Information Classification: PUBLIC

Restoration and Tipping

Strategy for the

China Clay area Supplementary Planning Document Draft

March 2021

Planning & Sustainable Development Information Classification: PUBLIC

Cornwall Council commissioned Wardell Armstrong LLP to undertake a review of the adopted Tipping and Restoration Strategy for the St Austell China Clay area. This draft Supplementary Planning Document is based on the final report prepared by Wardell Armstrong LPP and the Council would like to thank the consultants for their work in undertaking this review.

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP. PREPARED BY:

Simon Williams Environmental Scientist & GIS Specialist

David Gray Principal Landscape Architect

Helen Simpson Associate Director APPROVED BY:

David Brignall Director

St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 2 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Contents

1 Supplementary Planning Document 8

2 Executive Summary 9

3 Introduction 12 3.1 Geology of China Clay 12 3.2 The Hensbarrow China Clay Area 12 3.3 Planning History 12 3.4 Current Levels of China Clay Production 13 3.5 Policy Context 14 3.5.1 Local Plan 14 3.5.2 Tipping & Restoration Strategy, 2000 14 3.6 Current China Clay Operations 15 3.6.1 Operators 17 3.6.2 Other Development 17 3.7 Project Brief – Review of the Tipping and Restoration Strategy, 2000 18 3.7.1 Scope of the Review of the TRS, 2000 18

4 Review of Restoration Strategy 20 4.1 Methodology and Approach in this Draft SPD 20 4.1.1 Restoration and Aftercare (Review of Fees Monitoring process) 21 4.2 Current Method of Working in Fal and Karslake Operational Areas 30 4.2.1 Estimate of Land Cover by Operational Area 32

5 Restoration Techniques for Fal and Karslake Operational Areas 33 5.1 Introduction 33 5.2 Fal (OA1) 33 5.2.1 Assessment of Current Land Cover – , Pines and Melbur Tips 34 5.2.2 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Scarcewater 35 5.2.3 Assessment of Current Land Cover – Gaverigan 38 5.3 Karslake (OA12) 38 5.3.1 Assessment of Current Land Cover – Dorothy, Littlejohns, Carrancarrow and Dubbers 38 5.3.2 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Dubbers 40 5.3.3 Effectiveness of Restoration using Soil Forming Materials (SFM) 41 5.3.4 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Carrancarrow 42 5.4 Other Examples of Restoration Techniques in Cornwall 43 5.4.1 United Mines – Restoration of Former Landfill 43 5.4.2 Stannon Pit (China Clay) 43 5.4.3 Park Pit (China Clay) 44

6 Current Landscape and Visual Analysis by District 46 6.1 Introduction 46 6.2 Methodology 47 6.3 Landscape Character and Heritage Evidence Base 48 6.4 Fal District 48

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6.4.1 Recommendations of the TRS 2000 and Current Status and Condition 49 6.5 Goonvean District 54 6.5.1 Recommendations of the TRS 2000 and Current Status and Conditions 54 6.6 Blackpool District 57 6.6.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 57 6.7 Karslake District 60 6.7.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 60 6.8 Carthew District 64 6.8.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 65 6.9 Eastern District 68 6.9.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 68

7 Rights of Way 70 7.1 Current Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and Permissive Path Network 70 7.2 Opportunities for Increasing the PRoW and Permissive Path Network 72 7.2.1 Potential Strategic Links 72 7.2.2 Other Opportunities 73

Restoration and Tipping - Future Approach and Strategy 75 8 Landform and Restoration Objectives 75 8.1 Future Requirements for Tipping 75 8.2 Post Restoration Uses 75 8.3 Landform 76 8.4 Conservation and Long-term Management 77 8.4.1 Designated Sites 77 8.5 Soil Profile 78 8.5.1 Soil Forming Material 78

9 Tipping Strategy 80 9.1 Introduction 80 9.2 Fal Operational Area (OA1) 81 9.2.1 Melbur and Virginia Pits 81 9.2.2 Scarcewater Tip 82 9.2.3 Gaverigan Tip 82 9.3 Karslake Operational Area (OA12) 82 9.4 Hendra Operational Area (OA9) 83 9.5 Trelavour Operational Area (OA4A) 83 9.6 Goonvean Operational Area (OA4C) and Operational Area (OA3) 83 9.7 Rocks Operational Area (OA25) 84

10 Restoration Strategy and Recommendations 84 10.1 Introduction 84 10.2 Overarching Recommendations 84 10.2.1 Restoration 84 10.2.2 Case Study 87 10.2.3 Aftercare of the Restored Areas of Dubbers and Dorothy 98 10.2.4 Aftercare 100 10.2.5 Tipping 101 10.2.6 Landscape and Visual 101 10.2.7 Secondary Aggregates 102 10.2.8 Historic Environment 103 St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 4 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

10.2.9 Public Access 104 10.2.10 The use of Soil Forming Material (SFM) in Restoration 104 10.3 Recommendations for Restoration and Aftercare Management for Selected Operational Areas 105 10.3.1 Fal Operational Area 107 10.3.2 Operational Area 116 10.3.3 Karslake Operational Area 119 10.3.4 Gilleys Operational Area 132 10.3.5 Hendra Operational Area 134 10.3.6 Prosper Operational Area 136 10.3.7 Goonbarrow Operational Area 140 10.3.8 Greensplatt Operational Area 145 10.3.9 Operational Area 149 10.3.10 Gunheath Operational Area 152 10.3.11 Rostowrack Operational Area 158 10.3.12 Goonvean Operational Area 163 10.3.13 Blackpool Operational Area 168 10.3.14 Trelavour Operational Area 172 10.3.15 Treviscoe Operational Area 175 10.3.16 Rocks Operational Area 178

11 Secondary Aggregates Potential 181 11.1 Introduction 181 11.2 The Use of China Clay Waste 181 11.3 The Secondary Aggregate tips included in the Assessment 181 11.4 Assessment Methodology 181 11.4.1 Screening Out 182 11.4.2 Criteria for Assessment 182 11.5 Weighting the criteria 191 11.6 Scoring Results 193

References 195

List of tables Table 1 Methodology ...... 20 Table 2: Tips without approved restoration plansa ...... 23 Table 3 Extract from Fees Monitoring Report - landscape and restoration measures ...... 24 Table 4 Native Trees and Shrubs for Use in Hedgerow Enhancement ...... 89 Table 5: Herbaceous Native to Cornwall for Planting in Hedgerows ...... 89 Table 6: Heathland Plants suitable for the China Clay Area ...... 92 Table 7: Typical Marginal Plants ...... 93 Table 8: Grass Mix for Clay Based Soils ...... 93 Table 9: Typical Grass Mix for Sand Based Soils ...... 94 Table 10: Native and Acid Tolerant Woodland Planting ...... 95 Table 11: Maintenance Regime Carried Out on Annual Basis: General ...... 99 Table 12: Typical Maintenance Regime Undertaken for Year 1: Scrub and Hedgerow Planting 99 Table 13: Typical Maintenance Regime: Grass Seeded Areas ...... 100 Table 14 Impact on Archaeology and the Historic Environment ...... 182

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Table 15 Describe the contribution which the existing tip makes to the landscape character of the area? ...... 183 Table 16 What would be the significance to the local landscape character if the tip were to be removed or reprofiled? ...... 183 Table 17 What would be the visual significance if the tip were to be removed/reprofiled? ... 184 Table 18 Potential impact on the local landscape of tip removal or reprofiling...... 184 Table 19 Potential visual impact of tip removal or reprofiling ...... 184 Table 20 Biodiversity and geodiversity impact ...... 185 Table 21 Impact on hydrology ...... 186 Table 22 Number of sensitive receptors within 250m of the site*...... 186 Table 23 Number of sensitive receptors within 500m of the site*...... 187 Table 24 Rail Access (Distance) ...... 188 Table 25 Suitability of Rail Access ...... 188 Table 26 Number of Sensitive Receptors* along public highway to rail siding ...... 189 Table 27 Distance to nearest 'A' road (measured from the nearest/most suitable existing access point using the most suitable route) ...... 190 Table 28 Suitability of best route to nearest 'A' road ...... 190 Table 29 Number of sensitive receptors* along highway access (i.e. to 'A' road) ...... 190 Table 30 Impact on Public Rights of Way ...... 191 Table 31 Weighted Conversion System...... 192 Table 32 Overall Score and IML Priority ...... 193

