Wakerley Quarry, Northamptonshire Environmental Statement ______
Introduction
1.1 General Information
1.1.1 The Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited, The Trustees for the Will of the late 6th Marquess of Exeter and with the consent of Corus a planning application has been submitted for proposals to develop Wakerley Quarry, Northamptonshire by extending the existing established area for the quarrying of limestone into adjacent lands and to restore the whole site to agriculture, woodland and nature conservation uses. For this purpose, Mineral Surveying Services have been commissioned to prepare a Planning Application for the development and to undertake an associated Environmental Assessment. This document (Document 2) has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment ) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (The Regulations). It sets out in detail the results of the environmental assessment and for the purposes of the Regulations constitutes the Environmental Statement.
1.1.2 A screening opinion was sought from the Northamptonshire County Council in December 2001 and in their response they have requested that an Environmental Statement be prepared in support of the proposals (Appendix A).
1.1.3 Mineral Surveying Services Limited have been commissioned to undertake the Environmental Assessment. In addition to its own expertise Mineral Surveying Services Limited has employed independent specialist consultants to carry out relevant studies and to provide key information and advise on the development proposals. Additionally, information has been drawn from the extensive data base of the Appellant’s own site records.
1.1.4 Specialist contributions have been incorporated into the assessment by the following associated Consultants:
• Bright and Associates Landscape Architects
• Eco Tech Ecology
• Acoustic Noise and Vibration Noise
• Smith Grant Air Quality
• Hafren Water Hydrology
• Hydrologic Flood Risk Assessment
• White Young Green Soils and Agriculture
• Archaeological Services and Consultancy Limited Archaeology
• Richard Parker Consultancy Traffic Studies ______
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1.1.5 The principal aim of this Environmental Statement is to provide the Northamptonshire County Council with clear and comprehensive information to assist in the determination of the planning submission. Additionally, it provides members of the general public, and other interested parties, with information on matters of interest to them.
1.2 Site Location
1.2.1 Wakerley Quarry is located south of the village of Wakerley in the administrative area of Northamptonshire County Council. For reference purposes the site may be found centrally located at National Grid Ref: SP 945 978 as indicated on Figure 1.
1.2.2 The proposed Wakerley Quarry, as shown of Figure 1, comprises approximately 117.8 hectares of land occupied by the existing consented area for mineral working (56.9 hectares) and the proposed extension (60.9 hectares). The application site is currently predominantly in agricultural use although some areas of the site comprise non-agricultural lands being concrete runways and other areas associated with the former military airfield.
1.3 The Applicant Charity
1.3.1 The Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited is a Charity whose core objective is the conservation and showing to the public of Burghley House and its collection of works of art. The Charity endowment includes a wide range of investment property owned and managed for the purpose of endowing the core objective.
1.3.2 The Charity presently employs some 60 full time staff and a similar number of regular part time and seasonal workers.
1.3.3 There are two existing mineral operating sites within the Estate land holdings and these provide further employment by way of subcontract work to local service industries and substantial use of the local transport industry.
1.4 The Environmental Assessment
1.4.1 There is no prescribed format for an Environmental Statement provided that the requirements of Schedule 4 of The Regulations are met. An environmental statement comprises a document or a series of documents which provide for the assessment of the likely impact of the proposed development upon the environment. Schedule 4 of the 1999 regulations provides guidance on the level of information that the statement should contain. In accordance with recommended practice the detailed scope and content of the Environmental Impact Assessment has been determined through liaison with the Planning Authority.
1.4.2 The Environmental Statement provides the key data relating to the scope and formulation of the proposals, project description and the potential impact areas.
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1.4.3 The Non-Technical Summary, as prescribed by The Regulations, outlines the conclusions of the development proposals and explains how they were reached. This includes a brief description of the project and environment, an account of the mitigating measures to be undertaken and a description of residual impacts.
1.5 The Assessment Approach
1.5.1 The Environmental Assessment is undertaken through a process which seeks to determine the effect that certain development may have upon the natural and built environment. In order to fully consider the implications of such a study it is vitally important to commence with an “assessment overview” exercise which is formulated through discussions and communication with interested parties with a view to identifying the principle areas of concern. This is likely to include liaison with the relevant planning authorities, statutory consultees, government and public institutions and local interest groups.
1.5.2 In the context of the planning application, and associated Environmental Assessment, the scoping opinion at Appendix A from the Northamptonshire County Council highlighted specific issues which would require detailed consideration including:
• the need for the mineral to be worked and alternative sources of material;
• details of the proposed working arrangements;
• details of the soils handling and agricultural land quality;
• a highways assessment and traffic flows associated with the development;
• an assessment of the surface and groundwater at the site;
• the effects on the general amenity of the area in relation to noise and air quality;
• an ecological assessment and opportunities for ecological enhancement;
• details of site archaeology;
• the proposed restoration and aftercare of the site.
1.5.3 Further consultations have been undertaken throughout the formulation of the Environmental Assessment with the Northamptonshire County Council departments dealing with environmental planning, highways and transportation, ecology, archaeology and minerals. Consultations have also taken place with the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Wildlife Trust.
1.5.4 As indicated above, and in terms of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, the applicants are required to indicate what ______
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alternatives, if any, have been considered in terms of the proposed site chosen for development. In this particular case, the site has already enjoyed the benefit of a planning permission issued for mineral extraction in the 1960’s and being a submission associated with an extension of existing approved mineral operations, the consideration of possible alternatives to the development have incorporated a review of working and restoration methods rather than a review of options for the development of alternative working sites.
1.6 Prediction of Impacts
1.6.1 Prior to the predication of environmental impacts the existing environmental baseline situation should be established. Analysis of each impact can then be examined in terms of it’s predicted deviation from the norm.
1.6.2 The methods used to predict the key impacts must be defined. Additionally, the significance of those impacts should be assessed using appropriate standards. Where no such standards exist, the assumptions made to assess significance must be justified and the existence of opposing, or contrary, opinions acknowledged.
1.7 Measures For Mitigation
1.7.1 Once the analysis of likely impacts has been undertaken the next stage is to determine what mitigating measures can be introduced to avoid, reduce or remedy any significant adverse effects. All significant adverse impacts should be considered for mitigation and specific measures put forward where practicable. Mitigation methods may include modification of the development proposals and the introduction of certain safeguards to limit the effects.
1.7.2 As an integral part of the development process it may also be necessary to undertake monitoring of the project to confirm the effectiveness of the mitigation measures proposed and how the actual impacts prove to relate to their predicted values.
