March 2020

Statement of Community Involvement

Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent

Created for CEMEX

becg.com

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 3

1. Introduction ...... 4

2. Background ...... 5

2.1 The site ...... 5

2.2 The proposals ...... 6

3. Pre-application Consultation ...... 7

3.1 National Planning Policy Framework...... 7

3.2 Statement of Community Involvement ...... 8

3.3 Contacting statutory bodies ...... 8

3.4 Public consultation ...... 9

3.5 Media relations ...... 10

3.6 Public exhibition ...... 11

3.7 Information line and email address ...... 12

4. Review of Comments ...... 14

4.1 Feedback overview ...... 14

4.2 Public exhibition feedback ...... 15

4.3 Postcard feedback ...... 15

5. Responses to Comments ...... 17

5.1 Introduction ...... 17

5.2 Traffic, noise and air quality impacts ...... 17

5.3 Public access to the nature conservation area ...... 18

5.4 Flooding/Water ...... 18

5.5 Uncertainty around High Speed 2 ...... 18

6. Post-submission engagement ...... 19

7. Appendices ...... 20

7.1 Appendix I – Invitation letter for stakeholders ...... 20

7.2 Appendix II – Stakeholder Brochure ...... 21

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7.3 Appendix III – Invitation Newsletter ...... 23

7.4 Appendix IV Press Release ...... 25

7.5 Appendix IV – Exhibition Boards ...... 26

7.6 Appendix V – Exhibition Feedback form ...... 34

7.7 Appendix VI – Postcard feedback form ...... 36

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Executive Summary

CEMEX UK Operations Ltd (CEMEX) is committed to engaging with the local community regarding its proposal to develop a new extraction and ready-mix concrete plant on land to the west of in .

This site has been identified to supply 500,000 cubic metres of ready-mix concrete to HS2 Phase 1 Area North. Additionally, surplus aggregates not suitable for ready-mix at the site would be used to supply and support local infrastructure projects in Staffordshire, including homes, roads and schools.

Residents and stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide their feedback regarding the proposal via a number of different channels. A Freephone information line and email address were made available throughout the course of the consultation programme. These channels will be retained following submission of the planning application, for interested parties to receive further information and provide their feedback to the project team.

A public exhibition was also held on Thursday 20 February 2020 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm at Alrewas Village Hall, Wellfield Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7HB; to which over 1,350 households and businesses surrounding the site were invited to attend. Before the public exhibition, a stakeholder preview session was held at the same venue on the same day between 2.00pm and 3.00pm. The proposal was further publicised by a press release issued to local newspapers, encouraging residents to find out more and comment on the scheme. On the day, 107 individuals attended the public exhibition, and feedback forms were available for attendees to record their views. Overall, 82 pieces of feedback were received during the consultation process however, only 66 of these have been compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as they were lacking the personal information required.

Constructive feedback was received with the main comments relating to safety, transport, access, and potential flooding risks. CEMEX has carefully reviewed all the feedback received to date and, where possible, will evolve the proposals as they progress to address the comments raised by the local community.

CEMEX is committed to engaging with the local community and, following the submission of the application will ensure that all interested parties and key stakeholders remain informed and updated regarding the proposals.

This document provides a chronological account of the pre-application consultation undertaken and a review of the feedback received.

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1. Introduction

1.1 CEMEX is bringing forward plans to develop a new quarry and ready-mix concrete plant on land to the west of Alrewas, between the Pyford Brook and the A513 (south of Orgreave).

1.2 This SCI has been produced to demonstrate CEMEX’s commitment to public consultation and effective community liaison regarding the proposals for the redevelopment of the site.

1.3 This document has been produced with the aim of clearly and concisely highlighting the community consultation undertaken by CEMEX in respect of its proposal for the site.

1.4 This document provides a chronological account of the consultation activity that has been undertaken during the pre-application stages of the planning application and the activity that CEMEX proposes to undertake post application.

1.5 In order to assist with the community consultation and communication, CEMEX appointed Built Environment Communications Group (BECG), a specialist communications consultancy, to form part of its wider project team for the proposed development.