Appendices Appendix 1: Restoration Condition Survey

Appendix 2: Landscape Visual Analysis Photographs Appendix 2a: Fal District Appendix 2b: Goonvean District Appendix 2c: Blackpool District Appendix 2d: Karslake District Appendix 2e: Carthew District Appendix 2f: Eastern District

Appendix 3: Figures Figure 1: Operational Areas and Tip Locations Figure 2: Site Survey Point Locations Figure 3: Current Landcover and Landuse Figure 4: TRS 2000 Working Districts and Operational Areas Figure 5: Operational Areas and Access Network Figure 6: Projected Backfill and Tipping Figure 7: Wardell Armstrong Vegetation Assessment Locations Figure 8: Secondary Aggregate Tip Locations Figure 9: Secondary Aggregate Mica Dam Locations

Appendix 4: Secondary Aggregate Tip Assessments Appendix 4 a: Site Specific Secondary Aggregate Tip Assessments Appendix 4b: Tip Assessment Scoring Spreadsheet Appendix 4c: Secondary Aggregate Tip Assessment Anticipated Most Suitable HGV Routes on Public Highways between Tips and the Nearest Rail Siding

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Appendix 4d: Secondary Aggregate Tip Assessment Anticipated Most Suitable HGV Routes on Public Highways between Tips and the Nearest ‘A’ Road

Appendix 5: Minutes of the Stakeholder Review Meeting (16th June 2018)

Appendix 6: Glossary of Terms

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1 Supplementary Planning Document

1. The Council has published this draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation, the consultation seeks views on the content of the SPD.

2. The SPD sits beneath the adopted Local Plan and provides operational, technical and detailed guidance to support future china clay extraction and restoration.

3. The consultation commences on 3rd March 2021 and closes at 5pm on 14th April 2021. The draft consultation document can be viewed online at Planning Policy Guidance - Cornwall Council. Responses to this consultation should be submitted using the response form available online at Planning Policy Guidance - Cornwall Council, completed response forms should be returned by email using the details on the form.

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2 Executive Summary 4. The Tipping and Restoration Strategy (TRS) for the St Austell China Clay1 district was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) in 2000. Since the publication of the TRS, there have been significant changes in the industry, including a reduction in the annual production of China Clay (reduced by 66%, from production rates in 2000). In addition, many of the opportunities for improvement, identified in the TRS have been addressed through tip design and reshaping combined with Government funded initiatives to promote woodland and heathland habitats within the area. The initiatives, in tandem with a pro-active approach to restoration and revegetation taken by the industry, has resulted in a significant change in the landscape of the china clay district and the area of land that is now revegetated, as opposed to the ‘operational land’ considered in the studies that informed the TRS 2000.

5. In recognition of these changes, it was necessary to review the adopted Tipping and Restoration Strategy and Cornwall Council commissioned Wardell Armstrong LLP to provide an assessment of the current status of restoration within the China Clay Area and formulate a future restoration strategy. The project:

• assessed the condition of the land (in terms of restoration), within each of the operational areas; • assessed how effective restoration has been, taking account available techniques and provide guidance on applicable techniques and management planning; • considered restoration techniques suitable for future areas of restoration; • provided guidance on appropriate restoration techniques and aftercare management; and • considered potential opportunities for diversion of public rights of way.

6. The project has identified that within operational areas, the tips that have ceased working have been restored and/or naturally revegetated to a variety of habitats. In general terms, restoration design promoted native broadleaf woodland planting at the base and lower slopes to tips, with hydroseeding of acid grassland on higher slopes (upper benches) and heathland habitat on the surface of the tip. The strategy considers revegetation and aftercare management, in the context of future restoration once tipping has ceased.

1 St Austell China Clay Tipping and Restoration Strategy, adopted 2000 St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 9 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

7. More recent planning consents for tips have included a wider range of landuses, for example productive agricultural land at Scarcewater and renewable energy development, including solar farms on restored mica lagoons. There may be options to diversify reuse of tips (and pits) for future energy related development, however this will be dependent on landuse agreements together with separate planning consents.

8. The reuse of material from tips as a supply of secondary aggregate is also an option on many of the tips and several operations are now visible and could, in future years, result in short-term impacts associated with secondary mineral extraction, together with revised landform, as the height and scale of tips are reduced.

9. Other alternative opportunities are also available to diversify land uses, most noticeably the West Eco-community that has outline consent and is located within former operational land. There is also the potential to reuse the landforms developed through China Clay extraction for leisure based projects, the Eden Project being an excellent example of the reuse of a former China Clay Pit. Within the China Clay area, the network of permissive paths has increased access for leisure and recreation. Future options include leisure uses that combine open water within worked out pits with restoration of tips to promote holiday and recreational uses.

10. This draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out landscape analysis, which was informed by visual assessment and provides a snapshot of the current state of site restoration for the working districts discussed in the TRS 2000, with commentary on the progress of restoration and suggestions for improvement, if feasible. A significant number of sites where found to be restored and/ or revegetated, indicating partial success of the TRS 2000 strategy with the remaining sites being improved via ongoing planning agreements. This analysis also enabled identification of sites for further enhancement.

11. The second part of this SPD considers future areas for restoration, tipping requirements and possible land uses, providing recommendations and aftercare for existing Operational Areas, given that a number of Operational Areas are no longer being worked and no further restoration is required. Finally, an indicative case study was written to determine an appropriate approach to future restoration, with typical design considerations, suggested species, habitats and management. The case study provides a notional blueprint for the content of future restoration schemes, given that the findings of the report advocate that restoration schemes should be carefully designed in the first instance, to enable agreement with the respective authorities. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 10 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

12. A holistic approach to restoration is required, which considers the retention of selected historic attributes, and assimilation with designated sites and areas such as nearby Archaeologically Important Landscapes. Proposals should be in keeping with the key characteristics of the St Austell or Hensbarrow China Clay Landscape Character Area (LCA) and should reflect existing landscape features and patterns. Decisions on species should consider the retention of a proportion of historically dominant species as well as achieving a mosaic of habitats through native planting. Plant choices should be appropriate to the climate, aspect and topography of sites being restored. Restoration schemes should embrace the opportunity to create tangible and welled planned strategic improvements to connectivity via permissive paths and dedicated PRoWs across the China Clay Area. This joined up and sustainable approach to improvement should cumulatively help to retain and enhance the environmental quality and prosperity of the China Clay Area.

13. The final part of this draft SPD considers the potential to extract secondary aggregates from existing tips and aims to rank those tips using a set of criteria to assess their potential and any impacts.

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3 Introduction 3.1 Geology of China Clay 14. China clay (kaolin) is the product of altered granite. China clay resources are found within three of the larger granite bodies in Cornwall. Land’s End, Hensbarrow (St Austell) and Moor, and in smaller bodies at and .

15. The primary china clay deposits of South West are world class in terms of their size and quality. Commercial exploitation of china clay in Cornwall is now confined to the Hensbarrow area.

3.2 The Hensbarrow China Clay Area 16. The Hensbarrow China Clay Area is geographically discrete and covers approximately 86 sq.km and is associated with the extraction and processing of China Clay2,3. The broad limits of the area occupied by the industry lie between the A30(T), the A3058 and the A390 in central Cornwall with the town of St. Austell to the immediate south and a series of villages comprising; Fraddon, St. Dennis, Roche and Bugle along the northern boundary (Appendix 3, Figure 1: Active Operational Areas and Tip Locations). Within the Hensbarrow China Clay Area there are numerous villages, farmsteads, scattered residential properties and other business premises.

