance for England and Scotland” (LCA) published by the Countryside Agency and Scottish National Heritage 2002. These documents do not provide a prescriptive approach to assessment but identify principles and good practice. The assessment of visual impact is based on field survey and interpretation of the extraction phase and completion of the scheme, taking account of any mitigating features identified. Views from residential properties and footpaths in the vicinity of the site have been considered.

1.4.6. The key steps in the methodology were as follows:  to describe the landscape character areas and types present in the area;  to identify significant landscape features that may be affected by the development proposals;  to identify key viewpoints and viewers likely to be affected by the proposals;  to predict the effect on landscape resources and character and on visual amenity;  to evaluate the significance of these impacts; and  to identify measures that will be taken to mitigate significant adverse impacts.

1.4.7. A clear distinction is drawn between impacts on landscape character and visual impacts. Landscape impacts relate to the effects of the proposals on the physical and aesthetic qualities of the landscape and its resulting character and quality, whereas visual impacts relate to the effects on views from visual receptors (e.g. locations where residents, employees, tourists etc. can view the scheme) and on the visual amenity experienced by those people.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Soils

1.4.8. The land has been classified in accordance with the Agricultural Land Classification (“ALC”) of England and Wales - revised guidelines and criteria for grading the quality of Agricultural Land (MAFF 1988). In view of the limitations to the interpretation of published reconnaissance maps, a detailed ALC survey has been carried out according to the ALC guidelines. The survey included soil auger sample points based on a regular 100m grid. During the survey, soils were examined by a combination of pits and augerings to a maximum depth of 1.2 m.

Ecology

1.4.9. A detailed assessment has been undertaken to determine the ecological value of the site, to identify possible ecological impacts from the proposed development. Ecological assessment was undertaken by use of a desktop study and a series of field surveys. The techniques used included a Phase 1 Habitat survey, (as recommended by Natural England) and a winter bird survey between November and February. Details on how the proposed development has the potential to impact upon the conservation objectives of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA/RAMSAR site are provided. Regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats and c.) Regulations enables the competent authority (in this case Northamptonshire County Council) to request information in order to decide whether the proposals will adversely affect the integrity of the SPA/RAMSAR, if so required.

Air Quality

1.4.10. An Air Quality assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the framework outlined in current guidance for minerals and related operations (i.e. MPS 2: Appendix C: Dust Assessment). A semi-qualitative assessment of the impacts of fugitive dust on potentially sensitive receptors has been undertaken taking into account meteorological data, topography, site activities, screening and proximity to receptors.

Noise

1.4.11. Predicted noise levels throughout the proposed operations have been calculated for noise sensitive properties using the procedures contained in the British Standard BS 5228 "Noise Control of Construction and Open Sites" as recommended in MPS2. Sites employ items of earthmoving machinery each generating a different level of noise Using plant sound power level (SWL) detailed in BS5228-2 : 2009 predictions have been made for the likely noise levels that will be experienced at the noise monitoring locations. Having regard to the above and the proposed phasing of site operations, it is possible to predict the most likely “worst case” noise scenario for each agreed location, although there is no requirement to assess "worst case" in any current or emerging guidance.

1.5. Planning History

1.5.1. In 1990, Steetley Quarry Products Limited, submitted a planning application (reference EN/90/516C) to Northamptonshire County Council for the proposed extraction of limestone with restoration back to agricultural, nature conservation and woodland. In view of its size, scale and nature, the Mineral Planning Authority requested that the planning application needed to be accompanied by an Environmental Assessment. The following information is a brief summary of the salient points of the 1990 Steetley Quarry Products planning application: Application Area: 63.4 hectares (156.5 acres) Estimated Reserves: 2.35 million tonnes Anticipated Output: 250,000 tonnes per annum Method of Working: By controlled blasting, crushing and screening plant

1.5.2. Neither the Highways Authority nor the County Archaeologist raised objections to the proposals, subject to Steetley entering into a legal agreement however, the report by the Director of Planning and Transportation of Northamptonshire County Council, dated of April 1991, to the Northamptonshire Environment Committee however stated that: “Some disturbance would result to human beings although this could largely be controlled by planning conditions. A more

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

significant effect would be upon the landscape which would have an un-natural appearance which is an inevitable consequence of most mineral extraction operations.” The report went on to conclude that: “There are currently significant amounts of limestone reserves with planning permission in the County, particularly when taking account of those relating to ironstone planning permissions. In the absence of a Limestone and related Local Plan with detailed policies and preferred areas of limestone extraction it is considered that the current planning application is premature and should be refused.”

1.5.3. The Director of Planning and Transportation of Northamptonshire County Council prepared a report for the Northamptonshire Environment Committee, recommending: that the application be refused and one of the stated reasons related to environmental and amenity disturbance, “no overriding need and prematurity in the absence of a Limestone and Related Minerals Local Plan.” In June 1991, Northamptonshire County Council refused planning permission for a number of reasons, one of which stated that the MPA considered that there were currently sufficient reserves of limestone with planning permission to maintain an adequate and steady supply of this mineral to contribute to local, regional and nation demand.

1.5.4. Twenty years later, the area in question is now identified as a preferred area for limestone extraction within Northamptonshire County Councils Core Strategy adopted in 2011. The Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF), Location of Mineral Development was published in March 2011 and identifies specific locations for minerals-related development. The Locations for Minerals Development DPD forms an important component of the MWDF and it does this by taking forward the vision, objectives, spatial strategy and policies for minerals-related development in the MWDF Core Strategy.

1.5.5. The minerals and waste development framework documents are considered in greater detail within the separate Planning Statement prepared to support the current planning application and this confirms the MWDF contains the most up-to-date land use planning strategy for both minerals and waste related development within the County. The Core Strategy’s vision for the County envisages sustained growth and development within Northamptonshire up to 2026 and the document is intended to act as a driver for new investment within the County. Regional aggregates apportionments seek to ensure an adequate and steady supply of aggregates is maintained to meet anticipated needs of the construction industry and reflect housing provision and growth. Northamptonshire’s annual apportionment is for an average annual figure of 1.36 million tonnes of aggregates to be provided which includes 0.39 million tonnes of crushed rock (limestone) per annum. Accordingly, 6.63 million tonnes of crushed rock provision was needed overall to be identified in the Locations for Minerals Development DPD.

1.5.6. The MWDF Location of Mineral Development document recognises that a site at Wakerley to the north of Corby would not fully meet the required crushed rock provision for the remaining 17 years of the DPD and accordingly an additional allocation has therefore been identified at Ringstead (Site MA9), with provision from this site estimated at 2.1 million tonnes; the application site for the Ringstead Grange project is generally coincidental with the allocated site MA9. The adopted development framework document states the Ringstead site will help to supply areas to the south and west of Northamptonshire that are more remote from the Wakerley site. The above is translated into Policy M2 (Sites for the provision of crushed rock) which states that:

“A supply of crushed rock to contribute to meeting the provision of crushed rock (limestone) will be provided for……. and by the following allocated sites.

MA8: Wakerley 3 million tonnes (approximately) to 2026 (8.25 million tonnes thereafter)

MA9: Ringstead 2.1 million tonnes (approximately)

MA10: Pury End (South) 1.5 million tonnes (approximately) (limestone and building stone)”

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Inspectors Report (2010)

1.5.7. The proposed development site at Ringstead Grange is identified within the County’s Core Strategy as a preferred area of working (Site Ref MA9) for the extraction of limestone and the importation of appropriate inert material sourced from construction projects in the vicinity. Following an extensive consultation exercise, the appointed Inspector into the Minerals and Waste Development Framework DPD concluded in his report of December 2010 (in respect of the Ringstead site) that the “Sustainability Appraisal assessed, amongst other matters, the landscape, environmental and heritage/archaeological implications of developing this site. - - - Potential impacts were identified but none were seen to be significant as to justify ruling out the site; design of the scheme together with appropriate mitigation was seen to be sufficient to allow a quarry to operate within acceptable environmental limits.” The Inspector went on to state that specific details would be drawn up at application stage in the light of an Environmental Impact Assessment and other relevant investigations, including the possible archaeological interest.

1.5.8. The Inspector recognised that although the site is on land which rises above the adjacent A45 to the south, and the village of Ringstead to the north, mineral working would be within the rim of the excavated quarry, with a floor level some 15m or more below natural ground level. He concluded “This depth of working, plus any peripheral screen bunding, would mean that virtually nothing of the operational areas would be seen from close proximity once the quarry had become established. Views into the quarry might be possible from the far side of the valley, but this would be at a distance of 1kilometre, and hence would not be unduly conspicuous. Screening could be further augmented by tree and shrub planting which, over time, could mature into a sympathetic landscape feature.”

1.5.9. In respect of highway issues the Inspector recognised that a traffic impact assessment would be required at application stage to take account of the traffic generated both at this site and cumulatively from other developments served by the strategic highways network, concluding that “The amount of additional traffic generated by the quarry would not overwhelm the capacity of the lane and other road users would not be exposed to a significantly greater risk of injury or accident” and suggested that "appropriate and proportionate local improvements" to safeguard pedestrians should be considered consistent with any Transport Assessment.

1.5.10. With regard to local amenity considerations the potential impact of dust and noise were recognised by the Inspector to be able to be controlled to within acceptable limits having regard to the distance between the site and the nearest residential, commercial properties and Stanwick Lakes, SSSI. The Inspector finally concluded (within para 69) that “on the evidence presented to the DPD examination, it is reasonable to accept that the potential landscape, environmental and flooding concerns can be properly controlled and mitigated to within acceptable limits” and “the soundness of the Ringstead allocation has not been seriously undermined by the objections raised in the representations and it should not be removed from the DPD.”

1.5.11. The final conclusion of the Inspector on all Site Specific issues within the document stated “Whilst the representations submitted against the inclusion of specific sites raised understandable concerns which need to be taken into consideration, none of the matters raised in the representations shows that including any of the identified sites does not meet the relevant soundness test for the DPD.”

1.6. The Applicant Company

1.6.1. Mick George Limited is one of the leading suppliers to the construction industry in East Anglia and the East Midlands, specialising in providing bulk excavation & earthmoving services, aggregate supply and waste management services, with quarries, landfill sites and waste transfer stations spread across Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. The Company’s commercial fleet size is in excess of 90 HGV vehicles and specialises in bulk excavation & earthmoving services, supplying a range of aggregates and providing a variety of waste management services. In 2010 the Company produced 900,000 tonnes aggregate (sand & gravel plus limestone) 180,000 tonnes recycled aggregate and handled 1,400,000 tonnes of waste (70% being inert). The 13 sites operated by the Company include a range of aggregate supply, waste transfer stations, landfill and recycling facilities. At present the Company employs over 270 staff.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

1.6.2. Mick George Ltd is one of the largest independent owners and operators of inert landfill sites in the Midlands and employ a number of WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board) accredited staff throughout the company to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements and can effectively and economically handle all types of waste disposal. The Company’s Waste Transfer and Recycling facilities recycle a high proportion of the waste collected, minimising the need for landfill. In Northamptonshire, the Company operate three sites, Thrapston (aggregate and inert landfill), Rushton (Waste management park including non- hazardous landfill) and Great Billing Waste Transfer Station. As part of the Company’s environmental awareness, the quarry development at Ringstead Grange will seek to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation, and will be subject to periodic audit to ensure high environmental standards are maintained.

1.7. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity

1.7.1. Mick George Ltd has given full consideration to the principles of sustainable development in the preparation of the application. The proposals for the working of the limestone reserve along with the restoration of the site have been designed to implement sustainable development at the local level as envisaged in Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1), the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the general provisions of the emerging National Policy Framework. Sustainable development is a widely used term, and government publications offer some guidance on this concept within the context of land use planning. Sustainable Development has been defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (PPS1 - Para 3).

1.7.2. In respect of central government’s objectives regarding biodiversity, “Working With The Grain Of Nature : A Biodiversity Strategy For England” published by DEFRA in 2002 originally set out the government’s vision for conserving and enhancing biological diversity in England together with a programme of work to achieve it. The document included a broad aim that planning, construction, development and regeneration should have a minimal impact on biodiversity and enhance it wherever possible. Alternative habitats and green infrastructure corridors will be created with a long term gain to biodiversity objectives, whilst making a valuable contribution to maintaining the County’s mineral landbank consistent with central government requirements and up-to-date development plan policies.

1.7.3. The government’s objectives for planning are to promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological diversity is conserved and enhanced as an integral part of the environmental and economic development, and additionally to conserve, enhance and restore the diversity of England’s wildlife by sustaining and, where possible, improving the quality and extent of natural habitat sites. The Convention of Biological Diversity was an important component of the Earth Summit and was signed at Rio by over 150 countries including the United Kingdom (and by the European Community). The definition of biodiversity provided by Article 2 of the Biodiversity Convention is “The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alla, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystem.”

1.7.4. Changing a habitat will often affect the diversity of species contained within it, and conversely a change in the number and assemblage of species may affect the nature of the habitat. A critical test of the “health” of local environment is reflected in the wildlife community appropriate to the area of the habitat. If the rate of change or loss is markedly greater than ordinary evolutionary processes would imply, this could indicate a systematic problem to which we should pay serious attention. Article 6A of the Convention requires each Contracting Party to “develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the convention and sustainable use of biological diversity, or adapt for this purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes which shall reflect, inter alia, the measures set out in this Convention relevant to the Contracting Party concerned.”

1.7.5. The Government’s publication of the UK Action Plan was in response to Article 6 of the Biodiversity Convention, to develop national strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. The Action Plan was intended to be dynamic and the Government recognise the need to develop and refine periodically, as well as to establish an

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

effective monitoring mechanism. The “Biodiversity Challenge” document was published at the same time as the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The overall goals and objectives are very similar in the two documents and define an aim of no further net loss of biodiversity. Both documents emphasise the need for an integrated approach and that delivery of biodiversity targets will require concerted effort from all sections of government and involvement from non- government organisations (NGOs) and individuals. The opportunity exists to make a contribution to local biodiversity initiatives through the provision of a sympathetically designed restoration scheme, introducing, where possible, plants of local provenance.

1.7.6. Paragraph 14 of Planning Policy Statement 9 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation) published in August 2005 states: “Development proposals provide many opportunities for building in beneficial biodiversity features as part of good design. When considering proposals, local planning authorities should maximise such opportunities in or around developments, using planning obligations where appropriate.” In the case of the Ringstead Grange site notwithstanding the objective to reinstate all high quality agricultural land the opportunity exists of creating alternative habitats and wildlife corridors. The government’s objectives for planning are to promote sustainable development by ensuring that biological diversity is conserved and enhanced as an integral part of social environmental and economic development, and additionally to conserve, enhance and restore the diversity of England’s wildlife by sustaining and, where possible, improving the quality and extent of natural habitat sites.

1.7.7. The Local Biodiversity Action Plans aim to set up a process to ensure that the variety of life in the region is maintained and enhanced. The restoration scheme at Ringstead Grange has been designed in order to enhance the variety of habitats and green infrastructure corridors in accordance with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan aspirations, although a principle objective of the restoration scheme aims to reinstate high quality agricultural land. Details of the restoration scheme are included in Section 5 of this Environmental Statement.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

2. STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

2.1.1. The planning system in England was reformed with the introduction of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, through which the government sought to establish a more flexible and responsive land use planning system to deliver the vision of creating inclusive, accessible, safe and sustainable communities. A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) shows how local communities, business and other stakeholders can expect to be actively and meaningfully involved in the consideration of planning applications that the County Council is responsible for deciding.

2.1.2. In respect of community consultation and community involvement it is noteworthy that Mineral Policy Statement 2 published in 2005 recognises that good community relations require commitment from all those involved. Local communities ideally need to be given accurate information about proposals, and mineral operations and developers should try to accommodate their legitimate concerns, whilst local interest groups should understand the need to produce aggregate to sustain continued economic growth in the region and appreciate that central government advice has been produced after considerable detailed research to ensure the amenity of local communities is safeguarded. The policy statement states that operators should try to establish a good working relationship with the people with whom they will have to work with in the County Council and local communities.

2.1.3. In order to fully inform local communities of the draft proposals prior to formal submission, Mick George Ltd initially made contact with and then met Ringstead Parish Council before arranging a public exhibition in early December 2011 and wrote to the local parish councils of Great Addington and Little Addington along with Raunds Town Council (i.e. those communities within 1.5km of the site) informing them of details of the exhibition. The Company arranged for the delivery of an information flyer to 8,500 individual properties in Ringstead, Little and Great Addington villages and Raunds advertising the exhibition on 8th December 2011 or inviting them to make personal contact with Mick George Ltd to obtain details of the proposals. Distribution was organised by an independent Company (Mailbox Nationwide) whilst the Parish Council in a separate leaflet notified residents of Ringstead village of the exhibition. A copy of the flyer distributed is shown over the page.

Flyer distribution advertising the exhibition in December 2011 undertaken by Mailbox Nationwide Total distrubution 8,500

Ringstead

Little Addington

Great Addington

Raunds

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Information Flyer

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

2.1.4. Mick George Ltd (MGL) have sought to notify the maximum number of individuals who live close to the proposed quarry site or who may have an interest in the scheme. In addition to the above, Mick George Ltd liaised with Ringstead Parish Council in November 2011, providing a summary 1 of the proposals and inviting Councillors to the exhibition which was held over a 4 /2 hour period. The flyers were distributed and this contained details of the exhibition (held on the 8th December 2011) as well as contact information should any individual not able to attend or require further detail or clarification of any issues.

2.1.5. In early January 2012, MGL organised a visit to its operational limestone quarry in Thornhaugh near Peterborough to show residents of Ringstead the nature and scale of operations envisaged that would be undertaken on the application site. In total six individuals attended the site visit and they inspected the quarrying and mineral processing operations at close hand. The photograph below shows the processing plant that was inspected by those individuals and where a conversation could be held by those visiting the site without recourse to raising one's voice.

2.1.6. Furthermore, at the request of the Parish Council, MGL organised a site visit to the application site in order that individuals could view the prospective operations from locations that are not publically accessible.

Summary of Exhibition Comments

2.1.7. 65 individuals attended the exhibition held at Ringstead Village Hall and from the attendance register 68% came from Ringstead, 14% from Raunds whilst the remainder did not identify their postcode. The exhibition was held between 3pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 8th December 2011 and draft layout drawings and sub-consultants relating to such issues as ecology, noise, archaeology and landscape as well as MGL staff were available to answer questions raised. Individuals were invited to complete a Comment Form although this was an entirely voluntary exercise. Of the 65

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

individuals that attended 18% completed the Comment Form. A summary of the areas of concerns were as follows:

Traffic and Road Safety 28.0% Noise 18.0% Dust 13.0% Footpaths 11.5% Working Hours 12.0% Visual Impact 2.5% Imported Infill Material 2.5% Flooding 2.5% Vibration 2.5% Impacts on Mallows Cotton 2.5% Loss of Hedgerows 2.5%

2.1.8. This is represented below by way of a pie chart. (Those headings with less than 3% are shown combined as "other")

Summary of issues raised on comment forms

Noise Dust Traffic Volumes Road Safety Footpath Working Hours/ Sat Working Other

2.1.9. In respect of these specific potential issues, this Environmental Statement considers the relevant subjects as follows:

Site Operational detail - Section 4 of this ES Traffic and road safety (including footpath) - Annexure 7 and Section 6.6 of this ES Noise - Annexure 6 and Section 6.5 Dust - Annexure 9 and Section 6.4 Flooding - Annexure 8 and Section 6.3 Imported Material - Section 4.8

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

2.1.10. As a direct response of the Scoping Request and community liaison exercise the following revisions were made to the draft working scheme.  Relocation of site access point 300m further away from Ringstead Village.  Provision of footpath along Raunds Road from the roundabout to 20m beyond the site access point.  Modification of surface water management scheme to divert surface water away from Ringstead village.  Increase size of initial western landscaping zone to further minimise long distance views from Great and Little Addington as well as closer views from users of the Bridleway (No NR7) and diverted footpath.  Introduce early landscape planting along the northern boundary of the site.  Additional hedgerow trees to be planted around the site perimeter at an early stage and across the site upon restoration.

2.1.11. In order to maintain meaningful and positive community liaison in mid January 2012, MGL contacted the Parish Councils of Ringstead, Little Addington, Great Addington, the Raunds Town Council along with District and County Councillors for the area with the view to establish a formalised Liaison Group. This offer was declined but the Company have undertaken to establish such a group if planning consent is granted.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

3. SITE AND ENVIRONS

3.1. General

3.1.1. The application site is located on land to the south west of Ringstead village forming a relatively high point in the immediate landscape. The central and eastern areas of the site have a high point of around 65m above ordnance datum (AOD), with the land gently falling away to the north, west and southwest to a level around 55mAOD. Beyond the application boundary, the landform falls away to the north and west to the base of the River Nene Valley, which lies at around 35mAOD and to the west and northwest of the valley, the land gently rises to around 65 - 70mAOD near to the villages of Little Addington and Great Addington.

3.1.2. Within the application site, fields are mostly of medium to large scale and rectilinear, often bounded by hedgerows with occasional trees and there are two broadleaved woodlands situated on the wider farm estate located on the northern and north eastern application boundary. Surrounding the site, woodland is restricted to a number of copses and shelter belt type planting. The surrounding landscape is a mixture of arable and permanent pasture. Fields are mostly medium to large scale between the site and Ringstead village whilst to the north of Ringstead village, the fields are small and rectilinear. To the east and south of the site, fields are large and rectangular, to the west of the site around the village of Little Addington are larger and more open. Fields are enclosed by hedges with occasional hedgerow trees, some of the hedges are degraded and gappy.

3.1.3. The River Nene meanders from the north to the west within approximately 0.58km of the site at its closest point connecting with Kinewell Lake and Stanwick Lake in the wider landscape. Along the River Nene, there is a series of large lakes and water bodies which form the Upper Nene Gravel Pits SSSI, Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR.

3.1.4. A number of Public Rights of Way are located close to the site including footpath No NR3. Public bridleway No NR7 passes along the western site boundary, and public footpath (No UG38) passes within 0.2km south. The Nene Way Long Distance Path runs in proximity to the River Nene Valley, lying over 500m north of the site along Station Road, at its closest point. No nationally promoted cycle routes pass through or adjacent to the site, although Sustrans Regional Route 71 passes around 0.4km west of the site boundary at its nearest point.

3.1.5. The application site is not immediately adjacent to any settlement or current dwelling properties. The residence at Ringstead Grange Farm (which is owned by the same owner as the application site) lies to the north-northwest of the site. The derelict farm buildings at Top Lodge are near to the western boundary of the site accessed via a track from Station Road. On Station Road is a private dwelling (Cotton Tree Farmhouse) situated around 0.5km north of the site boundary at its closest point and a nearby property (previously a chapel) used by funeral directors (The Old Chapel).

3.1.6. There a number of settlements within the vicinity of the site with the centre of the village of Ringstead situated approximately 800m north of the site at its closest point whilst the market town of Raunds lies around 530m south-southeast of the proposed site access. The villages of Little Addington and Great Addington are around 1.5km from the site, to the west and northwest of the site respectively. The centre of Stanwick village is 1.8km due south, with Irthlingborough lying 3.2km southwest, Denford village is 2.1km to the north-northeast, with Woodford village 2.6km to the northwest.

