NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Nether Langwith Quarry
Planning Application
An application for Planning Permission to vary Planning Condition Nos. 1,77 and 85 of Planning Permission No. 1/64/96/2 to allow the continuation of the extraction and processing of limestone beyond 28th October 2017 at Nether Langwith Quarry
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
Contents
Contents ...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 3 2 Site and its Surroundings ...... 3 3 Background to the Development ...... 4 4 Description of the Proposed Development ...... 5 5 Assessment of Potentially Significant Environmental Effects ...... 9
Figures Figure 1 – Site Location Plan
Figure 2 – Outline Phasing Plan
Figure 3 – Proposed Restoration Landform
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
November 2016
Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
1 Introduction
1.1.1 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) is based on an Environmental Statement (ES) that has been prepared on behalf of Tarmac by Heaton Planning Ltd and other specialist consultants and accompanies a Planning Application to vary the time constrained Planning Condition No. 85 of Planning Permission No. 1/64/96/2 along with Condition No.s 1 and 77 to allow for minor modifications to the approved phasing and restoration drawings and the retention of the quarry access road upon completion of mineral extraction operations. In preparing the NTS regard has been taken of the contents of Schedule 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. Consequently, the NTS looks at the main elements of the proposals that have a likely significant impact, either positively and/or negatively, on the environment and local residents. These main topic areas were established through consultation with Nottinghamshire County Council.
2 Site and its Surroundings
2.1.1 This Application does not propose any extension or intensification of activities that are already permitted under the extant Planning Permission for the site. An existing Planning Permission allows for mineral extraction at the quarry until 28th October 2017. Nether Langwith Quarry is an established limestone quarry; quarrying commenced on-site in 2001, in 2007 the quarry was mothballed.
2.1.2 The quarry itself is located within Mansfield District of Nottinghamshire, approximately 10 kilometres north of Mansfield and 8 kilometres south of Worksop, immediately south of the A632 Ollerton to Bolsover road. The location of the quarry is shown on the Location Plan below:
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
Figure 1 – Site Location Plan
2.1.3 Access to the site is gained from an existing access road which meets the public highway at Wood Lane.
2.1.4 The site lies within a rural area with surrounding land uses made up of arable and livestock farming and woodland. The quarry is bordered by woodland to the north, east and south, with open agricultural fields to the west. A disused mineral railway line runs parallel to the southern boundary of the quarry. As previously stated, this Application does not propose any extension to the quarry than already permitted.
3 Background to the Development
3.1.1 Planning Permission for the extraction of limestone was first granted at Nether Langwith Quarry in March 2000 and mineral extraction took place under that planning permission prior the mothballing of the site in 2007. The Planning Permission for the site (Ref. 1/64/96/2) provided for limestone extraction and site restoration.
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
3.1.2 The proposed development consists of the extraction of 3.3 million tonnes over 17 years if saleable limestone working at an extraction rate of around 0.2 million tonnes per annum covering an area of approximately 26 hectares continues.
3.1.3 The Planning Permission for the site contains a Planning Condition that states mineral extraction at the quarry must cease by 28th October 2017. In order to work the remaining mineral unworked at the quarry, this Application proposes to extend the expiry date for extraction until the end of 2035 with a further two year period for final restoration up to the end of 2037.
3.1.4 The current application also seeks a revised working and restoration scheme for the site. The revised schemes are proposed to enhance the existing working and restoration plans and have been updated based on the results of years of groundwater monitoring at the quarry.
3.1.5 The third Planning Condition of the Planning Permission to the site which is proposed to be varied is allow for the retention of the access road which connects the quarry working area to the public highway at Wood Lane. The purpose of this is to allow for the use of the track for access to Cuckney Hay Wood and the ongoing woodland management.
3.1.6 Operations at Nether Langwith Quarry are proposed to continue in compliance with all other existing Planning Conditions of the current Planning Permission for the quarry.
4 Description of the Proposed Development
4.1.1 Over the proposed course of the lifetime of the quarry, it is anticipated that 3.3million tonnes of saleable limestone will be worked which would extend the life of the quarry through to 2035. Mineral is proposed to be worked in the same order of phasing as is currently permitted at the site, with progressive restoration following on from the extraction of limestone in each phase. The site as existing has been partially worked out.