1.8 Project Brief
1.8.1 Through early dialogue with the relevant bodies, and site appraisal, it has been possible to identify areas of the development which are most likely to give rise to environmental effects. These are as shown below and are examined in detail, as prescribed by the regulations, in the Appendices to the submission:
Appendix B Landscape and Visual Amenity
Appendix C Hydrogeology
Appendix D Flood Risk Assessment
Appendix E Highways and Traffic
Appendix F Noise ______
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Appendix G Air Quality
Appendix H Ecology and Conservation
Appendix I Archaeology
Appendix J Soils and Agriculture
1.8.2 The likely significant effects, both direct and indirect, of the proposal are described and the various key elements required by the regulations to be evaluated are considered below, together with the related Appendices.
Human Beings
1.8.3 Mineral operations can affect human beings in a number of ways. This may be by way of amenity and landscape (Appendix B), noise (Appendix F), air quality (Appendix G), traffic (Appendix E).
Flora and Fauna
1.8.4 Mineral operations may affect flora and fauna which could be disturbed by the removal of habitat and changes in the landscape characteristics. Consideration is given to such matters in Appendix H.
Soil
1.8.5 The movement and storage of soils through the extractive and restoration process may give rise to concern. Consideration is given to soil handling methods in Appendix J.
Water
1.8.6 The extractive process can lead to changes in the surface and groundwater regime. These matters are considered in Appendix C and D.
Air
1.8.7 The extraction of mineral can affect airborne dust levels. This aspect is dealt with in Appendix G.
Climate
1.8.8 The extraction of this type of mineral does not give rise to variations in climate.
The Landscape
1.8.9 The extraction and progressive restoration process will inevitably give rise to changes in the landscape. Such matters are dealt with in Appendix B.
Inter-reactions between any of the foregoing.
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1.8.10 The process of mineral extraction may, on occasions, give rise to a range of complex environmental considerations. Where appropriate the inter-reaction between the environmental aspects are covered in the Sections listed.
Material Assets.
1.8.11 The extraction of mineral may affect material assets such as buildings and roadways. The effect upon buildings is considered in Appendices F and G and the generation of traffic and the impact upon the highway network is considered in Appendix E.
Cultural Heritage
1.8.12 Mineral extraction may affect items of historic and archaeological interest. The effect upon possible areas of archaeological interest are considered in Appendix I.
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EXISTING SITE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
2.1 The Site
2.1.1 The application site and existing approved areas for mineral working are outlined in red and green on Plan 1 and are located to the south of the village of Wakerley, Northamptonshire.
2.1.2 The main access for vehicles travelling to and from the mineral workings will be the new purpose built access roadway leading from the quarry onto the minor highway which joins the A43 road approximately 1.6 kilometres east of Wakerley village. Details of the access are shown on Plans 2 to 7.
2.1.3 The existing site is bounded on the south by the existing woodland, to the east by an unclassified road and farmland, to the west by farmland, whilst to the north lies Wakerley Village.
2.1.4 Topographically the application site lies in gently undulating countryside with the proposed quarry workings lying in a relatively elevated position. Views into the site from the south and west are greatly restricted by land contours and existing peripheral vegetation and are more open to the north and east. The nature of the localised topography, together with existing woodlands, peripheral hedgerow and tree planting, assists in screening the proposed quarry from residential property at Wakerley. A detailed landscape assessment is considered in Appendix B of this submission.
2.2 Land Use
2.2.1 The focus for this description of existing land uses is the area where land users and land occupiers might be potentially affected by the proposed quarry development. The following properties have been included:
• all properties within the visual envelope of the site;
• all properties which might be affected by noise, dust or nuisance from the operation of the site;
• all properties which might be affected by traffic to and from the site.
2.2.2 The main settlement area is the village of Wakerley lying to the north of the proposed quarry area. The settlement has a generally linear form and due to the localised topography, and position of the majority of properties within the settlement, there are generally limited views from properties with south facing windows. Other settlements in the locality are Barrowden, approximately 1.3 kilometres north, Shotley approximately 1.6 kilometres west, Harringworth approximately 1.9 kilometres west and Laxton approximately 1.3 kilometres south.
2.2.3 Outside the main settlement area the dominant land uses are agriculture although there are two other quarry operations in the general locality. One ______
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small operation situated near Harringworth, approximately 2.0 kilometres to the south-west, and a further quarry lies at Cuckoo Lodge approximately 5.0 kilometres to the north-east.
2.3 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
2.3.1 There are a number of areas of archaeological interest, or varying age, which have been identified within the site and general locality. These matters are considered in detail in Appendix I of this assessment.
2.3.2 There are no buildings or structures statutorily listed as being of architectural or historic interest at or adjoining the site. The nearest buildings of listed interest lie within the settlement at Wakerley at a distance of some 0.5 kilometres.
2.4 Services
2.4.1 There are no power lines crossing the proposed quarry extension development area and no public utilities within the site. There are no water mains crossing the site. The nearest water mains are those located to serve nearby residential property within Wakerley village. A gas pipeline passes alongside the public highway and across the proposed quarry access roadway lying to the north- east boundary of the site.
2.4.2 There are no telephone lines crossing the extension development area at the site. The nearest lines are those which serve the residential properties lying within Wakerley to the north or outlying dwellings to the west, north and south.
2.5 Transport
2.5.1 The proposed quarry development will be served by a new purpose built access roadway which will join the extraction area at the eastern end of the site and will travel through farmland 1.6 kilometres to the A43 in a general north- easterly direction.
2.5.2 The proposed traffic flows and roadway design are described in Appendix E of this statement.
2.5.3 There are a number of public rights of way near the site and of particular relevance are footpaths PC2, PC3 and PC4. Public footpath reference No. PC2 which passes in a general north-south direction from the woodlands in the south through to the southern outskirts of the village of Wakerley, and footpaths PC3 and PC4 running along the southern and south-eastern boundaries of Wakerley village. These routes are shown on Figure L1 accompanying the landscape report in Appendix B.
2.6 Drainage
2.6.1 The development area contains no natural surface drainage with the exception of localised ditches serving the outlying agricultural lands which drain into underlying strata. There are no watercourses passing through the site. ______
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DETAILS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
3.1 General Information
3.1.1 The proposals involve the proposed extraction and transportation of limestone from the site with subsequent progressive restoration to agriculture, woodland and potential nature conservation uses at lower levels. This Chapter gives a description of the proposed development and site operations.
3.2 Method and Sequence of Mineral Extraction
3.2.1 The sequence of the proposed working involves the progressive removal of limestone both within the existing consented area and the proposed extension area. The mineral being extracted in a “dry state” and the general phasing of development is shown on the detailed working plans on Plan No’s 3 to 7.