1.6 All feedback received is accounted for and represented within this document.

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2. Background

2.1 The site

2.1.1 The proposal site is located on land to the west of Alrewas, between the Pyford Brook and the A513 (south of Orgreave).

2.1.2 The site falls within Staffordshire County Council’s Area of Search west of the A38.

2.1.3 CEMEX has identified that the 32 hectares of land contains approximately 1.4 million tonnes of sand and gravel.

A satellite image depicting the proposal site to the west of Alrewas

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2.2 The proposals

2.2.1 CEMEX is bringing forward plans to develop a new quarry and ready-mix concrete plant on land to the west of Alrewas, between the Pyford Brook and the A513 (south of Orgreave).

2.2.2 CEMEX has identified 32 hectares of land to west of Alrewas containing 1.4 million tonnes of sand and gravel, which has the potential to supply HS2 Phase 1 Area North with 500,000 cubic metres of ready-mix concrete.

2.2.3 Extraction and concrete production will last for a period of four years, after which the site will be restored to Biodiversity Action Plan habitat and agriculture. This will include extensive woodland planting, over 1km of new hedgerows, grassland, and two lakes which can be used for flood storage.

Proposed phasing site plan

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3. Pre-application Consultation 3.1 National Planning Policy Framework

3.1.1 While pre-application consultation is not mandatory, CEMEX has consulted in respect of the Localism Act 2011 and Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (2019).

3.1.2 Section 122 of the Localism Act 2011 describes that a person proposing to make a planning application on land in should carry out consultation on the proposed application. This should include publicity considered likely to bring the application to the attention of a majority of the persons who live at, or otherwise occupy, premises in the vicinity of the land.

3.1.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s policies for England and outlines how these policies should be applied. CEMEX has had regard to the NPPF at Paragraph 39 when it states that “early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties.”

3.1.4 It goes on to highlight at Paragraph 40 that: “Local planning authorities have a key role to play in encouraging other parties to take maximum advantage of the pre-application stage. They cannot require that a developer engages with them before submitting a planning application, but they should encourage take-up of any pre-application services they offer. They should also, where they think this would be beneficial, encourage any applicants who are not already required to do so by law to engage with the local community and, where relevant, with statutory and non-statutory consultees, before submitting their applications.”

3.1.5 Paragraph 41 outlines that the Local Planning Authority should encourage other parties to take maximum advantage of the pre-application stage, noting that “the more issues that can be resolved at pre-application stage, including the need to deliver improvements in infrastructure and affordable housing, the greater the benefits.”

3.1.6 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) was launched by the Government in 2014. It is a web-based resource which is actively managed to ensure that it remains up to date. Guidance under the section ‘Before Submitting an Application’ outlines the benefits of pre-application engagement with the Local Council as a means of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system and of improving the quality of planning applications and their likelihood of success.

3.1.7 Under the heading ‘Is pre-application community consultation compulsory’ the guidance suggests that “Pre-application engagement with the community is encouraged where it will add value to the process and the outcome.’’

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3.2 Statement of Community Involvement

3.2.1 Staffordshire County Council adopted its Revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) in August 2019. The document contains guidelines for developers to follow when consulting on planning applications within the boundaries of the local authority.

3.2.2 This has ensured that elected representatives and the wider community have been given a number of opportunities and variety of methods to input into the final planning application.

3.2.3 Government guidance and the local council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) encourages pre-application discussions and community involvement from the outset. As a result, the public consultation programme had a number of key objectives including:

• to encourage as much input as possible from the local community, including residents, interest groups, councillors and businesses • to provide the community with a genuine opportunity to provide feedback on the plans • to allow people to become actively involved in the process • to identify and address any issues raised by the local community and stakeholders

3.2.4 Therefore, prior to submitting the formal planning application for the site, CEMEX undertook a programme of community consultation that complies with Staffordshire County Council’s SCI, as outlined in the following documentation.

3.3 Contacting statutory bodies 3.3.1 At the pre-application stage, while no formal pre-application discussion took place, an informal discussion was held with the planning team, and the consultants working on the Environmental Impact Assessment also had discussions with relevant Officers at the Council where necessary.