4.1.2 It is proposed that mineral extraction will re-commence in the south east area of the site closest to the area which has previously been stripped of soils and worked out. Mineral extraction will then progress in a general clockwise direction, beginning in the far south of the site and working north easterly prior to the final phase of extraction
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
which will see the working of limestone in the area closest to the access road. A scheme of progressive restoration will be implemented at the site, which means each phase of mineral extraction will be immediately restored to appropriate after-uses.
4.1.3 The proposed phasing of mineral extraction is shown on the Phasing Plan below:
Figure 2 – Outline Phasing Plan
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
4.1.4 The operating hours of the proposed development will continue to be the same as those permitted for the existing quarrying operations. 0700 to 1900 Monday to Friday; and 0700 to 1300 Saturdays. There may be exceptional circumstances, including emergencies, when operations will have to be undertaken outside these hours. However, the planning authority will be informed of such occasions.
4.1.5 The site will be restored to a mix of agriculture, woodland, and areas of nature conservation to acceptable ground levels. The minor modifications to the restoration contours which are proposed in this Application are due to a greater understanding of the groundwater regime at the site, following years of monitoring. Only materials sourced on-site will be used for restoration purposes. The Restoration Plan for the site is shown on Figure 3 overleaf.
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
Figure 3 – Proposed Restoration Landform
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
5 Assessment of Potentially Significant Environmental Effects
5.1.1 The following summarises the main topic areas that have been assessed in the preparation of the ES. The assessment of the topic areas has been undertaken by employing a wide range of independent specialist consultants. Full technical reports relating to the evaluation of the potential impacts have been prepared and form part of the ES.
5.2 Landscape and Visual Considerations
5.2.1 Overall, there are a limited number of visual receptors in the vicinity of Nether Langwith Quarry. Those that do exist consist of nearby farmsteads, and a limited number of public rights of way. The quarry as existing is largely screened from sight by the lie of the land and existing woodland. It should be re-iterated that this application does not proposed any extension to Nether Langwith Quarry or any increase in scale of operations.
5.2.2 The limited views into the site have been assessed by a specialist consultant who have analysed the potential visual impact of mineral operations on the locality. The quarry’s predominantly screened location behind vegetation results in greatly restricted long distance views into the site.
5.2.3 As well as local farm properties, users of public rights of way which run across and close to Nether Langwith Quarry will benefit from the retention of all public footpaths. As well as retaining all perimeter hedgerows, the mature hedgerow running parallel to the public right of way through the site will also be retained in order to ‘screen’ the site from public footpath users and provide a degree of vegetative maturity to the site.
5.2.4 Examination of the landscape character areas in which the quarry is located has shown that Nottinghamshire County Council consider the landscape surrounding the quarry to be generally very good, with elements of poor quality landscape also present. The poor quality landscape relates to the existing quarry and areas of recently cleared woodland.
5.2.5 Restoration of the quarry site will bring about a slightly beneficial visual impact for the surrounding area. It is proposed to amend the restoration landform at the end of mineral working to increase the proportion of the site to be used for nature conservation purposes. The Landscape and Impact Assessment undertaken as part of
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
this application states that the final proposed restoration landform will be slightly more sympathetic to local landscape characteristics than the landform currently permitted.
5.2.6 The strategic location of soil bunds, retention of selected trees and hedgerows, direction of working, progressive restoration and the use of conveyor have been developed into the proposed method of working to minimise the impact upon the landscape and visual amenity to nearby properties and users of the land.
5.2.7 The impact upon views will be temporary in nature and the restoration scheme proposes to benefit visual amenity to a greater extent than the scheme currently permitted through creating afteruses of arable land, woodland, and nature conservation opportunities throughout the site. In addition the public rights of way on and close to the site will be retained and measures taken to protect their visual amenity. These restoration measures offer long term benefits to the landscape and the site itself.
5.3 Nature Conservation and Ecology
5.3.1 The proposed site is not located in nor does it contain any statutory designated sites. Then nearest Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI is the Lord Stubbins Wood which is located 70m south of the south west corner of the application site. This is designated as it is one of the best remaining semi-natural broad-leaved woodland in Nottinghamshire and is of regional importance. This is based on the tree and flora species present. A disused railway line raised up on embankments forms an effective barrier between the application site and this SSSI. A second SSSI is located 1.5km south east of the site called the Hills and Holes and Sookholme Brook which is designated as it contains some of the finest remaining limestone and base-rich flush plant communities in Nottinghamshire and is of regional importance.