3.1.7. Mallows Cottons is the site of an abandoned medieval village with the ruins situated approximately 210m southwest of the site boundary at its closest point. The Mallows Cotton medieval village ruins originated in the 12th century and was well established by 1274. Mallows Cotton is included on the National Heritage List for England as a monument of national importance.

3.1.8. The A45 Trunk Road is situated close to the southern boundary, running broadly on a southwest to northeast alignment, connecting Thrapston and Irthlingborough. The B663 leads south from the A45 to Raunds whilst to the north of this junction Raunds Road runs north to Ringstead, passing

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

the proposed access point. Station Road follows an east-northeast to west-southwest alignment from Ringstead around 500m north of the site.

3.1.9. The West End development (which has outline planning permission), is located immediately north of Raunds, will be around 0.3km southeast the proposed access to Ringstead Quarry. The masterplan for this development shows that the northern third of the development area consists of medium sized commercial and industrial buildings, with the southern parts of the development being primarily residential in nature. Tree planting is proposed adjacent to the A45, with the development also appearing to incorporate some large waterbodies / wetland areas.

3.1.10. Warth Park lies to the south of the A45, on the junction with the B663 and is a permitted commercial development. Zone 3 of this development site is immediately west of the existing commercial/industrial buildings, will cover a 70 acre area comprising three plots planned to accommodate buildings from 150,000 sq. ft. to 350,000 sq. ft. The masterplan for the development shows the north western extent and western part of the site primarily consisting of tree planting, green space and a large waterbody.

3.2. Landscape

3.2.1. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared by Crestwood Environmental containing specific field observations and analysis of the characteristics of the local landscape along with an outline analysis of the landscape quality and value referencing landscape designations where applicable. This is contained at Annexure 3 of this Environmental Statement. A number of published landscape character assessments have been used as references to inform the design and assessment of the proposed development, particularly in relation to the landscape and visual impact assessment process and the formation of the restoration proposals.

3.2.2. The LVIA confirms the site is wholly within the ‘Large Modern Fields’ County Landscape Character Type and owes its current form to agricultural intensification during the 20th Century, leading to the current larger field sizes and weaker hedgerow structure than that of areas 0.5 km to the east, that have an agricultural landscape more in keeping with Parliamentary Enclosure. The application site does not lie within a Conservation Area and there are no Listed Buildings or Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the site.

3.2.3. Within the surrounding landscape, tree and woodland planting is quite minimal with occasional shelterbelts north of Ringstead and between Raunds and Stanwick to the south. In the post war era the existing field structure of rectangular fields of medium to large scale delineated with hedgerow has remained intact. Outside of the site boundary, the development of mineral extraction along the River Nene with consequent wetland restoration has taken place. Since the 1960’s the urbanised outskirts of Raunds have expanded with house building and infilling developments.

3.2.4. The Ringstead Grange site has a number of characteristic landscape elements that are both in a reasonably functional and visual condition and primarily consists of medium to large sized arable and pastoral agricultural fields which are generally delineated by native hedges with occasional broadleaf trees. The quality of individual hedgerow elements is variable, with a mix of mature and establishing hedgerows and more degraded elements, with obvious gaps. Whilst the individual hedgerow elements offer connectivity across the site, this connectivity is fragmented by the weaker, degraded elements and those hedgerows still establishing, especially around the boundary, limiting opportunities for habitat cross-interaction.

3.2.5. There are very few semi-natural habitats within the application site boundary, due to the heavy influence of agriculture. The site has a gentle undulation typical of the Northamptonshire Vale landscape character area and is typical of the Large Modern Fields historic landscape character type, with large fields and variable hedgerow delineation, in comparison to the wider landscape area. The site is visually in keeping with the prevalent landscape character of the surrounding area. The agricultural land quality of the site is generally classified as Grade 3a, with individual Grade 3b areas located throughout the site. Some isolated Grade 2 areas are located in the north eastern and south western parts of the site.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

3.2.6. The wider landscape consists of a number of characteristic landscape elements that appear in both a strong functional and visual condition with uniformity across the landscape of arable and pastoral agricultural fields of medium to large scale fields creating an open landscape. Views are semi- enclosed by native hedges and occasional tree planting which delineate the agricultural fields. Woodland planting is not dominant in the wider landscape, often fragmented to individual stands or blocks of trees. The River Nene valley and its associated watercourses and waterbodies are well tree-lined with a number of ‘wooded’ elements.

3.2.7. The LVIA describes the settlement pattern in the wider landscape as containing of a number of small to medium sized settlements dispersed through the landscape, with each settlement being recognisably separate and confined in terms of area. Individual farmsteads are frequent across the landscape. There is obvious development in the wider landscape, such as large commercial/industrial building at Warth Park, near Raunds, south of the site and Burton Wold Wind Farm, Burton Latimer, to the far northwest of the site, visible at distance. The A45 is also a major road passing through the landscape with a number of telegraph pylons crossing the landscape. These more incongruous elements disrupt the time-depth continuity in the landscape with limited development. In terms of landscape quality, the wider landscape is described by Crestwood Environmental as "Ordinary to Good" overall.

3.2.8. The site has no statutory or local landscape designations or Tree Preservation Orders attached to the land and there are no areas of ancient woodland or veteran trees within the site whilst the habitats are not highly valued beyond a local scale and are easily replicated or improved. The LVIA confirms "The landscape elements within the site are fairly common and not highly valued beyond the local to county level. The scope to mitigate the lost landscape elements through restoration is very good. The landscape value of the site, in this overall context can be described as being of a Low level."

3.3. Noise

3.3.1. The noise assessment undertaken by AEC Acoustics and contained within Annexure 6 has addressed potential noise sensitive locations surrounding the site, with the measurement and description of existing background noise levels at these selected locations. Prediction of noise levels from proposed operations at various phases of the project using the procedures contained in the British Standards B.S. 5228: 2009 “Noise Control of Construction and Open Sites”; has been used and a comparison of predicted noise levels with Standard Guidance MPS2 has been undertaken.

3.3.2. In November 2011 background noise monitoring surveys were carried out at locations listed below to assess the existing noise climate at the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the proposed development.

Existing Measured Noise Criteria (MPS2) Measured L90 Normal Temporary Monitoring Location LAeq (1 hour) Operations Operations Levels dBA dB LAeq 1h dBA A) Track West of Mallows Cotton (SPA) 55.0 51.75 (Av) N/A N/A B) Nene Valley Gravel Pits (SPA) 43.0 40.25 (Av) N/A N/A C) Ringstead Grange 53.8 42 52 70 D) Property - Station Road 57.7 38.5 48 70 E) Footpath - Ringstead Village 60.0 46 55 70 F) Scalley Farm 57.2 54 55 70 G) Ringstead Primary School 50.8 47 55 70

3.3.3. The monitoring locations were chosen to be representative of the potential sensitive receptors around the site. Two monitoring locations (A and B) are situated on the margins of the Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI, which is additionally a designated Special Protection Area (SPA). These monitoring locations were chosen to assess impact particularly on overwintering bird populations. The nearest residential dwellings are Ringstead Grange (Monitoring Point C) 500m to the north of the site (although the owner of which has an interest in the site) and Scalley Farm (Monitoring Point F) which is located 300m to the south west of the working area but separated by the A45

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Trunk Road which significantly influences background noise levels. The remaining three monitoring locations are an individual property on Station Road, a footpath on the outer limit of Ringstead village close to Raunds Road and the rear of the Primary School (Point G). Ringstead village itself is well contained within the valley bottom and the monitoring and prediction locations D, E and G will be representative of the impact of noise upon the village.

3.3.4. Noise monitoring was undertaken using a precision integrating sound level meter which fully complies with British Standard BS6698: Specification of integrating-averaging sound level meters. Noise monitoring was carried out with the microphone in free-field conditions, the instrument being positioned at least 3.5 metres away from any reflecting surface and 1.5 metres above the ground. The background noise levels, defined as the LA90 parameter, represents the noise level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period, or ninety percentile level. The equivalent continuous sound pressure level of LAeq parameter, is a measurement of the average sound energy over a given time period and will include noise from all contributing sources.

3.3.5. All monitoring was undertaken when weather conditions satisfied the requirements of MPS2 (Annex 2), i.e. wind speeds below 5 metres/second. Temperatures not less than 3oC with no significant rainfall and personnel were present throughout the monitoring exercise therefore ensuring that an accurate representation of the prevailing noise climate was recorded. Minerals Policy Statement No 2 (MPS 2) (Annex 2) advises that proposed noise criteria levels should apply absolute control on noise emissions with limits normally being set at particular properties to enable the effect of noise to be related most directly to its impacts upon residential dwellings. Paragraph 2.15 states that “Subject to a maximum of 55db(A) LAeq 1 hour (free field), mineral planning authorities should aim to establish a noise limit at the noise sensitive property that does not exceed the background level by more than 10dB(A).” Paragraph 2.20 of MPS2 (Annex 2) recognises that in certain circumstances when soil stripping and construction mounds that it may be difficult for operators to comply with MPS2 “normal” criteria levels. Accordingly, Annex 2 of MPS2 advises that “increased temporary daytime noise limits of up to 70dB(A) LAeq 1 hour (free-field) for periods of up to 8 weeks in a year period at specified noise sensitive properties should be considered…..” However, due to the great separation distance between site operations and residential dwellings such a relaxation of the maximum permitted noise levels will not be required at Ringstead Grange.

3.4. Ecology

3.4.1. A desk top data search for existing records of protected species and designated sites within 2km of the site was requested from Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre. The results are provided in Appendix VIII of ecological report contained at Annexure 2 of this Environmental Statement (prepared by Whitcher Wildlife). The list provided comprises predominantly bird species identified at the Stanwick Lakes Local Wildlife Site but there are no published records for the application site area at Ringstead Grange.

3.4.2. The application site comprises essentially a large area of arable fields separated by hedgerow field boundaries. The immediate surrounding area is also predominantly arable fields with the Nene Valley SSSI and SPA curving around to the north and west of the site and an industrial and commercial area to the south east. The following habitats have been identified by Whitcher Wildlife as being present on or immediately adjacent to the proposed extraction site and are show annotated maps of the habitats and target notes contained within that report.

 Semi Natural Broad Leafed Woodland.  Broad Leafed Plantation.  Arable  Species Poor Intact Hedge.  Species Poor Hedge and Trees.  Dry Ditch

3.4.3. There is a strip of broadleaved woodland immediately outside the south western boundary of the site known locally as Dilworth Clump. The woodland includes a number of mature species including black poplar, ash and sycamore. There are two areas of broad leaf plantation immediately outside the northern site boundary and both of these contain a typical planting mix of

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

broadleaf woodland species. A majority of the site comprises large arable fields, some lying fallow following the previous crop, some ploughed and some seeded with the next crop. The arable fields are separated by species poor hedgerows consisting of hawthorn, elder, dog rose and ash. Further details of the hedgerows are provided in the ecological report. One length of hedgerow (Reference F) to the south of the site was identified with four mature ash trees present. There is a steep sided ditch that runs along the southern site boundary within the edge of the mature broad leafed woodland. There was no water in the ditch during any of the surveys undertaken although it is reported to contain water during periods of heavy rain. This ditch known locally as "Lumbering Springs" historically received water from the north-east but since construction of A45 Trunk Road this has diverted a significant proportion of surface water flows.

HEGS Hedgerow Assessment

3.4.4. The figure below shows the hedgerows present on and around the site. Each has been given a letter label by Whitcher Wildlife and a hedge record and evaluation sheet has been prepared for each. The information from these sheets has been extracted onto summary table included within Appendix VII of the ecology report (Annexure 2).

B C A

I K

H E J

F G

3.4.5. The following table lists of hedges within the Hedgerow Evaluation Grading System (HEGS). The ecological value from the HEGS analysis is shown and whether the hedge will be retained or lost during the proposed works. All perimeter hedges will be retained and it will be the hedges across the site that will be removed (although it should be noted that selective lengths of better quality hedgerow plants will be translocated as part of the working scheme). The lower the HEGS score (i.e. 1+) the higher the value of the hedgerow.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Hedgerow Ref HEGS Level of Ecological Value Lost or Retained. Score from HEGS Analysis A 2- Moderate Retained B 4 Low Retained C 4- Low Retained D 3+ Moderate Retained E 2- Moderately High Retained F 3+ Moderate Retained G 3- Moderate Retained H 2- Moderately High Retained I 3+ Moderate Lost J 3+ Moderate Lost K 2- Moderately High To be translocated L 2- Moderately High To be partly retained and partly translocated *N.B a short section of hedgerow D will have to be removed to facilitate construction of the site access

Bat Survey Results.

3.4.6. A late summer bat activity survey was undertaken on 4th and 5th October 2011. The evening was mild and partially clouded with a temperature of 17ºC at 1930 hours and a light wind. By 0600 hours the following morning the wind had dropped and a temperature of 17ºC was again recorded. Two surveyors patrolled the site boundaries at dusk equipped with Batbox Duet detectors and recorded bat activity until an hour after dark. (One surveyor holds a current Natural England bat survey licence and the second is an experienced surveyor.) In addition, six static Anabat recorders were positioned adjacent to hedgerows around the site. These were left in place all night to record all bat activity and were collected again after dawn. The locations of the Anabat recorders are shown in the ecological report. They were positioned one at the north of the site, one at the south with the remainder on hedgerows within the site that will be lost. No bat activity was recorded by either of the two surveyors. As this potentially raised concern about the suitability of the night for a survey, one surveyor visited the lakes in the valley below the site and immediately recorded Pipistrelle 45, Pipistrelle 55 and Daubenton’s foraging. Accordingly, the site is assessed as having low bat foraging potential with only the open and exposed hedgerows on the site that would offer any foraging potential.

Winter Bird Survey

3.4.7. Eight winter bird surveys were carried out. These included a day time walk over survey of the site during the afternoon and the subsequent morning with additional night observations at various times of the night. Survey dates were 10th and 11th Nov 2011, 24th and 25th Nov 2011, 8th and 9th Dec 2011, 21st and 22nd Dec 2011, 10th and 11th Jan 2012, 24th and 25th Jan 2012, 8th and 9th Feb 2012 and 21st and 22nd Feb 2012. For the nocturnal surveys the surveyor was equipped with binoculars, telescope, night vision and a one million candle power lamp. The purpose of the surveys was to assess bird activity across the site during day time and night time, the latter to determine whether Annex I birds, particularly waders are feeding of the fields at night.

3.4.8. The surveys were all timed to take place at the time of a New Moon or a Full Moon. These surveys were requested by Natural England to assess the level of bird activity on and over the site from the adjacent Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI and SPA. These included a day time walk over of the site, a late evening walk over survey and a pre-dawn walk over survey. At the time that the night bird surveys were discussed it was anticipated that there would be a proportion of the site that would remain as stubble over the winter period before being planted with a spring crop. In the event the farmer ploughs all of his fields in autumn and leaves those that are to be planted with a spring crop to weather in the ploughed condition over winter. Accordingly there is no area of stubble left over winter within the application that would attract foraging birds.

3.4.9. Day time bird surveys identified a predictable mix of farmland birds within the hedgerows on the site. Within this group, bullfinch, linnet and starlings are red listed and UK BAP species, dunnock and fieldfare are an amber listed species and the remainder of the species identified is neither amber nor red listed. The birds present on the arable fields themselves fall into two categories,

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

game birds and corvids with occasional gulls. Within the former group, grey partridge and pheasants are both encouraged with feeders for a game crop and both species were regularly seen in relatively small numbers. Grey partridge are a red listed and UK BAP species.

3.4.10. Crows and jackdaws were regularly seen across the site, feeding on the ploughed fields and roosting in hedgerows and trees around the site. Flocks of feeding starlings were also regularly identified on the fields and flying over the site. Starlings are a red listed and UK BAP species. In addition, black headed gulls and herring gulls were regularly seen in small numbers feeding on the ploughed fields and flying over the site. Both are amber listed species and herring gulls are a UK BAP species.

3.4.11. The only birds seen foraging on the fields at night were small number of pigeons, a flock of partridge and one solitary golden plover. The number of overwintering birds from the adjacent wetland areas that were seen over the site was small in number. Occasional skeins of Canada Geese were identified flying over the western side of the site, mainly at dawn. Occasional small groups of mallard were observed and occasional, individual cormorants. One barn owl was seen flying over the farm yard north of the site during the first survey. This was found to roost in one of the old barns immediately to the west of the site at Top Lodge. One sparrow hawk was disturbed from a hedgerow north of the site during the first survey.

3.4.12. The following table summarises the results of the night time surveys.

Species Data Comments Listing Pigeon Two feeding on fields during first survey. Golden Plover Amber One seen feeding on field at night during third survey. Grey Partridge Red Ten seen feeding on fields during fourth survey. Short Eared Owl Amber One seen sitting in trees on the edge of the plantation north of the site during the third survey

3.5. Highways

3.5.1. This Transport Assessment has been prepared by David Tucker Associates (DTA) in accordance with the Department of Transport (DfT) ‘Guidance on Transport Assessment’ (GTA) dated March 2007 and considers the traffic and highway impact of the proposals on the local transport network. This has been informed by responses to the EIA scoping report which included a request for consideration of the impact on pedestrians along Raunds Road and assessment of traffic impact on the local road network. The report therefore reviews the proposed access and the appropriateness of it to accommodate future traffic from the site. A traffic impact analysis has been undertaken at the roundabout junction of Raunds Road/A45/B663. Raunds Road provides direct access between the village of Ringstead and the A45 to the south east of the site. The road surface is of good quality and takes the form of a single carriageway measuring 6.4 metres in width. There are no formal footways on either side of the road.

3.5.2. The A45 at this location takes the form of a roundabout junction with Raunds Road, the B663 and access to a service station. The A45 is single carriageway measuring approximately 9.2 metres in width within the vicinity of the roundabout junction. The A45 is a trunk road and provides the main access between the A14 to the north and to the A6 to the south for the town of Rushden and Wellingborough further to the west. The A45 continues west to provide access to Northampton.

3.5.3. An independent traffic survey has been commissioned by DTA on Tuesday 22nd November 2011 at the roundabout junction of the A45/Raunds Road/B663. The survey period was for 12 hours from 06:00 until 18:00hrs. The existing traffic flows on Raunds Road adjacent to the site is set out in Table 1 of the DTA report and the full details provided in Appendix A of the same report.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Existing Traffic Flows on Raunds Road (vehs) Direction AM Peak PM Peak 12 Hour Southbound 215 280 2,087 Northbound 227 158 2,028 Total 442 438 4,115

3.5.4. The survey company also recorded pedestrian flow and the number of cyclists using Raunds Road during the 12 hour period. The survey results indicate very light flows on this road with a total of 4 pedestrians and 2 cyclists travelling southbound and no pedestrians and 2 cyclists travelling northbound. An automatic traffic count (ATC) was also undertaken on Raunds Road south of Ringstead from 23rd September 2011 to 1st October 2011. The ATC indicated two-way flows (northbound and southbound combined) for a 5-day average period of 465 in the morning peak and 526 in the afternoon peak. The total 5-day average flow over a 12 hour period is 4,377, slightly higher than, but consistent with, that counted at the roundabout junction.

3.5.5. Traffic data is available from the Highways Agency Traffic Information Database System (TRADS) website for the A45 at Ringstead for September 2011. The TRADS website provides 24 hour traffic data recorded from a number of temporary and permanent sites located across the Highways Agency road network. The TRADS data indicates 12 hour average traffic levels on the A45 of 7,611 in the westbound direction and 7,532 in the eastbound direction. These flows are therefore considered to be consistent with those counted in November 2011.

3.5.6. Personal Injury Accident (PIA) data for the previous 5 years (01/09/2006 – 31/08/2011) has been provided by Northamptonshire County Council. The full details are included in Appendix B of the DTA report. The study area included the roundabout junction of the A45/Raunds Road/B663 and the stretch of Raunds Road adjacent to the proposed site from the roundabout junction to Ringstead village. A total of five accidents were recorded, four of which were classed as slight and one involved no casualties. One accident occurred on Raunds Road approximately 200 metres to the north of the proposed access junction. This accident occurred during the early hours of the morning and one of the causal factors states that the accident may have been impaired by alcohol. A goods vehicle (<3.5 tonnes) braked, skidded and overturned on an icy road. The remaining four accidents occurred at the roundabout junction, three of which involved rear shunt collisions. The damage only accident was a rear shunt. One accident involved a single vehicle whereby the driver suffered an attack and lost control of the vehicle. None of the accidents occurring within the study area involved heavy goods vehicles and there appear to be no existing issues relating to highway layout or visibility.

3.5.7. On this basis therefore, given that the level of accidents observed is consistent with the nature of the local highway network, there are no specific accident issues or blackspots which need to be addressed as a result of the proposed use of the site.

3.6. Soils

3.6.1. An Agricultural Land Classification Assessment and a Soil Resource Survey of land have been undertaken in relation to the application site by Land Research Associates. A copy of this report is contained at Annexure 4. The land has been classified in accordance with the Agricultural Land Classification (“ALC”) of England and Wales - revised guidelines and criteria for grading the quality of Agricultural Land (MAFF 1988). The ALC is based on the following limiting factors:

 climate: accumulated temperature (which indicates the cumulative build-up of energy available for crop growth from late winter to early summer) and annual average rainfall;  topography: gradient, micro-relief and flood risk;  soil: wetness, droughtiness, depth and stone content.

3.6.2. These factors impose limitations on performance in terms of the typical cropping range, expected level and consistency of yield. The degree to which these limitations exert their effect is reflected in the ALC grade. Land is graded between 1 and 5 upon the extent of limitations. Grade 1 is land with no or minor limitations (high quality) whilst at the other end of the scale, Grade 5 is land with

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

severe limitations (very poor quality). Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land is land that falls within ALC Grades 1, 2 and 3a.

3.6.3. The 1:50,000 BGS geological map shows a sequence of Upper Jurassic Rocks ranging from Northampton Sand Formation at lower levels through the Rutland, Blisworth and Cornbrash Formations (mudstones and limestone) as the land rises. The highest part of the site is capped by tills, with limestone fragments in the Bozeat Till and chalk in the Oadby Till. The national soil map at 1:250,000 scale shows that most of the land has soils of the Moreton Association comprising well drained calcareous clayey and fine loamy soils over limestone, together with some deeper slowly permeable calcareous clayey soils. The map also shows an incursion of Hanslope Association, slowly permeable clayey soils over chalky till.

3.6.4. The annual average rainfall for the Ringstead area is 593 mm and average field capacity duration is 119 days. The accumulated temperature ATO (day degrees) is 1410 dayº. There is no overall climatic limitation to agricultural quality in the district but this area is fairly dry and can be drought-prone in the summer months. In view of the limitations to the interpretation of published reconnaissance maps, a detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey has been carried out according to the ALC guidelines. The survey included soil auger sample points which are set out on a grid system at a density of one sample point per hectare with supplementary observations to determine the natural variability of soil properties. During the survey, soils were examined by a combination of pits and augerings to a maximum depth of 1.2 m. In addition, a series of trial pits were machine dug in part of the area.