3.3.2 Alrewas, & and Kings Bromley Parish Councils along with relevant members of Staffordshire County Council and District Council were invited to a preview session before the public exhibition, between 2pm and 3pm, on Thursday 20 February 2020 to find out more about the scheme. A stakeholder brochure was also produced for the stakeholders to take away.

3.3.3 A copy of the stakeholder letter can be found at Appendix I.

3.3.4 A copy of the stakeholder brochure can be found at Appendix II

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3.4 Public consultation

3.4.1 An invitation newsletter and feedback postcard with a postage-paid envelope were distributed to 1,361 households and businesses surrounding the site, advising them of the proposals and inviting them to attend the public exhibition was held on Thursday 20 February 2020 at Alrewas Village Hall, Wellfield Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7HB. The invitations were distributed on Thursday 13 February 2020.

3.4.2 The below map illustrates the distribution area:

Distribution area

3.4.3 The purpose of the exhibition was to showcase the proposals to the wider community and answer any questions that residents or stakeholders had about the application.

3.4.4 The A4 invitation newsletter contained the following: • Information about CEMEX • Details of the public exhibition • An overview of the proposals • Background to the site

3.4.5 The invitation also displayed the details of: • The freephone project information line (0800 298 7040) • The email address ([email protected])

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3.4.6 The invitation newsletters also contained a feedback card, with a postage-paid envelope, allowing recipients to provide the project team with their early impressions or questions, irrespective of whether they were able to attend the public exhibition. This allowed CEMEX to obtain a wider feedback response from the community.

3.4.7 An invitation was also issued to the following local stakeholders:

• Relevant Cabinet members of Staffordshire County Council • Relevant members of Council • The councillor for Lichfield - Lichfield Rural North electoral division, where the site is located • Staffordshire County Council Planning Committee members • The Member of Parliament for Lichfield • Members of Alrewas Parish Council • Members of Fradley and Streethay Parish Council • Members of Kings Bromley Parish Council • Local interest groups • Occupiers/owners of properties immediately neighbouring the site

3.4.8 A copy of the invitation newsletter can be found at Appendix III.

3.5 Media relations

3.5.1 To ensure the wider community was aware of the proposals, a press release was issued to local newspapers. The press release contained the following information:

• An overview of the proposals • Background to CEMEX • Details of how to view the plans and the various methods that individuals could use to provide their feedback, including the freephone information line and email address • Details of the public exhibition

3.5.2 The press release was issued to the Burton Mail, Derby Telegraph, Uttoxeter Advertiser and Birmingham Mail on Thursday 13 February 2020.

3.5.3 A copy of the press release can be found at Appendix IV.

3.5.4 Coverage of the press release appeared in the Derby Telegraph on Friday 14 February 2020. The article can be found here:

- Derbyshire Live - www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton/noise-traffic-concerns-over- plan-3844017

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3.6 Public exhibition

3.6.1 A public exhibition was held on Thursday 20 February 2020 between 3.00pm and 7.00pm at Alrewas Village Hall, Wellfield Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7HB.

3.6.2 The purpose of the public exhibition was to present the proposals to the wider community and gain additional feedback prior to submitting the planning application.

3.6.3 Representatives of the project team were available to answer questions throughout the exhibition, including:

• CEMEX Planning Manager • CEMEX Land and Development Manager UK North • CEMEX Operations Manager (Midlands) • CEMEX Quarry Manager • CEMEX Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist • CEMEX Principal Development Planner • CEMEX Geologist • Two community engagement consultants from BECG

3.6.4 For the event, the project team produced 8 A1-sized presentation boards which were placed on easels for the public to view. Information displayed on the information boards included:

• An introduction to CEMEX and an outline of the purpose of the public exhibition • An overview of the proposals, including the layout and phases of the scheme • Transport and site access • Details of environmental protection and site restoration after use • Restoration plan • An indicative project timeline and details on how to submit feedback

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3.6.5 A copy of the public exhibition display boards can be found at Appendix V.