5.3.2 Whitcher Wildlife were commissioned to carry out an Extended Phase 1 Habitat survey in 2015 to establish whether any ecological interests would be affected by the proposal. Following the results, it was recommended that a number of species specific surveys should be undertaken for the following:
• Badger • Bats • Breeding birds
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
• Great Crested Newt • Invertebrates 5.3.3 Following the results of the surveys it is considered that with suitable mitigation the proposed development should have very little negative impact upon most protected species within the area. The consideration of Badgers is undertaken in a separate confidential report.
5.3.4 The potential ecological impacts can all be mitigated with the imposition of appropriate conditions including survey of protected species prior to commencement, where necessary. There will be no significant harm to protected species with appropriate mitigation provided although disturbance to badgers is likely and this is addressed within the badger mitigation strategy.
5.3.5 The proposed restoration to lower level and land use provision with increased replacement hedgerows, woodland planting and creation of calcareous grassland for those lost should in the medium term retain or possibly increase the nature conservation value of this area.
5.4 Water Resources
5.4.1 Assessment of the potential for impact on water resources has found that the proposed development will not result in any dewatering or transfer or water to/from the quarry. As the mineral extraction is proposed to be undertaken within a void, there will be no discharge of surface water from the quarry to off-site watercourses.
5.4.2 Hydrogeological and hydrological assessment has shown that there is not expected to be any impacts on groundwater flow or the aquifer located beneath the site due to the depth of working at the quarry, which is proposed to be maintained at approximately 1 metre above the maximum groundwater table elevation across the site. The depth of working will be monitored to ensure that groundwater is protected. Other measures taken to protect water resources involve the careful storage and use of potential contaminants and adoption of best practice measures during blasting activities, including ensuring all blasting materials are ignited and no material is left behind.
5.4.3 With no forecast impact upon groundwater flow or quality, and no impact on the aquifer from the principle of quarrying at this location, there is no significant potential for major adverse impact on water resources. The threat of impact is to be further
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
minimised by adoption of best practice measures to ensure that there is no adverse impact on water resulting from fuel leakage, chemical leakage, or any other spillages on-site, and if spills do occur, spill kits are to be maintained to reduce impact.
5.5 Flood Risk Assessment
5.5.1 An Assessment has been undertaken of the likely impacts of the proposed development on flood risk at the site and potential impacts of the proposed development on flood risk elsewhere. There is potential for the development to impact upon flood risk due to the site’s location in a naturally occurring drainage basin within the valley of the River Poulter. There are also areas of hardstanding located in the quarry, namely the access road, weighbridge, and area containing the plant and offices. Hardstanding has the potential to increase risk of flooding by slowing natural infiltration rates. It is not proposed to increase the amount of hardstanding at the site as part of these proposals.
5.5.2 However, the natural permeability of the ground at Nether Langwith Quarry reduces the risk of surface flooding. Isolated areas of the site are considered to be at risk of surface water flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, although any accumulated surface water within the quarry void will be contained within the void and infiltration ponds, therefore reducing the risk of surface water discharging off-site. There is no risk of tidal or groundwater flooding at the site due to the site’s considerable distance from tidal influences, and the base level of the quarry floor which will not be worked at a level deeper than the water table.
5.5.3 A comprehensive surface water management scheme is proposed for the site which aims to reduce run-off and provide areas for surface water to settle and infiltrate. Off- site surface water is prevented from ‘running on’ to the site through the creation of small earthen bunds along the site boundary at areas up gradient of the site.
5.5.4 Restoration of the site back to permeable agricultural ground will involve the removal of all hardstanding from the site with the exception of the haul road. Restoration will not exacerbate the flood risk in the area in the long-term.
5.6 Noise
5.6.1 Noise, along with dust (discussed below), are the two factors most likely to have a direct impact upon residents in proximity to proposals for limestone extraction and
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
processing. Noise impacts can arise from operations being located too close to sensitive receptors or not being undertaken in accordance with recognised good practice and being a cause for nuisance.
5.6.2 A Noise Assessment has been undertaken by a specialist as part of this Application. The assessment concluded that given the distance from the operational area and the implementation of appropriate mitigation including screening bunds and good operational practices, as currently permitted, noise levels can be kept to within recognised acceptable levels and not be a cause for nuisance or health risk to nearby residents.
