Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD

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A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August – October 2010)

Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010)

2 Method 7

3 Summary of results of consultation 10 Appendices 1 Copy of Parish Newsletter 31

2 Copy of Briefing Note No. 42 37

3 Excerpt from 'Your Wiltshire' Magazine - Sept 2010 39

4 Swindon Newspaper advert 40

5 Public Meetings 42

6 Upper Thames Valley Summary of Key Issues tables 91

7 Calne Area: Summary of key issues tables 158

8 South East Salisbury: Summary of key issues tables 206

9 Salisbury Avon: Summary of key issues tables 225

10 Bristol Avon: Summary of key issues tables 235

11 Additional land put forward during consultation 292

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council (the councils) initiated a focused ‘call for sites’ in April 2004 by writing to mineral operators and landowners known to have an interest in sand and gravel extraction. This resulted in a number of site options being put forward for consideration. However, the estimated yield for these sites was insufficient to meet forecast demand. The next logical step was, having sieved out the most constrained areas, to contact landowners of potentially mineral bearing land to see whether they would consider putting their land forward for sand and gravel extraction. As a result of this exercise a total of 62 site options believed to contain sand and gravel have been put forward for consideration.

This document presents the results of a recent consultation on the initial list of 62 site options for sand and gravel extraction across Wiltshire and Swindon. The informal (Regulation 25) consultation ran from 5 August 2010 to 31 October 2010. (1))

The informal consultation exercise was used to kick-start the process of appropriate site selection through constructive, open and ongoing dialogue between all interested parties.This approach helped the councils to determine which sites should be dropped and which should be carried forward into a draft plan. At this stage none of the site options have any planning or preferential status.

The Councils received a total of 4,076 comments from 1,297 respondents through the consultation period including petitions from the 'Save Bromham' group objecting to the site options C8 - C11 and C16 - 18 with approximately 590 signatures, and the 'Mile Elm Sand Stoppers' group with approximately 1,200 signatures objecting to site options C6 and C7. Through the consultation exercise sites C1 (part of), C4, C6, C7, C9, C10, C12, C13, C14 and BA5 (part of) were removed by landowners from further consideration whilst an additional 2 potential site options were put forward by landowners for consideration.

Based on the information gathered to date through desktop analysis, site visits and comments received through the consultation exercise, this report proposes that 41 sites (including the additional potential site option at Swillbrook Farm) should be excluded from further consideration. It also recommends that further detailed assessments are required on 22 sites (which includes one of the new potential site options as an extension to site SA1) before a decision on the suitability of these site options for sand and gravel extraction can be made.

The key stages for the preparation of the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD are summarised below:

Stage Date

Undertake further assessments of sites and prepare draft DPD March to May 2011

Cabinet consider draft DPD for consultation supported by findings June 2011 of assessments

If necessary, notify SWRAWP and Central Government of need to June 2011 reduce forecast rates for Wiltshire and Swindon

Publish draft DPD for 6 week consultation June 2011

Submit draft DPD to Secretary of State for Independent Examination November 2011

1 Comments submitted after 31 October, but not in time to be published in this report will still be taken into account

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Stage Date

Publish Inspectors report followed by adoption of DPD July 2012

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • 1 Introduction

Background to date

1.1 Since the adoption of the minerals core strategy and minerals development control policies Development Plan Documents (DPDs), Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council (the councils) have made progress towards identifying potential sites for inclusion in the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD. The process for identifying areas of land for aggregates extraction is broadly prescribed in national policy (Minerals Planning Statement (MPS) 1 and accompanying practice guide)), and is set out in more detail in the councils' published methodology(2) Officers had already carried out initial appraisals of the land put forward to identify potential issues that acted as the starting point for discussion through a consultation on initial site options, which ran from 5 August – 31 October 2010.

How were the potential sites consulted on originally identified?

1.2 The councils initiated a focused ‘call for sites’ in April 2004 by writing to mineral operators and landowners known to have an interest in sand and gravel extraction. This resulted in a number of sites being put forward for consideration. However, the estimated yield for these sites was insufficient to meet forecast demand(3).

1.3 The councils issued a further call for sites in 2006 through a newsletter issued to every contact on our consultation database. As a result of this work no additional land was put forward for consideration.

1.4 Minerals can only be worked where they are found and consequently there are specific locations where we can try to identify potentially suitable sites. The adopted Minerals Core Strategy identifies five broad locations, referred to as 'Mineral Resource Zones'(MRZs)(4)which are believed to be capable of providing a source of sand and gravel.

1.5 The next logical step was to contact landowners of potentially mineral bearing land to see whether they would consider putting their land forward for sand and gravel extraction. However, the adopted MRZs cover extensive areas of land, some parts of which may not be suitable for development due to planning constraints. The councils therefore embarked on a methodical sieving exercise of the un-worked areas of the five MRZs, removing the most constrained areas from further consideration(5).

1.6 Although the councils can be confident that these areas contain resources of sand and gravel, the quality and quantity of resources found at specific locations within the MRZs aren’t necessarily known. Some of the potential sites have been assessed through borehole tests, which provide a very good basis for estimating the quantity and quality of the resource within them. The potential yields for the other sites have been estimated by using generic data provided by the British Geological Survey (BGS)(6). These generic estimates are less reliable and should be treated with an element of caution.

1.7 Landowners within the remaining areas of the five MRZs were identified and contacted to determine whether they would be interested in putting forward their land for further consideration.

2 http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/aggregate_minerals_site_allocations_dpd_methodology_august_2009.pdf 3 As set by the regional planning body at that time. Please refer to paras 1.12 - 1.16 of the initial site options report for the aggregate minerals site allocations DPD for further details. 4 For a broader discussion of the MRZs please see the Wiltshire and Swindon initial site options report for the aggregate minerals site allocations DPD, August 2010 paras 1.17 – 1.23 found at http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal/spatial_planning/mineralssiteoptions?tab=files 5 The results of this exercise have been published on the council's website - which can be found towards the bottom of page www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mineralsandwasteevidencebase 6 A provisional Assessment of the Sand and Gravel Resources in Wiltshire and Swindon

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 5 1.8 As a result of this process a number of areas were put forward for consideration, some of which were in areas of MRZ that may have previously been removed through the methodical sieving exercise. At this early stage in the process, the officers felt duly obliged to consider all land put forward for consideration to ensure that we have assessed all available options and to avoid the possibility of legal dispute further through the plan making process.

1.9 Wiltshire Council's rural estate management team were contacted to discuss the potential for mineral-bearing Wiltshire Council owned land to be included for further consideration. Following discussion with the rural estate management team, it was decided that land registered to Wiltshire Council should be included for consideration (7).

1.10 Through this initial resource sieving exercise and the process of contacting landowners to determine their interest in putting land forward, an initial list of 62 potential minerals site options was carried forward for further consideration.

Consultation on the initial list of sites

1.11 From 5 August - 31 October 2010 the councils held an informal consultation on an initial list of 62 site options to start the process of determining their potential suitability for future sand and gravel extraction. Whilst the consultation document listed a number of potential site options, it should be stressed that none of the potential sites in the consultation document had any planning or preferential status.

1.12 The councils used this informal consultation exercise to kick-start the process of appropriate site selection through constructive, open and ongoing dialogue between all interested parties. This approach will help the councils to determine which sites should be dropped and which should be carried forward into a draft plan.

1.13 This highlight report presents a summary of all the comments and information submitted to the councils by communities and other key stakeholders during the informal consultation period(8). The councils received a total of 4,076 comments from 1,297 respondents. The councils also received petitions from the 'Save Bromham' group objecting to the site options C8 - C11 and C16 - 18 with approximately 590 signatures and the 'Mile Elm Sand Stoppers' group with approximately 1,200 signatures objecting to site options C6 and C7.

1.14 The Save Bromham Group also submitted details of a resolution of the Devizes Area Board. The resolution states that "The Devizes Area Board notes the concerns of the parishes of Bromham and Rowde in seeking to have sites C8, C9, C10, C11, C16, C17 and C18 deemed unsuitable for further consideration in Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Development Plan Documents and asks Wiltshire Council to have full regard to these concerns in the consultation process".

1.15 Based on the information gathered to date through desktop analysis, site visits and comments received through the consultation exercise, this report indicates where sites can be dropped and where further detailed assessments are required. This will ensure that decisions are based on robust and credible evidence.

7 A full list of sites consulted on through the informal consultation process can be viewed in the Wiltshire and Swindon Initial Site Options Report for the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD, August 2010 found at http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal/spatial_planning/mineralssiteoptions?tab=files 8 Comments submitted to the councils after 31 October have been incorporated into this report where possible. Those comments submitted after 31 October but not in time to be published in this report will still be taken into account.

Page 6 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • 2 Method

2.1 The following organisations, groups and individuals were notified of the start of the informal consultation period by email or letter:

Statutory consultees, for example, the Environment Agency, Natural England, English Heritage, etc as set out in our Statement of Community Involvement

All parish and town councils

Parish and town councils adjacent to Wiltshire and Swindon

Swindon Borough Councillors, Wiltshire councillors and area board managers

Minerals industry

Land and planning agents

Landowners

General consultees - neighbouring authorities, schools, MP/MEPs, the military, police authority, etc

Individuals and community groups who have asked to be informed of mineral policy work.

2.2 Copies of the document were made available at libraries and council offices throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

2.3 It is not normal practice for Wiltshire Council (or any other local authority) to directly and individually contact people who live adjacent to, or within a reasonable distance of sites identified during the plan making process.The practice of 'neighbour notification' is normally used only at the planning application stage. However, in order to reach as wide an audience as possible, the consultation was also advertised in Wiltshire Council’s parish newsletter - which is circulated electronically to all parish councils in Wiltshire; and was also communicated through the ‘Your Wiltshire’ magazine which was distributed to every household in Wiltshire during September 2010.

2.4 In addition, council officers attended a number of parish council and public meetings to answer questions and concerns from local residents and community groups.

2.5 In light of the high level of interest in the consultation, the decision was made to extend the informal consultation period by an additional four weeks to the end of October 2010 to allow more time for comments to be submitted.

2.6 The informal consultation met the standards required by legislative requirements and the councils’ own policies – as expressed in the councils’ Statements of Community Involvement (SCI). Table 2.1 below details the steps involved leading up to the informal consultation exercise and details what occurred throughout the consultation period.

Table 2.1

Step/Method Details

Report to Cabinet Approval to commence consultation on initial site options was made by: requesting approval

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 7 Step/Method Details

to consult on initial Swindon Cabinet – 9 June 2010(9) site options. Wiltshire Cabinet – 27 July 2010(10)

Consultation 5 August 2010 commenced

Notification of All relevant consultees on consultation database notified by email or letter consultation The consultation was also advertised in Wiltshire Council’s parish newsletter (please refer to Appendix 1) which is circulated electronically to all parish councils in Wiltshire.

A briefing note was issued to all Wiltshire Council Councillors and Area Board Managers (please refer to Appendix 2).

The consultation was also mentioned in the ‘Your Wiltshire’ magazine which was distributed to all households in Wiltshire during September (please refer to Appendix 3).

Copies of the document were made available at libraries and council offices throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

The circulation for the Your Wiltshire Magazine does not cover Swindon Borough so an advert was published in the Swindon Advertiser (details of public notice can be found at Appendix 4) on 5 August 2010.

Extension of In light of the high level of interest in the consultation, the decision was made consultation to extend the consultation period to October 31 2010. deadline

Meetings At the request of various parish councils, officers attended the following public meetings. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheets were created to address key areas of concern for discussion prior to the meetings (11):

16 September 2010 - Bromham Parish Council, Bromham Village Hall 4 October 2010 – Calne Without Parish Council, Lansdowne Hall, Derry Hill 7 October 2010 – Alderbury Parish Council, Alderbury and West Grimstead School, Alderbury. 11 October 2010 – Compton Bassett Parish Council, Compton Bassett Village Hall, Compton Bassett.

Furthermore, information was provided at the Calne Area Board meeting held on 26 October 2010 and the Corsham area board meeting held on 30 November 2010 (12).

9 Minutes of the Swindon Cabinet meeting can be found at: http://ww5.swindon.gov.uk/moderngov/Published/C00000285/M00004275/$$$Minutes.doc.pdf 10 Minutes of the Wiltshire Cabinet meeting can be found at: http://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=8231 11 Minutes (including FAQs) for the meetings can be found at Appendix 5 12 Information provided for the Area Board meetings can be found at Appendix 5

Page 8 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Step/Method Details

Media Coverage An initial press release was issued on 13 July 2010. This was followed up by a further press release notification of the extension of the consultation period on 13 September 2010.

Newspaper articles on the subject of the consultation were published as follows:

The Salisbury Journal on 29 July 2010.

The Western Daily Press on 9 September 2010.

Wiltshire Gazette and Herald published a series of stories on the 9 September 2010; 7 October 2010; 14 October; 4 November; and 16 December.

BBC Wiltshire Radio Items. – 9 September 2010(13); 5 October 2010(14);

BBC News website also published an item on the subject on 10 September http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-11250334

Next steps

2.7 The key stages for the preparation of the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD are summarised below:

Table 2.2

Stage Date

Undertake further assessments of sites and prepare draft DPD March to May 2011

Cabinet consider draft DPD for consultation supported by findings June 2011 of assessments

If necessary, notify SWRAWP and Central Government of need to June 2011 reduce forecast rates for Wiltshire and Swindon

Publish draft DPD for 6 week consultation June 2011

Submit draft DPD to Secretary of State for Independent Examination November 2011

Publish Inspectors report followed by adoption of DPD July 2012

13 [1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009s44v 14 [1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00b94rw

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 9 3 Summary of results of consultation

3.1 A total of 4,076 individual comments were received from from 1,297 respondents. The Council also received petitions from the 'Save Bromham' group objecting to the site options C8 - C11 and C16 - 18 with approximately 590 signatures and the 'Mile Elm Sand Stoppers' group with approximately 1,200 signatures objecting to site options C6 and C7.

3.2 Officers and Elected Councillors attended a number of public meetings to listen to the concerns of local residents and, where possible, answer questions. These have been documented (15)and form part of the consultation response. The Save Bromham Group also submitted details of a resolution of the Devizes Area Board. The resolution states that "The Devizes Area Board notes the concerns of the parishes of Bromham and Rowde in seeking to have sites C8, C9, C10, C11, C16, C17 and C18 deemed unsuitable for further consideration in Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Development Plan Documents and asks Wiltshire Council to have full regard to these concerns in the consultation process".

3.3 Table 4.1 indicates the level of interest for each of the 5 mineral resource zones.(16)

Table 3.1 Initial site options by area and number of comments received.

Area Number of sites Total estimated yield Number of proposed (million tonnes) comments

General comments N/a N/a 299

UpperThamesValley 23 29.4 314

Calne Area 18 25.7 2,677

South East of Salisbury (near 3 3.0 227 Whiteparish)

Salisbury Avon 2 2.2 59

Bristol Avon 16 6.7 705

3.4 The consultation document highlighted the key issues likely to be associated with development of the site options, some of which could be considered as potential ‘showstoppers’. Although a considerable amount of the comments submitted to the Council in response to the consultation were written in the form of objections, many of them agreed with the key issues identified within the consultation document.

3.5 Through this consultation exercise the site options shown in table 3.2 below were withdrawn from further consideration at the request of the relevant landowners.

Table 3.2 Site options withdrawn at the request of the landowner

Site Reference Estimated yield (million Location (Area) tonnes)

C1 (Part of the 0.15 Calne Area 1: Land near Compton site) Bassett/Quemerford

C4 0.28

15 Details included at Appendix 5 16 It should be noted that some comments related to more than one area and therefore the numbers provided in table 3.1 will total more than the total of comments received.

Page 10 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Site Reference Estimated yield (million Location (Area) tonnes)

C6 3.3 Calne Area 2: Land south of Calne

C7 0.09

C9 2.5 Calne Area 3: Land north of Bromham

C10 2.24

C12 1.42 Calne Area 4: Land near Studley, west of Calne

C13 1.48

C14 0.47

BA5 (part of) 0.04 Bristol Avon Area 3: Land near Beanacre

Total estimated 11.97 mt yield

3.6 The consultation response included comments for and against each site option. In addition, new evidence has been provided by consultees which has enabled officers to review each site and form a recommendation as to:

i. Whether a site option should be dropped from further consideration at this stage; or

ii. Whether more evidence is required and therefore further detailed assessment undertaken before a decision can be made as to whether the site should be included in the draft DPD.

3.7 The need for further assessment of sites does not mean that they have any 'preferred', or planning status, it simply indicates that further information is required before a recommendation can be made by officers and considered by elected councillors before a decision is made. The site options to be excluded at this stage and those subject to further assessment are shown in table 4.3 and table 4.4 respectively:

Table 3.3 Site options that can be excluded from further consideration at this stage

Site Ref Area Estimated Reason site should be excluded from further yield consideration (million tonnes)

U1 UpperThames 1.34 The site option is in complete isolation from operational quarries within Wiltshire/ Swindon and Gloucestershire. Valley Area 1 The local road network is considered to be inadequate (narrow, weight restricted village roads) to accommodate minerals HGVs and there are no feasible alternative options to transport mineral from the site.

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 11 Site Ref Area Estimated Reason site should be excluded from further yield consideration (million tonnes)

U8 Upper 0.02 The site is very small scale; lacks options for connectivity Thames to nearby U7 and is adjacent to River Thames and A419. Very limited yield. Valley Area 4

U10 UpperThames 1.5 The site option is adjacent to North Meadow SAC/SSSI/NNR and considered likely to adversely impact Valley Area 5 on hydrological connectivity (groundwater flow is known to travel broadly north to south towards North Meadow). The route of the former canal acts as Public Right of Way, is lined with established trees and effectively bisects site. The site is considered to be in an area of high archaeological value. Impracticalities of working site due to narrowing to north of site and path of water courses limits actual yield. It is unlikely that this site option would prove deliverable given the investigative works/mitigation required, particularly in relation to the SAC/SSSI/NNR.

U11 UpperThames 0.1 Limited yield from site. Mineral is believed to be confined to north western corner of site option, close to a dwelling. Valley Area 6 Local roads are weight restricted to 7.5 tonne. The creation of new access / egress arrangements and the scale of required mitigation measures associated with noise, dust and visual intrusion (i.e. to people living and working in proximity to site) means it is considered that this site option would not prove to be deliverable.

U12 UpperThames 0.05 Although the site can act as point of connectivity for surrounding sites, the yield is unlikely to be realised due to Valley Area 6 its narrowness and proximity to R. Thames.

U13 UpperThames 0.25 Evidence has come to light that this site option formed part of an area previously permitted for sand and gravel Valley Area 6 extraction. Although U13 has not been worked, the original quarry site has been worked and restored. U13 is a narrow site option with the southern boundary following the alignment of the River Thames. A standoff from the River would be required. Access to the site would also prove problematic. On balance these factors are likely to render this site option undeliverable.

U14 UpperThames 0.34 Evidence has come to light that this area has been previously worked and restored– site should be excluded Valley Area 6 from further consideration

U15 UpperThames 1.23 Access to site option would prove problematic. Site option narrows to the east, limiting potential for working minerals Valley Area 6 to the east of the River Thames. A standoff would be

Page 12 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Site Ref Area Estimated Reason site should be excluded from further yield consideration (million tonnes)

required to mitigate for unacceptable impacts of noise and dust to nearby residential properties. This is likely to reduce yield resulting in site option being considered undeliverable.

U19, U20 UpperThames 1.93 The site options are in complete isolation from operational and U21 quarries within Wiltshire/ Swindon and Gloucestershire. Valley Area 7 The local road network is weight restricted, practically single carriageway and unsuitable to accommodate minerals traffic.There are no feasible alternative options to transport mineral from the site and therefore site options are considered undeliverable.

Additional UpperThames 0.63 The site option is in complete isolation from operational site option quarries within Wiltshire/ Swindon and Gloucestershire. at Valley Area 7 The local road network is weight restricted, practically single Swillbrook carriageway and unsuitable to accommodate minerals Farm traffic.There are no feasible alternative options to transport mineral from the site and therefore site option is considered undeliverable.

C1 Calne Area 1 0.15 Evidence has been provided demonstrating that this area (remaining has in fact been previously worked and back-filled with part of) waste in the past. No mineral remaining.

C2 Calne Area 1 0.18 A separation distance would be required to mitigate for adverse impacts of noise and dust on nearby dwellings from mineral extraction, which would significantly reduce already limited yield. Site option is located on crest of hill and would be highly visible which is likely to prove difficult to mitigate. On balance it is unlikely that sand extraction at this site would prove deliverable given the mitigation required.

C5 Calne Area 1 0.32 Entire site boundary is included within a dormant planning permission (3809/NW) for mineral extraction. No further land put forward adjacent to or in proximity to C5 as result of the consultation. Legal requirements for Review of Old Mineral Permissions (ROMP) means that site should not be allocated in development plan.

C8 Calne Area 3 0.5 The area is considered to be of high archaeological value (national importance) – a view supported by significant evidence submitted by the local community and County Archaeologist. Nearby residential properties would require an adequate separation distance to mitigate for impacts of noise and dust from mineral extraction. Due to the limited estimated yield, compared to the the likely costs of assessing and evaluating the archaeology present at the site, it is considered that the site would be unsuitable for sand extraction and would not prove deliverable.

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 13 Site Ref Area Estimated Reason site should be excluded from further yield consideration (million tonnes)

C11 Calne Area 3 0.34 The area is considered to be of high archaeological value (national importance). Due to the limited yield of this site, it is considered that it would be unsuitable for sand extraction and would not prove deliverable.

C17 Calne Area 7 1.22 The site is very open and is situated immediately adjacent to a school and residential properties. Noise, dust and visual impact would all be extremely difficult to mitigate with regard to these sensitive receptors.

BA1 Bristol Avon 0.92 A standoff would be required to protect the River Avon and Area 1 it's associated County Wildlife Site from impacts of mineral excavation. An adequate separation distance would also be required to mitigate and protect residential properties from potential impacts associated with noise and dust. This is highly likely to significantly limit the yield for the site option along the eastern and western boundaries. The site option would also be highly visible from the village of Whaddon, which lies to the south. These issues coupled with the difficulties and costs of creating a suitable access / egress and haul road for the site means that this site is considered undeliverable and should be excluded from further consideration.

BA2 Bristol Avon 0.42 Access to this site is highly constrained. There is a narrow Area 2 stretch of the B3102 which bends and narrows further as it passes between two houses in the direction of Melksham, immediately after the junction with Mill Lane. Minerals traffic joining the B3102 at Mill Lane junction would be likely to encounter difficulties negotiating this narrow stretch of road, without encroaching on both lanes. The creation of a haul road to avoid this ‘pinch point’ would be extremely difficult due to the location of nearby dwellings and the path of the railway line. An alternative route through the village of Broughton Gifford is not feasible due to an imposed 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

This site option is also in proximity to a number of surrounding dwellings. An adequate separation would be required to mitigate for unacceptable impacts associated with noise and dust from any quarrying activity. On balance, taking into account the limited yield for this site, it is unlikely that sand and gravel extraction (even if forming part of a wider development with BA3) would prove deliverable given the mitigation required.

BA3 Bristol Avon 0.37 Access to this site is highly constrained. There is a narrow Area 2 stretch of the B3102 which bends and narrows further as it passes between two houses in the direction of Melksham,

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immediately after the junction with Mill Lane. Minerals traffic joining the B3102 at Mill Lane junction would be likely to encounter difficulties negotiating this narrow stretch of road, without encroaching on both lanes. The creation of a haul road to avoid this ‘pinch point’ would be extremely difficult due to the location of nearby dwellings and the path of the railway line. An alternative route through the village of Broughton Gifford is not feasible due to an imposed 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

This site option is also in proximity to a number of surrounding dwellings. An adequate separation would be required to mitigate for unacceptable impacts associated with noise and dust from any quarrying activity. On balance, taking into account the limited yield for this site, it is unlikely that sand and gravel extraction (even if forming part of a wider development with BA2) would prove deliverable given the mitigation required.

BA5 Bristol Avon 0.16 Part of BA5 (in the centre) has been withdrawn from further (remaining Area 3 consideration at the request of the landowner. The site part of) option is within an area of high archaeological potential. An adequate separation would be required to mitigate for unacceptable impacts of noise and dust to residential properties, thereby reducing the potential yield from this site significantly. The proximal location of residential properties prevents this site option being worked in tandem with a nearby site option. On balance, it appears that the likely costs involved with preparing the site for mineral extraction, including significant mitigation measures, would outweigh any benefits realised from the yield from this site.

BA6 Bristol Avon 0.24 Evidence has been submitted to highlight that part of this Area 3 site option was the subject of an historic landfill. The significantly limited remaining yield would be further constrained by the need for standoff from the former Rural District Council landfill; and nearby residential properties to mitigate for adverse impacts associated with noise and dust. Any potential residual yield would also be reduced due to the need for a standoff to protect the River Avon from adverse impacts associated with minerals extraction. The site option is also within an area of high archaeological potential. Given the mitigation likely to be required, on balance this site option is therefore considered undeliverable.

BA7 Bristol Avon 0.34 The site is situated within an area of high archaeological Area 3 potential. The site contains historic water meadows and is adjacent to Beechfield House and stables (both Grade

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 15 Site Ref Area Estimated Reason site should be excluded from further yield consideration (million tonnes)

II listed). Impacts to the setting of historic assets is likely to be difficult to mitigate. In addition, an adequate separation would be required to mitigate for unacceptable impacts of noise and dust on residential properties - thereby reducing any potential yield from this site significantly. On balance, in light of the fact that BA6 should be excluded and therefore BA7 would need to be operated in isolation, this site option is unlikely to be deliverable.

BA8 and Bristol Avon 0.5 When taking into account the fact that site options BA5 – BA9 Area 3 BA7 should be excluded; the limited yield of site options BA8 and BA9, combined with proximity to nearby residential properties and the difficulties associated with gaining suitable access / egress to the A350 (including difficulties with crossing the railway line) mean that these options are considered unlikely to be deliverable and should also be excluded.

BA10 Bristol Avon 0.42 Geological evidence has been provided to show that the Area 4 mineral quality of this site is low meaning that the yield has been over-estimated and therefore not of commercial interest.

BA11 Bristol Avon 0.69 Although mineral is present within this site option, it is Area 4 generally of poor quality and the shape of site limits its commercial viability. However there may be opportunities for this site to serve as a potential 'borrow-pit' to serve any potential expansion of Chippenham. If used as a borrow pit the site could be restored to provide valuable green infrastructure (mix of water features for attenuating surface water flooding incidents and wet meadows / woodland) in the event that planned housing/economic development takes place in proximity to the south of Chippenham. At this stage, it is considered that this eventuality would be covered by existing minerals safeguarding policy and therefore the site option can be dropped from further consideration.

BA12 Bristol Avon 0.45 The entire site option is within a conservation area and Area 4 adjacent to (and partly surrounds) properties at Rowden Farm (containing Grade II* listed buildings). Impacts to the setting of historic assets is likely to be difficult to mitigate. An adequate separation to nearby residential properties would be required to mitigate for any potential impacts associated with noise and dust; thereby reducing any potential yield from this site significantly. Due to shape of site option, mitigation incorporating standoffs to dwellings and watercourses would be highly likely to render site option undeliverable.

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BA13, Bristol Avon 1.71 New evidence has come to light that a significant area of BA14, Area 5 BA16 was used as a Rural District Council landfill site BA15 and (pre-1974) and should be excluded from further BA16 consideration. BA16 would have acted as the anchor site for the area, with the nearby site options acting as satellites, due to their limited mineral yield. Therefore site options BA13 - BA15 are considered to be undeliverable and should also be excluded at this stage.

Total estimated yield 16.31 mt

Table 3.4 Site options that will be subject to further assessment/ evidence gathering

Site Ref Area Estimated Further assessment/evidence required before the yield (million councils can make a definitive decision tonnes)

U2 Upper 0.36 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on Thames health and amenity of people living and working in Valley Area proximity to U2 and the A419. 2 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Doubt has been expressed about the minerals industry interest in the allocated land (preferred area for sand and gravel extraction) adjacent to site option U2 in Gloucestershire. This site option would not be considered suitable on its own due to its limited yield. Check long term aspirations of operator for adjacent land.

v) Assessment of potential access via adjacent Preferred Area in Gloucestershire and routing for minerals HGVs (to be considered as part of a cumulative assessment process).

vi) Consultation with Gloucestershire Historic Environment Record required. Assessment of archaeological importance of site option.

vii) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water associated with this site option.

U3 UpperThames 2.4 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working at Valley Area Marston Meysey, Dunfield and Cox’s Farm. 3

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ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of potential access and routing mineral HGV traffic along the C124, including cumulative impacts with other operational quarries in the area.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water associated with this site option. Impacts to the flow of surface and groundwater to the River Thames to the south, including flood risk assessment.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of Marston Meysey, Dunfield and Cox’s Farm.

vii)Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U4 UpperThames 0.81 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working at Valley Area SecondChanceTouringPark. 3 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of potential access and routing mineral HGV traffic along the C124, including cumulative impacts with other operational quarries in the area.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of Castle Eaton (including the setting of Grade I listed church at Castle Eaton).

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U5 UpperThames 0.3 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working at Valley Area Castle Eaton and SecondChance TouringPark. 3 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

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iv) Assessment of potential access to site option via conveyor linked to nearby quarry.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of Castle Eaton (including the setting of Grade I listed church at Castle Eaton).

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U6 UpperThames 0.35 i) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

Valley Area ii) Impacts on biodiversity. 3 iii) Assessment of potential access to site option via conveyor linked to nearby quarry

iv) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

v) Impacts to historic environment. Although this site option is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), which would normally result in automatic exclusion, SAMs in the UpperThamesValley have been worked in the recent past (e.g. near Latton). This is due to doubts over the reasoning and scientific rigour supporting the scheduling; and the degree to which archaeological investigation and finds can support it's continued scheduling (either in part, or in totality). Some SAMs were designated based upon aerial photography in this area and therefore further information should be gathered before a recommendation should be made.

vi)Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U7 UpperThames 2.2 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working in Valley Area proximity to site option. 4 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

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iv) Assessment of impacts to A419 (noise and dust) and assessment of potential access to existing quarry via conveyor.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, and base-flow to River Ray and River Thames, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment (including Calcutt House, adjacent Roman road and the setting of Castle Eaton).

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

viii) Assessment of quality and location of reserve within site option. If necessary, boundaries to be redrawn accordingly.

U9 UpperThames 1.25 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working at Valley Area Latton and properties to adjacent to southern boundary 5 of site option.

ii) Assessment of impacts on landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of impacts to A419 (noise and dust) and assessment of potential access to existing quarry via conveyor.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option. The assessment should also consider the potential hydrological connectivity with North Meadow SAC/SSSI/NNR.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of adjacent listed buildings. Although this site option is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), which would normally result in automatic exclusion, SAMs in the UpperThamesValley have been worked in the recent past (e.g. near Latton). This is due to doubts over the reasoning and scientific rigour supporting the scheduling; and the degree to which archaeological investigation and finds can support it's continued scheduling (either in part, or in totality). Some SAMs

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were designated based upon aerial photography in this area and therefore further information should be gathered before a recommendation should be made.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U16 UpperThames 1.98 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living in proximity to site Valley Area option (on both eastern and western boundaries). 6 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of the B4696. Impacts on numerous Public Rights of Way which cross this site option.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of nearby listed buildings (including Leigh All Saints Grade II* listed building, Waterhay Farmhouse, and the Chancel (located within the site), and Ashton Keynes Conservation Area.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

viii) Assessment of location/ quality of resource on this site (only 25% within Mineral Resource Zone)

U17 UpperThames 0.68 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living in proximity to site Valley Area option. 6 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of B4696.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

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vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of nearby listed buildings and Ashton Keynes Conservation Area.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U18 UpperThames 1.78 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living in proximity to site Valley Area option. 6 ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of B4696.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of nearby listed buildings and Ashton Keynes Conservation Area.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

viii) Assessment of location/ quality of resource on this site (only 60% within Mineral Resource Zone)

U22 UpperThames 1.26 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working in Valley Area proximity to site option at Cotswold Community 8 (Although this site option is in close proximity to a community school, the owners of the school put the land forward for consideration. It is therefore worth assessing this option further).

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of B4696.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

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vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of nearby listed buildings.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

U23 UpperThames 1.73 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working in Valley Area proximity to site option at Cotswold Community 8 (although this site option is in close proximity to a community school, the owners of the school put the land forward for consideration). It is therefore worth assessing this option further.

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of B4696.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water, including flood risk assessment, associated with this site option.

vi) Impacts to historic environment and setting of nearby listed buildings and SAM (although this site option is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), which would normally result in automatic exclusion, SAMs in the UpperThamesValley have been worked in the recent past (e.g. near Latton). This is due to doubts over the reasoning and scientific rigour supporting the scheduling; and the degree to which archaeological investigation and finds can support it's continued scheduling (either in part, or in totality). Some SAMs were designated based upon aerial photography in this area and therefore further information should be gathered before a recommendation should be made.

vii) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

C3 Calne Area 1 0.45 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living at High Penn.

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

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iv) Assessment of suitability of access to site option from adjacent quarry and the impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water (including Abberd Brook), and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vi) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

C15 Calne Area 5 3.0 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living adjacent to site option boundary and at Derry Hill; and visual impact on those with views of site option in Chippenham.

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of the A342 and the impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users and consideration of impacts of vehicles moving north or south from site and/or through Calne).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water (including potential for changes in water table to impact upon growth of nearby crops and stability of nearby buildings) and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vi) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

vii) Impacts to historic assets at Bowood, SpyePark, the Conservation Areas at Sandy Lane and Derry Hill and listed building at Loxwell Farm. More evidence/assessment required on the historical/ archaeological value of this site option.

viii) Assessment of impacts to Best and MostVersatileAgriculturalLand and feasibility of restoration options to restore agricultural land to high enough standards.

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C16 Calne Area 6 0.5 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion (site is currently very open) on health and amenity of people living in proximity to site at Sandridge Lane, Westbrook and SandridgePark.

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to site option from adjacent former quarry and the impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road (A3102/A342) network, including consideration to safety of other road users.

vi) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

viii) Assessment of impacts on Public Rights of Way.

C18 Calne Area 7 7.15 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on health and amenity of people living and working in proximity to site option at Bromham, St Ediths Marsh and Rowde (including consideration of impacts to RowdefordSchool).

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character.

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts on groundwater and surface water (including potential for changes in water table to impact upon growth of nearby crops and stability of nearby buildings) and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

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vi) Assessment of feasibility of restoration options that can avoid increased risk of birdstrike.

viii) Assessment of impacts on Public Rights of Way.

viii) Assessment of impacts to Best and MostVersatileAgriculturalLand and feasibility of restoration options to restore agricultural land to high enough standards.

ix) Assessment of location/likely quality of mineral (60% within Mineral Resource Zone)

x) Impacts to historic assets/ historic landscape.

SE1 South East 1.28 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on of Salisbury health and amenity of pe3ople living and working in Area 1 proximity to site option, including those along A27, A36 and at Whiteparish.

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character (with particular regard to the New ForestNational Park) .

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of suitability of access to and use of the A36/A27 and the impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users), and potential impacts of vibration caused by HGVs on nearby properties. Assessment of feasibility of linking SE1 to Brickworth quarry via conveyor.

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vi) Assessment of impacts to Best and MostVersatileAgriculturalLand and feasibility of restoration options to restore agricultural land to high enough standards.

vii) Assessment of impacts to setting of village of Whiteparish.

viii) Assess quality / quantity of viable mineral resource for SE1.

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SE2 South East 0.7 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on of Salisbury health and amenity of people living and working in Area 1 proximity to site option (including at Newton Lane and Whiteparish).

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character ( with particular regard to the New ForestNational Park).

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vi) Assessment of impacts to ancient woodland and feasibility of restoration options to restore agricultural land to high enough standards.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment including setting of village of Whiteparish.

viii) Assessment of impacts to Public Rights of Way.

SE3 South East 1.25 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on of Salisbury health and amenity of people living and working in Area 1 proximity to site option (including at Newton Lane and Whiteparish).

ii)Assessment of impacts to landscape character (with particular regard to the New ForestNational Park).

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vi) Assessment of impacts to ancient woodland and feasibility of restoration options to restore agricultural land to high enough standards.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment including setting of village of Whiteparish.

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viii) Assessment of impacts to Public Rights of Way.

SA1 Salisbury 0.22 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on Avon Area 1 health and amenity of people living and working in proximity to site option.

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character

iii) Impacts on biodiversity (including impacts to River Avon SAC).

iv) Assessment of feasibility of access to A36 and impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment.

viii) Assessment of impacts to operations at sewerage works.

Additional Salisbury 1.13 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on site option Avon Area 1 health and amenity of people living and working in at proximity to site option. Petersfinger ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character

iii) Impacts on biodiversity (including impacts to River Avon SAC).

iv) Assessment of feasibility of access to A36 and impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment.

viii) Assessment of impacts to operations at sewerage works.

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SA2 Salisbury i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on Avon Area 2 health and amenity of people living and working in proximity to site option (including those impacts associated with use of potential haul route that emerges at Whaddon).

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character

iii) Impacts on biodiversity (including impacts to River Avon SAC).

iv) Assessment of feasibility of access to A36 (by crossing Witherington Road and using haul road to emerge at WhaddonBusinessPark) and impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment, including impacts to setting of Longford Grade II* HistoricPark and Garden.

viii) Assessment of potential impacts to Best and MostVersatileAgriculturalLand.

BA4 Bristol Avon 0.5 i) Impacts of noise, dust, lighting and visual intrusion on Area 3 health and amenity of people living and working in proximity to site option.

ii) Assessment of impacts to landscape character

iii) Impacts on biodiversity.

iv) Assessment of feasibility of access to A350 and impacts of any potential increase in minerals HGVs on the local road network (including safety considerations for all road users).

v) Further dialogue with EA will be required to assess the likely impacts to groundwater and surface water and flood risk assessment will need to be undertaken.

vii) Assessment of impacts to historic environment.

viii) Assessment of potential impacts to Best and MostVersatileAgriculturalLand.

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Total estimated yield 33.28 mt

3.8 As a result of the consultation, two additional site options were put forward for consideration: one in the UpperThamesValley near Swillbrook Farm; and one in the Salisbury Avon adjacent to the original site option at Petersfinger, south of Salisbury. Further details of these options are provided at Appendix 11. It is proposed that the first site (Swillbrook Farm) should be dropped from further consideration as the key constraint - access, is identical to others sites in the same area that are to be dropped from further consideration. The Petersfinger site in effect forms an extension to an existing site option that has already been consulted on. At this stage, it is proposed that further assessment should be carried out. As such, only targeted informal consultation is appropriate with statutory consultees and in the form of a public meeting in the local community if requested.

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• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 31 Page 32 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 33 Page 34 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 35 Page 36 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Appendix 2 Copy of Briefing Note No. 42

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 37 Page 38 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Appendix 3 Excerpt from 'Your Wiltshire' Magazine - Sept 2010

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 39 Appendix 4 Swindon Newspaper advert

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October 2010) • • Page 47 Page 48 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 49 Page 50 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 51 Page 52 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 53 Page 54 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 55 Page 56 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 57 Page 58 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - 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October 2010) • • Page 89 Page 90 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Appendix 6 Upper Thames Valley Summary of Key Issues tables

The tables below provide details of the key issues raised by officers and consultees for the site options in the Upper Thames Valley Mineral Resource Zone. The tables also identify which site options should be excluded from further consideration and and the scope of any further assessments required on each of the remaining site options.

The Upper Thames Valley

Non-site specific key Issues raised by consultees for the Upper Thames Valley Mineral Resource Zone

Topic Area Issues raised by consultees Further assessments required

General Further clarification is required on the extent Central government published revised that new sites must be allocated.The overall national and regional guidelines for provision for the Council area needs to be aggregates provision in 2009. In reduced to reflect the recent Communities response to this, the regional planning and Local Government guidelines for 2005 body commenced work to break the to 2020. Furthermore, recent advice from national and regional figures down to central government recognises that special the mineral planning authority level. circumstances may exist that to justify a However, due to recent changes at different figure. It was suggested that the the regional level this work was not presence of RAF Fairford constitutes such fully completed. The Regional circumstances. Aggregates Working Party was given the mandate to complete the work and submit the results to central government. Central government has not, as yet, formally agreed the revised figures.

Nothing has changed with regard for the need for local authorities to test the capacity of their area to deliver forecast requirements. Issues, such as bird-strike, are being considered as part of this testing process.

The approach to site selection is not sound. The councils are at the early stages The Council has simply put together a list of evidence gathering and will not of all sites that have been suggested by conclude this work until sufficient landowners and operators. Sites should be evidence has been gathered to inform ranked against a range of planning, the site selection process. environmental and operational criteria. A key aspect of the LDF process is that planning authorities must base their policies and land allocations upon proper evidence or they will be found to be unsound. At present the approach adopted by the Council fails to satisfy this fundamental requirement.

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If sites are worked at the same time then The potential for cumulative impacts the cumulative impacts on local amenities will be considered as part of the site and other issues may reach unacceptable assessment and site selection levels, this would be difficult to manage.The process. potential for this problem is increased by the proximity to Gloucestershire. The process Cross-boundary cooperation between of permitting any development should take Gloucestershire and Wiltshire/Swindon this into account and must be reflected will be maintained throughout the site through criteria attached to any site selection process. allocations that may be made. There must also be cross boundary co-operation between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Paragraph 1.11 omits reference to the Comment noted. Further Cotswold Water Park Society and the assessments will have regard to the Cotswold Water Park Master Plan. CWPS and the master plan.