3.6.5. The Soil Resource Survey undertaken by Land Research Associates (LRA) is contained at Annexure 4 of the Environmental Statement and this confirms soils on chalky till occur in the easternmost fields. The topsoils are heavy clay loam or clay, weakly structured, and with flint, limestone and quartzite stones. They overlie olive brown clay upper subsoils which are slowly permeable and show common greyish brown and ochreous mottles. Below 40-60 cm the lower subsoil is chalky and calcareous. An example profile from a pit at SP 98362 74127 (see Map 4 - LRA Report) 0-31 cm Brown (10YR 4/3) heavy clay loam with 5% subrounded quartzite and subangular flint stones; moderately developed medium subangular blocky structure; 5% pores; common very fine fibrous roots; abrupt smooth boundary to: 31-52 cm Greyish brown (10YR 5/2) clay with many strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles; 3% subrounded quartzite and subangular flint stones; weakly developed coarse angular blocky structure; 0.5% fine pores; a few very fine fibrous roots; firm; merging to: 50-70+ cm Grey (10YR 5/1) calcareous clay with many yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) mottles; 5% very small and small rounded chalk stones, increasing with depth, and small subangular flint stones; weakly developed coarse prismatic structure, 0.5% fine pores.

3.6.6. The slowly permeable subsoil impedes drainage (wetness class III) and reduces the capacity of the soil to absorb excess winter rainfall. They provide moist neutral habitats for plant communities. Some of the soils have better structured, less mottled, upper subsoils and drain slightly better (wetness class II).

3.6.7. Many of the fields contain outcrops of limestone, where the soils are shallow and brashy but freely draining. The topsoil, 25-30 cm deep, is clay or heavy clay loam, contains up to 25% of limestone fragments and is very calcareous. There is usually a thin (5-10 cm) brown subsoil between the topsoil and the limestone but, around the fringes of the limestone outcrops, there is a thicker less stony clay or heavy clay loam subsoil extending to between 35 and 55 cm below the surface.

3.6.8. The example profile from a pit at SP 98157 74340 (Map 4 - LRA report) described below represents the deeper type of soil.

0-29 cm Brown (10YR 4/3) calcareous heavy clay loam; 8% small and medium subangular limestone stones, small rounded quartzite pebbles and small subangular flint stones; moderately developed medium subangular blocky

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

structure; friable; common fine and medium pores and fissures; common fine fibrous roots; sharp smooth boundary to: 29-54 cm Brown (7.5YR 4/4) heavy clay loam; 10% small and medium subangular limestone stones; moderately developed medium subangular blocky structure; 5% fine pores; a few fine fibrous roots; clear smooth boundary to: 54 cm+ Flaggy limestone.

3.6.9. These soils are permeable and freely draining and have a good capacity to absorb excess winter rainfall (wetness class I). They are too shallow to effectively mitigate downward movement of any pollutants to the limestone aquifer below, and the shallowness also makes them unsuitable for burrowing mammals. They provide dry, calcareous habitats for plant communities.

3.6.10. Blisworth Clay outcrops in most of the fields and gives rise to soils with very high clay contents which are mostly calcareous throughout. Subsoils can contain up to 90% clay, and the topsoil can have more than 50%. The heaviest soils have clay topsoil directly over impermeable clay subsoil, while the better drained have very heavy topsoils with occasional limestone fragments over moderately well structured upper subsoils. Some similar soils have thin limestone bands in their subsoils.

3.6.11. The example of the heaviest type of profile from a pit at SP 98771 74047 (Map 4 - LRA report), described below, represents the commonest type of soil.

0-29 cm Very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) clay; 2% small subangular flint stones and small rounded quartzite pebbles; weakly developed medium and coarse subangular blocky structure; 2% fine and medium pores and fissures; common very fine fibrous roots; sharp smooth boundary to: 29-70+ cm Grey (N 6/0) calcareous clay with common yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) mottles; a few small and medium tabular limestone stones; weak very coarse prismatic structure passing to structureless, massive; 0.1% fine pores.

3.6.12. The heaviest soils are slowly permeable and affected by impeded drainage (wetness class III), whereas the soils with limestone inclusions are rather better drained (wetness class II). They have poor or moderately poor capacity to absorb excess winter rainfall but provide moist, calcareous habitats for plant communities. The agricultural quality of the land over limestone is determined mainly by the ability of the soils to provide adequate moisture for crop growth. This is mainly a function of soil texture and depth to very stony layers. Where the soils are over slowly permeable clay the agricultural quality is determined by the degree of surface wetness in winter, a function principally of the depth to a slowly permeable layer. Land in grades 2 and 3a and 3b are found on the site.

Agricultural Land Classification

3.6.13. There are two small areas (9 ha) of grade 2 land within the site area. The area in the north occurs on loamy soils over a gravelly outcrop, and in the south, a permeable calcareous loamy soil has accumulated to moderate depth over a stony substrate. Neither of these areas have severe wetness or droughtiness limitations.

3.6.14. There are 33 ha of sub-grade 3a land in two types of land. The first has soils with moderately structured upper subsoils over clay where winter wetness is less limiting than on the heavier clay soils. The second type has soils with deeper subsoils over limestone, and the droughtiness limitation is less severe than on the thin brashy limestone land. Because of heavy topsoil textures these soils have restricted versatility in production of food and fibre.

3.6.15. Sub-grade 3b accounts for 21 ha within the proposed site area, associated with two land types. The first has slowly permeable heavy textured soils which limit the workability in autumn and spring when they lie wet. Heavy topsoil textures and winter wetness tends to limit agricultural use to grass production and winter-sown arable crops. The second type of sub-grade 3b land includes

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

most of the brashy limestone areas where lack of moisture reserves causes droughtiness and thus reduced crop yields in most years.

3.6.16. The boundaries between the different grades of land are shown on Map 1 of the LRA Report and the areas occupied by each within the application area are shown below.

% of Grade/sub-grade Area (ha) agricultural land Grade 2 9.3 14 Sub-grade 3a 33.4 52 Sub-grade 3b 21.5 34 Total 64.2 100

3.7. Archaeology

3.7.1. An archaeological evaluation of an area to the east of Top Lodge was previously undertaken following the discovery of flint and Iron Age pottery in 1986 where a concentration of flint was identified coinciding with the smaller concentration of Iron Age pottery although trial excavation did not identify my contemporary features. A total of 49 sherds of pottery were recovered by fieldwalking however after their location was recorded the material was apparently lost and hence no detailed report was provided. A majority of the shreds were in two concentrations with the eastern most one lay primarily on the Kellaway Sand subsoil, while a western concentration (19 sherds scattered over an area of c. 2.4ha) was within the area of Cornbrash.

3.7.2. A total of 3.92ha was subsequently surveyed in the late 1980’s by geophysics with the strategy adopted to survey extensive areas around the two concentrations of Iron Age pottery and to test the remaining areas by surveying sample transects across the field. Few positive results were obtained in the western area or in the sample transects. The results in the area of eastern site on the Kellaway Sand subsoil were, however, extremely promising. Accordingly a large area was surveyed in order to attempt to locate the limits of settlement. The magnetometer survey supported by the field walking results suggest that the eastern site comprised a small unenclosed settlement, c.2ha in area. The major features identified by the magnetometer survey were: a series of linear ditches, a number of small, wide-ditched, sub-rectangular and oval enclosures and a ring ditch 10m2 in internal diameter, sited outside the enclosures.

3.7.3. Trial trenches were excavated to examine the sites revealed by fieldwalking and the magnetometer survey. The work was undertaken in autumn 1990. Most individual features were sampled in order to provide evidence of their depth and condition and to attempt to recover dating evidence. Seven trenches were excavated in total, in order to examine the features revealed by the magnetometer survey. In addition to confirming the presence, they revealed other minor features (gullies, postholes, etc.) both within and outside the enclosures. Recutting suggests episodes of refurbishment within the life of the settlement.

3.7.4. A number of archaeological sites are present or have previously been investigated in the vicinity of the present evaluation area. These include two nearby Scheduled Monuments: the Mallow Cotton deserted medieval village to the north of the A45 and the 10th C settlement of West Cotton to the South West. Entries in the Northamptonshire County HER show various cropmarks and find spots within the evaluation area. These include a group of enclosures and possible hut circles, probably representing an Iron Age or Romano-British settlement on high ground. There are additional circular features towards the north of the site, as well as various linear markings suggesting traces of field systems. As noted above much of the area was evaluated in 1990, involving fieldwalking, geophysics and trail trenching.

3.7.5. The geophysical survey undertaken in late summer 2011 under the supervision of Phoenix Consulting. All accessible areas of the site were investigated by means of a recorded magnetometer survey, supplemented by magnetic susceptible testing. Magnetometer readings were collected using Bartington 1m fluxgate magnetometers, and are plotted at 25cm intervals along transects 1m apart. The survey plots show the magnetometer readings after minimal processing which includes adjustment for irregularities in line spacing caused by variations in the instrument

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

zero setting and slight linear smoothing. The readings in the grey scale plot have additionally been subjected to weak 2D low pass filtering, which is applied to reduce background noise levels. The survey grid was set out and located at the required national grid co-ordinates by means of a different GPS system. The magnetometer survey was supplemented by a background magnetic susceptibility survey with readings taken at 30m intervals using a Bartington MS2 meter and field sensor loop.

3.7.6. The magnetometer responds to cut features such as ditches and pits when they are silted with topsoil, which usually has a higher thermoremanent magnetism of fired materials, notably baked clay structures such as kilns or heaths, and so responds preferentially to the presence of ancient settlement or industrial remains. It is also strongly affected by ferrous and other debris of recent origin.

3.7.7. The results add to the known archaeological record, but are broadly consistent with the previously identified findings as indicated in the HER. Findings of clear archaeological interest are present on land to the east of Top Lodge, but there are features elsewhere which cannot be fully explained on the survey evidence alone. The most clearly significant findings are the settlement site previously identified, together with the ring ditch in the northern extremity of field 1 (See Drg No R15/02 for Field number locations). Other findings appear mainly to indicate eroded traces of superimposed cultivation patterns and field systems of probably several different periods (including current ploughing). The significance of the distinct but isolated ditch-like features in field 2 is unclear, as also is the origin of strong (but irregularly grouped) magnetic anomalies in field 4 and 5.

3.7.8. The general aim of the subsequent trench evaluation in January 2012 was to obtain useful information concerning the presence, character, date and level of preservation of any surviving archaeological remains that could be affected by the proposed development to allow the curatorial authority to determine the impact of the proposed development on the archaeological resource and to discuss suitable mitigation in the event archaeological remains are identified. The results of the most recent trial trench evaluation are contained in Section 5 of the Phoenix Consulting Archaeological Evaluation contained at Annexure 5 of the Environmental Statement and summarised in Section 6.8 of this Statement.

3.8. Hydrology/Hydrogeology

3.8.1. The deposits of glacial till cover a proportion of the site and have a very low hydraulic conductivity, typically less than 10-9 m/s, and where present this will greatly inhibit the infiltration of the underlying bedrock. The conductivity of the glacio-fluvial deposits will be much higher, possibly falling within the range 10-3 to 10-5 m/s, and as such will allow greater infiltration. Groundwater flow in the bedrock strata will be largely confined to natural joints and fissures, most especially in the limestones. There is no evidence of significant karstification, although it is entirely possible that some dissolution has occurred along the joint planes. Nevertheless, the mass permeability could be of the order of 10-6 m/s. It is expected that Blisworth Limestone and Cornbrash Formations will be largely confined by the underlying and overlying deposits of mudstone.

3.8.2. Water strike information is provided by some of the exploratory borehole logs, but in the majority of cases these proved to be dry, due in part to the use of compressed air as the flushing medium. A summary of the available information is provided in Table 9 of the DAB Geotechnics report. A total of four groundwater monitoring stations have been established as part of the most recent investigations by Mick George Ltd in 2011. These are numbered MG1 to MG4, their locations are shown in Figure 4 of the hydrogeological report and a summary of the recorded water levels.

3.8.3. The Landmark Envirocheck report (Appendix A of the hydrological report prepared by DAB Geotechnics does not provide any details of groundwater quality, but the Environment Agency’s website confirms that the current quantitative and chemical quality in the Northampton Sands and, ‘Lower Jurassic Unit’, is good at Grid Refs. 497213 273484 and 499118 272309. There are no recorded groundwater pollution incidents.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

3.8.4. Groundwater samples have been taken from the groundwater monitoring installations and the analysis results are presented in Table 11 within the DAB Geotechnics report. The following observations were made:

 the pH levels reflect neutral conditions;  concentration;  heavy metal concentrations are generally quite low, in particular the red list substances cadmium and mercury;  chloride concentrations are low; and  sulphate concentrations are variable and the majority exceed the drinking water standard.

3.8.5. The analysis results represent the, ‘average’, chemical composition for the groundwater present in the bedrock succession. Some of the marine mudstones, such as those of the Whitby Mudstone Formation, contain iron pyrites which weather to form sulphate. Any localised acidity is adequately buffered by the dissolved calcium carbonate and bicarbonate derived from the limestones.

3.8.6. The Landmark Envirocheck report indicates that there are four licensed groundwater abstractions within the search area, two of which have been revoked. The status of one of the remaining abstractions is not known, but both lie some distance from the site. A summary of the details is provided in Table 12 within the DAB Geotechnics report. East Northamptonshire Council confirmed that there are no unlicensed (private) groundwater abstractions within at least 1km of the site boundary.

3.9. Public Right of Way

3.9.1. Footpath No NR3 crosses the north-west extremity of the application site and shows limited signs of recent usage. The footpath leaves Station Road to the north and traverses open arable fields for 1.2km before joining Bridleway No NR7 at a disused farm building (Top Lodge) at the western extremity of the application site. A 450m length of the footpath traverses the application site. Public Rights of Way near the site are indicated on Figure L1 of the landscape report (Annexure 3).

3.9.2. Bridleway No NR7 runs parallel with the western boundary of the site and appears to be used more frequently. The Bridleway is separated from the site by a relatively dense hedgerow as shown below, to the east (or right of the photograph) of the track. The Bridleway leaves Station Road to the north west of the site and follows a wide track to Top Lodge and then changes direction across open field to join Footpath UG40 which runs east to west between Raunds village and public bridleway UG40 around 0.2km south of the site boundary at its nearest point. A public footpath (No PE10), around 0.9km north of the site, runs north westerly from Station Road, crossing the River Nene. The footpaths described above are also interconnected by shorter Public Rights of Way through Ringstead, Raunds and the smaller villages of Great Addington and Little Addington.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

3.9.3. The Nene Way is a recreational footpath route promoted by Northamptonshire County Council along the route of the River Nene through Northamptonshire and is approximately 90km in overall length and is located 0.5km north of the site at its nearest location. The ‘Irthlingborough to Barnwell’ section (Leaflet #4) is the longest section at 29km and passes to the west of the site boundary along the following public footpaths and public bridleways:

 Public footpath (Definitive map footpath PE10) is situated around 1km north of the site boundary at its nearest point;  Public bridleway (Definitive map public bridleway NR6) is situated around 0.85km north west of the site boundary at its nearest point;  Public footpath (Definitive map public footpath MB3) is situated around 1.2km north- northwest of the Site boundary at its nearest point; and  Public footpath (Definitive map public footpath MB1) is situated around 1.45km south west of the site boundary at its nearest point.

3.9.4. There is a circa 2.4km long circular walk promoted by Northamptonshire County Council called ‘Ringstead (Kinewell Lake) Pocket Park’. The circular walk is situated 0.7km to the northeast of the site boundary at its nearest point. Pedestrian access can be gained to Stanwick Lakes via a public footpath (No PH16) which runs northwester from the A45 roadway, around 1.7km south southwest of the site boundary at its nearest point. This pathway links with public bridleway (No UG34) which runs easterly towards Raunds and is around 1.25km south-southwest of the site boundary at its nearest point.

3.9.5. As noted previously no cycle routes pass through the site. Sustrans Regional Route 71 is a regional cycle route signposted along country lanes between Oundle and Thrapston, from where a section of new railway path continues to Irthlingborough. Sustrans Regional Route 71 passes within 0.5km to the west of the site boundary at its nearest point.

3.10. Geology

3.10.1. Previous borehole assessment work confirms the land is underlain by the rocks of the Great Oolite Group and the Kellaways Beds (of the Middle to Upper Jurassic age), with an overlaying cover of Boulder Clay. A series of inferred north-west/ south-east trending minor faults cross the area of the land. The borehole drilling investigations on the land proved the presence of Blisworth Limestone formation comprising buff brown to grey, shelly and oolitic limestones, interbedded with thin calcareous mudstones and clays.

3.10.2. The Great Oolite Group rests unconformably on the eroded surface of the Northampton Sand or Whitby Mudstone Formations. The Rutland Formation can reach up to 15m in thickness, but only 3.55 to 4.98m has been proved on the site. The basal Stamford Member comprises a pale to dark grey and black sandy mudstone with ironstone bands. This is overlain by pale grey fine to medium grained sandstone. The overlying sediment consists of a rhythmic succession of mudstones and sandstones, including a calcareous mudstone and limestone horizon known as the Wellingborough Limestone Member.

3.10.3. The Blisworth Limestone Formation was deposited in shallow marine lagoons following transgression. It is typically 5 to 6m thick in total and is separated into two members. The Roade Member consists of interbedded argillaceous, bioclastic packstone, wackestone and lime mudstone. It measures some 1.8m in thickness. The overlying Irchester Member is dominated by ooidal and peloidal limestones with interbedded lime mudstone beds. The overlying Blisworth Clay Formation comprises a smooth plastic mudstone, characteristically variegated in colour and showing blue green, magenta and purple mottling. It lies unconformably on the limestone.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

4.1. General

4.1.1. A working scheme has been prepared to ensure that the site is developed in a phased manner with typically only a third of the land within the application boundary being “operational” at any one stage (i.e. other parts are either undisturbed or reinstated and in aftercare) thereby ensuring any potential environmental impacts of the operations are minimised whilst additionally reducing any double handling of soil resources on site. The proposed operations are generally remote from residential dwellings with only two properties within 500m of the operational areas of the quarry, and therefore issues such as noise and dust can more readily be controlled to acceptable levels to minimise potential amenity impact. Footpath No NR3 crosses the western sector of the site and will temporarily require diversion at an early stage of the development. HGV access to the project will be gained onto the Raunds Road (B663) north of the roundabout intersection with the A45 and such a route does not pass any residential dwellings until it reaches the A45Trunk Road. The quarry will be restored using on site soil resources along with imported inert restoration materials.

4.1.2. A working design and restoration masterplan has been prepared to ensure that the site is developed in a responsible manner, having full regard to its location above the Nene Valley. Consistent with the government’s objectives in respect of sustainable development, the working and restoration scheme at Ringstead Grange seeks to ensure that biological diversity is not only conserved, where practical to do so, but also enhanced in the longer term. Replacement species rich hedgerows, (with hedgerow trees) broadleaf tree planting and the creation of calcareous grassland, along with the introduction of wetland areas, when combined with an aftercare management programme, will have the potential to beneficially contribute to the long term biodiversity of the site, whilst still ensuring high quality agricultural land is retained for productive arable production. Selective lengths of hedgerows will sequentially be translocated within the site to assist in maintaining their structural diversity.

4.1.3. The restoration of the area will be progressive and take on the typical character of the locality with agricultural fields, delineated by hedgerows combined with broadleaved woodland planting. This will be in keeping with the County Landscape Character Type and will extend green infrastructure corridors. As sectors of the site are restored, this will be closely following by five years of aftercare management. Once aftercare has been initiated, annual aftercare updates will be produced and submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority prior to an annual meeting with interested parties to review operations undertaken in the previous year.

4.1.4. Prior to any soil stripping operations taking place, any sections of hedgerows or individual trees that are to be retained will be clearly marked with protective fencing. All vegetation required to be cleared will be removed outside of the bird breeding season.

4.2. Working Proposals

Site Access

4.2.1. It is proposed to establish a new site access onto Raunds Road (B663) which will include appropriate visibility splays and kerb radii to enable the safe movement of HGV’s in a southerly direction onto the public highway. On a typical working day the site operations will generate 90 HGV movements (i.e.45 in, 45 out), with a daily maximum averaged over the working week not exceeding double that figure. Details of the access design are shown on Drg No 13150-03 contained within the Transport Appraisal prepared by David Tucker Associates (Annexure 7). The new access will be constructed with an asymmetrical layout providing a 15m radius to the south and a 4m radius to the north to ensure all HGV’s turn right out of the site and away from the village of Ringstead. Any lengths of hedgerow removed to achieve the required visibility splay will be replanted to the rear of the splay to assist in the future screening of site access road.

4.2.2. In response to concerns raised during the consultation stage by local residents it is proposed to provide a surfaced footpath on the eastern side of Raunds Road from the roundabout to a point 20m north of the access point. This footpath will be constructed to the requisite County Council

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Highways specification which will provide a path up to 1.8m wide subject to the available width between the road edge and existing hedgerow. These works will be secured by way of a Section 278 Agreement of the Highways Act with the County Council.

4.2.3. The access design will provide a minimum width of the internal access road of 7m for a 30m length from the public highway consisting of either concrete or tarmacadam. To limit direct views into the site from Raunds Road, broadleaf tree planting may be incorporated at the site access and if so this will be planted in the first available season of the development of the scheme. The internal access road will be surfaced and generally be 4m wide with strategically located passing bays. Prior to any earthmoving operations taking place on site, the areas of working will be securely fenced, consistent with the 1999 Quarry Regulations, and signs warning of quarry workings will be established close to public rights of way.

4.2.4. A weighbridge with portacabin type units for office accommodation and welfare facilities will be provided as shown on Drg No R15/03 and these will be located in excess of 350m from the access point onto the public highway. There will be up to three portacabin type buildings for welfare facilities, restroom and weighbridge office. These will typically be 7.3x2.7x2.7m high and painted a neutral colour. A wheel cleaning unit will be incorporated but with such a significant length of surfaced carriageway, it is not considered essential. Two temporary water treatment areas will be established at an early stage to the west of the office area which will be linked to the site drainage scheme discussed at Section 4.9. These two bodies of water will be created not only to control any excess surface water run-off but also provide an immediate supply of water for dust-suppression requirements during the formative stages of the development.

4.2.5. Footpath No NR3 traverses the north-western sector of the proposed working area and this will be diverted around the periphery of the site at an early stage of the development to ensure there is no interruption of access to the public right of way network. This temporary diversion route will follow the northern boundary of the site for some 420m before joining the Bridleway No NR7 along the western boundary for a further 450m before rejoining the definitive alignment of the right of way close to Top Lodge (a derelict barn). A secure fence with plain wire and a section of newly planted hedgerow will be established along the diversion route of the footpath as shown on Drg No R15/03.

4.2.6. Three phasing plans have been produced showing the progressive development of the scheme confirming that typically the quarrying and landfilling operations along with the site infrastructure etc. extends to between a fifth and a quarter of the site area at any one time, whilst the seeded soil storage mounds would extend to a little over a tenth of the site area. The remaining sectors of the site will consist of either undisturbed or reinstated agricultural land. The phasing plans broadly reflect quarterly intervals of the site’s life span and are contained within Drg No R15/05 and reproduced on the following pages. Drg No R15/5 also contains a typical cross-section of the working quarry showing the envisaged benching proposals.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Plan A - Working sequence centred on Phase 5

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Plan B - Working sequence centred on Phase 11

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Plan C - Centred on Phase 16

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4.2.7. A summary of the respective indicative areas of activity at the various phases of the development are shown below.