3.2.2 It is proposed that the limestone will be removed down to the proposed limits of working, generally lying above the local water table, by hydraulic excavator and delivered to the receiving hopper within the semi-mobile processing plant.
3.2.3 The proposed working depth is between approximately 5 to 20 metres and the working area is divided into five phases of working. Working will commence at the southern end of the proposed quarry area (Phase 1) initially in a southerly direction, then change and move in a westerly direction through Phase 2. Working will then turn in a northerly direction into Phase 3 and turn north east moving through Phases 4 and 5. Soils and overburden stripped from the working area will be used to form peripheral screening bunds to reduce the impact of the workings upon residential properties within Wakerley and it’s immediate surrounds.
3.2.4 Suitable margins of support will be left at the perimeters of the excavations to ensure support to adjoining unworked land and to protect retained peripheral boundary features, hedgerows and fencing.
3.3 Processing Plant
3.3.1 Prior to the marketing of the limestone from the site it will be necessary to process the raw material via the mobile processing plant and ancillary services.
3.3.2 The method of plant operation involves transportation of the “as dug” limestone by excavator/loading shovel to the receiving hopper of the processing plant which ensures that material is fed to the processing section at an even rate. The stone then passes via crushing equipment and over screens to produce classified grades of stone for general construction uses.
3.3.3 The mobile plant used at the site comprises:
An Excavator for removal of material from the working face.
A Loading shovel for mineral handling purposes. ______
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3.3.4 The mobile processing plant is anticipated to comprise:
A Primary Mobile Crusher
A Secondary Impactor
Several Screener Units
3.3.5 It is anticipated that the finished products are removed from the processing plant by loading shovel to nearby storage areas. As required, the stone products are then rehandled by loading shovel on to road haulage vehicles which are checked over a certified weighbridge within the site. Following issue of the necessary delivery and accounting documents, the products are transported out to the customer.
3.4 Office Accommodation and Weighbridge Facilities
3.4.1 In association with the limestone quarrying operations it is essential to provide comprehensive administration facilities and controls. These are expected to comprise a managers office, quarry weighbridge, fitters workshop and welfare facilities. The quarry weighbridge and associated control cabin are likely to be situated close to the site entrance within the northern sector of Phase 1. As working proceeds into Phase 4 and 5 these facilities may be relocated to the northern end of the site to optimise site security and reduce the haulage distances for vehicles leaving the site.
3.4.2 All operational areas of the site will be secured by suitable fencing to maintain public safety and site security.
3.5 Access and Traffic Movements
3.5.1 As indicated on the development plans the site will be provided with a well designed site access roadway which will be linked via the local road network to the A43 road. This route has been carefully designed following discussions with the local liaison group to avoid quarry traffic travelling through the nearby villages of Wakerley, Harringworth, Laxton and Barrowden. The access, and internal site roadways, are provided with a hard surface which is regularly cleaned in order to ensure that soil and stone are not carried onto local roadways.
3.5.2 Dependant upon market conditions, it is considered that a standard level of output for this kind of quarry will be approximately 250,000 tonnes per annum. This level of output is considered to be appropriate for the duration of operations within the proposed development area. Accordingly, vehicle movements will be around 50 movements into and out of the site each day. A total of 100 movements per day or approximately 8 per hour.
3.5.3 Apart from the occasional delivery of aggregate to customers within the local villages all traffic will leave the quarry area and proceed via the internal access road to the A43. Then departing via the primary road network to the customer. ______
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Having regard to the direct access onto an established primary route for heavy goods vehicles, and the established nature of the business, it is considered that the distribution of traffic from the site will not be problematic.
3.6 Hours Of Working.
3.6.1 It is proposed that production operations be carried out at the site during the following hours:
Monday to Friday 07.00 to 19.00 hours.
Saturday 07.00 to 14.00 hours.
3.6.2 Outside these hours work would be restricted to emergency plant maintenance and for essential safety work.
3.7 Employment
3.7.1 The development is expected to employ 6 persons at the site during the majority of the year with a possible additional person employed in summer.
3.7.2 In addition to direct employment the proposals will also create a demand for road haulage to deliver products and in this respect some 20 drivers are employed on a regular daily basis depending upon site output. The operation will give rise to further employment in the use of local services to supply the needs of the quarry and administration facilities and occasional labour together with contracts for hired in plant and equipment. The contribution to the local economy will typically involve the purchase of local goods and services such as:
Site staff and employees Road haulage
Fuel and oil purchase Plant and vehicle hire
Plant repairs and spares Building contractors
Landscape contractors Tree and shrub purchase
Office supplies and equipment Canteen supplies
3.7.3 The proposal will therefore provide local employment opportunities.
3.8 Restoration.
3.8.1 The proposed restoration of the working area is illustrated on Figure 8 and has been designed to ensure continuity of extraction and restoration. The final restored landform has been designed as a result of good landscape practice and takes account of local landscape strategies. The intention of the restoration scheme is to produce a landform which is sympathetic to the surrounding topography and which supports a return of a major part of the site to agriculture. The remainder of the site will be restored to conservation uses ______
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including calcareous grassland, herb-rich grassland and tree and shrub planting to provide habitat diversity.
3.8.2 The overall restoration scheme will be achieved by the creation of a restoration platform by spreading on-site quarry waste to agreed levels. Once these levels have been achieved the stored soils and overburden will be replaced where necessary and the proposed agriculture and grassland cultivated to form a seed-bed. The new hedgerow planting and the woodland blocks will break up the regular appearance of the restored landform and have been designed to afford minimal disruption to farming practice. As previously indicated the resultant restored landform will be the result of a comprehensive landscape strategy and compliance with current good practice and a detailed management scheme.
3.8.3 Due to the length of time over which quarry operations will be undertaken a regular dialogue will be maintained with the Mineral Planning Authority, Natural England and the local Wildlife Trust concerning the details of site restoration for specific phases of the development. In this way variations in the depth of working due to the site geology can be adapted to suit into the overall restoration scheme. This restoration scheme will also allow the incorporation of specific features such as retained areas of quarry face to permit geological study.
3.8.4 The final landform has been designed to create a terrain which may be some 10 to 15 metres lower than original ground levels but which blends with the undisturbed lands and achieves acceptable gradients to disperse rainfall and hence surface water.
3.9 Landscaping.
3.9.1 The final objective of the proposed development will be to achieve a positive and beneficial afteruse and to continue to reduce visual impact from the proposed workings wherever possible.
3.9.2 A visual appraisal is provided in Appendix B of this Statement. In conjunction with the development a scheme of boundary screening and planting will be agreed with the Mineral Planning Authority that will supplement visual screening afforded by the existing woodland planting around the proposed development area and storage of soils on the periphery of the extraction areas.