Why is there a large site to the south west This was a printing error. The large of Castle Eaton in figure 2.1 which is not area on figure 2.1 does not contain referred to in the rest of the document sand and gravel.

There is a 7.5 tonnes weight limit in the Further detailed assessments relating Castle Eaton Conservation Area. to the transport of minerals to and from each site option will take this into account.

It was suggested that Swillbrook Farm This additional site option has been should be considered as a potential site. considered and, based on the fact that Swillbrook Farm lies in an area with almost identical constraints as those site options excluded at this stage (with the additional constraint of being in close proximity to the River Thames limiting actual yield from site), this site option will not be considered any further. [please see summary tables in Chapter 4 for details]

Issues with the capacity and adequacy of Further detailed assessments relating Transport the C116 and C124, and the conflict to the transport of minerals to and from between aggregate lorries and other users each site option will take this into of the highways, and traffic distribution to account. and from the junction with the A419 must be addressed and improvements such as the addition of North facing slip roads to that junction, so that it becomes an all movements junction, funded by the operators.The Council should impose wear and tear tariffs to allow for the maintenance of these local roads.

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Para 1.27 States that it is unlikely that the Paragraph 1.27 highlights some of the quarry traffic will access any major road & difficulties that might be encountered will be likely to use unmarked roads and for some site options. These issues states "It will be difficult to monitor this". will be assessed before any decisions are made on the suitability of site options for inclusion in the draft Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD. There is no reference to monitoring.

The Site Allocation document should set out Further detailed assessments relating the necessary improvements to the highway to the transport of minerals to and from infrastructure, the trigger points when these each site option will take this into will be required, and contributions required account. by way of an adopted Community Infrastructure Levy from the respective sites to fund it.

Transport infrastructure around Ashton This issue will be considered as part Keynes is inadequate to cope with increase of further detailed assessments for site in quarry traffic. options U16 - U18 and U22- U23.

Impacts to the capacity of the A419 will need Further detailed assessments relating to be considered and any improvements to to the transport of minerals to and from the A419 will need to be funded by the each site option will take this into developer (Highways Agency). account.

The Gloucestershire Highways Authority The Gloucestershire Highways should be consulted where the sites are Authority will be consulted on the likely to result in a material impact upon the remaining site options. road network.

The former Midland and South Western This issue will be considered as part Junction Railway route passes through this of further detailed assessments. area. Part of this line is operated by the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

Consideration should be given to reinstatement of this line and for use of transport of sand and gravel.

There are significant constraints for sand This issue will be considered as part and gravel extraction in the Upper Thames of further detailed assessments for site Human Valley associated with RAF Fairford. The options in the Upper Thames Valley. health and restoration schemes for sites near RAF The Defence Estates will continue to well being Fairford (in particular areas U1 – U5) must be involved in the process of avoid the potential for increasing the determining the suitability of site birdstrike risk. This should be properly options in airfield safeguarding areas. planned from the outset rather than be left to be dealt with piecemeal through development control.

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There are concerns that development of This issue will be considered as part land around Ashton Keynes would result in of further detailed assessments for site issues with air quality impacting upon those options U16-U18 and U22-U23. with respiratory problems and noise for nearby residents.

Concerns were expressed about the impacts The issue of flooding will be Ground and of quarrying on the flood patterns of the considered as part of further detailed surface River Thames, with specific references to assessments. water Castle Eaton, Ashton Keynes and Marston Meysey, Cricklade and Hannington Wick.

Flooding and drainage must be properly The issue of flooding further addressed in relation to the works and site downstream and the potential for restoration, whilst avoiding potential conflicts increased risk of birdstrike will be with the MoD stance on birdstrike. Impacts considered as part of further detailed of flooding in areas further downstream such assessments. as west Oxford and low lying London Boroughs should be taken into consideration.

Concerns were expressed that the impact This issue will be considered as part Landscape of further development in the area around of further detailed assessments of site Ashton Keynes would encircle the village options U16-U18 and U22-U23. with lakes make the area central to the water park increasing numbers of leisure activities and second homes. Development of area around Ashton Keynes would be an eyesore for local residents.

An assessment of the impact to loss of A policy assessment of the need to agricultural land should be undertaken. conserve agricultural land will be undertaken as part of the further assessments.

A key driver should be the Thames and This will be considered as part of Historic Severn canal restoration. further detailed assessments. Environment Cross-boundary impacts to the historic This issue will be considered as part environment should be considered. of further detailed assessments.

Amenity Existing public rights of way should be The potential impacts on public rights protected and enhanced where possible. It of way will be considered as part of should be a requirement that the local further detailed assessments. community are involved in deciding the route Suggestions from the local community of any diversion of a public right of way. on possible diversions will be welcomed.

A significant impact of sand and gravel This potential for enhancement of Biodiversity extraction is upon biodiversity; these impacts biodiversity will be considered as part may be positive as well as negative. The of further detailed assessments. positive impacts raise considerable

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opportunities to deliver national and local BAP targets. This point is not mentioned in the document.

Much of the Cotswold Water Park is a The potential cross-boundary issues County Wildlife Site in either Gloucestershire will be considered as part of further of Wiltshire; care should be taken to detailed assessments. minimise negative impacts upon neighbouring CWS, whilst also maximising opportunities in restoration to benefit neighbouring CWS.

Consideration should be given to the This point will be considered further. Restoration economic impact of the Cotswold Water Park compared to that derived from the operations at RAF Fairford.

The restoration of the Thames and Severn This issue will be considered as part Canal should be a key driver for restoration. of further detailed assessments. The site allocations document should include the potential for creating water storage areas for the canal.

Restoration proposals should give This issue will be considered further. consideration to the impacts of afteruses on the transport network.

The Cotswold Water Park Master Plan This restoration options will include should be a key driver for restoration. the potential to deliver the objectives of the Cotswold Water Park Master Plan. This will be considered as part of further detailed assessments.

The Wiltshire Landscape Character This issue will be considered as part Assessment should be a key driver for of further detailed assessments of the restoration. potential landscape impacts.

It should be noted that BMV soils can be This feasibility of this option will be conserved through carefully designed wet considered as part of further detailed grassland habitat creation. This could then assessments. be returned to agriculture in the future.

It was suggested that reed beds can attract The issue of potentially increasing the large flocks of starlings. risk of birdstrike through restoration will be considered as part of further detailed assessments.

It was suggested that it would not be This point has been raised by a possible for the vast areas of land to be number of consultees and the restored back to agriculture, because of the feasibility of restoration options will be limited availability of inert material. considered as part of further detailed assessments.

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A key driver should be the hydrological The Environment Agency will be fully impacts of each possible restoration option. involved in the feasibility of restoration options to be considered as part of further detailed assessments.

Amenity issues, built heritage and landscape The potential impacts on built heritage, should all be key considerations for amenity and landscape will all be restoration. considered as part of further detailed assessments.

The importance of the CWP BAP is The potential for delivering CWP BAP under-stated in the consultation document. targets through restoration will be considered as part of further detailed assessments.

Other key restoration drivers include s40 These points will be considered as NERC 2006 and PPS9. part of further detailed assessments.

Site restoration by infilling can restrict These points will be taken into groundwater flow which can lead to consideration as part of further groundwater flooding. Large open lakes detailed assessments. can also cause changes in groundwater levels. (EA)

There should be more emphasis on Potential impacts on existing water protection of existing water features and the features and associated ecology will ecology associated with them. (EA) be considered as part of further detailed assessments.

Site Option U1: Land West of Hannington Wick

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General N/a The land take for this site will be EXCLUDE - The significant due to the shallow seam, site option is in restoration should be to agriculture complete isolation and biodiversity (MoD), U1 appears from operational to have a limited yield quarries within Wiltshire/ Swindon Transport Assessment of There is no suitable road and potentially unsuitable infrastructure to site U1, the route Gloucestershire. roads to reach the HGV north would require a new bridge The local road route network, with over the River Thames as the network is particular consideration existing bridge is inadequate, major inadequate (narrow of impacts to villages of improvements would need to be weight restricted Hannington Wick, made to the road. Use of the local village roads Hannington and roads by quarry traffic would lead to covering a distance Lechlade. Assessment a safety issues for other road users. of at least 1.5km for of potential for The road up Nell Hill is too narrow northbound traffic for vehicles to pass. At the top of

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alternatives to existing Nell Hill, at the junction with Queens and more than 3km road network (i.e Road and from there onwards, the southbound) to creation of haul road) road is narrow and effectively accommodate becomes a choke point for traffic - minerals HGVs and The report also this would be made worse if quarry there are no highlighted that there vehicles were to use the road feasible alternative were no quarries options to transport operating adjacent or in mineral from the close proximity to H1 site. and that the local road network was considered No further inadequate for minerals assessments traffic. required.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby Mineral extraction would have a visual properties in Hannington significant impact on the landscape impact Wick, Hannington and as it still contains the features of a Lushill and from the more natural Thames flood plain Thames Path National Trail, impacts on the landscape character of the area.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Otters and voles are known to be potential for protected or present at this site. This area notable species on the supports a high number of nationally site, impacts to scarce native Black Poplar, these hedgerows and trees are found within numerous aged/veteran trees, hedgerows and along ditches in this impacts of minerals area and include many mature operations on fauna and specimens. This is also an flora of the site (and important area for farmland birds, in nearby). particular Tree Sparrow, which are known to breed throughout this area. The land parcel is currently the focus of a forthcoming Higher Level Stewardship application.

Human Assessment of noise, Quality of life for residents of health and visual, dust and light Hannington Wick would be amenity intrusion on those living adversely affected. Health impacts in proximity to the site. to residents of Hannington Wick and on the boundary of Hannington Consult with MoD on the through noise and dust will need to potential for increased be considered. risk of birdstrike Thames path runs through this site. Opportunities to enhance this national trail should be considered.

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Historic Assessment of impacts U1 is adjacent to a deserted environment to the setting of listed Medieval village, medium potential buildings in Hannington for adverse impacts. Mitigation likely Wick and Lushill. to be required (M P-K). Consultation with HER and county A number of significant heritage archaeologist. assets within or adjacent to site including evidence of potential Prehistoric, Bronze Age, and/or Roman activity, and a number of listed buildings such as Hannington Bridge and the Grade II* Manor Farmhouse. A substantial part of Hannington is a Conservation Area

Water Assessment of the Concerns were expressed about the environment impact to aquifers in the risks of flooding associated with area and the impacts to development of the site. A the surrounding hydrological study should be environment undertaken. There are private wells in the village of Hannington Wick, these would need to be protected if site is to be worked dry. Flows within River Thames and local water courses will need to be protected and pollution of River Thames and Shire Ditch will need to be considered. FRA required.

Concerns that the water table is particularly high and drainage of any site would be a major problem. This could exacerbate flooding issues for the area.

Restoration The area of land is This land offers great potential for currently in agricultural restoration to species-rich grassland use. Restoration could and/or floodplain grassland. Current seek to return the land conditions would enable creation of to agricultural use, or such habitats much more easily than expand the Floodplain if they were restored through mineral grazing marsh Strategic working. Delivery of BAP habitats, Nature Area such as floodplain grazing marsh, designations as detailed lowland meadows, ponds etc, would through the South West make a significant contribution to Nature Map delivery of Nature Map

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Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by consultees officers

General N/a The Lady Lamb Farm site is Cross-boundary cooperation understood to be part of a between Gloucestershire larger site, most of which lies in and Wiltshire/Swindon will Gloucestershire. The need for be maintained throughout cross border co-operation the site selection process clearly applies to this site.

There is some doubt over whether the Gloucestershire site will now come forward.

Transport Assessment of All the sites within the Upper Local road network adjacent potentially Thames Valley have the to site option is not unsuitable roads to potential to impact upon the considered to be suitable for reach the HGV route A419 and the M4. It is minerals HGVs. network, with important that access to any of Assessment of potential to particular the potential sites is appropriate access U2 through adjacent consideration of for the level of extraction land in Gloucestershire impacts to dwellings proposed. (Preferred Area for sand adjacent to and in and gravel extraction in proximity to site and Gloucestershire Mineral potential HGV Local Plan) to link with route. Assessment existing access of potential for arrangements for Horcott alternatives to quarry. existing road network (i.e creation of haul road)

Landscape/ Visual impacts to This will further erode the Assessment of potential visual nearby properties, agricultural use of land in the impacts on landscape impact impacts on the area character and potential for landscape character visual impacts on sensitive of the area receptors adjacent to site option.

Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land

Biodiversity Assessment of the With respect to Area U2 and Further assessment of potential for U3, these areas are very close potential for protected or protected or notable to the major Great Crested notable species in and species on the site, Newt population found at RAF around site (with specific impacts to Fairford. Hedges and copses attention to Great Crested hedgerows and would be retained.The adjacent Newts); impacts on

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aged/veteran trees, landholding supports a large hedgerows and impacts of minerals colony of Brown Long-eared aged/veteran trees (if operations on fauna Bats, and care should be taken present), impacts of and flora of the site to minimise impacts to foraging minerals operations on (and nearby) areas fauna and flora of the site (and nearby)

Human Assessment of The precise boundary of any Assessment of likely impact health and noise, visual, dust allocation must be drawn to of noise, dust and light on amenity and light intrusion on reflect an appropriate sensitive receptors at those living in separation distance from Marston Hill and Meysey proximity to the site. residential properties and a Hampton. Consult with MoD on policy requirement to ensure the potential for adequate protection measures Continue dialogue with MoD increased risk of on issues such as noise and on potential restoration birdstrike visual amenity. Extraction options. would cause significant loss of quality of life to residents living in Marston Hill and Meysey Hampton.

Historic None HER data for this site held in Further checks with environment Gloucestershire. There is Gloucestershire County evidence of archaeology in field Archaeologist and English adjacent to this site which Heritage required would suggest potential for similar within U2.

Water Potential impacts to SPZ1 Groundwater: SPZ is Groundwater Source environment surface and located in the confined oolites. Protection Zone 1 is an groundwater quality The operator of this site would issue in need of further and scope to need to be careful that consideration. increase flood extraction of minerals at this storage capacity for site does not create pathways However, Environment the local area through the protecting clay layer Agency have not objected that confines the SPZ. There to development of site are a number of deregulated option in principle subject to groundwater licences that will further assessments need to be protected , as will undertaken on surface and the Meysey Hampton Brook. groundwater quality. Seek Measures to prevent pollution advice from EA as to of surface waters drains during whether these assessments extraction and restoration should be undertaken at should be considered planning application stage or at the plan preparation stage

Restoration The area of land is Restoration would be dry to Assess feasibility (including currently in avoid birdstrike issues. This consideration of increasing

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agricultural use area can contribute to the risk of birdstrike) to restore (BMV 2). delivery of CWP BAP habitats site to agriculture with Restoration could and the Head of the Thames introduction of small ponds seek to return the Vision. Proximity to RAF in line with CWP BAP. land to agricultural Fairford renders restoration to use BAP Habitats difficult. Restoration to agriculture could include creation of small field ponds which may benefit a range of BAP species, including great crested newts.

Site Option U3: Cox's Farm

Topic area Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation initially identified by officers

General N/a A report carried out by Atkins on C3 The work undertaken concluded that the site would not be several years ago by acceptable on noise grounds. There were consultants is being also issues identified with geology, water reviewed and updated quality and environment, and ecology that as part of the evidence require further assessment. The report gathering process. also acknowledges the constraint of RAF Fairford. None of these matters have been Further detailed subsequently examined or assessed in assessments will any more detail. hopefully be able to provide sufficient It is acknowledged that with carefully evidence to provide an planned phasing potential problems indication of a suitable associated with disturbance might be delineation of a site overcome and likewise potential working boundary. practices and use of certain types of machinery. Such matters could always be This site is thought to treated as an exception that might justify contain a significant breaching any designated boundary, but amount of sand and this correctly places the onus on the gravel. operator to demonstrate an exception can be made as distinct from applying a general presumption in favour of extraction, difficult to object to.

The small tonnage involved is likely to lead to maximum local disruption.

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Transport Assessment A transport assessment of the site should Suitability of access to of potential be carried out, taking into account the site from C124 should access to proximity of the extraction now taking be assessed (taking into C116 to reach place at Round House Farm, those levels account the need to the HGV now permitted to increase by a significant preserve the setting of route amount to allow the import of inert fill. nearby settlements such network, with as Marston Meysey. particular The quarry is accessed by the C124. A Local road network consideration large portion of quarry traffic use this road adjacent to site option is of impacts to which passes through Kempsford. The currently used by dwellings C124 out of Kempsford up to Latton is in minerals HGVs. adjacent to a poor state of repair. Assessment potential and in cumulative effects with proximity to The traffic in the area is extremely other quarries using site and dangerous as lorries travel down the C124. Assessment of potential HGV narrow winding lanes. The plan should potential impacts on route consider the safety risks to motorists and PRoW will also need to cyclists. be assessed.

Visibility at the junctions from both Consideration must be Dunfield and Marston Meysey to the C124 given to the safety risks is poor. to other road users. There are concerns that restoration of area will lead to additional water park area attracting visitors, leading to increase in use of local roads

Landscape/ Visual Assessments should address the potential Assessment of potential visual impacts to impact on the setting of any nearby impacts on landscape impact nearby settlements and conservation areas, and character and setting of properties, also on the matter of agricultural land local settlements, and impacts on quality. It was previously recognised that potential for visual the landscape because of this and to minimise bird strike impacts on sensitive character of risk to RAF Fairford, the land ought to be receptors adjacent to the area restored back into agricultural use. In (and within view of) site particular, the site boundary should be option. drawn to provide adequate protection to the amenity and setting of Marston Policy assessment of Meysey and Dunfield. Settlement need to preserve areas Protection Zones used in the previous of BMV agricultural land. Minerals Local Plan should be reinstated. The boundary, as currently proposed, does not give adequate protection to the villages of Dunfield and Marston Meysey.

Biodiversity Assessment With respect to Area U2 and U3, these Assessment of potential of the areas are very close to the major Great for protected or notable potential for Crested Newt population found at RAF species in and around

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protected or Fairford. The area supports a number of site (with specific notable farmland ponds which may be in use by attention to Great species on Great Crested Newts. The area is also Crested Newts, the site, known to support farmland birds such as Yellowhammer, Tree impacts to Yellow hammer, Tree Sparrow, Sparrow, Turtle-Dove, hedgerows Turtle-Dove and Barn Owl. The area Barn Owl and native and supports a large number of the nationally Black Poplar); impacts aged/veteran scarce native black poplar. These trees on hedgerows and trees, impacts are found in hedgerows to the north east aged/veteran trees (if of minerals of this area and include some very mature present), impacts of operations on specimens. minerals operations on fauna and fauna and flora of the flora of the Deer, badgers and foxes have been seen site (and nearby) site (and at the site. nearby)

Human Assessment It was previously recognised that because Assessment of likely health and of noise, of this and to minimise bird strike risk to impact of noise, dust amenity visual, dust RAF Fairford, the land ought to be and light on sensitive and light restored back into agricultural use. receptors at Marston intrusion on However to achieve that would require Meysey , Cox’s Farm those living in permanent pumping (the practicality of this and Dunfield. proximity to has also been questioned but it was the site. suggested that a section 106 agreement Further dialogue to be Consult with may offer a practical solution). maintained with Defence Defence Estates Estates on Noise and dust will be a significant issue throughout process to the risk of for the village of Dunfield, and at Cox’s ensure that restoration birdstrike Farm which are downwind of the prevailing options are not likely to south westerly winds. increase risk of birdstrike. National cycle route runs to the immediate south of the site. The quarrying activity Feasibility of restoration will cause significant disruption to the options to be assessed. villages of Dunfield and Marston Meysey, and at Cox’s Farm

Historic Assessment Marston Meysey and Dunfield were Assessment of the environment of the impacts originally rural communities with most of impacts on the setting to the setting the buildings and occupants in agricultural of Marston Meysey (a of Marston use, e.g. farmhouses or cottages. These Conservation Area) and Meysey and communities would have been responsible Dunfiled, and listed listed for developing the surrounding field buildings in proximity to buildings in system that forms an important part of site (including at proximity to their character and setting.That character Marston Meysey Cox’s site is also notable for its essentially quiet and Farm and Dunfiled. rural nature. In the case of Marston Assessment of likely Meysey, much of the village is a significance of potential designated Conservation Area and Roman, Bronze Age

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contains a number of listed buildings along and Medieval activity on the eastern edge, i.e. the same side as the site. Further checks Cox’s Farm, and at Dunfield. There is with Wiltshire County therefore a statutory duty on the Council Archaeologist and to preserve or enhance the character and English Heritage setting of the Conservation Area and the required. listed buildings. That would be best discharged by maintaining a field depth as an appropriate distance to protect these heritage assets.

A boundary of at least one field depth between development and the surrounding historic buildings should be employed to preserve and protect these historic assets.

The boundary should also be drawn to avoid the entrance to the village from the south as that entry point is especially important to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. A boundary drawn in this way around both villages would therefore protect their settings and additionally provide appropriate separation from any existing dwellings.

Area of high archaeological value – likely to object (County Archaeologist). U3 has several settlements. Care should be taken to consider the evidence of Roman, Bronze Age and Medieval activity on the site.

Water Potential The fields in U3 form a critical part of the Groundwater Source environment impacts to water course from areas to the north Protection Zone 1 is an surface and flowing south to the River Thames. The issue in need of further groundwater soils and gravels form a permeable layer consideration. quality and allowing water to flow through the ground. scope to There are concerns that any disruption to However, Environment increase flood the flow of surface and groundwater in U3 Agency have not storage would cause the water to be diverted to objected to development capacity for run straight through the villages of of site option in principle the local area, Dunfield and Marston Meysey. subject to further with particular assessments consideration This area is susceptible to flooding and a undertaken on surface of flood thorough flood risk assessment must be and groundwater alleviation for carried out. This assessment should take quality. Seek advice from EA as to whether

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village of into account the interaction between other these assessments Marston sites and activities currently being worked should be undertaken at Meysey in the area. planning application stage or at the plan Many properties in the area rely on natural preparation stage. wells in their gardens for drinking water. There are concerns that this water may Assessment of risk of become contaminated as a result of flooding in the area, and quarrying activity (including any infill potential for material used for restoration). development to provide increased flood storage U3 in SPZ1, which needs particular capacity through protection and should be included in the restoration (as long as key issues in the document. In this doesn't increase risk combination, sites U3, U4, U5 and U6 of birdstrike). surround the existing mineral site of Round House Farm. There is also significant mineral extraction to west. All four sites in combination with each other and local existing mineral extraction sites have the potential to change the underlying nature of groundwater flow. This can have an impact on groundwater flood risk and baseflow for local rivers such as the River Thames. These sites will need to have a detailed hydrogeological assessment and potentially significant mitigation to ensure that these environmental impacts are not significant. U3 will need to ensure that local private abstractions are protected during site operations. Marston Meysey Brook will also need to be protected. FRA required (EA).

Restoration The area of Proper focus will need to be given to any Assess feasibility land is restoration proposals and whether they (including consideration currently in would retain in the long term the especial of increasing risk agricultural qualities that contribute towards the birdstrike) to restore site use (BMV 2 character and setting of the villages in the to agriculture, possibly and 3). area, which is not, for example, formed by incorporating provision Restoration lakes or reed beds. for flood storage could seek to capacity, and to deliver return the It is believed that there is a shortage of CWP BAP targets. land to inert material for restoration purposes. agricultural Therefore to avoid impacts to the local Appropriate phasing of area to be extended over a long period of working and restoration time, any proposal should be phased to should be considered.

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use, with ensure that a new section of the site flood cannot be extracted until restoration of the alleviation/ previous section is complete. wetland habitat There are no viable after-uses for the creation land. Restoration to existing levels for agricultural use will require use of non-permeable fill material, causing flooding. Restoration to low level agriculture would require permanent pumping, which is impractical. Restoration to water bodies will act as a full bath causing any additional water to overflow, and also increase risk of birdstrike.Replanting will be a key part of restoration works. This area can still, however, contribute to the delivery of CWP BAP targets and the Head of the Thames Vision and indeed restoration should aim to extend the area of wetland habitat under creation at Roundhouse Farm.

Hedgerow restoration and ditch recreation will be necessary to maintain landscape connectivity.

Site Option U4: Blackburr Farm

Topic area Key issues Key issues identified by Recommendation initially consultees identified by officers

General N/a Concerns relating to the potential This issue will be restoration of these sites and the considered as part of issues of birdstrike and flooding further detailed apply. The council owned land assessments. should provide an opportunity to ensure beneficial afteruses.

U4 does not appear to contain a substantial amount of mineral.

Transport Assessment of Issues with the capacity and Suitability of access to site potential access adequacy of the C116 and C124, from C124 and access to to C116 to reach and the conflict between aggregate site option via nearby the HGV route lorries and other users of the quarry should be

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network, with highways, and traffic distribution to assessed. Local road particular and from the junction with the A419 network in proximity to site consideration of must be addressed and option is currently used by impacts to improvements such as the addition minerals HGVs. dwellings of North facing slip roads to that Assessment potential adjacent to and junction, so that it becomes an all cumulative effects with in proximity to movements junction, funded by the other quarries using site and potential operators. The Council should C124/A419. HGV route. impose wear and tear tariffs to allow for the maintenance of these local roads.

Impacts to the capacity of the A419 will need to be considered and any improvements to the A419 will need to be funded by the developer (Highways Agency).

Landscape/ Visual impacts to This area should remain in Assessment of potential visual nearby agricultural use rather than be impacts on landscape impact properties, developed as a quarry. There is not character and potential for impacts on the enough inert material to restore the visual impacts on sensitive landscape site to agricultural use. receptors adjacent to and character of the within view of site option, area. in particular, the Second Chance Caravan /Camping site.

Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of Otters and water voles are known to Assessment of potential for the potential for be present. The area is known to protected or notable protected or support farmland bird species species in and around site notable species (noteable Yellowhammer, Tree (with specific attention to on the site, Sparrow etc), farmland mammals Yellowhammer, Tree impacts to such as harvest mouse and brown Sparrow, etc); impacts on hedgerows and hare. Considerable care will need to hedgerows and aged/veteran be taken to ensure that these aged/veteran trees (if trees, impacts of populations are not impacted upon. present), impacts of minerals minerals operations on operations on fauna and flora of the site fauna and flora (and nearby). of the site (and nearby).

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Human Assessment of There are concerns that this site Assessment of likely health and noise, visual, would have an extremely detrimental impact of noise, dust and amenity dust and light effect on the quality of life of light on sensitive receptors intrusion on residents of Second Chance Touring at Castle Eaton and those living in Park, and that bunds will not Second Chance proximity to the alleviate noise levels. There are Caravan/Camping Site. site. concerns that restoration would be to water bodies, which could Assessment of potential Consult with increase risk of birdstrike. impacts on PRoW. Defence Estates on the risk of National Cycle route runs birdstrike. immediately north of the site. Equivalent links to existing rights of way network should be provided. To mitigate the impact of increase quarry traffic on local roads, a full access strategy should be produced to ensure safe access between the communities and the site, utilising new or existing rights of way.

There are concerns that this site would have an unacceptable detrimental effect on the business of Second Chance Touring Park.

Historic Assessment of The route of the former Thames and Assessment of the impacts environment the impacts to Severn Canal runs east-west on the setting of Castle the setting of through the site. A prime Eaton (a Conservation Castle Eaton and requirement of any development of Area) and listed buildings listed buildings in this land must be to restore the (including St Mary's proximity to site. canal, in accordance with Church Grade 1 Listed Development Plan policy, to building) in proximity to navigable standard, and to provide site. associated towpath for use by the general public. Assessment of potential impacts on alignment of There is potential Iron Age, Roman former Thames and and other activity on this site relating Severn canal. to settlement, enclosure, pits, Assessment of likely ditches and ancient field systems. significance of potential The relationship to the Castle Eaton Iron Age, Roman and other Conservation Area is relevant. Area activity on this site relating of high archaeological potential. to settlement, enclosure, (County Archaeologist). pits, ditches and ancient field systems.

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Further checks with Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Potential impacts There are concerns that extraction Environment Agency have environment to surface and would disrupt the gravel and sand not objected to groundwater under the fields in U4 form a critical development of site option quality and water course for water travelling in principle subject to scope to down from the north to the River further assessments increase flood Thames in the south. undertaken on surface and storage capacity groundwater quality and for the local area. In combination, sites U3, U4, U5 and flow, and local private U6 surround the existing mineral site abstraction points. Seek of Round House Farm.There is also advice from EA as to significant mineral extraction to west. whether these All four sites in combination with assessments should be each other and local existing mineral undertaken at planning extraction sites have the potential to application stage or at the change the underlying nature of plan preparation stage. groundwater flow. This can have an impact on groundwater flood risk Assessment of potential and baseflow for local rivers such as cumulative impacts with the River Thames. These sites will nearby minerals need to have a detailed hydro development on geological assessment and groundwater levels. potentially significant mitigation to Assess potential to disrupt ensure that these environmental flow of surface water to impacts are not significant. U4 will Thames. Flood Risk need to ensure that local private Assessment should be abstractions are protected during undertaken. site operations. Pollution of River Thames will also need to be prevented. FRA required (EA).

Restoration The area of land Whilst some wetland creation to Assess feasibility is currently in BAP habitats such as reedbed and (including consideration of agricultural use floodplain grazing marsh is increasing risk birdstrike) (BMV 2 and 3). encouraged, the restoration of some to restore site to Restoration farmland is paramount to support agriculture, possibly could seek to some farmland birds and mammals incorporating provision for return the land to already present. Delivery of BAP flood storage capacity, and agricultural use, habitats here would contribute to to deliver CWP BAP with flood delivery of South West Nature Map targets. alleviation/ and part of the CWP BAPs Head of wetland habitat the River Thames Vision. However, creation. such delivery is not reliant upon

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mineral extraction and could be delivered through other means.

Site Option U5: North Farm

Topic area Key issues Key issues identified by Recommendation initially consultees identified by officers

General N/a The land take for this site will be This issue will be significant due to the shallow considered as part of further seam. detailed assessments.

Transport Assessment of All the sites within the Upper Suitability of access to site potential access Thames Valley have the potential from nearby quarry (across to C116 to reach to impact upon the A419 and the River Thames) should be the HGV route M4. It is important that access to assessed. Local road network, with any of the potential sites is network in proximity to site particular appropriate for the level of option is not considered to consideration of extraction proposed. be suitable for use by impacts to minerals HGVs. dwellings Quarry traffic from Castle Eaton adjacent to and in cannot use the junction with the Consider potential for proximity to site A419. What route will the quarry cumulative effects of HGV and potential traffic take? movements. HGV route. The transport infrastructure south of the River Thames are inadequate and weight restricted (7.5 tonne) at Castle Eaton.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to The agricultural quality of the land Assessment of potential visual nearby properties should not be considered of high impacts on landscape impact and Second merit as it floods regularly. It character and potential for Chance Touring would make an ideal flood relief visual impacts on sensitive Park, impacts on area post digging. receptors adjacent to and the landscape within view of site option, in character of the particular, the Second area Chance Caravan /Camping site.

Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

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Biodiversity Assessment of Otter and Watervole known to be Assess potential for the potential for present on site.The area is known protected or notable protected or to support farmland bird species species in and around site notable species (notably Yellowhammer, Tree (with specific attention to on the site, Sparrow etc), farmland mammals Water Vole, Otter, Brown impacts to such as harvest mouse and brown Hare, Harvest Mouse, hedgerows and hare. Considerable care will need Yellowhammer, Tree aged/veteran to be taken to ensure that these Sparrow, etc); impacts on trees, impacts of populations are not impacted hedgerows and minerals upon. aged/veteran trees (if operations on present), impacts of fauna and flora of minerals operations on the site (and fauna and flora of the site nearby). (and nearby

Human Assessment of There are concerns that this site Assessment of likely impact health and noise, visual, dust would have an extremely of noise, dust and light on amenity and light intrusion detrimental effect on the quality of sensitive receptors at on those living in life of residents of Second Chance Castle Eaton and Second proximity to the Touring Park, and that bunds will Chance Caravan/Camping site. Consult with not alleviate noise levels. Site. Defence Estates on the risk of There are concerns that restoration Assessment of potential birdstrike. would be to water bodies, which impacts / enhancement to could increase risk of birdstrike. PRoW (Thames Path National Trial) will also need Thames path runs through this to be assessed. site. Options to enhance the national trail should be considered. Assessment of potential effect on the business of There are concerns that this site Second Chance Touring would have an unacceptable Park. detrimental effect on the business of Second Chance Touring Park. Continue dialogue with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike for restoration options.

Historic Assessment of Area of high archaeological Assessment of the impacts environment the impacts to potential. Some features in on the setting of Castle SAM, the setting western part of U5. Eaton (a Conservation of Castle Eaton Area) and listed buildings in and listed Area is likely to contain important proximity to site. buildings in archaeology as it is adjacent to proximity to site known activity. Potentially there is Assessment of likely a bronze age barrow on the site. significance of potential The relationship with Castle Eaton bronze age barrow on the Conservation Area is also relevant. site. Further checks with

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Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Potential impacts There are concerns that sustained Environment Agency have environment to surface and quarrying in the area will increase not objected to groundwater likelihood of flooding, for example development of site option quality and scope in villages such as Castle Eaton. in principle subject to further to increase flood assessments undertaken storage capacity In combination, sites U3, U4, U5 on surface and groundwater for the local area and U6 surround the existing quality and flow, and local mineral site of Round House Farm. private abstraction points. There is also significant mineral Seek advice from EA as to extraction to west. All four sites in whether these assessments combination with each other and should be undertaken at local existing mineral extraction planning application stage sites have the potential to change or at the plan preparation the underlying nature of stage. groundwater flow. This can have an impact on groundwater flood Assessment of potential risk and baseflow for local rivers cumulative impacts with such as the River Thames. These nearby minerals sites will need to have a detailed development on hydrogeological assessment and groundwater levels. Flood potentially significant mitigation to Risk Assessment (including ensure that these environmental consideration of potential impacts are not significant. U5 will impacts on Castle Eaton) need to ensure that local private should be undertaken. abstractions are protected during site operations. Measure to prevent pollution of River Thames should be put in place. FRA required (EA).

Restoration The area of land Concerns relating to the potential Assess feasibility (including is currently in restoration of these sites and the consideration of increasing agricultural use issues of birdstrike and flooding risk birdstrike) to restore (BMV 3). apply. site to agriculture/ Restoration could woodland, possibly seek to return the Restoration to woodland may be incorporating provision for land to acceptable. flood storage capacity, and agricultural use, to deliver CWP BAP with flood Whilst some wetland creation to targets. alleviation/ BAP habitats such as reedbed and wetland habitat floodplain grazing marsh is creation. encouraged, the restoration of some farmland is paramount to support some farmland birds and

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mammals already present. Riverside meadows along the Thames, including those associated with Roundhouse Farm, are suitable for restoration to species-rich grassland. The loss of hydrologic connectivity and natural soil structure may prevent future restoration to species-rich grassland akin to North Meadow. Delivery of BAP Habitats here will contribute to delivery of South West Nature Map SNA in the CWP, as well as delivering a significant part of the CWP BAP’s Head of the Thames Vision. However, such delivery is not reliant upon mineral extraction and could be delivered through other means.

Site Option U6: Alex Farm

Topic area Key issues Key issues identified by Recommendation initially identified consultees by officers

General N/a Concerns relating to the potential This issue will be restoration of these sites and the considered as part of issues of birdstrike and flooding further detailed apply. The land take for this site assessments. will be significant due to the shallow seam.

Transport Assessment of Issues with the capacity and Assessment of suitability potential access to adequacy of the C116 and C124, of access to site from C124 to reach the and the conflict between nearby quarry or Preferred HGV route aggregate lorries and other users Area (Minerals Local Plan network, with of the highways, and traffic allocation) Assessment of particular distribution to and from the potential impacts / consideration of junction with the A419 must be enhancement to PRoW impacts to addressed and improvements associated with former dwellings along such as the addition of North Thames/Severn canal will any potential HGV facing slip roads to that junction, also need to be assessed. route. so that it becomes an all movements junction, funded by the operators. The Council should

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impose wear and tear tariffs to allow for the maintenance of these local roads.

Impacts to the capacity of the A419 will need to be considered and any improvements to the A419 will need to be funded by the developer (Highways Agency).

Landscape/ Impacts on the An assessment of the impact to Assessment of potential visual landscape loss of agricultural land should be impacts on landscape impact character of the undertaken. character. area. Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Otters and Watervole are known Assess potential for potential for to be present. Opportunities for protected or notable protected or wetland creation adjacent to the species in and around site notable species on Thames should not be missed, for (with specific attention to the site, impacts to example, grazing marsh, reedbed, Water Vole, Otter, Brown hedgerows and wet woodland or scrapes and Hare, Harvest Mouse, aged/veteran ponds. This area is notable for Yellowhammer, Tree trees, impacts of supporting farmland bird Sparrow, etc); impacts on minerals populations (notably hedgerows and operations on Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, etc) aged/veteran trees (if fauna and flora of and farmland mammals such as present), impacts of the site (and Harvest Mouse and Brown Hare. minerals operations on nearby). fauna and flora of the site (and nearby).

Human Consult with Potential impacts on national Assess potential impacts health and Defence Estates cycleway need to be considered. on national cycleway. amenity on the risk of Maintain dialogue with the birdstrike. Defence Estate on issue of birdstrike.

Historic 100% of site is We note U6 is a Scheduled Assessment of the impacts environment within SAM (WI901 Ancient Monument and so any on SAM (WI901 – – Settlement NE of designation would be Settlement NE of Eisey Eisey field copse). inappropriate without with the field copse), to establish Need to discuss agreement of English Heritage. reasons behind the with English Area of high archaeological value. designation (SAMs in local Heritage and area have been worked in county the recent past). Further Archaeologist to checks with Wiltshire discuss scope for County Archaeologist and working this area English Heritage required.

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in light of argument for need in UTV.

Water Potential impacts There are concerns that sustained Environment Agency have environment to surface and quarrying in the area will increase not objected to groundwater likelihood of flooding, for example development of site option quality and scope in villages such as Castle Eaton. in principle subject to to increase flood further assessments storage capacity In combination, sites U3, U4, U5 undertaken on surface and for the local area. and U6 surround the existing groundwater quality and mineral site of Round House Farm. flow. Seek advice from EA There is also significant mineral as to whether these extraction to west. All four sites in assessments should be combination with each other and undertaken at planning local existing mineral extraction application stage or at the sites have the potential to change plan preparation stage. the underlying nature of Assessment of potential groundwater flow. This can have cumulative impacts with an impact on groundwater flood nearby minerals risk and baseflow for local rivers development on such as the River Thames. These groundwater levels. Flood sites will need to have a detailed Risk Assessment hydrogeological assessment and (including consideration of potentially significant mitigation to potential impacts on Castle ensure that these environmental Eaton) should be impacts are not significant. U5 will undertaken. need to ensure that local private abstractions are protected during site operations. Measure to prevent pollution of River Thames should be put in place. FRA required (EA).

Restoration The area of land is The Thames and Severn canal Assess feasibility currently in passes immediately to the north (including consideration of agricultural use of the site. Restoration of the site increasing risk birdstrike) (BMV 3). should incorporate a restored to restore site to Restoration could boundary feature and towpath agriculture, possibly seek to return the (public right of way), and an incorporating provisions for land to agricultural undertaking not to affect the water restoration of Thames and use, with flood supply to, or retention capability of Severn Canal, and to alleviation/ wetland the canal route, either during or deliver CWP BAP targets habitat creation. after restoration.

Restoration should aim to benefit these species. It should be noted that some wetland species are prone to disturbance and therefore access to wetland should be

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carefully considered so that they reach their full biodiversity potential.

Site Option U7:

Topic area Key issues Key issues identified by Recommendation initially identified consultees by officers

General Part of site falls none Assessment of delineation outside of MRZ. of sand and gravel resource Quality/ quantity of required. If necessary saleable resource boundary of site option to outside of MRZ be redrawn accordingly. needs to be established. Site could potentially be linked to Eysey, as extension, or Down Ampney (if approved)

Transport Assessment of This site directly abuts the A419 Suitability of access to site potential access to and there are concerns about the from nearby quarry should A419 at Cricklade potential for noise and dust to be assessed. Local road junction. impacts upon this road (HA). network in proximity to site option is not suitable for use by minerals HGVs and access to A419 at roundabout likely to be difficult to achieve although this option should also be assessed. Assessment of potential impacts / enhancement to PRoW (Thames Path National Trial) will also need to be assessed

Landscape/ Visual impacts to The land take for this site will be Assessment of potential visual nearby properties significant due to the shallow impacts on landscape impact and, impacts on seam, resulting in a significant character and potential for the landscape loss of agricultural land. visual impacts on sensitive character of the receptors adjacent to and area within view of site option.

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Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of the River Ray County Wildlife Site Assess potential for potential for runs through site. Adjacent to protected or notable species protected or SAC. Hydrological impacts may in and around site (with notable species on mean that development here may specific attention to Water the site, impacts to not be possible. Floodland Vole, Otter, Brown Hare, hedgerows and species hay meadow should be Harvest Mouse, aged/veteran considered for restoration. Yellowhammer, Tree trees, impacts of Sparrow, etc); impacts on minerals hedgerows and operations on aged/veteran trees (if fauna and flora of present), impacts of the site (and minerals operations on nearby). fauna and flora of the site (and nearby). Assessment of potential impacts on North Meadow SSSI/SAC and River Ray County Wildlife Site.