Operation Seeded Soil Restored Undisturbed

Area Mounds Areas Land Plan A 19.8% 11% 19.5% 49.7% Plan B 21.1% 11% 37.1% 30.8% Plan C 23.3% 11% 52.9% 12.8% Typical Average 21.4% 11% Land in agricultural 67.6% use (Average)

4.2.8. Soils will be removed from the site access road and office compound and stored in Mound T1 and following the establishment of the site infrastructure, topsoils will be stripped from the initial phases and placed in mounds T1, T2 and T3. Topsoil mounds T1 and T3 (as shown on Drg No R15/03) will be approximately 3 to 2.5m high with side slopes not exceeding 1:8 on the east, south and western faces. These two storage areas will not be required to be removed until the latter stages of the development and as such will be used either as an area of semi-permanent grassland or cultivated for cereal crops. Gradients such as these (i.e. Maximum 1:8) will enable all types of farm machinery to traverse the area safely for cultivation, sowing and subsequent harvesting.

4.2.9. Topsoil mound T2 will consist of a more conventional soil mound configuration (i.e. up to 3m high with 1:2 side slopes) and will provide a contingent acoustic screen for the properties to the northeast albeit there is significant separation distance between site operations and any residential dwellings.

4.2.10. Subsoil will be stripped from Phases 1, 2 and part of 3 and placed within Mound S1, which will be up to 5m in height and will be stockpiled on the advance excavation area (i.e. Phases 22 and 23) following the removal of the topsoil. When Phase 1 is worked and reinstated to the proposed finished profile, Subsoil Mound S3 will be located in that area (with the stored material ultimately used to restore the final phases of the scheme). The subsoil to form Mound S3 shall be recovered from the remaining sector of Phase 3 plus Phases 4, 5and 6 and thereafter, topsoil and subsoil removed from subsequent phases of working can be direct placed without the requirement of unnecessary stockpile of material for re-use. In total less than 25% of the site’s soil resources are required to be stockpiled and subsequently re-handled; the remainder will be directly placed consistent with good practice guidance.

4.2.11. The overburden between the subsoil and limestone within Phase 1 and 2 will be transported to the north-west extremity of the site to landscape zone as shown on Drg No R15/03. The soils from this zone will be stripped and placed within temporary mound T4 and S2 to the north and west respectively. This proposed landscaping zone was previously subjected to shallow surface mining operations in the late Victorian period which would have removed or disturbed a majority of limestone resource in that immediate area. Prior to the placement of the infill to this area, any residual limestone measures that remain will be excavated and transported to the “Box Cut” area and processed with the limestone material in that zone.

4.2.12. The overburden from the initial phases of working, supplemented if required by imported inert material, will be used to recontour this area before the soils (stockpiled in Mounds T4 and S2), are replaced. Shallow depressions or swales will be created with this landscaping zone to assist in attenuating any localised surface water flows until such time as the calcareous grass sward is established. In the intervening period in order to limit long distant views into the operational areas of the quarry before the screening zone becomes effective, it is proposed to retain the hedgerow between Phases 11 and 12 for as long as practicable. Furthermore, it is proposed to translocate a 200m length of hedgerow to the raised ground levels within the landscape zone which will further assist in providing a visual screen for long distant views from the direction of Little Addington some 2km to the west. To restrict views of this recontouring operation from Bridleway NR7 to the west, a temporary straw bale screen can be strategically erected close to the redundant farm building at Top Lodge. These straw bales can be removed following the reinstatement of this area.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4.2.13. A water main crosses the site in a general NNW/SSE orientation and is shown on Drg No R15/03. Provisions for the safety of this service are provided for within the Statutory Provisions of Section 78-85 of the Railway Clauses Consolidation Act as amended by Part 2 of the Mines (Working Facilities and Support) Act 1993. A concrete pad will be provided over this water main consisting of a 300mm thick reinforced concrete slab. A 3m wide stand-off will be provided either side of the water main with the excavation profile determined. Protective fencing will be erected along the route of this water main as required.

4.2.14. Surface water storage and treatment lagoons will be established within the working area in order to ensure no potentially polluted water is discharged from the site whilst additionally providing a supply of water that will be available for dust suppression on site should the need arise. To that end a transitory sump with a minimum capacity of 50,000 gallons will be established on the quarry pavement.

4.2.15. A water treatment lagoon system will be established at the southern extremity of the site incorporating a discharge pipe into the receiving watercourse. If excess water is generated within the site then the lagoon configuration will enable water to be discharged off site in a controlled manner and in a clean state at “green field” run-off rates consistent with the requirements of the Environment Agency. Details of the proposed management of surface water are contained in Section 4.9 of this Statement.

4.2.16. Operations will sequentially progress in a westerly direction from phases 1 and 2 to Phase 13, then in an easterly from Phase 14 to 23. When this final phase of working is reached the subsoils and topsoils stockpiled during the initial stage of working in Mounds T1, T2 and S3 respectively, will be reinstated on this final phase of working.

4.2.17. During the first available season a 5m wide strip of pre-coppiced willow will be planted along the northern extremity of phases 2 to 4 which will ultimately integrate into a small area of carr woodland (adjacent to a proposed wetland area) but in the early stages of the quarry development will provide improved visual screening to the limited soil handling operations that will take place on site when viewed from the north. These willow plants shall be planted at close intervals and can produce up to 2m growth in a single year. The photograph below is of an area of willow showing 2 years growth.

Pre-coppiced willow with 2.5m growth after 2 years

4.2.18. The existing hedgerow along the northern boundary of the site (to the north of phases 1 to 10 inclusive) shall be subject to an improvement plan involving the planting up of any gaps and the introduction of hedgerow trees which are absent at present. A further area of woodland screening will be established to the east of Phase 18 to provide a visual screen from the A45 and any commercial development to the south-east when working the southern sector of the site.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4.2.19. The thickness of mineral from the Great Oolite limestone is typically 3.5 m and this will be extracted and processed by mobile plant (See section 4.5 for details) which will be located on the quarry floor. Suitable inert fill material will be brought onto site following the establishment of a receptor cell within the Box Cut area (i.e. Phase 1), the design and specification of which will be approved by the Environment Agency consistent with the Environmental Permit requirements. (Imported material is further considered at Section 4.8 of this Statement)

4.2.20. A proportion of the inert material delivered to site may contain material such as brick, hardcore or concrete in which case such material will be separately stockpiled at the base of the quarry workings and this will be periodically processed to produce recycled aggregate which will then be exported from the site. The mobile crusher and screens employed to process the limestone will be used to process this recycled material; no additional plant or equipment will be required for this operation.

4.2.21. It is proposed that as far practicable, farming will continue within the areas of the site not being quarried. As areas are reinstated to finished contours and resoiled, then as part of the agricultural aftercare programme it is envisaged that such areas will be cultivated with cereal crops and harvested; the alternative would be to return such areas to grassland for a temporary period. The application site extends to 64ha and as noted previously, at any one time it is envisaged that two thirds of the site, will be in productive farming. Restoration features such as wetlands, calcareous grassland, species rich hedgerows and broadleaf woodland will be progressively established as areas of the site become available.

4.3. HGV Movements

4.3.1. It is envisaged that the processed limestone will be exported from the site at a typical rate of 150,000 tonnes per annum which equates to 3,000 tonnes per week or 600 tonnes per day on average (i.e. 30 loads). However daily movements are subject to market demands and will fluctuate and on occasions daily numbers could increase to 60 loads (120 movements). Recycled aggregates would be exported on an irregular basis but could add a further 10 loads (20 movements) per day.

4.3.2. A high percentage of imported fill will be carried by HGV’s exporting mineral and are therefore included in the above figures but as worst case scenario an allowance of a further 20 loads (40 movements) has been included in the traffic impact assessment. Any HGV carrying the limited volume of clay removed from site would be included in the above figures. Therefore, as a daily maximum a figure of 180 HGV movements (i.e. 90 vehicles in and 90 vehicles out) has been assumed within the Traffic Assessment although the typical average will be half those figures.

4.3.3. As noted previously all HGVs will approach and leave the site from the A45 to the south and the site access junction has been specifically designed in an asymmetrical configuration to ensure all HGV’s exit to the right (i.e. south to the A45) and also allow HGV’s not to have to queue on the public highway when entering the site. Furthermore Mick George Ltd will enter into an HGV lorry routing agreement that will exclude vehicles passing through Ringstead village apart from local deliveries.

4.4. Translocation of Hedgerows

4.4.1. Although none of the hedgerows across the site have been identified as being of particular high ecological or landscape value it is nevertheless proposed to translocate selective lengths from within the site. In doing so this will maintain local genetic stock of plants, retain any ground flora that may be present and enable the “new” hedgerow to establish in a shorter period than a conventional planted sections would achieve. It would also maintain a varied age structure of the hedgerow network across the site once restored and enable the earlier production of berries for birds and mammals than would otherwise be the case.

4.4.2. In order to translocate sections of hedgerows, the donor hedge will be coppiced to between 1 to 1.5m of ground level in the autumn period. During the following dormant winter period, the receptor site, consisting of a trench 1m wide and 1m deep, will be prepared. Narrow trenches will

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

be excavated either side of the hedgerow to be translocated (or alternatively a root-cutting device could be employed). A hydraulic grab, fixed to a 360o tracked excavator will then lift individual hedgerow plants and place on a flat-bed trailer. The plant material will then be transported to the receptor site and the root-balls lifted into position again using the same grab with labourers assisting in the final positioning and replacement of soil around individual hedgerow plants by hand. The process will continue until the translocation process is complete for a specific length of hedgerow.

4.4.3. Any occasional gaps within the translocated hedgerow will be planted with 30 to 45cm high hazel, blackthorn, dog rose and guelder rose transplants. Oak, ash and field maple whips will also be planted at 20 to 30m intervals to ultimately provide additional hedgerow trees and add further ecological and landscape diversity. These hedgerow trees will be tagged to ensure they are not inadvertently cut during future hedgerow maintenance. Translocated root stock has the ability to regrow at a faster rate than newly planted stock and subject to sufficient water being applied particularly during the first season, the hedgerow will regrow to provide a defined feature within a limited number of years.

4.4.4. A systematic monitoring programme shall be undertaken during the translocation process and will continue in subsequent growing seasons throughout the 5 year aftercare programme to ensure the ecological integrity of the translocated hedgerows in question is maintained. The above approach, offers an effective alternative to conventional compensatory hedgerow planting and will potentially provide early beneficial screening properties as well as maintaining age structure within the hedgerow network across the site and provide a valuable food source for farmland birds.

4.4.5. The hedgerow to initially be translocated to the north-western sector of the site will ultimately form part of the boundary of an area of calcareous grassland bounded to the west by a retained existing mature hedgerow adjacent to the bridleway NR7. This calcareous grassland habitat will be established at an early stage of the development will contribute to the overall bio-diversity of the site whilst providing a visual screen of site operations when viewed from bridleway and more distant views from Little Addington to the west of the River Nene.

4.5. Mobile mineral processing plant and equipment

4.5.1. In order to process the limestone and recycle brick hardcore and concrete it is proposed to use a mobile crusher and screens that will be located on the quarry pavement and be repositioned as workings progress across the site. Similar plant is currently being employed at the Company’s Thornhaugh Quarry near Peterborough as shown at para 2.1.5 of this Environmental Statement. This mobile processing plant and equipment will be less than 5.5m in height and consists of Kleeman crusher 110R, a Pegson 428 impact crusher, a 393 Screener 3 way split, a 683 Screener 3 way split and a 693 Screener 3 way split. As part of the noise impact assessment this plant and equipment has been monitored whilst operating to assist in the predictions for the Ringstead Grange scheme. A majority of the excavation and processing operations would not be visible out with the confines of the development. The cross-section as shown on Drg No R15/05 provides a representation of typical quarrying operations.

4.5.2. In order to excavate soils, overburden and limestone, 360o tracked excavators will be employed loading 14m3 capacity dump trucks that will transport the material as required. The limestone’s structure is such that it will not require blasting and this accordingly significantly reduces the potential impacts of extremely high noise levels, vibration and dust emissions. To load processed limestone or recycled aggregate into road bourne HGVs, a rubber typed loading shovel will be used.

4.6. Soils Handling, Management and Replacement

4.6.1. As noted at Section 3.6 a detailed soil assessment has been undertaken of the entire site. The characteristics of the soils represent the most important factors in the potential for successful land restoration at this site. All soil resources identified within the soils assessment will be sequentially stripped and conserved (or stripped and placed directly on the restored landform) to reinstate the soil horizon to an acceptable profile.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4.6.2. The physical layout of the site and the haulage routes within the scheme will be designed to facilitate the removal and replacement of soils and overburden with the minimum of traffic on unstripped soils. Plant or vehicles will run only on the lowest available soil horizon and all handling of soils will take place when soils are in a dry and friable condition consistent with current good practice guidance using the “worm” method to establish the suitability to handle the soils. In each phase of extraction, topsoils will be stripped and moved direct to the nearest storage location, unless there is an opportunity for direct placement on the restored surface. Subsoils will be stripped in successive operations and moved direct to the nearest storage location, unless again there is an opportunity for direct placement on the restored surface. No earthmoving plant or vehicles shall cross any area of unstripped topsoil or subsoil except where such movement is essential and unavoidable for purposes of undertaking permitted operations.

4.6.3. Prior to re-spreading subsoil or topsoil, the upper layers of the prepared surface will be ripped and any material brought to the surface that is injurious to plant growth or likely to impede subsequent operations will be removed. In order to achieve the highest standard of restoration it is proposed to implement an Annual Soils Management Audit that will ensure that any forthcoming soil placement programme will be provided to the MPA. In accordance with good practice, it is envisaged that within three months of completion of soil handling operations in any calendar year, the MPA will be supplied with a report detailing:-

 the area stripped of topsoil and subsoil;  the location of each soil storage mound;  the quantity and nature of material within the mounds together with details of the type of plant used to strip/store those materials;  those areas from which it is proposed to strip soils in the following year; and  details of the forthcoming year’s soil replacement programme including target soil depths.

4.6.4. As part of an Annual Soils Management Audit it is proposed that any forthcoming soil placement programme will be provided to the MPA and details of proposed restored soil profiles will be submitted for approval prior to replacement of any soils. Soils replaced will consist of material previously placed in storage or stripped directly from the advance excavation area.

4.6.5. Soil stripping shall not commence on any phase until any standing crop or excess vegetation is removed. The soil stripping methods as set out in the MAFF Good Practice Guide issued in April 2000 will be followed. The Mineral Planning Authority (MPA) will receive written notification at least 3 working days before soil stripping is due to commence and consistent with the MAFF Guidance topsoils and subsoils will be stripped by a hydraulic backactor and articulated dump trucks whilst a low ground bearing pressure (LGP) dozer with wide tracks may additionally be used as necessary to recover the maximum volume of soil material consistent with MAFF Guidance Sheet No 13. All topsoil and subsoil mounds will be seeded with grass to minimise loss by erosion and infestation by weeds. The grass sward will be subject to an annual maintenance regime and any excess weed growth will be controlled by a combination of herbicides and mechanical means as required.

4.6.6. Topsoils will only be stored in temporary stockpiles/mounds to a maximum height of 3m whilst subsoil and soil-forming material storage mounds will be limited to 5m in height. Where soils will be stored for at least one growing season, unless the area is farmed as noted below, the storage mounds will be sown with a 50:50 mix of Lolium westerwoldicum (westerwold's annual ryegrass) and Festuca rubra (red fescue) at a rate of 2g/m2 for each species to help maintain biological activity, prevent water erosion and to improve the appearance of the mounds.

4.6.7. In the case of topsoil storage mounds T1 and T3 these have been designed with shallow side slopes of a 1:8 gradient and are located in a position where the mound can be cultivated and “farmed” during the life of the quarry development if so required. At such gradients (which are the maximum for best and most versatile agricultural land), agricultural machinery can readily travel over the mounds to sow and harvest crops in a conventional manner.

4.6.8. Topsoil and subsoil will be replaced sequentially to an agreed specified thickness using backactors, low ground pressure dozers and articulated dump trucks over the designated area within the reinstated landform, using the method set out in Sheet 4 of the MAFF "Good Practice Guide for

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Handling Soils" (April 2000). The subsoils will be placed and spread to the depths specified in the Annual Soils Management Audit as to avoid undue compaction of the previously reinstated level. The topsoils will be placed and spread to the minimum depths specified in the soils audit over the loosened subsoils in such a manner as to avoid compacting reinstated soils. The Minerals Planning Authority will be notified in writing within 2 days of completion of the above preparations and given an opportunity to inspect the prepared surface, prior to the commencement of any further cultivation operations.

4.6.9. Aftercare provisions for the reinstated agricultural land will be appraised at annual meetings which will be held with the MPA to review the ongoing aftercare provisions of the site on a regular basis. It is proposed to restore the site such that the reinstated landform enables natural drainage to be provided. The gradients of the restored agricultural land have been designed to provide good surface drainage and a landform, which is conducive to good agricultural husbandry.

4.7. Dust Suppression

4.7.1. To minimise the potential impacts, the excavation of material and related operations will be conducted in accordance with best practice guidance as detailed within Mineral Policy Statement 2 (MPS2). The essence of the central government guidance is that dust emissions can be controlled by effective site management. The measures for the control of dust on site will comply with any conditions which may be specified by the planning authority, including dust management scheme, and will additionally accord with Mick George Ltd’s Environmental Management System (EMS). The Site Manager will refer to the management scheme, to determine his response to potential or actual dust emissions, taking into account current and forecast weather conditions and operational plans. Consistent with advice in MPS2, Mick George Ltd will apply a pro-active approach to the management of fugitive dust by adopting a Dust Action Plan (See Annexure 9).

4.7.2. General matters and the management of the site can affect the likelihood of significant dust emissions. These include:  provision on site of a pressurised water bowser adequate year-round water supply to permit an appropriate filling cycle,  establishment of 50,000 gallon water reservoir sump,  high standards of house-keeping to minimise track-out and windblown dust,  a preventative maintenance programme, including readily available spares, to ensure the efficient operation of plant and equipment, including fixed and mobile dust suppression plant, and  effective staff training in respect of the causes and prevention of dust.

4.7.3. Soil stripping and restoration are generally short-term seasonal activities and there is considerable flexibility as to timing. The effects of wind blow across stripped surfaces and other areas of bare ground will be minimised by ensuring that loose soils and other materials are not left untreated on the ground. The stripped areas will be minimised as far as practical, and stripped surfaces should be smoothed and compacted to seal the surface and reduce the risk of wind-raised dust. During dry conditions, water will be applied as necessary to stabilise any loose bare surfaces. Significantly the mineral processing operations are located below the rim of the quarry and there are no proposals to drill and blast the limestone which can be a major source of dust generation on larger quarries.

4.7.4. The Site Manager will carry out daily inspections and log observations of site conditions including any occurrences of dust or the onset of potential dust generating conditions. A graded scale of dust occurrences is proposed within the Dust Action Plan, together with responses, as follows:

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Score Condition Action required 0 No visible dust None 1 Visible dust travelling up to 5m from Damp surfaces down, review operations the source and weather conditions, and take further preventative actions as appropriate. 2 Visible dust travelling reaching the Damp down and reduce/relocate any sides of the quarry void, or edge of operations causing the release; review stripped areas during restoration operations and weather conditions, and take further preventative actions as appropriate to prevent further releases. 3 Visible dust crossing the operational Carry out emergency damping down and area treatment of source areas; carry out inspections to ascertain extent and amount of dust migrations and provide plan for any modification to operations to prevent recurrence.

4.7.5. The above seeks to identify circumstances when additional dust suppression measures including temporary suspension of site operations should be considered during site operations. In general, the strategy will require the site manager, to take necessary precautions to prevent adverse dust emissions. Under critical conditions when the wind direction is towards dust sensitive locations within the Critical Dust Control Zone then the additional dust suppression measures will be implemented.

4.7.6. Accordingly, in line with the relevant governmental advice document Mineral Policy Statement 2 (MPS2), dust suppression measures in the form of a Dust Action Plan will be implemented to minimise any potential adverse amenity impact. At the Ringstead Grange scheme, best available techniques shall be employed to minimise dust during site operations and the following measures will be used in order to minimise and control dust nuisance:  All active haul roads will be kept damp as required by motorised spraying units during site operations (i.e. water bowsers).  The direction of exhausts of on-site vehicles will be such that exhaust gases cannot be emitted in a downward direction.  Observations will be made of the wind direction, by the site Manager during quarrying and infilling operations, when it appears from visual inspection that the wind direction is towards dust sensitive locations and such locations are within Critical Dust Control Zone.  Placing dust-generating activities where maximum protection can be obtained from topography or other features.

4.7.7. During critical conditions, the site manager or other nominated person will consider the need for additional measures to be taken to eliminate fugitive dust. Where additional measures are necessary, these may include the imposition of additional speed limits on all internal haul roads, the consideration of moving site activities to an alternative location until suitable weather conditions return or the additional use of bowsers although as broadly reflected within the site design, the distance between sensitive uses and dust-generating activities has been maximised.

4.7.8. If these or other measures fail to rectify the situation, the site operations causing the dust generation shall cease for the combined duration of the trigger levels and critical conditions. Consistent with recognised good practice a register of complaints will be maintained on site. All complaints will be reported direct to the Site Manager who will investigate every complaint ensuring that any necessary corrective measures are taken, details of which will be recorded.

4.7.9. Appendix 1B of MPS2 provides a useful summary of site operations and possible methods of controlling dust, and relevant sections of this are repeated overpage.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Activity Possible Dust Control Methods

Soil handling and storage Restrict the duration of the activity. Seal and seed storage mound surfaces as soon as is practicable. Protect surfaces from winds until disturbed areas are sealed and stable.

Loading/Unloading activities Reduce drop heights wherever practicable. Protect activities from wind.

Transport by vehicle within and off site Restrict vehicle speeds. Water unsurfaced roads and paved roads. Wheel or body wash at an appropriate distance from site entrance. Load and unload in areas protected from wind. Minimise drop heights. Sheet or cover loaded vehicles. Use water sprays to moisten material. Sweep/wash paved roads. Use paved roads where practicable.

4.7.10. Soil mounds, will be seeded at the earliest opportunity to bind the surface and minimise the effects of wind blow. The effects of wind blow across stripped surfaces and bare ground will be minimised by ensuring that loosened soils and other materials are not left untreated on the ground. During dry conditions, water will be applied as necessary to stabilise any loose bare surfaces. Impacts during site operations will be controlled by minimising the drop heights of material from excavators to dump trucks and loading shovels. Care will be taken in respect of site haulage to control the occurrence of dust emissions, particularly during the restoration phase of the proposed development, when fill materials are being imported to the area and during soils haulage.

4.7.11. A water bowser and road sweeper will be made available during the site operations, to spray water to the paved site access road and to clean any deposits from the road as and when necessary. A water sump with a minimum capacity of 50,000 gallons will be provided at the base of the quarry workings to provide an ample supply of water for dust suppression requirements. The site access road will be inspected by the site manager on a daily basis, to determine the need for maintenance, cleaning and dust suppression. All vehicles loaded with imported fill materials or processed mineral will be sheeted in order to minimise spillages or wind whipping of loose material. All departing road transport will be inspected for cleanliness, prior to leaving the site.