17. The pits within the China Clay Area produce a range of high-quality minerals that are used in the paper, pharmaceutical, food and hygiene industries. The remainder of this draft SPD relates to the Hensbarrow china clay area, near St Austell and will be referred to as the St Austell china clay area. 3.3 Planning History 18. At the end of WWII, the need to establish a balance between the Country's need for minerals to deliver reconstruction projects and the need to avoid conflict with other land uses and the protection of amenity was recognised. The Town and Country Planning (General Interim Development) Order 1946 therefore withdrew previous permitted development rights for surface mineral working, replacing them with an express grant of permission from the interim development authority. Within the China Clay Area separate permissions were not issued to individual mines and operators, instead a

2 Cornwall Council (2018). Cornwall Minerals Safeguarding Development Plan Document. 3 Cornwall Council (2016) Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010 – 2030. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 12 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

single permission was issued across the entirety of the St Austell China Clay Area.

19. The Environment Act 1995, introduced a requirement on Mineral Planning Authorities (MPA) to undertake an Initial Review of Old Mineral Planning Permissions (Initial ROMP) of all mineral planning permissions granted between 30 June 1948 and 22 February 1982, (such as the permission granted to the St Austell China Clay Area) and, thereafter, to operate a program of ‘Periodic Review’ (Periodic ROMP) of mineral planning permissions every 15 years to ensure that the sites continue to operate to modern environmental and safety standards. ROMP applications are accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment.

20. The Initial ROMP application for the St Austell China Clay Area was submitted on 7th July 1997. The application was subsequently determined on the 10th February 1998 (planning reference PA97/00965). Imerys Minerals Limited (IML) submitted the first Periodic ROMP to Cornwall Council during 2013 (planning reference PA13/01142). In 2000 a Tipping and Restoration Strategy (TRS) was adopted and set out the strategy for tipping and restoration in the area. Further information on the original TRS is available in section Tipping & Restoration Strategy, 2000. This draft SPD reviews the TRS and will inform the determination of the first Periodic ROMP. Due to the size and nature of the land, with the agreement of Cornwall Council (as the MPA), the Initial ROMP divided the China Clay Area into several different Operational Areas (OA), as shown in Appendix 3 Figure 1: Active Operational Areas and Tipping Locations, which have been referred to throughout this report. The Operational Areas continue to be used to delineate discrete china clay working areas. 3.4 Current Levels of China Clay Production 21. China clay production in the UK amounted to 0.9 million tonnes in 20184, it is not possible to report figures for Cornwall due to commercial confidentiality. The China Clay industry advises that annual clay production is forecast to remain at current production rates for the foreseeable future. In addition, each 1 million tonnes of clay extracted typically produces 8 million tonnes of other materials, comprising approximately 1 million tonnes of mica, 4 million tonnes of sand, and 3 million tonnes of stent, discoloured clays and other micaceous materials. Run-of-mine wastes are generally tipped in surface mounds or used to backfill worked out pits; however, a proportion of the sand and stent (approximately 1.2 million tonnes per year in total, at varying ratios, but mainly comprising sand) is processed to

4 UK Minerals Yearbook 2019 https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/ukmy/UKMY2019.pdf St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 13 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

produce secondary aggregates. The ratio of china clay product to mine waste has remained constant for many years (as quoted in the TRS, 2000). However, the rate of china clay production has declined significantly, and is currently approximately 33% of the production level quoted in the TRS, 2000.

22. The Cornwall Local Plan 20165, identifies that the China Clay industry currently employs approximately 1,000 persons, directly, and contributes significantly to the local economy; the British Geological Survey has indicated that estimated reserves exceed 60 million tonnes, sufficient to provide supply for up to 60 years at current extraction rates. 3.5 Policy Context

3.5.1 Cornwall Local Plan 23. The Local Plan was adopted by Cornwall Council in 2016 and contains two specific mineral policies; the first relating to the principles of mineral working and the other safeguarding of mineral resources and infrastructure. The policies sets out a clear aim to safeguard the important china clay resources in the St Austell area along with recognition of the secondary aggregate resource contained within existing tips.

24. The Local Plan also sets out the Council’s commitment to reviewing the adopted Tipping & Restoration Strategy.

3.5.2 Tipping & Restoration Strategy, 2000 25. The Tipping and Restoration Strategy6 (TRS 2000) was adopted by the former Cornwall County Council in 2000 as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and is now outdated and the recommendations identified at the time have largely been addressed.

26. The original objectives of the TRS 2000 were to seek a balance between the needs of the industry with the regulatory, and community desire to ensure environmental protection, delivered through a programme of restoration. The objectives were defined in the following categories:

• Operational – projected tipping volumes and backfilling, minimising transport between pits and tips, whilst safeguarding future china clay reserves. • Landscape and after-use – progressive restoration of waste deposited in surface tips, by improving the views of tips and improving the profile of tips by a combination of infill and regrading.

5 Cornwall Local Plan, adopted 2016 6 China Clay Tipping and Restoration Strategy, 2000 St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 14 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

• Resources – maintain biodiversity, safeguard archaeological and historic evidence and examples of china clay industry, minimise loss of agricultural land and protect water resources and water quality. • Quality of life – improve environmental quality and improve transport networks.

27. Within the original strategy, a methodology was adopted to define high, medium and low constraint areas for site selection, design criteria and construction of tips.

28. The effectiveness of the delivery of the TRS, 2000 has been reviewed in this draft SPD and updated to take account of the changing operational requirements of the china clay industry and identify recommendations for future restoration objectives, taking account of the tipping strategies that are being used by the mineral operator Imerys Minerals Limited (IML). 3.6 Current China Clay Operations 29. China clay extraction has resulted in a dramatically altered landscape, characterised by deep open pits that fill with water once mining has ceased, permanent surface mounds constructed from run-of-mine waste and associated mining infrastructure in the form of buildings and industrial plant. Some pits, which, in order to maintain production, have coalesced to form much larger ‘super pits’. Currently there are two Operational Areas actively accessing clay reserves, in the western district of Fal (OA1) and the central district of Karslake (OA12). To operate these super pits, several smaller surrounding pits remain operational to maintain reserves of specialty clay products, allow for mica disposal into worked out pits and to provide a reserve of water required to maintain operations in working pits.

30. In previous years, and in particular up to and including the study period for the TRS 2000, waste materials were either tipped above ground in mounds or lagoons. However post-2000, in response to the objectives of the TRS 2000 and the Mines Waste Directive (2006/21/EC), the china clay industry has diversified the management of the three main waste streams, by:

• Backfilling of worked out pits principally with mica and fine sand; • Developing markets for secondary aggregates (crushed stone and sand); and • Concentrating surface tipping within areas of modern planning consent (for example Scarcewater tip (OA1), Planning reference C2/03/00808, and Gaverigan (OA1) Planning reference: C2/97/00253.

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31. The most significant consequence of this diversification in the use and management of waste is the reduction in tipping of stent, sand and mica in surface, or above ground, mounds; this change has largely occurred since the adoption of the TRS 2000. This reduction in tipping volumes has also been a consequence of global changes in the china clay market, as cheaper imports of bulk paper clays have promoted a shift in U.K. production towards lower volume, higher quality speciality clays. Accordingly, current levels of clay extraction are approximately one third of the 3 million tonnes per year that was predicted in the TRS 2000. Therefore, since 2000, tipping volumes have reduced leading to some tips ceasing operations and those that are no longer in use are, to a large extent, revegetated, through a combination of:

• Compliance with the relevant restoration planning conditions, agreed through the initial ROMP, 1998 (Planning reference 97/00965) and other consents;

• Ongoing restoration and revegetation of tips, using several methods that are deployed by IML;

• The woodland7 and heathland8 projects implemented by Cornwall Council, English Nature (now Natural England, NE) and IML, with separate sources of funding from Government; and

• Natural regeneration of slopes, for which there has been no formal scheme of restoration and aftercare.