Human Assessment of Thames path runs through this Assessment of likely impact health and noise, visual, dust site. National cycle route. of noise, dust and light on amenity and light intrusion sensitive receptors in on those living in proximity to site option proximity to the (including users of A419). site.

Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the Medium archaeological potential. Assessment of the impacts environment impacts to SAM, Some possible former water on the setting of Calcutt listed buildings in meadow features in the middle of Farmhouse, the Roman proximity to site. U7. The setting of Calcutt road that runs adjacent to Farmhouse and adjacent Roman site option and shrunken Road needs to be appreciated medieval village in proximity and consideration of the shrunken to site. Assessment of Medieval village. potential impacts on setting of Castle Eaton.

Further checks with Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

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Water Potential impacts This area could be used for flood Environment Agency have environment to surface and storage. There are concerns that not objected to development groundwater sustained quarrying in the area of site option in principle quality and scope will increase likelihood of flooding, subject to further to increase flood for example in villages such as assessments undertaken on storage capacity Castle Eaton. Part of site in surface and groundwater for the local area. Source Protection Zone 3. quality and baseflow for the Rivers Ray and Thames. The site is south of the Eysey Seek advice from EA as to Manor quarry and the area that whether these assessments is currently subject to a planning should be undertaken at application at Down Ampney. In planning application stage combination with other existing or at the plan preparation mineral extraction sites this would stage. Assessment of have the potential to change the potential cumulative impacts underlying nature of groundwater with nearby minerals flow. This can have an impact on development on groundwater flood risk and groundwater levels. baseflow for local rivers such as the River Thames and River Ray.

Consider measures to prevent pollution of River Thames, River Ray and tributaries during extraction and restoration.

Restoration The area of land is There are concerns that there is Assess feasibility (including currently in not enough inert material consideration of increasing agricultural use available to restore this land to risk birdstrike) to restore site (BMV 3). agriculture. to agriculture, possibly Restoration could incorporating provisions for seek to return the This area is notable for supporting restoration of Thames and land to agricultural farmland bird populations (notably Severn Canal, and to deliver use, with flood Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, CWP BAP targets. alleviation/ etc) and farmland mammals such wetland habitat as Harvest Mouse and Brown creation. Hare. Restoration should aim to benefit these species. In particular restoration to habitats supporting breeding Curlew is key. Furthermore, this land offers great opportunity for linkage to a future reserve at Eysey Manor/ Down Ampney Estate/ Roundhouse Farm. Such opportunities exist whether or not this land is subject to sand and gravel extraction.

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Riverside meadows along the Thames, including those associated with Roundhouse Farm, are suitable for restoration to species-rich grassland. The loss of hydrologic connectivity and natural soil structure may prevent future restoration to species-rich grassland akin to North Meadow. Creation and restoration of species-rich meadows in this area would link to related wetlands created north of the Thames at Eysey Manor.

Delivery of BAP Habitats here will contribute to delivery of South West Nature Map SNA in the CWP, as well as delivering a significant part of the CWP BAP’s Head of the Thames Vision. However, such delivery is not reliant upon mineral extraction and could be delivered through other means.

It should also be stressed that the wholesale planting of trees across the site will neutralise the majority of wetland interest, for example, reducing options for restoration to floodplain meadows and supporting species characteristic of lowland floodplains, such as Curlew, Snakes-head Fritillary, Skylark etc

Site Option U8:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General Site would not be viable The land take for this site will be EXCLUDE - Due to on its own when taking significant due to the shallow seam. the small scale of into account proximity to The field is partially owned by the site and the R. Thames. Cricklade Town Council and partly proximity to the common land. When taking into River Thames account the standoff from the River (standoff from

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Thames, it is questionable whether course of river this site would be viable. would be required), it is unlikely that Transport Assessment of potential There are concerns regarding the this site would be access to A419 at traffic impacts of the proposal on the worked for sand Cricklade junction. junction with the A419. and gravel extraction. The site Landscape/ Visual impacts from road An assessment of the impact to loss is also within flood visual and PRoW, impacts on of agricultural land should be zone 3 which would impact the landscape character undertaken. preclude use of the of the area. site for storage of soils, plant and Biodiversity Assessment of the Adjacent to North Meadow SAC. machinery etc. On potential for protected or Hydrogeological assessment this basis the site notable species on the required. Hydrological impacts may should be dropped site, impacts to mean that mineral development from further hedgerows and here may not be feasible. Care will consideration. aged/veteran trees, needed to minimise impact on otters impacts of minerals in the River Thames. operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby).

Human Consult with MoD on the A number of areas contain health and risk of birdstrike recreational areas (namely public amenity rights of way, and in at least one case, U8, “access land”). It would be helpful if the negative (at least in the short term) impacts to this asset class was acknowledged. Opportunities for enhancements to the public rights of way network need to be systematically considered for all sites, including, if possible, the whole holding of which the site is part. Thames National Trail. National cycle route.

Historic None Medium archaeological potential. environment

Water Potential impacts to There are concerns about the environment surface and groundwater potential to increase flooding in the quality and scope to area. This area could be used for increase flood storage flood storage. FRA required. capacity for the local Consider measures to prevent area pollution of River Thames during extraction and restoration

Restoration The area of land is This area is within Floodplain currently in agricultural Grazing Marsh SNA in the South use (BMV 3). West Nature Map; loss of pasture

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Restoration could seek here will affect delivery of SNA, to return the land to although potential minerals agricultural use, with restoration may restore this loss. flood alleviation/ wetland habitat creation.

Site Option U9:

Topic area Key issues initially identified by officers Key issues Recommendation identified by consultees

General This site is This issue will be affected by an considered as part Esso Oil of further detailed Pipeline. assessments.

Transport Assessment of potential access to It is important Suitability of access A419/C116 to reach the HGV route network, that access to to site from nearby with particular consideration of impacts to any of the quarry or Preferred dwellings adjacent to and in proximity to site potential sites is Area (Mineral Local and potential HGV route. appropriate for Plan allocation) the level of should be assessed. extraction proposed.

Concerns were raised about highway safety in relation to associated minerals traffic.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby properties and, An assessment Assessment of visual impacts on the landscape character of the of the impact to potential impacts on impact area. loss of landscape character agricultural land and potential for Area is Grade 2/3 BMV agricultural land. should be visual impacts on undertaken. sensitive receptors adjacent to (at Latton) and within view of site option (including users of A419).

Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

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Biodiversity Assessment of the potential for protected Otters and Assess potential for or notable species on the site, impacts to Watervoles protected or notable hedgerows and aged/veteran trees, impacts known to be species in and of minerals operations on fauna and flora present. around site (with of the site (and nearby). Restoration to specific attention to be considered Water Vole and should include Otter) impacts on floodplain hedgerows and species-rich hay aged/veteran trees meadow. (if present), impacts of minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby). Assessment of potential impacts on North Meadow SSSI/SAC (hydro-geological connectivity

Human Assessment of noise, visual, dust and light There are Assessment of likely health and intrusion on those living in proximity to the concerns that impact of noise, dust amenity site. extraction at and light on this site would sensitive receptors Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of lead to at Latton in proximity birdstrike. unacceptable to site option (and impacts to users of A419). residents at Latton. This site directly abuts the A419 and there are concerns about the potential for noise and dust to impacts upon this road (HA).There are concerns that this site is too close to RAF Fairford and that restoration to water bodies may lead to increased risk of birdstrike.

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Historic The site may have significant impacts on Part of site is Assessment of the environment the SAM which covers a significant portion designated impacts on SAM (a of the site. Further assessment and historic park. Roman settlement), dialogue with English Heritage will be Area of high to establish reasons required to determine the sites’ archaeological behind the acceptability. potential. The designation (SAMs site is a in local area have Assessment of the impacts to SAM, and the Scheduled been worked in the setting and listed buildings in proximity to Ancient recent past). site. Monument – A Assessment of Roman impacts on adjacent settlement. listed buildings. Further checks with The Wiltshire County Romano-British Archaeologist and scheduled English Heritage monument required. demonstrates the historic significance of the site. There are also adjacent listed buildings and the likelihood of evidence of prehistoric activity.

Water Potential impacts to surface and This site is Environment Agency environment groundwater quality and scope to increase within Source have not objected to flood storage capacity for the local area. Protection Zone development of site 3. U9 is very option in principle close to North subject to further Meadow (SSSI/ assessments SAC). undertaken on Development at surface and U9 is likely to groundwater quality have significant and flow. Seek consequences advice from EA as for the meadow to whether these in terms of site assessments should operation and be undertaken at site restoration. planning application Site restoration stage or at the plan options could preparation damage the stage.Assessment delicate balance of potential

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of groundwater cumulative impacts flow towards the with nearby minerals meadow. development on groundwater levels. Hydrogeological Assessment of assessment potential impact to required. FRA water quality/ required. quantity at Ampney Consider Brook. Flood Risk measures to Assessment prevent required. pollution of Ampney Brook during extraction and restoration phases (EA).

Restoration The area of land is currently in agricultural Cotswold Assess feasibility use. Restoration could seek to return the Canals Trust (including land to agricultural use, with flood strongly consideration of alleviation/ wetland habitat creation. supports increasing risk minerals birdstrike) to restore extraction from site to agriculture, this site. The possibly Thames and incorporating Severn Canal provisions for will pass restoration of through the Thames and Severn south western Canal, and to deliver part of the site, CWP BAP targets. requiring a new route to replace that removed by alternations to the A419. A canal culvert already exists to the immediate south of Latton village. Restoration opportunities must include the creation of canal and towpath, the linking of the culvert with the A419, the

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creation of a culvert under the C124, and the possibility of canal related development adjoining Latton village. Possible amenity impacts on North Meadow National Nature Reserve.

Site Option U10:

Topic area Key issues initially identified Key issues identified by Recommendation by officers consultees

General U10 is affected by an esso EXCLUDE - Site pipeline. Care should be option is adjacent taken to ensure that the to North Meadow pipeline is not affected. SAC/SSSI/NNR and very likely to Transport Assessment of potential access It is important that access to impact on onto A419/C116 to reach the any of the potential sites is hydrological HGV route network and appropriate for the level of connectivity conveyor belt access linking with extraction proposed. This (groundwater flow Wickwater Farm, with particular site directly abuts the A419 is believed to travel consideration of impacts to and there are concerns broadly north to dwellings adjacent to and in about the potential for noise south towards proximity to site and potential and dust to impacts upon North Meadow). HGV route. this road (HA). Route of former canal acts as Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby An assessment of the Public Right of visual properties and, impacts on the impact to loss of agricultural Way, is lined with impact landscape character of the area. land should be undertaken. established trees Biodiversity Assessment of the impacts to the Potential impacts on North and effectively integrity of North Meadow. Meadow National Nature bisects site. Site is Assessment of the potential for Reserve, particularly the considered to be in protected or notable species on hydrological impacts, need an area of high the site and potential impacts on to be considered. Otters archaeological these species, impacts to and Watervoles known to be value. hedgerows and aged/veteran present. Impracticalities of trees, impacts of minerals working site due to operations on fauna and flora of The placement of new narrowing to north the site (and nearby). mineral extraction here is of site and path of likely to have significant water courses

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consequences for North limits actual yield. Meadow in terms of site On balance, it is operation and site unlikely that this operation. Site restoration site option would options could damage the prove deliverable now delicate balance of given the groundwater flow towards investigative works the meadow. Hydrological (mainly in relation impacts may mean that to North Meadow)/ mineral development here mitigation required. may not be possible. (EA). Flood water during winter months already attracts several hundred wintering waterbirds.

In 2010 the site entered into a 10 year Higher Level Stewardship Scheme including the restoration of areas of floodplain grazing marsh and species-rich grassland in order to extend the area of grassland under similar management to North Meadow NNR.

This area lies within the River Churn SNA of the South West Nature Map, a long thin SNA extending from Siddington to the north, southwards to North Meadow NNR. This SNA is characterised by small remnant and derelict meadows and considerable sand and gravel extraction in past decades; key objectives are to maintain, enhance and restore remnant meadows, increasing landscape connectivity within this SNA and between neighbouring SNAs. This area lies adjacent an important SNA of South West Nature Map; work is underway to link North Meadow SAC with Elmlea Meadows SSSI

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through the mineral restoration works at Cerney Wick farm and the HLS at Priors Ham. In doing so, this will link North Meadow with the wetlands at Cleveland Lakes and potentially also at Wheatley's Barn Farm, creating a large continuous complex of wetland habitats of high nature conservation value. This linkage will be achieved whether or not U10 is subject to sand and gravel extraction, but the nature of this linkage will change if it is.The potential impact upon adjacent County Wildlife Sites should be assessed.

Human Assessment of noise, visual, No comments health and dust and light intrusion on those amenity living in proximity to the site.

Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the impacts to the Area of high archaeological environment setting of listed buildings in importance. Consideration proximity to site. should be given to the significance of the former canal system running through the site and the potential for preserved archaeology due to the ground conditions and the extent of evidence close by.

Water Potential impacts to surface and Concerns that impacts to the environment groundwater quality, effects on hydrology would affect the North Meadow and scope to North Meadow National increase flood storage capacity Nature Reserve, SAC and for the local area. SSSI. Consider measures to prevent pollution of River Thames and River Churn during extraction and restoration phases.

Restoration The area of land is currently in There are good agricultural use. Restoration opportunities for the

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could seek to expand the habitat restoration of the canal associated with North Meadow, along the north-eastern return the land to agricultural border of the site, in use, with flood alleviation/ conjunction with the phased wetland habitat creation but management of the minerals would need to safeguard existing extraction. The site also routes and features of the could also be used for one original canal in the area. of the reservoirs used to collect water in the winter and in times of flood for use in supplying the Thames and Severn canal in the summer and in drier periods. Reinstatement of canal should include rights of way for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Potential for restoration to buffer and enhance North Meadow SSSI/SAC should be considered.

Site Option U11:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comments No comments

Transport Assessment of potential No comments EXCLUDE - access to B4696, avoiding Limited yield from weight restricted roads, to site (102,000 reach the HGV route network, tonnes without with particular consideration accounting for of impacts to dwellings losses due to adjacent to and in proximity to mitigation and site and potential HGV route. processing). Mineral is believed Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby The allocation of this site could to be confined to visual properties and, impacts on the contribute towards the north western impact landscape character of the surrounding of Ashton Keynes corner of site area by lakes / minerals extraction. option, close to Impacts to agricultural land in dwelling. Local the area. roads are weight restricted to 7.5 Biodiversity Assessment of the potential This area is currently tonne. The for protected or notable predominantly pasture of small creation of access species on the site and field size, with isolated arrangements and assessment of impacts to farmsteads. Sand and gravel mitigation of those species found in extraction would greatly and impacts of noise,

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proximity to the site, impacts negatively impact the dust and visual to hedgerows and landscape. Key species here intrusion to people aged/veteran trees, impacts include Harvest mice, Barn living and working of minerals operations on owl, Curlew. in proximity to site fauna and flora of the site (and means that it is nearby) and to designations very unlikely that in proximity to the site. this site site option would prove Human Assessment of noise, visual, No comments deliverable. health and dust and light intrusion on amenity those living in proximity to the site.

Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the impacts to Medium archaeological environment the setting of listed buildings potential – mitigation likely to in proximity to site be required. Potential impacts on Leigh All Saints Grade II* listed building, Upper Waterhay Farmhouse, early medieval earthworks/ settlement; prehistoric and/or Roman activity; Ashton Keynes Conservation Area, and given the scale of potential extraction, the historic landscape as a whole.

Water Potential impacts to surface It will need to be made sure environment and groundwater quality and that restrictions to groundwater scope to increase flood flow are minimal and that base storage capacity for the local flow to the River Thames is not area. disturbed. Local groundwater abstractions in the area will need to be protected as will the Derry Brook (this is likely to require a 16m buffer strip). Hydrogeological risk assessment required. Biodiversity: This site is in close proximity to Cotswold Water Park local wildlife site and impacts on these should be considered. It is also close to Upper Waterhay Meadow SSSI (EA).

Restoration The area of land is currently No comments in agricultural use. Restoration

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could seek to return the land to agricultural use, with potentially flood alleviation/ wetland habitat creation, contribute to community forest or to expanding the South West Nature Map neutral grassland designation.

Site Option U12:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General EXCLUDE - Although site can Transport Assessment of potential Transport infrastructure around act as point of access to B4696, Ashton Keynes is inadequate to connectivity for avoiding weight cope with increase in quarry traffic. surrounding sites, restricted roads, to reach the yield (53,000 the HGV route network, tonnes) is unlikely with particular to be realised due consideration of impacts to its narrowness to dwellings adjacent to and proximity to R. and in proximity to site Thames. and potential HGV route.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby The allocation of this site could visual amenity uses and contribute towards the surrounding impact impacts on the of Ashton Keynes by lakes / landscape character of minerals extraction. Impacts to the area. agricultural land in the area.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Site is adjacent to or contains potential for protected or County Wildlife Site. The site is notable species on the close to the Upper Waterhay site and assessment of Meadow SSSI. These meadows impacts to those species along the banks of the River found in proximity to the Thames comprise a key part of the site, impacts to Thames corridor known as hedgerows and Waterhay. The river here supports aged/veteran trees, significant populations of Water vole impacts of minerals and Otter and large numbers of operations on fauna and dragonfly's characteristic of high flora of the site (and water quality, including the nearby) and to White-legged Damselfly. During the designations in proximity winter months, wintering waterbirds to the site. feed upon the meadows, including large flocks of Snipe, Lapwing and duck. Much of the wildlife found

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here today has only relatively recently returned or colonised following gravel pit restoration in the past 10 years. These meadows provide linkage between the River Thames and the Waterhay Reedbeds (Lakes 68c/68d, part of the Cleveland Lakes complex). These meadows also lie between the Thames National Trail and the Thames, comprising a very popular access route for walkers, birdwatchers, horse riders and cyclists, between Ashton Keynes and Cricklade. U12, U13 and U14 are a key part of the Cleveland Lakes SNA, extending from Cleveland Lakes to North Meadow. Extraction of gravel in these areas would result in the loss of biodiversity which could not be replaced through the mineral restoration process. The potential impact upon adjacent County Wildlife Sites should be assessed.

Human Assessment of noise, Potential extraction here should also health and visual, dust and light not directly affect Waterhay Car amenity intrusion on those living Park, currently a key access point in proximity to the site to this area, and has also been subject to recent improvement Consult with Defence works. Estates on the risk of birdstrike. Sand and gravel extraction here would create massive disruption to a rights of way network only just starting to recover from the Cleveland Farm Quarry extraction of recent years.

Historic Assessment of the Medium archaeological potential – environment impacts to the setting of mitigation likely to be required. listed buildings in Potential impacts on Leigh All Saints proximity to site. Grade II* listed building, Upper Watehay Farmhouse, early medieval earthworks/settlement; prehistoric and/or Roman activity; Ashton Keynes Conservation Area, and given the scale of potential extraction, the historic landscape as a whole.

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Water Potential impacts to No comments environment surface water, in particular the River Thames, ground water quality and river quality.

Restoration The area of land is No comments currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, with potentially flood alleviation/ wetland habitat creation in line with South West Nature map aspirations.

Site Option U13:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comments No comments EXCLUDE - Evidence has come Transport Assessment of potential Transport infrastructure around to light that this site access onto the B4696, Ashton Keynes is inadequate to option formed part avoiding weight restricted cope with increase in quarry traffic. of an area roads, to reach the HGV previously route network, with permitted for sand particular consideration and gravel of impacts to dwellings extraction. adjacent, and in proximity Although U13 has to site and potential HGV not been worked, route. the original quarry site has been Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby The allocation of this site could worked and visual properties and amenity contribute towards the surrounding restored. U13 is a impact uses, impacts on the of Ashton Keynes by lakes / narrow site option landscape character of minerals extraction. Impacts to with the southern the area. agricultural land in the area. boundary following Biodiversity Assessment of the Site is adjacent to or contains the alignment of the potential for protected or County Wildlife Site. River Thames. A notable species on the standoff from the site and assessment of These meadows along the banks River would be impacts to those species of the River Thames comprise a required. On found in proximity to the key part of the Thames corridor balance it is very site, impacts to known as Waterhay. The river here likely that mitigation hedgerows and supports significant populations of is very likely to aged/veteran trees, Water vole and Otter and large render this site

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impacts of minerals numbers of dragonfly's option operations on fauna and characteristic of high water quality, undeliverable. flora of the site (and including the White-legged nearby) and to Damselfly. During the winter designations in proximity months, wintering waterbirds feed to the site. upon the meadows, including large flocks of Snipe, Lapwing and duck. Much of the wildlife found here today has only relatively recently returned or colonised following gravel pit restoration in the past 10 years. These meadows provide linkage between the River Thames and the Waterhay Reedbeds (Lakes 68c/68d, part of the Cleveland Lakes complex). These meadows also lie between the Thames National Trail and the Thames, comprising a very popular access route for walkers, birdwatchers, horse riders and cyclists, between Ashton Keynes and Cricklade. Sand and gravel extraction here would create massive disruption to a rights of way network only just starting to recover from the Cleveland Farm Quarry extraction of recent years. Potential extraction here should also not directly affect Waterhay Car Park, currently a key access point to this area, and has also been subject to recent improvement works. U12, U13 and U14 are a key part of the Cleveland Lakes SNA, extending from Cleveland Lakes to North Meadow. Extraction of gravel in these areas would result in the loss of biodiversity which could not be replaced through the mineral restoration process. The potential impact upon adjacent County Wildlife Sites should be assessed

Human Assessment of noise, Public right of way is a National health and visual, dust and light Trail. amenity intrusion on those living in proximity to the site.

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Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the Medium archaeological potential – environment impacts to the setting of mitigation likely to be required. listed buildings in Potential impacts on Leigh All proximity to site. Saints Grade II* listed building, Upper Watehay Farmhouse, early medieval earthworks/ settlement; prehistoric and/or Roman activity; Ashton Keynes Conservation Area, and given the scale of potential extraction, the historic landscape as a whole.

Water Potential impacts to Consider measures to prevent environment surface and groundwater pollution of River Thames during quality and scope to extraction and restoration phases. increase flood storage capacity for the local area. Potential impacts to integrity and water quality of River Thames.

Restoration The area of land is No comment currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, or potentially flood alleviation/ wetland habitat creation in line with South West Nature Map designation.

Site Option U14:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comment No comment EXCLUDE -Evidence has Transport Assessment of potential Transport infrastructure around come to light that access to B4696, Ashton Keynes is inadequate to this area has been avoiding weight cope with increase in quarry traffic. previously worked restricted roads, to and restored– site reach the HGV route should be excluded network, with particular

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consideration of impacts from further to dwellings adjacent to consideration. and in proximity to site and potential HGV route.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby The allocation of this site could visual properties and amenity contribute towards the surrounding impact uses, impacts on the of Ashton Keynes by lakes / landscape character of minerals extraction. Impacts to the area. agricultural land in the area.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Site is adjacent to or contains potential for protected or County Wildlife Site. notable species on the site and in proximity to These meadows along the banks of the site, impacts to the River Thames comprise a key hedgerows and part of the Thames corridor known aged/veteran trees, as Waterhay. The river here impacts of minerals supports significant populations of operations on fauna and Water vole and Otter and large flora of the site (and numbers of dragonfly's characteristic nearby). of high water quality, including the White-legged Damselfly. During the winter months, wintering waterbirds feed upon the meadows, including large flocks of Snipe, Lapwing and duck. Much of the wildlife found here today has only relatively recently returned or colonised following gravel pit restoration in the past 10 years. These meadows provide linkage between the River Thames and the Waterhay Reedbeds (Lakes 68c/68d, part of the Cleveland Lakes complex). These meadows also lie between the Thames National Trail and the Thames, comprising a very popular access route for walkers, birdwatchers, horse riders and cyclists, between Ashton Keynes and Cricklade. Sand and gravel extraction here would create massive disruption to a rights of way network only just starting to recover from the Cleveland Farm Quarry extraction of recent years. Potential extraction here should also not directly affect Waterhay Car Park, currently a key access point to this area, and has also been subject to recent improvement works. U12, U13 and U14 are a key part of the

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Cleveland Lakes SNA, extending from Cleveland Lakes to North Meadow. Extraction of gravel in these areas would result in the loss of biodiversity which could not be replaced through the mineral restoration process. The potential impact upon adjacent County Wildlife Sites should be assessed.

Human Assessment of noise, Public right of way is a National health and visual, dust and light Trail. amenity intrusion on those living in proximity to the site.

Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the Medium archaeological potential – environment impacts to the setting of mitigation likely to be required. listed buildings in Known features in U14. Potential proximity to site. impacts on Leigh All Saints Grade II* listed building, Upper Watehay Farmhouse, early medieval earthworks/settlement; prehistoric and/or Roman activity; Ashton Keynes Conservation Area, and given the scale of potential extraction, the historic landscape as a whole.

Water Potential impacts to Consider measures to prevent environment surface and pollution of adjacent lake during groundwater quality and extraction & restoration phases. scope to increase flood storage capacity for the local area.

Restoration The area of land is currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, or potentially flood alleviation/ wetland habitat creation in line with South West Nature Map aspirations for

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standing open water designation.

Site Option U15:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General EXCLUDE - Access to site Transport Assessment of potential Transport infrastructure around option would prove access to B4696, avoiding Ashton Keynes is inadequate to difficult. Site option weight restricted roads, to cope with increase in quarry traffic. narrows to the east reach the HGV route limiting potential for network, with particular working minerals to consideration of impacts the east of the R. to dwellings adjacent to Thames. Standoff and in proximity to site and would be required potential HGV route. to mitigate for unacceptable Landscape/ Visual impacts to nearby The allocation of this site could impacts of noise visual properties, impacts on the contribute towards the surrounding and dust to nearby impact landscape character of the of Ashton Keynes by lakes / residential area. minerals extraction. Impacts to properties. agricultural land in the area. These combined Biodiversity Assessment of the The site is adjacent to a County constraints are very potential for protected or Wildlife Site. likely to reduce notable species on the site yield to a point and in proximity to the site, These meadows and arable fields (possibly less than impacts to hedgerows and along the Thames, Swill and Derry 300,000 tonnes) aged/veteran trees, Brooks already support where site option impacts of minerals populations of water vole and would be operations on fauna and otter. In winter these fields flood considered flora of the site and water extensively and the meadows undeliverable. bodies. often support good numbers of wintering waterbirds such as Lapwing and dabbling duck. During the summer months breeding waders such as Lapwing sometimes attempt breeding here. The meadows would be suitable for restoration to more species-rich meadows, which the arable fields comprise target sites for restoration to grassland (either wet grassland or species-rich lowland meadows). The regularity of flooding here as well as intact ground water flow renders these

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fields suitable for future restoration to BAP habitats. As discussed earlier, such restoration has a greater chance of success if the ground has not been subjected to extraction. This area lies within lowland meadow SNAs of South-West Nature Map. The landscape value of this region should be preserved, comprising an area of expansive, flat floodplain, characterised by numerous willow and black poplar pollards around field margins. Area 18 in particular would be suitable for restoration to lowland meadow targeting breeding waders such as Curlew, a species of great conservation in the CWP as well as nationally and internationally

Human Assessment of noise, No comments health and visual, dust and light amenity intrusion on those living in proximity to the site.

Consult with Defence Estates on the risk of birdstrike.

Historic Assessment of the Medium archaeological potential environment impacts to the setting of – mitigation likely to be required. listed buildings and Ashton Potential impacts on Leigh All Keynes Conservation Area Saints Grade II* listed building, in proximity to the site. Upper Watehay Farmhouse, early medieval earthworks/settlement; prehistoric and/or Roman activity; Ashton Keynes Conservation Area, and given the scale of potential extraction, the historic landscape as a whole.

Water Potential impacts to Consider measures to prevent environment surface and groundwater pollution of River Thames during quality, river water quality extraction & restoration phases. and scope to increase flood storage capacity for the local area.

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Restoration The area of land is No comments currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, contribute to the expansion of the community forest designation in the area or potentially create flood alleviation/ wetland habitat in line with South West Nature Map aspirations for standing open water designation.

Site Option U16:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General Only 25% of site option No comments Assessment of delineation within Mineral Resource of sand and gravel resource Zone. Assessment of required. mineral quality/quantity required.

Transport Assessment of Potential for use of former Suitability of local road potentially unsuitable Midland & South Western network (B4696) to access roads to reach the HGV Junction Railway route as site and accommodate route network, check an alternative mode of minerals HGVs. the extent of 7.5t weight transport for sand and restriction. Potential for gravel (Swindon and new junction to the west Cricklade Railway). of the site Transport infrastructure around Ashton Keynes is inadequate to cope with increase in quarry traffic.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Area lies on lowland Assessment of potential visual nearby roads and meadow SNAs of South impacts on landscape impact properties, impacts on West Nature Map. character and potential for the landscape character Landscape value of this visual impacts on sensitive of the area and views region should be preserved receptors adjacent to and onto the site. - comprising an area of within view of site option. expansive, flat floodplain,

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Assessment to characterised by numerous Policy assessment of need determine the willow and black poplar to preserve areas of BMV agricultural quality of pollards around field agricultural land. the land on the site. margins.

Impact on historic landscape due to scale of proposals.

Loss of agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of the CWS entirely within U16 Assessment of potential for potential for protected and another CWS adjacent protected or notable species or notable species on to site which would be in and around site (otter, the site, impacts to affected. water vole, and wintering hedgerows and water birds such as Lapwing aged/veteran trees, Site in close proximity to and Dabbling Duck). impacts of minerals Cotswold Water Park local Impacts on hedgerows and operations on fauna and wildlife site. aged/veteran trees (if flora of the site (and present). Impacts of nearby) and impacts on Meadows and arable field minerals operations on surrounding copses. habitats support species fauna and flora of the site such as water vole and (and nearby). Assessment otter, and wintering water of potential impacts on The birds such as Lapwing and Chancel County Wildlife Dabbling Duck. Site, Cotswold Water Park Pits County Wildlife Site and small lake and copse within site option which appear to be managed for nature conservation.

Human Assessment of noise, Proximity to RAF Fairford – Assessment of likely impact health and visual, dust and light aerodrome 10km south of noise, dust and light on amenity intrusion on those living west of Safeguarding Site sensitive receptors in in proximity to the site. (MOD). proximity to site option, including those at Ashton Consult with MoD on Impact on amenity and Keynes. the risk of birdstrike. quality of life for residents of Ashton Keynes – have borne brunt of Wiltshire quarrying for last 30-40 years.

Historic Impacts on the setting Medium potential for Assessment of potential for environment of Leigh All Saints Old archaeology (likely evidence of early medieval Chancel (Grade II* mitigation required). Known earthworks/settlement, listed) within the site. archaeological features in Prehistoric or Roman activity U14, U17 and U18. in area. Assessment of Potential for evidence of impacts on The Chancel early medieval Grade II* listed building and

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earthworks/settlement, listed buildings in proximity Prehistoric or Roman to site option. Assessment activity in area. Potential of impacts on setting of impact on Leigh All Saints Ashton Keynes (Grade II* listed building) Conservation Area. Further and Upper Waterhay checks with Wiltshire County Farmhouse. Effect on Archaeologist and English Ashton Keynes Heritage required. Conservation Area.

Water Assessment of the Concerns regarding impact Environment Agency have environment impact to aquifers and on groundwater. Potential not objected to development SPZ in the area and flood risk – meadows in of site option in principle impacts to the area frequently flood. Plans subject to further surrounding should consider measures assessments undertaken on environment and river to prevent pollution of water surface and groundwater water quality. courses (River Thames) quality and flow. Seek during extraction and advice from EA as to restoration phases. whether these assessments should be undertaken at planning application stage or at the plan preparation stage. Assessment of potential impact to water quality/ quantity of River Thames. Flood Risk Assessment required.

Restoration The area of land is Grassland/meadows Assess feasibility (including currently in agricultural considered as being consideration of increasing use with some pockets appropriate restoration risk of birdstrike) to restore of conservation areas habitats. Relationship site to: Agricultural use; and copses. Restoration between groundwater/BAP Woodland; Biodiversity could seek to return the species paramount in enhancement; land to agricultural use, providing habitat for birds ponds/lakes/flood storage create/expand the and other species. capacity. existing habitat features on the land or expand the Standing Open Water Strategic Nature Area and Neutral Grassland Strategic Nature Area designations as detailed through the South West Nature Map.

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Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comment No comment N/a

Transport Assessment of potential Potential for use of former Suitability of local road access to B4696, Midland & South Western network (B4696) to access avoiding weight Junction Railway route as site and accommodate restricted roads, to an alternative mode of minerals HGVs. reach the HGV route transport for sand and network, with particular gravel (Swindon and consideration of Cricklade Railway). impacts to dwellings in proximity to site and Transport infrastructure potential HGV route. around Ashton Keynes is inadequate to cope with increase in quarry traffic.

Landscape/ Visual impacts to Landscape value of this Assessment of potential visual nearby properties, region should be preserved impacts on landscape impact impacts on the - comprising an area of character and potential for landscape character of expansive, flat floodplain, visual impacts on sensitive the area. characterised by numerous receptors adjacent to and willow and black poplar within view of site option. pollards around field margins. Impact on historic Policy assessment of need landscape due to scale of to preserve areas of BMV proposals. agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Meadows and arable field Assessment of potential for potential for protected habitats support species protected or notable species or notable species on such as water vole and in and around site (otter, the site and in proximity otter, and wintering water water vole, and wintering to the site, impacts to birds such as Lapwing and water birds such as Lapwing hedgerows and Dabbling Duck. and Dabbling Duck). Impacts aged/veteran trees, on hedgerows and impacts of minerals Grassland/meadows aged/veteran trees (if operations on fauna appropriate restoration present). Impacts of minerals and flora of the site and habitats. Relationship operations on fauna and water bodies. between groundwater/BAP flora of the site (and species paramount. Site in nearby). Assessment of close proximity to Cotswold potential impacts on nearby Water Park local wildlife County Wildlife Site. site.

Human Assessment of noise, Impact on amenity and Assessment of likely impact health and visual, dust and light quality of life for residents of noise, dust and light on amenity intrusion on those living of Ashton Keynes – have sensitive receptors in in proximity to the site. proximity to site option,

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Consult with Defence borne brunt of Wiltshire including those at Ashton Estates on the risk of quarrying for last 30 - 40 Keynes. birdstrike. years.

Proximity to RAF Fairford – aerodrome 8km south west of Safeguarding Site (MOD).

Historic Assessment of the Medium potential for Assessment of potential for environment impacts to the setting of archaeology (likely evidence of early medieval listed buildings and mitigation required). Known earthworks/settlement, Ashton Keynes archaeological features in Prehistoric or Roman activity Conservation Area in U14, U17 and U18, in area. Assessment of proximity to the site. Potential for early medieval impacts on listed buildings in earthworks/settlement, proximity to site option. Prehistoric or Roman Assessment of impacts on activity in area. Potential Leigh All Saints (Grade II* detrimental impact on Leigh listed building) and Upper All Saints (Grade II* listed Waterhay Farmhouse, and building) and Upper setting of Ashton Keynes Waterhay Farmhouse. Conservation Area. Further Effect on Ashton Keynes checks with Wiltshire County Conservation Area. Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Potential impacts to Potential flood risk – Environment Agency have environment surface and meadows in area flood not objected to development groundwater quality, frequently. Site in FZ3/2. of site option in principle river water quality and FRA required. Concerns subject to further scope to increase flood regarding impact on assessments undertaken on storage capacity for the groundwater – site in SPZ3. surface and groundwater local area. Plans should consider quality and flow. Seek measures to prevent advice from EA as to pollution of water courses whether these assessments (River Thames) during should be undertaken at extraction and restoration planning application stage or phases. at the plan preparation stage. Assessment of potential impact to water quality/ quantity of River Thames. Flood Risk Assessment required.

Restoration The area of land is Assess feasibility (including currently in agricultural consideration of increasing use. Restoration could risk of birdstrike) to restore seek to return the land site to: Agricultural use; to agricultural use, Woodland; Biodiversity contribute to the enhancement;

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expansion of the ponds/lakes/flood storage community forest capacity. designation in the area or potentially create flood alleviation/ wetland habitat in line with South West Nature Map aspirations for standing open water designation.

Site Option U18:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General Only 60% of site option No comments Assessment of delineation within Mineral Resource of sand and gravel resource Zone. Assessment of required. mineral quality/quantity required.

Transport Assessment of Potential for use of former Suitability of local road potentially unsuitable Midland & South Western network (B4696) to access roads to reach the HGV Junction Railway route as an site and accommodate route network, check alternative mode of transport minerals HGVs. the extent of 7.5t weight for sand and gravel (Swindon restriction. Assessment and Cricklade Railway). of potential for HGV traffic to turn onto the Transport infrastructure B4696. around Ashton Keynes is inadequate to cope with increase in quarry traffic.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Landscape value of this Assessment of potential visual nearby roads and region should be preserved impacts on landscape impact properties, impacts on - comprising an area of character and potential for the landscape character expansive, flat floodplain, visual impacts on sensitive of the area and views characterised by numerous receptors adjacent to and onto the site. willow and black poplar within view of site option. pollards around field Assessment to margins. Impact on historic Policy assessment of need determine the landscape due to scale of to preserve areas of BMV agricultural quality of proposals. agricultural land. the land on the site. Loss of agricultural land – believed to be a finite resource.

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Biodiversity Assessment of the Site adjacent to CWS. Site Assessment of potential for potential for protected in close proximity to protected or notable or notable species on Cotswold Water Park local species in and around site the site, impacts to wildlife site. Meadows and (otter, water vole, and hedgerows and arable field habitats support wintering water birds such aged/veteran trees, species such as water vole as Lapwing and Dabbling impacts of minerals and otter, and wintering Duck). Impacts on operations on fauna water birds such as Lapwing hedgerows and and flora of the site and Dabbling Duck. aged/veteran trees (if (and nearby) and present). Impacts of impacts on surrounding Grassland/meadows minerals operations on copses. appropriate restoration fauna and flora of the site habitats. Relationship (and nearby). Assessment between groundwater/BAP of potential impacts on species paramount. Site U18 adjacent County Wildlife would be suitable for Site. restoration to lowland meadow targeting breeding waders such as Curlew, a species of great conservation in the CWP as well as nationally and internationally (Cotswold Water Park Society).

Human Assessment of noise, Proximity to RAF Fairford – Assessment of likely impact health and visual, dust and light aerodrome 8km south west of noise, dust and light on amenity intrusion on those living of Safeguarding Site (MOD). sensitive receptors in in proximity to the site. proximity to site option, Impact on amenity and including those at Ashton Consult with MoD on quality of life for residents of Keynes. the risk of birdstrike. Ashton Keynes – have borne brunt of Wiltshire quarrying for last 30-40 years. Potential to enhance public access in area (PRoW).

Historic Impacts on the setting Medium potential for Assessment of potential for environment of listed buildings and archaeology (likely mitigation evidence of early medieval Ashton Keynes required). Known earthworks/settlement, Conservation Area in archaeological features in Prehistoric or Roman proximity to the site. U14, U17 and U18. Potential activity in area. Assessment for evidence of early of impacts on listed medieval buildings in proximity to site earthworks/settlement, option. Assessment of Prehistoric or Roman activity impacts on Leigh All Saints in area. Potential impact on (Grade II* listed building) Leigh All Saints (Grade II* and Upper Waterhay listed building) and Upper Farmhouse, and setting of Waterhay Farmhouse. Effect Ashton Keynes

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on Ashton Keynes Conservation Area. Further Conservation Area. checks with Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Assessment of the Potential flood risk – Environment Agency have environment impact to aquifers and meadows in area flood not objected to SPZ in the area and frequently. Concerns development of site option impacts to the regarding impact on in principle subject to surrounding groundwater. Plans should further assessments environment and consider measures to undertaken on surface and river/brook water prevent pollution of water groundwater quality and quality. courses (River flow. Seek advice from EA Thames/Derry Brook) during as to whether these extraction and restoration assessments should be phases). undertaken at planning application stage or at the plan preparation stage. Assessment of potential impact to water quality/ quantity of River Thames. Flood Risk Assessment required.

Restoration The area of land is No comment. Assess feasibility (including currently in agricultural consideration of increasing use with an area to risk of birdstrike) to restore south used for site to: Agricultural use; equestrian uses. Woodland; Biodiversity Restoration could seek enhancement; to return the land to ponds/lakes/flood storage agricultural use, capacity. create/expand the existing habitat features on the land or expand the Neutral Grassland Strategic Nature Area designations as detailed through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option U19:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General EXCLUDE - The site option is in

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Transport Assessment of unsuitable Potential for use of former complete isolation roads to reach the HGV Midland & South Western from operational route network, check the Junction Railway route as an quarries within extent of 7.5t weight alternative mode of transport for Wiltshire/ Swindon restriction and potential to sand and gravel (Swindon and and expand the road. Cricklade Railway). Gloucestershire. The local road Transport infrastructure around network is weight Ashton Keynes is inadequate to restricted cope with increase in quarry (practically single traffic. lane) and unsuitable to accommodate Landscape/ Visual impacts from nearby Impact on historic landscape due minerals HGVs. visual roads and properties, to scale of proposals. Area lies There are no impact impacts on the landscape within lowland meadow SNAs of feasible alternative character of the area and South West Nature Map, including options to transport views onto the site. a number of high quality sites mineral from the (known SSSIs and CWS). Assessment to determine site the agricultural quality of Loss of agricultural land – the land on the site. believed to be a finite resource.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Small area, no likely significant potential for protected or biodiversity issues foreseen. notable species on the site, Restoration should look to impacts to hedgerows and incorporate mosaic of permanent aged/veteran trees, and temporary ponds impacts of minerals (Environment Agency). Potential operations on fauna and disturbance of species-rich flora of the site (and hedgerows (wildlife corridors) nearby). along roadsides in order to enable quarry vehicle access along narrow roads. Extraction on site is likely to impact groundwater movement towards the SSSI and CWS grasslands to the north of U21 and U19. There are a number of Black Poplar trees in area which are likely to be affected by physical disturbance as well as ground water depression during dewatering activities.