4.7.12. The foregoing standard good working practices and additional mitigation measures are generally accepted by the government and the surface minerals industry as providing effective control against the impact of airborne dust. With the implementation of these measures, the risk of a dust-related impact at the closest residential dwellings will be negligible.

4.7.13. Overall, with the application of standard good practices, the residual risk of adverse effects outside the site due to dust will be slight or negligible at all receptors. Daily observations and inspections by the site management are required in order to minimise these risks. Similar risks are considered to be present in any case as a result of the intensive arable farming taking place in the area, and potentially dry dusty conditions that are likely to exist in the area during warm dry weather.

4.8. Imported Material

4.8.1. Suitable inert material will be imported and placed within the worked out sectors of the quarry to ensure that high quality agricultural land can be reinstated close to original ground levels and integrate into the wider landscape as confirmed by the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The proposed mineral extraction area at Ringstead Grange will require imported material to progressively restore the site in conjunction with soil resources and overburden from the site itself. The material deposited at the site will be strictly inert and it is estimated that the annual input rate will be up to 100,000 cubic metres per annum. This material will be imported into the site under an Environmental Permit that will be applied for concurrently with this planning application. The

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Permit application will contain details of procedures for the acceptance of the imported inert restoration material and how the site will be operated.

4.8.2. The material to be imported is defined as materials which are not reactive, do not dissolve, do not biodegrade, have insignificant leachability and total pollutant content, and will not give rise to environmental pollution or harm to human health. In order to be classified as inert, material must meet the waste acceptance criteria for inert materials (Environment Agency, 2008) and as such, will not pose a significant risk to the water environment. The inert materials used for restoration will only be accepted at the site if they meet the strict acceptance criteria defined in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 and they will be placed in an area lined with a suitable geological barrier comprising selected cohesive inert material.

4.8.3. All material delivered to the site will be accepted only after it has successful been assessed under a ‘Site Notification’ scheme. This scheme requires the person with the imported inert restoration material to supply Mick George Ltd with basic characterisation and other Duty of Care information and test results, where appropriate, prior to the acceptance of the material at the site. These will be assessed by trained staff to ensure the materials are strictly inert and in compliance with the site’s Environmental Permit.

4.8.4. Only after a source site is approved will the material be accepted at the Ringstead Grange site. The site reception area will be located at the weighbridge and site office area. The site staff, both in the weighbridge and in the quarry, will be trained to recognise the types of imported inert restoration material that may be accepted at the site and to identify the details which should be presented on the documentation.

4.8.5. On arrival at the site, checks will be carried out to ensure the material is from the approved source and the Duty of Care documentation will be reviewed by the acceptance clerk to determine whether the waste may be accepted at the site and is consistent with the approved ‘Site Notification’. A record will be kept of the date and time of deliveries, the quantities, and the nature of material, the name of the company, the name of the representative delivering each load of waste and the vehicle registration number. Documentation for the imported material received will be kept on record for any statutory period required.

4.8.6. When the imported material is placed in the restoration area, further visual checks will be carried out prior to incorporation into the restoration scheme. Any material which is identified at the reception area as inconsistent with the documentation supplied or unsuitable to incorporate into the restoration scheme will be rejected and the event will be recorded in the site diary.

4.8.7. The importation of inert restoration materials at the site will fall within the applicant’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management, which are subject to external third party assessment. Mick George Ltd also undertakes internal audits and training to ensure site staff are fully conversant with the responsibilities under the Environmental Permit. The site will also be subject to audit and inspections by the Environment Agency regarding permit compliance and monitored by the Mineral Planning Authority against the relevant planning conditions

4.9. Management of Surface Water

4.9.1. In order to ensure any surface or pumped ground water is discharged from the site in a controlled manner, it is proposed to establish discharge points that will be used throughout the operational life of the quarry. The northern most discharge point (D1) is located to the north of excavation phase 4. A second series of permanent water treatment ponds will be established at the southern extremity of the site (to the south of Phases 14 to 16), which will discharge at point D2 as shown on Drg No R15/03. This latter area will deal with all pumped water from the excavation void and will consist of a series of ponds interlinked with relatively small diameter culverts to ensure the through flow of water is controlled to enable any silt or suspended solids to settle out prior to discharge into the receiving watercourse immediately to the south. Although remote from the initial phases of the quarry development, water will be channelled to this water treatment area via a combination of existing and new drainage ditches. Additional temporary silt settlement ponds will be created along this ditch line to the west of the offices to aid with limiting the volume of suspended solids carried to the pond system at D2. Temporary water treatment pond (or series of

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

ponds) will be established in the base of the quarry workings to settle out any suspended solids prior to the water being pumped to the required discharge point.

4.9.2. Following the working and reinstatement of Phases 2 to 5, a permanent flow attenuation pond system will be established which will discharge at the point D1. This pond system will assist in controlling both the rate and quality of water which will drain newly restored agricultural land. To assist in reducing flood water flows, during times of excessive rainfall, water will not be pumped from the excavation area to the discharge point D2. No water will be pumped to discharge Point D1 at any stage.

4.9.3. Both of these proposed water treatment facilities have been designed to not only assist in managing surface water flows throughout the operational life of the quarry but also be retained as an integral part of the restoration scheme.

4.10. Hours of Operation

4.10.1. It is proposed to operate the quarry between 0700 hours to 1800 hours, Monday to Friday and 0700 hours to 1300 hours on Saturday with no operations on Sundays or Public/Bank Holidays. It is also proposed to load HGV’s from the site from 6am (Monday to Friday). This would involve a rubber tyred shovel loading up to 10 HGV’s in the period prior to 7am when the primary quarry operations commence. Given the site’s location and access point onto Raunds Road, the HGV route does not pass a single dwelling (or pass within 800m of any property to the north of the A45) before joining the A45. The noise appraisal considered the noise impact of such an operation compared against the relevant criteria level within the MPS2 (i.e. 42 dBA LAeq 1hour) and concludes that this

operation can be undertaken at a level not exceeding 36dBA LAeq (1 hour) at any residential dwelling.

4.11. Lighting

4.11.1. A majority of the site operations will be carried out during daylight hours. However, during the winter months there may be a requirement to have some artificial lighting around the plant site area for health, safety and security requirements and possibly within the infill areas. Such lighting will be downward facing to minimise any potential adverse impact upon local communities or identified ecological sites and in any event would be below the working rim of the quarry. Floodlighting in the winter months may be required around the plant up to half an hour outside of quarry operating hours.

4.11.2. Lighting will concentrate light down on to the immediate operational areas and not any outlying areas. The elevation of the floodlights will be limited to maximum 5m height. The intensity of lights will vary between 25 and 75 LUX, with the spread of light up to 30 metres. Light spillage to the rear of fixed units (i.e. those attached to the plant offices etc.) will be negligible and glare from lighting towers will be limited by shrouds. Up to two lights may be required for security purposes through the night time period, but such lights will be limited to LUX levels not exceeding 20 and in any event would be downwards facing. Peripheral soil screening mounds between 3 and 5 metres in height would additionally assist in limiting light intrusion.

4.12. Wheelwash

4.12.1. A wheelwash facility will be constructed as part of the internal haul road network and may consist of a concrete road sunk a minimum of 400mm below the adjacent road level with rumble strips at the base. Gentle ramps will be provided at both ends to accommodate articulated HGVs and the depression will be filled with water. HGVs will then pass through the wheel “bath” and the sump will periodically be emptied of accumulated silt. The depth of water will be sufficient to clean both the wheel and chassis of HGVs. Vehicles will be subsequently checked by drivers to ensure that deposits of mud are not adhering to the chassis and underbody. The water supply to this wheel wash is recirculated via settling tanks. Furthermore the surfaced access road will be swept regularly to ensure that no deposits of fine material are allowed to accumulate.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

4.13. Fuel Storage

4.13.1. Oil and lubricants shall only be stored within the site within an impervious bund or enclosure and the discharge of such material to any settlement pond, ditch, stream, watercourse or other culvert shall not be permitted. Any bulk fuel/chemical storage facilities should be bunded to contain spillages and leaks (i.e. bund volume should be at least 110% of the capacity of the largest storage tank). The facility would comply with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)(England) Regulations 2001. These measures will also serve to protect groundwater resources and will broadly follow the relevant Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG’s).

4.14. Community Liaison

4.14.1. To ensure local communities are fully informed of activities on the site when operational, it is proposed to establish a Liaison Forum which will include representatives of County Council, District Council, local Parish Councils, as well as officers of the County and District Councils. Meetings would be held on a regular basis to provide an opportunity for any queries to be brought forward and for information about future activities on the site to be given to those concerned. Such an approach is consistent with central government advice in respect of promoting good community relations and provide details of working progress within the quarry.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

5. DESIGN STATEMENT AND RESTORATION SCHEME

5.1. Objectives and Restoration Concept

5.1.1. The proposed restoration scheme will secure a suitable and characteristic afteruse for the site in terms of improved landscape character and as a bio diversity resource aiding connectivity across the area. The proposed restoration strategy for the site will ensure there is no permanent loss of "best and most versatile" land (i.e. ALC Grades 2 and 3a) re-establishing all prime quality agricultural land, with a range of alternative habitats, which will complement the existing landscape setting and provide the opportunity for contributions to green infrastructure improvements. Proposals for the reinstated land use and landform for the site are shown on the Restoration Plan (Drg No R15/04) and for ease of description and reference, the broad proposals are considered below.

5.1.2. The Bio-Diversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire is intended to guide local authorities in translating advice into action for habitats and species alike. The County’s development plan determines the strategic role of development control in the delivery of bio-diversity action and as such is guided in part by the Bio-diversity Action Plan for Northamptonshire. As well as playing a role in the protection of the important statutory sites, such as SSSI’s and County Wildlife Sites, development plans also play an important role in the protection and enhancement of the wider countryside. This opinion was reinforced by Planning Policy Statement 9 and Circular 06/2005.

5.1.3. The Northamptonshire Bio-Diversity Action Plan sets out targets for the conservation and enhancement of the County’s bio-diversity and it is recognised to progress the delivery of these targets it is important to establish a means of monitoring the plans as a whole, which serve to evaluate the effectiveness of working partnerships and ultimately the achievements of actions towards agreed targets. The stated ultimate goal seeks to identify a tangible difference on the ground for the habitats and species that are subject of the targeted action.

5.1.4. In the case of the proposals at Ringstead Grange, the relevant BAP Action Plans include hedgerows, calcareous grasslands, along with linked broadleaf woodland blocks and two wetland complexes. Notwithstanding the proposal to reinstate a majority of the land to prime arable use, the opportunity nevertheless exists to create positive green infrastructure corridors enabling the hedgerows (with hedgerow trees which are non-existent at present), hedgerow ditches, conservation headlands, broadleaf woodlands and calcareous grassland to provide valuable habitat linkage across the site. The site is located half a kilometre south-east of the Nene Valley sub- regional green infrastructure corridor and 400m north-east of the Little Addington to Hargrave local green infrastructure corridor.

5.2. Restoration Features

Agricultural land (including conservation headlands and hedgerows)

5.2.1. Section 4.6 of this Statement details the manner in which the soils will be managed to ensure that optimum use is made of high quality soil resources in accordance with current good practice guidance originally published by MAFF. Agricultural land will be restored when the soils are in a dry condition using approved methods for soils handling and between January to March the soils will be sampled and analysed. Recommendations will then be made as to the type and quantity of any fertiliser, lime or any other nutrients required to build up the status of the soils to the required index as defined by the planning permission. The land will be cultivated to produce a tilth suitable for the sowing of a suitable crop. These works should be carried out in time to allow significant germination to take place in order to stabilise land and minimise any possible soil erosion. During the aftercare period, temporary drainage works shall be carried out as necessary to prevent soil erosion, flooding, silting up or erosion of drainage channels within or outside the site boundary.

5.2.2. Reinstated soils will be ripped to 400mm depth at 600mm centres to promote free drainage between the placed topsoil and subsoil and subsequently harrowed to a depth of 200mm to create a homogenous well-broken, non-compacted tilth. All cultivations will only be undertaken during suitable ground and weather conditions. The reinstated agricultural fields will be reinforced by the

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

planting of hedgerows providing a greater variety of species richness within the hedgerows. The location of hedgerows however, reflects the overall objective to establish reasonably sized high quality agricultural land whilst maintaining an open aspect of the restored site.

5.2.3. Conservation headlands will be created around the margins of the reinstated fields and these areas will be sprayed selectively to allow small populations of broad-leaved weeds and their associated insects to develop. The headlands will typically be 6m wide and will provide an area of a field where the tractor turns when it reaches the field boundary. Lower yielding than the centre of the field because of soil compaction, it is also the most frequently used by wildlife. If a reduced spray regime is used on these headlands wild flowers will establish, insect numbers including butterflies will increase, and insect eating birds. Conservation Headlands are also a refuge for rare and declining plants, once common members of the arable flora, and for many species of beneficial insects. Correct management will provide nesting sites for birds, breeding sites for butterflies and other insects, overwintering habitat for beneficial insects, and help to prevent these areas from becoming potential sources of weed infestation.

5.2.4. Management involves avoiding the use of broad-leaved herbicides in the crop, and avoiding the use of insecticides after mid March. Conservation headlands will in time contain small populations of broad-leaved plants, which have little competitive impact on a crop and will support a high diversity of insects that do no harm to the crop and, in turn, support populations of predatory insects, which help to control crop pests. Tussocky grass margins provide an ideal over-wintering habitat for many such insects. The overall effect of conservation headland management is to boost the numbers of beneficial insects in the crop margin.

5.2.5. Conservation headlands provide an ideal feeding habitat for farmland birds which feed their chicks on insects for the first few weeks of life. Birds will forage on the ground in cereal crops, which give them shelter without being so dense that they impede their movement or soak them in wet weather. An abundance of insects in the crop margin is essential to the maintenance of farmland birds populations.

Hedgerows and hedgerows trees

5.2.6. Within this predominantly arable landscape, diversity of the restored landscape will be achieved by re-establishing hedgerows of varied species of native origin and planting hedgerow trees which are currently non-existent within the site. 2.7km of new hedgerows will be planted or translocated using locally sourced seeds of native trees and shrubs, to complement the retained hedgerow structure around the periphery of the site. The hedgerows will include a proportion of trees which would be allowed to mature consistent with the County’s Bio-diversity objective. This will add to the overall landscape structure of the area but in the long term also add to the overall ecological diversity within the site. These will help to give structure to the new landscape and will develop as perch-posts for breeding birds.

5.2.7. At present there is a lack of mature trees within existing hedgerows. The sole remaining tree within the site boundary was blown down during the strong winds in early January 2012. It is proposed to plant hedgerow trees with a predominance of ash and field maple at typically 30m intervals on all retained and new hedgerows within or bordering the application site apart from those in close proximity to the new areas of calcareous grassland which will be devoid of hedgerow trees. When planted these trees will be tagged to ensure they are not inadvertently cut back during any future maintenance programme. To add further diversity to the hedgerow habitat it is proposed to establish adjacent ditch lines which will aid with habitat connectivity.

5.2.8. As noted at Section 4.4 it is proposed to translocate suitable lengths of hedgerows from within the site to maintain the genetic stock and ensure earlier re-establishment of mature hedgerows across the site. The first section of hedgerow to be translocated will form the eastern boundary of an area of calcareous grassland in the initial Landscape Zone in the north-western sector of the site and also possibly the boundary to temporary footpath diversion.

5.2.9. During the working and aftercare period, all hedgerows will be managed sensitively to enhance their value for wildlife. The tall grass/herb community at the base of new and retained hedgerows will become important for a range of wildlife when coupled with the 2.8km of hedgeside ditches.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Small mammals will use the conjunction of shrubby hedge plants and tall grass to both feed and breed, which in turn may encourage owls and raptors to visit the land.

5.2.10. The new planted hedgerows will consist of 30-45 cm transplants which will be established in two staggered rows, 30 cm apart, at a density of 6 hedgerow plants per metre to the following mix: Hawthorn 60% Blackthorn 20% Hazel 5% Dog rose 5% Dogwood 5% Guelder rose 5%

5.2.11. The planted hedges will be protected as necessary so that rabbits and livestock cannot browse the young plants. Plants will be kept weed free using appropriate herbicides as required for the duration of the development and aftercare period. As hedges develop, they will be trimmed by siding-up only, in order to encourage a suitable structure for cutting in the future. After establishment, trimming will be undertaken only every two or three years, on a rotation around the site to ensure as far as practicable that there are berries available for birds in the winter and provision of denser cover for nesting.

Calcareous Grassland

5.2.12. Two areas of calcareous grassland are proposed to be established. The first extends to 3.5ha and is within the initial landscaping zone and the second a 5.1ha field in the southern extremity. These areas will be managed such that the nutrient status will be generally lowered and the PH level maintained above 7 to promote the establishment of calcareous flora. A botanically diverse sward that is not dominated by ryegrass will be established that will have value for wildlife. The substrate will consist of calcareous soils and the area will be designed to support flower rich grasslands with appropriate management.

5.2.13. Calcareous grasslands require a management regime of cutting or grazing or a combination of both. The frequency and timing of these operations, in part, dictates the type of vegetation community that forms. If the stock are used the field may be closed for a limited period in the spring and summer before taking a single hay-cut. This could then be followed up by aftermath grazing during the late summer and autumn. Where grass growth is particularly rapid, it may be necessary to introduce a low-level of grazing (or cutting regime) earlier in the year to maintain the community structure.

5.2.14. The calcareous grassland habitat action plan (as contained within the Northamptonshire BAP) encourages the creation of new areas of unimproved limestone grassland seeking to enlarge or link existing sites wherever possible. Unfortunately the habitats surrounding the site do not consist of similar habitat so there is limited opportunity to link existing habitats of this type but the scheme provides an opportunity to create an area of calcareous grassland which nevertheless will provide an area for possible winter foraging of Amber List birds such as Lapwing and Golden Glover using the Nene Valley SSSI/SPA.

5.2.15. Establishment techniques similar to those employed at Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust at their Old Sulehay Nature Reserve (Sammock's Hill) will be used whereby seed or green hay will be collected from a suitable donor site consisting of a species rich limestone grassland sward. If the seed is collected this will be done by using a brush harvester and the seed properly dried and stored. If the green hay methodology is employed then bales will be spread on the receptor site within 24 hours of harvesting to prevent seed loss. The ultimate aim after an appropriate aftercare management programme would be to achieve a national vegetation classification (NVC) of CG4 or CG5.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Woodland

5.2.16. In total 1.85 ha of woodland will be established in eight separate blocks and these will comprise of a native broadleaved species mix. Generally, planting will be undertaken at an average density of 2,500 plants per hectare, using a combination of 40-60cm transplants and pot-grown stock. All plants will be protected from stock and rabbit grazing, either by individual guards or by protective stock and/or rabbit proof fencing, depending upon the size and shape of the planting area to be protected. Planting operations will generally will be undertaken in accordance with the document “Handling and Establishing Landscape Plants” produced by the Horticultural Trades Association and the Committee for Plant Supply and Establishment in its revised format in March 2002.

5.2.17. The proposed species mix will be planted at 2m centres as follows: Oak 42% Ash 16% Field Maple 16% Cherry 10% Hazel 10% Crab Apple 6%

5.2.18. The rehabilitation of the land offers the opportunity to create a seasonally wet area in woodland block W3 to the north of the site, albeit limited in extent. At its wettest, the most suitable woodland type for these conditions in this area would be National Vegetation Classification (NVC) W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica (Salix fragilis sub-community). This is a woodland that can be valuable for invertebrates and passerine birds; the early production of seed and leaves, particularly on willows, makes this habitat attractive for wildlife in the early spring. The proposed species mix for the target NVC W6b-type woodland complements the developing wet and damp habitats in the Nene Valley at present: Common alder Alnus glutinosa 25% Crack willow Salix fragilis 25% Goat willow Salix caprea 20% Downy birch Betula pubescens 15% Grey willow Salix cinerea 10% Aspen Populus tremula 5%

5.2.19. These would be planted as 30-45cm transplants at a density of 1,600 per hectare where the colonising flora will adapt to the damp soils and further diversity of species will thus be possible on the site. To encourage this process, the planting mixes in this area can be adapted to try to recreate the woody species structure of the transitional woodland types. As noted at para 4.2.17 it is proposed to establish a narrow strip of pre-coppiced willow along the northern boundary of the site and this will be integrated into the carr woodland planting following the establishment of the wetland feature immediately to the south.

5.2.20. All tree planting areas will be ripped to a minimum of 400mm depth at 1m intervals to relieve any soil compaction. Plantings will be undertaken during the period November-March inclusively. Frost and snow need not prevent planting provided that the plant roots are not frozen and neither frozen ground nor snow are dug in with the roots. Planting will not be carried out in water-logged conditions. All species will be planted in groups of 5 to 7 plants, with groups randomly distributed throughout the planted areas. Plant material will be supplied from nurseries within the British Isles; wherever possible nurseries will be selected providing stock of local provenance. Plant material will be healthy, vigorous and sound transplanted nursery stock with well formed heads and roots. Plant material will be packed at the supply nursery to ensure that there is no drying out during transportation to the site. After delivery if planting is not carried out immediately the bare- rooted plants will be heeled in by placing the roots in a prepared trench and covering them with earth which will be well watered to avoid air pockets forming around the roots.

5.2.21. All bare-rooted transplants will be notch planted using mattocks or other such suitable tools. The notch will be as vertical as the substrate will allow and be deep enough to accommodate the roots hanging freely. If required prior to closing the notch 75g of slow release fertiliser (Ficote 140, Sierra Micromax or similar) will be added per transplant. The notch will be closed and the soil well firmed in around the roots. Care will be taken to ensure that roots are not exposed above the

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

soil surface and that depressions are not formed around the stems such that ponding of water can occur. All plants which are damaged, dead or seen to be seriously retarded in growth will be replaced and replacement plantings will be completed by the end of the March following the initial planting. Stockproof fencing will be erected around the planting areas if individual tree shelters are not used.

Open Water and Individual pools

5.2.22. Individual seasonal pools and areas of open water are proposed across the site albeit limited in geographical extend will provide valuable wetland habitat. These areas would have served an important role as part of the surface waste management of the operational site and will continue with a similar function post-restoration. In general, the margins of these areas will be made as sinuous as possible within the constraints of the available materials. Margins will generally be formed using nutrient poor subsoils, which will allow the development of more diverse aquatic plant communities A range of plants will be allowed to naturally develop in the open water, to provide habitats for colonisation by invertebrates and amphibians. The invertebrate fauna of shallow water is diverse and includes dragonflies, water beetles, aquatic snails, crustaceans and mayflies.

5.2.23. Generally, the best long term management of pools and open water is to allow gradual, natural succession. Many such areas of open water when left alone may fill with sediment become shallower and have gradually changing communities. It is important within reason to allow this process to occur, as there are a number of specialist invertebrates that thrive at different stages of succession. However, where individual plant species dominate the areas of open water, removing a proportion of the invasive plant may promote species diversity. Also, if alien species have colonised these areas, then they will be removed completely as soon as possible.

5.2.24. Areas of open water and pools will have the following characteristics:  gently sloping sides and a range of shallower and deeper areas;  the edges of the ponds will be clear of overhanging vegetation;  a range of aquatic and emergent plants to act as refuges and provide egg laying sites.  areas of rough grassland surrounding the ponds with small pockets of scrub; and  provision of shelter and hibernation sites in the form of logs, piles of stones, tree roots etc.