3.9.3 As described above the restored working areas within the proposed development will be at a lower level to that which exists at present and will give a visual diversity and interest when viewed from around the site.
3.9.4 The afteruses of the site will be carefully conceived to return land to agriculture and at the same time enhance the local conservation value of the site. The overall scheme produced will combine the results of various appraisals undertaken prior to, or during, the development of the site. A number of landscape initiatives will be introduced to establish opportunities for nature conservation and enhancement. This will include the development of new ______
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woodland and shrub planting with new hedgerows within the site in order to provide corridors for wildlife and increase habitat diversity.
3.9.5 Consideration will also be given to enhancement of the local geological resource by retaining sections of the quarry face for supervised study.
3.10 Aftercare.
3.10.1 Upon the completion of each restoration phase a programme of aftercare will be implemented for a minimum of 5 years. Each phase will be managed to obtain the final restoration objective either for nature conservation or for agriculture. A scheme of aftercare will be agreed with the local planning authority, and other interested specialist bodies, and will include such items as:
• additional site drainage
• special rates and cover for fertilizer treatment
• maintenance of grassed areas
• cropping programmes and stocking rates
• weed control and fertiliser applications to new woodland
• general maintenance of trees and shrubs
• activity to encourage flora and fauna
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ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
4.1 General Information
4.1.1 This chapter outlines the main alternatives that were considered in drawing up the proposals for mineral extraction at the site.
4.2 Sites
4.2.1 At present Wakerley is covered, for mineral planning purposes, by the Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan Review, which was adopted by the Northamptonshire County Council in May 2006. Policy 4 of the Minerals Local Plan covers limestone extraction and the deposit at Wakerley is specifically included in the supporting text as an area allocated for future working. This section therefore concentrates on the alternative ways that the site could be worked and restored in order to achieve the most appropriate scheme which would comply with all policies in the Local Plan.
4.3 Access
4.3.1 The proposed new access at Wakerley quarry is considered suitable for the traffic which will be generated during the development of the application site. The proposed access has good forward visibility and is located in an appropriate position to allow adequate safety for quarry traffic travelling to and from the site and integration with other traffic using the A43. Alternate locations to the A43 or the unclassified highway along the eastern quarry boundary are considered less suitable for highway design or highway safety reasons.
4.4 Weighbridge, Administration Buildings and Plant Site
4.4.1 In association with the limestone quarrying operations it is essential to provide comprehensive administration facilities. These will comprise a managers office, quarry weighbridge, fitters workshop and welfare facilities.
4.4.2 The position of the proposed facilities will be close to the site entrance within the northern sector of Phase 1 of the site development programme. As working proceeds into Phases 4 and 5 these facilities may be relocated to the northern end of the site to optimise site security and reduce the haulage distances for vehicles leaving the site.
4.4.3 The mineral screening and processing plant, which will be of a mobile nature, will be located within each working phase of the site development programme.
4.5 Restoration Proposals
4.5.1 Significant consideration has been given to the restoration proposals for the site. The following options and the reasons for dismissing them are as follows:
1. Restoration incorporating significant water areas
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The site lies in the vicinity of the military airfield at RAF Wittering and liaison with the Ministry of Defence Safeguarding section confirmed that objection would be raised to the development of a restoration scheme that incorporated water features. The Ministry have confirmed that they have no objection to the current proposals.
2. Restoration back to original ground levels.
The amount of soils and inert fill required to achieve this option would be very significant and not acceptable in planning policy terms. Concern would also be expressed regarding the timescales required to achieve such a proposal and subsequent increase in traffic movements would occur. This would also be considered as a major landfill operation by the Environmental Agency and may have implications for groundwater protection.
3. Restoration back to agricultural uses.
Consideration was given to the whole area being returned to agricultural uses but in response to consultations with the County Council, Natural England and Wildlife Trust the proposed restoration scheme incorporates the creation of new woodland, hedgerow planting and limestone grassland consistent with County policy and the Biodiversity Action Plan.
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BASELINE INFORMATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
5.1 General Information
5.1.1 This chapter summaries the findings of the specialist reports prepared in association with the compilation of the Environmental Assessment and as a result of the scoping exercise undertaken by the applicants.
5.2 Landscape and Visual Amenity
5.2.1 Bright & Associates were instructed to undertake a landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) and to design a restoration scheme for a new 250,000 tonne per annum limestone proposal on land near Wakerley, Northamptonshire.
5.2.2 The methodology follows up-to-date guidance from the Landscape Institute, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Natural England and the terminology is specific to this assessment.
5.2.3 The Site is situated within the ‘Rockingham Forest’ Regional Character Area (RCA) and Natural Area. The Northamptonshire Current Landscape Character Assessment puts the Site within 3 landscape character types and areas (LCAs):
• The Wooded Limestone Hills and Valleys (King’s Cliffe Hills and Valleys LCA);
• Farmed Scrap Slopes (Harrington to Duddington LCA); and
• The Ironstone Quarried Plateau (Kirby and Gretton Plateau LCA).
5.2.4 The Site can be split into 4 areas. Most of the areas are of Good landscape Quality, the remainder is Poor. Part of the Site is designated as a Special Landscape Area and a number development plan policies relating to landscape and visual issues apply to the Site.
5.2.5 Part of Wakerley Spinney, some 300m south of the Proposed Access Road is the nearest designated SSSI. Wakerley Oaks, Wakerley Spinney and Great Wakerley Wood are all Ancient Woodlands and also lie outside of the Site. A number of designated County Wildlife Sites and Protected Wildflower Verges occur near the Site and the Proposed Access Road passes through a small section of two of these areas.
5.2.6 The landscape value of the Site, in this context, should be considered to be of a Medium level overall.
5.2.7 The development proposals involve operating the Site for approximately 45 years. The Site will be progressively restored to lower land levels with a variety of landuses, including native broadleaved woodland, conservation species-rich
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grassland, agricultural fields with conservation headlands and hedgerows, scrub, a permanent pond and ephemeral pools/wet areas, in accordance with the landscape character of the area and contributing to biodiversity action plan (BAP) targets.
5.2.8 All restoration and aftercare works will be undertaken in accordance with recognised good practice guidance.
5.2.9 A number of landscape and visual impacts from the proposals were identified during the assessment and a number of primary and secondary mitigation measures employed to reduce or avoid the residual effects. One of these measures involves the use of temporary, vegetated screening bunds (elongated mounds) designed to create minimal adverse effects themselves, whilst screening operations beyond. Another involved the ‘sinking’ of haul access routes into the existing ground to reduce their prominence in the landscape.