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Consult with MoD on the Impact on amenity and quality of risk of birdstrike. life for residents of Ashton Keynes and other nearby properties – have borne brunt of Wiltshire quarrying for last 30-40 years.

Historic Impacts on the setting of Lower potential for archaeology – environment listed buildings in proximity no known finds. Although small to the site. potential for medieval/earlier activity on site. Potential impact on Tellings’ and Moor listed farmhouses. Effect on Ashton Keynes Conservation Area.

Water Assessment of the impact Potential flood risk – meadows in environment to aquifers in the area and area frequently flood. Site in impacts to the surrounding FZ3/2 - FRA required. No environment. significant issues with groundwater.

Restoration The area of land is No comment. currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, create/expand the existing habitat features on the land or expand the Neutral Grassland Strategic Nature Area designations as detailed through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option U20:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comment No comment EXCLUDE - The site option is in Transport Assessment of unsuitable Potential for use of former Midland complete isolation roads to reach the HGV & South Western Junction Railway from operational route network, check the route as an alternative mode of quarries within extent of 7.5t weight transport for sand and gravel Wiltshire/ Swindon restriction and potential to (Swindon and Cricklade Railway). and expand the road. Gloucestershire. Transport infrastructure around The local road Ashton Keynes is inadequate to network is weight cope with increase in quarry traffic. restricted

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Landscape/ Visual impacts from Impact on historic landscape due (practically single visual nearby roads and to scale of proposals. Area lies lane) and impact properties, impacts on the within lowland meadow SNAs of unsuitable to landscape character of the South West Nature Map, including accommodate area and views onto the a number of high quality sites minerals HGVs. site. (known SSSIs and CWS). There are no feasible alternative Loss of agricultural land – believed options to transport to be a finite resource. mineral from the site. Biodiversity Assessment of the CWS adjacent to site. Site potential for protected or adjacent to Moorleaze Meadow notable species on the Farm (local wildlife site) – likely to site, impacts to be significantly affected. Potential hedgerows and disturbance of species-rich aged/veteran trees, hedgerows (wildlife corridors) impacts of minerals along roadsides in order to enable operations on fauna and quarry vehicle access along flora of the site (and narrow roads. nearby) and impacts on surrounding copses. There are a number of Black Poplar trees in area which are Assessment to determine likely to be affected by physical the agricultural quality of disturbance as well as ground the land on the site. water depression during dewatering activities Derry Brook needs to be protected from operations – requiring a 10m buffer strip.

Restoration of Derry Brook, which has poor physical habitat over much of its length, should be considered as part of the restoration scheme. Restoration should also look to incorporate mosaic of permanent and temporary ponds (Environment Agency).

Human Assessment of noise, Proximity to RAF Fairford – health and visual, dust and light aerodrome 11km south west of amenity intrusion on those living Safeguarding Site (MOD). and working in proximity to the site. Impact on amenity and quality of life for residents of Ashton Keynes Consult with MoD on the and other nearby properties – have risk of birdstrike. borne brunt of Wiltshire quarrying for last 30-40 years.

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Historic Impacts on the setting of Lower potential for archaeology – environment listed buildings in no known finds. Although small proximity to the site. potential for medieval/earlier activity on site. Effect on Ashton Keynes Conservation Area. Consideration to both Tellings’ and Moor listed farmhouses must be given.

Water Assessment of the impact Potential flood risk – meadows in environment to aquifers in the area and area frequently flood. Site in FZ3/2 impacts to the surrounding - FRA required. No significant environment and brook issues with groundwater. water quality. Proposals should consider measures to prevent pollution of Derry Brook during extraction and restoration phases.

Restoration The area of land is No comment currently in agricultural use. Restoration could seek to return the land to agricultural use, create/expand the existing habitat features on the land or expand the Neutral Grassland Strategic Nature Area designations as detailed through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option U21:

Topic area Key issues initially identified Key issues identified by Recommendation by officers consultees

General No comment Due to clay soils and flooding EXCLUDE - The the amount of gravel site option is in estimated doesn’t exist and complete isolation is shallow. from operational quarries within Transport Assessment of unsuitable poor access, Wiltshire/ Swindon roads to reach the HGV route unsuitable/narrow roads, cost and network, check the extent of of road improvements, the Gloucestershire. 7.5t weight restriction and use of the Swindon and The local road potential to expand the road. Cricklade railway could be network is weight the same as using 220 restricted minerals lorries. (practically single lane) and

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Transport infrastructure unsuitable to around Ashton Keynes is accommodate inadequate to cope with minerals HGVs. increase in quarry traffic. There are no feasible alternative options to transport Landscape/ Visual impacts from nearby Near Acres Farm SSSI, mineral from the visual roads and properties, impacts Tellings Farm Meadow CWS site impact on the landscape character of within site boundary, impact the area and views onto the on notable veteran Black site. Poplar Trees.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the potential for Hydrological impacts on protected or notable species on Clattinger Farm SAC/Acres the site, impacts to hedgerows Farm Meadow SSSI, impacts and aged/veteran trees, on species rich hedgerows. impacts of minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby), and impacts on County Wildlife Sites.

Human Assessment of noise, visual, adjacent to residential health and dust and light intrusion on those properties, loss of natural amenity living in proximity to the site. countryside around Ashton Keynes, impacts to Ashton Consult with MoD on the risk of Keynes residents if all sites birdstrike. went forward.

Historic Impacts on the setting of listed No known archaeology, environment buildings in proximity to the site potential for medieval or and assessment of potentially earlier activity on site and archaeological significant potential impacts to markings on the site. Tellings’/Moor Farmhouses.

Water Assessment of the impact to site within Flood Zone 2/3 environment aquifers in the area and and SPZ3, extraction likely to impacts to the surrounding impact on groundwater environment. movement to SSSI and CWS grasslands to the north, site within lowland meadow SNA SW Nature Map.

Restoration The area of land is currently in propose restoration to agricultural use. Restoration agriculture and biodiversity could seek to return the land to (MoD), permanent and agricultural use, contribute to temporary pond network. woodland grant schemes

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operating within the site, create/expand the existing habitat features on the land or expand the Neutral Grassland Strategic Nature Area designations as detailed through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option U22:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comments Best agricultural land It is important to ensure that should be avoided so all possible options have been agriculture can have given consideration to ensure priority. that the testing of forecasts for sand and gravel is undertaken Site previously excluded in as comprehensively as previous Minerals Local possible. Plan preparations - inclusion undermines The issue of use of best and confidence in minerals most versatile agricultural land planning system will be considered as part of the detailed assessments.

Transport Assessment of road Swindon and Cricklade Assess feasibility of utilising suitability to reach the railway could transport existing access arrangements HGV route network mineral. Proposals to at Shorncote to north of site and potential for site extend north to Cirencester option and potential to access access. and to connect with B4696 and assessment of Gloucester line at Moredon suitability of this stretch of bridge, but would need road. Wiltshire council support. 1 train could be the same as 220 lorries. Infrastructure still in place from the Shorncote/Cotswold Community Quarry to the north. Spine road cycle track runs along the southern perimeter.

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Down, Keynes wildlife sites should be visual impacts on sensitive Country Park, impacts considered. Site entirely receptors adjacent to and on the landscape within floodplain grazing within view of site option. character of the area marsh SNA. and views onto the Policy assessment of need to site. preserve areas of BMV agricultural land. Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the No comment Potential for protected or potential for protected notable species in and around or notable species on site. Impacts on hedgerows the site and in and aged/veteran trees (if proximity to the site, present). Impacts of minerals impacts to hedgerows operations on fauna and flora and aged/veteran of the site (and nearby). trees, impacts of Assessment of potential minerals operations impacts on adjacent County on fauna and flora of Wildlife Site. the site (and nearby), and impacts on County Wildlife Sites.

Human Assessment of noise, Large impact on Ashton This site option is adjacent to health and visual, dust and light Keynes residents if all sites a community school which amenity intrusion on those to south and south-west would normally lead to its living, working and implemented. exclusion. However the undertaking recreation organisation responsible for in proximity to the site. Aerodrome 10km to south managing the school west. submitted the land for Consult with MoD on consideration and therefore it the risk of birdstrike. should be considered further. Assessment of likely impact of noise, dust and light on sensitive receptors at Cotswold Community School and in proximity to site option.

Historic Impacts on the setting Known sites of national Assessment of potential for environment of SAM and of listed importance-several features impact on the setting of Ashton buildings in proximity in site. The setting of fields farmstead (18C) should to the site. Ashton fields farmstead be considered. Potential for (18C) should be site containing evidence of iron considered. Potential for age/roman occupation should site containing evidence of be considered. Assessment of iron age/roman occupation impacts on listed buildings in should be considered. proximity to site option (at Cotswold Community).

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Further checks with Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Assessment of the Very Small Part FZ3, SPZ3. Environment Agency have not environment impact to aquifers and Might have impact on objected to development of Ground Water Source groundwater flows in area, site option in principle subject Protection Zone in the Hydrogeological risk to further assessments area and impacts to assessment required. undertaken on surface and the surrounding groundwater quality and flow. environment. Measures should be Hydrological risk assessment considered to prevent required. Seek advice from pollution of surface water EA as to whether these during extraction and assessments should be restoration phases. undertaken at planning Concerns of dewatering on application stage or at the plan Keynes country park. preparation stage. Groundwater depression Assessment of potential for could lower levels of lake impacts of dewatering on 32, affecting country park Ashton Keynes Country Park. and water sports centre there.

Excessive amounts of infilling may prevent groundwater flow.

Restoration The area of land is MoD proposed restoration Assess feasibility (including currently in to agriculture and neutral consideration of increasing risk agricultural use. grassland. Opportuities for of birdstrike) to restore site to: Restoration could BAP habitats such as open Agricultural use; Woodland; seek to return the land water, reedbed, and wet Biodiversity enhancement; to agricultural use, woodland as well as public ponds/lakes/flood storage create/expand the access. Potential to link with capacity. existing habitat Keynes country park. features on the land Landscape linkage between or expand the bat roosts of the Cotswold Standing Open Water community support barns Strategic Nature Area that need to be restored. designations as Hedgerow and ditch detailed through the restoration key in restoring South West Nature landscape connectivity. Map.

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Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General No comment Site previously It is important to ensure that all excluded-inclusion possible options have been undermines confidence in given consideration to ensure minerals planning system. that the testing of forecasts for sand and gravel is undertaken as comprehensively as possible.

Transport Assessment of road Swindon and Cricklade Assess feasibility of utilising suitability to reach the railway could transport existing access arrangements HGV route network and mineral. Proposals to at Shorncote to north of site potential for site extend north to option and potential to access access. Cirencester and to B4696 and assessment of connect with Gloucester suitability of this stretch of line at Moredon bridge, road. but would need Wiltshire council support. 1 train could be the same as 220 lorries.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Site is adjacent to CWS. Assessment of potential visual nearby roads, Potential impact on impacts on landscape impact properties, Ashton Cotswold Water park local character and potential for Down, Keynes Country wildlife sites should be visual impacts on sensitive Park, impacts on the considered. Site entirely receptors adjacent to and landscape character of within floodplain grazing within view of site option. the area and views marsh SNA. Impact on onto the site. adjacent CWSs should be Policy assessment of need to assessed in particular preserve areas of BMV Assessment to lake 62, but also other agricultural land. determine the lakes which may be agricultural quality of impacted by groundwater the land on the site. depression.

Biodiversity Assessment of the No comment Assessment of potential for potential for protected protected or notable species or notable species on in and around site, impacts on the site and in proximity hedgerows and aged/veteran to the site, impacts to trees (if present). Impacts of hedgerows and minerals operations on fauna aged/veteran trees, and flora of the site (and impacts of minerals nearby). Assessment of operations on fauna potential impacts on adjacent and flora of the site County Wildlife Site. (and nearby), and impacts on County Wildlife Sites.

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Human Assessment of noise, Large impact on Ashton This site option is adjacent to health and visual, dust and light Keynes residents if all a community school which amenity intrusion on those living sites to south and would normally lead to its and working in south-west implemented. exclusion. However the proximity to the site. organisation responsible for Aerodrome 10km to south managing the school submitted Consult with MoD on west. the land for consideration and the risk of birdstrike. therefore it should be considered further. Assessment of likely impact of noise, dust and light on sensitive receptors at Cotswold Community School and in proximity to site option.

Historic Impacts on the SAM Site is a scheduled Assessment of impacts on environment located within the site monument-a prehistoric SAM (a prehistoric and Roman and of listed buildings and roman settlement settlement). SAMs have been in proximity to the site. complex. worked in the local area in the recent past and therefore clarification on this matter should be sought. Assessment of impacts on listed buildings in proximity to site option (at Cotswold Community). Further checks with Wiltshire County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Assessment of the Small Part FZ3, SPZ3. Environment Agency have not environment impact to aquifers and Might have impact on objected to development of site Ground Water Source groundwater flows in area, option in principle subject to Protection Zone in the Hydrogeological risk further assessments area and impacts to the assessment required. undertaken on surface and surrounding Measures should be groundwater quality and flow. environment. considered to prevent Hydrological risk assessment pollution of surface water required. Seek advice from EA during extraction and as to whether these restoration phases. assessments should be undertaken at planning Excessive amounts of application stage or at the plan infilling may prevent preparation stage. groundwater flow. Adjacent historic and authorised landfill

Restoration The area of land is MoD proposed restoration Assess feasibility (including currently in agricultural to agriculture and neutral consideration of increasing risk use. Restoration could grassland. Opportunities of birdstrike) to restore site to: seek to return the land for BAP habitats such as Agricultural use; Woodland; to agricultural use, open water, reedbed, and Biodiversity enhancement;

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create/expand the wet woodland as well as ponds/lakes/flood storage existing habitat public access, including capacity. features on the land or ‘missing link’ in spine road expand the Standing cycle track. Open Water Strategic Nature Area Landscape linkage designations within the between bat roosts of the area as detailed Cotswold community through the South West support barns that need Nature Map. to be restored. Hedgerow and ditch restoration key in restoring landscape connectivity

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 157 Appendix 7 Calne Area: Summary of key issues tables

The tables below provide details of the key issues raised by officers and consultees for the site options in the Calne Area Mineral Resource Zone. The tables also identify which site options should be excluded from further consideration and and the scope of any further assessments required on each of the remaining site options.

The Calne Area: Non-site specific key issues raised

Topic area Issues raised by consultees Further Assessments required

General According to the CPRE there are 6 One of the key factors in determining the billion tonnes of permitted reserve for price of aggregates at the end use point is aggregates in England. Why is there the costs incurred with transporting a need for sand from the Calne area? mineral. On average aggregates are transported by road 40km from their point of origin. Where rail transport is not an option this can extend a little further. However, generally, beyond this point the costs to the customer begin to become prohibitive. There may be 6 billion tonnes of reserves within the UK. However, a very small proportion of these reserves are located in close enough proximity to Wiltshire and Swindon to supply local markets.

It was suggested that the Salisbury Unfortunately the Salisbury Plain is almost Plain would be more suitable for sand entirely underlain with chalk and therefore extraction would not be able to provide an adequate alternative supply of sand.

The quarries would compromise a The impacts on the market garden areas nationally important market garden will be considered in the further area for producing high quality assessments. vegetables

It is considered that there has been an The consultation document presented all over-allocation of soft sand sites for the the options under consideration. None of area and that the number of sites the site options had any planning status. should be reduced accordingly. The The purpose of the consultation was simply potential sites contravene national and to provide the opportunity for communities local policy and legislation. Proposals to comment prior to any decisions being are at odds with the Wiltshire Council made. Because we are at the early stages “Economic Development Planning and of plan preparation and the land considered Housing” strategy and ethos as stated has no planning status, no policy or in the updated document of April 2009 legislation has been 'contravened'. It may under the heading of countryside. The well be the case that, after further allocation of the sites would be contrary assessment, none of the site options in the to policies MDC2 and MDC6. Calne area are considered suitable, but at least in that instance the Councils will have a robust evidence base to report this fact back to central government.

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There was some confusion about The quarries would not be run by Wiltshire whether Wiltshire Council will be Council. The responsibility for submitting operating the potential sites as an application and operating a quarry would quarries. Money used in quarries be undertaken by the private sector. The would be better spent on investing in plan prepared by the council, which will be town of Calne rather than despoiling it based on evidence gathered through the further. consultation and any further detailed assessments required, will be used to help determine the suitability of planning applications for quarries as submitted by private developers.

Why are so many potential sites being The consultation document presented all considered in the Calne area? Mining the options under consideration. It may well on such a scale (18 sites) would be the case that, after further assessments significantly change the character of are undertaken, none of the site options in the area, and cause significant pollution the Calne area are considered suitable, but and damage to wildlife Calne and at least in that instance the Councils will surrounding community has tolerated have a robust evidence base to report this quarrying and landfill for long enough. fact back to central government.

Targets for sand and gravel are a Central Government publish national and legacy of past government. How much regional guidelines which are used as the sand are the council obliged to make basis for forecast rates at the local level provision for, and are there any legal which has traditionally be prepared by the obligations to provide it? Could this Regional Planning Body(the forecast for result in compulsory purchase? Wiltshire and Swindon is currently1.85 million tonnes per annum). Government policy requires local authorities to 'test' the forecast requirement through the identification of land suitable for sand and gravel extraction. If not enough land can be identified then the Council can report back to government and request a lower rate. However, this must be based on a robust evidence base which is why the Councils are taking this approach. The Councils powers for compulsory purchase will not be used.

Should we consider importing stone Central government have looked into the and sand? Wouldn’t the importation of possibility of importing aggregates from minerals from countries in the Middle abroad. However, when compared to costs East and Africa by rail and boat be of indigenous sources, importing more cost effective (when taking into aggregates is not currently viable for many account costs of road repairs, NHS and parts of the UK, mainly due to the high people’s lives) and reduce our carbon weight per volume of aggregate minerals - footprint? a significant proportion of the price of aggregates is due to transport costs. The aggregates would still need to travel from the coastal ports to the end use point by road or rail. For land-locked Wiltshire this

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would be an extremely expensive source of construction materials.

What happens after 2026 and the end Central Government are likely to continue of the Plan period? to produce forecasts for aggregates. However, this is dependent on availability. If Wiltshire respond to the current forecasts by presenting evidence that a lower rate of production is appropriate, then this should be reflected in any subsequent forecasts.

Consultation document was not very The Councils are still at a very early stage well publicised. There should have of planning making and will use the results been neighbour notification. WC of the consultation to inform the next officers have spent too much time, stages. At this stage very little of the money and effort into developing these Councils' resource has been put into the options. site options. A number of methods were used to publicise the consultation, including notification of the consultation in the 'Your Wiltshire' Magazine which is distributed to every household in Wiltshire, at no additional cost to Wiltshire Council.

Can local communities really influence Yes. The number of site options under the decisions regarding site selection consideration has reduced from 62 to 22 as a result of the consultation.

There is no shortage of supply in the There is a shortfall in local supply versus south east near to where demand demand in the south east region. Much of exists. Sand will be transported to other this shortfall is met by surrounding counties parts of the country rather than provide and is imported by rail. However, the for local needs. majority of the aggregate produced in Wiltshire and Swindon is used locally (within 40km of their point of origin).

The planning system and site selection Government policy advises that local process seems over complicated. Can authorities should produce plans that are the list of sites be widened to include evidence based and deliverable. There are areas that do not currently have the numerous factors that need to be consent of landowners but would considered in detail to determine whether represent better options? or not a site option would be suitable, hence the complicated nature of the process. If site options are unsuitable for sand and gravel extraction then they will be dropped from further considered, a decision based on robust evidence. Areas of land where the land owner does not support its inclusion in the Council's plan would not be considered deliverable.

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There is no market for the local sand. Government forecasts take into account A change in building practices away changes in building practices and the use from traditional brick laying reduces the of recycled materials. need for soft sand for mortar.

There should be a preference for There are limited options for further extensions to existing sites at Compton extraction remaining in the Compton Bassett. Bassett area. The Councils are assessing the potential for alternative sources of supply in the local area.

Is Wiltshire required to provide more Wiltshire and Swindon are required to landfill in the future? provide a small amount of landfill capacity for the period up to 2026 but it is not being proposed that this is met from sites within the Calne area. For Wiltshire and Swindon the emphasis of the waste policies of the development plan is on providing alternatives to landfill.

The quarries will result in a reduction The site options will be assessed for their in the value of properties in the area. environmental acceptability. If site options Businesses would lose trade as a result would result in unacceptable impacts then of quarries. Permissions for quarries they will be dropped from further should have conditions requiring consideration. It is very unlikely that more compensation to be paid to those than one new quarry would operate at the affected. Areas would become less same time in the Calne area. attractive to residents (existing and potentially new residents), businesses and tourists.

A huge amount of effort has been put The site options will be assessed for their into reviving Calne. The quarries will environmental acceptability. If site options undo all of the benefits that have been would result in unacceptable impacts then achieved to date. they will be dropped from further consideration. The potential for quarries to provide benefits to local communities will also be considered.

Modern quarries employ very few The site options will be assessed for their people, so employment provided would environmental acceptability. If site options not make up for loss of jobs as a result would result in unacceptable impacts then of business moving away due to they will be dropped from further quarries. consideration. The potential for quarries to provide benefits to local communities will also be considered.

The deposits around the Compton The quantity/quality of the mineral in this Bassett area are thin and area will be further investigated. uneconomical.

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A senior geologist has advised that the The quantity/quality of the mineral in this green sand in the Bromham area is of area will be further investigated. poor quality, unsuitable for construction industry. and is under a significant overburden of clay and silt.

Transport Sites C8-C11, C16, C17 and C18 (if At current or forecast rates of production, worked at the same time) would result it is likely that only one or two of the site in 20,000 additional lorries per year (77 options in the Calne area will be required. daily). It would be extremely unlikely that more than one site option would operate as a quarry simultaneously.

Access to sites are unsuitable. A4 not The suitability of the road network to suitable for minerals HGVs. The accommodate quarry access/egress and junction between A4 and A342 is an accident data will be further investigated. accident black spot. Accident data should be used to inform decision.

The local roads would not be able to The suitability of the road network to withstand the minerals traffic and would accommodate quarry access/egress will be cause significant damage. Debris will further investigated. be deposited on roads by quarry vehicles. Surfaces already showing signs of wear which will be exacerbated by winter conditions.

The local roads are dangerous and The suitability of the road network to overused. Impacts of increases in accommodate quarry access/egress and traffic generated by quarries. Lorries accident data will be further investigated. leaving quarries can be slow moving and as a result of this cause problems for other road users. The A4 between Derry Hill/ Studley and Calne is an accident black spot. Improvements to road network will change the rural nature of the area and make roads faster and more dangerous.

In the past 4 years there has been 16 accidents on the A3102 (Junction with A342 and Melksham), with 13 slight and 3 serious. In the past 4 years there has been 46 accidents on the A342 (Browfort to Derry Hill), 13 slight, 3 serious and 2 fatalities. Rowde has 30mph speed restriction, St Edith’s Marsh 40mph, Sandy Lane 30mph, Westbrook 40mph. There are severe bends – 4 in Rowde, 2 in St Edith’s Marsh, 2 in Sandy Lane. There are points where the road is too narrow

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(e.g Sandy Lane, Rowde) and heavy vehicles passing have to slow to a crawl.

There are concerns about safety and congestion at the following junctions with the A342 –Marsh Lane; Durlett Road; Bromham (1); Bromham (2); A3102 to Melksham; A3102 to Calne; and Lacock Road.

A342 at old Derry Hill is unsuitable for The suitability of this stretch of road to minerals vehicles due to its steepness accommodate quarry access/egress and and narrowness. A342 at St Edith’s safety issues will be further investigated. Marsh is too narrow for minerals traffic. A342 – Dunkirk Hill is too steep and route through Devizes is unsuitable.

Air pollution levels at 1.5 times higher Opportunities to use alternative routing than acceptable levels in Wood Street arrangements avoiding the centre of Calne and Curzon Street. will be considered.

Roads in Calne town centre are Opportunities to use alternative routing inadequate as they are and increase arrangements avoiding the centre of Calne in minerals traffic would make situation will be considered. worse. A by-pass should be built diverting traffic from centre of Calne first.

Concerns about the risk of lorries This would be highly unlikely as better taking routes through Lacock. routes are available. However, this will be considered further.

Construction of access to sites will This point will be considered further. cause delays.

Landscape/ Impacts to surrounding landscape. Landscape impacts will be considered visual through further detailed assessments. impact

Concerns that quarries will create an The adopted policies of the minerals core industrial wasteland. strategy advocates a restoration led approach to minerals development. This will ensure that developers adhere to a clear programme of phased restoration of quarries to minimise disruption to the environment and avoid the possibility that a site would be worked and left un-restored.

Concern that there will be Land-raise There is no requirement for additional as a result of landfilling. landfill in the Calne area. Land raise would not take place.

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Impacts to nearby North Wessex Landscape impacts and potential impacts Downs Area of Outstanding Natural upon the AONB and hills in the local area Beauty. Impacts to views from Cherhill will be considered through further detailed Downs. Views from Divers Mount and assessments. Bloody Hill. Impacts to views from Roundway Hill.

Impacts to agriculture uses, especially This issue will be considered through the land of high agricultural quality further detailed assessments. currently used for food production. Concerns have been expressed that quarries cannot be restored to same quality of agricultural land as before. The best that could be hoped for once the worked areas have been ‘filled’, levels graded and restoration completed would be low grade grazing and low yielding combinable cropping.

Concerns were expressed about national food security, and that within Wiltshire there are very few areas with sufficient land quality and soils capable of growing field scale vegetables.

Visual impacts to local area. Potential visual impacts of the site options will be considered through further detailed assessments.

Biodiversity Impacts on health and safety of wildlife Potential impacts on biodiversity will be - impacts of noise light and air pollution. assessed further. Waste will be generated by quarries which will affect wildlife.

Last area of native heathland (Chittoe) Potential impacts on native heathland and will be adversely affected. Protected protected verges at Chittoe will be assessed verges (Chittoe) will be destroyed. further.

Quarries can never be restored to Potential for loss or degradation of habitats better habitats than already exists. will be assessed further.

Impacts to wildlife such as buzzards, Potential impacts to these bird species will sparrowhawks, kestrels, woodpeckers. be assessed further.

Quarry traffic would impact upon and Potential impacts on hedgerows due to damage hedgerows quarry traffic will be assessed further.

Loss and damage to wildlife corridors. Habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife corridors will be assessed further.

Additionally opportunities to provide increased connectivity between habitats will also be assessed.

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Human How long will the sites be operational Generally quarries operate from about health and for? Concerns have been expressed 07:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday and amenity that quarries would be operational 24 sometimes on Saturday. They would not hours per day, 7 days per week. need to operate 24 hours per day. Indeed many sand quarries will extract the sand periodically, leaving several days or weeks between periods of extraction.

Prevailing south westerly winds carry The effects of prevailing wind on noise and noise and air pollution. dust levels will be taken into consideration.

Impacts of airborne pollutants to people Potential impact of dust from quarries on with breathing difficulties/ COPD those with breathing difficulties will be (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary investigated further. Disease), the young and old.

Sites are too near to residential Proximity to residential properties and properties. Impacts of noise from potential adverse impacts will be taken into lorries and reversing bleepers. Impacts consideration as part of the further to health and safety of residents. assessments Quarrying will be an intolerable intrusion to people’s lives. Impacts to civic pride.

Impacts of light pollution. Dust created This potential for adverse impacts by lorries and deposited as they pass associated with dust deposited as a result through towns and villages. of minerals HGVs will be taken into consideration as part of the further assessments.

Concerns about increasing risk of The Defence Estates will continue to be birdstrike involved in the site selection process.

Proximity to town centre and impacts The potential for adverse impacts to learning and health and safety of associated with noise,dust and visual pupils at Rowdeford School, Rowde intrusion on these sensitive areas will be Primary School, St Mary’s School, taken into consideration as part of the Trinity School and John Bentley further assessments School.

Quarries could attract local This point will be considered further. children/teenagers resulting in accidents.

Concerns that silica is a hazardous This point will be considered further. substance.

Worry about smell and flies from The Councils are not looking to allocate landfill. sites for landfill in the Calne area.

Impacts to users of nearby leisure This point will be considered further centre.

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Concerns that some properties will be The Councils would not support proposals damaged or demolished to gain access that would require properties to be to sites. damaged or destroyed to provide access to a quarry.

Concerns that vibration from quarry This point will be considered further vehicles can cause damage to properties.

Historic Concerns about possible impacts on Potential impact on these historic assets environment Scheduled Ancient Monuments. will be assessed further.

Impacts to listed buildings in area, The potential for adverse impacts to listed Sandy Lane for example, with no ‘real’ buildings will be taken into consideration as foundations. part of the further assessments

Impacts to settings of listed buildings The potential for adverse impacts to the and historic parks and gardens. setting of listed buildings and historic parks and gardens will be taken into consideration as part of the further assessments

Impacts to Conservations Areas i.e. Potential impact on these historic assets centre of Calne, Sandy Lane and Derry will be assessed further. Hill.

There is a wealth of Iron Age, Romano The potential archaeological value of the British, Anglo Saxon and medieval site options will be assessed further. archaeology in the Calne area.

Water Impacts to hydrology: Water table. The Environment Agency will be fully environment involved in the next stages of determining the suitability of the site options and likely impacts to hydrology and water table.

Waste will be generated by quarries There are methods that can be employed which will pollute water courses. for controlling and minimising waste produced through quarrying. This issue will be taken into consideration as part of the further assessments

Road at St Edith’s Marsh floods The issue of flooding in the area will be causing vehicles to aquaplane. considered through the further assessments, including the potential to reduce the likelihood of flooding in the area.

Restoration Consultation document raises more The Councils are at an early stage of plan questions than answers – restoration preparation and welcome suggestions for options were felt to be particularly potential restoration options. The Minerals vague. Core Strategy advocates a restoration led approach. No quarry permitted in Wiltshire Concerns that quarries will not be or Swindon would be left un-restored post restored and will leave permanent extraction. Furthermore, the Councils scars on the landscape. expect a high standard of restoration for all quarries.

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Importation of clay to restore sites This issue will be taken into consideration would reduce drainage of soils and as part of the further assessments degrade quality of agricultural schemes on site after restoration.

Site Option C1:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area identified by officers

No comment The area has seen enough mineral EXCLUDE - extraction and landfill, area within the Evidence has been eastern section of C1 has been worked provided and backfilled with waste (dormant demonstrating that consent 252/NW). this area has in fact been previously Designated employment land adjacent worked and to site, businesses will be deterred from back-filled with General local area. waste in the past. No mineral Impacts on local tourism (AONB and remaining. No Cherhill). further assessments Impacts on local property values, required. employment uses near to the site and allocated near Oxford Road.

Transport Access. Assessment of Increase in traffic could increase potential to link site with congestion in Calne. nearby quarry via conveyor required. The local road network is unsuitable. Impact on bridleway.

Landscape/ Visual impacts Landscape and visual impacts on North visual assessment and Wessex Downs AONB and its setting. impact assessment of the landscape character of Visual impact on Cherhill Down, loss of the area and views onto agricultural land. the site from surrounding areas. Site clearly visible from A3102 (Calne’s gateway). Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Proximity to and impacts on WWT potential for protected or nature reserve/tree planting scheme in notable species on the the area.

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site, impacts to County Impacts on ancient woodlands and CWS Wildlife Site, impacts to in proximity to the site. hedgerows and aged/veteran trees, impacts of minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby), impacts on surrounding woodland.

Human Assessment of noise, Detrimental impact on residents of High health visual, dust and light Penn and Compton Bassett. and intrusion on those living amenity in proximity to the site. Health impacts of those using Beaversbrook Sports Centre. Consult with MoD on the risk of birdstrike. Noise impacts on residents in Calne, Calne Abberd South and Calne Abberd North. Impacts on young and most vulnerable and on asthma sufferers.

Child safety walking along High Penn Lane.

Impacts on PRoW used by people to walk from Calne to Compton Bassett.

Impacts on public enjoyment of the area, AONB and Cherhill Down.

Historic Check with County Impacts on Compton Bassett environment Archaeologist, HER on Conservation Area. the potential for impacts to listed buildings.

Water Assessment of the Concerns regarding the impacts on environment impact to aquifers in the water table and flooding on ‘Calne area and the impacts to Marsh’. the surrounding environment.

Restoration The area of land is Concerns that restoration would involve currently in agricultural landfill of household/commercial waste. use with woodland Landfill would attract gulls and flocks of planting nearby. birds increasing risk of birdstrike from Restoration could seek RAF Lyneham to return this to agricultural use but Lack of inert material available. could also contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area.

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Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area identified by officers

General No comment Area to the south of C2 has been EXCLUDE – worked and backfilled with waste Dwellings adjacent (dormant consent 252/NW). to site option would require a separation Businesses will be deterred from local distance to mitigate area, impacts on local tourism (AONB for impacts of noise and Cherhill), impacts on local property and dust from values. mineral extraction. This would significantly reduce Transport Assessment of access Increase in traffic could increase already limited and of potential to link congestion in Calne. yield. Site option is site with nearby quarry located on crest of through conveyor The local road network is unsuitable. hill and would be required. Use of conveyor on site would be highly visible and impractical due to the neighbouring extremely difficult to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust tree planting mitigate. The scheme. introduction of conveyor to likely to Impacts on bridleway. be problematic. On balance it is unlikely that sand extraction Landscape/ Visual impacts Landscape and visual impacts on North at this site would visual assessment and Wessex Downs AONB and its setting. prove deliverable impact assessment of the given the mitigation Visual impact on Cherhill Down. landscape character of required. the area and views onto the site from surrounding Loss of agricultural land. areas. Site clearly visible from A3102 (Calne’s Assessment to gateway). determine the Visual impact on Compton Basset agricultural quality of the Village. land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Proximity to and impacts on WWT potential for protected or nature reserve/tree planting scheme in notable species on the the area. site, impacts to County Wildlife Site, impacts to Impacts on ancient woodlands and hedgerows and CWS in proximity to the site. Rare aged/veteran trees, orchids, slow worms and barn owls in impacts of minerals the area. operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby), impacts on surrounding woodland.

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Child safety walking along High Penn Lane.

Impacts on PRoW used by people to walk from Calne to Compton Bassett.

Impacts on public enjoyment of the area, AONB and Cherhill Down. The site is in proximity to a recreational fishing lake to the south.

Concerns that restoration would involve landfill of household/commercial waste.Landfill would attract gulls and flocks of birds increasing risk of birdstrike from RAF Lyneham.

Lack of inert material available.

Historic Check with County Impacts on Compton Bassett environment Archaeologist, HER on Conservation Area. the potential for impacts to listed buildings.

Water Assessment of the None. environment impact to aquifers in the area and the impacts to the surrounding environment.

Restoration The area of land is Site could be restored to provide chalk currently in agricultural grassland. use with woodland planting nearby. Restoration could seek to return this to agricultural use but could also contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area.

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Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation Area identified by officers consultees

General None. Reluctantly accepted that C3 These points will be would be the most appropriate considered further. site due to its proximity to the existing site.

Businesses will be deterred from local area, impacts on local tourism (AONB and Cherhill), impacts on local property values.

Transport Access. Assessment of Increase in traffic could increase Assess feasibility of site potential to link site with congestion in Calne. option forming an nearby quarry required. extension to nearby Site does not have access to the quarry and using existing road network. Access via sandpit quarry access lane would be inappropriate due arrangements . If to housing permissions at Sandpit suitable, this site would Lane. most likely be operated as continuation of current quarrying activity in the area and therefore would be unlikely to lead to a significant increase in HGV traffic. However, an assessment of the potential impacts of continued/increased HGV traffic generated as a result of this site option on roads in Calne will need to be undertaken.

Landscape/ Visual impact Landscape and visual impacts on Assessment of potential visual assessment and North Wessex Downs AONB and impacts on landscape impact assessment of the its setting. Visual impact on character and potential landscape character of Cherhill Down. for visual impacts to the area and views onto sensitive receptors the site from surrounding Visual impact on Compton Basset (including views from areas. Village PRoWs).

Assessment to Loss of agricultural land. Policy assessment of determine the need to preserve areas of agricultural quality of the BMV agricultural land. land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Concerns expressed about Further assessment of potential for protected or impacts on biodiversity. potential for protected or

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notable species on the Impact at Abberd Book and notable species in and site, impacts to potential pollution. Abberd Brook around site (with specific hedgerows and home to eels, bullhead and brown attention to the aged/veteran trees, trout which are sensitive to low biodiversity value of the impacts of minerals flows. Water vole also sighted at Abberd Brook); impacts operations on fauna and Abberd Brook. on hedgerows and flora of the site (and aged/veteran trees (if nearby), impacts on present); impacts of surrounding woodland. minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby).

Human Assessment of noise, Detrimental impact on residents Assessment of likely health visual, dust and light of High Penn, Freeth Farm and impact of noise, dust and and intrusion on those living Compton Bassett. light on sensitive amenity and working in proximity receptors at High Penn, to the site. Noise impacts on residents in Freeth Farm and Calne. Impacts on Calne Abberd Compton Bassett. Consult with MoD on the South and Calne Abberd North. Specific concerns have risk of birdstrike. Impacts on young and most been expressed about vulnerable and on asthma the impacts of dust to sufferers. young and most vulnerable and to asthma Child safety walking along High sufferers. Penn Lane.

Impacts on PRoW used by people to walk. Impacts on public enjoyment of the area, AONB and Cherhill Down.

Concerns that restoration would involve landfill of household/commercial waste.

Lack of inert material available.

Due to proximity to existing landfill the temptation for further landfilling will be overwhelming. Landfill would attract gulls and flocks of birds increasing risk of birdstrike from RAF Lyneham.

Historic Check with County Impacts on Compton Bassett Potential impacts to environment Archaeologist, HER. Conservation Area. setting of Compton Bassett Conservation Area. Further checks with County Archaeologist and English Heritage.

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Water Assessment of the Site boundary is adjacent to Environment Agency environment impact to aquifers in the Abberd Brook. Potential to reduce have not objected to area and the impacts to flooding further down-stream at development of site the surrounding Calne. Flood risk assessment option in principle subject environment. required. to further assessments undertaken on surface Impacts to and from adjacent and groundwater quality. landfill should be considered. Seek advice from EA as to whether these assessments should be undertaken at planning application stage.

Flood Risk Assessment required. Assessment of potential to increase flood storage capacity for Abberd Brook.

Restoration The area of land is Site boundary is adjacent to Assess potential to currently in agricultural Abberd Brook, potential to reduce restore site to: use. Restoration could flooding further down-stream at seek to return this to Calne. Restoration to Agricultural use. agricultural use or ponds/lakes/ditches should be improve flood storage considered. Provide flood storage capacity of the area. capacity. Provide biodiversity enhancement.

Site Option C4:

SITE OPTION C4 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C5:

Topic Area Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation identified by officers consultees

General The area has seen enough mineral EXCLUDE - Entire extraction and landfill. site boundary is included within a Businesses will be deterred from dormant consent local area, impacts on local tourism (3809.NW) for (AONB and Cherhill). mineral extraction. No further land put

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Impacts on pub at Compton Basset forward adjacent to will be impacted if tourism is or in proximity to impacted, impacts on local property C5 as result of values. consultation. Legal requirements for The estimates of reserves at C5 are Review of Old based on old, out of date, Mineral Permission information. (ROMP) means that site should not be allocated in Transport Assessment to Increase in traffic could increase development plan. determine if suitable congestion in Calne. access is possible. Assessment of potential Local road network (in particular to link site with nearby Freeth’s Lane which is very narrow) quarry through unsuitable for minerals traffic. conveyor belt required. Road through village of Compton Bassett has a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

Landscape/ Visual impacts Landscape and visual impacts on visual assessment and North Wessex Downs AONB and its impact assessment of the setting. Visual impact on Cherhill landscape character of Down. the area and views onto the site from Loss of grade 2 agricultural land. surrounding areas. Visual impact on Compton Basset Assessment to Village. determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Impacts on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust potential for protected Reserve. concerns about impacts on or notable species on ancient woodlands, hedgerows, the site, impacts to wildlife, natural water courses and hedgerows and springs in proximity to the site. aged/veteran trees, impacts of minerals Impacts to organic status of nearby operations on fauna farm. and flora of the site (and nearby), impacts Badger sets on Freeth Farm.Violets, on surrounding cowslips, primroses and wild orchids woodland. can be found on the site. Deer, badgers, rabbits, hares, toads, sand lizards, bats, woodpeckers (numerous other native birds), bees, butterflies and dragonflies are also present on the site. Barn Owls and

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Buzzards have also returned to the area, Great Crested Newts in the area.

Human Assessment of noise, Detrimental impacts on residents at health and visual, dust and light Freeth’s Farm (4 dwellings) and amenity intrusion on those living Compton Bassett. Impacts on local and working in businesses. proximity to the site. Noise impacts on residents in Calne. Consult with MoD on Impacts on Calne Abberd South and the risk of birdstrike. Calne Abberd North.

Impacts on young and most vulnerable and to asthma sufferers.

Impacts on PRoW used by people to walk, impacts to public enjoyment of the area, AONB and Cherhill Down.

Concerns that restoration would involve landfill of household/commercial waste.

Lack of inert material available.