5.2.25. Such areas could also provide potential habitat suitable for colonisation by water voles, with the inclusion of a range of bank profiles within the proposed restoration including some steeper faces whilst the increased wetland and marginal habitat should also increase feeding opportunities for bats. In order to improve the value of wetland habitat it is proposed to create hibernacula around the wetland area to the north of the site and will be constructed as detailed below.

Mound capped with layer (50-100 mm thick) of topsoil, turf and moss. Mound constructed from piled up rocks logs and dead wood and other suitable rubble. Soil can be loosely filled between layers during construction. (Minimum area: 1500 x 1500 The addition of a geotextile membrane beneath mm) the capping layer may be used to prevent soil, or other loose material, from collapsing into the voids below.

500 - 1000mm

Hibernaculum should be constructed on Gaps left in the capping material at gentle slope to prevent flooding. ground level to allow reptile access

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

5.3. Aftercare

Woodland Aftercare

5.3.1. Within the new woodland areas, a 500mm diameter weed free zone will be maintained around each plant, using an appropriate method of treatment as required enabling an 85% take to be achieved at the end of five years (such a limited failure rate is considered acceptable and will provide a more naturalistic woodland as it develops). A contact translocated herbicide such as Glyphosate, (Roundup), is suitable for this purpose. Chemical applications may only be made by a certificated operative and the application must be made under suitable weather conditions, at the appropriate rate, following the manufacturers recommended instructions for use. Application will be made using a suitable guard on the spray lance to avoid drift onto trees or shrubs. However all plants failing to establish during the first two years will be replaced. All plants will be monitored and any species found to be failing in significant quantities will be reviewed and if deemed necessary replaced with another more tolerant species.

5.3.2. Weed-free circles around each plant will be maintained to reduce the competition from grasses for water and nutrients by spraying a glyphosate-based herbicide in early May, late June/mid-July and late August each year in the first 2 years and then in early May and late July in the following 3 years after planting. Hand clearance of any weedy vegetation growing around plants and within the plant guards will be removed and plants and shelters refirmed as necessary during each maintenance visit. Grass and other ground vegetation in planted woodland areas will be cut to 75mm height in early October each year for the first 3 years of aftercare. Control of weeds injurious to agriculture will be undertaken using methods suitable for the species encountered throughout the aftercare period.

5.3.3. Regular inspections of the tree areas will be undertaken throughout the year by the contractor to check on security of shelters and tree guards. Any noxious weeds present in the planting areas will be controlled by herbicide application or cutting to prevent seeding. In late summer following planting, and in subsequent seasons, an inspection will be carried out to identify and count any failed trees or shrubs. These will be replaced on a 'one for one' basis during the two seasons following planting with similar species.

Wetlands Aftercare

5.3.4. As noted above generally, the best long term management of ponds and open water is to allow gradual, natural succession. If natural regeneration of emergent vegetation is not considered appropriate then reed Phragmites communis will be introduced either as transplanted material obtained from suitable local donor sites, or as commercially grown plant plugs (all plugs derived British provenance seed). Transplanted material will be introduced as 200x200x250mm sized sods, as root or rhizome fragments of as individual plants, depending on species and growth form. The plantings will be made on a grid at 500 – 1500mm centres, extending 1000mm above and below the anticipated water level. Species introduced as plant plugs will be planted in a grid design with plugs at 300 – 500mm centres.

5.3.5. In year 1 the timing of operations will be dependent on the method of introducing reed. Where rhizome fragments are used, introduction will be undertaken early in the year (March/April) in which the area is likely to be flooded. Where, pot grown stock is to be used, planting will be undertaken during April – May once water levels within the lake have stabilised following flooding. Reed introduction will be made to discrete areas around the margins of the water body with rhizomes fragments introduced at 4 – 10 pieces per square metre. Each fragment will consist of at least one internode bearing an undamaged lateral or terminal bud. Fragments will be planted with one end raised out of the substrate. Pot-grown stock will be introduced at a density of 4 per square metre: a shallow hole will be formed to receive the contents of the pot. The root-ball of the reed and soil will be firmed into the hole. Temporary fencing will be erected around the planted areas as protection from grazing birds.

5.3.6. In years 2 to 5 the aftercare management will be directed towards ensuring that the planted areas establish well with operations undertaken as and when required to control volunteer and competing

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

vegetation using hand control or herbicide application, beating-up planting to replace failures, and maintenance of the fencing.

Grassland Aftercare

5.3.7. Calcareous grasslands require a management regime of cutting or grazing or a combination of both. The frequency and timing of these operations, in part, dictates the type of vegetation community that forms. The grasslands require low intensity or no grazing until July to ensure that breeding birds are not affected by nest trampling, followed by more intensive grazing/cutting regime in order to reach maximum sward heights for the next season. In year 1 aftercare management of the seeded/hay-strewn areas will include the following operations:  mowing of the developing sward: the first cut will be undertaken when the sward reaches 100 - 150mm height with the sward being cut back to 50 - 75mm. The arisings will be taken off- site or dispersed across the mown area;  repeated mowing as required during the rest of the year following the above prescription;  no hay cropping will be undertaken during year 1; and  patches of invasive species developing within the sward (creeping thistle, spear thistle, ragwort) will be treated via “weed-wipe” or similar applicator with an appropriate herbicide.

5.3.8. In years 2 to 5 following establishment of the sward during year 1, aftercare management in subsequent years will adopt a traditional agricultural regime involving the following operations:  hay crop taken in late July - early August following seed set: the precise timing of the cut will depend on seasonal weather;  aftermath grazing by sheep (depending on availability): the stocking rate and duration of grazing will be closely monitored to ensure that over-grazing does not occur to produce a very short turf, and that adverse effects on the soil are avoided; and  patches of invasive species developing within the sward (creeping thistle, spear thistle, ragwort) will be treated with “weed-wipe” or similar applicator with an appropriate herbicide.

5.3.9. Monitoring of the sward will be undertaken in each year to determine the establishment of species and their relative abundance to ensure that the aftercare management is maintaining the desired balance

Agricultural Aftercare

5.3.10. Soil structure will be monitored throughout the five year aftercare period. Fertiliser and pesticides will only be added if required. Soils will be sampled and analysed periodically throughout the aftercare period with the results being used to determine the amounts and types of any nutrients that are deemed necessary to fulfil the long term aims of the soils rehabilitation. Care will be taken to ensure that no work, other than previously approved authorised cultivations, is allowed to take place during periods deemed to be outwith the normal accepted cultivation window. Annual aftercare meetings will be arranged to review progress.

Hedgerow Aftercare

5.3.11. During the first year, hand weeding of the hedgerows will be undertaken for the control of volunteer vegetation. Spiral guards and canes will be inspected and maintained in an upright habit and replaced as necessary. Fencing will be inspected and repaired/replaced as necessary. Beating up requirements will be assessed in September: replacement planting will be undertaken where there is a failure over lengths of planted hedge greater than 1000mm and involve planting with either hawthorn or blackthorn.

5.3.12. In years 2 to 5 the application of a granular herbicide will be undertaken in the January - February of each year. Inspection of fencing and planted stock will be undertaken and fencing repaired/replaced as necessary and spiral guards/canes maintained in an upright habit and replaced as required. Beating up requirements will be assessed in September: replacement planting will be undertaken where there is a failure over lengths of planted hedge greater than 1000mm and involve planting with either hawthorn or blackthorn. During the aftercare period, the retained hedgerows will also be managed sensitively to enhance their value for wildlife. The frequency of cutting will

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

be reduced, and hedges will be sided-up only, rather than topped, in order to ensure production of berries and nuts for birds, and to provide denser cover for nesting.

5.3.13. In respect of translocated lengths of hedgerow a systematic programme of monitoring shall be undertaken throughout the 5 year aftercare programme of ensure the ecological integrity of the hedgerows is maintained. Individual plants in any gaps shall be maintained in the same manner as newly planted hedgerows.

Annual Aftercare Meetings

5.3.14. Annual review meetings will be held with the Mineral Planning Authority, when the previous year’s operations will be discussed and the proposals for the following year presented for approval. The operator will maintain records combined into an “aftercare terrier” for the re-instated land and which will include the following details recorded annually:  Details of soil replacement depths and areas restored to topsoil level in the previous twelve months  proposed species/variety/mixture used and the seeding rate;  the amounts/types of herbicides used with the dates of application;  details of any secondary treatment undertaken;  cultural operations undertaken; and  results of the grassland monitoring for species establishment.

Summary

5.3.15. In summary, the restoration scheme for the Ringstead Grange site seeks primarily to reinstate high quality agricultural land whilst additionally, converting a proportion to create a range of habitats and establish green infrastructure corridors. The following table provides a summary of the existing land uses and the matrix of habitats proposed and the resultant natural capital balance. The primary loss is that of poorer quality agricultural land (i.e. 45% of the ALC 3b soil resource), which is replaced with alternative habitats.

Natural capital balance Existing land use Proposed land use Loss Gain Agricultural Land 64.3 ha 52.6 ha 11.7 ha Calcareous Grassland 0 ha 8.6 ha 8.6 ha Open Water and Wetland 0 ha 1.2 ha 1.2 ha Broadleaf Woodland 0 ha 1.9 ha 1.9 ha 64.3 ha 64.3 ha Total Hedgerows (including 3,130 lin m 4,240 lin m 1,110 lin m boundary hedgerows) Hedgerow Trees 0 140 lin m 140 lin m Hedgerow Ditches 1,690 lin m 2,810 lin m 1,120 lin m

5.3.16. The restoration scheme seeks to reinstate agricultural land to grade 2/3a ALC standard over the main area of the site with conservation headlands whilst introducing areas of calcareous grassland, broadleaf woodlands and small areas of wetlands each of which will provide green infrastructure corridors and habitat linkage that are currently non-existent on the land. The hedgerows currently traverse the site are of limited ecological value and will be replaced with species rich variety along with hedgerow trees or in some cases translocated lengths of the better quality hedgerow plants to retain the genetic stock supplemented by varied species. A net increase of over a kilometre of additional hedgerows will be established along with a similar additional length of hedgerow ditches. The landscape and visual appraisal has considered the proposals for the reinstatement of the quarry and has concluded the beneficial effects upon restoration will provide environmental enhancement consistent with the characteristics and objectives of the character area and are of medium magnitude over the baseline situation at the site. The long term beneficial effects on landscape character upon restoration will be of moderate significance.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

6.1. Introduction

6.1.1. Impact prediction for the scheme involves the analysis of the proposed operations upon local amenity and environment and the determination of likely effects. An integral part of the design process is to ensure that potentially adverse effects are avoided or minimised to an acceptable level by working to high environmental standards. Mick George Ltd (MGL) who will operate the site seek to additionally ensure that, as far as practicable, the development entails a beneficial element by way of long term environmental improvements created through the restoration. The site design is aimed at balancing protection of the local environment with the need to extract the mineral resource identified within the County Council’s adopted Minerals and Waste Development Framework Document and subsequently restore the site to a beneficial after use consistent with acknowledged sustainable development objectives. The ‘receptors’ of environmental impacts arising from the proposed operations are those elements of the environment that will be affected in some way by the development and these are identified below.

6.2. Nature Conservation

6.2.1. The significance of an impact is assessed by considering the magnitude and timescale of the impact in relation to the importance (value) and sensitivity of the habitat or species likely to be affected. The ecological assessment undertaken (Annexure 2) confirms value of the habitats and species found within the proposed development area is considered to be low: the loss of the habitats and species is therefore not significant and the magnitude of the impact is considered minor. The overall impacts on communities and species is anticipated to be insignificant.

6.2.2. The Upper Nene Gravel Pits SSSI lies to the west of the site and has been scheduled as a Special Protection Area (SPA), RAMSAR site and accordingly under the provisions of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations the Mineral Planning Authority needs to be satisfied there will be no significant adverse effect on the nature conservation objectives of the SPA/RAMSAR site. If significant impact is likely to occur then the MPA must undertake an appropriate assessment of the implications of the proposal upon the designated site’s conservation objectives. However, given the phased nature of the quarry development and the separation distance between operations and the SSSI this will ensure there will be no impact on the designated ecological site. Whilst extraction operations have the potential to create dust and noise, these will be controlled at source in line with central government advice documents (i.e. Minerals Policy Statement 2 - MPS2) and will therefore not disturb the designated SSSI/SPA. The noise assessment (Annexure 6) confirms existing measured continuous noise levels (measured as LAeq 1 hour) will not be increased within the designated ecological site.

6.2.3. Potential effects are focused on impacts on the qualifying assemblage of overwintering birds for the SPA/RAMSAR site. However, the habitats within the application site (i.e. arable land with hedgerows) are well represented locally and support little of high botanical value. Under current agricultural management practices, the site is of limited value of overwintering bird species, such as golden plover Pluvialis apricaria and lapwing Vanellus vanellus.

6.2.4. Planning Policy Statement 9 states that Natural England will advise the MPA whether, in its opinion, the proposed development would be likely to significantly affect the ecological value of any SSSI or internationally classified site. The scheme at Ringstead Grange consists primarily of agricultural land in an elevated position above the Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI and SPA. The workings are relatively remote from the nearest nationally designated ecological site and the conclusions of the ecological report (Annexure 2) state that no adverse impact would result.

6.2.5. There will be no blasting on the site and mineral extraction will proceed in limited phases across the site below the rim of the quarry. This will not create any more noise (and vibration) within the SPA than current agricultural machinery used on the site and will create no overpressure impacts. Loss of habitat on the application site was an issue within the Scoping Opinion and in particular the resultant impact on available roosting and foraging areas for Annex 1 birds which could potentially cause an increase in competition for food and space in feeding areas which may already be

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

occupied and may reduce bird numbers. The results of the numerous diurnal and nocturnal winter bird surveys carried out on the site indicate that the present habitat provides little existing roosting and foraging habitat for the Annex I birds from the adjacent SSSI and SPA. This is due to its unsuitability and to more valuable and attractive roosting and feeding habitat being available elsewhere around the SSSI and SPA.

6.2.6. With regard to lighting of the mineral extraction works there will be limitations on the hours of working on the site and therefore there are no plans for more than localised lighting around key office and mineral processing areas for the safety of the site operators and these will be within the excavated area of the site and therefore screened from the surrounding area. This localised lighting will cause minimal impact on the overall site area.

6.2.7. Para 9 of PPS 9 confirms that Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations restricts the granting of planning permission for development which is likely to significantly affect a European site, and which is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, by requiring that an Appropriate Assessment is first carried out in respect of the implications of the development for the designated site’s conservation objectives. The approach to be taken in considering a development proposal that might affect a European site is set out in the flow chart in Figure 1 of Circular 06/2005, part of which is reproduced below:

Is the proposal directly connected with or necessary to site management for Yes nature conservation? No Is the proposal likely to have a significant effect on the internationally important interest features of the site, No alone or in combination with other plans and projects?

Yes Assess the implications of the effects of the proposal for the site’s conservation, consult English Nature and, if appropriate, the public

Can it be ascertained that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity Yes Permission may be granted of the site?

6.2.8. In respect of potential ecological impacts upon the application site itself, the area consists of large arable fields separated by hedgerows of limited ecological value. No mature trees are required to be felled and no species protected by statute were found to be present on site apart from occasional foraging. The site is assessed as having low bat potential with only the open and exposed hedgerows on the site that would offer any foraging potential. The site at Ringstead Grange does not support any habitats that provide significant foraging opportunities for overwinter birds. Some limited passage of overwintering birds through the site during winter does occur to the north-west, although the proposed quarry operations are not considered likely to be a limiting factor of maintaining populations of overwintering bird species currently utilising the SPA/RAMSAR site.

6.2.9. The number of overwintering birds from the adjacent wetland areas that were seen over the site was small in number. Occasional skeins of Canada Geese were identified flying over the western side of the site, mainly at dawn. Occasional small groups of mallard were observed and occasional, individual cormorants. One barn owl was identified roosting in a semi derelict barn to the west of the site and this was observed on one occasion flying over the farm to the north but was never observed hunting over the proposed development area. One short eared owl was identified on one occasion perching in the trees on the edge of the plantation to the north of the site but it was never seen over the proposed development site.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.2.10. The table at para 5.3.15 provides a summary of the existing and proposed land uses on the site demonstrating delivery of the net gain in environmental capital at the expense of lower quality (Grade 3b) land. By fostering responsible stewardship of the restored site, positive bio-diversity gains can be achieved providing potential linkage with strategic green corridors in the vicinity. The restoration scheme seeks to reinstate agricultural land with conservation headlands whilst introducing areas of calcareous grassland, broadleaf woodlands and areas of wetlands each of which will provide habitat linkage that is currently non-existent on the land. The hedgerows that currently traverse the site are of limited ecological value and will be replaced with species rich variety along with hedgerow trees and hedgerow ditches.

6.2.11. In summary, the conclusion of the independent ecological report confirms minor impact of existing flora and fauna on site and no adverse effects are anticipated to the conservation status of overwintering bird species that utilise the SPA/RAMSAR site whilst the restoration scheme will provide positive enhancement of nature conservation interests. This is due to the availability of suitable adjacent habitat for feeding and evidence from recent survey work that shows species of wildfowl do not use the site to any significant degree as an additional feeding area outside the SPA/RAMSAR site.

6.3. Hydrology and Hydrogeology

6.3.1. An assessment of potential impact upon surface and groundwater resources has been undertaken by independent consultants DAB Geotechnics, and their report (including a flood risk assessment in accordance with the requirements of PPS25) is contained at Annexure 8 of this Environmental Statement.

6.3.2. The development has been designed so that a large part of the site will remain in agricultural production or in a state of restoration at any one time. It is proposed to manage surface run-off and groundwater using a system of cut-off ditches, drainage channels and temporary sumps. The water will be pumped and/or drained to treatment areas that will comprise settlement ponds with storm water storage capacity, some of which will be permanently established in the southern part of the site. Storm water storage will be provided in the excavations and in the drainage channels with the treated water discharged into the tributary of Hog Dyke known locally as Lumbering Springs. The southern lagoons will form a permanent feature of the restored site. It is also proposed to drain water from the northern part of the site following its restoration to agricultural land. Wetland areas will be established to create additional retention prior to discharge at pre-development greenfield run-off rates.

6.3.3. The borehole monitoring installations suggest that very little groundwater will be encountered in the quarry excavations. This will be largely confined within the Blisworth Limestone Formation, the base of which will form the quarry floor. The exhausted workings will be backfilled using overburden and discard materials from the mineral crushing and screening process plus imported inert material which will be subject to legislative control. The hydrogeological appraisal (Annexure 8) confirms there will be no predicted adverse impact on groundwater quality of such operations.

6.3.4. The proposed quarry workings have been designed so as to minimize the area of disturbance at each stage of its development with the workings being backfilled and restored to re-establish a similar landform to that existing at present and maintain greenfield surface water run-off rates. The discharges will represent normal agricultural drainage rates only with excess water generated during storm events contained with flow attenuation areas within the excavation void or in the water treatment areas which will be retained upon final restoration of the site. Surface run-off and groundwater that flows or is pumped from the working areas will be directed through water treatment areas and will be discharged, subject to the strict consent criteria of the Environment Agency, into the watercourse along the south eastern perimeter of the site.

6.3.5. The volume of storage required to attenuate the discharge of water from the disturbed areas of the site has been determined using a lumped input-storage-output model as described in the CIRIA

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

SUDS Manual (CIRIA, 2007). The highest rainfall intensities derived using the Flood Estimation Handbook CD-ROM were used in the calculations by DAB Geotechnics. Storm durations of up to 380 hours were considered with return periods of 1, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 and 200 years. The area of disturbance was determined for each stage of the development shown on the Indicative Phasing Plans (Drg. No R15/05), together with an estimate of that created during the formation of the initial phase of working.

6.3.6. Following the excavation of the Box Cut (Phase 1) the minimum area of disturbance at any stage during the quarry development will be 13.5 hectares. The water from this area will drain primarily to the working void and treated before being pumped to the water treatment lagoons at discharge point D2 and then discharged to the south of the quarry at a greenfield rate. This will be the discharge flow rate into Lumbering Springs watercourse for which consent will be sought from the Environment Agency. The permitted discharge rate will apply for the entire duration of the quarry development and for all storm events.

Estimated Areas of Disturbance and Equivalent Impermeable Areas Total Equivalent Development Disturbed Areas Area Impermeable Stage (ha) Area (ha) Access road, site service area, excavation and soil strip area; soil storage areas, topsoil Boxcut (Phase 1) storage mounds T1, T2 and T3, subsoil 13.5 11.5 mounds S1 and S2 (all prior to development of grass cover); access tracks to soil strip areas. Access road, site service area, excavation and Around Phase 5 soil strip area; soil storage mound S3 (prior to 15.6 10.9 grass cover) and restored boxcut area (4.7 ha). Access road, site service area, excavation and Around Phase 11 13.5 11.5 soil strip area. Access road, site service area, excavation and Around Phase 16 15.0 12.8 soil strip area.

6.3.7. Despite the fact the quarry is not a permanent feature the rainfall values have been increased by a factor of 10% to account for the likely effects of climate change and in accordance with the recommendations made in PPS25 Table B2. The spreadsheet calculations are presented in Appendix H of the hydrological report (Annexure 8) and a summary of estimated attenuation storage volumes is given below.

Attenuation Storage Required (m3) Development (based on QBAR for all events) Stage 1 in 30 1 in 1 year 1 in 100 year year Boxcut (Phase 1) 903 6,810 9,690 Around Phase 5 825 6,391 9,121 Around Phase 11 909 6,822 9,702 Around Phase 16 1,106 7,780 11,021

6.3.8. By far the majority of the required storage will be provided in the quarry excavations, but capacity will also be created in the areas that have been stripped of soils as these will be bounded by shallow excavation slopes. There will be additional retention in the water treatment lagoons and drainage channels leading to them. Partial flooding of the mineral workings during times of inclement weather is relatively commonplace and the risk is fully accepted by the developer.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Surface Water Quality

6.3.9. The discharge of treated water from the site will require the consent of the Environment Agency in the form of an Environmental Permit. The Agency will not only determine the discharge flow rate to ensure that there will be no increased risk of downstream flooding, but also the quality of the water. This will ensure that there will be no adverse effect on the nature conservation sites into which Hog Dyke and its tributaries flow.

6.3.10. It is anticipated that the principal contaminant in the untreated water will be suspended solids and that this can be suitably remediated by simple settlement. The majority will be retained in temporary sumps formed within the excavations. The water treatment facilities will be regularly inspected in accordance with the Quarries Regulations (1999) and this will ensure that immediate action is taken to maintain their stability, security and efficient operation. Mick George Ltd will have in place emergency measures to deal with any spillages (e.g. the deployment of absorbent mats and booms). Fuel oil storage areas will be adequately bunded in accordance with Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 to protect both surface and groundwater.

6.3.11. The site is situated within a low probability Flood Zone, and therefore the sequential test as defined in PPS25 confirms the development of the site is appropriate and acceptable in this location. It is considered that the proposed development will have no adverse impact on flood risk as during quarrying operations the site will provide increased flood storage and the restoration proposals provide for increased flood storage compared with the current land use.