5.6.3 As part of the Noise Assessment, background noise monitoring to assess the existing noise levels were established at the six most sensitive locations to potential noise impact arising from the proposed mineral operations. The potential sources of noise at the quarry site relate to excavation and loading in the working area, infilling activities, movement of material within the site, and HGV movements. The Noise Assessment concluded that without exception the potential noise impacts of the proposed development are within the required limits set out in Planning Policy Guidance.
5.6.4 To reduce the noise impacts of the development, a range of mitigation measures are proposed to ensure that mineral operations limit noise sourced at the site to as low as is practicable possible. The full extent of noise mitigation measures can be viewed in Section 10 of the Environmental Statement.
5.6.5 An existing planning condition attached to mineral operations at Nether Langwith Quarry (Planning Condition No. 33 of Planning Permission ref. 1/64/96/2) states that noise levels must comply with noise limits within the noise monitoring scheme for the site. This application does not propose to vary this planning condition and therefore the noise limits imposed on the site must continue to be complied with.
5.7 Air Quality and Dust
5.7.1 There is potential for the proposed development to give rise to impacts on air quality through the creation and spreading of dust particulates. Dust is one the two factors (the other being noise) most likely to have a direct impact upon residents in proximity to proposals for limestone extraction and processing. Dust impacts can arise from
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
operations being located too close to sensitive receptors or not being undertaken in accordance with recognised good practice and being a cause for nuisance.
5.7.2 Dust can result in two main types of effect; the first is the effects of dust deposition which is essentially an aesthetic and nuisance impact. The second is potential health impacts that arise principally from the finer particulate matter commonly referred to
as PM10 and PM2.5.
5.7.3 An Air Quality Assessment has been undertaken by specialists as part of the environmental impact assessment for this application. Air quality monitoring was established as part of the assessment at identified sensitive receptors close to Nether Langwith Quarry; the location of the sensitive receptors is shown within the Air Quality Assessment Report at Technical Appendix E of the Environmental Statement.
5.7.4 In order to minimise the effects of dust on nearby receptors, existing measures taken at the quarry are proposed to be retained to lessen the limited potential for significant dust impact on local receptors. Any dust occurrence will be limited and of short duration. Overall the impacts of dust should be negligible and UK Air Quality Objectives will not be exceeded.
5.7.5 An existing planning condition attached to mineral operations at Nether Langwith Quarry (Planning Condition No. 34 of Planning Permission ref. 1/64/96/2) states that dust levels must comply with dust limits within the dust monitoring scheme for the site. This application does not propose to vary this planning condition and therefore the dust limits imposed on the site must continue to be complied with.
5.8 Blasting
5.8.1 Blasting is common technique in limestone extraction which enables the mineral operator to break rock from the quarry face in order to process the excavated material. Blasting causes targeted distortion and cracking of the quarry face, which results in the generation of vibration in the atmosphere, known as air overpressure, and stress waves which travel from the blast. The intensity of blasting impact reduces with distance from the source of the blast – however the impacts of blasting can potentially be identified some distance from the source.
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
5.8.2 Blasting is permitted at Nether Langwith Quarry, with the existing Planning Permission for the site containing relevant environmental controls over blasting and vibration, in order to protect the amenity of the site and surrounding area.
5.8.3 A Blasting Assessment has been undertaken by specialists as part of the environmental impact assessment for this application. The potential for impacts of blasting has been analysed at six identified receptors which are considered to be the most vulnerable to blasting at Nether Langwith Quarry. The location of the receptors is shown within the Blasting Assessment Report at Appendix F of the Environmental Statement.
5.8.4 The Blasting Assessment concluded that as the recommencement of mineral operations at Nether Langwith Quarry does not propose any alteration to methods of working or intensification of operations, the limits on blasting as existing will satisfactorily limit the potential impacts of blasting.
5.8.5 Overall, the impact of on-site blasting at Nether Langwith is not considered to be so significant as to pose an unacceptable impact on off-site receptors.
5.8.6 An existing planning condition attached to mineral operations at Nether Langwith Quarry (Planning Condition No. 35 of Planning Permission ref. 1/64/96/2) states that on-site blasting must comply with limits within the approved scheme for the site. This application does not propose to vary this planning condition and therefore limits imposed on the site to ensure the impact of blasting on amenity remains acceptable must continue to be complied with.
5.9 Transportation and Traffic
5.9.1 It is proposed to extend the life of Nether Langwith Quarry through the recommencement of mineral operations which are proposed to run until 2035, which the site restored to a final landform by 2037.