32. The effectiveness or otherwise of these initiatives is readily apparent, compared to the findings of the 2000 study; specifically, in terms of the area of land that has been revegetated, either as a consequence of the programme of restoration, or through the natural revegetation of previously bare tip slopes. This has resulted in the connectivity of a range of habitats improving since 2000, resulting in a network of green infrastructure and wildlife corridors for mobile species (Appendix 2, Figure 3: Current Land Cover and Land Use); including, for example, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) Priority Species, Nightjar and Marsh Fritillary. The mosaic of habitats also adds interest and creates biodiversity gains. The China Clay Area therefore currently provides a diverse landscape and range of environmental conditions. It is also apparent that restoration and aftercare management has not necessarily succeeded as originally intended and that the steep and sometimes inaccessible slopes on sand and stent tips have resulted in a lack of long-term maintenance and/or management. In consequence, in certain areas, the pattern of vegetation lacks structure and continuity; although it is

7 English Nature (2008), China Clay Woodland Project, Exit Strategy Report 8 English Nature (2005), Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage, Putting Back the Wild Heart of Cornwall St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 16 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

acknowledged that some species, for example profunda, a SAC interest species, require open land. It is also noted that the natural regeneration of some steep and inaccessible areas is dominated by Rhododendron, which is an invasive species, but which also forms part of the character evident in the visual baseline. It is noted that the woodland and heathland projects were undertaken on land where the approved scheme did not necessarily consider the pit and adjacent tips, as a whole; and in certain instances, planting schemes utilised available land on tips that became available during the period of the projects. These projects were therefore not specifically informed by either the previous (pre-extraction) landscape or an assessment of post mining landforms and wider landscape through an integrated restoration and aftercare management plan. Restoration that has passed the 5-year management plan are not necessarily monitored on a regular basis and therefore this draft SPD has assessed the long-term effectiveness of the restoration / habitat improvement works undertaken as part of those projects (see Appendix 1).

3.6.1 Operators 33. Since 2012, there has been a single operator extracting clay within the China Clay Area, Imerys Minerals Limited (IML), together with several aggregate companies that produce crushed rock and sand from run-of-mine material (rock and sand) combined with the reworking of a number of tips for aggregates (principally sand).

34. It is noted that IML run four community liaison groups comprising parish councils, Cornwall Councillors, members of the public and local interest groups; and issues around access and restoration are commonly discussed topics. In general, the groups are very pleased with the progress and standard of restoration.

3.6.2 Other Development 35. Alternative development has been successfully promoted within the China Clay Area for example the Garden Village (the West Carclaze Eco-Community) in the (OA28) and Baal (OA29)9 Operational Areas. The proposals for the Eco-Community incorporate the surrounding operational land, specifically (in relation to the tipping strategy), the land within a previous operational area Blackpool (OA13), which includes the pit (now flooded) and non-operational except for use as a water reserve together with adjacent tips (restored). IML have also promoted former industrial land and buildings for a range of business uses within the China Clay Area.

9 West Carclaze Eco-Community, outline planning ref: PA14/12186. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 17 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

3.7 Project Brief – Review of the Tipping and Restoration Strategy, 2000

3.7.1 Scope of the Review of the TRS, 2000 36. To review the adopted Tipping and Restoration Strategy and Cornwall Council commissioned Wardell Armstrong LLP to provide an assessment of the current status of restoration within the China Clay Area and formulate a future restoration strategy. The project brief is divided into two Phases;

Phase One - Restoration Strategy

37. Phase One is described as developing a strategic overview and specific restoration options for active and non-active mining land, to include:

• For each Operational Area (or different geographical area as appropriate), consider the condition of the area and identify any restoration measures previously undertaken. • Review the effectiveness of the restoration measures undertaken in each of the Operational Areas and identify requirements for further intervention and/or more passive restoration. • Develop restoration techniques that include soil formation, identification of plant/species types, measures to safeguard such species during their initial planting (aftercare), and measures to control invasive plant species. • For each studied area where improvements are identified and/or where there is no current restoration scheme, implement restoration and aftercare principles. • For each studied area, consideration of the potential opportunities for the diversion of PRoW, reinforcement of local distinctiveness, enhancement of the settings of historic buildings and sites.

38. The update of the TRS does not extend to an assessment of ancillary mining infrastructure, including redundant plant and machinery as this includes sites that are not associated or connected with tip reclamation and future tipping strategy.

Phase Two - Tipping Strategy

39. Phase Two is described as considering the need for potential tipping and mica disposal capacity. IML will supply information on the projected volumes requiring tipping and Phase 2 will consider where tipping is currently taking place and is likely to continue over the next 10- to 15-year period. In identifying projected volumes to meet the industry’s planned needs, St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 18 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

consider where future tipping could lead to improved topographical shape, and develop a methodology for assessing tipping scenarios.

40. The output from the above review should include:

• Plans of the Operational Areas, developed as GIS database, where possible • Written description of the restoration and aftercare process, • Defining tipping requirements for operational areas, based on information from IML, and • Prioritising future restoration recommendations into a ranking of high, medium and low.

41. Wardell Armstrong LLP undertook this review in accordance with the project brief.

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4 Review of Restoration Strategy 4.1 Methodology and Approach in this Draft SPD 42. A methodology for the review of the Restoration Strategy (Phase One), based on the approach adopted in the TRS 2000, is set out in Table 1 Methodology.

Table 1 Methodology

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43. The approach consists of both a desk-based study of the current status of restoration within the China Clay Area, and verification of the desk based data through an inspection of a selection subset of sites to confirm that restoration is to the habitat type and quality described. Sites were selected in agreement with CC, IML and following discussions with Natural England to cover a range of restored habitats within the China Clay Area. The survey findings considered the establishment of vegetation through the use of a standard scoring matrix. It should be noted that the survey did not extend to an analysis of the historic character and environment of the China Clay Area and, therefore, does not draw upon data from the Historic Landscape Character Assessment (published in 1994 by CC), which also requires a contemporary review. However, in consultation with CC’s Strategic Historic Environment Service, data defining Archaeologically Important Landscape areas has been considered in the context of the operational working areas. The landscape and visual analysis considered in the study, refers to the Cornwall and Landscape Character Assessment 2008 to identify the key landscape characteristics of the China Clay Area and thus the Operational Areas.

44. The review of the TRS, 2000 in this draft SPD also considered those areas that the industry considered to be no longer operational and had been subject to restoration measures undertaken through the Woodland Exit Strategy and Heathlands for Tomorrow projects. The reports on these projects set out the data including field surveys of a large number of tips. An indication of Woodland Exit and Heathland areas are shown in Appendix 2 Figure 3: Current Land Cover and land Use. The findings of the field assessment work undertaken for this draft SPD also considered the restoration and aftercare measures undertaken at three former mineral and waste sites outside the China Clay Area (United Mines, , former Park and former Stannon China Clay Works at St Neot and respectively). Survey data for these sites are included in Appendix 1.

4.1.1 Restoration and Aftercare (Review of Fees Monitoring process) 45. Under the Fees for Monitoring process, Cornwall Council’s Planning Enforcement Team routinely monitor the operational and long-term working areas within the China Clay Area for compliance with the conditions of the initial ROMP, 1998 (Planning reference PA97/00965) and any existing mineral planning permissions. The Monitoring of Mineral and Landfill Planning Permissions Reports (Monitoring Reports) were originally accessed via CC’s website, however due to the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in May 201810, these documents are no longer publicly

10 Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/justice-and-fundamental-rights/data- protection/2018-reform-eu-data-protection-rules_en (Accessed 31 July 2018). St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 21 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

available; consequently, the latest reports were provided by IML. The findings of these Reports have been considered as part of the review and extracts are set out in Table 3. Monitoring is not undertaken for sites where the 5-year aftercare management has been completed. It is recognised that pragmatically any outstanding restoration requirements ought to be addressed as part of the consideration of the current undetermined planning application relating to the Periodic Review of the mineral planning permissions.