Landfill would attract gulls and flocks of birds increasing risk of birdstrike from RAF Lyneham.

Historic Check English Heritage Impacts to Compton Bassett environment on potential impacts to Conservation Area. SAM. Check with County Archaeologist, Impacts to SAM (Saxon period mill) HER. adjacent to the site. Archaeological finds within and around the site date from Neolithic to Roman periods. Freeth Farm buildings date back to 17th Century.

Site appears to reflect medieval ridge and furrow field pattern.

Water Assessment of the Concerns that existing site at environment impact to aquifers in the Compton Bassett has affected the area and the impacts to water table and caused subsidence the surrounding at some properties – further environment. extraction would exacerbate this problem and impact on the local crop yields.

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Increased risk of flooding.

Restoration The area of land is Site could be restored to provide currently in agricultural chalk grassland use. Restoration could seek to return this to agricultural use or potentially add to woodland in the area.

Site Option C6:

SITE OPTION C6 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C7:

SITE OPTION C6 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C8:

Topic Area Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation initially identified by officers

General None Land is potentially contaminated. EXCLUDE - Area is considered to be of removing sand would affect the stability of high archaeological the land. value (national importance) – a view Impacts on local businesses, vegetable supported by growing, bee keeping, bed and breakfasts, significant evidence. loss of local jobs, impact on house prices, Nearby residences damage to tourism. would require a separation distance to According to ‘a senior geologist’ the area mitigate for impacts of does not contain viable mineral deposits. noise and dust from mineral extraction. Transport Access onto Increase in local traffic and congestion in the nearby Calne and Devizes, road safety issues, Due to the limited yield HGV route junction of the A3102/A342 has seen a of this site, when network. number of accidents, poor road access weighing this up (twisty and narrow), all routes using the against the likely A342 and A3102 (to Melksham, Devizes, mitigation required(the Calne and Chippenham), are all unsuitable costs involved in for quarry traffic, Dunkirk Hill and Derry Hill investigating and are too steep and dangerous for quarry recording the archaeology of the site

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traffic, improvement to local road network option are likely to be would spoil the rural nature of the area, substantial), it is damage to grass verges and road edges, considered that the site site will result in an additional 6 HGVs per would not prove day (based on use of 44 tonne capacity deliverable. HGVs and an assumed 15 year period over a 5 day working week). If 22 tonne HGVs are used and the extraction period is halved then there would be four times as many additional HGVs.

Landscape/ Visual impacts Impacts to views from Roundway visual from the North Hill/Oliver’s Caste, agricultural land quality impact Wessex would be lost, visual impact to local Downs AONB, residents and businesses, impacts to setting impacts on the of North Wessex Downs AONB. landscape character of the area and views onto the site.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of Damage to countryside and nature, Loss of the potential hedgerows and mature/ post-mature/ aged for protected / veteran trees, impacts to Chittoe Heath, or notable impacts on ancient woodland in proximity species on the to site, impacts to protected verges at site, impacts Chittoe (colonised by Tower Mustard since to hedgerows 1650 – vulnerable/UKBAP priority habitat and species), the area forms part of the North aged/veteran Wessex Farmland Bird Project – Grey trees, impacts partridge, Lapwing, Tutle Dove, Yellow of minerals Wagtail, Tree Sparrow and Corn Bunting operations on have been recorded. fauna and flora of the site Barn Owls, Skylarks, grey partridge, (and nearby) lapwing, turtle dove, yellow wagtail, tree and impacts sparrow, corn bunting, kestrel, sparrow on the hawks, buzzards, Lesser horseshoe bats neighbouring and long eared bat have been sighted in Ancient proximity to site. Impacts to Spye Park SSSI

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 177 Topic Area Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation initially identified by officers

Woodland and (lichen and breeding birds), impacts to County Wyatts Wood CWS, common bluebell in Wildlife Site nearby woodland, restoration to woodland within the would lead to biodiversity gain (EA), impacts area. to local wildlife sites that support the network of nationally important designations.

Human Assessment of Health risks (to children, elderly and asthma health and noise, visual, sufferers). Bromham has an above average amenity dust and light proportion of respiratory illness sufferers. intrusion on those living in Concerns about noise, dust and light proximity to pollution and dwellings in close proximity to the site. the site. Due to prevailing wind dust would be blown toward Sandy Lane.

Loss of tranquilty.

Loss of PRoW.

Historic Impacts on the County Archaeologist considers area to be environment setting of of high archaeological potential, Mesolithic Spye Park to Medieval finds in proximity to the site. Historical Park and Gardens Evidence of Roman activity on the site, and to roman remains of Roman villa (Verlucio) adjacent villa to the to the site and features extend into northern east of the boundary of the site, there is another villa site. at Wyatts Wood which covers the edges of C8 and C11, Roman Town located in the area, Iron Age/Roman-Bristish and Medieval records and finds in the area

Impacts to setting of St Nicholas Church (Grade I listed) and other Grade II listed buildings in Bromham.

Impacts of lower water table on historic buildings.

Impacts to Sandy Lane Conservation Area.

Water Assessment of Loss of aquifer. Local springs would dry up, environment the impact to lowering of water table would impact upon aquifers in the agricultural land quality/productivity. area and the

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impacts to the Potable water would be contaminated. surrounding environment. Increased risk of flooding. Clackers Brook may become contaminated.

Restoration The area of Concerns that landfill will be used to fill land is holes. currently in agricultural use with predominantly high quality soils. Restoration could seek to return this to agricultural use or contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option C9:

SITE OPTION C9 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C10:

SITE OPTION C10 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 179 Site Option C11:

Topic Area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None Site recently permitted for equestrian EXCLUDE - Area is uses, it is believed that enough sand considered to be of and gravel can be obtained from high archaeological seaborne sources without adversely value (national impacting upon the environment. importance). Due to the limited yield Removing sand would affect the stability of this site, when of the land. weighing this up against the likely Impacts on local businesses, vegetable mitigation growing, bee keeping, bed and required(the costs breakfasts, loss of local jobs, impact on involved in house prices, damage to tourism. investigating and recording the According to ‘a senior geologist’ the archaeology of the area does not contain viable mineral site option are likely deposits. to be substantial), it is considered that Transport Access onto the Increase in local traffic and congestion the site would not nearby HGV route in Calne and Devizes. prove deliverable. network. Road safety issues, junction of the A3102/A342 has seen a number of accidents, poor road access (twisty and narrow). All routes using the A342 and A3102 (to Melksham, Devizes, Calne and Chippenham) are all unsuitable for quarry traffic; Dunkirk Hill and Derry Hill are too steep and dangerous for quarry traffic.

Improvement to local road network would spoil the rural nature of the area. Concerns about damage to grass verges and road edges.

Site will result in an additional 3 HGVs per day (based on use of 44 tonne capacity HGVs and an assumed 15 year period over a 5 day working week). If 22 tonne HGVs are used and the extraction period is halved then there would be four times as many additional HGVs.

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Landscape/ Visual impacts from Impacts to views from Roundway visual the North Wessex Hill/Oliver’s Caste. impact Downs AONB, impacts on the Agricultural land quality would be lost. landscape character of the area and Visual impact to local residents and views onto the site. businesses.

Assessment to Impacts to setting of North Wessex determine the Downs AONB. agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Damage to countryside and nature. Loss potential for of hedgerows and mature/ post-mature/ protected or notable aged / veteran trees. Impacts on ancient species on the site, woodland in proximity to site, impacts to hedgerows and Impacts to Chittoe Heath. Impacts to aged/veteran trees, protected verges at Chittoe (colonised impacts of minerals by Tower Mustard since 1650 – operations on fauna vulnerable/UKBAP priority habitat and flora of the site species). (and nearby) and impacts on the The area forms part of the North Ancient Woodland Wessex Farmland Bird Project – Grey and County Wildlife partridge, Lapwing, Tutle Dove, Yellow Site within the area. Wagtail, Tree Sparrow and Corn Bunting have been recorded.

Barn Owls, Skylarks, grey partridge, lapwing, turtle dove, yellow wagtail, tree sparrow, corn bunting, kestrel, sparrow hawks, buzzards, Lesser horseshoe bats and long eared bat have been sighted in proximity to site.

Impacts to Spye Park SSSI (lichen and breeding birds). Impacts to Wyatts Wood CWS, common bluebell in nearby woodland. Impacts to local wildlife sites that support the network of nationally important designations.

Records of True Lovers Knot (a heathland moth) in the Chittoe/Westbrook area.

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Human Assessment of Health risks (to children, elderly and health and noise, visual, dust asthma sufferers). Bromham has an amenity and light intrusion on above average proportion of respiratory those living in illness sufferers. proximity to the site. Concerns about noise, dust and light pollution and dwellings in close proximity to the site.

Due to prevailing wind dust would be blown toward Sandy Lane.

Loss of tranquillity. Loss of PRoW.

Historic Impacts on the County Archaeologist considers area to environment setting of Spye Park be of high archaeological potential. Historical Park and Relationship to Roman Villa of Verlucio. Gardens and Mesolithic to Medieval finds in proximity surrounding listed to the site. buildings. Evidence of Roman activity on the site, remains of Roman villa adjacent to the site and features extend into northern boundary of the site. There is another villa at Wyatts Wood which covers the edges of C8 and C11. Roman Town located in the area. Iron Age/Roman-Bristish and Medieval records and finds in the area.

Impacts to Sandy Lane Conservation Area.Impacts to setting of St Nicholas Church (Grade I listed) and other Grade II listed buildings in Bromham.

Impacts of lower water table on historic buildings.

Water Assessment of the Loss of aquifer, local springs would dry environment impact to aquifers in up, lowering of water table would impact the area and the upon agricultural land impacts to the quality/productivity. surrounding environment. Potable water would be contaminated. Increased risk of flooding.

Restoration The area of land is Restoration to woodland would lead to currently in biodiversity gain (EA). agricultural use with

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predominantly high Concerns that landfill will be used to fill quality soils. holes. Restoration could seek to return this to agricultural use, paddock/stable use or contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option C12:

SITE OPTION C12 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C13:

SITE OPTION C13 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C14:

SITE OPTION C14 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE LANDOWNER.

Site Option C15:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area initially identified by officers

General Maps from 1900 show sand has already been These points will be extracted from the site. considered further.

There has been too much development in the area without appropriate infrastructure.

Removing sand would affect the stability of the land, impacts of vibration from mineral traffic.

Impact to property values in the locality will result in the decline of a popular residential area.

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Impact on local businesses, including the Lansdowne Arms and the Bowood Estate, and tourism. The A342 is a tourist route.

The site is in proximity to ‘Bowood Rhododendrons’ a local visitor attraction, the presence of a quarry will cause the village of Derry Hill to die due to lack of turnover of residents.

Transport Access (including Minerals traffic would create a safety hazard Assessment of potential issues for other road users. Studley junction feasibility of access with visibility) (A342/A4) is already dangerous – there have (including potential onto the nearby been accidents and fatalities near to the site. issues with visibility) HGV route onto the A342. network. The nearest primary HGV route is the A350, Assessment of Assessment of 7km from the site. The A342 narrows suitability (including suitability of the significantly downhill of the Lansdowne Arms highway safety A342 to Pub and would be difficult for minerals traffic issues) of A342 to accommodate to pass at this point.The gradient of the A342 accommodate site access points near Derry Hill is 18%. This route is closed minerals HGV traffic and the need for in periods of cold weather, due to the gradient along stretch from infrastructure and the water that freely flows across the Pitter’s Farm to upgrades, road from the surrounding fields. A342/A4 junction. suitability of route at Derry Hill. There are very few over-taking opportunities Assessment of need on the A342 and quarry traffic will increase for infrastructure driver frustration and lead to more risk-taking, upgrades to A342 the steep hill at Derry Hill would mean that and A342/A4 the HGVs would not be able to slow down junction. quickly enough. Assessment of suitability of routes Access to and from site onto A342 would be which could avoid dangerous, access from the lane in Naish Hill Calne town centre would be unsuitable. There are two major and Sandy Lane. ‘pinch points’ (one between listed buildings and one being a narrow walled cutting 5.45 – 5.49 metres wide) on the A342 near Derry Hill.

Concerns that minerals traffic would cut through village of Derry Hill to access A4.

The site will result in an extra HGV on the road every 4-5 mins, past requests for improvements to A342 and A4 in Calne area were not supported by Wiltshire Council.

Quarry traffic would be a risk to residents and would hinder emergency services.

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Landscape/ Visual impacts on Impacts on the entrance to Bowood Estate. Assessment of visual the landscape Site is in a prominent location/highly visible. potential impacts on impact character of the landscape character area and views Loss of agricultural land – minerals extraction and potential for onto the site from on Grade 3 BMV is contrary to MPS1 and visual impacts to surrounding MPS2 and contradicts Food 2030. sensitive receptors areas. (including views from Site falls within a Special Landscape Area as A342, Chippenham Assessment to designated by the Wiltshire and Swindon and possibly determine the Structure Plan 2016. Site contrary to Lacock). agricultural appendix 4 of the Structure Plan. quality of the land Assessment of on the site. The North Wiltshire Landscape Character impacts on Best and Assessment (June 2004) highlights the Most Versatile importance of views from the A342 on the Agricultural land. perception of the area. There are concerns that the site would be contrary to policy NE15 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan.

Impacts to setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB. Site visible from Chippenham and possibly Lacock.

Biodiversity Assessment of Impacts to adjacent ancient woodlands, Assessment of the potential for frequented by roe deer, munjac deer, potential for protected or pheasants and foxes, site C15 forms part of protected or notable notable species an east/west wildlife route particularly for species in and on the site, large mammals as a legacy of the historic around site impacts to royal hunting forests. (including those County Wildlife highlighted by Site, impacts to Loxwell farm to the northwest of the site consultees); impacts hedgerows and includes a granary which is believed to house to ancient woodland, aged/veteran bats, there are roosts at Pitter’s Farm housing hedgerows and trees, impacts of Pipistrelle and Brown long eared bats, identification of any minerals Greater Horseshoe Bats have been sighted aged or veteran operations on near to site, Wild Boar has been sighted in trees; potential fauna and flora of the area, several types of newt and at least impacts to flora or the site (and 3 species of bats within the site and the fauna. nearby), impacts stream that drains north is home to on surrounding freshwater pearl mussels (a protected woodland and species), important foraging habitat for bordering ancient buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks and red woodland within kites, ancient woodland, hedgerows and the area. fields are home to numerous pollinating insects, site is adjacent to Raspberry Copse CWS.

Pond in nearby wood appears to contain oil.

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 185 Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area initially identified by officers

Wildlife have to cross A342. Any further reduction in hedgerows as a result of development would cause species to seek alternative places to live, Pitters Farm has the potential to be a designated SSSI - the site itself could receive such a designation.

Wildlife in these areas will shelter in the woods, verges and hedges and will use the open fields as forage, mainly feeding on the insect life and sometimes each other, the fields in turn, when laid fallow, support the wide variation of insects, whilst the woods, verges and hedges are described as wildlife corridors. If these sites are quarried foraging areas will be lost rendering the wildlife corridors redundant and the species that can move away will.

There are concerns that several hundred metres of hedgerows will be removed, and that the verges and bushes along the road would be full of sand.

Restoration may not re-introduce every species and that for those species re-introduced there may be an issue with shallow gene pools, badger sets have been seen in the wooded area, Brown Hare has been seen and Water Vole are likely at Pitter’s Farm adjacent to site.

Evidence of mice at Pitters Farm which may include Dormouse and Harvest Mouse, possible sighting of rare pool frog at Pitters Farm, numerous sightings of Red Damsel Fly, Hornet Mimic Hoverfly, Lesser Stag Beetle, Hawthron Shield Bug, Dock Bug and White Tailed Bumble Bee, the areas around C15 may also support UK BAP species such as Pearl-bordered fritillary, Small pearl-bordered fritillary, Bee-hawk moth and Hover Fly.

Spye Park SSSI is home to species of lichen, moss, fungi, flies and small moths and should warrant a thorough survey of the areas along the southern edge of C15, especially where this borders Pitter’s Farm’s Marshy areas.

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Human Assessment of Concerns that the development would lead Assessment of likely health noise, visual, dust to noise, light, air and dust pollution, which impact of noise, dust and and light intrusion would impact on the health of residents and light on sensitive amenity on those living in (especially the young, the vulnerable and the receptors at Pitter’s proximity to the elderly), living near to the site in the Derry Farm, Old Derry Hill, site. Hill area. Concerns that sand extraction Derry Hill and could lead to silicosis. Bowood House/ Golf Consult with MoD Course and on the risk of Prevailing wind would carry noise and dust Rhododendron birdstrike. to Derry Hill. Garden. Loss of tranquillity, impacts to Bowood House/Golf course and the Rhododendron Garden.

Historic Impacts on the Evidence of Romano British, Iron Age and Assessment of environment setting of Bowood Medieval occupation on or around site. potential impacts to and Spye Park setting of Derry Hill Historic Park and HE5 of PPS5 stipulates that such important and Sandy Lane Gardens and the archaeological features should be protected. Conservation numerous listed Areas. Impacts on buildings in Loxwell farm to northwest of site has a grade setting on Spye Park proximity to the 2 listed granary. On the site of the farm is and Bowood Historic site. believed to be the location of Locks Well Park and Gardens. Abbey (11thC), Impacts on setting of listed buildings in Loxwell Abbey is believed to be adjacent to proximity to site or within the site, impacts on Bowood and (including Granary Spye Park. and Loxwell Farm. C15 has lower archaeological potential Assessment of (County Archaeologist). historic value of site option in relation to Concerns that the retaining walls along the potential for Romano A342 at Derry Hill are listed and therefore – British and could not be widened. Medieval activity on site. Site is within 500m of two Conservation Areas (Derry Hill and Sandy Lane). Further checks with County Historical maps show sand has already been Archaeologist and extracted from this area. English Heritage required. Site contains a well that still holds water at present. Historic water conduits also in proximity (or within site?) to site date back to 13th Century.

Pitter’s Farm is of historic importance.

• Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • • Page 187 Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area initially identified by officers

Concerns that the site would be contrary to Policy HE3 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan and Structure Plan policies on the historic environment.

A grade I mausoleum is located within 1km of site.

Water Assessment of Concerns that aquifer would be polluted and Environment Agency environment the impact to that the water table would be lowered which have not objected to aquifers in the would impact upon growth of crops, stability development of site area and the of nearby buildings and health of ancient option in principle impacts to the woodland, trees and hedgerows. subject to further surrounding assessments environment. There are concerns about impacts to water undertaken on quality and quantity of nearby Cocklemoor surface and Brook. groundwater quality. Seek advice from EA Rainwater will drain down Derry Hill taking as to whether these debris from quarry activity with it. assessments should be undertaken at There are concerns that mineral extraction planning application would alter the water supply to the area due stage or at the plan to the removal of the permeable layer from preparation stage. above the aquifer, which would reduce the Flood risk amount of filtering and time taken for the rain assessment should water to reach the aquifer; it will alter the be undertaken. properties of the water such as mineral content and possibly even the amount and direction of the water flow itself. This could affect surrounding trees and farmland and lead to wetlands drying up or flooding out.

Site all in FZ1. No obvious flood risk potential issues or problems in principle

Restoration The area of land Restoration may not re-introduce every The Councils are not is currently in species and that for those species proposing to use any agricultural use re-introduced there may be an issue with of the site options for with woodland shallow gene pools. municipal/industrial surrounding it. or commercial Restoration could Concerns that landfill will be used to fill holes. putrescible waste seek to return this landfill. Assess to agricultural use There is not enough inert material available feasibility to restore but would ideally to restore site. site to: contribute to expanding the Agricultural use/ amount of woodland in the Woodland.

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area as Provide biodiversity designated enhancement. through the South West Nature Assessment of Map. This could availability of inert offer great fill. potential to help act as a buffer, and expansion of the neighbouring ancient woodland.

Site Option C16:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area initially identified by officers

General Damage from dust and vibrations (especially These points will be to sites in close proximity), decline in property considered further. values (two house sales have fallen through), impact on market gardening, impact to the setting of 3 adjacent listed buildings.

Concerns that quarrying will reduce the number of visitors to the area. Parish of Bromham lies between world heritage sites of Stonehenge, Avebury and Bath – benefits from this tourist trade would be reduced. Potential loss of employment, local businesses in Bromham (Bed and Breakfasts, pubs) and surrounding farms would suffer. Crop growing in the parish of Bromham accounts for over 100 jobs.

Limited capacity of site resources/deemed not economically viable in the past.

Regionally important geological and geomorphological site lies immediately west of site, site does not meet sand extraction requirements (less than 200m wide in places).

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Transport Access onto the Increase in HGV traffic and congestion on Access to site nearby HGV local road network. Increased traffic along should be through route network A3102 will separate the community of existing site access and use of Sandridge and Sandridge Common and deter at Sahara Sand Pit. potentially pedestrians. Assess suitability unsuitable roads (including highway to reach the Site is off the designated HGV route network safety issues) of network. (3km) and Strategic Lorry Route (4.5km).The potential increase in Assessment of A3102 and A342 are already used by slow HGVs using A3102 suitability of the moving HGV traffic leading to dangerous to Melksham or A342 to overtaking manoeuvres. A3102/A342 route to accommodate A4. minerals traffic. Little attention is given to current speed limits, local roads considered to be accident prone and have a poor record over the last four years; A3102 (junction with A342 and Melksham) – 16, with 13 slight and 3 serious injuries; A342 (Browfort to Derry Hill) – 46, with 13 slight and 3 serious injuries and 2 fatalities.

A3102 considered to be unsuitable, some junctions are particularly dangerous (turnings adjacent to Bromham along the A342 and the junction between Sandridge Lane and A3102). A342 main route for emergency vehicles, A342 road surface is poor in places, impacts of noise from on site vehicles and HGVs.

Site will lead to an additional 6 HGVs per day. If 22 tonne HGVs are used and the extraction period is halved then there would be four times as many additional HGVs.

Landscape/ Scar on the landscape and visual impact, site Assessment of visual lies within a Special Landscape Area, site is potential impacts on Visual impacts on impact poorly screened and open to amplified visual landscape character the landscape impact, impact on the setting of (and views and potential for character of the from) North Wessex Downs AONB, visual visual impacts to area and views impact from Spye Park SSSI. sensitive receptors onto the site. (including views Assessment to from A3102 and Loss of high quality agricultural land/soil – determine the PRoW). grade 2 BMV not possible to restore and agricultural should be safeguarded. Policy assessment quality of the land of need to preserve on the site. areas of BMV agricultural land.

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Biodiversity Assessment of Concern for destruction of habitat/loss of trees Assess potential for the potential for and hedgerows (wildlife corridors). Spye Park protected or notable protected or Estate SSSI supports a lichen flora (sensitive species in and notable species to atmospheric pollution) of conservation around site; impacts on the site, significance. to Spye Park SSSI; impacts to impacts to ancient hedgerows and Three CWS lie in close proximity to site; Basin woodland (Basin aged/veteran Wood (ancient woodland); Hanging Wood; Wood and Morass trees, impacts of and Morass Wood (ancient woodland), site is Wood), hedgerows minerals adjacent to Basin Wood CWS and should and identification of operations on therefore be excluded. any aged or veteran fauna and flora of trees; potential the site (and Wider area is rich in biodiversity. List of impacts to flora or nearby), impacts species observed include Tower Mustard, fauna. on surrounding Bluebells, Owls, Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow woodland and Hawks, Badgers, Deer, Foxes, Rodents, Bats, Ancient Hedgehogs. Woodland within Wildlife survey required to establish species the area. on site, through the North Wessex Farmland Bird Project – top species all been recorded within the development area of both parishes (Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting).

Human Assessment of Impacts of dust and noise from extraction/ Assessment of likely health noise, visual, vehicles. Impacts to those suffering respiratory impact of noise, dust and dust and light problems, children and elderly people. Nearby and light on amenity intrusion on properties will be particularly affected. sensitive receptors those living in at Sandridge, proximity to the Artificial light pollution, air-borne pollution from Westbrook and site.Assessment vehicles, effect of noise on sleeping patterns, Sandridge Park. of potential sand in eyes. impacts to Assessment of PRoW. Damage to community spirit and quiet rural impacts on PRoW. surroundings, damage to enjoyment of Consult with MoD landscape and recreation, loss of (regularly on the risk of used) PRoW on site. Harm to quality of life. birdstrike.

Historic Impacts on the Adverse impacts on areas of historical Potential impacts on environment setting of significance and archaeological sites (non setting of listed Sandridge Tower specific). buildings in (Grade II listed) proximity to site. and Sandridge Damage to historic fabric of market town, Assessment of Lodge (Grade II impacts on key listed) and further Impacts to listed buildings. views from Spye assessment of Park historic Park

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the structure and Garden. within the site Further checks with required. County Archaeologist and English Heritage required.

Water Assessment of Adj to historic landfill. Site all in FZ1. No Environment Agency environment the impact to obvious flood risk potential. Impacts on have not objected to aquifers in the aquifers and impacts to biodiversity and development of site area and the structural damage, impact on local produce. option in principle impacts to the subject to further surrounding assessments environment. undertaken on surface and groundwater quality. Seek advice from EA as to whether these assessments should be undertaken at planning application stage or at the plan preparation stage.

Restoration The area of land Site is adjacent to historic landfill (Environment The Councils are not is currently in Agency). proposing to use agricultural use. any of the site Restoration could Anxiety that the site will be used for landfill options for seek to return long term, risk of land contamination, municipal/industrial this to agricultural inadequate restoration proposals – or commercial use or contribute biodiversity/habitat features required. putrescible waste to expanding the landfill. Assess amount of If restoration is to agriculture then biodiversity feasibility to restore woodland in the gains/habitat features that support BAP site to: area as species should be provided. designated Agricultural use/ through the South West Woodland. Nature Map. Provide biodiversity enhancement.

Assessment of availability of inert fill, and risk of birdstrike hazard.

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Topic Area Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation initially identified by officers

General Assessment to Detrimental to local tourism industry, concern EXCLUDE - The determine the for restoration of site and use of landfill, site is very open agricultural and is situated quality of the Decline in property values. adjacent to a land on the site. Activities could reduce the number of visitors school and to the area, Parish of Rowde lies between residential world heritage sites of Stonehenge, Avebury properties. Noise, and Bath – benefits from this tourist trade dust and access would be reduced. would all be extremely difficult Potential loss of employment, detrimental to mitigate with economic impact on Devizes and less regard to these visitors. Reference to 1938 Bromham soil sensitive receptors. survey, removal of a renewable food source. “Food miles”/food security. Geological characteristics for crop growth: Bromham green sand.

Transport Access onto the Increased HGV traffic through Devizes. nearby HGV route network Local roads are accident-prone, and have a and suitability of poor record over the last four years; A3102 this stretch of (junction with A342 and Melksham) – 16, road to with 13 slight and 3 serious injuries; A342 accommodate (Browfort to Derry Hill) – 46, with 13 slight HGV traffic. and 3 serious injuries and 2 fatalities. Safety issues along A342 at Derry Hill, the village of Sandy Lane and St Edith’s Marsh to Rowde. None of these areas lend themselves to being widened due to the topography or structures already on or by the road. Dunkirk Hill into Devizes is highlighted as problematic, where traffic jams are already common (particularly on Thursdays and Fridays) due to junction with A361. The driving conditions here are poor (particularly during winter).

Traffic impact on two schools along A342 (Rowde School and Rowdeford School). Access to Rowde School already an issue that would be increased, high level of traffic and bends in road around school. Inadequate pavements and no safe crossing facility on A342 close to Rowde School.

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A342 is used as a main route for emergency vehicles.

A342 road surface is poor in places.

A342 turnings along Sandy Lane (poor visibility).

Potential for lorries to cut-through via B3101 (Marsh Lane) this would be inappropriate for HGVs as the road has a dangerous bend (national speed limit) and narrows on the canal bridge (old weight limit 10 tonnes).This road leads onto the A361 (Caen Hill).

Would exacerbate difficulties in getting out of Chittoe.

With regard to the airfield safeguarding zone, the site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns.

It is suggested that site C17 will result in an additional 14 HGVs per day, if 22 tonne HGVs are used and the extraction period is halved then there would be four times as many additional HGVs. Concerns that infill with waste would result in additional 22 HGVs per day.

Landscape/ Visual impacts Impacts to setting of (and views from) North visual from the North Wessex Downs AONB to the north east of impact Wessex Downs the land – visual impact from Roundway Hill, AONB, impacts detailed landscape and visual impact on the assessments required. landscape character of the Potential impact to the setting of Caen Hill area and views Locks to the south of the site. onto the site. Loss of valuable agricultural land/high quality fertile soil (not possible to restore and should be safeguarded). Grade 2 quality classification “green sand”.

Biodiversity Assessment of Concern for destruction of habitat and the potential for hedgerows. Variety of flora and fauna protected or observed in surrounding area. Species notable species include bats, birds of prey, owls, deer,

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on the site, badgers, hedgehogs. Several protected impacts to /notable species have been recorded in the hedgerows and St Edith’s Marsh and Durlett Area including: aged/veteran Common Toad, Sky Lark, Marsh Tit, Scots trees, impacts Pine, Aconitum Napellus, Pheasant’s Eye, of minerals Deadly Nightshade, Smooth Brome, Box, operations on Fumaria muralis, Snowdrop, Red fauna and flora Hemp-nettle, Bluebell, Cut-leaved of the site (and Dead-nettle, Spotteed Meddick, Sainfoin, nearby). Prickly Poppy, Butcher’s broom, Shepherd’s Needle, Small-flowered Catchfly, Corn Spurrey, Field Fleawort, Lime, Small Heath, Wall, Slow-worm, Grass Snake, Chiroptera, Serotine, West European Hedgehog, Brown Hare, Eurasian Badger, Natterer’s Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat and Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

Chittoe Heath/Tower Mustard/Protected verges.

Through the North Wessex Farmland Bird Project – top species all been recorded within the development area of both parishes (Grey Partridge, Lapwing, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting).

Site has a small watercourse/ditch running through the area- potential habitat removal or contamination of the watercourses. Buffer zones around the watercourse should be considered during operation and also as part of the habitat restoration (Environment Agency).

Human Assessment of Proximity to houses north of the site and health and noise, visual, dwellings to the south-west, damage from amenity dust and light dust and vibrations. intrusion on those living in Impacts of dust and noise, impacts to those proximity to the suffering respiratory problems, children and site and impacts elderly people. Nearby properties will be of minerals particularly affected. working on the neighbouring Site is adjacent to Rowde Primary School – school which noise, health and safety concerns could be -detrimental to learning experience and significant.

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quality of life of both students and staff, quarrying activities will be a distraction for students

Parents/children may be put off walking/cycling to school. Rowdeford School may also be affected in these respects – the school is a specialist school for children with learning difficulties (some of which board). These vulnerable students (including those with autism), can be particularly sensitive to noise, artificial light pollution, air-borne pollution from vehicles, effect of noise on sleeping patterns, sand in eyes. C17 should be removed in accordance with the Councils sieving criteria due to proximity to schools and residents.

Impacts to enjoyment of landscape and recreation.

Joining with Devizes and loss of village identity. Impacts on home grown vegetable produce. Loss of Bromham village carnival.

Historic Adverse impacts on areas of historical environment significance and archaeological sites (non specific).

Damage to historic fabric of market town.

Impacts to listed buildings.

Archaeology survey required. General area is rich in Roman and Prehistoric remains, particularly to north and east of Rowde such as the Roman town of Verlucio.

Water Assessment of Disruption of the water table and aquifers environment the impact to may impact on biodiversity, local produce aquifers in the and structural damage. area and the impacts to the Site prone to flooding. surrounding environment Site all in FZ1, but with ordinary watercourse(s) crossing the potential excavation area.

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Requirement to safeguard these land drainage features for downstream riparian owners in terms of flow quantity and quality, and any associated biodiversity through the site (Environment Agency). No flood risk with proposed restoration options.

Conflicting accounts of flood risk.

Restoration The area of Concern that the site will be used for landfill, land is currently risk of land contamination. in agricultural use with If restoration is to agriculture then biodiversity predominantly gains/habitat features that support BAP high quality species should be provided. soils. Restoration could seek to return this to agricultural use or create a new habitat in the area

Site Option C18:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation Area initially identified by officers

General Impacts on local tourism industry. These points will all be taken into Decline in property values (and those nearest the consideration. It site will be ‘unsalable’). is unlikely that the entire site will be Concern that quarrying and related HGV traffic considered as increases would reduce the number of visitors to the suitable for sand area – and that the local tourist industry would suffer, extraction due to detrimental economic impact on Devizes due to less proximity to a visitors in the area, Parish of Rowde lies between number of world heritage sites of Stonehenge, Avebury and residential Bath – benefits from this tourist trade would be properties and reduced, also tourist spots in vicinity (e.g. Lacock other constraints. and Caen Hill Locks) and Rowde Best Kept Village However further award. assessment should be

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Impact on small market gardening businesses should undertaken to be assessed. determine the extent of “Bromham Green Sand”. Reference to 1938 acceptable Bromham soil survey and Domesday Book working area (if (referencing fertile land of Bromham). any).

Loss of any ‘organic’ accreditation due to A review of the dust/pollution. available geological 2 tenanted farms within site C18 (1 dairy) (Lower information Hawkstreet Farm and Horse Lane Farm), Country should be Farms Estate/core agricultural land – Horse Lane undertaken. Farm. Concern that Wiltshire Council owns land and would favour site C18. The County Farm Estate Asset Management Plan 2004 – 2013, Mid Term Review identifies C18 as a site to be retained in the longer term. Quarrying would impede future generations’ use of farms/ loss of local agricultural knowledge.

Removal of a renewable food source, issues of food miles/food security/global food shortage/safeguarding our soils.

Geological characteristics for crop growth – Bromham green sand, site C18 soil comprises of gault – beds of marl (silty clay) and clay. Questions of whether site would be viable due to geology. Land stability study required.

Implications of gas pipeline and electricity pylons which both cross over the C18 site.

Transport Access onto Development on the site would lead to increased Assessment of the nearby (HGV) traffic which the local road network could not suitability of HGV route cope with; increase in congestion through Devizes. access to and network and use of the A342 suitability of HGV traffic would also impact on two schools along and the impacts this stretch of A342 (Rowde School and Rowdeford School). of any potential road. Concerns about the safety of school children increase in crossing road and access to bus stops. minerals HGVs on the local road The A342 is used as a main route for emergency network vehicles, traffic could reduce response times in wider (including safety area, noise from on-site vehicles and HGVs travelling considerations for to and from site. all road users and consideration of

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Although the local roads do not feature highly on the impacts of EuroRAP report, they are locally considered to be vehicles moving accident-prone, and have a poor record over the last north or south four years; A3102 (junction with A342 and from site and/or Melksham) – 16, with 13 slight and 3 serious injuries; through Calne or A342 (Browfort to Derry Hill) – 46, with 13 slight and Devizes). 3 serious injuries and 2 fatalities.

Rowde ‘S’ bend along A342 (at national speed limit) dangerous, particularly for wider vehicles and in poor driving conditions. Site is in vicinity of existing accident black spot (either side of infill site). Challenging and narrow areas include Derry Hill, the village of Sandy Lane and St Edith’s Marsh to Rowde. It is speculated that none of these places lend themselves to being widened due to the topography or structures already on or by the roads.

The steep and bending Dunkirk Hill into Devizes is highlighted as problematic, where traffic jams are already common (particularly on Thursdays and Fridays) due to junction with A361.

The driving conditions here are poor (particularly during winter), poor visibility around junctions with Sandy Lane, difficulties in HGV passing close to West End Farm.

Potential for lorries to cut-through via B3101 (Marsh Lane). This would be inappropriate for HGVs as the road has a dangerous bend (on national speed limit) and narrows on the canal bridge (old weight limit 10 tonnes). This road leads onto the A361 (Caen Hill).

The site access point onto the A342 is likely to be hazardous, as there are limited options to where the entrance could be located, additional traffic exacerbate difficulties in getting out of Chittoe.

The A342 road surface is poor in places, poor state of footpaths along A342 and lack of paths along A3102.

Increased vehicular traffic likely to make it more difficult for horse riders to cross between bridleways.

Poor drainage in St Edith’s Marsh can result in the accumulation of large puddles following heavy rain – leads to dangerous avoiding manoeuvres.

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A342 North – Derry Hill (steep and narrow – as it meets A4 near Chippenham) or through Lacock (listed village/narrow passing point)

Questions as to whether A342 in on primary route and the cost of upgrading roads, Durlett Road weight limit/single track in places – which could be used as an unsuitable shortcut, . It is suggested that site C18 will result in an additional 84 HGVs per day. If 22 tonne HGVs are used and the extraction period is halved then there would be four times as many additional HGVs. Concerns that infill with waste would result in additional 126 HGVs per day.

Landscape/ Visual impacts Impacts to setting of (and views from) North Wessex Assessment of visual from the North Downs AONB to the north east of the land – visual potential impacts impact Wessex Downs impact from Roundway Hill and Roundway on landscape AONB, impacts Down/Oliver’s Castle. character and on the potential for landscape Site is very open. Detailed landscape and visual visual impacts to character of the impact assessments required. sensitive area and views receptors onto the site. Loss of prime agricultural land/high quality fertile soil (including views - 95% Grade 2 BMV - not possible to restore and from North should be safeguarded. Wessex Downs AONB and Concern for scale and size of site C18. PRoWs).

Policy assessment of need to preserve areas of BMV agricultural land.

Biodiversity Assessment of Concern for destruction of habitat and hedgerows. Assessment of the potential for potential for protected or Site is within a Special Area for Conservation (SAC). protected or notable species notable species on the site, Variety of habitats within site boundary; ancient in and around site impacts to woodlands, spring-fed ponds, streams, marshland, (including those hedgerows and thick hedges. highlighted by aged/veteran consultees); Roundway Down and Covert SSSI – pollution, noise trees, impacts impacts to Horse and visual intrusion on SSSI. of minerals Lane Farm and operations on Disturbance to wildlife/livestock. C18 should be Ashen Wood fauna and flora excluded because it includes Horse Lane Farm, of the site (and Brook Field and is adjacent to Clinghill Wood and nearby) and Ashen Wood. (Wiltshire Wildlife Trust).

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impacts on the Chittoe Heath/Tower Mustard/Protected verges County Wildlife neighbouring around the site. Sites; impacts to Ancient Clinghill Wood Woodland and Site is a haven for wildlife. Variety of flora and fauna ancient County Wildlife observed in surrounding area including Bats, Otters, woodland, Sites located Kestrels, Red Kites, Hobbies, Skylarks, Shy hedgerows and within the site Woodcock, Peregrine Falcons, Buzzards, Barn Owls, identification of and Tawny Owls, Kingfisher, Woodpeckers, Mallards, any aged or surrounding it. Coot, Moorhens, Canada Geese, Deer, Badgers, veteran trees; Hedgehogs, Bluebells, Dormice, Brown Hares, impacts to Shrews, Moths. verges; potential impacts to flora or Rich biodiversity in site C18. 10 (of 52) species of fauna; impact to bird on Red List of High Conservation Concern seen drainage in area; Corn Bunting, Cuckoo, Fieldfare, Lapwing, channels (in Linnet, Song Thrush, Starling, Turtle Dove, terms of Yellowhammer. Plus 16 (of 126) species on the biodiversity Amber List of Medium Concern are also present. value) that cross site option (There Through the North Wessex Farmland Bird Project – are no SSSIs or top species all been recorded within the development SACs in proximity area of both parishes (Grey Partridge, Lapwing, to site option). Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting), Bat roosts at Wick Farm– including rare Serotine Bats, as well as Brown Eared and Pipistrelles. Rowdeford School has a woodland area and a maternity roost for Lesser Horseshoe Bats.

Small watercourses/ditches running through area should be considered as key issues because of potential habitat removal or contamination. Buffer zones around the watercourse should be considered during operation and also as part of the habitat restoration.

Several protected /notable species have been recorded in the St Edith’s Marsh and Durlett Area including: Common Toad, Sky Lark, Marsh Tit, Scots Pine, Aconitum Napellus, Pheasant’s Eye, Deadly Nightshade, Smooth Brome, Box, Fumaria muralis, Snowdrop, Red Hemp-nettle, Bluebell, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Spotteed Meddick, Sainfoin, Prickly Poppy, Butcher’s broom, Shepherd’s Needle, Small-flowered Catchfly, Corn Spurrey, Field Fleawort, Lime, Small Heath, Wall, Slow-worm, Grass Snake, Chiroptera, Serotine, West European Hedgehog, Brown Hare, Eurasian Badger, Natterer’s Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat and Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

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Spye Park SSSI supports a lichen flora (sensitive to atmospheric pollution) and there are a number of local wildlife sites that help to support the network of nationally important designations.

Surveys of vulnerable habitats and species in the area would be required (CPRE). Call for 12 month biodiversity study (hibernating species).

Effects of soil degradation and erosion on plant growth.

Human Assessment of Impacts of dust and noise on people living and Assessment of health noise, visual, working in close proximity to site option, including likely impact of and dust and light impacts to those suffering respiratory problems, noise, dust and amenity intrusion on children and elderly people. light on sensitive those living and receptors at St working in Site is in proximity to Rowdeford School (a special Ediths Marsh, proximity to the needs school where pupils (some of which board) Bromham and site. have statements of Special Education Needs (SEN) Rowdeford – noise, health and safety concerns. These School. Specific vulnerable students (including those with autism), concerns have can be particularly sensitive to noise, artificial light been expressed pollution, air-borne pollution from vehicles, effect of about the impacts noise on sleeping patterns, sand in eyes. The school of dust to those has also achieved a Healthy Schools Award (food with respiratory is purchased from local suppliers) which would be problems. at risk from quarrying. Assessment of impacts to Parents/children may be put off walking/cycling to PRoW. school. Concern for mental health of local residents. C18 should be removed in accordance with the Councils sieving criteria on proximity to schools and proximity to residential areas.