5.9.2 The site benefits from an existing planning permission (ref. 1/64/96/2) which currently imposes limits on the number of vehicle movements to/from the quarry site. This application does not propose to increase the number of vehicle movements to/from the quarry site. As Nether Langwith Quarry is an established mineral site operating under existing planning conditions, matters of access to the site and routeing to the local strategic highway network are established
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
5.9.3 The number of heavy goods vehicles entering the site in connection with the existing permission is currently limited to 75 each day Mondays to Fridays; 40 each day on Saturdays; and an average of 50 per working day over any three month period. This application does not propose to vary this planning condition and therefore limits imposed on the site in terms of HGV movements must continue to be complied with. The proposed recommencement of mineral operations will see a maximum of six vehicle movements per hour.
5.9.4 Routeing agreements for haulage vehicles are discussed at Chapter XX of the Environmental Statement, but can be summarised as follows. All haulage vehicles are to turn left out of the site / right into the site from the public highway on Wood Lane. All quarry traffic (except those making local deliveries to Nether Langwith) must then turn right at the T-junction of Wood Lane and the A632 Langwith Road. Vehicles then proceed to the A60 crossroads at Cuckney where quarry traffic will disperse depending on which markets they serve. Figure 2.4 of the Transport Assessment found at Appendix G of the Environmental Statement shows the routeing of quarry traffic in graphic form.
5.9.5 The detailed Transport Assessment has been undertaken by specialists and has identified no road safety issues warranting mitigation as part of the proposed development.
5.10 Rights of Way
5.10.1 A number of Public Rights of Way are located within close proximity to Nether Langwith Quarry. One of which, NL FP8 crosses the quarry site itself. This application does not propose any extension to the quarry and therefore no public rights of way which were not considered when determining the existing planning permission for the site need to be considered as part of this application.
5.10.2 The extended timescale for mineral operations of the same scale as currently permitted at Nether Langwith means that the impact upon local public rights of way will remain to the same extent as currently permitted, albeit for a longer timeframe.
5.10.3 The potential for impact on public rights of way from the proposed recommencement of mineral operations has been assessed in the main Environmental Statement. The ES studied the six public rights of way in closest proximity to Nether Langwith Quarry. Overall the proposed development will not create the need to close, divert, or directly
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
impact any public right of way. However, the outlook of some rights of way will be temporarily effected by the recommencement of mineral operations at Nether Langwith.
5.10.4 The Environmental Statement discusses the impact on public rights of way at length and includes an analysis of the impacts on public rights of way phase-by-phase as the proposed development progresses from initial recommencement through to completion of the restored landform.
5.10.5 The public footpaths which are located closest to mineral operations will see the greatest, albeit still limited, impacts of mineral working. It is not considered that these impacts are any worse than those currently permitted for the site under the existing planning permission. In addition to being limited, the potential impacts on public rights of way are temporary in nature, as the quarry is worked phase-by-phase which limits the area worked at any one time.
5.10.6 The retention of hedgerows that protect the visual amenity of local public footpaths means that there will be no unacceptable visual impact, particularly due to the temporary nature of extraction in areas with potential for impact on footpaths.
5.10.7 At locations where internal quarry vehicle routes and the quarry access road cross a public right of way appropriate signage will be retained on both the footpath and the haul route, and good visibility will be maintained such that walkers and quarry vehicles will be able to see each other clearly.
5.10.8 As there is not considered to be a significant harm to the local public rights of way that outweighs the benefits of the proposal, it is concluded that the proposed development will not impact on public rights of way any more than the scheme currently permitted at Nether Langwith Quarry.
5.11 Need for the Development
5.11.1 An assessment has looked at the need for the proposed development taking into account National Planning Policies, the local development plan and the potential consequences of alternative strategies at Nether Langwith Quarry. Given the time constraints placed upon the quarry by Planning Condition No. 85 of Planning Permission Ref. 1/64/96/2 it is clear that there is a need to maintain continuity of supply of limestone from Nether Langwith Quarry.
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
5.11.2 The socio-economic needs of the proposal are to conserve and safeguard minerals reserves and avoid sterilisation; to secure limestone supplies; to minimise waste and seek efficient use of materials; to aim for productivity, growth and economic performance; to contribute to local economy and retain employment.