4.1.1.1 Planning Reference PA97/00956) Condition 4 and 5 46. Conditions 4 and 5 of the current ROMP (approved in 1998) state that:

Condition 4: Working Programme: The Mining Operations and the Restoration and Aftercare of the site shall be carried out in accordance with any existing conditions imposed upon the original planning permissions in addition to the supplementary conditions of this determination until such time as Schemes of Working, Site Access and Conditions have been approved by the MPA for the Operational Areas and the Long-Term Working Areas, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the MPA. The working programme for the Operational Areas may be comprised in a series of phases of not less than seven years. A Scheme of Working, Site Accesses and Conditions for each area shall be submitted for approval to the MPA in accordance with Condition 5(a), (b) and (c). Following the approval by the MPA of a Scheme of Working, Site Accesses and Conditions, the Mining Operations and the Restoration and Aftercare shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the Scheme unless otherwise approved in writing by the MPA.

Condition 5: Schemes of Working, Site Access and Conditions to Mitigate “Environmental Impact” in Operational Areas: In respect of each Operational Areas listed in Schedule A annexed hereto and identified on Drawing No. G/4/1/101 the operator shall submit to the MPA on or before the dates shown in the Schedule, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the MPA:

(a) A Scheme of Working to identify the area, depth and direction of extractive operations, the area, height and profile of tipping of mineral waste, details of any ancillary development (including plant and stockpiling) and ongoing and (where appropriate) final landscaping, restoration and aftercare measures. The Scheme shall cover a period of not less than seven years.

(b) A report on site accesses. This will include identifying the location and function of all operational site accesses to the public highway, and a statement on the suitability of each access for its function. Where agreed with the MPA in pre-application discussions, detailed plans relating to the alignment, level, width, junction layout and surfacing of the site access road,

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together with the disposal of surface water therefrom shall be submitted for approval and these works shall be carried out within 6 months of the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the MPA.

(c) "Site Specific Conditions" to address any adverse environmental impact during the Scheme period.

47. With respect to restoration, there are several tips where a scheme of working has been submitted pursuant to Condition 5 of the initial ROMP (planning reference PA97/00965), that remain undetermined with respect to submitted and approved restoration schemes (Table 2). The list in Table 2 has been complied based on a joint agreed position (Goonvean and IML) with CC, dated 2012; the list is still considered to be relevant to 2018 as there has been little change to their ROMP statuses.

48. It is noted that where there is no agreed restoration scheme, IML have generally followed design criteria promoting woodland planting at the base and lower slopes to tips, with hydroseeding of acid grassland on higher slopes (upper benches) and heathland habitat on the surface of the tip.

Table 2: Tips without approved restoration plansa

Operational Name Tips Summary of restoration / revegetation condition Area Melbur Woodland – west facing, acid grassland upper slopes Pines The tip is complete and opened to public access. Woodland lower slopes, heathland upper slopes OA1 Fal South Fraddon Woodland lower slopes, heathland upper slopes Fraddon Woodland lower slopes, grassland upper slopes (within an Environmental Stewardship Scheme) Gunheath Restored heathland OA19 Gunheath Sky tip to west Woodland / scrub Refinery and agricultural land. Revised scheme details OA14 Burngullow None received January 2011 and accepted as valid application subject to consultation. Restored heathland– establishing willow car in places Restored heathland Carluddon Downs Tips are partially within West Carclaze Eco-Community OA29 Baal Gam Grey outline consent, and all of OA29 is within the Eco-Bos Option Baal Area. – Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (not affected by tips) Restored – heathland Heathland (and adjacent sky tip) Penhale Mica lagoon – solar farm OA28 Penhale Carluddon Tips are within West Carclaze Eco-Community outline consent, all of OA28 is within the Eco-Bos Option Area.

Wheal Henry Revegetated to north side – south not restored OA25 Rocks Rocks Restored – woodland, grassland & heath Kerrow Moor Partially restored

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Operational Name Tips Summary of restoration / revegetation condition Area Reworking for sand – north facing slope by Denis May and GC1 Son. OA4C Goonvean GC2 Natural revegetation (incline tip) – woodland Goonvean sand Natural regeneration – heath & scrub woodland Marsupella profunda – SAC (not affected by tips) TC1 Restored – Heath & woodland OA4A Trelavour TC2 Restored – Heath Old Hendra Natural revegetation scrub woodland RC1 Natural revegetation - woodland OA4B Rostowrack RC2 Natural revegetation – heath & scrub woodland No scheme of working and restoration submitteda

Revegetated – woodland, grassland (slopes) and heath (top). Dorothy Sand Tip Enrolled in Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Revegetated – woodland slopes (no understorey) Higher Gilley Valley

OA12 Karslake Littlejohns Grassland, reworking for sand (Brookland Aggregates)

Carrancarrow See Section Dubbers See Section Error! Reference source not found. a Scheme of Working required by Condition 5 of ROMP 97/000965

Table 3 Extract from Cornwall Council Fees Monitoring Report - landscape and restoration measures