5.2.10 The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) or ‘zone of theoretical visibility’ was determined using 3D computerised techniques and the visibility checked in the field. Twelve principal representative viewpoints were selected to provide representative assessment points from within the ZVI. These included visual receptors such as long-distance footpath walkers, local footpath users, road users and those living in nearby dwellings.
5.2.11 In the scale of assessed effects, those of ‘Major’ significance are the most material in the decision-making process for the proposed development. The highest adverse visual and landscape impacts found were of Moderate significance, although most adverse impacts are limited to Minor or Minor- Moderate significance. Close-range viewpoints, adjacent to the Site will have improved views of the Site upon restoration – the highest beneficial effect will be of Major significance.
5.2.12 Overall, the proposed development has a number of adverse impacts during particular phases of the operational period, which have been mitigated to a significant degree, with permanent beneficial effects upon restoration.
5.2.13 The proposals comply substantially with the Development Plan policies relating to the Site and the restoration scheme usefully contributes to biodiversity targets for the area. The adverse landscape effects during the operational period are of Moderate-Major significance and the beneficial landscape effects upon restoration are of Moderate significance.
5.2.14 It has been demonstrated that the proposed scheme is capable of being delivered in an environmentally acceptable manner by the application of the proposed mitigation and industry best practice.
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5.3 Hydrology
5.3.1 An assessment of the baseline geology, hydrogeology and the potential hydrological impact of the proposed operations has been carried out by Hafren Water and is presented in Appendix C.
5.3.2 Part of the Wakerley site has the benefit of a phase 1 “active consent” dating from November 1962 issued for the extraction of ironstone and overlying minerals.
5.3.3 The Application Area is located approximately 1 km to the south of Wakerley Village at its nearest point, and some 7 km to the east of the town of Uppingham in Northamptonshire. The Application Area is situated close to the summit of a hill of low relief, which rises to an elevation of 101mAOD. Ground elevations decrease steadily northwards to the River Welland, which is situated at an elevation of 35-40 mAOD and some 800 m from the northern site boundary. Ground elevations decrease more gradually to the east and south of the summit of the hill.
5.3.4 The Application Area is situated within the catchment of the River Welland, which rises near Market Harborough in Leicestershire and flows in a northeasterly direction in the vicinity of the quarry. The nearest watercourse to the site is an eastwards flowing stream located approximately 400 m to the south of the proposed quarry.
5.3.5 Seepages/springs occur at three locations to the north of the Application Area. They generally occur at elevations of between 50 and 55 mAOD, at the junction of two rock types: the Northampton Sand and the underlying Lias Clay.
5.3.6 The regional solid geology comprises a vertically extensive sequence of sedimentary deposits that are of Jurassic Age. The Lincolnshire Limestone comprises the economic mineral at the proposed Wakerley Quarry. Superficial deposits are generally sparse within the region. The most laterally persistent such deposit is Boulder Clay which occurs on the higher ground.
5.3.7 Within the region the Lincolnshire Limestone forms an aquifer which can store and transmit significant volumes of groundwater. Within the Application Area and its immediate vicinity the Lincolnshire Limestone comprises one component of an aquifer system which also includes the underlying Northampton Sand.
5.3.8 The limestone is present in areas of elevated relief. Boulder Clay overlies the limestone in the areas of highest relief in the vicinity of the site, limiting the volume of rainfall which can enter the limestone. The saturated thickness of the aquifer is considered to be relatively small due to the occurrence of springs at the contact between the Northampton Sand and the Liassic Clay and the absence of saturated ground or springs above this level.
5.3.9 There are no recorded unlicensed surface water or groundwater abstractions within a 1.5 km radius of the site and no licensed abstractions within a 2 km
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radius. The nearest public water supply borehole is located to the North of Barnack, some 13 km to the northeast of the proposed extraction area.
5.3.10 The groundwater level in the vicinity of the Application Area is estimated to be some 76 mAOD. The maximum proposed depth of mineral extraction is such that the floor of the proposed quarry in the great majority of the site is situated above the watertable, therefore the mineral will be predominantly dry. However, the northernmost section of the site (ie Phase 5) is to be worked to 75 mAOD, consequently some of the mineral will be worked sub-watertable and a requirement will exist to remove water from the quarry void when working in this area. It is proposed to manage water pumped from the workings by disposal to surface entirely within the site boundary. A requirement to discharge water off-site will therefore not exist.
5.3.11 After cessation of mineral extraction and the completion of the restoration water management will be passive. The site will be free-draining with a clay- lined waterbody in the northernmost section of the site.
5.4 Flood Risk
5.4.1 An assessment of flood risk has been carried out by Hydro-Logic Limited and is presented in Appendix D.
5.4.2 The proposed quarry development is planned in five general phases with a total duration of approximately 45 years. The development will involve the creation of a series of temporary bunds for soil and overburden prior to the extraction of limestone. Restoration voids will occur progressively during this period with the end use being agricultural.
5.4.3 The application site lies entirely outside the Environment Agency flood zones. Accordingly, there will be no impacts on flood plain storage or flow paths.
5.4.4 The development process involves the creation of substantial voids and accordingly, there is likely to be a decrease in the surface run off from the site area. A separate hydrogeological investigation has indicated that the impact on low flows will be minimal as the majority of the extraction void is located above the water table. Mitigation has been proposed to restrict surface runoff from the temporary bunds, since this may contain sediment. Outline design details have been presented for the construction of interception channels around the perimeter slopes of the bunds. In addition runoff from the tops of the bunds will be retained in infiltration areas.
5.4.5 Other infrastructure will comprise the construction of a haul road and associated buildings. Buildings will be established on existing areas of hard standing or will be provided with drainage to soakaways. Provision will also be required for drainage along the full length of the 3 km haul road to minimise the impacts of water and sediment runoff from the road surface.
5.4.6 Restoration will involve the creation of four voids, with internal sink points to each void. No mitigation will be required for restoration.
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5.4.7 It is recommended that a gauge board be installed in the pond on Trib3 to enable the observation of water levels in the pond. This will provide useful baseline data for the pre-development period. In addition, this will provide a valuable reference for investigation of any impacts during the development period.
5.4.8 An inspection programme will be established for the bunds, trenches and tributaries. Inspections should take place with a frequency of every two weeks with more frequent inspections following heavy rainfall. The inspections should identify the scope of remedial work to ensure the structural integrity of the bunds and the trenches.
5.5 Highways and Traffic
5.5.1 An assessment of the baseline traffic flows, highways configuration and the potential traffic impact of the proposed operations has been carried out by The Richard Parker Consultancy and is presented in Appendix E.