5.11.3 The recommencement of mineral operations at the quarry could support the employment of 3 employees at Nether Langwith Quarry. The quarry will also provide indirect employment in related haulage, maintenance, and other service industries. It is proposed to extend the life of mineral extraction at the quarry to 2035, with an additional two years to allow for final restoration of the site. Without a variation of condition extending the life of the quarry, mineral reserves cannot be worked beyond 28th October 2017 because of a planning condition. This means that if an extension to the life of the quarry is not granted, the quarry cannot operate beyond October 2017, which would likely result in the permanent closure of the quarry and the loss of all the jobs associated with the quarry, both direct posts and indirect posts.
5.12 Main Alternatives to the Proposed Development
5.12.1 The alternatives section has assessed alternatives to primary aggregates; alternative sites for limestone in Nottinghamshire; alternative site layouts; alternative means of transport and means of access; alternative restoration options; and doing nothing.
5.12.2 To ‘do nothing’ is not a viable option for the Company as it would result in the (probably permanent) end of mineral working at Nether Langwith Quarry on 28th October 2017.
5.12.3 The use of recycled and secondary aggregates is widely supported. However, they will never be able to wholly replace primary aggregates as there can never be a guarantee of supply of material of an appropriate quality and in adequate and regular quantities to meet a specific demand.
5.12.4 Alternative sites for limestone extraction are limited and Nether Langwith Quarry is the only site allocated for limestone supply in the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan, which covers the period to 2030. It would not make economic or environmental sense to establish a new quarry on Greenfield land to meet Nottinghamshire’s limestone requirement, when there is an existing site considered to be environmentally acceptable at Nether Langwith. The site’s proximity to existing
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
infrastructure and limited environmental impact make Nether Langwith the preferred option in the county.
5.12.5 The Application proposes only minor modifications to the approved site layout for the quarry, which has previously been considered to be environmentally acceptable. The Company consider that the preferred layout maximises mineral winning whilst providing for progressive restoration to return worked areas to appropriate after uses as soon as possible. Radical changes to the site layout have been discounted, as the approved working layout, subject to minor amendments, is considered to be acceptable.
5.12.6 It is considered that utilisation of the existing haul road for access and transportation of minerals to the public highway is the most appropriate means of entering and exiting the site. Consideration of alternative means of access would require a secondary access to be built, which is not considered necessary. There only other realistic means of transport for the haulage of minerals to their markets are rail and water. The potential to utilise these means of transport is limited due to the quarry’s distance to both the active rail network and the navigable waterway network. Practically, the highway would have to be used to haul material to rail depots/canal wharves anyway, thereby defeating the point of using alternative means of transport. It is logical to continue to utilise the existing means of access and method of transporting limestone, as is approved under the site’s Planning Permission.
5.12.7 This Application proposes minor modifications to the approved restoration proposals for the site, namely to retain the haul road linking the working area with Wood Lane. The purpose of this is to allow for the long-term management of Cuckney Hay Wood. An alternative considered was to not modify the restoration plans. However, with a need to restore the site to the best possible after uses, including commercially viable operations, it is considered that the retention of vehicular access is necessary.
5.13 Conclusions
5.13.1 This Non Technical Summary sets out the findings of the full ES, and it considers the potential for impacts associated with a wide range of identified topic areas. Consideration of the issues within a planning context, the severity of the degree of any likely significant impact and the mitigation measures provided to address such impacts where they arise.
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Tarmac Planning Application Supporting Statement Nether Langwith Quarry
5.13.2 No significant adverse impacts have been identified in relation to landscape character, designated nature conservation sites, noise, air quality and dust, soils/land quality and agricultural land classification, the water environment, flood risk, or the highway network.
5.13.3 The mitigation of potential impacts through the imposition of planning conditions and appropriate planning agreements is in accordance with development plan policy and national planning advice contained in guidance. The level of potential impact likely to arise from the proposed development is low and capable of being controlled to recognised, acceptable levels.
5.13.4 The proposed development provides significant benefits. It provides comprehensive restoration; secures local employment; and secures the supply of regionally important limestone.
5.13.5 The full Environmental Statement is available for viewing at Nottinghamshire County Council offices during normal office hours. If you wish to purchase a copy of the Environmental Statement they are available from Tarmac at the address given below, for a cost of £100 inc vat (paper copy). CD copies are available at £5 per copy.
Contacts:
Mr Craig Ball
Phone 0115 8967079
Heaton Planning
9 The Square
Keyworth
Nottinghamshire
NG12 5JT
November 2016