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report OA2 Kernick 2014 Condition 4 required This is large site located to the west of OA1, separated by submission of the incised wooded valley of the . restoration and • The southern part of the site was restored to agricultural aftercare schemes for land (Maggie Pie and Mica dams), the this area, which have southernmost field has been underdrained, which had been submitted, post been affected by poor drainage. 1998. • The central section, principally Kernick Mica dam has been subsequently developed as a solar farm, together with land to the south, part of Trethosa Mica dam. A naturally revegetated incline tip is located to the north of the solar farm. • The northern area has been restored to a combination of woodland, heath and grassland for grazing (South Fraddon tip). The amended restoration plan G/4/1/98 A has not been approved by CC, the acceptance of the restoration works does not appear to be finalised. In terms of landscaping it is noted that further aftercare management post 2014, does not appear to have been monitored by CC. OA3 Treviscoe 2016 The restoration and There are a number of incline tips (‘sky tips’ created using aftercare schemes have inclines) to the south of Parkandillick Pit that have been approved. revegetated naturally to woodland and scrub. Treviscoe Tip has been restored in accordance with a scheme submitted in 1994. The upper surface of the tip was reseeded with heather in 2001/2 and further control of invasive species, including rhododendron scrub within wooded slopes was undertaken in following years. The tip is currently enrolled in a High-level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Restoration of this tip has reduced the visual impact from St Dennis. Treviscoe pit is identified for back filling with St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 24 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report mica, following completion of backfilling at Hendra Pit. There is a need for a further detailed scheme to tie pit reclamation, after backfilling with base of tips and the area surrounding the pit. OA4A Trelavour 2018 Restoration and There are three tips, two old incline tips (TC1 and TC2) Downs aftercare schemes have that are largely naturally revegetated to woodland and been prepared, but not scrub. To the south is the larger Trelavour Downs tip, that approved pending has been restored to grassland on the slopes of the tip, determination of the which has some invasion of scrub. Some areas of the first periodic ROMP upper surface of the tip have not been restored. No application. tipping or restoration is known to have taken place on Trelavour Tip since September 2014. The south eastern area of the site bordering Hendra (OA9) has been regenerated to a wetland area. The eastern end of the site and been returned to pasture land and is thought to be grazed by cattle. The settling tanks in the south of the site which are recognised as being of archaeological importance have not been disturbed and remain on site. OA4B Rostowrack 2018 Restoration and Rostowrack Tip to the south of the site was restored pre- aftercare schemes have 2000 and is largely wooded to base and slopes, with been prepared, but not grassland on the upper surface. Fanfare tip is also restored approved pending on the outer face to B3279, there have been no recent determination of the tipping activities on Fanfare Tip. Sand extraction from this first periodic ROMP tip was proposed when the site was under the ownership application. of Goonvean, however this has not been developed to date and it is uncertain whether this will be developed in the future. Other areas of the site have been restored with any stripped soils are transferred directly to existing tips for use in restoration. Permission was granted to backfill the former quarry known as Quarry Close No 1 (to the south east of the site), but the permission was not implemented and the void remains flooded and is used to provide water to the lorry wash plant. The extraction and processing of secondary aggregates at the site is carried out by Goonvean Aggregates Limited and the site is no longer under the direct control of IML. OA4C Goonvean 2018 Restoration and China Clay extraction operations have been mothballed, aftercare schemes have although water is still being pumped from the pit to been prepared, but not maintain the water level. The sand screening facility in the approved pending south of the operational area is operated by Denis May and determination of the Sons and is monitored separately. The offices and industrial first periodic ROMP units at the site have been sold or let and are in non-mineral application. related industrial use, the laboratory buildings are occupied by Goonvean Aggregates Limited. No Ragwort or Japanese knotweed were observed within the site, Extraction of sand and, before 2017, stone extraction and crushing has taken place from the tips within the area. Sand extraction continues. There is the potential for mica disposal (from OA1 Fal) at Goonvean Pit within the 15-year period of the ROMP. Further restoration works will be required, because of continuing extraction of aggregates. OA5 Trelavour 2018 Restoration and OA5 is used to house plant and equipment for the Works aftercare schemes are processing, drying and storage of china clay. No extraction approved. Landscaping or tipping of quarry waste occurs at this site and therefore improvements the OA does not form part of the Tipping Strategy. associated with Circa 2003, tree planting was undertaken on the on the St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 25 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report processing operations. south eastern edge of the Parkandillick Tip, the eastern side of the amenity bund, land to the north east of the operational area and along a screen belt in the south east. These trees are well established. OA6 Bloomdale 2014 Former pits have been Tips are now largely revegetated, with extensive woodland backfilled with mica. on lower slopes, transitioning to scrub and grassland. There are two incline Backfilled pits are rushy grassland, water logged in places. tips where no active 2014 monitoring report identified that no schemes of restoration has been working have been submitted, therefore restoration undertaken, since 1998. provisions in Condition 5 do not apply. OA7 2014 No longer under IML Restoration and aftercare management ceased in 2015. control The OA is no longer under IML control. OA8 Goverseth 2018 Landscaping There is currently no extraction of clay taking place and the improvements site is predominately used as a refining and processing unit. associated with land This operational area therefore comprises a refinery adjacent to the refinery. complex and to the south of the rail line, old tips, now naturally revegetated and the former Mica dam, which has been restored to woodland and grassland, in the southern area. The woodland is now formally out of aftercare. Not all the Operational Area is currently in the ownership and control of IML as there are several light industrial units and private dwellings located within this OA. In addition, since 2018 a central section on the northernmost periphery of the operational area has also been sold off. There are no outstanding requirements for restoration to tips. OA9 Hendra 2014 Restoration and Hendra and Trelavour tips were restored as a part of the aftercare schemes have heathland project, fenced and subject to ongoing been submitted and management through grazing. approved. No further requirements for restoration to tips. OA12 Karslake 2017 Restoration and aftercare schemes have not been submitted or The Karslake complex is surrounded by several tips; this approved under the operational area has been considered in detail. current ROMP (Conditions 4 & 5). OA13 Blackpool 2018 Restoration and Hornick Hill is a large tip continuous on the western aftercare schemes have boundary of the operational area. The outer face of the tip been submitted and was restored to woodland, heathland and grassland, which approved under the extends over both the upper surface and the inner facing current ROMP (in 2005). slopes of the tip. Woodland at the base of the tip adjacent to the Blackpool trial has established and matured. (Note there are some patches of Japanese Knotweed established adjacent to the carpark, opposite Dubbers entrance and a programme of eradication, informed by a Management Plan is being implemented by IML). Woodland on upper slopes has not established, due to exposure. Heathland on west facing slopes is well established. The operational area is within the Eco-Bos proposed development connected to West Carclaze Eco-Community and is being considered for potential leisure uses. OA14 Burngullow 2014 Processing and refinery, there are no tips with None required this area. OA15 Gover 2014 No extant restoration Dormant operational area, one sky tip, now naturally and aftercare revegetated and overgrown with vegetation. conditions. No further requirements for restoration to tips. OA16 2013 No extant restoration Dormant operational area. No tips within this area, as St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 26 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report and aftercare disused pit now surrounded by agricultural land. conditions. OA16 is no No further requirements for restoration to tips. longer under IML OA16 is no longer under IML control. control. OA17 2017 Restoration and The outer slopes of Greensplat Tip have been hydroseeded. landscape However, the tip is also being used to extract aggregates. A improvement schemes landscaping scheme required a bund on the roadside to have been submitted reduce visual impact of secondary aggregate extraction. and approved. This bund was partially completed, but was not constructed to the agreed dimensions, CC required either the bund to be completed or a S73 to be submitted to amend the permission by end February 2018. It is not clear which of these options was followed, however no S73 application can be found on the planning portal. Further restoration works will be required, due to ongoing extraction of aggregates. OA18 Wheal 2017 Restoration and Wheal Martyn Tip, to the north of the pit, comprises two Martyn landscape incline tips, both restored with woodland to lower slopes improvement schemes and grassland on upper slopes. have been submitted Woodland planting on an area of level ground between the and approved. tip and pit has largely failed due to overgrown shrub cover. Woodland management including beating up was completed in March 2018. OA19 Gunheath 2014 Separate consent for Gunheath tip was restored heathland, together with secondary aggregate surrounding virgin heath at Hensbarrow where a working. Restoration programme of improved management was implemented as and aftercare scheme a part of the Heathland project. The virgin heathland is has been submitted included in the Environmental Stewardship scheme (2009), but not submitted by IML. A conical sky tip to the west of the pit determined. has reverted through natural revegetation to a largely wooded condition. The south facing slope remains poorly vegetated. An area of previously disturbed ground within Gunheath, to the east of the pit is used for the stockpiling and processing of secondary aggregate from Wheal Martyn Pit under a separate permission (planning reference: NR/10/00107/MIN). The design of this new landform is approved by CC and requires a restoration and aftercare scheme. OA20 Great Wheal 2014 Restoration and There are four tips to the west and north of the pit. The Prosper aftercare scheme has virgin heathland at Tresayes Downs was improved through been submitted and gorse control and management, which also included approved (2011), final Prosper Tip to the west. There has been progressive restoration being restoration of the outer slopes of the tips through implemented following hydroseeding to grass, in accordance with the ROMP cessation of working. scheme. The upper surfaces of the tips are largely The operational area unrestored. appears to have been Great Wheal Prosper had been mothballed but non-operational since recommenced for operational use in June 2018. 2014. Consequently, there will be some recommencement of tipping which will require further restoration works. OA21 Goonbarrow 2014 The site has been Goonbarrow tip is a large stent and sand tip, with outer dormant since before slopes facing north that have been restored to a woodland 2014. Restoration and on the lower benches and hydroseeded to grass on upper aftercare scheme for benches; in accordance with the ROMP scheme. Some the closure of the erosion has occurred due to illegal trespass and use of the operational area site by motorbikes, however this is being addressed. approved within the Monitoring of Ragwort should be considered going forward St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 27 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report Goonbarrow ROMP due to previous evidence of this species. scheme. Part of the area The upper surface of the tip is flat and is currently a mixture has been included in the of bare surface and natural revegetation. Eco-Bos proposed Eco- There are several small conical sand tips on the upper Community surface of the tip, which appear to have been recently development, formed and are visible when viewed from local roads. principally redundant sheds. The A391 proposed Stenalees by- pass will be constructed to the west of the operational area. OA25 Rocks 2017 Restoration and To the north of the operational area is a large L-shaped sand aftercare scheme tip that has been restored to woodland (see Appendix 1). submitted but remains The southern slope faces onto a permissive path unapproved under the and the B3374. Woodland at the base and lower slopes of current ROMP. the tip are well established, on higher slopes planting is less successful, with the majority of the trees exhibiting stunted growth. The north facing slope towards the clay drying sheds has a good woodland cover. The surface of the tip has been heathland, with heather locally good, over planted with trees that have established well. There is potential to undertake some woodland clearance at a later stage to promote the heathland in open glades. To the south of Rocks, Kerrow Moor is a partially restored sand tip a restoration scheme forms part of the submitted ROMP that has not been determined. OA28 Penhale 2014 Restoration and Much of the operational area is covered by consents for aftercare scheme forms new road scheme, solar farm (both constructed) and part of the submitted outline consent for West Carclaze Eco-Community. ROMP that has not been determined. OA29 Baal 2014 Restoration and The tips Carluddon A, Carluddon B, Cam Grey and Baal were aftercare scheme included in the heathland project, which included removal submitted but remains of scrub and invasive species, resowing with heather seed unapproved under the and fencing to enable long term management. On outer current ROMP. slopes of the tips woodland and scrub has established and matured. The western part of the operational area is within the outline consent for West Carclaze Eco-Community. OA34 Innis Moor 2013 Two restoration The operational area contains one mica lagoon. schemes have been The lagoon was restored with woodland planting was approved, the original completed in the period 2010 to 2012, together with scheme for heathland construction of permissive paths. was superseded by a In 2014 the site was identified as affected by scheme of woodland encroachment by scrub, management works were planting together with undertaken, but the site is now considered, by IML, to be wetland habitats on the out of aftercare. eastern end of the lagoon. Mineral & landfill sites outside the China Clay Area N/A United 2017 Updated restoration The site is currently undergoing final restoration, with soil Mines provisions have been placement have been completed. The specific soil profile Landfill, approved through a and condition (in terms of fertility) for each habitat have Section 73 Application, been defined in the restoration plan documentation, based approved April 2017, on a risk analysis of achieving specific vegetation types. It which requires the site was also evident that grass seeding, woodland and to be restored prior to hedgerow planting had been completed, although it is too St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 28 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report 32 December 2018. The early to confirm the success, at this stage. Heathland was a restoration provisions component of the restoration plan, based on the are set out in two techniques that have been developed for the China Clay documents: Area, restoration to date includes the importation of sand, Ecology: Restoration which is awaiting revegetation, using hydroseeding. Plan (2016), and Permissive paths are now in place and the infrastructure for Ecology: Condition public footpaths, post restoration, such as fencing have Monitoring Plan (2016). been installed. The most recent restoration and aftercare management plan sets out the work to be completed up to December 2018. The most recent monitoring of mineral and landfill planning permissions predates the programme of restoration during 2017 / 18. Former 2014 Located within the The former pit was largely restored in the period 2008 to Stannon Pit elevated landscape of 2010, with a five-year aftercare period commencing on the China Clay to the date of the Prohibition Order (January 2009). The larger Extraction north east of St part of the site was restored to acid grassland / moorland Works, St Breward. The site is a and heathland, with woodland compartments to the Breward. reservoir now owned southern edge of the former pit, now reservoir. Early Prohibition by South West Water, restoration objectives were hampered by overgrazing (both Order and the prohibition illegal and by a large local populations of rabbits). This had NC15.Envs order indicates that the resulted in the slow establishment of higher vascular site is largely self- plants, although mosses and lichens had become well S41 restored. established in earlier years. Towards the end of the (former) aftercare period, grazing had been largely controlled and it is understood that the site was released from aftercare in 2014/15. There is evidence of the transition to a moorland / heathland habitat on the outer slopes of the stent and sand tip, whilst the outer slopes of the mica lagoon are steep and more conducive to acid grassland. Annual aftercare reporting provided a detailed check list of the requirements to manage vegetation, control pernicious weed and develop appropriate methods to reduce grazing pressure and favour an increase in species diversity within the sward. Former Park Located to north of St The former clay pit was largely restored prior to 2010, China Clay Neots on Bodmin moor including the reshaping of tips and contouring of the pit to Extraction and close to Colliford tip interface. Restoration design included many of the Works, St Lake reservoir. This techniques adopted for the China Clay Area, and this Neots former clay pit is also a including harvesting of seeds from local habitats to Prohibition reservoir owned by establish moorland grassland and heath habitats. Aftercare Order South West Water. management in the period up to 2015 and included a N/A detailed check list of vegetation management and controls measures for invasive and pernicious weeds and reducing grazing pressure to favour an increase in species diversity within the sward. Regular surveys of the vegetation in terms of condition and species diversity have been maintained, which provides a detailed record of the vegetation mosaic over time, including identification of two rare moss species. After completion of formal aftercare, St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 29 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