Proximity of site boundary to properties in St Edith’s Marsh and Hawk Street (some properties within 50m of site). St Edith’s Marsh likely to be further affected due to prevailing winds, some properties on boundary of site – separated only by fence, worry that access to site would encroach on neighbouring gardens.

Loss of (regularly used) PRoW and quarrying will discourage walkers coming to the area, potential loss of employment (e.g. farming, Bed & Breakfast’s).

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Damage to village community/heritage and ‘way of life’.

Site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Historic Impacts to the Adverse impacts on sites of historical significance Assessment of environment setting of in the area, archaeology survey required. Test pits archaeological/ several listed and trenches should be dug to ascertain the potential historical value of buildings archaeology. site option located on the (including eastern, General area is rich in Roman and Prehistoric possible links western and remains, particularly to north and east of Rowde, with Verlucio for southern such as the Roman town of Verlucio (Sandy Lane). example). boundaries of Clinghill (settlement with medieval origins – Assessment of the site and in previously known as Klynghulle or Le Clynche potential impacts proximity to the [1409]) located on western boundary of site and St to historic site. Edith’s Marsh (also medieval) on eastern edge, old environment (e.g. maps also show that there were once additional field systems, dwellings in site area – possibility of houses and historic water mill, farm buildings remains. and settlements and to listed C18 impacts two buried settlements with associated buildings in the earthworks and field systems. Historic water mill at area). southern limits of site with possible water courses, including leats and races.

Damage to historic fabric of market town.

Direct/indirect impacts on various listed properties in locality, in particular Clench Farmhouse, Lodge and Marsh Cottage should be considered, “The site would be positioned next to at least 88 listed buildings and monuments one of them being Rowdeford School” (Fallas). Rowdeford School is located in, and within the cartilage of, a Listed Building – quarries will detract from its setting.

Impact on Sandy Lane Conservation Area and Grade II listed buildings.

Water Assessment of Disruption of the water table and aquifers may have Environment environment the impact to knock on impacts on biodiversity, local produce and Agency have not aquifers in the structural damage. objected to area and the development of

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impacts to the C18 is on a 60% major aquifer and 40% minor. site option in surrounding Quarries will drain aquifers particularly if sited in poor principle subject environment. locations i.e. at the bottom of the hydraulic gradient to further C18 is on such a site. assessments undertaken on Concern that dewatering will lead to groundwater surface and being drawn into the quarry void that has been groundwater produced.The are a number of natural ponds within quality. Seek and bordering the site (including 2 large ponds at advice from EA Wick Farm, fed from a higher pond adjacent to the as to whether site border). these assessments Effects of soil degradation and erosion – clogging should be up of rivers and drainage systems/extensive floods undertaken at and water shortages. planning application stage Impact of water runoff and contamination from site or at the plan to St Edith’s Marsh. preparation St Edith’s Marsh suffers with drainage issues during stage. Seek heavy rain. advice from EA on extent of Existing uses impact on groundwater – a number of buffers needed to growers abstract groundwater for protect water irrigation/dependence on it for domestic water courses. Assess supply. Some residents use personal wells rather potential to than mains water – concern that these will be improve drainage affected. and reduce flooding in the There are already problems with the water table in area. area. All properties here have septic tanks, which would get water logged and do not drain away, contamination to system of springs in the area, and pollution of water courses.

Impact on water quality – quarrying would remove Green Sand (which has been used in water purification industry), site all in Flood Zone 1, but with ordinary watercourse(s) crossing the potential excavation area. Requirement to safeguard land drainage features.

Restoration The area of Loss of prime agricultural land/high quality fertile soil The Councils are land is currently - 95% Grade 2 BMV - not possible to restore and not proposing to in agricultural should be safeguarded. use any of the use with site options for predominantly Concern that the site will be used for landfill, risk of landfill. Assess high quality land contamination, smells/methane related to feasibility to soils and some landfill, landfill will induce unpleasant and noisy restore site to: County Wildlife animals.

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Site Biodiversity gains/habitat features that support BAP Agricultural use/ designations. species should be provided through restoration. Restoration Woodland. could seek to return this to Provide agricultural biodiversity use, expand enhancement. current habitat Ponds/lakes. areas and/or contribute to Assessment of expanding the availability of inert amount of fill. woodland in the area to link up with South West Nature Map designated areas.

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The tables below provide details of the key issues raised by officers and consultees for the site options in the South East of Salisbury Mineral Resource Zone. The tables also identify the scope of any further assessments required on each of the remaining site options.

South East of Salisbury

Table 8.1 Non-site specific key Issues raised by consultees for the South East of Salisbury Mineral Resource Zone

Topic Area Issues raised by consultees Further assessments required

General Inaccurate/debatable distances provided by The distances given in the Council consultation document. consultation report will be checked.

Questions regarding sharp/soft sand descriptions The end uses for sand and gravel and use in concreting/construction. and soft sand will be checked.

Seek short/medium/long term definitions – The Minerals Core Strategy particularly in regard to restoration. considers short term to cover the period 2006 - 2012, medium term 2010 - 2016 and longer term 2012 - 2026. This will be re-examined due to the period of time that has elapsed since adoption of the minerals core strategy.

Concern for timescale/length of operation – Minerals can only be worked Whiteparish has had its “fair share” (reference where they exist from to Brickworth Quarry – south of A36) environmentally acceptable sources. The further detailed assessments will test whether the site options are, in principle, acceptable.

History of A36/A27 developments – Squabb The planning history for the area Wood/Sherfield English/Biffa site. will be examined and the relevance of any reasons for refusal (if any) will be taken into account.

Quarry subject of fifteen planning applications The planning history for the area since 1990 including one for a recycling plant. will be examined and the relevance of any reasons for refusal (if any) will be taken into account.

Not enough emphasis on social impacts of Human health and amenity are key quarrying proposals in WC documentation. considerations for the detailed assessments.

Cross-boundary mineral use. Mineral can only be worked where Wiltshire/non-Wiltshire supply balance. it exists. The managed aggregates supply system requires

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Wiltshire and Swindon to make provision as a contribution to national and regional requirements. It does not prescribe that mineral worked in Wiltshire and Swindon should be used exclusively in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Detrimental impact on local house values. This process will ensure that the right sites are delivered in the right locations. Although the anticipated impact on house prices is not a material consideration, the purpose of the detailed assessments is to ensure that adverse impact is minimised.

Impact on tourism in area close to New Forest The proximity to the New Forest National Park. National Park will be taken into consideration.

Accessibility issues in the area. Site options SE2 and SE3 would Transport be expected to use existing access arrangements at Brickworth Quarry. The issues of access to SE1 will be considered further.

Impact of HGV traffic on roads in the area. It will be assumed that the site options SE2 and SE3 would not result in any increase on HGV movements than permitted at Brickworth Quarry. SE1 may require use of the A27 and the potential impacts of this will be further assessed.

The roads around Whiteparish are narrow, which The suitability of roads to could lead to congestion and road safety issues accommodate minerals traffic will if used by HGVs travelling to and from the site. be further assessed.

Agreed vehicle movements of 102 HGV The maximum permitted vehicle movements per day around Whiteparish which movements for Brickworth quarry also preclude simultaneous working of all three will be checked. However, the site sites (SE1, SE2, SE3). options would be expected to act as extensions to the existing quarry and therefore would not be worked simultaneously but instead would provide a continuation of existing production in the area.

Residents are against the additional use of traffic Site options SE2 and SE3 would lights and roundabouts to deal with traffic. be expected to use the existing access arrangements at

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Brickworth Quarry. Potential traffic mamangement arrangements for SE1 will be assessed.

Sites are in relatively close proximity to boundary There is currently a successful of Hampshire (approximately 1.85km at closest routing agreement in place at point). Hampshire County Council request that Brickworth Quarry which restricts LGVs accessing the sites in the area use A36 use of the A27 by minerals HGVs. rather than A27 – and expect a Lorry Routing However, this issue will be Agreement to establish this. Additional LGV considered through the detailed traffic through Romsey (A27) are along roads assessments. with narrow carriageways, on-street parking and a number of residential property frontages – which would have negative impacts in terms of safety, noise, air quality, community severance and quality of life in Romsey and surrounding areas. Any additional use of junction between A27 and A3090 would also be a concern.

Weight limit on roads in northern New Forest This routeing of minerals HGVs area. The B3078, B3079 and B3080 (used as will be taken into consideration. short cuts to the M27/A31) should be avoided.

Only safeguarding zones affected area is for Comment noted. technical sites (transmitters/receivers). Human health and Impacts of dust, noise and pollution (from These issues will be taken into well being quarrying activities and HGVs) on air quality and consideration through the further human health (exacerbated by prevailing winds detailed assessments. in direction of Whiteparish), particularly for people living in the area suffering with respiratory problems (e.g. asthma).

Disruption of aquifers risk to water supply and The council is not considering Ground and pollution/landfill (risk of pollution), possibility of using the post extraction surface any leachate from infilling operations and voidspace for putrescible landfill. water concern for impact on drainage However, potential impacts on surface and groundwater will be taken into consideration.

Damage to rural/agricultural landscape. Loss of Landscape impact will be taken Landscape farmland/disruption to agriculture. into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Quarrying would detract from landscape Landscape impact will be taken preservation. into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Impact on character of Whiteparish village – will Impacts on the setting of be an eyesore in a village that has received Whiteparish village will be taken awards for its appearance. into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

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Proximity to New Forest National Park boundary. Potential impacts on setting of Requirement for landscape/visual impact New Forest National Park will be assessment to establish effect on National Park. taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Impact of light pollution on setting of National Potential impacts on setting of Park. New Forest National Park will be taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Special Landscape Area designation. Potential impacts on the local landscape designation will be taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Area contains historic sites such as Moor Farm Potential impacts on historic Historic House. assets will be taken into Environment consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Effect on the significance of the Whiteparish Impacts on the setting of Conservation Area should be considered. Whiteparish village Conservation Area will be taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Amenity No non-site specific comments made N/a

Potential impact on livestock in surrounding This point will be considered Biodiversity farms. further.

Substantial loss of woodland and copses in the Potential impacts on existing area. woodland in the area will be taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Impacts on important wildlife species (e.g. plants Impacts on biodiversity will be and bats). taken into consideration through the further detailed assessments.

Seek short/medium/long term definitions – The Minerals Core Strategy Restoration particularly in regard to restoration. considers short term to cover the period 2006 - 2012, medium term 2010 - 2016 and longer term 2012 - 2026. This will be re-examined due to the period of time that has elapsed since adoption of the minerals core strategy.

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Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area initially identified by officers

General Inaccurate/debatable distances provided by Review of distances Council consultation document. provided within document. Questions regarding sharp/soft sand descriptions and use in Consideration of concreting/construction. relationship to markets for minerals. Seek short/medium/long term definitions – particularly in regard to restoration.

Concern for timescale/length of operation – Whiteparish has had its “fair share” (reference to Brickworth Quarry – south of A36). History of A36/A27 developments – Squabb Wood/Sherfield English/Biffa site Brickworth Quarry.

Quarry subject of fifteen planning applications since 1990 including one for a recycling plant.

Not enough emphasis on social impacts of quarrying proposals in WC documentation.

Cross-boundary mineral use and the Wiltshire/non-Wiltshire supply balance.

Detrimental impact on local house values.

Impact on tourism in area close to New Forest National Park.

The estimation for the amount of deposits on site is inaccurate. Requirement for borehole assessment of site resources.

Transport Access onto the Accessibility issues to site SE1. Potentially Site options SE2 and nearby HGV route hazardous access point onto A36 Trunk SE3 would be network and use Road – which attracts significant tourism expected to use the of existing traffic. existing access infrastructure. arrangements at Assessment of Potential for dangerous overtaking of slow Brickworth Quarry. suitability of the haulage trucks on A36. Impact of HGV traffic They would also be A27 (linking to the should be restricted as far as possible to the expected to act as a A36) to Strategic Road Network and the Local Lorry continuation of accommodate site Route Network. existing permitted access points and levels of production

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additional Site also adjacent to A27. This road is and HGV infrastructure currently subject to routeing restrictions in movements. upgrades (if and out of Brickworth Quarry – potential use However, required). of A27 considered to be unacceptable for assessment should residents of Whiteparish (south west of site be undertaken on any SE1). potential increase in HGV movements on The roads around Whiteparish are narrow, the A36. which could lead to congestion and road safety issues if used by HGVs travelling to and from the site.

Agreed vehicle movements of 102 HGV movements per day around Whiteparish which also preclude simultaneous working of all three sites (SE1, SE2, SE3).

Residents against use of additional traffic lights and roundabouts to deal with traffic in the area.

Site is in relatively close proximity to the boundary of Hampshire (approximately 1.85km at closest point). Hampshire County Council request that LGVs accessing the site use A36 rather than A27 – and expect a Lorry Routing Agreement to establish this.

Weight limit on roads in northern New Forest area. The B3078, B3079 and B3080 (used as short cuts to the M27/A31) should be avoided.

Requirement for Transport Assessment Study.

Landscape/ Visual impacts on Damage to rural/agricultural landscape. Visual impacts on the visual the landscape landscape character impact character of the Quarrying would detract from landscape of the area and views area and views preservation. onto the site from onto the site from residential properties residential Impact on character of Whiteparish village and roads. properties and – will be an eyesore in a village that has roads.Impacts on received awards for its appearance. Area Impacts on the New the New Forest designated as Special Landscape Area. Forest National Park. National Park. Assessment of Proximity to New Forest National Park impacts on setting of boundary. Requirement for landscape/visual Whiteparish village impact assessment to establish effect on and Special Landscape Area.

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National Park. Impact of light pollution on setting of National Park and the site is in a highly visible location.

Lack of screening on open site will enable quarrying activities to be seen from overlooking village of Whiteparish.

Impact exacerbated by topography of land (SE1 is on a north-east facing slope) – would be visible from A27/A36 and Whiteparish. Concern for potential overhead conveyor system to transfer materials from site to south west of A36 – unrealistic and unsightly.

Biodiversity Believed to be a good site for scarce arable Assessment of the plants. potential for protected or notable species on Potential impact on livestock in surrounding the site (such as farms. arable plants, Assessment of the woodland butterflies Wet grassland CWS (south of site) have potential for potential to be impacted due to change in protected or (e.g. White Admiral) water table. notable species on and birds (e.g. Hawfinch). Impacts the site, BAP priority declining woodland butterflies hedgerows and on fauna and flora of (e.g. White Admiral) and birds (e.g. the site (and nearby). aged/veteran Hawfinch) on and in proximity to the site. trees, impacts of Assessment of minerals impacts on operations on hedgerows and fauna and flora of aged/veteran trees. the site (and Impacts on nearby), impacts surrounding on surrounding woodland and woodland and Ancient Woodland Ancient Woodland within the surrounding within the area surrounding area. Impacts on wet grassland County Wildlife Site to the south.

Human Impacts of dust, noise and pollution (from Assessment of Assessment of health quarrying activities and HGVs) on air quality noise/vibration, noise, visual, dust and and human health (exacerbated by visual, dust and light and light intrusion amenity prevailing winds in direction of Whiteparish), intrusion on those

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particularly for people living in the area living in proximity to suffering with respiratory problems (e.g. the site. Impact on asthma). Particular impact on residents of residents of nearby Whiteparish villages and properties Whiteparish, adjacent to site SE1. Richmond Farm, Firlands Lodge and Properties adjacent to site (Richmond Farm, new development of Firlands Lodge and new development of Tricky’s Paddock. Tricky’s Paddock) and over 50 properties within half a mile of the proposed site.

Edge of Whiteparish village is less than on those living in 400m east of site SE1 (distance to 30mph proximity to the sign entering village). Dwellings of Fullers site. Cottage and Brickworth Cottage are first into the village on south side of A27. Tipplefield Farm north of site SE1.

Impact on primary school in Whiteparish (1.25km from site).

Concern that additional HGV traffic and vibrations from quarrying activity will cause cracks and movement to neighbouring properties.

Only safeguarding zones affected area is for technical sites (transmitters/receivers).

Historic Area contains historic sites such as Moor Assessment of environment Farm House. impacts on Moor Farm House and No known archaeology. Whiteparish Conservation Area. None. Effect on the significance of the Whiteparish Conservation Area should be considered. Further checks with County Archaeologist/ English Heritage required.

Water Groundwater contamination risk Environment Agency environment assessment. have not objected to Assessment of the development of site impact to aquifers Disruption of aquifers risk to water supply option in principle, in the area and the and pollution/landfill (risk of pollution). although potentially impacts to the significant constraints surrounding Possibility of any leachate from infilling have been environment. operations and concern for impact on highlighted. Further drainage. assessments should be undertaken on

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Site lies within the groundwater SPZ3 for surface and the Hale and Woodgreen abstraction. No groundwater quality. abstractions within 2.5km and nearest Seek advice from EA watercourse (the Whiteparish Tributary) is as to whether these over 250m away. assessments should be undertaken at Unknown groundwater movement between planning application proposed site and wet SSSI meadows to stage. Flood risk the south (less than 500m away) (Natural (FRA required). England).

Site is within Southern Water’s wastewater service area, but not within water supply area. Assessment of existing sewer capacity will be necessary when specific proposals are brought forward (Southern Water).

Part of site is subject to regular flooding in heavy rain. Part of site is within FZ2/3. Requirement for FRA. Recommend that sequential approach is taken across the site, avoiding those areas at risk of flooding. Require details of pumping methods for clearing floodwater.

Restoration The area of land is Concern for restoration proposals and The Councils are not currently in anxiety that site will be used for non-inert proposing landfill of agricultural use landfill as the site is located adjacent to municipal, with areas of historic landfill. Shortfall of waste site commercial or Ancient Woodland provision according to Core Strategy. industrial putrescible in proximity to the Uncertainty regarding biogas potential. waste. Assess site. Restoration feasibility of could seek to Reference to “proximity principle” in waste restoration to contribute to disposal. agriculture or expanding the managed woodland. amount of If restoration to agriculture/forestry, the woodland in the biodiversity gains/habitat features that area as and support BAP species should be provided. expand the Due to proximity to New Forest (5km from designation of site), restoration should preferably be to woodland through deciduous mixed lowland woodland (RSPB). the South West Nature Map.

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Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area initially identified by officers

Quarry subject of fifteen planning applications since 1990 including one for a recycling plant.

Not enough emphasis on social impacts of quarrying proposals in WC documentation.

Cross-boundary mineral use and the Wiltshire/non-Wiltshire supply balance.

Detrimental impact on local house values.

Impact on tourism in area close to New Forest National Park.

The estimation for the amount of deposits on site is inaccurate. Requirement for borehole assessment of site resources.

Transport None. Site adjacent to A36 Trunk Road – which Site options SE2 and attracts significant tourism traffic. Potential SE3 would be for dangerous overtaking of slow haulage expected to use the trucks on A36. existing access arrangements at Impact of HGV traffic should be restricted as Brickworth Quarry. far as possible to the Strategic Road Network They would also be and the Local Lorry Route Network. expected to act as a continuation of Site also in close proximity to A27. This road existing permitted is currently subject to routeing restrictions in levels of production, and out of Brickworth Quarry – potential use HGV movements and

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of A27 considered to be unacceptable for routing residents of Whiteparish (south west of site arrangements. SE1). However, assessment should The roads around Whiteparish are narrow, be undertaken on any which could lead to congestion and road potential increase in safety issues if used by HGVs travelling to HGV movements on and from the site. the A36. Agreed vehicle movements of 102 HGV movements per day around Whiteparish which also preclude simultaneous working of all three sites (SE1, SE2, SE3).

Residents against use of additional traffic lights and roundabouts to deal with traffic in area.

Any additional use of junction between A27 and A3090 would also be a concern. Weight limit on roads in northern New Forest area. The B3078, B3079 and B3080 (used as short cuts to the M27/A31) should be avoided. Requirement for Transport Assessment Study.

Landscape/ Visual impacts on Damage to rural/agricultural landscape. Assessment of visual the landscape Quarrying would detract from landscape potential visual impact character of the preservation. impacts on the area and views Impact on character of Whiteparish village – landscape character onto the of the area and views Impacts on will be an eyesore in a village that has site. onto the site from the New Forest received awards for its appearance. residential properties National Park. Proximity to New Forest National Park and roads. boundary (approximately 200m from site SE2). Requirement for landscape/visual Assessment of potential impacts on impact assessment to establish effect on the New Forest National Park. Impact of light pollution on National Park. setting of National Park.

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Assessment of potential impacts on setting of Whiteparish village and Special Landscape Area.

Biodiversity Copses in SE3 designated as a CWS. Assessment of the Provide a vital network of habitats and act potential for protected as reservoirs for declining animal and plant or notable species species. Access to copses for purpose of (specialised monitoring CWS has been denied by the woodland butterflies Longford Estate since 1990 – therefore up (White Admiral, to date information is unavailable Silver-washed (Whiteparish Preservation Group). Fritillary), badgers, foxes, mature hazel, Survey of species required. Species Assessment of the large oaks, maple, observed on site include specialised potential for ash, birch, barn owls, woodland butterflies (White Admiral, protected or Woodcock) on the Silver-washed Fritillary), badgers, foxes, notable species site. mature hazel, large oaks, maple, ash, birch, on the site, barn owls, Woodcock. Assessment of hedgerows and potential impacts to aged/veteran Belief that three copses on Longford Estate hedgerows and trees, impacts of (SE2 and SE3) are part of a larger woodland aged/veteran trees, minerals complex with links to Langley Wood National impacts of minerals operations on Nature Reserve, New Forest woodlands, to operations on fauna fauna and flora of Whiteparish Common and to small copses and flora of the site the site (and to the north, many of which are SSSIs – and (and nearby), impacts nearby), impacts should be considered as such. on surrounding on surrounding woodland and woodland and Site 8.5km from Mottisfont Bats SAC. Ancient Woodland Ancient Woodland Detailed bats survey required to demonstrate (County Wildlife Site within the site and no impact on the SAC. Copses) within the surrounding area. site and surrounding Loss of three copse areas within SE3 and area and potential for SE2 these to be used as a larger woodland complex.

Consideration of possible impacts on foraging area for Mottisfont Bats SAC.

Human Impacts of dust, noise and pollution (from Assessment of Assessment of health quarrying activities and HGVs) on air quality potential impacts of noise, visual, dust and and human health (exacerbated by prevailing noise, visual, dust and light intrusion amenity winds in direction of Whiteparish), particularly and light intrusion on

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for people living in the area suffering with those living in respiratory problems (e.g. asthma). Particular proximity to the site- impact on residents of nearby Newton Lane nearby residents of and Whiteparish village. Whiteparish village, properties at Newton Impact of dust, noise, light on local residential Corner crossroads amenity/quality of life. Site is within junction, along 500m/1000m of Whiteparish village Newton Lane, boundary. Harestock Cottage opposite site and Misrepresentation of number of nearby Newton Farm Guest dwellings potentially impacted by site House, Swallows proposal. Site SE2 within 200m of properties Barn and Beam Ends on those living in at Newton Corner crossroads junction and (all Newton Lane, proximity to the no mention of the 20/25/30 properties along close to junction with site. Newton Lane. Also, Harestock Cottage A36). opposite site (within 20m of site) and Newton Farm Guest House, Swallows Barn and Impact on PRoW Beam Ends (all Newton Lane, close to running partly junction with A36). through site. Loss of PRoW footpath running partly through site – not mentioned in Site Options Document.

Concern that additional HGV traffic and vibrations from quarrying activity will cause cracks and movement to neighbouring properties.

Historic Area contains historic sites such as Moor Assessment of environment Farm House. impact to historic sites such as Moor No known archaeology. However, recent Farm House. initial works at Brickworth Quarry (adjacent) has demonstrated archaeological potential. Assessment of impact on Effect on the significance of the Whiteparish None. Conservation Area should be considered. Whiteparish Conservation Area.

Further checks with County Archaeologist/ English Heritage required.

Water Assessment of the Groundwater contamination risk assessment Environment Agency environment impact to aquifers required. Site on major aquifer – not have not objected to in the area and mentioned in Initial Site Options Report. development of site

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Disruption of aquifers risk to water supply option in principle, and pollution/landfill (risk of pollution) through although potentially the possibility of any leachate from infilling significant constraints operations - concern for impact on drainage. have been highlighted. Further Site lies within the groundwater SPZ3 for the assessments should Hale and Woodgreen abstraction. No be undertaken on abstractions within 2.5km and nearest surface and watercourse (the Whiteparish Tributary), is groundwater quality. over 250m away. Seek advice from EA as to whether these Unknown groundwater movement between assessments should proposed site and wet SSSI meadows to the be undertaken at south (less than 500m away) (Natural planning application England). stage. Flood risk the impacts to the (FRA required). surrounding The site is within Southern Water’s environment. wastewater service area, but not within water supply area.

Assessment of existing sewer capacity will be necessary when specific proposals are brought forward (Southern Water).

Immediate interruption and dislocation of water supply due to proposed works. FRA required.

There are a number of wells that run along Newton Lane that may be affected. Details of pumping methods for clearing floodwater required.

Restoration The area of land Concern for restoration proposals and anxiety The Councils are not is currently in that site will be used for non-inert landfill. proposing landfill of agricultural/managed municipal, woodland use with Uncertainty regarding biogas potential. commercial or areas of Ancient Shortfall of waste site provision according to industrial putrescible Woodland within Core Strategy. Reference to “proximity waste. Assess and surrounding principle” in waste disposal. feasibility of the site. restoration to Restoration Restoration to managed woodland, with managed woodland should seek to particular reference to the New Forest SSSI or agriculture. utilise the existing biodiversity features and Mottisfont Bats Ancient Woodland SAC. Woodland restoration - essential to seed bank and maintain soil structure and keep some return the land to continuity of canopy cover. semi natural woodland with a mix of native

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species to contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option SE3:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area initially identified by officers

Quarry subject of fifteen planning applications since 1990 including one for a recycling plant.

Not enough emphasis on social impacts of quarrying proposals in WC documentation.

Cross-boundary mineral use and the Wiltshire/non-Wiltshire supply balance.

Detrimental impact on local house values.

Impact on tourism in area close to New Forest National Park.

The estimation for the amount of deposits on site is inaccurate. Requirement for borehole assessment of site resources.

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Transport None. Site adjacent to A36 Trunk Road – which Site options SE2 and attracts significant tourism traffic. Potential SE3 would be for dangerous overtaking of slow haulage expected to use the trucks on A36. Impact of HGV traffic should existing access be restricted as far as possible to the arrangements at Strategic Road Network and the Local Lorry Brickworth Quarry. Route Network. They would also be expected to act as a Site also in close proximity to A27. This road continuation of is currently subject to routeing restrictions in existing permitted and out of Brickworth Quarry – potential use levels of production, of A27 considered to be unacceptable for HGV movements and residents of Whiteparish (south west of site routing SE1). arrangements. However, The roads around Whiteparish are narrow, assessment should which could lead to congestion and road be undertaken on any safety issues if used by HGVs travelling to potential increase in and from the site. HGV movements on the A36. Agreed vehicle movements of 102 HGV movements per day around Whiteparish which also preclude simultaneous working of all three sites (SE1, SE2, SE3).

Residents against use of additional traffic lights and roundabouts to deal with traffic in area.

Site is in relatively close proximity to boundary of Hampshire (approximately 1.85km at closest point). Hampshire County Council request that LGVs accessing the site use A36 rather than A27 – and expect a Lorry Routing Agreement to establish this. Weight limit on roads in northern New Forest area. The B3078, B3079 and B3080 (used as short cuts to the M27/A31) should be avoided. Requirement for Transport Assessment Study.

Landscape/ Visual impacts on Damage to rural/agricultural landscape. Assessment of visual visual the landscape impacts on the impact character of the Quarrying would detract from landscape landscape character area and views preservation. of the area and views onto the site. onto the site from

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Impact on character of Whiteparish village – residential properties will be an eyesore in a village that has and roads. received awards for its appearance. Assessment of potential impacts on Impacts on the Proximity to New Forest National Park setting of the New New Forest boundary. Requirement for landscape/visual Forest National Park. National Park. impact assessment to establish effect on Assessment of National Park. Impact of light pollution on impacts on setting of National Park. Whiteparish village and Special Landscape Area.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Copses in SE3 designated as a CWS and Assessment of the potential for provide a vital network of habitats and act as potential for protected protected or reservoirs for declining animal and plant or notable species notable species species. Access to copses for purpose of (including specialised on the site, monitoring CWS has been denied by the woodland butterflies hedgerows and Longford Estate since 1990 – therefore up (White Admiral, aged/veteran to date information is unavailable Silver-washed trees, impacts of (Whiteparish Preservation Group). Fritillary), badgers, minerals foxes, mature hazel, operations on Survey of species required - Species large oaks, maple, fauna and flora of observed on site include specialised ash, birch, barn owls, the site (and woodland butterflies (White Admiral, Woodcock) on the nearby), impacts Silver-washed Fritillary), badgers, foxes, site. on surrounding mature hazel, large oaks, maple, ash, birch, woodland and barn owls, Woodcock. Assessment of Ancient Woodland impacts to within the site and Belief that three copses on Longford Estate hedgerows and surrounding area. (SE2 and SE3) are part of a larger woodland aged/veteran trees. complex with links to Langley Wood National Impacts on Nature Reserve, New Forest woodlands, to surrounding Whiteparish Common and to small copses woodland and to the north, many of which are SSSIs – and Ancient Woodland should be considered as such. (County Wildlife Site Copses) within the Site 8.5km from Mottisfont Bats SAC. site and surrounding Detailed bats survey required to demonstrate area and potential for no impact on the SAC. these to be used as a larger woodland complex.

Impacts of minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby).

Consideration of possible impacts on foraging area for Mottisfont Bats SAC.

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Human Impacts of dust, noise and pollution (from Assessment of health quarrying activities and HGVs) on air quality noise/vibration, and and human health (exacerbated by prevailing visual, dust and light amenity winds in direction of Whiteparish), particularly intrusion on those for people living in the area suffering with living in proximity to respiratory problems (e.g. asthma). the site. Assessment of potential impacts “There are no potential sensitive receptors to nearby residents of on or in proximity to area of land” (Site Whiteparish village. Options document) is disputed. Assessment of potential impact on None. Impact of dust, noise, light on local residential PRoW footpath amenity/quality of life in Whiteparish and running partly other neighbouring properties. through site. Loss of PRoW footpath running partly through site – not mentioned in Site Options Document.

Concern that additional HGV traffic and vibrations from quarrying activity will cause cracks and movement to neighbouring properties.

Historic Area contains historic sites such as Moor Assessment of environment Farm House and ancient track way bordering impact to historic site SE3. No known archaeology and existing sites such as Moor tree cover. However, recent initial works at Farm House and Brickworth Quarry (adjacent) has ancient track way demonstrated archaeological potential (WC). bordering site. None. Loss of three copse areas within SE3 and Assess potential SE2. Effect on the significance of the impact on Whiteparish Conservation Area should be considered. Whiteparish Conservation Area should.

Water Groundwater contamination risk Environment Agency environment assessment. Disruption of aquifers risk to have not objected to water supply and pollution/landfill (risk of development of site pollution). option in principle, Assessment of the although potentially impact to aquifers Possibility of any leachate from infilling significant constraints in the area and operations. Concern for impact on drainage. have been the impacts to the Site lies within the groundwater SPZ3 for the highlighted. Further surrounding Hale and Woodgreen abstraction. No assessments should environment. abstractions within 2.5km and nearest be undertaken on watercourse the Whiteparish Tributary, is surface and over 250m away. groundwater quality. Seek advice from EA

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Unknown groundwater movement between as to whether these proposed site and wet SSSI meadows to the assessments should south (less than 500m away) (Natural be undertaken at England). planning application stage. Flood risk Site within Southern Water’s wastewater (FRA required). service area, but not within water supply area.

Assessment of existing sewer capacity will be necessary when specific proposals are brought forward (Southern Water).

Immediate interruption and dislocation of water supply due to proposed works - FRA required.

Details of pumping methods for clearing floodwater required.

Restoration The area of land Concern for restoration proposals and anxiety The Councils are not is currently in that site will be used for non-inert landfill. proposing landfill of agricultural/managed Uncertainty regarding biogas potential. municipal, woodland use with commercial or areas of Ancient Shortfall of waste site provision according to industrial putrescible Woodland within Core Strategy. Reference to “proximity waste. Assess and surrounding principle” in waste disposal. feasibility of the site. restoration to Restoration Inert fill to woodland restoration defies managed woodland should seek to credibility. or agriculture. utilise the existing Restoration to managed woodland, with Ancient Woodland particular reference to the New Forest SSSI seed bank and biodiversity features and Mottisfont Bats return the land to SAC. Woodland restoration - essential to semi natural maintain soil structure and keep some woodland with a continuity of canopy cover. Suggestion that mix of native seed bank should be retained is impractical. species to contribute to expanding the amount of woodland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Page 224 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Appendix 9 Salisbury Avon: Summary of key issues tables

The tables below provide details of the key issues raised by officers and consultees for the site options in the Salisbury Avon Mineral Resource Zone. The tables also identify the scope of any further assessments required on each of the remaining site options.

Salisbury Avon

Table 9.1 Non-site specific key Issues raised by consultees for the Salisbury Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Topic Area Issues raised by consultees Further assessments required

General The Council should provide a more Estimates of yield have been provided accurate estimate of minerals contained by the industry for site option SA2. within each site. These are based on borehole estimates and are considered to be reasonably accurate. The Councils provided a desktop estimate of potential yield for site option SA1. This estimate will be reviewed as part of the further assessments.

The Council should clarify the timescale The further assessments will be of the site selection process. undertaken during March - June 2011. Following the assessments a short list which will include the site options that the Councils believe to be the most suitable for sand and gravel extraction which will be published in June.

Concern that the area would not benefit The Minerals Core Strategy promotes a from quarrying of these sites. restoration led approach to minerals development. Opportunities for implementing beneficial after-uses for the site options will be a key consideration of the further assessments.

Quarrying in the Salisbury Avon would Potential impacts on human health and result in significant noise, visual, dust amenity will be considered as part of the pollution and general disruption to well further detailed assessments. used footpaths and bridleways.

Concern that additional traffic would Potential impacts of minerals HGV on the Transport aggravate existing transport issues in the local road network will be considered as area, for instance bottlenecks on the A36 part of the further detailed assessments. near Petersfinger.

The Council should ensure that new Opportunities to improve existing walking development in the area and resulting and cycling routes will be considered as traffic increases should be mitigated by part of the further detailed assessments. creating walking and cycling routes.

The National Cycle Route runs through This issue will be considered as part of the Salisbury Avon area and should be the further detailed assessments. protected.

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Concern that noise, dust and vehicle Potential impacts on human health and emissions would have a detrimental amenity will be considered as part of the Human impact on the quality of life (particularly further detailed assessments. health and for residents of Whaddon and Alderbury). well being Additional HGV traffic on roads (such as The assessments relating to minerals A338) would be a safety risk. traffic will include safety considerations as part of the further detailed assessments.

Concern that quarrying would impact on The Environment Agency will continue Ground and local drainage and adversely affect the to be involved throughout the process of surface River Avon should be addressed. determining site suitability. water The Council should respect the function The integrity of water courses and in and habitat of watercourses which run particular the River Avon SAC will be within and adjacent to the sites in the considered as part of the further detailed Salisbury Avon area. assessments.

The Council should further assess the The issue of flooding will be considered risk of flooding and mitigate against as part of the further detailed potential threats. assessments.

The Council should investigate the impact Impacts on the setting of the AONB will Landscape on nearby Chase and West Wiltshire be considered as part of the further Downs AONB with regard to the detailed assessments. Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan 2009-2014.

The Council should recognise that the The historic value of the site options and Historic historic environment is a key issue here surrounds will be considered as part of Environment as the Salisbury Avon area is home to the further detailed assessments. some important water meadows (some Scheduled Ancient Meadows), ancient field systems and listed buildings.

Concern that known Roman, Medieval The archaeological value of the site and post-Medieval archaeology in the options will be considered as part of the area could be destroyed. further detailed assessments.

Amenity Quarrying in the Salisbury Avon would These issues will be considered as part result in significant noise, visual, dust of the further detailed assessments. pollution and general disruption to well used footpaths and bridleways.

Concern that quarrying operations would Impacts on biodiversity and water quality Biodiversity have a detrimental impact on river fish will be considered as part of the further populations. The River Avon hosts detailed assessments. various species of fish, including migratory and non-migratory Brown Trout (BAP species)

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The Council should carry out Phase 1 This point will be considered further when and 2 Habitat surveys. undertaking the further assessments.

The Salisbury Avon area also hosts the Potential impacts on areas designated River Avon SSSI, River Avon SAC, Top for their biodiversity value will be Moor and River Avon CWSs and a BAP considered as part of the further detailed Priority Habitat. The likely effects of assessments. quarrying on these designated sites should be evaluated.

The Council should demonstrate that The feasibility of restoration options will Restoration these sites would not be difficult or be considered as part of the further impractical to restore given that detailed assessments. excavation will be below the water table.

The Council should investigate Opportunities to provide benefits to a restoration options that would benefit the local area and community will be local area and community. considered as part of the further detailed assessments.

Restoration should enhance the Opportunities to enhance the landscape landscape in line with the Wiltshire will be considered as part of the further Landscape Character Assessment 2005. detailed assessments.

The RSPB and MoD recommend that This restoration option will be considered restoration to wetland habitats would be as part of the further detailed a preferred option. assessments.

Concern that the site will be used for The councils are not proposing landfill of waste landfill following minerals municipal, commercial or industrial extraction. putrescible waste for any of the site options.

Site Option SA1:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area initially identified by officers

General At this stage it is not possible to outline the timescale for the Concern expressed regarding the timescale development. of proposals, that material estimates have N/a A review of the been exaggerated and benefits to the area available geological will be insignificant. information for this site option should be undertaken.

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Transport Assessment of access Traffic on A36 near Petersfinger often onto and suitability of generates a bottleneck several miles back. the stretch of, the nearby HGV route Other consultees suggested that the network and operations would have only a marginal Access onto, and assessment of effect on the current traffic problems and suitability of the potential for new stretch of, the that site entrance could easily be located junction. Assessment nearby HGV route by the traffic lighted junction - although of impact on A36 network and gaining access to the sewage works road regarding potential for assessment of could be an obstacle to this (intervening increased potential for new land is very wet and boggy). traffic/congestion junction. levels and road safety. New development in the area needs to Assessment of mitigate traffic increase by creating walking potential to enhance and cycling routes along the Southampton walking and cycling road. routes along Southampton road.

Landscape/ Assessment of visual visual impacts from nearby impact roads and properties. Assessment of Impact on nearby Chase and West impacts on the Visual impacts from Wiltshire Downs AONB. landscape character nearby roads and of the area and views properties, impacts Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment onto the site. on the landscape should be carried out and should refer to Assessment of character of the the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire impacts on nearby area and views Downs AONB Management AONB (refer to onto the site. Plan-2009-2014. Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Management Plan-2009-2014).

Biodiversity Assessment of the Variety of species recorded in proximity to Assessment of the potential for site, including Water Vole (150m from site) potential for protected protected or and Otter (400m from site). or notable species notable species on, (including Water Vole and in proximity to, The site is adjacent to Petersfinger Farm and Otter, Atlantic the site, impacts to Meadows CWS, River Avon SSSI, River Salmon, Ranunculus hedgerows and Avon SAC and a BAP Priority Habitat. Communities, Sea aged/veteran trees, Designated SAC features include Atlantic Lamprey and impacts of minerals Salmon, Ranunculus Communities, Sea Bullhead, Brown operations on Lamprey and Bullhead. SSSI qualifying Trout). Assessment of fauna and flora of features are coarse fish assemblage. The likely impacts on the site (and River Avon watercourse also hosts hedgerows and nearby) and migratory and non-migratory Brown Trout aged/veteran trees,

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impacts of minerals operations on fauna (BAP Species). Concern that quarry and flora of the site operations and post-extraction use would (and nearby) and impacts on the have a detrimental effect on these river fish impacts on the River River Avon SAC. populations. The Environment Agency Avon SSSI/SAC, expects Phase 1 and 2 Habitat surveys. adjacent Petersfinger Farm Meadows CWSand aBAP Priority Habitat.

Human Assessment of health noise, visual, dust Assessment of noise, and and light intrusion visual, dust and light amenity on those living in intrusion on those Noise, dust and vehicle emission pollution proximity to the living in proximity to would have unacceptable impact on quality site. Impacts on the the site. Impacts on of life for residents. nearby sewerage the nearby sewerage works will also works will also require require further further assessment. assessment.

Historic Area has some important water meadows environment and ancient field systems with some important listed buildings. Site is surrounded by Roman, Medieval and Assessment of post-medieval settlements - 24 impacts on historic archaeological finds within 1km of site and environment (including high potential for future finds. Known surrounding listed Assessment to archaeology is likely to require some buildings. Assessment determine if any mitigation. In addition, a few of the water of potential for roman, historical features meadows are Scheduled Ancient medieval and post are located on the Meadows. Dewatering medieval water medieval archaeology. site. meadows is a possible issue.The following Further checks with listed buildings are also within or in close County Archaeologist proximity to the site: Rectory Farm and The and English Heritage Old Vicarage in Church Lane are Grade 2 required. and the Church of St Peter is Grade 1. Also, Moat House (Grade 1), 2 Church Lane (2), and Moat Cottage (2).