6.3.12. Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) “Development and Flood Risk”, and its companion Practice Guide, outline the sequential test which guides the Environment Agency in providing advice to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) on whether a particular planning application is considered as appropriate. The Sequential test is meant to direct development away from those areas that are at risk of flooding to locations that are less vulnerable although as noted above, the entire development site at Ringstead Grange lies within this “less vulnerable” zone.

6.3.13. The definition of the various flood risk vulnerability classifications are provided within Table D.2 (Annex D) of PPS25, but some examples are set out below:  Essential Infrastructure: Essential transport infrastructure; power stations etc.  Highly Vulnerable: Emergency services bases; caravan and mobile homes.  More Vulnerable: Residential accommodation; health services; landfill sites & drinking establishments.  Less Vulnerable: Commercial premises and offices.  Water Compatible: Marinas; mineral workings, water based recreation and amenity space.

6.3.14. On review of the Sequential Test matrix, the development at Ringstead Grange would therefore be permitted in flood zone 1. The existing site comprises farmland and is therefore considered to be generating run-off at the Greenfield rate. Drainage on undeveloped areas is likely to be via infiltration or during extreme events overland flow to the surrounding drainage ditches and ultimately into the River Nene. In accordance with the recommendations in PPS25, the design will adopt measures to reduce the impact of surface water run-off through the use of sustainable drainage techniques. Surface water drainage attenuated through the use of above ground sustainable drainage techniques such as swales and attenuation ponds (both formal and informal as part of the general landscaping design). During the excavation of the quarry where will be no effect or increase in run-off generated from it as during extreme storm events excess water can simply be contained within the quarry void.

6.3.15. The Environment Agency will require that the discharge rate generated from the processing plant and ancillary operations should not exceed the current site discharge rate. All subsoil and topsoil will be retained on site and progressively reinstated. The restored site will have similar gradients that exist at present and therefore the site run-off characteristics will be similar to those experienced pre-development. The main conclusions of the flood risk assessment are that:

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

 there is no risk of flooding on any part of the development;  there are no proposals for flood defences or mitigation measures that might increase flood risk elsewhere;  run-off from the site will be controlled at greenfield rates.

6.4. Air Quality

6.4.1. Modern planning consents for surface mineral workings and associated processes feature provisions to prevent potential environmental impacts of airborne dust and invariably, these now include conditions relating to control emissions, in accordance with guidance provided in Annex 1 of Minerals Policy Statement 2 (MPS2). This assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the framework outlined in current guidance for minerals and related operations (i.e. MPS 2: Appendix C: Dust Assessment). A semi-qualitative assessment of the impacts of fugitive dust on potentially sensitive receptors has been undertaken taking into account meteorological data, topography, site activities, screening and proximity to receptors. The mineral extraction processes to be carried out at Ringstead Grange Quarry do not include potentially polluting activities that fall within the Environmental Permitting regime whilst the restoration regime will include the importation and placing of inert material (non-polluting soils, clays etc.) to infill the void resulting from mineral extraction will be controlled under an Environmental Permit issued and enforced by the Environment Agency.

6.4.2. Mick George Ltd has implemented an accredited Environmental Management System (EMS) across all of the company’s sites, and which will be implemented at the Ringstead Grange Quarry site. The control of dust and air quality impacts form an integral part of the EMS which incorporates a structured approach to environmental management. The protection of public health with respect to quarry and related process emissions is provided by means of the Air Quality Strategy (AQS) and associated regulations, along with specific emissions standards applicable to any Environmental Permits to be provided for the site where particular processes will be carried out. The Air Quality Regulations (AQR) prescribes air quality objectives to be achieved for a range of key pollutants. Local authorities are required to review the existing and projected airborne concentrations of these pollutants. If exceedance of any AQS objective appears likely then an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) must be declared with the aim of achieving the objective by the specified date.

6.4.3. Technical guidance is provided to English local authorities in implementing their local air quality management duties by DEFRA Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance LAQM.TG (09), February 2009. The local authority responsible for local air quality monitoring and management is East Northamptonshire District Council and in their Annual LAQM Progress Report published in May 2011 this confirms there are no air quality issues in the immediate vicinity of the site at Ringstead Grange. The progress report considered all new monitoring data and assessed the data against Air Quality Strategy objectives and considered any development changes that could have had an impact on air quality.

6.4.4. There are no UK statutory or recommended levels of dust deposition which constitute an acknowledged nuisance although it is recognised that nuisance may be alleged when the dust coverage on surfaces is visible in contrast with other cleaner areas, especially if the coverage occurs regularly. Complaints about dust may occur when the monthly deposition rate is about 2.5 times the median rate, and are likely if the monthly rate is about 3.5 times the median rate. Some Mineral Planning Authorities (MPAs) have accepted a deposition rate of 200mg/m2/day as default guidance for residential areas and at the edge of towns, above which level the need for cleaning is said to become excessive. The onset of potential nuisance due to soiling is generally considered to occur when the daily effective area coverage exceeds 0.5% at a sensitive property. The effective area coverage (EAC) is a measure of the degree of soiling visible to the eye, and will depend on the quantity of dust and its colour which will determine visibility on a surface.

6.4.5. Data from the closest Meteorological Weather Station shows that, as an annual average, winds blow from the southwest for 23% of the time and from the west and south 16 and 15%, respectively. Thus winds blow from the southwest quarter for over half the year. Winds greater than 10 knots (5 m/s) blow from the southwest for 8% of the time annually, and for 4 and 3% of the time for the west and south, respectively. Wind speeds in excess of 10 knots are important as this

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

can trigger the onset of airborne dust emissions due to wind-raising of loose dry dusts from bare ground and stockpiles. During the summer months, when conditions tend to be drier and therefore potentially dustier, taken as between the months of June and August, the frequency of winds from the southwest quarter increases by around 3%, with corresponding reductions in winds from most of the other sectors. (A copy of the wind rose data is contained within Annexure 9 of this Environmental Statement (Dust Action Plan)).

6.4.6. The site setting is dominated to rural sources upwind in the prevailing wind direction. Background levels of dust are therefore expected to be normal, although no deposition monitoring has been undertaken. Typical dust deposition rates range from 10 to 50mg/m2/day in rural areas, 30 to 80 mg/m2/day in suburban areas and 80 to 160mg/m2/day town centre and industrial areas. Apart from agriculture, and traffic on the A45, no other potentially significant sources of air pollutants have been identified in the vicinity of the site.

Dust Action Plan

6.4.7. The potential for the generation of dust from site activities and its consequential dispersal through the atmosphere is dependent not only on the type and level of site activity, but also on prevailing meteorological conditions. Notwithstanding the limited periods when adverse weather conditions are likely to occur, it is proposed to implement a Dust Action Plan, as detailed within Annexure 9 of this Environmental Statement, which will ensure that extra vigilance is undertaken when working within what is referred to as the Critical Dust Control Zone where operations will be more closely monitored and if required the potentially dust generating operations modified or ceased as considered necessary.

6.4.8. Careful consideration is given to the relationship of activities within the site to sensitive areas outside the operational area. Where possible, all potential dust generating activities are located away from dust sensitive land uses and receptors, but in any event consistent with MPS2 guidance the Company are promoting a management protocol which provides a pro-active approach to dust control. In the absence of any agreed standards or guidelines for operational dust levels and their potential to generate a nuisance, the governmental advice document - MPS2 ("Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England") confirms “that the emphasis in the regulation and control of dust should be the adoption and promotion of best practices on site”.

6.4.9. The location of potential dust-generating activities are transient during different phases of working, and therefore their relationship with dust-sensitive land uses around the site will change and it is therefore important that the minimisation of dust through site design is addressed at each phase of the operation. Without mitigation wind has the potential to lift dust from internal road surfaces, depending on the speed of the wind, the condition of the surface and the size of the dust particles. This potential nuisance can be substantially reduced where surface wetting occurs, for example by the use of motorised dust suppression units (water bowsers). The greatest risk of dust generation would generally occur during soil replacement operations but with considerate site management and implementation of a management plan the risk can be controlled to within acceptable levels.

6.4.10. Airborne dust occurs when fine particles are disturbed and loosened by physical activity such as excavating, loading and transport, or by an airstream passing over such particles. It is generally accepted that winds or more than 10 knots across loose fine materials can cause windblown dust emissions. The distance the dust will be carried also depends on the particle size, the topography of the site and is surroundings. MPS2 states that large dust particles, greater than 30 μm which, constitute the greatest proportion of dust emitted from mineral workings and associated processes, will largely deposit within 100 m of the source. Finer particles, which constitute a small proportion of the dust emitted from most operations, are only deposited slowly, although their concentrations decrease rapidly from the source due to dispersion and dilution.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

Identification of Receptors

6.4.11. In identifying potential receptors to be considered reference has been made to Environment Agency and DEFRA guidance (Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance LAQM. TG (09): DEFRA (February 2009)), (EPUK: Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (2010 Update)), (IAQM: Position on the Description of Air Quality Impacts and the Assessment of their Significance). Potential human receptors have been identified as houses/groups of houses, schools, shops and public rights of way, recreational areas. Whilst Conservation sites include SPAs, SACs and RAMSAR sites, SSSIs, National Nature Reserves, Local Nature reserves.

6.4.12. The impact of fugitive dust at a receptor will depend on the inherent sensitivity of the receptor and the perception of the acceptability of the effects of dust. Receptors may vary in their sensitivity to nuisance dust as follows. There are a limited number of residential dwellings within 500m of the site boundary excluding the site access road and one of those (Scalley Farm) will be demolished should the Warth Park development progress to the south-west of Raunds. Large dust particles, which make up the greatest proportion of dust emitted from mineral working (30µm) will largely deposit within 100m of the source. Under extreme conditions intermediate sized particles (10- 30µm) may travel up to 200-500m although adverse impacts due to fugitive dust from surface mineral sites are uncommon at distances greater than 250m from the source and, as advised in MPS2. To provide a conservative assessment the dust assessment considers potential receptors within 500m of the application site.

6.4.13. For fugitive dust emissions the assessment for representative receptors takes into account the likely activities and duration, distance over which impacts may occur, degree of screening afforded at the time, and long term frequency of wind directions. The probability that dust, and wind dust, will be carried towards receptors is based upon the frequency of winds, as follows:

Indicative Estimate of Probability of Nuisance Dust Impact

Frequency of winds in excess of 10 knots Probability of Impact blowing towards receptors Negligible <5% Low 5-10% Medium 10-20% High >20% (Source - A Guide to Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Environmental Protection, DoE, 1995)

6.4.14. As noted at para 6.4.5 winds in excess of 10 knots (or 5m/s) blow from the south west towards Ringstead village for 8% of the time annually and therefore irrespective of separation distance the probability of impact is categorised as "low."

6.4.15. The magnitude of potential impacts is estimated by reference to the level of screening by vegetation, bund etc., together with judgement of the emission strength and distance to the receptor; screening effects are estimated as follows:

Indicative Estimate of Magnitude of Nuisance Dust Impacts

Source – Receptor distance Screening 0-100m 100-200m 200-500m >500m No screening Large Medium Small Small/Imperceptible Partial screening Medium Small Small/Imperceptible Imperceptible Full screening Small Small/Imperceptible Imperceptible Imperceptible (Source - A Guide to Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Environmental Protection, DoE, 1995)

6.4.16. As noted above, there are very few residential dwellings within the range 200m to 500m and as a majority of the site operations are fully screened the impacts from the matrix would be "imperceptible". For the soil stripping and replacement operations which may in part be

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

considered as having no screening then even then the impact would be considered "small". For those properties greater than 500m from the site operations the impacts are "imperceptible".

Operational Controls of Dust

6.4.17. The principal potential sources of airborne dust associated with the quarrying and processing operations at Ringstead Grange include:  soil stripping, storage and restoration,  excavating,  loading and tipping,  site haulage,  placement of imported fill material,  aggregates processing and stocking,  road transport and wind blow across bare ground and stockpiles.

6.4.18. During soil stripping, storage and restoration operations there is a risk of potentially higher dust emissions, however these are likely to be short lived within any locality, and are unlikely to be significantly different in terms of potential dust generation compared to agricultural operations such as cultivation and harvesting on the existing fields where no dust control mechanism would be in place. Loading and tipping of the mineral may result in localised dust emissions but these will generally be within the rim of the quarry. Site haulage can be a source of fugitive dust at quarries, particularly over long haul distances when vehicle speeds tend to be higher and there is an added requirement to maintain a smooth well-drained surface. Maintenance of the haul road surface and limitation of vehicle speeds will be important in minimising dust emissions. In any event a water bowser will be used along haul roads and around the extraction area when conditions require dust suppression. A transitory sump will be established in the base of the quarry workings with a minimum capacity of 50,000 gallons to provide an ample supply of water for dust suppression.

6.4.19. Imported inert restoration material including soils, clays etc. are to be used in the progressive restoration the site and will be placed within the quarry void as part of the regrading to the finished land profiles. The movement of fill materials will take place by HGVs entering the site from Raunds Road. Departing vehicles will pass through a wheelwash and metalled section of access road before joining the public highway. In general however, the free-draining nature of the ground and surfaces means that mud and silt track-out will not be a major concern. All departing road transport will be cleaned at the wheel-wash/inspected and cleaned as necessary using pressure hoses.

6.4.20. All loaded aggregates lorries and HGVs carrying material to the site will be sheeted to minimise the effects of wind-whipping. Overall, road transport will not result in significant dust emissions within the site boundaries. During dry windy conditions, visible wind blown dust could be raised from areas of open bare ground, including stripped and restoration areas, stockpiles and other surfaced areas, particularly where the materials are loose or are disturbed by traffic or other operations. The restoration process will involve the regrading of the quarry sides, including the stand-off zones around the sides of the quarry void. This work will involve dozing operations carried out at slow plant speeds, and will take place over relatively short periods (a few weeks) on completion of each phases. As the work will extend from the site surrounds, from existing ground level, there is potential for short-lived dust emissions if these are carried out in dry windy conditions without damping down the surface.

6.4.21. The restoration regime will include the importation and placing of materials (non-polluting soils, clays etc.) to infill the void resulting from mineral extraction. Such infilling will be controlled under an Environmental Permit issued and enforced by the Environment Agency although such infilling activities will still be encompassed within the site’s Dust Action Plan.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.4.22. In summary, in the absence of mitigation measures, the principle dust sources have been identified as stripping, haulage and restoration operations, as summarised below:

Source Potential significance Comment Soil stripping/screen Short duration, with all bund formation Short lived; soils must be handled bund formation occurring during the initial in an unsaturated condition, but development of phases 1, 2 and 3; may be damped down to minimise stripping of subsequence phases will be dust; subsequent stabilisation by of similar short duration, with haulage light rolling or compaction of of soil to completed phases; impacts surfaces and grass cultivation of likely to be equivalent to agricultural temporary bunds activities such as soil cultivation Extraction Moderate to low significance, with Typically contained within the void significance decreasing as excavations except during near-surface are deepened workings; fresh mineral will be largely in a damp condition and will be unlikely to give rise to substantial dust, although drying out of the quarry surfaces could occur in dry warm conditions which can be controlled by use of a water bowser Internal Haulage Dump-trucks - low significance, Damping down of haul road mitigated by location of haulage route running surface may be required at a significant distance from under dry conditions, with mud residential receptors cleaning and repair required in wet weather Mineral Processing Low significance due to location of Cleaning of access roads and plant within the base of the quarry conditioning of stockpiles with water sprays may be required under dry windy conditions Restoration Moderate significance depending upon Damping down of surfaces may be weather conditions but of short required depending upon weather duration in each phase; soil screening conditions and soil moisture levels bunds will be removed as final operation and will have low significance, similar to agricultural operations Site Access/Transport Low significance, duration throughout Road transport will be inspected the site operations prior to leaving the site, and road surfaces will be cleaned as necessary Wind-raised dust Moderate to low significance providing Surfaces may be damped down or (Erosion from that surfaces are managed so as to have stabilisers if necessary stripped/bare surfaces) smooth and seal them prior to restoration. Similar to cultivated arable field Wind-raised dust (From Low significance – stockpiles can be stockpiles/mounds) managed to reduce wind-whipping; bunds will be stabilised by vegetation

6.4.23. A public footpath crosses the site and will be temporarily diverted throughout the first half of the development. This footpath (including the diversion route) along with Bridleway NR7 to the west of the site and any residential dwelling within 500m of active site operations will potentially fall within the Dust Control Zone where additional dust control measures will be implemented during critical periods. In the case of Ringstead Grange, the closest property is Scalley Farm which is located to the south-east of the southernmost phase with the A45 located between. This property is located in excess of 250m from the nearest operational activity to the site, although public rights of way are close to the north-western boundary of the site.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.4.24. In conclusion, given the separation distance of site activities from sensitive receivers and the nature of the mineral to be extracted and the implementation of the Dust Action Plan, dust can be controlled to within acceptable levels in the planning context. The "Best Practice" Guide contained within current research work and referred to in central government guidance note (MPS2) will be adopted to ensure that the amenity of local residents will not be adversely affected, thereby reflecting current central government advice.

6.4.25. As a positive means of controlling dust, the Dust Action Plan identifies trigger levels that relate to wind direction and proximity to residential properties and other sensitive uses. When those trigger conditions are reached, the Dust Action Plan can provide for additional dust suppression measures to be implemented as appropriate. If these are not effective, site operations will either be modified or temporarily suspended to prevent the possibility of dust nuisance in accordance with the provisions of the dust management scheme which introduces a high standard of mitigation.

6.4.26. There are no statutory designated conservation sites within 500m of the site. As noted at para 6.4.5 the prevailing wind is generally away from the Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI/SPA and with such a separation distance no impact from fugitive dust is envisaged. At all residential receptors the risk of significant nuisance dust impact arising from site operations is slight or negligible even without any use of specific dust control measures.

6.5. Noise

6.5.1. Relevant current planning advice on the control of noise generation and impact was issued by the Government in 2005 with Annex 2 of Mineral Policy Statement 2 (MPS2) which provides advice on how both planning controls and good environmental practice can be used to keep noise emissions to environmentally acceptable levels on quarries. The presence of fixed and mobile plant and equipment on sites can lead to an increase in local neighbourhood noise levels although the degree of increase at any given point varies considerably during the life of the site depending upon the nature of the operation being undertaken, the proximity of the operations to noise sensitive properties and the mitigating measures instigated.

6.5.2. Strict environmental controls and sensitive working practices will be sufficient to ensure no harm will be caused to the amenity of local residents with a majority of the operations taking place below ground level with the rim of the excavation void providing an effective acoustic barrier. An independent noise appraisal has been undertaken by AEC Acoustics (contained within Annexure 6) and the conclusions of that assessment state the predicted noise levels of both normal operations and temporary activities are within the guidelines as contained within MPS 2. In respect of “normal” site operations, in each case the worst case predicted levels at representative locations around the site are significantly below the criteria levels detailed in MPS 2.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.5.3. The levels at representative residential dwellings are as follows:

Point C 11 dB(A) below MPS2 criteria levels

Point D 5 dB(A) below MPS2 criteria levels

Point E 13 dB(A) below MPS2 criteria levels

Point F 10 dB(A) below MPS2 criteria levels

Point G 13 dB(A) below MPS2 criteria levels

6.5.4. In the case of the two locations (A and B) to the west of the site on the margins of the Special Protection Area these are clearly not residential dwellings and should strictly not be shown but are included and assessed as if being occupied dwellings to demonstrate lack of potential noise impact on over-wintering bird populations. In the case of Point A (west of Mallows Cotton) the predicted level is 15dBA below the MPS2 criteria level whilst Point B close to the crossing point of the River Nene the level is 16 dBA below. To further demonstrate the lack of noise impact existing LAeq levels 1 hr at these sites are compared as follows:

Point A Existing Measured LAeq 55 dBA Predicted LAeq 40 dBA

Point B Existing Measured LAeq 43 dBA Predicted LAeq 39 dBA

6.5.5. In respect of “temporary” operations, i.e. forming topsoil screening mound and soil stripping, in each case the worst case predicted levels for all locations are below the 70 dB(A) criteria levels detailed in MPS 2. Indeed the “temporary” operations are so remote from residential dwellings the increased criteria level of 70dBA is not required.

6.5.6. It is also proposed to transport mineral from site between 6am and 7am. The predicted levels for this specific operation compared with the MPS2 criteria of 42 dBA are as follows.

Point A 13 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point B 19 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point C 12 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point D 13 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point E 6 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point F 6 dB(A) below criteria levels

Point G 6 dB(A) below criteria levels

6.5.7. With regard to reversing alarms, this can be a cause of particular nuisance and therefore it is proposed to use “white noise” reversing alarms or intelligent alarms that can only be heard in the immediate vicinity of the machine.

6.5.8. In summary, the predicted noise levels from all site activities when compared with MPS2 guidance are significantly below those criteria levels for “normal” operations (i.e. between 5 and 13dBA below for the worst-case predicted scenarios at residential dwellings). Whilst the limited proposed operations between 6am and 7am are 6dBA below criteria levels at the nearest properties.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.6. Highways

6.6.1. Typically 45 to 50 HGV’s will arrive at the site on a daily basis equating to 90 to 100 HGV movements. The Transport Assessment undertaken by David Tucker Associates (Annexure 7) however considers a worst case of daily maximum a figure of 180 HGV movements (i.e. 90 vehicles in and 90 vehicles out) has been assumed. This would equate to 10 movements in and 10 movements out during normal highway peak hours. All proposed traffic associated with the site will be routed via the A45 to the south. In accordance with Guidance on Transport Assessment (GTA), the future year assessment has been undertaken for a 10 year period future year of 2022 has been assessed. Trip End Model Presentation Programme (TEMPRO) is a modelling tool designed to allow users to look at the growth using actual and forecast data supplied by the Department for Transport and has been used to provide the relevant growth factors for the future year assessment. TEMPRO allows users to look at the growth in a number of ways and also includes the National Transport Model (NTM) Traffic Growth Calculation functionality. The NTM Traffic Growth Calculation is based on the most recent DfT Road Transport Forecasts and covers growth arising from a variety of development sites in forthcoming years. The resultant rates are shown below.

TEMRPO growth rates 2022 Base Year AM PM 24 Hr 2011 1.1814 1.1945 1.1983

6.6.2. An assessment of the A45/Raunds Road/B663 roundabout junction with development traffic in 2022 has been undertaken using Assessment of Roundabout Capacity and Delay (ARCADY) software and the full output files are included in Appendix C of the Transport Assessment and the results are summarised in Table 4 of the David Tucker Associates appraisal (Annexure 7). The results of the assessment demonstrate that the roundabout will operate within capacity in the am and pm Peak in the future design year.

6.6.3. Table 5 of the Transport Assessment summarises the percentage increase in flows on the immediate network as a result of the development. This assessment has been based on existing surveyed traffic flows and thus represents the worse year of impact as in future years traffic levels will increase and the proportional increase from the development will reduce. Based on the assessment reported above, the worst case predictions of quarry related traffic currently account for less than 5 percent of total flows on Raunds Road and less than 1 percent of total flows on the A45. In absolute terms, the levels of flows are well within the practical and environmental capacity of a road of this nature and on this basis it is clear that overall impact from HGV flows is modest in terms of traffic capacity.