Date of Operational most Name Restoration provisions Assessment Area recent report grazing management has been used to maintain the development of moorland and wetland habitats. Woodland management has been targeted at replacing non-native species that was originally planted to provide screening, with native deciduous broadleaf woodland. Access remains limited and this lack of disturbance has assisted in the overall management of the site to an area that favours wildlife.

4.2 Current Method of Working in Fal and Karslake Operational Areas 49. Current operations in Fal and Karslake Operational Areas (OA) have been provided by IML and are summarised below.

Fal District (OA1)

50. There are three working pits within the Fal District (OA1) Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia. Waste material is managed by:

Mica:

• Hendra Pit (OA9) (until early- to mid-2020 depending upon production rates) then either Goonvean Pit (OA4C) or Treviscoe Pit (OA3) (sufficient capacity for at least a 10-year period at current production rates).

Sand and Stent:

• Sand to Goonvean Aggregates and Denis May and Son (for sand products) – fine washed sand to Scarcewater as blinding material for tip restoration, over which topsoil is replaced to approved levels.

• Stent to Goonvean Aggregates and Denis May and Son (proportion sold as aggregate) – stained or poor quality clay and stent from Melbur and Virginia Pits to Scarcewater tip for landform construction, predicted capacity, tipping will continue until 2022), stained or poor quality clay and poor quality stent from Wheal Remfry Pit to Gaverigan tip for landform construction, predicted capacity of the tip extents for at least the next 15 years.

Karslake (OA12)

51. There are four working pits in the Karslake Operational Area: Littlejohns, Great Longstone, Lower Longstone, Highermoor Pit (supplemented with St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 30 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

clays from Wheal Martyn (OA18) and Greensplat (OA17), which are transferred by HGV to Littlejohns for processing (‘cut and carry’)). Waste material is managed by:

Mica:

• Backfill to Dorothy Pit (OA12) which has sufficient capacity for more than a ten-year period at current production rates, with additional capacity at Rocks Pit (OA25).

Sand and Stent:

• Sand by Brookland Aggregates (for sand products and block making products).

• Stent to Brookland Aggregates – stained or poor quality clay and poor quality stent to backfill worked out areas of the Littlejohns pit complex.

• Washed fine sand and waste rock to Dubbers (OA12) for restoration binding material, and, in addition, mixed with Compost Like Output (CLO) to blend to a soil forming material.

52. Based on the forward planning information supplied by IML, the pits either currently active or potentially operational during at least the next 10 years, in order to supply clay into Fal (OA1) and/or Karslake (OA8) or to receive backfill material from Run of Mine waste, are:

• Goonvean (OA4c) • Rostowrack (OA4b) • Greensplat (OA17) • Trelavour (OA4a) • Treviscoe (OA3) • Wheal Martyn (OA18) • Wheal Remfry (OA1) • Great Wheal Prosper (OA20) • Melbur (OA1) • Virginia (OA1) • Littlejohns (OA12) • Great Longstone (OA12) • Lower Longstone (OA12) • Rocks (OA25) (mica disposal only)

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4.2.1 Estimate of Land Cover by Operational Area 53. Appendix 2, Figure 3: Current Land Cover and Land Use illustrates the current land type as identified from a combination of site survey, aerial photography and an assessment of available information. Environmental designations and other sensitive heritage receptors are shown on the Council’s interactive mapping11.

54. The two currently active operating areas Fal (OA1) and Karslake (OA12) comprising approximately 1,411 ha. Woodland is the primary restored land use, and this includes areas of existing woodland, advance planting, as well as those areas restored to woodland on tips and lagoons.

55. Heathland has been established within 20 of the operational areas, concentrated on Singlerose tip (OA27, now known as Caerloggas Downs), and tips in Penhale (OA28), Baal (OA29), Karslake (OA12), Blackpool (OA13) and Gunheath (OA19). Grassland has been recorded on all restored tips and is the dominant understorey to woodland areas, it is also interspersed in heathland.