Water Assessment of the Environment Agency environment impact to aquifers Concern around proposals impact on have not objected to in the area, the drainage, and downstream effect on river development of site integrity of the Avon. Proposal should respect function option in principle, River Avon SAC and habitat of watercourse to south of site. although potentially and impacts to the Site in FZ2/FZ3. significant constraints surrounding have been highlighted environment. with respect to the

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River Avon SAC. Further assessments should be undertaken on surface and groundwater quality. Seek advice from EA as to whether these assessments should be undertaken at planning application stage. Flood risk (FRA required).

Restoration Concern that site would be difficult or impractical to restore as excavation will be below water table. The councils are not There may be potential for a restoration proposing landfill of project with community amenity without municipal, commercial filling the void. The area of land is or industrial putrescible waste for currently in Restoration should enhance landscape in any of the site options. agricultural use. line with the Wiltshire Landscape Character Restoration could Assessment of 2005. Key restoration Assessment of seek to return the habitats would be: wet grassland, ponds, potential impacts of land to agricultural floodplain grazing marsh, river restoration. restoration options on use or create a Unique chalk river habitat should be a main water table level. new wetland driver of restoration. Assess feasibility of habitat to enhance restoration habitats to the River Avon The RSPB welcomes the restoration to wet grassland, ponds, SAC environment. wetland habitats and the MoD also floodplain grazing proposes small water bodies and wetland marsh, river as a preferred option. restoration. Anxiety that landfilling could be a chosen option and that restoration time has not been specified.

Site Option SA2:

Topic Key issues Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area initially identified by officers

General Concern expressed regarding the timescale At this stage it is not of proposals, that material estimates have possible to outline the N/a been exaggerated and benefits to the area timescale for the will be insignificant. development.

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A review of the available geological information for this site option should be undertaken.

Transport Assessment of access onto the nearby HGV Concern about effect of increased traffic route network. passing Whaddon business park on the Assessment of safety of entering and exiting the park as suitability of A36/35 to well as concern for the impact on local B accommodate roads and increased congestion on A35. minerals traffic. Concern that water and mud on the road Assessment of due to quarrying activity would be a hazard suitability of new Access onto the and could block drains. junction and use of nearby HGV route proposed access network and use of New development in the area needs to route. Assessment of potentially mitigate traffic increase by creating walking suitability of the haul unsuitable roads to and cycling routes along the Southampton road linking the site reach the network. road. with A36 – particularly Assessment of subsidence and where potential for new The proposed track into site is likely to the road crosses a junction and use of subside and the proposed farm track to exit busy road at proposed access at Whaddon crosses a busy road. Access Whaddon. route. onto the A338 could also be problematic (would need to use Witherington Road and Assessment of through Downton – neither route is feasibility of gaining considered to be suitable). The A338 is a access onto the A338. busy road with high accident record (traffic use narrow New Forest lanes as rat runs). Assessment of It was also noted that the National Cycle impacts on the Route runs through the site. National Cycle Route running through the site.

Landscape/ Assessment of visual visual impacts from nearby impact Impact on nearby Cranbourne Chase and roads and properties. Visual impacts from West Wiltshire Downs AONB. Assessment of nearby roads and impacts on the properties, impacts Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment landscape character on the landscape should be carried out and should refer to of the area and views character of the the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire onto the site. area and views Downs AONB Management Plan Assessment of onto the site. 2009-2014. impacts on nearby AONB (refer to Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire

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Downs AONB Management Plan-2009-2014).

Biodiversity Assessment of the potential for protected Concern that quarry operations would have or notable species on Assessment of the a detrimental impact on river fish the site (including fish potential for populations. Designated SAC features populations in the river protected or include Atlantic Salmon, Ranunculus Avon - Atlantic notable species on Communities, Sea Lamprey and Bullhead. Salmon, Ranunculus the site, impacts to SSSI qualifying features are coarse fish Communities, Sea hedgerows and assemblage and the River Avon Lamprey, Bullhead aged/veteran trees, watercourse system is important for and Brown Trout). impacts of minerals migratory and non-migratory Brown Trout Assess potential operations on (BAP Species). The Environment Agency impacts on hedgerows fauna and flora of expects Phase 1 and 2 Habitat surveys. and aged/veteran the site (and trees, impacts of nearby) and Site is adjacent to the River Avon SSSI, minerals operations on impacts on the River Avon SAC, Top Moor and River Avon fauna and flora of the River Avon SAC. South County Wildlife Sites, and a BAP Priority Habitat. site (and nearby) and impacts on the River Avon SSSI/SAC/CWS.

Human Noise, dust and vehicle emission pollution health would have unacceptable impact on quality and of life for Whaddon/Alderbury/Willow amenity Cottage residents. Pollution and safety Assessment of concerns would also be generated by traffic noise, visual, dust passing Alderbury post office where school Assessment of noise, and light intrusion children wait for the bus. visual, dust and light on those living in intrusion on sensitive proximity to the Also that there would be significant noise, receptors in proximity site. visual, dust pollution and general disruption to the site. to well used footpaths and bridleways. Witherington Fishery just downstream of the site should be added to list of sensitive receptor sites.

Historic Area has some important water meadows Assessment of environment and ancient field systems with some impacts on potential important listed buildings. There are sites archaeological value Impacts on the of national importance - two fields with of the site. setting of Longford cropmarks of round barrows, prehistoric Assessment of Castle and Historic settlement and associated features. The potential impacts on Park and Garden. site is surrounded by Roman, Medieval and the setting of Longford post-medieval settlements – 27 Castle, important archaeological finds within 1.5km of site. water meadows (some

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This includes 9 within site boundary and 3 in very close proximity to the boundary – of the 12, 8 are undated, uninvestigated and would be destroyed. Known archaeology is likely to require some mitigation. In addition, a few of the water meadows (to the north, west and south) are Scheduled Ancient Meadows.

Dewatering medieval water meadows is a possible issue. Extant field systems and ancient), ancient field lynchets directly adjacent to site. In terms systems and listed of impact on historic buildings, an buildings. adjacent to assessment on the impact on Longford site. would be needed. Alderbury House Park (within 400m of site) and the Longford Castle 16th Centruy Park (1km away) would be affected visually and by noise and dust. Alderbury House, The Lodge, The Court House and the Church of St Mary are all Grade 2 listed and within 500m of the site. There is also a group of Grade 2 buildings at Witherington Farm (200m from site), and the Roundhouse is approximately 500m form one corner of the site.

Water Environment Agency environment have not objected to development of site option in principle, although potentially Concern around proposals impact on significant constraints drainage, and downstream effect on river have been highlighted Assessment of the Avon. Proposal should respect function with respect to the impact to aquifers and habitat of watercourses which bisect River Avon SAC. in the area, the and run along the site boundary. Site in Further assessments integrity of the FZ2/FZ3. Flood defence consents will be should be undertaken River Avon SAC needed to divert or affect the conveyance on surface and and impacts to the of water within watercourses. There is groundwater quality. surrounding potential impact on some of the site side Seek advice from EA environment. streams, requiring diversion or dewatering as to whether these possibly affecting SAC. assessments should be undertaken at planning application stage. Flood risk (FRA required).

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Restoration Concern that site would be difficult or impractical to restore as excavation will be below water table. There may be potential The councils are not The area of land is for a restoration project with community proposing landfill of currently in amenity without filling the void. Restoration municipal, commercial agricultural use. should enhance landscape in line with the or industrial Restoration could Wiltshire Landscape Character putrescible waste for seek to return the Assessment of 2005. Key restoration any of the site options. land to agricultural habitats would be: wet grassland, ponds, use or create a floodplain grazing marsh, river restoration. Assessment of new wetland The unique chalk river habitat should be a potential impacts of habitat to enhance main driver of restoration. The RSPB restoration options on the River Avon welcomes the restoration to wetland water table level. SAC environment. habitats and the MoD also proposes small Assess feasibility of The proposed water bodies/wetland as a preferred option. restoration habitats to access route could A network of wetland sites may be more wet grassland, ponds, be used as a new beneficial for biodiversity than one large floodplain grazing Green site. marsh, river Infrastructure restoration. asset. Anxiety that landfilling could be a chosen option and that restoration time has not been specified.

Page 234 • • Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010) • Appendix 10 Bristol Avon: Summary of key issues tables

The tables below provide details of the key issues raised by officers and consultees for the site options in the Bristol Avon Mineral Resource Zone. The tables also identify which site options should be excluded from further consideration and and the scope of any further assessments required on each of the remaining site options.

Bristol Avon

Table 10.1 Non-site specific key Issues raised by consultees for the Bristol Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Topic Area Issues raised by consultees Further assessments required

General An environmental impact statement for each EIA statements would be prepared for of the sites should also be presented in this a planning application. They are not paper. normally prepared as part of the plan making process due to the significant costs that would be involved. However, further detailed assessments will be undertaken, to a level appropriate for plan making.

The Council suggests that the Bristol Avon This is correct. The Upper Thames should not be considered a long –term Valley represents a strategically alternative to the Upper Thames Valley. significant resource for the south west region. The Bristol Avon could not act as an alternative long term alternative for the Upper Thames Valley due to the limited yield per hectare for this area. However, sand and gravel extraction could still take place in the Bristol Avon, if it is proven to be environmentally acceptable.

There is a single track railway lane (a spur This option may be limited by the Transport from Chippenham going through to costs involved in gaining access and Trowbridge) which is sparsely used, though use of railway services compared to usable by heavy freight trains. This may be the potential yield from sites in the usable as an extraction route, either with or Bristol Avon. However, the potential possibly without the need for a temporary to utilise rail services will be assessed siding. further.

Sand and gravel extraction would create a The implications of quarry access and great amount of additional lorry traffic which use of the A350 will be considered as would be travelling to and from the sites on part of the further detailed the A350 every day.The A350 is already an assessments. extremely busy road. Additional traffic such as heavy lorries would significantly increase congestion and increase the risk of accidents for those residents and visitors crossing the A350.

No non-site specific comments N/a

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Human health and well being

The River Avon is a valuable resource for The biodiversity value of the River Ground and the preservation of wild life, and although Avon will be considered as part of the surface there is future potential in the reclamation further detailed assessments. water of land used for extraction to enhance such provision of suitable habitats, the disturbance of small populations of species that inhabit the river is a matter for concern and therefore a detailed review is included.

No non-site specific comments N/a Landscape

The land included in Bristol Avon includes Potential impacts on historic assets Historic river terraces that run alongside the River will be considered as part of the Environment Avon. These are areas which have always further detailed assessments. attracted human habitation have considerable archaeological potential, particularly in the area south of Rowden Manor. Any extraction of minerals in this region should be accompanied by a detailed assessment of the archaeology of the site.

Amenity Impacts to National Trust site at Lacock. Potential impacts on the setting of Lacock will be considered as part of the further detailed assessments.

The River Avon is home to a number of The biodiversity value of the River Biodiversity fragile ecosystems which will be susceptible Avon will be considered as part of the to noise and waste pollution which will be further detailed assessments. an inevitable consequence of the proposed development.

The area adjacent to the river Avon is rich The biodiversity value of the River in wildlife and home to kingfishers, otter and Avon will be considered as part of the freshwater mussels. These would certainly further detailed assessments. not survive the proposed development.

There should be some consultation with The views of local communities will be Restoration local communities as to their preferences given full consideration. on restoration

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Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General Decline in property values. EXCLUDE. A Concern that resource in area is standoff would be generally of poor quality. N/a required to protect Site affected by an ESSO Oil Pipeline. the River Avon and it's associated Site is adjacent to historic landfill. County Wildlife Site from impacts of mineral Transport Access issues - road would divide excavation. An proposed canal. adequate Access onto HGV route separation distance network (A350) and Road network considered to be would also be potential for significant inadequate and unsuitable for HGV use required to mitigate infrastructure upgrades as it struggles to cope with existing traffic and protect to access the HGV levels. residential route network and the properties from site. Assessment Use of weight restricted Railway Bridge potential impacts required of site access is inappropriate. associated with options and potential of noise and dust. using B-roads and Weight limit on road which has already This is highly likely unclassified roads to required repair work, would need to be to significantly limit access the site. upgraded and the road would emerge on a dangerous corner. the yield for the site option along the eastern and Landscape/ Visual impacts on the western visual landscape character of Visual impact of quarrying. Land part of boundaries. The impact the area and views agricultural landscape and contains one site option would onto the site from farm (Holbrook Farm) and attendant also be highly residential properties, buildings. visible from the farm buildings, and the village of Church of St Mary. Whaddon, which lies to the south. Biodiversity Unacceptable and long-term effects on These issues local environment, flora and fauna. coupled with the Assessment of the difficulties and potential for protected Site adjacent to River Avon CWS. River costs of creating a or notable species on Avon species include Kingfisher, Eel, suitable access / the site, hedgerows Bullhead and Brown Trent (which are egress and haul and aged/veteran trees, sensitive to low flows). Concern for road for the site impacts of minerals destruction of habitat including means that this site operations on fauna hedgerows (which act as wildlife is considered and flora of the site corridors – destruction of these could undeliverable and (and nearby) and on lead to isolation). should be excluded small copses within the from further site. Site has small watercourses/ditches running through it and river bordering the consideration. area. Buffer zones around the

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watercourse should be considered during operation and also as part of habitat restoration.

Human Impacts of dust and noise on air quality health and human health, residents of Berryfield and (north east of site) likely to be adversely amenity affected by prevailing winds.

Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations Assessment of noise, and traffic on local residents’ amenity visual, dust and light and quality of life. Potential loss of intrusion on those living footpaths/PRoW. in proximity to the site. With regard to the airfield safeguarding zone, the site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Historic Known archaeology in area – likely environment mitigation required. Monkton Village earthworks border site to the west Impacts on the setting (medieval and iron age finds), with ofthe Church of St additional features bordering the northern Mary, to the SAM boundary. Monkton House (Grade II*) located to the south of and farm at northern boundary date from the site and to 16th century. Historic Packhorse Bridge numerous Grade II (Grade II listed) would be at risk – listed buildings in proposed works would be detrimental to proximity to the site. conservation area designation in place. Numerous listed buildings in Whaddon. Monkton House and Packhorse Bridge vulnerable to effects of extraction and interference with water table.

Water Site substantially in FZ3/2 of River Avon environment and Berryfield Brook main rivers – extraction sites liable to fill with water. Assessment of the FRA required to establish the likely impact to aquifers in impacts associated with encroachment the area and impacts to into the floodplain. the surrounding Preservation of a non-worked reserve environment. adjacent to watercourses required to allow for future maintenance access and environmental protection (EA).

Restoration The area of land is If restoration back to agriculture then currently in agricultural BAP habitats or other features likely to

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use. Restoration could seek to return this area of land to agriculture, contribute to expanding benefit biodiversity or support BAP the County Wildlife species should be created. Site, improve flood storage capacity or create new BAP habitats.

Site Option BA2:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General Concern that resource in area is EXCLUDE. generally of poor quality. Power lines Access to this site cross site. is highly constrained. There is a narrow stretch Road network considered to be Transport of the B3102 which inadequate and unsuitable for HGV bends and narrows use as it struggles to cope with existing further as it passes Access onto HGV traffic levels and is not a designated between two route network (A350) lorry route. and potential for houses in the significant Melksham Lane is very narrow and direction of infrastructure unsuitable for heavy traffic. Use of a Melksham, upgrades to access weight restricted railway bridge (which immediately after the HGV route has already had some remedial work the junction with network and the site. carried out on it) is also inappropriate Mill Lane. Minerals Assessment required – and would be detrimental to traffic joining the of site access options conservation designation in place. B3102 at Mill Lane and potential of using junction would be B-roads and Accidents frequently occur in area and likely to encounter unclassified roads to introduction of HGVs will put children difficulties access the site. off cycling from Broughton Gifford to negotiating this the comprehensive school in narrow stretch of Melksham. Potential for railway road, without transport in preference to road. encroaching on both lanes. The Landscape/ Visual impacts on the creation of a haul visual impact landscape character road to avoid this of the area and views ‘pinch point’ would onto the site from Visual impact of quarrying on be extremely residential properties, agricultural landscape. difficult due to the farm buildings, and location of nearby the Church of St dwellings and the Mary. path of the railway

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Biodiversity Unacceptable and long-term effects Assessment of the on local environment, flora and fauna. potential for Small body of water on site – should protected or notable be considered in regard of habitat loss species on the site, and vulnerable/protected species that hedgerows and may be occupying the water (e.g. aged/veteran trees, great-crested newts). impacts of minerals Mature trees and small area of line. An alternative operations on fauna woodland in north of site, Norrington route through the and flora of the site SNA (neutral grassland) to north west village of (and nearby). of site [Norrington Common CWS]. Broughton Gifford is not feasible due to an imposed 7.5 Human health Impact of dust, noise, light, smell, tonne weight and amenity vibrations and traffic on local residents’ restriction. amenity, health and quality of life. Assessment of noise, Potential loss of footpaths/ PRoW. The site option is visual, dust and light also in close intrusion on those With regard to the airfield safeguarding proximity to a living in proximity to zone, the site does not fall within number of the site. statutory safeguarding area therefore dwellings. An the Defence Estates has no adequate safeguarding concerns (MOD). separation distance would be required to mitigate Historic Impacts on the for adverse environment setting ofthe Church Small amount of ridge and farrow and impacts associated of St Mary and to a possible crop mark on the field with noise and dust numerous Grade II bordering the south west boundary of from any quarrying listed buildings in the site. activity. On proximity to the site. balance, taking into account the limited Water No obvious flood risk potential issues yield for this site, it environment (EA), main junction to A350 (to east of Assessment of the is unlikely that site) is subject to flooding. impact to aquifers in sand and gravel the area and impacts Ponds around Broughton Gifford could extraction (even to the surrounding be affected by the lowering of the forming part of a environment. water table. wider development with BA3) would prove deliverable Restoration The area of land is Neutral grassland restoration is an given the mitigation currently in option, and management could include required. agricultural use. low-density grazing. If restoration back Restoration could to agriculture then BAP habitats or seek to return this other features likely to benefit area of land to biodiversity or support BAP species agriculture or should be created. contribute to expanding the area Potential recreation uses could be woodland currently accommodated – such as rowing.

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located on the northern section of the site.

Site Option BA3:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General N/a None EXCLUDE. Transport Access onto HGV route Access to this network (A350) and site is highly potential for significant constrained. infrastructure upgrades to There is a access the HGV route Road network considered to be narrow stretch of network and the site. inadequate and unsuitable for HGV use the B3102 which Assessment required of as it struggles to cope with existing traffic bends and site access options and levels. narrows further potential of using B-roads as it passes and unclassified roads to Use of a weight restricted railway bridge between two access the site. (which has already had some remedial houses in the work carried out on it) is also inappropriate direction of Transport Assessment – and would be detrimental to Melksham, needed to evaluate conservation designation in place. immediately viability of infrastructure after the junction improvements – access with Mill Lane. to A350 requires travel Minerals traffic over railway line. joining the B3102 at Mill Lane junction Landscape/ Visual impacts on the would be likely visual landscape character of to encounter impact the area and views onto difficulties the site from residential negotiating this properties, businesses, None. narrow stretch of farm buildings, nursery road, without and the Church of St encroaching on Mary. both lanes. The creation of a haul road to Biodiversity Assessment of the avoid this ‘pinch potential for protected or point’ would be notable species on the Long-term effects on local environment, extremely site, hedgerows and flora and fauna. Norrington SNA (neutral difficult due to aged/veteran trees, grassland) to north west of site. RSPB the location of impacts of minerals would support the expansion of this SNA. nearby dwellings operations on fauna and and the path of flora of the site (and the railway line. nearby).

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An alternative Human Impact of dust, noise, light, smell, route through health vibrations and traffic on local residents’ the village of and amenity, health and quality of life Broughton amenity Assessment of noise, (Broughton Gifford to south west of site). Gifford is not visual, dust and light feasible due to With regard to the airfield safeguarding intrusion on those living an imposed 7.5 zone, the site does not fall within statutory in proximity to the site. tonne weight safeguarding area therefore the Defence restriction. Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD). The site option is also in close proximity to a Historic Impacts on the setting number of environment ofthe Church of St Mary dwellings. An and Gifford Hall and to Small amount of ridge and farrow and a adequate numerous Grade II listed possible crop mark on the field bordering separation buildings in proximity to the south west boundary of the site. distance would the site. be required to mitigate for Water Assessment of the impact adverse impacts environment to aquifers in the area and No obvious flood risk potential issues (EA). associated with impacts to the Ponds around Broughton Gifford could be noise and dust surrounding environment. affected by the lowering of the water table. from any quarrying activity. On Restoration balance, taking into account the The area of land is limited yield for currently in agricultural this site, it is use. Restoration could unlikely that seek to return this area of sand and gravel land to agriculture or extraction (even contribute to expanding None. forming part of a the area of neutral wider grassland as designated development through the South West with BA2) would Nature Map. prove deliverable given the mitigation required.

Site Option BA4:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by Recommendation area identified by officers consultees

General N/a N/a N/a

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Transport Access onto the nearby Village of Beanacre suffers from Assessment of access HGV route network high density of traffic along A350, onto the nearby HGV (A350) and potential for which would be exacerbated by route network (A350). significant infrastructure quarrying proposals and HGV Assessment of impacts upgrades to access the movements – congestion and of minerals HGVs on site. Assessment safety issues. Potential disruption residents of Beanacre required of site access to cycleway between Chippenham and cycleways between options. and Lacock. Chippenham and Lacock.

Landscape/ Visual impacts on the Loss of agricultural land. Assessment of views visual landscape character of onto site from A350 and impact the area and views onto from Bowden Hill to the the site from residential east and higher ground properties, roads, to west. Bowden Hill to the east and higher ground to the Policy assessment of west of the site. need to conserve agricultural land on this site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Site has 2 areas of ancient Assessment of the potential for protected or woodland and site includes Inwood potential for protected or notable species on the CWS. Small watercourses running notable species on the site, hedgerows and through area - potential for habitat site, hedgerows and aged/veteran trees, removal or contamination of these aged/veteran trees, impacts of minerals watercourses. impacts of minerals operations on fauna and operations on fauna and flora of the site (and Risk to vulnerable/protected flora of the site (and nearby), impacts on the species that may be occupying nearby). Assessment of designated County water (e.g. Great crested newts). impacts on the Wildlife site and ancient designated Inwood woodland within the site. Importance of hedgerow field County Wildlife site and boundaries as wildlife corridors. ancient woodland within the site and small watercourses running through the area.

Human Assessment of dust, Assessment of noise, health Impact of dust, noise, light, noise, vibrations and air visual, dust and light and vibrations and traffic on local quality on human health intrusion on those living amenity residents’ amenity, health and and those living in in proximity to the site. quality of life. proximity to the site.

Historic Area of high potential for Roman Assessment of impacts environment Impacts on the Roman settlement and roadway on the Roman road road running along the archaeology. Roman Road running along the south south of the site. (running from Silchester to Bath of the site and and on to Sea Mills) crosses site assessment of the

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(although agar has been removed by agricultural activity) – need to consider the significance of this and potential for associated finds. potential for Roman settlement. Assessment Beanacre has Saxon origins and of potential for Saxon traces of ridge and furrow have ridge and furrow. been noted in the village. Assess the impacts on The fragmented nature of the listed buildings in Lacock parcels of land and the vulnerability and Beanacre. of older properties in the village of Beanacre make extraction from the Further dialogue with area a poor choice. County Archaeologist and English Heritage Number of listed buildings in required. Lacock and Beanacre which may be at risk (vulnerability of older properties to dust and vibrations).

Water Environment Agency environment have not objected to development of site No obvious flood risk potential Assessment of the option in principle issues in principle with proposed impact to aquifers in the subject to further restoration options (EA). area and impacts to the assessments undertaken Requirement to safeguard land surrounding on surface and drainage features for downstream environment. An active groundwater quality. riparian owners in terms of flow fishing lake is located to Seek advice from EA as quantity and quality. No obvious the western side of the to whether these flood risk potential problems. site. Any working on the assessments should be land would require a clay Land close to river subject to water undertaken at planning lining to avoid affecting logging, which controls rate of flow application stage or at the water level of the downstream during periods of high the plan preparation lake. rainfall (flood prevention). stage. Asses opportunities to enhance flood protection capacity in area.

Restoration The area of land is currently in agricultural use, the site is also designated as a County Assess Wildlife Site for its feasibility/potential to ancient woodland. None. restore site option to Restoration could seek agriculture, woodland or to contribute to lakes/ponds. expanding the amount of woodland within the site, expanding areas of

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fishing lakes within the site or return to agricultural use.

Site Option BA5:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General There has been a change in ownership of part of the land since it was put forward for consideration. The new EXCLUDE. Part of owner requests that their land is BA5 (in the centre) has withdrawn from further consideration. been withdrawn from N/a further consideration Concern that resource in area is at the request of the generally of poor quality. Power line is landowner. The site overhead not underground as stated in option is within an area initial site options document. of high archaeological potential. An Transport Access onto the adequate separation nearby HGV route Problematic access to site as neither would be required to network (A350) and Westlands Lane nor the A350 (soon mitigate for potential for after a dangerous bend) seem suitable unacceptable impacts significant for heavy freight. of noise and dust to infrastructure residential properties, upgrades to access Village of Beanacre suffers from high thereby reducing the the site. Assessment density of traffic along A350, which potential yield from this required of site would be exacerbated by quarrying site significantly. The access options. proposals and HGV movements – proximal location of congestion and safety issues. residential properties prevents this site Site adjacent to railway, but this is option being worked in considered to be very limited and tandem with a nearby possibly contaminated from previous site option. On vehicle use. balance, it appears that the likely costs Houses in close proximity to A350 suffer involved with preparing from structural damage which would be the site for mineral increased by additional HGV traffic. extraction, including significant mitigation Landscape/ Visual impacts on the No natural screening in place on site measures, would visual landscape character boundary – would intensify impact on outweigh any benefits impact of the area and views landscape. realised from the yield onto the site from from this site. residential properties, roads, railway line,

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Bowden Hill and higher ground to the north west of the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the potential for protected or notable species on the site, hedgerows Importance of hedgerow field and aged/veteran boundaries as wildlife corridors. trees, impacts of Requirements for biodiversity gain. minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby).

Human Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations health and traffic on local residents’ amenity, and health and quality of life. Proximity of amenity properties fronting onto the site.

Assessment of noise, Potential disruption to cycleway between visual, dust and light Chippenham and Lacock. intrusion on those Potential removal of PRoW. living in proximity to the site. With regard to the airfield safeguarding zone, the site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Historic Area of high potential for Roman environment settlement and roadway archaeology. Beanacre has Saxon origins and traces of ridge and furrow have been noted in the villageIn BA5 (at ST 911 667) a WWII Pill Box lies buried under a mound of earth – of historic and listed Impacts on the setting importance. of Upper Beanacre Farmhouse (Grade II The fragmented nature of the parcels of listed) in proximity to land and the vulnerability of older the site. properties in the village of Beanacre make extraction from the area a poor choice.

Number of listed buildings in Beanacre which may be at risk (vulnerability of older properties to dust and vibrations).

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Water No obvious flood risk potential issues in environment principle with proposed restoration options (EA). Land close to river subject to water logging, which controls rate of flow downstream during periods of high Assessment of the rainfall (flood prevention). impact to aquifers in Surrounding areas are prone to flooding. the area and impacts The BA5 area housing developments to the surrounding are not on main drainage sewerage environment. systems. Extraction could cause a lowering of the water table and disturbance to the power substation facility located to the south west of the site.

Restoration The area of land is Requirements for biodiversity gain currently in through restoration. agricultural use with areas of woodland in proximity to the site. Restoration could seek to contribute to expanding the amount of woodland to the north and west of the site or return to agricultural use.

Site Option BA6:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General N/a Part of land used for landfill, historic EXCLUDE. landfill located near to the site – Evidence has been assessment of the potential impact on submitted to highlight and from this landfill would be required that part of this site (pollution prevention). option was the subject of an historic Concern that resource in area is generally landfill. The of poor quality. Power line is overhead significantly limited (not underground as stated in initial site remaining yield options document). would be further constrained by the need for standoff

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Transport Access onto the Village of Beanacre suffers from high nearby HGV route density of traffic along A350, which would network (A350) and be exacerbated by quarrying proposals potential for and HGV movements – congestion and significant safety issues. infrastructure upgrades to access Houses in close proximity to A350 suffer the site. Assessment from structural damage which would be required of site increased by additional HGV traffic. access options.

Landscape/ Visual impacts on the from the former Rural visual landscape character District Council impact of the area and views landfill; and nearby onto the site from Potential environmental impacts in an residential properties residential properties, area of natural beauty. to mitigate for roads, Bowden Hill adverse impacts and higher ground to associated with noise the north west of the and dust. Any site. potential residual yield would also be Biodiversity Assessment of the Site adjacent to River Avon CWS (eastern reduced due to the potential for boundary of BA6). River Avon species need for a standoff to protected or notable include Kingfisher, Eel, Bullhead and protect the River species on the site, Brown Trent (which are sensitive to low Avon from adverse hedgerows and flows). Importance of hedgerow field impacts associated aged/veteran trees, boundaries as wildlife corridors. with minerals impacts of minerals extraction. The site operations on fauna Potential impact on Spye Park SSSI to option is also within and flora of the site east of area. an area of high (and nearby). archaeological Human Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations and potential. Given the health traffic on local residents’ amenity, health mitigation likely to be and and quality of life. Potential disruption to required, on balance amenity cycleway between Chippenham and this site option is Lacock. Potential removal of PRoW, therefore considered Assessment of noise, impact on bridleway that runs across site undeliverable. visual, dust and light from Chapel Lane via the rail tunnel to intrusion on those Lacock. living in proximity to the site. With regard to the airfield safeguarding zone, the site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Historic Impacts on the Area of high potential for Roman environment setting of Upper settlement and roadway archaeology.

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Beanacre has Saxon origins and traces of ridge and furrow have been noted in the village.

Beanacre The fragmented nature of the parcels of Farmhouse (Grade II land and the vulnerability of older listed) in proximity to properties in the village of Beanacre make the site. extraction from the area a poor choice. Number of listed buildings in Beanacre which may be at risk (vulnerability of older properties to dust and vibrations).

Water Site is adjacent to the River Avon and part environment of the flood plain. Site and surrounding areas are prone to flooding. Site is substantially in FZ3/2. FRA therefore required to establish any likely impacts of Assessment of the encroachment into the floodplain (EA). impact to aquifers in the area and the Land close to river subject to water integrity and water logging, which controls rate of flow quality of the River downstream during periods of high rainfall Avon and impacts to (flood prevention). the surrounding Extraction could cause a lowering of the environment. water table and disturbance to the power substation facility located to the south west of the site. Expansion in house building in area already raised concerns in relation to water table.

Restoration The area of land is currently in agricultural use with areas of woodland in proximity to the site. Restoration could seek to contribute to None. expanding the amount of woodland in the area, create a wetland habitat with flood alleviation potential or return to agricultural use.

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Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General N/a N/a

Transport Access onto the Village of Beanacre suffers from high nearby HGV route density of traffic along A350, which network (A350) and would be exacerbated by quarrying potential for proposals and HGV movements – significant congestion and safety issues. infrastructure EXCLUDE. The site is upgrades to access Houses in close proximity to A350 suffer situated within an area the site. Assessment from structural damage which would be of high archaeological required of site increased by additional HGV traffic. potential. The site access options. contains historic water meadows and is Landscape/ Visual impacts on the Historic character. loss of prime adjacent to Beechfield visual landscape character agricultural land. House and stables impact of the area and views (both Grade II listed). onto the site from Impacts to the setting residential properties, of historic assets is roads and Bowden likely to be difficult to Hill. mitigate. In addition, an adequate Biodiversity Assessment of the Site adjacent to Bristol Avon CWS separation would be potential for (eastern boundary of BA7). River Avon required to mitigate for protected or notable species include Eel, Bullhead and unacceptable impacts species on the site, Brown Trent (which are sensitive to low of noise and dust on hedgerows and flows). Importance of hedgerow field residential properties - aged/veteran trees, boundaries as wildlife corridors. thereby reducing any impacts of minerals potential yield from this operations on fauna Potential impact on Spye Park SSSI to site significantly. On and flora of the site east of area. balance, in light of the (and nearby), fact that BA6 should be impacts on woodland excluded and therefore bordering the site BA7 would need to be and surrounding operated in isolation, area. this site option is unlikely to be Human Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations deliverable. health and traffic on local residents’ amenity, and Assessment of noise, health and quality of life. amenity visual, dust and light intrusion on those Potential disruption to cycleway living in proximity to between Chippenham and Lacock. the site. Removal of well-used PRoW in this area.

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The site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Historic Area of high potential for Roman environment settlement and roadway archaeology.

Beanacre has Saxon origins and traces of ridge and furrow have been noted in Impacts on the the village. setting of Beanacre Historic water meadows within site BA7. Manor and Beanacre Manor with Dairy, Number of listed buildings in Beanacre Beanacre which may be at risk (vulnerability of Farmhouse, older properties to dust and vibrations). Beechfield House Impact on listed building of Beechfield and Stables and House (fronts onto western boundary numerous other of site BA7) and other adjacent listed listed buildings in buildings. proximity to the site. The fragmented nature of the parcels of land and the vulnerability of older properties in the village of Beanacre make extraction from the area a poor choice.

Water Site mainly FZ1 but with a narrow river environment FZ3/2 corridor along eastern boundary. FRA therefore required to establish any likely impacts of encroachment into the Assessment of the floodplain (EA). Land close to river impact to aquifers in subject to water logging, which controls the area and the rate of flow downstream during periods integrity and water of high rainfall (flood prevention). quality of the River Surrounding areas are prone to Avon and impacts to flooding. the surrounding environment. Extraction could cause a lowering of the water table and disturbance to the power substation facility located to the west of the site.

Restoration The area of land is currently in agricultural use with None. areas of woodland to the western

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boundary and in proximity to the site. Restoration could seek to contribute to expanding the amount of woodland to the west of the site or return to agricultural use.

Site Option BA8:

Topic Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation area identified by officers

General N/a No mention in site options document of overhead power lines which cross the site.

Transport Access onto the nearby Access and transport issues along HGV route network A350. Village of Beanacre suffers from (A350) and use of high density of traffic along A350, EXCLUDE. When unsuitable roads to which would be exacerbated by taking into account access this route – via quarrying proposals and HGV the fact that site PRoW and shared movements – congestion and safety options BA5 – BA7 access driveway. issues. should be excluded; Assessment required of the limited yield of site access options. site options BA8 (even in combination Landscape/ Visual impacts on the Loss of prime agricultural land (60% with BA9), combined visual landscape character of Grade 2). with proximity to impact the area and views nearby residential onto the site from properties and the residential properties, difficulties associated roads and railway line. with gaining suitable access / egress to Assessment to the A350 mean that determine the this site option is agricultural quality of considered unlikely to the land on the site. be deliverable and should also be excluded. Biodiversity Assessment of the Importance of hedgerow field potential for protected boundaries as wildlife corridors. Site or notable species on home to breeding water ducks. the site, hedgerows Potential for expansion of woodland and aged/veteran trees, habitat (preferred - RSPB). impacts of minerals operations on fauna

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and flora of the site (and nearby), impacts on woodland within the site and surrounding area.

Human Impacts of dust and noise on air quality health and human health. The site does not and fall within statutory safeguarding area amenity therefore the Defence Estates has no Assessment of noise, safeguarding concerns (MOD). visual, dust and light intrusion on those living Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations in proximity to the site. and traffic on local residents’ amenity and quality of life. Removal of PRoW Consult with MoD on in this area. the risk of birdstrike. Houses in close proximity to A350 suffer from structural damage, which would be increased by additional HGV traffic.

Historic Impact on adjacent listed buildings. environment According to the Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society, “the fragmented nature of the parcels of land and the vulnerability of older properties in the village of Beanacre make extraction from the Impacts on the setting area a poor choice" of Beanacre Manor and Beanacre Manor with Number of listed buildings in Beanacre Dairy, Halfway which may be at risk (vulnerability of farmhouse and older properties to dust and vibrations). numerous other listed Potential effect on numerous adjacent buildings in proximity to listed buildings north of site, including the site. Beanacre Manor (Grade I listed).

Area of high potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology. Beanacre has Saxon origins and traces of ridge and furrow have been noted in the village.

Water Assessment of the Land close to river subject to water environment impact to aquifers in logging, which controls rate of flow the area and the downstream during periods of high impacts to the rainfall (flood prevention). Surrounding surrounding areas are prone to flooding. environment.

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Extraction could cause a lowering of the water table and disturbance to the power substation facility located to the west of the site.

Restoration The area of land is If return to agricultural restoration, currently in agricultural biodiversity gains/provision of habitat use with areas of features to support BAP species. woodland towards the north and in proximity to the site. Restoration could seek to contribute to expanding the amount of woodland to the north of the site or return to agricultural use.

Site Option BA9:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. Proximity of site to major electricity EXCLUDE. When substation – power lines/water table taking into account impacts. the fact that site options BA5 – BA7 Site is south of a major electricity should be excluded; substation, which is important for the limited yield of supply of electricity to whole region site options BA9 with numerous overhead power lines (even in crossing the land (some of which are combination with very low lying). BA8), combined with proximity to nearby residential Transport Access onto the Poor accessibility of site to road properties and the nearby HGV route network. Access to site by rail – site difficulties network (A350) and lies immediately west of railway. associated with use of unsuitable Village of Beanacre suffers from high gaining suitable roads to access this density of traffic along A350, which access / egress to route – given weight would be exacerbated by quarrying the A350 (including restrictions. proposals and HGV movements – difficulties with Assessment required congestion and safety issues. crossing the railway of site access line) mean that this options. Poor accessibility of site to major trunk site option is roads. considered unlikely to be deliverable

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Landscape/ Visual impacts on the Overlooking from residential properties visual landscape character on southern boundary of land. impact of the area and views onto the site from Loss of agricultural land. residential properties, roads and railway line.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Importance of hedgerow field potential for protected boundaries as wildlife corridors. Small or notable species on watercourses/ditches running through the site, hedgerows site should be considered key issues and aged/veteran in respect of potential habitat removal trees, impacts of or contamination of watercourses. minerals operations Buffer zones around watercourses on fauna and flora of should be considered. the site (and nearby), impacts on woodland within the and should also be surrounding area. excluded. Human Assessment of noise, Impact of dust, noise, light, vibrations health and visual, dust and light and traffic on local residents’ amenity amenity intrusion on those and quality of life. Removal of living in proximity to significant PRoW in the area the site. Impact on nearby properties and listed Consult with MoD on buildings the risk of birdstrike. The site does not fall within statutory safeguarding area therefore the Defence Estates has no safeguarding concerns (MOD).

Houses in close proximity to A350 suffer from structural damage, which would be increased by additional HGV traffic.

Historic Impacts on the According to the Wiltshire environment setting of Beanacre Archaeological & Natural History Manor and Beanacre Society, “the fragmented nature of the Manor with Dairy, parcels of land and the vulnerability of

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older properties in the village of Beanacre make extraction from the area a poor choice.

Area of potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology – although BA9 has least potential of Beanacre Halfway farmhouse sites. Beanacre has Saxon origins and and numerous other traces of ridge and furrow have been listed buildings in noted in the village. proximity to the site Number of listed buildings in Beanacre which may be at risk (vulnerability of older properties to dust and vibrations). Potential effect on numerous listed buildings near to the site.

Water Site mainly in FZ3/2 of South Brook environment main river – FRA required to establish likely impact of encroachment onto floodplain. Restoration must be compatible with high risk designation. Opportunity for possible flood risk reduction measures to be incorporated with restoration/after use options for Assessment of the downstream flood risk benefits around impact to aquifers in Shurnhold. the area and the impacts to the Land close to river subject to water surrounding logging, which controls rate of flow environment. downstream during periods of high rainfall (flood prevention). Surrounding areas are prone to flooding.

Extraction could cause a lowering of the water table and disturbance to the power substation facility located to the west of the site.

Restoration The area of land is Restoration proposal should seek to currently in deliver biodiversity gains (also, take agricultural use with care to ensure removal of the invasive areas of woodland in plant Himalayan balsam). proximity to the site. Restoration could seek to restore to agriculture, contribute to expanding the

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amount of woodland neighbouring the site to the east or create new habitat.

Site Option BA10:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. Damage to tourism and local businesses.

Quarrying use may restrict additional housing development to south of Chippenham.

There are eleven residential properties (and outline permission for two more) immediately adjacent to the proposed site.

Loss of agricultural land. Risk to livestock and crops on adjacent farmland. Damage to local businesses, Exclude - such as the commercial flower nursery Geological evidence in Showell (adjacent to western has been provided boundary of site). It is understood that to show that the species grown here are sensitive to mineral quality of dust and therefore would be adversely this site is poor affected by quarrying in close meaning yield has proximity. been overestimated and therefore not of Quarrying at this site would restrict commercial interest potential housing growth to the south of Chippenham, rendering adjacent land unsalable to developers. Implications for village of Showell in ‘Vision for Chippenham’.

Detrimental impact on tourism to Country Park and National Trust village of Lacock.

Doubts of quality and quantity of mineral resources in area. Analysis by Cambourne School of Mines revealed mineral material of very poor quality.

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Planning history. Application (N93/1105) to extract minerals from area immediately north of site BA10 in 1993 met with strong opposition. Permission refused 1996.