6.6.4. Personal injury accident data has been obtained from NCC for the latest 5 year period. An accident assessment identified that no accidents recorded in the study area involved HGVs. It is concluded that there are no specific issues that need to be addressed in relation to highway safety on the local transport network. Generally, the site will therefore fall below the threshold for requiring any further assessments of the environmental impacts of traffic and the development will have no demonstrable impact on severance, driver delay, pedestrian delay, amenity, fear and intimidation. In any event, there are no receptors in terms of schools, housing etc. which might be directly affected. On this basis it is concluded that the proposals will have no material impact in this regard.

6.6.5. The assessments have concluded that the proposed operations will have no material impact in terms of the safety or operation of the adjacent highway network. However, notwithstanding this, consideration has been given to the physical adequacy of the proposed site access and Raunds Road to accommodate existing and future flows. To ensure no HGVs turn left out of the site, the Company will enter into a S106 HGV routing agreement and a “no left turn” sign for HGVs will be clearly displayed at the access to ensure drivers adhere to this restriction. The site operator will make drivers aware of the routing restrictions. In pre-application discussions with the local highway authority and the County Council appear to have no immediate concerns with the proposed access arrangements.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.6.6. As part of the pre-application consultations, the Highways Authority and Ringstead Parish Council suggested that pedestrian usage of the Raunds Road for access to schools and employment areas at the service station occurs and that off-road provision should be considered. Notwithstanding an independent traffic count did not support such an assertion, the applicant will provide a 1.8m wide footway on the eastern side of Raunds Road from the roundabout with the A45 to 20m north of the HGV access point.

6.7. Landscape and Visual Impact

6.7.1. Any quarrying operations will invariably result in an element of some visual and landscape impact due to the scale and nature of operations and subsequent restoration proposals. The working scheme at Ringstead Grange follows a number of landscape design objectives introduced to minimize any perceived visual impact during the operational phase and to potentially improve the area in terms of landscape value in the long-term. The significance of the visual effects is largely related to the potential for the development to affect the views experienced by people from areas they frequent, including residential property and areas of public access. The significance of any visual intrusion will also be determined by the nature of the existing view, distance of the viewpoints, duration of the effect and perception or sensitivity of the viewer or receptor. A preliminary desk study was undertaken to establish the physical components of the local landscape and to identify the boundaries of the study area. Published maps were utilised to identify the significant local features relating to topography, field shape, drainage pattern and woodland cover, existing settlement pattern, transport corridors and important historic features.

6.7.2. Topographical analysis was used to identify the extent of potential visibility of the proposed development and initial analysis included contour mapping and the construction of working sections to produce a zone of theoretical visibility to identify potential visually sensitive receptors, which included areas with public access within the visual envelope, roads, public rights of way, public open space, key vantage points, together with residential properties.

6.7.3. A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) of the proposed scheme has been conducted by independent consultants (Crestwood Environmental) encompassing the “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” (GLVIA) published by the landscape institute and the institute of environmental management and assessment 2002, and “Landscape Character Assessment. Guidance for England and Scotland” (LCA) published by the Countryside Agency. These documents do not provide a prescriptive approach to assessment but identify principles and good practice.

6.7.4. The implementation and operation of the proposals will give rise to temporary direct and indirect landscape impacts resulting from alterations to the landscape, however, operations will be phased over a planned period of time and as such the overall potential impact of the scheme will be reduced. Crucially the scheme design has undergone an iterative process as baseline impacts have come to light. The overall magnitude of change within this character area is considered to be low in nature. Studies and field surveys undertaken demonstrate the significant visual effects of the proposal development would be highly localised and to a very large extent views of the quarrying operation would be screened. During operations the effect would be temporary, although at each particular location the magnitude of change will vary according to the type of receptor and distance from the works (refer Annexure 3).

6.7.5. It is considered that the potential adverse effects of working the site would be temporary and balanced by the long term beneficial effects associated with the proposed restoration. The site would contain more visual interest, considered to be a beneficial effect in comparison to the existing scene. In all instances the long term effects of the development on local views would be neutral or slightly beneficial. Mitigation measures are important to ensure that significant adverse impacts predicted during the operation and restoration of the quarry are minimised and that the proposed development fits into the landscape as sympathetically as possible. Mitigation measures are based on the findings of the impact assessment and development of the scheme throughout this process and it should be emphasised that the configuration of the land and the height of mature hedgerows and woodland planting significantly reduce views of the proposed phased site operations.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.7.6. The LVIA prepared by Crestwood Environmental confirms that "the site does not lie within an area of statutory landscape designation or local landscape designation. The landscape value of the site has been described as being of a Low level. The landscape quality of the site has been described as Ordinary. The sensitivity of the landscape character and landscape characteristics of the site is Medium."

6.7.7. The proposed development has been devised to reflect the landscape policies in the various development plan documents and the specific management and planning guidelines provided in the various landscape character assessment and landscape policy documents and biodiversity plans relating to the site. The proposed restoration scheme will secure a suitable and characteristic afteruse for the site, in terms of improved landscape character and as a biodiversity resource aiding habitat connectivity across the area.

6.7.8. In relation to landscape character, the adverse landscape effects during the operational period are typically of medium magnitude and in absolute terms temporarily will remove a number of characteristic landscape elements from the landscape however the LVIA states "Only low sensitivity elements are being removed from the landscape and the site will be progressively restored throughout the operational period. The adverse effects on the prevalent landscape character during the operational period are of Minor - Moderate significance." and "The beneficial effects upon restoration will provide environmental enhancement consistent with the characteristics and objectives of the character area and are of Medium magnitude over the baseline situation at the site. The Very-Long term beneficial effects on landscape character upon restoration will be of Moderate significance."

6.7.9. The visibility of the site is currently limited primarily by the existing landform, hedgerows and woodland components at various points in the landscape. The development is generally well- screened with views limited to areas to the south of the site and from higher ground to the far west and northwest. This is consistent with the opinion of the independent Inspector at the Hearing into the Minerals and Waste Development Framework in 2010 and mitigation measures have been included to limit any potential adverse visual effects of the proposed development including advance woodland planting, temporary soil storage mounds used for screening, working direction (making use of the screening effects of the existing landform) and subsequent progressive restoration to limit the duration of impact as much as possible.

6.7.10. A number of representative viewpoints have been assessed and the significance of visual effects taking mitigation into account was found to be restricted to a majority of viewpoints to be minor to moderate or less. The conclusion from this LVIA is that the proposed development would not result in overall significant adverse visual effects either individual or cumulative, during the lifetime of the proposals.

6.8. Archaeology

6.8.1. The programme of trial trenching undertaken in January 2012 was successful in its aims. It confirmed the presence of one main area of archaeological activity, as indicated by the geophysical survey undertaken in 2011. The works successfully determined the location, extent, date, character, condition, significance and quality of surviving archaeological remains across the site. The focus of identified archaeology was about 350m to the east of the redundant farm buildings of Top Lodge (trenches 12, 13 and 15 - 22). These trenches clearly identified previous settlement in the form of archaeological features (ditches, gullies and pits) which were shown to be of Iron Age date.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.8.2. A large boundary ditch that continued on an NW-SE alignment appeared to form the northern boundary to the identified archaeology, and was picked up in trenches 12, 13, 15, 16 and 19. A ditch identified in trench 5 may have been a continuation of this feature, although it remains undated at this location. Where investigated, the ditch often displayed re-cutting, suggesting a re- definition of the boundary over time. Evidence for what are likely to have been settlement enclosures were identified in trenches 13, 15, 17, 18, 21 and 22. The geophysical survey suggests that these were sub-rectangular in shape, although a circular feature was identified in trench 17. The enclosure identified in trench 18 had previously been identified in the 1990 evaluation. Several pits and ditches were also investigated in these trenches which appeared to relate to the identified settlement activity. Several features identified in trenches 20 and 21 were not visible during the geophysical survey and indicate a continuation of the archaeological activity in this direction.

6.8.3. The pottery yielded from the excavated features suggests occupation during the Iron Age. A number of sherds were positively dated to the Early Iron Age, with only one sherd dating to the Middle Iron Age. Other artefacts recovered include animal bone, a single flint and some daub and this assemblage suggests the presence of an Early Iron Age farmstead characterised by rectangular and sub-circular enclosures. Outside of this main zone of activity very little archaeology was encountered confirming the picture provided by the geophysical survey. A possible ring ditch was identified in trench 1 and field ditches were identified in trenches 9 and 29, the latter of which relates to a possible rectangular enclosure indicated on the geophysical plot. All these features remain undated. Field boundaries, shown on the early estate maps of the area were identified in trenches 27 and 28. An area of former quarrying was identified in trench 4.

6.8.4. The trial trenching, in conjunction with the geophysical survey, has enabled the consultant archaeologist to clearly define those areas where the proposed development would impact upon buried archaeological remains. In these areas suitable mitigation will need to be implemented prior to development. Outside of these areas little or no impact is envisaged.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

6.9. Soils

6.9.1. A soils assessment of the site has been undertaken and the report is attached to the Environmental Statement as Annexure 4. The assessment identifies the existing soil resources available and highlights a majority of the agricultural value of land is Grade 2 and 3a. It is proposed that soils will be handled according to the MAFF Good Practice Guide for Handling Soils as it is recognised that soil resources can be damaged by being stripped or moved when wet and therefore handling will only take place in dry periods, using primarily backactors and dumpers. The soil resources will be stripped and stored separately in bunds kept as low as possible, and no more than 3 m high for topsoils. The bunds will be kept clear of traffic to avoid compaction.

6.9.2. The soils will be replaced during dry periods using loose tipping techniques avoiding travelling on the restored surfaces and will have a minimum soil profile of 1.2m depth. Agricultural land will be restored using approved methods for soils handling and between January to March the soils will be sampled and analysed. Recommendations will then be made as to the type and quantity of any fertiliser, lime or any other nutrients required to build up the status of the soils to the required index as defined by the planning permission. The land will be cultivated to produce a tilth suitable for the sowing of a crop. These works should be carried out in time to allow significant germination to take place to stabilise the land.

6.9.3. During the aftercare period soils will be sampled and analysed annually with the results being used to determine the amounts and types of any nutrients that are deemed necessary to fulfil the long term aims of the soil rehabilitation. Care will be taken to ensure that no work, other than previously approved cultivations, is allowed to take place during periods deemed to be outwith the normal accepted cultivation window. Annual aftercare meetings will be arranged to review progress.

6.10. Cumulative Impact

Landscape

6.10.1. The proposed development is located on land allocated for the extraction of mineral in accordance with the Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste development Framework and as such the determining authority consider that mineral extraction is deemed an appropriate development in this landscape at the with full knowledge of other developments present in a gently undulating landscape. The existing topography does not allow for extensive views into the site and as such adverse visual effects are generally restricted. Moreover, the phased operation of the site and progressive restoration has been devised to help minimise land-take for quarrying/infilling activity and promotes early establishment of characteristic landscape features and habitats. Where additional visual screening is required beyond that already incorporated into the operational development scheme, an assessment of alternatives has been undertaken within the LVIA to help ensure that adverse effects of the screening options available are minimised whilst achieving the required level of screening.

6.10.2. The Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) has considered the potential cumulative landscape effects of the scheme and concluded there are no similar developments close to the site and no cumulative effects of a similar nature are likely to occur. The LVIA recognises that an industrial development (Warth Park Phase 2) will occur on the south side of the A45 and a town extension has been granted planning permission to the north of Raunds (‘West End’). These developments will permanently remove the similar characteristic landscape elements, as opposed to the temporary nature of the Ringstead Grange quarry development. In the context of the wider landscape, the other nearby developments will lead to the addition of potentially uncharacteristic elements (large industrial/commercial buildings) to the landscape permanently. With the Ringstead Grange site being temporary in nature and the beneficial landscape effects lasting for a long term duration upon restoration, this ensures that disruption to the landscape and the associated cumulative landscape impact is not significantly different to the stand-alone landscape impact, as ecological and landscape mitigation will occur during the operation period. The LVIA finally concluded on the subject of cumulative landscape and visual impact that “The main difference, assuming other developments occur at the same time as the proposed development, will be a larger overall number of characteristic elements being removed over a Long-Term duration in the vicinity of Raunds,

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

with progressive restoration of the site, limiting the time over which characteristic landscape elements will be absent from the landscape of the site.”

Traffic

6.10.3. In respect of the future potential cumulative impact of traffic the Trip End Model Presentation Programme (TEMPRO) has been used by David Tucker Associates in their Transport Assessment to provide the relevant growth factors for the future year assessment. TEMPRO is a modelling tool designed to allow users to look at the growth in trip ends, using actual and forecast data supplied by the Department for Transport. This growth can be illustrated in terms of geographical area of interest, the modes of transport of interest; the time of day of interest; and by the base and future years of interest. An assessment of the site access junction with Raunds Road has been undertaken during peak periods with development traffic in future years using Priority Intersection Capacity and Delay software. The results of the assessment indicate that the normal threshold value for operation of a junction, above which queuing or delays may occur and could affect satisfactory junction operation. The proposed site access junction will therefore operate well within capacity in future years with development traffic. Furthermore, an assessment of the A45/Raunds Road/B663 roundabout junction with future development traffic has been undertaken and the results of the assessment demonstrates the roundabout will operate within capacity in the Peak hour traffic flows in the future design year.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

7.1. Summary

7.1.1. The proposals involve the extraction and processing of 1,950,000 tonnes of limestone along with the importation of suitable inert materials to achieve a beneficial afteruse of the site and additionally provides the opportunity to supply secondary and recycled aggregates consistent with central government objectives and development plan policies. The site identified as a preferred area of limestone extraction within the adopted Minerals and Waste Development Framework will be worked and progressively restored in a phased manner and operated to high environmental standards to ensure there is no material harm to the local amenity or local nature conservation interests. In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment assessments have been undertaken in order to identify potential effects (both positive and negative) and to consider the significance of any such effects.

7.1.2. In respect of water quality, the assessment undertaken confirms that with appropriate mitigation there will be no significant negative impacts in respect of surface or ground water resources. The appraisal confirms all surface run-off will be properly managed to ensure there are no uncontrolled discharges from the site and no potential flood risk. Consent will be sought from the Environment Agency to discharge treated water from the quarry during its operation and this will establish the quality and quantity of the water leaving the site thereby ensuring that there is no adverse impact on any receiving watercourses. The flows will be maintained at or below greenfield run-off rates and consequently there will be no increased risk of downstream flooding. Moreover, the hydrogeological appraisal considers groundwater resources and confirms there are no predicted adverse impacts.

7.1.3. With regard to local amenity (i.e. dust and noise), the Environmental Statement highlights "good practice guidance" and additional mitigation measures which are generally accepted by central government and Mineral Planning Authorities as providing effective protection against airborne dust from mineral sites. Adoption of such good practice including the implementation of a Dust Action Plan will ensure that operations will not cause unacceptable impacts due to airborne dust emissions in the vicinity of the site. The distance between sensitive uses and dust-generating activities has been maximised and in any event the location of dust-generating activities are transitory during different phases of working, and therefore their relationship with dust-sensitive land uses around the site will change. It is important that the minimisation of dust through responsible site design is addressed at each phase of the operation.

7.1.4. An independent noise assessment has concluded that the quarry and associated operations can be operated at levels significantly below those identified by Minerals Policy Statement 2 as being acceptable to ensure the amenity of local residents is safeguarded. In respect of Ringstead Village, three representative locations were chosen (Station Road, Raunds Road and to the rear of the Primary School) and the predicted equivalent continuous sound pressure level over a 1 hour period (LAeq 1hr) considering the worst-case scenario when operations were closest to each of those locations were between 5dBA and 13dBA below the accepted criteria levels. In the case of the nearest property to the west of Raunds the predicted LAeq (1 hour) level was 10dBA below the criteria level. The development proposals include the removal of limited volumes of aggregate from the site between 6am and 7am and the noise predictions for these operations are at least 6dBA below the relevant MPS2 criteria levels. Central government guidance allows for an 8 week per annum dispensation to increase noise levels up to 70dBA(1 hour) for soil handling operations. However, due to the remote nature of the site from any sensitive receiver such a dispensation is not required to be employed. Finally, the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI/SPA/RAMSAR site is located to the north west of the quarry and the noise predictions indicated that the measured equivalent continuous sound pressure levels will not be increased.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

7.1.5. In respect of Cultural Heritage, during January 2012 Phoenix Consulting carried out an archaeological trench evaluation across the site. A limited geophysical survey and trial trenching exercise was carried out across the site in 1990 and those works successfully identified a small Iron Age settlement to the east of Top Lodge. Prior to the current trenching exercise, a full geophysical survey had been carried out across the entire site in 2011, which further clarified the extent and morphology of the Iron Age settlement. 44 trial trenches were excavated across the site in order to investigate the various geophysical anomalies, with a particular concentration in and around the area of the known Iron Age settlement. Archaeological features were identified in 14 of the trenches. The focus of archaeology was on land to the east of the redundant farm buildings of Top Lodge, being in and around the previously identified Iron Age settlement. The pottery recovered from the excavated features suggests occupation during the early Iron Age period, with a possible abandonment in the middle Iron Age. The nature of the finds suggests a rural farming settlement characterised by rectangular and sub-circular enclosures, boundary ditches and probable hut circles. Outside of this main zone of activity very little archaeology was encountered. This confirmed the interpretation provided by the geophysical survey although a possible ring ditch possibly early Bronze Age was identified to the north of the site.

7.1.6. With regard to Highways and Traffic the Transport Assessment prepared by David Tucker Associates considers the potential traffic impact of the proposal. The assessment demonstrates that there are no road safety or highway capacity issues associated with the quarry development and will therefore have no detrimental impact on the free flow and safety of traffic. The report concluded that the proposed scheme will have no material adverse impact on the safety or operation of the adjacent highway network with no grounds for refusal of the application due to detrimental impact of routeing of goods vehicles to and from the application site. The Assessment has considered the suitability of the proposed site access and also tested the capacity of the roundabout junction with the A45/Raunds Road/B663 to the south of the proposed site. The levels of traffic flows are well within the practical and environmental capacity of the highways in question and on that basis it is apparent that overall impact from HGV flows is modest in terms of traffic capacity. Notwithstanding a pedestrian surveys on Raunds Road have confirmed that usage is relatively low it is proposed to improve pedestrian facilities on the southern section of this route.

7.1.7. A detailed soils assessment has been undertaken which has identified the resources present on site and a mechanism to ensure there is no long term adverse impact upon the soils or the agricultural unit. The soils will be replaced during dry periods using loose tipping techniques avoiding travelling on the restored surfaces in accordance with published good practice guidance to ensure the agricultural land quality can be reinstated. No high quality agricultural land (i.e. ALC Grade 2 or 3a land) will be permanently lost as part of the development proposals. Agricultural land will be restored using approved methods for soil handling and thereafter soils will be sampled and analysed annually with the results being used to determine the amounts and types of any nutrients that are deemed necessary to fulfil the long term aims of the soil rehabilitation. Care will be taken to ensure that no work, other than previously approved cultivations, is allowed to take place during periods deemed to be outwith the normal accepted cultivation window.

7.1.8. The Phase 1 Habitat Survey confirms the lack of ecological value of the area covered by the quarrying proposals. The restoration proposals however provide the opportunity to enhance the habitat diversity. The Habitats Regulations requires that an appraisal is carried out of the implications of the development upon the Upper Nene Valley SSSI/SPA/RAMSAR site’s conservation objectives. The application site at Ringstead Grange does not support any habitats that provide significant foraging opportunities for overwinter birds using the SSSI. The proposed quarry operations are not considered to be a limiting factor of populations of overwintering bird species currently utilising the SPA/RAMSAR site. The restoration scheme for the quarry whilst reinstating all high quality agricultural land to productive farming capacity will nevertheless provide the opportunity to create alternative wildlife habitats consistent with aims and objectives within the County’s Biodiversity Action Plan. Calcareous grassland, broadleaf woodlands, species rich hedgerows, wetlands and conservation headlands will be established across the site to provide locally important green infrastructure corridors to attract a wider range of flora and fauna than the current area permits thereby delivering tangible net gains in environmental capital.

Ringstead Grange Extraction of limestone and importation of inert Environmental Statement March 2012

7.1.9. Finally the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) confirms the site does not lie within an area of statutory or local landscape designation. The landscape value of the site has been described as being of a low level, whilst the landscape quality of the site has been described as poor to ordinary. The proposed development has been designed to reflect the landscape policies in the various development plan documents and the specific management and planning guidelines provided in the various landscape character assessment and landscape policy documents and biodiversity plans relating to the site. The proposed restoration scheme will secure a suitable and characteristic long-term afteruse for the site in terms of improved landscape character and as a biodiversity resource aiding habitat connectivity across the area. A number of representative viewpoints have been assessed and the significance of visual effects was found to be restricted to a majority of viewpoints to be minor to moderate or less.

7.1.10. The conclusion from this LVIA is that the proposed development would not result in overall significant adverse visual effects either individually or cumulatively during the lifetime of the proposals. The capacity of the landscape is sufficient to accept the proposed development without incurring significant effects on landscape character during the operational period, due to the phased nature of the proposed development limiting the operational land take. The Control and Management of Development DPD envisages restoration will require an appropriate and beneficial after-use from mineral sites through restoration that maximises enhancement opportunities, delivers a net gain in environmental capital, and fosters responsible stewardship. The scheme at Ringstead Grange achieves this goal by providing net gains to bio-diversity at a relatively early stage of the development whilst also reinstating species rich hedgerows interspersed with high quality agricultural land as well as areas of calcareous grassland.

7.2. Overall Conclusion

7.2.1. It is considered on balance that with appropriate mitigation the proposal to extract limestone and import suitable inert material to achieve a beneficial afteruse on land at Ringstead Grange can be carried out in an acceptable manner, without causing demonstrable harm to matters of noted importance. The resultant restoration scheme particularly reflects County Council objectives and governmental advice in that it will result in an improved restoration profile integrating the restored quarry into the wider landscape and promoting nature conservation and biodiversity initiatives in line with local and national policies.

7.2.2. The application site at its closest lies in excess of half a kilometre to the south-east of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SSSI which is additionally a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR. The workings are over 30m above the Nene Valley and the ecological appraisal confirms the quarrying operations will not adversely impact upon the conservation objectives of the designated ecological site.

7.2.3. Given the separation distance between the operations on the site and residential dwellings matters such as noise and dust emissions can be controlled within recognised acceptable levels whilst the surface water management proposals will ensure there is no flood risk and receiving watercourses will be protected throughout.

7.2.4. The quarry site is identified within the adopted MWDF as a preferred site for limestone extraction to maintain the County's mineral landbank to sustain ongoing economic development within Northamptonshire. The Inspector at the Public Hearing recognised that virtually nothing of the operational areas would be seen from close proximity and that the amenity of local residents can be assured. This opinion is supported by the conclusions of the Environmental Statement. Given the limited environmental impacts of the scheme and the status of the site as a preferred site for mineral extraction, it is therefore concluded that planning permission should be granted for the proposed development.

PLANS

Drg No R15/01 - Location Plan (1:25,000 - A3)

Drg No R15/02 - Existing Situation Plan (1:5,000 - A3)

Drg No R15/03 - Working Scheme (1:5,000 - A3)

Drg No R15/04 - Concept Restoration Plan (1:5,000 - A3)

Drg No R15/05 - Indicative Phasing Plans (A2)