5.5.2 The A43 is the main strategic road in the area and runs on a south-west to north-east alignment between Corby and Stamford. 2 km to the north of the site the A47 trunk road runs in an east–west direction and joins the A43 at Duddington, providing further opportunities for Heavy Goods Vehicles to travel on principal lorry routes.
5.5.3 All vehicular access to the quarry for heavy goods vehicles would be via a new haul road that would run in a north-easterly direction from the quarry towards the A43 Corby to Stamford road. No quarry traffic would be permitted to use any other route and specifically minor local roads in the vicinity of the site. Where the haul road crosses the Wakerley to Fineshade road there would be a small mini-roundabout junction just at the point where a 30 mph speed restriction commences. This junction arrangement was identified at a site meeting with Northants highways department. The layout of this crossing is constrained by the need to avoid some verges as they are ecologically designated as Protected Verge and the other contains rare plants. The quarry haul road would then continue across estate land until meeting the Duddington road some 600m west of the A43. Along this section three inter-visible passing bays would be provided.
5.5.4 The haul road would be 4m wide with frequent passing places. The only traffic it would carry would be the Heavy Goods Vehicles to and from the quarry and the occasional staff or service vehicle.
5.5.5 The A43 carries a high proportion of goods vehicles and in the vicinity of the junction with the Wakerley road. Although the junction has a good layout and good visibility in either direction the introduction of turning traffic could introduce an unnecessary hazard. Therefore some minor widening would be undertaken to create a ghost-island turning lane. The minor road joins on the outside of a long bend in the A43 ensuring there is good visibility in both directions and good visibility to any Heavy Goods Vehicle waiting to turn off the trunk road. The provision of a 3.5m wide turning lane will allow Heavy Goods
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Vehicles travelling to the quarry to wait in the middle of the road without requiring following vehicles to slow-down or stop. The 1m wide edge lane around the inside of the bend will be unaffected.
5.5.6 The anticipated extraction rate is some 250,000 tonnes per year. This equates to an average of around 50 loads per day, based on the standard 4-axle rigid tipper lorry carrying around 20 tonne payload. Hence there would be 100 Heavy Goods Vehicle movements per day in and out of the quarry. As described above, all these vehicles would use the haul road and the eastern section of the Wakerley to Duddington road to and from the A43 strategic road.
5.5.7 The addition of 100 Heavy Goods Vehicles per day, or around 10 HGV per hour to the 0.6km section of Wakerley to Duddington minor road will have some impact, although this will be mitigated by the provision of three inter- visible passing bays. This additional traffic represents a very significant increase in existing traffic flows but as the flows are so low the presence of an Heavy Goods Vehicles every 6 minutes over a short section will not create any inconvenience or danger to existing road users.
5.5.8 In order to ensure that there is no adverse traffic impact, and in addition to the creation of a small mini-roundabout at the point where the haul road crosses the Wakerley to Fineshade road, some other off-site measures will be undertaken
• provision of 3 passing bays on the 600m section of the Wakerley to Duddington road used by the quarry lorries
• minor widening of the A43 at the junction with the Wakerley to Duddington road to create a ghost-island junction
• a routeing agreement will be offered to prohibit lorries from using the Wakerley to Fineshade road. The design of the mini-roundabout will also inhibit vehicles trying to make this manoeuvre.
5.6 Noise
5.6.1 An assessment of the baseline noise levels and the potential noise impact of the proposed operations has been carried out by Acoustic Noise and Vibration and is presented in Appendix F.
5.6.2 MPS2 and the Northamptonshire Minerals Local Plan provide the relevant guidance when assessing noise from future operations within the quarry. Noise limits at potentially affected noise-sensitive locations have been determined from background noise levels obtained from noise surveys carried out in September 2006.
5.6.3 The nearest noise sensitive locations to the quarry were identified as dwellings at the following locations:
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• Wakerley Village
• Wakerley Church
• Laxton Hall
• Town Wood Farm
• The Bungalows
5.6.4 It is proposed that the quarry would only operate within the normal daytime periods recommended in MPS2 and noise limits have been proposed within the summary of the noise assessment.
5.6.5 Calculations have been made on the proposed operations within the quarry at the potentially most affected noise-sensitive locations. The assessment of the calculated levels indicates that the proposed criteria would not be exceeded and would be within the limits suggested by MPS2 with the proposed boundary bunding provided.
5.6.6 In summary, this assessment indicates that noise from activities associated with the working of the quarry would be within acceptable noise limits and no further mitigation measures have been recommended to reduce noise levels from site operations.
5.7 Air Quality
5.7.1 An assessment of air quality and the potential impact of the proposed operations has been carried out in accordance with current and developing guidance by Smith Grant LLP and is presented in Appendix G.
5.7.2 The scope of the assessment included a visit to view the application site and the surrounding area, and reviews of the existing air quality and wind speed and direction data. Potential receptors within 500m of the application site boundary were considered.
5.7.3 The proposed extraction will take place in five phases, commencing in the southeast, and working around the western side of the site towards the northeast. Soils and overburden mounds will be progressively formed and removed along adjacent boundaries and in adjacent working areas as extraction proceeds. Following soils stripping, the limestone will be ripped by dozer and then transferred by loading shovel to a mobile crushing and screening plant on the quarry floor.
5.7.4 Road transport will be loaded from stockpiles adjacent to the plant and will leave the site via an access road, ultimately joining the A43. The access road will be sunk below ground level and will be screened by bunds and hedgerows.
5.7.5 The site will be restored at reduced levels, without any importation of waste or fill material, to agriculture with woodland, a pond and ephemeral wetland.
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Advance planting has been carried out along the northern site boundary and further planting will be carried out on the southern and western sides of Phases 1 and 2.
5.7.6 The application site lies to the southwest of Wakerley and to the west of Wakerley Great Wood. Wakerley Church lies 250m northwest of the proposed access road and Manor House Farm lies 350m to the north. Tixover Church lies 250m north of the junction of the access road with the public highway and the River Welland flows 150m to the north of the junction. Several footpaths and bridleways run in the vicinity of the site and the Jurassic Way crosses the access road between Wakerley and Wakerley Great Wood. The wood is designated as access land with a visitor centre and car park.
5.7.7 Mapped data indicate that the baseline air quality achieves the objectives of the National Air Quality Strategy and East Northamptonshire Borough Council has not declared any Air Quality Management Areas. On account of the silty sandy soils, the baseline dust deposition rate is likely to lie towards the upper part of the typical range for rural areas, ie, about 40 mg/m2/day.