Transport Access onto the site Traffic and congestion issues along and impacts of an A350 and other local roads. Poor site increase in HGV access. Quarrying would induce an traffic in the area, increase in heavy traffic on the already potential to link to site busy A350, A4 and B4528 (bordering BA11. site) leading to further congestion (especially through Chippenham’s one way system). The single carriage B4528 (at national speed limit) is used by many vehicles as a preferred route between Melksham and Chippenham. Impact of additional traffic on roads around the Calne area.

Potential road safety issues due to increased HGV traffic – particularly around Lackham College entrance on A350. Increased likelihood of accidents on A350. Safety concerns would discourage cyclists and walkers in the area. Noise from on-site vehicles and HGVs travelling to and from site. Additional transport will result in further damage to poor road surfaces.

There should be condition requiring HGV wheel washing.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Site part of a widely visible area of visual nearby roads and open countryside. Quarrying site would impact properties, impacts be a scar on the landscape in views to on the landscape the locality. character of the area and views onto the Detrimental visual impact from college site. land.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

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Biodiversity River Avon CWS. Impact of quarrying/ contamination on biodiversity/habitat. Site adjacent to the River Avon CWS. River Avon species include Eel, Bullhead and Brown Trent (which are sensitive to low flows). Variety of species in site and surrounding area including Natterer’s Bat, Brandt’s Bat, Assessment of the Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, potential for protected owls, White Clawed Crayfish, Badger, or notable species on Water Vole, Kingfisher, Adder. the site, impacts to hedgerows and Hedgerows/ancient trees that separate aged/veteran trees, the fields within BA10 are likely to act impacts of minerals as wildlife corridors and should be operations on fauna protected. Some ancient woodland and flora of the site nearby which is valuable wildlife (and nearby) and habitat and should remain impacts on the River undisturbed.Spye Park SSSI to south Avon. east of area.

Small watercourses/ditches running through site should be considered key issues in respect of potential habitat removal or contamination of watercourses. Buffer zones around watercourses should be considered.

Human Impact on local residential health and amenity.Impact on Lackham College amenity and Country Park.

Proximity to Aerodrome 9km west – safeguarding site RAF Lyneham Assessment of noise, (MOD) visual, dust and light intrusion on those Impacts of dust, noise and pollution living in proximity to (from quarrying activities and HGVs) the site. on air quality and human health (on local residents, visitors, Lackham Consult with MoD on College students/staff). the risk of birdstrike. Impacts on residents of Chippenham (north/north east of site) aggravated by prevailing winds. Site adjacent to Lackham College (Wiltshire College) and Country Park. Impact of quarrying noise on Lackham - College students learning experience. The facility is in

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use 50 weeks/year and the college currently has 150 bed spaces to house residential students.

Proposal would be harmful to people’s enjoyment of Country Park and surrounding rural environment.

Potential impact of change in water table on recreational activities (specifically, water sports on the Avon north of Chippenham town centre).

Site also in close proximity to Chippenham Community Hospital.

Historic Archaeological finds of national environment significance in area.

Area of potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology. Roman artefacts and extensive Roman drains have been discovered in an adjacent area to BA10 (A350 Roman Road.

Site south of old Rowden Manor. Rowden Farm is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Grade II* listed) and there are several listed barns. Bronze Age Dagger was found at ST91 7 717 on Impacts on the the southern boundary of the setting of Showell designated area, near to a Farm and associated semi-circular field boundary.This is of buildings and national significance (Wiltshire conservation area. Archaeological and Natural History Society).

Site contains Civil War entrenchments and medieval fishponds/earthworks. Site close to the National Trust historic village of Lacock (and associated listed buildings) – potential impact of quarrying on setting of listed village.

Many listed buildings in surrounding area (e.g. Showell Farmhouse and Lackham House [main college teaching block]) and Lacock may be damaged by vibrations/excavation/dust

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– assessment of these potential impacts should be undertaken to inform proposed sites.

Water Flood risk and potential impact on environment water table.

Risk of flooding. Site has a main river FZ3/2 along the eastern boundary with the River Avon – FRA required to Assessment of the establish any likely impacts associated impact to aquifers, with development encroachment into the Ground Source the floodplain. Water table in area is Protection Zone 2, very high – major excavation could the integrity and disrupt this and require additional water quality of the engineering costs. Reed bed area River Avon and adjacent to river is likely to be affected impacts to the by any change in water level. surrounding Investigate vulnerability of aquifer to environment. pollution. Effect of changing water levels on local building structure - land stability study. Possible impact of extraction on artesian wells which supply water to Chippenham.

Restoration The area of land is Potential for creation of appropriate currently in BAP habitat in restoration (e.g. agricultural use. reedbed, wet grassland or floodplain Restoration could grazing marsh). seek to return the land to agricultural Anxiety that site will be used for landfill use or create a new in future –potential smells and other wetland habitat/water issues associated with this use. bodies to enhance the River Avon environment. There is the potential to contribute to the creation of a vital Green Infrastructure asset for Chippenham in this area, however any restoration plan would need to ensure that the possible

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future development of Chippenham is not predjudiced but is complemented.

Site Option BA11:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. Potential impact on major sewerage works located immediately north of site.

Quarrying at this site would restrict Exclude - Although potential housing growth to the south mineral is present of Chippenham, rendering adjacent within this site land unsalable to developers. option, it is generally Implications for village of Showell in of poor quality and ‘Vision for Chippenham’. the shape of site limits its commercial Detrimental impact on tourism to viability. However Country Park and National Trust this site could serve village of Lacock. as borrow pit restored to provide Uncertainties regarding quality and green infrastructure quantity of mineral resources in area. in the event that Site constrained by its elongated housing/economic shape. development takes place in proximity to The northern and eastern parts of site south of BA11 are both less than 200m in Chippenham. At width and would be further this stage it is constrained by the need to retain a considered that this statutory stand-off to the River Avon. eventuality would be covered by existing minerals Transport Access onto the site Poor vehicular access to site, traffic safeguarding policy and use of potentially and congestion issues along A350 and therefore site unsuitable roads to and other local roads. option can be reach the main road dropped from further network. No credible access between site consideration. BA11 and road networks capable of carrying HGVs (BA11 completely “landlocked” in this respect).

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Quarrying would induce an increase in heavy traffic on the already busy A350 leading to further congestion (especially through Chippenham’s one way system). Impact of additional traffic on roads around the Calne area. Potential road safety issues due to increased HGV traffic – particularly around Lackham College entrance on A350. Increased likelihood of accidents on A350. Safety concerns would discourage cyclists and walkers in area.

Additional transport will result in further damage to poor road surfaces.

Proposed condition for HGV wheel washing.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Site part of a widely visible area of visual impact nearby roads and open countryside. Quarrying site properties, impacts would be a scar on the landscape in on the landscape views to the locality. Detrimental character of the area visual impact from college land. and views onto the site. Loss of agricultural land.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

River Avon CWS. Impact of Biodiversity Assessment of the quarrying/contamination on potential for biodiversity/habitat. Site adjacent to protected or notable species on the site, the River Avon CWS. River Avon impacts to species include Eel, Bullhead and hedgerows and Brown Trent (which are sensitive to aged/veteran trees, low flows). Variety of species in site impacts of minerals and surrounding area including operations on fauna Natterer’s Bat, Brandt’s Bat, and flora of the site Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, owls, White Clawed Crayfish, (and nearby), Badger, Water Vole, Kingfisher, impacts on the River Adder. Avon, impacts on the County Wildlife Sites Hedgerows/ancient trees that located nearby and separate the fields within BA11 are impacts on the likely to act as wildlife corridors and

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should be protected. Some ancient woodland nearby which is valuable wildlife habitat and should remain undisturbed.

Spye Park SSSI to south east of area. Ancient Woodland located in proximity Small watercourses/ditches running to the site. through site should be considered key issues in respect of potential habitat removal or contamination of watercourses. Buffer zones around watercourses should be considered.

Human health Noise from on-site vehicles and HGVs and amenity travelling to and from site.

Proximity to Aerodrome 9km west – safeguarding site RAF Lyneham (MOD).

Impacts of dust, noise and pollution (from quarrying activities and HGVs) on air quality and human health (on local residents, visitors, Lackham College students/staff). Impacts on residents of Chippenham (north of Assessment of noise, site) aggravated by prevailing winds. visual, dust and light Impact of quarrying noise on intrusion on those Lackham – college students learning living in proximity to experience. The facility is in use 50 the site. weeks/year and the college currently Consult with MoD on has 150 bed spaces to house the risk of birdstrike. residential students. Site also in close proximity to Chippenham Community Hospital and sheltered/elderly dwellings (housing vulnerable people).

Proposal would be harmful to people’s enjoyment of Country Park and surrounding rural environment. Potential impact of change in water table on recreational activities. No PRoW on site – potential to improve PRoW network.

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Site adjoins national cycle route. Eastern extremity of site BA11 adjoins the Wilts and Berks Canal – currently being restored, the canal should form part of the landscape restoration proposals.

Recommendation that the canal towpath to the adopted highway at Naish Hill is a necessary measure to mitigate increased traffic on the A350 between Chippenham and Melksham, particularly in the vicinity of Wiltshire College at Lackham, as a result of extraction operations (Sustrans).

Historic Archaeological finds of national environment significance in area.

Area of potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology. Roman artefacts and extensive Roman drains have been discovered in an adjacent area to BA10 (A350 Roman Road).

Site south east of old Rowden Manor. Rowden Farm is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Grade II* listed) and there Impacts on the are several listed barns. Bronze Age setting of Lackham Dagger was found at ST91 7 717 on House/college and the southern boundary of the grounds. designated area, near to a semi-circular field boundary. This is of national significance (Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society).

Site contains Civil War entrenchments and medieval fishponds/earthworks.

Site close to the National Trust historic village of Lacock (and associated listed buildings) – potential impact of quarrying on setting of listed village.

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Many listed buildings in surrounding area (e.g. Showell Farmhouse and Lackham House [main college teaching block]) and Lacock may be damaged by vibrations/excavation/dust – assessment of these potential impacts should be undertaken to inform proposed sites.

Water Flood risk and potential impact on environment water table.

Risk of flooding. Large area of site on floodplain and regularly floods several times a year. Site has a main river FZ3/2 along the western and southern boundaries with the River Avon – FRA required to establish any likely Assessment of the impacts associated with development impact to aquifers, encroachment into the floodplain. the integrity and Water table in area is very high – water quality of the major excavation could disrupt this River Avon and and require additional engineering impacts to the costs. Reed bed area adjacent to river surrounding is likely to be affected by any change environment. in water level.

Investigate vulnerability of aquifer to pollution. Effect of changing water levels on local building structure. Possible impact of extraction on artesian wells which supply water to Chippenham.

Restoration The area of land is Potential for creation of appropriate currently in BAP habitat in restoration (e.g. agricultural use. reedbed, wet grassland or floodplain Restoration could grazing marsh). seek to return the land to agricultural Anxiety that site will be used for use or create a new landfill in future –potential smells and wetland habitat/water other issues associated with this use. bodies to enhance the River Avon environment. There is the potential to

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contribute to the creation of a vital Green Infrastructure asset for Chippenham in this area, however any restoration plan would need to ensure that the possible future development of Chippenham is not prejudiced but is complemented.

Site Option BA12:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. Site adjacent to historic landfill – Exclude - Entire site assessment of the potential on and is a conservation from this landfill would be required. area and is adjacent to (and partly Detrimental impact on house prices surrounds) – particularly those in close proximity residences at to site and adversely affected by Rowden Farm prevailing winds. (containing Grade II* listed buildings). Quarrying at this site would restrict Impacts to setting of potential housing growth to the south historic assets likely of Chippenham, rendering adjacent to be difficult to land unsalable to developers. mitigate. Standoff Implications for village of Showell in would be required to ‘Vision for Chippenham’. mitigate for unacceptable Detrimental impact on tourism to impacts of noise Country Park and National Trust and dust to village of Lacock. residential Uncertainties regarding quality and properties, reducing quantity of mineral resources in area. potential yield from BGS mapping of site suggests that this site significantly. the western half of the site is barren Due to shape of site and underlain by Kellaways Clay. option, mitigation incorporating standoffs would be Transport Access onto the site Poor vehicular access to site. Traffic highly likely to and use of potentially and congestion issues along A350 reduce potential unsuitable roads to and other local roads. yield significantly

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reach the main road Very poor access to site for HGV network. vehicles – single track Rowden Lane. The junction between Rowden Lane and the A4 is difficult to negotiate. Quarrying would induce an increase in heavy traffic on the already busy A350 and A4 leading to further congestion (especially through Chippenham’s one way system). Major route for access of emergency vehicles to Chippenham Hospital could be impeded. Impact of additional traffic on roads around the Calne area.

Potential road safety issues due to increased HGV traffic. Increased likelihood of accidents on A350. Safety concerns would discourage cyclists and walkers in area. Noise from on-site vehicles and HGVs travelling to and from site. Additional transport will result in further damage to poor road surfaces.

Proposed condition for HGV wheel and render site washing. option undeliverable.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Site part of a widely visible area of visual impact nearby roads and open countryside – site is an properties, impacts on irreplaceable “visual asset”. Quarrying the landscape site would be a scar on the landscape character of the area in views to the locality. Site is entirely and views onto the within a Conservation Area. site. Impact on character of Chippenham. Assessment to Building of new access road would determine the be damaging to environment. agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Impact on adjacent River Avon CWS. potential for protected Impact of quarrying/ contamination or notable species on on biodiversity/habitat. Site adjacent the site, impacts to to the River Avon CWS. River Avon hedgerows and species include Eel, Bullhead and aged/veteran trees, Brown Trent (which are sensitive to impacts of minerals low flows). Variety of species in site operations on fauna and surrounding area including and flora of the site Natterer’s Bat, Brandt’s Bat,

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Whiskered Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, owls, White Clawed Crayfish, Badger, Water Vole, Kingfisher, Adder.

BA12 is being considered as a potential wildlife and recreational reserve and maximising the western views for building and employment sites (CPRE).

Hedgerows/ancient trees that separate the fields within BA12 are (and nearby) and likely to act as wildlife corridors and impacts on the River should be protected. Some ancient Avon. woodland nearby which is valuable wildlife habitat and should remain undisturbed. Small watercourses/ditches running through site should be considered key issues in respect of potential habitat removal or contamination of watercourses. Buffer zones around watercourses should be considered.

Lackham and Showell Nurseries should be protected as they encourage wildlife.

Human Impact on amenity and recreation. health and amenity Effect on surrounded Rowden Manor estate.

Proximity to Aerodrome 9km west – safeguarding site RAF Lyneham Assessment of noise, (MOD). visual, dust and light intrusion on those Impacts of dust, noise and pollution living in proximity to (from quarrying activities and HGVs) the site. on air quality and human health. Impacts on residents of Chippenham Consult with MoD on aggravated by prevailing winds the risk of birdstrik. (particularly those in housing north east of site – The Saxon’s Ridge housing estate and Little Englands housing on the Pewsham estate).

Site in close proximity to Chippenham Community Hospital (west of site BA12) and major sheltered and elderly housing complexes – mineral

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extraction would impact on health and well-being of vulnerable residents. Noise from quarrying may disturb hospital patients needing peace to aid their recovery. Any potential expansion of hospital facilities would also be restricted by quarrying use.

Potential impact of change in water table on recreational activities. Loss of green space and area for recreation – need to retain these sites in a town suffering with “epidemic of obesity”.

Potential loss of well-used PRoW. Children’s play area situated immediately north of site BA12 would be adversely affected by dust/noise.

Historic Archaeological finds of national environment significance in area.

Site surrounds Rowden Manor. Rowden Farm is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Grade II* listed) and there are several listed barns. The fields are historically part of the cartilage, and in a Conservation Area. Bronze Age Dagger was found at ST91 7 717 on the southern boundary of the designated area, near to a semi-circular field boundary. This is of national significance (Wiltshire Impacts on the setting Archaeological and Natural History of Rowden Manor and Society. conservation area. Site contains Civil War entrenchments and medieval fishponds/earthworks. Area of potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology. Roman artefacts and extensive Roman drains have been discovered in an adjacent area to BA10 (A350 Roman Road.

Site close to the National Trust historic village of Lacock (and associated listed buildings) – potential impact of quarrying on setting of listed village.

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Water Flood risk - site in FZ3/2 and small environment part SPZ2 [not identified in issues document]

Risk of flooding – site has main river FZ3/2 along the southern boundaries with the River Avon and Pudding Brook. Flooding in area can be quite severe, particularly in the lower field next to the River Avon which can be completed submerged in Autumn/Winter following heavy rainfall. FRA required to establish any likely impacts associated with Assessment of the development encroachment into the impact to aquifers, the floodplain. Ground Source Protection Zone 2, the Ground water issues/BA12 falls within integrity and water a SPZ2. The proximity of BA12 to the quality of the River point of supply (and the SPZ1 ) Avon and impacts to presents some cause for concern – the surrounding any development of this site would environment. require a robust and comprehensive Hydrogeological risk assessment prepared in consultation with both the Environment Agency and Wessex Water (EA).

Water table in area is very high – major excavation could disrupt this and require additional engineering costs.

Effect of changing water levels on local building structure.

Possible impact of extraction on artesian wells which supply water to Chippenham.

Restoration The area of land is Potential for creation of appropriate currently in BAP habitat/flood storage capacity in agricultural use. restoration (e.g. reedbed, wet Restoration could grassland or floodplain grazing seek to return the land marsh) to agricultural use or create a new wetland Anxiety that site will be used for habitat/water bodies landfill in future - potential smells and to enhance the River other issues associated with this use.

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Avon environment. There is the potential to contribute to the creation of a vital Green Infrastructure asset for Chippenham in this area, however any restoration plan would need to ensure that the possible future development of Chippenham is not prejudiced but is complemented.

Site Option BA13:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. A proposal for a site in a similar Exclude - New location was proposed in the 1980s evidence has come and refused. to light that a significant part of Public and not even parish councillors BA16 was used as a not informed in process. The process landfill site gives the impression of being very (pre-1974) and underhand. Concern to how the should be excluded adverse press will affect the council. from further No chance for comment from consideration. BA16 professionals and the public’s trust would have acted as has been undermined. the anchor site for the area, with the Concern as to the length of time of nearby site options excavation and exceeding projected acting as satellites, timescales. due to their limited Tourists visit Sutton Benger to see mineral yield. the ‘green man’ in the All Saints Therefore site Church. options BA13 - BA15 are considered to be There should be less reliance on undeliverable and virgin minerals as we increase should also be recycling rates. excluded at this stage.

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Property damage from HGV movements in High Street. Many houses are listed properties with shallow foundations on shrinkable clay.

Reduction in property values. Increased cost of roads maintenance. Unlikely to be viable if it’s the only site extracted in the area. Increased insurance premiums.

Gravel is relied on for drainage.

The Gravel is of poor quality.

Transport Access onto the site B4069 is the only access road and is needs to be already too busy, there is a determined.Access dangerous junction with the B4122, onto the nearby HGV it is used as M4 relief road and the route network and road is very windy with poor visibility. use of potentially Narrow road in Sutton Benger-in unsuitable roads to many places with no footpaths. reach the network. Assessment required Lyneham Banks on the B4069 has on sharp turn where unstable geology. Sutton lane is a the B4069 meets the single track road, unsuitable for B4122. increased volumes of traffic as shown in a National Rail survey.

Narrow lanes with many bends surrounding the area-often too narrow for car and HGV. Already high traffic levels in the main High Street with more in the future due to the addition of 70 houses to the village.

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B4122 has dips in it that flood frequently and the bridge over the river is narrow. Mouchel Ltd consultation on the B4069 suggests a 7.5 tonne weight limit

Access to M4 via the A4122 would need improvements. The B4069 is already the most expensive road in Wiltshire to maintain and the roads have low trees.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Land grade 3 agricultural land. Blot visual nearby roads and on the landscape-affect view from the impact PRoWs, impacts on recreation ground. the landscape character of the area and views onto the site from local residents.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Borders National Trust owned Sutton potential for protected Lane Meadows SSSI. or notable species on the site, impacts to Loss of habitat. hedgerows and aged/veteran trees, Impact of hedgerows-used by many impacts of minerals birds. operations on fauna Natural habitat of wild deer, hare, fox and flora of the site and badger, kingfishers, moorhens, (and nearby) and herons and ground nesting birds, impacts on the frogs, toads, newts (including the nearby SSSI of great crested newt), dragonflies, owls, Sutton Lane water voles, otter, red kite, slow Meadows. worms and fresh water mussels. Rare wild plants including orchids.

A buffer zone around Chissell Brook should be considered during operation and restoration.

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Human Impact village and residents-dust, health and noise (excavators, cranes and lorries, amenity pumping water from the workings), vibration, light, visual impacts, fuel odours.

NE prevailing wind carrying smells, dust and noise toward Christian Malford and housing is too close to the site including residential homes for the elderly.

2 rights of way that the site has 9 subsidiary rights of way which would become dead ends. Sutton Benger roadside footpaths are narrow. 5KM proximity west to aerodrome. In direct conflict with the aspirations of the village, increased water consumption Assessment of noise, washing dirt off cars. visual, dust and light intrusion on those Very close to the recreation ground, living within the burial ground and village hall. Sutton immediate area. Benger will no longer be in contention for best kept village. Consult with MoD on the risk of birdstrike. Dust and noise increase would be a health hazard. Breathing issues for those with asthma. Reduce quality of life. More traffic accidents and danger for pupils crossing Seaggry road. More time spent carwashing. Could affect the residents of great house, 1 mile to the East.

Risk of drowning in lakes should this be a chosen restoration option. The areas proposed are used for leisure.

Sewers under High Street potentially damaged by HGVs. 2 primary Schools and 2 pre-schools close to site-noise would distract students.

The B4069 carries 2 communication fibre optic cables.

Historic – High Street lined with listed environment buildings. 13th century All Saints church in Christian Malford is Grade

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I listed and would be affected by dirt and vibration. Possible damage to the bell house and old rectory-both listed.

There is some known archaeology-site will probably need some mitigation. There is evidence of paleolithic and prehistoric activity at the site. Sutton Benger conservation area is not mentioned.

Water Christian Malford-Sutton Benger environment Road already floods-made worse if floodplain is removed. Pollution and damage to natural aquifer and Assessment of the increased sediment in the river Avon. impact to aquifers in the area, the nearby FRA required to establish SSSI and the impacts development encroachment onto the to the surrounding floodplain. Non worked reserve environment. adjacent to the watercourse required for maintenance and environmental protection. Water table is very close to the surface.

Restoration Key types of restoration considered The area of land is should contain water bodies such as currently in ponds and ditches. agricultural use with predominantly high If restoration is to lakes-potential risk quality soils. for children and wildlife Restoration could There is potential for restoration to seek to return this to neutral grassland. MOD preferred agricultural use or restoration-flood storage, restoration contribute to or forest. Loss of drainage would expanding the prevent agricultural restoration amount of neutral options. Proposed agricultural grassland in the area restoration often ends up as rubbish as designated recycling works, concrete works and through the South weighbridges etc. Concern as to the West Nature Map. timescale of restoration.

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Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. A proposal for a site in a similar location was proposed in the 1980s and refused.

Public and not even parish councillors not informed in process. The process gives the impression of being very underhand. Concern to how the adverse press will affect the council. No chance for comment from professionals and the public’s trust Exclude - New has been undermined. evidence has come to light that a Concern as to the length of time of significant part of excavation and exceeding projected BA16 was used as a timescales. landfill site (pre-1974) and should be excluded Tourists visit Sutton Benger to see from further the ‘green man’ in the All Saints consideration. BA16 Church. would have acted as the anchor site for There should be less reliance on the area, with the virgin minerals as we increase nearby site options recycling rates. acting as satellites, Concern around the threat of landfill due to their limited and associated flies, dust, traffic, mineral yield. noise and odours. Concerns as to the Therefore site type of backfill material. Waste would options BA13 - BA15 leach into the river. are considered to be undeliverable and should also be Property damage from HGV excluded at this movements in High Street. Many stage houses are listed properties with shallow foundations on shrinkable clay.

Reduction in property values. Increased cost of roads maintenance. Very productive agricultural area. Unlikely to be viable if it’s the only site extracted in the area. Increased insurance premiums.

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Gravel is relied on for drainage. The Gravel is of poor quality.

Concern around the threat of landfill and associated flies, dust, traffic, noise and odours. Concerns as to the type of backfill material. Waste would leach into the river.

Not environmentally viable in terms of a reserve of 506,000 tonnes.

Transport Access onto the site B4069 is the only access road and is from the nearby already too busy, there is a lane.Access onto the dangerous junction with the B4122, nearby HGV route it is used as M4 relief road and the network and use of road is very windy with poor visibility. potentially unsuitable Narrow road in Sutton Benger-in roads to reach the many places with no footpaths. network. Assessment required on sharp turn where the B4069 Lyneham Banks on the B4069 has meets the B4122. unstable geology. Sutton lane is a single track road, unsuitable for increased volumes of traffic as shown in a National Rail survey.

Number of HGV movements in the High Street already too high. Railway line to south east of site-could be used to transport minerals. Danger of HGVs to other road users, cyclists and pedestrians. No pedestrian crossings in Christian Malford or Sutton Benger and it will be unsafe to cross. B4122 has dips in it that flood frequently and the bridge over the river is narrow. Mouchel Ltd consultation on the B4069 suggests a 7.5 tonne weight limit

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Access to M4 via the A4122 would need improvements. The B4069 is already the most expensive road in Wiltshire to maintain and the roads have low trees.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Borders National Trust owned Sutton visual nearby roads and Lane Meadows SSSI & CWS. Land impact PRoWs, impacts on grade 3 agricultural land. Blot on the the landscape landscape-affect on view from the character of the area recreation ground. and views onto the site.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Loss of habitat. Impact of Assessment of the hedgerows-used by many birds. potential for protected Natural habitat of wild deer, hares, or notable species on foxes and badgers, kingfishers, the site, impacts to moorhens, herons and ground hedgerows and nesting birds, frogs, toads, aged/veteran trees, newts(including the great crested impacts of minerals newt), dragonflies, owls, water voles, operations on fauna otter, red kite, slow worms and fresh and flora of the site water mussels. Rare wild plants (and nearby) and including orchids such as the impacts on the Southern Marsh Orchid in the area. nearby SSSI of Sutton Lane The RSPB and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Meadows. should be consulted further.

Human Dust and noise increase would be a health and health hazard and would reduce the amenity Assessment of noise, quality of life. Breathing issues for visual, dust and light those with asthma. Danger for pupils intrusion on those crossing Seagry road. living within the immediate area. Danger of more traffic accidents. More time spent carwashing. Risk of Consult with MoD on drowning in lakes should this be a the risk of birdstrike. chosen restoration option. The areas proposed are currently used for leisure.

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Sewers under High Street potentially damaged by HGVs. The B4069 carries 2 communication fibre optic cables. Very close to the recreation ground, burial ground and village hall. 2 primary Schools and 2 pre-schools close to site-noise would distract students.

Impact on village and residents-dust, noise( excavators, cranes and lorries, pumping water from the workings), vibration, light, visual impacts, fuel odours. In direct conflict with the aspirations of the village - Sutton Benger will no longer be in contention for best kept village.

NE prevailing wind carrying smells, dust and noise toward Christian Malford.

Historic High Street lined with listed buildings. environment 13th century All Saints church in Christian Malford is Grade I listed and would be affected by dirt and vibration. No mention of the numerous structures associated with the All Saints church. Possible damage to the bell house and old None. rectory-both listed. Sutton Benger Conservation area is not mentioned.

There is some known archaeology-Site will probably need some mitigation and there is evidence of paleolithic and prehistoric activity at the site.

Water Christian Malford-Sutton Benger environment Road already floods-made worse if Assessment of the floodplain is removed. Pollution and impact to aquifers in damage to natural aquifer and the area, the nearby increased sediment in the river Avon. SSSI and the impacts Southern Marsh Orchid and other to the surrounding species are extremely susceptible to environment. changes in hydrology. The site is bordered by a small river/brook

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around which a buffer should be considered during operation. Water table is very close to the surface.

Restoration The area of land is There is potential for restoration to currently in neutral grassland. Proposed agricultural use with agricultural restoration often ends up predominantly high as rubbish recycling works, concrete quality soils. works and weighbridges etc. Concern Restoration could as to the timescale of restoration. Key seek to return this to types of restoration considered should agricultural use or contain water bodies such as ponds contribute to and ditches. If restored to expanding the lakes-potential risk for children and amount of neutral wildlife. grassland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option BA15:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. A proposal for a site in a similar Exclude - New location was proposed in the 1980s evidence has come and refused. There is concern that to light that a the local education authority, the significant part of police and the highway agencies may BA16 was used as a not have been consulted. Public and landfill site not even parish councillors informed (pre-1974) and in process. No chance for comment should be excluded from professionals. Public’s trust has from further been undermined.The process gives consideration. BA16 the impression of being very would have acted as underhand. The village shop would the anchor site for be a good place to notify of future the area, with the consultations. No mention of the nearby site options growth of Sutton Benger - the housing acting as satellites, plans at the old chicken plant and off due to their limited Seagry lane. Increased water mineral yield. consumption washing dirt off cars. Therefore site Concern as to the length of time of options BA13 - BA15 excavation and exceeding projected are considered to be timescales. undeliverable and should also be

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There should be less reliance on virgin minerals as we increase recycling rates

Not environmentally viable in terms of a reserve of 506,000 tonnes.

Concern around the threat of landfill and associated flies, dust, traffic, noise and odours. Concerns as to the type of backfill material used.

Many houses are listed properties with shallow foundations on shrinkable clay. Concern around potential property damage from dust and vibration from the works and the increased HGV movements-especially in the High Street.

Reduction in property values and query compensation. Loss of very productive agricultural area.

Gravel is relied on for drainage. excluded at this stage Transport Access onto the B4069 is the only access road and is nearby HGV route already too busy, there is a network and use of dangerous junction with the B4122, potentially unsuitable it is used as M4 relief road and the roads to reach the road is very windy with poor visibility. network. Assessment Lyneham Banks on the B4069 is required on sharp turn heavily degraded. Narrow road in where the B4069 Sutton Benger-in many places no meets the B4122. footpaths. Sutton lane is a single track road, unsuitable for increased volumes of traffic, struggling with current traffic levels as shown in a National Rail survey. Poor visibility at the Sutton Lane/Chestnut road junction and narrow lanes with many bends surrounding the area-often too narrow for car and HGVs. Already high traffic levels in the main High Street with more in the future due to the addition of up to 63 houses to the village. The number of HGV Movements in the High Street is already too high. Railway line to south east of site-could be used to transport

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minerals. Danger of HGVs to other road users, cyclists and pedestrians and there are no pedestrian crossings in Christian Malford or Sutton Benger and it will be unsafe to cross. The B4122 has dips in it that flood frequently and the bridge over the river is narrow. Access to M4 via the A4122 would need improvements. The roads have low trees.

There is a petition from the parish councils of Sutton Benger, Christian Malford, Dauntsey and Lyneham to impose a 7.5T weight limit on the B4069. Mouchel Ltd consultation on the B4069 suggests a 7.5 tonne weight limit is required.

Wheel washing at site entrance should be mandated.

Landscape/ Visual impacts from Land grade 2-best and most versatile visual nearby roads and agricultural land. Blot on the impact PRoWs, impacts on landscape-affect views from the the landscape recreation ground.. character of the area and views onto the site from surrounding properties and Sutton Benger.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Assessment of the Borders National Trust owned Sutton potential for protected Lane Meadows SSSI & CWS and so or notable species on should be excluded. the site, impacts to hedgerows and The RSPB and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust aged/veteran trees, should be consulted further. impacts of minerals operations on fauna and flora of the site (and nearby) and impacts on the River Avon.

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Human Impact on village and residents-dust, health and noise (excavators, cranes and lorries, amenity pumping water from the workings), vibration, light, visual impacts, fuel odours. NE prevailing wind carrying smells, dust and noise toward Christian Malford.

Concern that impacts on the Chippenham to Malmesbury cycle path may not have been considered and that local cycling groups may not have been consulted.

Site too big to be close to housing (30m away).

3KM proximity west to aerodrome.

Sutton Benger will no longer be in contention for best kept village. Assessment of noise, Tourists visit Sutton Benger to see visual, dust and light the ‘green man’ in the All Saints intrusion on those church. living in proximity to the site. This site will block a footpath that is part of the Sutton Benger-Christian Consult with MoD on Malford circular walk-a route of the risk of birdstrike. sufficient quality to be listed in the rambling associations ‘Twelve walks around Chippenham’.

Dust and noise increase would be a health hazard and would reduce the quality of life. Breathing issues for those with asthma. Danger for pupils crossing Seagry road. Diesel trucks will create carcinogenic pollution.

Danger of more traffic accidents. More time spent carwashing. Risk of drowning in lakes should this be a chosen restoration option. The areas proposed are currently used for leisure.

200m from village hall-where preschool meets, 250/300m from a primary school, and 50m from village sports ground. Sewers under High

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Street potentially damaged by HGVs. The B4069 carries 2 communication fibre optic cables.

Historic High Street lined with listed buildings. environment No mention of the numerous structures associated with the All Saints Church and the 13th century church itself.

There is some known archaeology - None. Site will probably need some mitigation. There is evidence of paleolithic and prehistoric activity at the site.

Sutton Benger Conservation area is not mentioned.

Water River Avon renowned for flooding and environment this proposal would create additional flooding problems in the village and in the surrounding areas. Christian Malford-Sutton Benger Road already floods-made worse if floodplain is removed.

Pollution and damage to natural Assessment of the aquifer and increased sediment in the impact to aquifers in river Avon. Southern Marsh Orchid the area, the River and other species are extremely Avon and the impacts susceptible to changes in hydrology. to the surrounding Water table is very close to the environment. surface. FRA required to establish impacts of development encroachment onto the floodplain.

A non-worked reserve adjacent to the watercourse is needed for maintenance access and environmental protection. There is a critical land drain within 30m of the North West corner of the site.

Restoration The area of land is There is potential for restoration to currently in neutral grassland. Agricultural agricultural use with restoration could also include BAP predominantly high habitat creation. Proposed agricultural quality soils. restoration often ends up as rubbish Restoration could recycling works, concrete works and

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seek to return this to weighbridges etc. Concern as to the agricultural use or timescale of restoration. If restore to contribute to lakes-potential risk for children and expanding the amount wildlife. of neutral grassland in the area as designated through the South West Nature Map.

Site Option BA16:

Topic area Key issues initially Key issues identified by consultees Recommendation identified by officers

General None. There is a housing development underway within the site boundary. A proposal for a site in a similar location was proposed in the 1980s and refused. Site will severely affect houses on eastern boundary. No mention of the growth of Sutton Benger-the housing plans at the old chicken plant and off Seagry lane. Public and not even parish councillors informed in process and there was no chance for comment from professionals. Public’s trust has been undermined and the process gives the impression of being very underhand. EXCLUDE. Due to The village shop would be a good presence of historic place to notify of future consultations. landfill site which covers a large Many houses are listed properties with proportion of the shallow foundations on shrinkable site. clay. Concern around potential property damage from dust and vibration from the works and the increased HGV movements-especially in the High Street.

Reduction in property values and query compensation. Loss of very productive agricultural area. Possible expensive cost of moving sewage works.

Gravel is relied on for drainage.

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Transport Access onto the Sutton Benger roadside footpaths are nearby HGV route narrow. B4069 is the only access road network and use of and is already too busy, there is a potentially unsuitable dangerous junction with the B4122, it roads to reach the is used as M4 relief road and the road network. Assessment is very windy with poor visibility. required on sharp Lyneham Banks on the B4069 is turn where the B4069 subject to subsidence and the road is meets the B4122. heavily degraded due to current waste traffic. The B4069 is already the most expensive road in Wiltshire to maintain. The road in Sutton Benger is narrow in many places with no footpaths. Access to M4 via the A4122 would need improvements.

Wheel washing at site entrance should be mandated.

Sutton lane is a single track road, unsuitable for increased volumes of traffic, struggling with current traffic levels as shown in a National Rail survey. Sutton Lane is part of the national cycle network. Narrow lanes with many bends surrounding the area-often too narrow for car and HGVs. Number of HGV Movements in the High Street already too high and there are already high traffic levels in the main High Street with more in the future due to the addition of up to 63 houses to the village. Railway line to south east of site-could be used to transport minerals. Danger of HGVs to other road users, cyclists and pedestrians. No pedestrian crossings in Christian Malford or Sutton Benger and it will be unsafe to cross.

B4122 has dips in it that flood frequently . Mouchel Ltd consultation on the B4069 suggests a 7.5 tonne weight limit. There is a petition from the parish councils of Sutton Benger, Christian Malford, Dauntsey and Lyneham to impose a 7.5T weight limit on the B4069. Problems with mud on the road.

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Landscape/ Visual impacts from High quality agricultural land. visual nearby roads and impact PRoWs, impacts on the landscape character of the area and views onto the site.

Assessment to determine the agricultural quality of the land on the site.

Biodiversity Loss of habitat. Lingering pollution to hedgerows. Impact of hedgerows-used by many birds. Natural habitat of wild deer, hare, fox and badgers, kingfishers, moorhens, Assessment of the rodents, kestrals, sparrowhawks, potential for protected buzzards and owls, heron, swans, or notable species on geese, several raptor species, bats, the site, impacts to newts (including the great crested hedgerows and newt), toads, dragonflies , water voles, aged/veteran trees, otter, red kite, slow worms, grass impacts of minerals snakes and fresh water mussels. operations on fauna and flora of the site The presence of waterlillies indicated (and nearby) and good water quality. River Avon has impacts on the River eel, bullhead and brown trout which Avon. are sensitive to low flows. Adjacent to Bristol Avon County Wildlife Site.

The RSPB and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust should be consulted further.

Human Impact on village and residents-dust, health and noise(excavators, cranes and lorries, amenity pumping water from the workings), Assessment of noise, vibration, light, visual impacts. visual, dust and light Only a few hundred metres from intrusion on those nearest housing with only a few trees living in proximity to for screening. Sutton Benger is stated the site. as the nearest settlement in the Consult with MoD on document, but Christian Malford is the risk of birdstrike. only separated from the site by the river.

Site is within 3KM proximity west to aerodrome.

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Concern as to the length of time of excavation and exceeding projected timescales. Tourists visit Sutton Benger to see the ‘green man’ in the All Saints church. This site will block a footpath that is part of the Sutton Benger-Christian Malford circular walk-a route of sufficient quality to be listed in the rambling associations ‘Twelve walks around Chippenham’. Footpaths run across the site.The site is used regularly by hikers, dog walkers, fishermen and model aeroplane enthusiasts.

There should be less reliance on virgin minerals as we increase recycling rates.

Dust and noise increase would be a health hazard and would reduce quality of life. Breathing issues for those with asthma. More traffic accidents.

Diesel trucks will create carcinogenic pollution.

Within 200m of Christian Malford primary school. 200m east of a permanent caravan site. The Church and burial ground are within 100m. The site is just across river from the pocket park. Sewers under High Street potentially damaged by HGVs. There is a sewage pipe that goes through the site and under the river to Christian Malford. Site is just over the river from the Christian Malford Primary School and The Acorns Playgroup. The b4069 carries 2 communication fibre optic cables.

Concern around the threat of landfill and associated flies, vermin, dust, traffic, noise and odours. Concerns as to the type and source of backfill material.

Historic Within 100m of designated environment None. conservation area.

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High Street lined with listed buildings. No mention of the numerous structures associated with the All Saints church and the 13th century church itself.

There is some known archaeology - site will probably need some mitigation. Sutton Benger Conservation area is not mentioned. There is evidence of paleolithic and prehistoric activity at the site.

Water Buffer zones around watercourses environment across and bordering the site should be considered. The site is liable to flooding and this proposal would create additional flooding problems in the village and in the surrounding areas. Report suggests 2% of the site is on the floodplain but it is more like 60% or 80%. Christian Malford-Sutton Benger Road already floods-made worse if floodplain is removed. Pollution and damage to natural aquifer and increased sediment in the Assessment of the river Avon-affect downstream wildlife. impact to aquifers in the area, the River The weir at Avon weir is only a few Avon and the impacts hundred metres away. Concern the to the surrounding extraction works won’t be able to cope environment. with flooding.Water table is very close to the surface. FRA required to establish impacts of development encroachment onto the floodplain. A non-worked reserve adjacent to the watercourse is needed for maintenance access and environmental protection. There is a critical land drain between the site and the south of Sutton Benger village.

Concern of possible leaching into the Avon. There is historic landfill near to the site.

Restoration The area of land is Agricultural restoration could also currently in include BAP habitat creation. agricultural use with Proposed agricultural restoration often predominantly high ends up as rubbish recycling works,

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quality soils. concrete works and weighbridges etc. Restoration could Concern as to the timescale of seek to return this to restoration. Concern as to how agricultural use or agricultural restoration will be contribute to achieved. If restore to lakes-potential expanding the risk for children and wildlife. Through amount of neutral restoration a riverside walk could be grassland in the area created. Restoration needs to be as designated compatible with high flood risk through the South designation. West Nature Map.

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Two areas of land were put forward to the Councils for consideration during the consultation which took place between August and October 2010. These additional site options have been considered in light of the information that has been gathered during the consultation period. One of the site options, Swillbrook Farm in the Upper Thames Valley, will not be considered any further due to the significant difficulties that would be encountered in providing suitable links to the HGV road network. The other site option which lies adjacent to the site option SA1 in the Salisbury Avon, should be subject to further evidence gathering/detailed assessment before a decision is made on its suitability for sand and gravel extraction.

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Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals DPD: A report of the results of consultation on initial site options for sand and gravel extraction (August - October 2010)