3.6.6 On the day the public exhibition was attended by 107 visitors, including several local Parish Council members.

3.6.7 The following materials were also available: • Copies of the exhibition boards • Copies of the invitation newsletter • Feedback forms for attendees to complete • Freepost envelopes for the feedback forms

3.6.8 The public exhibition also provided: • A ballot box to deposit completed feedback forms • Copies of the consultation area • Copies of plans which illustrated details about the proposed scheme • Pens • Direction signs to lead attendees into the venue • An opportunity to request further information

3.6.9 Feedback forms could either be completed at the venue or returned using the supplied postage-paid envelopes. These were then collated, and the feedback analysed.

3.6.10 Representatives of the project team were available to answer questions throughout the public exhibition.

3.6.11 A copy of the feedback form can be found at Appendix VI.

3.7 Information line and email address

3.7.1 During the consultation, access to a Freephone enquiry line was offered to those who wished to find out more about the proposal, or to register their comments via the telephone.

3.7.2 The telephone number used (0800 298 7040) was in operation Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.00am and 5.30pm. Outside of these hours, a voicemail facility was available for messages to be left and were responded to at the earliest opportunity.

3.7.3 An email address was also available for residents and stakeholders to send through their feedback. The email address is [email protected].

3.7.4 The information line number and email address were printed on the newsletter, feedback forms, and relevant correspondence.

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3.7.5 Information was given to callers and those who emailed where possible, and if questions were of a technical nature, these were passed on to project team members for a response.

3.8 Postcard feedback form

3.8.1 The invitation newsletters contained a feedback card with a postage-paid envelope allowing recipients to provide the project team with their early impressions or questions, irrespective of whether they were able to attend the public exhibition. This allowed CEMEX to obtain a wider feedback response from the community.

3.8.2 A copy of the postcard feedback form can be viewed at Appendix VII.

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4. Review of Comments

4.1 Feedback overview

4.1.1 The following review includes all comments received up to 11 March 2020, including postal responses and postcards.

4.1.2 CEMEX wrote to 1,361 addresses to make them aware of the proposal and invite them to the public exhibition. CEMEX received 66 responses during the consultation, which represents a 4.8% response rate. A further 16 feedback responses did not include the personal details required to comply with GDPR and have not been included in our feedback.

Total no. of Supporters Objectors Unsure No view responses 66 8 39 17 0 (100.00%) (13.64%) (59.09%) (27.27%) (0.00%)

Support Object Unsure No view

4.1.3 During the engagement period, 38 feedback postcards were received, and 28 completed feedback forms were received at the public exhibition. One call was made to the freephone information line from the Staffordshire County Council division member, Councillor Janet Eagland. 107 individual visitors were recorded as having attended the public exhibition.

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4.2 Public exhibition feedback

4.2.1 28 feedback forms were received from the exhibition, and many other conversations were held with the 107 attendees. Several attendees took feedback forms away with them, of which 6 have been returned.

4.2.2 The main topics highlighted in the feedback comments from the exhibition feedback forms and the frequency were:

Positive Comments Frequency

Supportive of the proposed restoration of the site 17 Recognise the need for mineral extraction 12 Supportive of the proposal 5

Negative Comments Frequency Large HGV's on the A513 will be dangerous and will cause 13 damage to the road surface

Concerns the proposal will cause significant noise and mess 8

General frustrations over HS2 7

Fear over potential impact the proposal would have on flooding 4

4.3 Postcard feedback

4.3.1 Feedback cards, with a postage-paid envelope, were included with the invitation newsletter which was distributed to 1,361 households and businesses surrounding the site. This was to encourage local residents to provide initial feedback and invite them to attend the public exhibition. 38 feedback postcards were received during the consultation process.

Total no. of Supporters Objectors Unsure No view responses 38 6 25 7 0 (100.00%) (15.79%) (65.79%) (18.42%) (0.00%)

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4.3.2 The main topics highlighted in the feedback comments from the postcards and the frequency were:

Positive Comments Frequency

Supportive of the proposal 2 Supportive of the proposed restoration of the site 1

Negative Comments Frequency Large HGV's on the A513 will be dangerous and will cause 6 damage to the road surface Pollution concerns 6 Harm to plants/wildlife/countryside 3

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5. Responses to Comments

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 All comments received have been reviewed by the project team and, where possible, responses were provided to the respondents or are currently ongoing.