5.7.8 Wind roses for Wittering show that, as an annual average, winds blow from the south, southwest and west, for a total of 54% of the time, with winds greater than 10 knots occurring for 25% of the time. During the summer, the frequencies of winds from the west and northwest increase slightly, with corresponding decreases from the east, southeast and south. The frequency of winds greater than 10 knots also reduces slightly.
5.7.9 Planning consents for surface mineral workings feature conditions to prevent or control airborne dust, including a dust management and monitoring scheme if required. The crushing and screening plant will be subject to conditions attached to a Local Authority Prevention Pollution and Control permit for the process.
5.7.10 The Jurassic limestone at Wakerley is relatively soft and weakly cemented compared with Carboniferous limestone. Consequently, the proposed extraction and processing operations are unlikely to produce large quantities of fine dust. However, the matrix of the rock is readily degraded and is likely to result in the creation of mud in wet conditions.
5.7.11 Site haulage is typically the greatest dust source on surface mineral sites and the impact is increased over longer distances such as will occur at Wakerley, particularly during Phases 1 and 2. Any mineral which may be spilled will be readily broken down and, in dry conditions, will be readily raised into the atmosphere as dust by the passage of vehicles. There is also a risk of muddy track-out on the access road and there is a moderate risk of dust during soils handling and from wind blow across stockpiles, bunds and stripped ground.
5.7.12 In the absence of mitigation, there is on the public highway a locally high estimated risk of adverse impact associated with dust due to track-out from the access road. There is a low risk at the southern end of Wakerley of adverse impact due to dust emissions from the access road. There is also a low risk to
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walkers and other users of the local footpaths and amenity areas, assuming that visible dust is controlled. Significant impacts due to dust are otherwise unlikely to be caused by the proposed quarry.
5.7.13 Fine particles less than 10 µm (PM10) from the proposed quarry are unlikely to cause any exceedence of the NAQS objective. The estimated increases in exhaust emissions due to additional HGV traffic will not cause the NAQS objectives for PM10 or nitrogen dioxide to be exceeded and will not lead to any discernible impact on local air quality.
5.7.14 Standard good working practices will be adopted in accordance with current minerals guidance and the process guidance note for mobile crushing and screening. Specific mitigation measures will be adopted in respect of soils handling, which will be suspended near site boundaries when wind conditions are likely to result in dust being carried off-site. Soils bunds will be watered and seeded to bind the surface and minimise the effects of wind blow.
5.7.15 Haul routes will be located where possible towards the centre of the site and standard good practices will be adopted in respect of the construction and maintenance of the routes. All loaded vehicles leaving the site will be sheeted and will be inspected at the road crossing and before joining the public highway. Vehicle cleaning facilities will be provided on either side of the road crossing and at the site entrance.
5.7.16 Restoration in each phase will take place at the earliest opportunity to minimise the impact of wind blow across bare ground.
5.7.17 Overall, with the adoption of standard good practices and the proposed mitigation measures, the locally moderate impact of track-out from the access road will reduce to mild and the estimated risk will reduce to low. The other already low estimated risks will reduce to near zero and it is very unlikely that significant adverse impacts due to dust will be caused by the proposed quarry operations.
5.8 Ecology and Conservation
5.8.1 An assessment of the site ecology and the potential impact of the proposed operations has been carried out by Eco Tech and is presented in Appendix H.
5.8.2 The ecology of the proposed development area is reviewed. Species and habitats are evaluated. Potential sources of nature conservation impact are outlined and predicted effects of the proposed development are described. The significance of these effects is evaluated and mitigation measures discussed. Any residual effects following mitigation are identified.
5.8.3 Eight main Phase 1 habitats were identified within the application area; broadleaved semi-natural woodland, dense scrub, unimproved neutral grassland, improved grassland, standing water - pool, arable, species-poor hedge - intact and defunct.
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5.8.4 One statutory site (SSSI) occurs in the vicinity of the application area some 700m from the proposed extraction area and 290m from the proposed haul route at its nearest point. Fourteen non-statutory county wildlife sites (CWS) occur in the locality, of which five lie immediately adjacent to, or partially within, the application site. Two non-statutory protected wildflower verges (PWV) also occur in the immediate vicinity and are crossed by the proposed haul route.
5.8.5 Other than very small areas of the application area that are designated CWS or PWV, the habitats that would be directly affected by the proposed works are considered to be of negligible nature conservation value.
5.8.6 Of the vascular plant species recorded, none are considered to be notable in a national context (Stewart A et al., 1994, Cheffings CM, Farrell L (eds), 2005). One species, knotted hedge-parsley, is considered to be rare on a county basis, ie: a native species recorded in only 3-15 sites in the county (after Gent et. al, 1995).
5.8.7 Of the bird species recorded none are red data book species (Batten et. al, 1990). Two, skylark and grasshopper warbler are "red list" species (high conservation concern). A further four (kestrel, dunnock, green woodpecker and willow warbler) are on the "amber list" (medium conservation concern). However, given the small number of individuals of these species likely to be present, the bird interest at this site is not considered to be significant.
5.8.8 Two badger setts (probably outlier setts) are present. No evidence for the presence of specially protected species other than badger was recorded. Habitat suitable for common lizard is present but no lizards were recorded. No other notable species were recorded or are believed likely to occur.
5.8.9 Direct impacts on habitats of nature conservation value in a county context (ie: county wildlife sites) have been almost entirely avoided by careful design of the proposed working area and haul route. The proposed haul road crosses the Wakerley Oaks Disused Railway Line County Wildlife Site but at the point of an existing agricultural access. Therefore only a very localised adverse impact is predicted with very limited habitat loss (in the order of 0.01ha). This is considered to represent an impact of negligible or, at most, minor significance.
5.8.10 The proposed haul road also crosses two protected wildflower verges. The small loss of habitat at these points (in the order of 0.01ha) is also considered to represent an impact of negligible or, at most, minor significance.
5.8.11 No significant ecological effects from dust, noise or hydrological changes are anticipated.
5.8.12 The proposed phased restoration scheme is designed to significantly enhance the nature conservation interest of the locality and includes:
• Expanding the area of broadleaved woodland (some 28ha proposed)
• Creation of unimproved species-rich calcareous and neutral grassland (some
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20ha proposed);
• Creation of conservation headlands;
• Creation of scrub habitat (some 3ha proposed);
• Creation of standing open water (a permanent pool) and ephemeral wet areas:
• natural colonisation of the permanent pool with some marginal planting of site-native species;
• contouring to give shallow margins shelving to deeper areas, a wavy margin and islands, spits or bars;
• any planted species in the wet areas will be site-native and of local provenance where possible.