5.1.2 Many of the issues raised are covered in this report, and the project team’s responses detailed below.

5.1.3 CEMEX would like to thank those residents and stakeholders who took part in the consultation and provided their feedback.

5.2 Traffic, noise and air quality impacts

5.2.1 A key feedback theme highlighted within the consultation was the increase in traffic and the perceived damage, noise and pollution this increase will cause.

5.2.2 The proposals will generate approximately 49 loads of concrete leaving the site per day, equating to 98 HGV movements, as well as a smaller number of movements associated with aggregate export and import of cement.

5.2.3 The routes for these vehicles between the proposed access road and the HS2 site would be restricted to the A513 and the A38. Vehicles would not drive through Alrewas, Kings Bromley or other nearby settlements.

5.2.4 Air quality has been assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. Sand and gravel quarries generally do not generate significant dust very far from the site, national guidance suggests dust is uncommon beyond 250m. The impact of vehicle movements and emissions of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 has also been looked at as part of the assessment. Further details are in the Air Quality chapter of the Environmental Statement.

5.2.5 As a result of the feedback at the exhibition, further work was taken with regard to the off-site noise impacts, of HGVs along the A513 particularly. This has shown that the proposal will not result in any significant noise impacts arising from HGVs. The full details are set out in the Noise chapter of the Environmental Statement.

5.2.6 Additionally, the local road infrastructure has capacity to accommodate the proposals based on the transport assessment, included as an Appendix to the Environmental Statement.

5.2.7 CEMEX also offered to show individual residents around our existing quarry at Willington, Derbyshire, in order to better understand the likely impacts generated by

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the mineral extraction and processing operations themselves. Since the meeting, visits have already been arranged with some residents.

5.3 Public access to the nature conservation area

5.3.1 Public access to the planned nature conservation area is not currently proposed, as establishing nature conservation sites often conflicts with public access which may damage planting and wildlife trying to establish. However, this is something that could be reviewed at a later date.

5.4 Flooding/Water

5.4.1 During the exhibition a number of residents were concerned about the impact that the proposal would have on Pyford Brook and whether this would result in more frequent flooding for Alrewas.

5.4.2 An Environmental Statement will be submitted with the planning application, which includes an assessment of risks to flooding as a result of the proposed quarry.

5.4.3 Most of the site is within Flood Zone 1, which has the least probability of flooding. There is a strip of Zone 2 and Zone 3 along the bottom of the site adjacent to the Pyford Brook. The project would not increase the risk of flooding from the or Pyford Brook to local properties. Restoration will provide an increase in available flood storage, reducing flood risk, with open water restoration being a priority in the local area Ecosystem Action Plan.

5.5 Uncertainty around High Speed 2

5.5.1 The Government has recently announced that HS2 will go ahead and supplying concrete from locations closest to the site is the most sustainable option. HS2 has identified sites all along the route, of which this is one. CEMEX has been identified as a preferred supplier from this site.

5.5.2 Supplying the concrete from a site close to HS2 prevents HGVs coming through the villages from elsewhere. In addition, concrete can only be transported a short radius from where it is produced, or it will set.

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6. Post-submission engagement 6.1.1 Given the interest shown by residents and stakeholders in the proposals, CEMEX will ensure interested parties remain updated as its plans for land west of Alrewas progress.

6.1.2 Those who requested further information by telephone, letter or email will be responded to in the most appropriate manner.

6.1.3 At the public exhibition, CEMEX had discussions with members of the local Parish Councils regarding presentations to Parish Councils once the application is submitted. This will be followed up in due course.

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7. Appendices

7.1 Appendix I – Invitation letter for stakeholders

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7.2 Appendix II – Stakeholder Brochure

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7.3 Appendix III – Invitation Newsletter

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7.4 Appendix IV Press Release

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7.5 Appendix IV – Exhibition Boards

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7.6 Appendix V – Exhibition Feedback form

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7.7 Appendix VI – Postcard feedback form

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