• creation of new hedges (some 6.6km proposed).
5.8.13 Badger setts are protected by law and therefore loss of a sett or setts is considered to constitute a significant adverse impact. Measures proposed to minimise negative impacts and to comply with legislation are likely to include:
• Additional specialist survey in advance of each phase of working to identify active setts and assess badger activity (if any);
• Creation of artificial setts and relocation of badgers from any setts which will be lost from the area of working;
• Supplementary feeding.
5.8.14 No other notable or protected species have been recorded as present or likely to be present other than common lizard which might inhabit areas of unimproved neutral grassland. Even so, measures are proposed to comply with legislation and ensure any impact is minimised, this includes:
• The removal of hedges and any soil stripping should be restricted to the period between September and March inclusive in order to minimise any disturbance to breeding birds;
• Given that the proposed works are phased over an approximately 45 year period and are unlikely to commence for several years post any permission, it is recommended that additional survey for notable and protected species is undertaken prior to each phase of working with comprehensive mitigation undertaken as required.
5.8.15 After mitigation measures and restoration have been implemented, no significant adverse residual impacts are predicted. Overall, there should be a significant increase in the nature conservation interest of the area following
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restoration.
5.9 Archaeology
5.9.1 An assessment of the site archaeology and the potential impact of the proposed operations has been carried out by Archaeological services and Consultancy Limited and is presented in Appendix I.
5.9.2 Following a desk based assessment, fieldwalking and geophysical survey one hundred and three trenches were excavated over an area of one hundred and two hectares.
5.9.3 The fieldwalking and geophysical survey had identified areas of archaeological potential and the trial trenching confirmed, and further quantified and defined, the extent of archaeological remains present. In general terms the site offers good archaeological potential and the focus of interest lies with the presence of Roman and Saxon iron smelting remains. Evidence for the industry was identified across the area and comprised groups of furnaces in the north part of the site and a number of linear features, interpreted as ore roasting pits, in the southwest and northeast parts of the site.
5.9.4 A complex of late Iron Age or early Roman furnaces was identified in the north central part of the site. Roman agricultural activity, including corn dryers and enclosure ditches were present nearby, and a substantial quarry pit was recorded. A programme of environmental sampling was also undertaken, which indicates that the Roman landscape was dominated by agricultural and domestic settlement.
5.9.5 Evidence for Saxon iron smelting was also identified. This was more dispersed than the Roman features and included a substantial complex adjacent to Wakerley Great Wood. A number of features identified as possible ore roasting pits/channel hearths and furnaces were present, sealed by a large deposit of slag. Further possible ore roasting pits were identified at the west end of the airfield and the northeast end of the site, adjacent to the wood.
5.9.6 A number of archaeological features in the north part of the site were obscured by colluvial deposits. The destabilising of the soil may have been the result of woodland clearance, due to the need for fuel for the smelting industry.
5.9.7 The south part of the site comprises part of a Second World War airfield. Construction of the airfield has probably resulted in localised disturbance, but the survival of the “ore roasting pits” on the southwest part of the airfield indicates that archaeological remains have survived the disturbance caused by the construction of the airfield. The north part of the site is less disturbed and preservation is generally better, although all parts of the site are currently being degraded by plough action. A modest assemblage of pottery and artefacts was recorded.
5.9.8 The applicants are fully committed to ensuring that the impact on archaeology is minimised throughout the working of the site. Impact on the remains will be
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monitored and minimised by preservation by record. The proposed development provides an opportunity to contribute to the localised knowledge of archaeology in the Wakerley area and it is considered that the development will not give rise to a significant impact on archaeology or cultural heritage.
5.10 Soils and Agriculture
5.10.1 An assessment of the soils, agricultural land quality and the potential impact of the proposed operations on the soils regime has been carried out by White Young Green and is presented in Appendix J.
5.10.2 In the context of the above policies and for planning control purposes, there are two primary issues, the restoration of an equivalent area of “Best and Most Versatile” land and the recovery and reuse of soil resources for sustainable development.
5.10.3 The details of the proposed mineral extraction and restoration are given in Section 3 (Development Proposals) of the Environmental Statement. The proposal is to extract the mineral from the quarry followed by progressive restoration. The quarry would be worked as 5 phases with progressive restoration over 45 years (see Plans P1 - P5).
5.10.4 Soil stripping would start in the south east of the site with the raising of soil storage Bunds 1, 5a and 6, with 3 and 6 also being overburden storage area (Plan P1). Each soil horizon would be stripped to their full depth and each soil type would be kept separate according to the sequences identified in Section 3.2 above. Phase 2 would extend the extraction westwards with the overburden from Bund 6 placed in the excavation of Phase 1, and soil storage Bund 5a extended by further soil recovery from Phase 2. The extraction would then move northwards to Phase 3 with the creation of overburden Bund 7, and Bunds 1,2 & 3 used in the progressive restoration of Phases 1 & 2. In Phase 4 the extraction would continue north eastwards with the creation of a temporary screen mound of soils. Bund 5a and 7 would be used in the restoration of Phase 3. Further working to the east would complete Phase 5 with the soils used to restore Phase 4. Temporary stored soils on the northern margin would be used to restore Phase 5.
5.10.5 The proposed restored landscape and afteruse is shown on Drawing Plan 8 and comprises fields suitable for arable agricultural and fields managed as extensive calcareous grassland (mainly soil and overburden storage areas), along with extensive new broad leaf woodland.
5.10.6 The handling of soils during stripping, storage and replacement would be by dump truck and excavator using the ‘strip/bed’ system and follow the national guidance " Good Practice Guide to Handling Soils with Machines ".
5.10.7 The restored agricultural areas would be subject to a five year aftercare programme. The quarry operator would prepare an Aftercare Strategy and Programme following the guidance set out in MPG7 and by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2004b) for consideration by the planning
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authority. This would cover items such as cropping regime, soil treatments (eg compaction, fertility) and drainage.
5.10.8 The proposed restoration scheme will not result in any net loss of agricultural land. As it is proposed to recover the soils and restore a similar area and profiles as currently exists there will be no net loss of soil resources. Hence, the scheme is sustainable in both contexts. There is also an opportunity to reconcile the distribution of the better quality soils so that it can be locally aggregated into a shape that enables a higher grade of farming potential.
5.10.9 As there is no loss of the Best and Most Versatile land and no soil resources are lost, no mitigation is required.
5.10.10 It is concluded that there are no land quality or soil conservation issues in planning terms arising from the proposal to extract minerals from the Wakerley site, and that it conforms to both national and local policies.
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