11 Cornwall Council Home Page - Cornwall Council St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 32 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

5 Restoration Techniques for Fal and Karslake Operational Areas 5.1 Introduction 56. This section summarises the restoration techniques which have been employed in Fal Operational Area (OA1) and Karslake Operational Area (OA12). This information has been obtained through discussion with IML and surveys undertaken during May 2018. Full restoration condition survey datasets are available in Appendix 1. 5.2 Fal (OA1) 57. The Operational Area contains the following tips that were restored prior to 2011:

• North Fraddon,

• South Fraddon,

• Fraddon Downs,

• Pines, and

• Melbur.

58. Melbur benched sand tip was partially restored prior to 2011, with woodland established at the base and lower slopes, and acid grassland on the slope above the second bench. Tipping on the upper benches continues, with part of the slope now substantially revegetated through natural recolonisation; and further revegetation will be required to complete restoration. It should be noted that there is also an historic conical or ‘sky tip' which lies between Melbur and Virginia pits, known as New Halwyn Tip. Additionally, South Fraddon tip is also sometimes commonly referred to as Virginia tip however, within this report the nomenclature Virginia tip is only used to refer to the tip which is located to the north of Virginia pit and as identified on Appendix 3 Figure 1: Active Operational Areas and Tip Locations.

59. More recent restoration at Scarcewater and Gaverigan has been implemented through modern planning conditions, following planning approval to extend and reshape tip profile, to increase the capacity to store stent and sand:

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• Scarcewater (Planning reference C2/03/00808) Construction of a surface tip for the disposal of china clay wastes (sand & stent) and ancillary developments.

• Gaverigan (Planning reference C2/97/00253) Construction of a surface tip for the disposal of china clay wastes (sand & stent) and ancillary developments.

5.2.1 Assessment of Current Land Cover – Fraddon, Pines and Melbur Tips 60. North Fraddon, South Fraddon and Pines are constructed from mixed materials (stent, sand, overburden, stained clay), with sand used to bind the surface in part of the tips. Melbur is constructed from sand. In all cases, the tips have been restored with woodland on the lower benches, with a combination of grassland, woodland and heathland on upper slopes and over the top of the tip. Pines is actively managed through grazing. South Fraddon has limited grazing on grassland slopes, with the heathland included within an ongoing Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Melbur is now largely unmanaged and inaccessible due to the steepness of the slopes between benches, and merges with Scarcewater to the south of the operational area.

61. Woodland - Areas of mature woodland at base of tip slopes that have developed, through natural regeneration onto the lower slopes of the tip. This woodland barrier provides a visual break from the slopes of the tip behind. Travelling on the B3279, South Fraddon Tip is visible in the backdrop of the Fal Valley, which lies to the west and is extensively covered in woodland. In areas where no extant planning conditions / agreed restoration schemes are in place, the woodland planting schemes for tips were largely completed as part of the China Clay Woodland Project. This comprised the planting of nurse and structure species with the objective of developing mixed deciduous lowland oak woodland. All areas of woodland planting are now outside the scope of active aftercare management; although maintenance includes attention to fencing, access and control of invasive species. In some areas, for example Pines tip, grazing by deer has restricted the growth of some specimens to the height of the tree guard Appendix 2a, Plate F9.

62. Acid grassland - Grassland on each of the tips has developed by natural regeneration, together with other scrub vegetation, or through a programme of hydroseeding (for example Pines tip). In most cases, where grassland has established, grazing provides suitable management and within certain areas active grazing is supplemented by rabbit and deer. On upper slopes of the tips, or as an understorey to woodland planting, grass is generally slow growing. Early control of vegetation within woodland planting has also been effective at reducing competition in early years of tree establishment. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 34 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

63. Heathland - This habitat was promoted through a successful partnership with the then English Nature (now Natural England) and the china clay industry, which included 765 ha of restoration to lowland heath habitat on completed china clay tips, together with management of a further 900 ha of existing lowland heath habitat, generally within existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The large area of available land on former tips provided an opportunity to develop a cost-effective approach to establishing heathland, as a part of an integrated programme of progressive restoration.

64. The heathland on Pines, required the removal of the previous restoration scheme (biomass coppice) that had largely failed. This included the burial and removal of soils prior to establishing heathland and reducing the soil pH by amending the substrate with sulphur. The programme of reseeding with heather and grass seed by hydroseeding was complimented by converting former quarry access tracks and haul routes into Permissive Paths, to allow open public access following the completion of restoration. Post-2005 management included a programme of annual grazing and further addition of heather seeds to increase the proportion of this species in the habitat. The 27 ha of heathland habitat on the upper surface of the tip has been maintained in a good condition by a programme of grazing by Longhorn and other rare breed cattle.

65. On Fraddon Downs, a 7 ha portion of the tip was restored to heathland. Heather / grass mix was established by hydroseeding and post-2009 management has included grazing and occasional management of invasive species. The restoration and aftercare management periods are now complete, and future management will be maintained through an Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Naturally, regenerated heathland was used to harvest heathland seeds and propagules before it became an active area of tipping, which now forms a part of Gaverigan.

5.2.2 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Scarcewater 66. Scarcewater Tip is currently being restored in accordance with the conditions set out in permission C2/03/00808; to a mosaic of restoration - woodland (planting), heathland, grassland and agricultural land (pasture). A series of auger cores and profile pits were dug during the 2018 restoration condition survey to help assess the level of restoration.

67. From the restoration condition survey, it was evident that the new, planted woodland areas on the south facing slopes have taken well, with a natural (restored) friable, clay loam topsoil (of 35 to 60 cm depth; diagram shown below) over sand, supporting young trees; Ash and Hazel species were identified. The understorey within this area was identified as rooting sufficiently into this soil (15 to 20 cm rooting depth). The following soil St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 35 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

diagrams are based on actual soil transects taken during the fieldwork and experience of successful restoration within the china clay Area.

Clay loam 0 - 60 cm topsoil

60 cm + Fine sand

68. The planted woodland to the east of Scarcewater restoration shows varying degrees of development with the higher slopes showing more established young trees and a less dominant understorey. The lower slopes are more dominated by scrub species, with planted trees being more poorly developed. Both areas exhibit a shallow, natural (restored) topsoil over sand.

69. The restored grassland shows varying levels of development, with management of scrub (gorse species) needed in some areas. The grass layer is well established, identified in the surveyed areas as rooting to an average depth of 15 cm, in a natural (restored), friable topsoil of 30 to 50 cm depth (diagram below).

Clay loam 0 - 50 cm topsoil

50 cm + Fine sand

70. The upper slope grassland areas are partially restored, with additional requirement for scrub clearance (particularly gorse) to ensure grassland vegetation can develop. The topsoil within this area averaged a depth of 30 cm (diagram below), with vegetation rooting to an average depth of 10 cm. It is possible that the restored soils are too nutrient rich to support a heathland environment, resulting in the development of grassland habitat. Heathland habitats are likely to better develop where less topsoil has been

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used; as identified in the areas of natural regeneration, along the western flanks of Scarcewater.

Clay loam 0 - 30 cm topsoil

30 cm + Fine sand

71. The agricultural pasture in the south east of Scarcewater restoration, is well established with a significant grass sward rooting to a depth of approximately 20 cm, over a 40 to 60 cm deep, friable clay loam natural (restored) topsoil (diagram below). This area is well drained, however there was evidence of wetter conditions towards the base of the slope (nearer the drainage channel).

Clay loam 0 - 60 cm topsoil

60 cm + Fine sand

72. These areas are well protected by developing, Cornish style hedges which provide field boundaries similar to those present prior to operational works. Further Cornish style hedgerow will delineate field boundaries, at Scarcewater, with the total length of new hedgerow extending to approximately 6 km. As these hedgerows mature there is the potential for wildlife corridors between fields and habitat areas; and also to provide the visual transition between restoration habitat types.

73. The area of current tipping to the south of Scarcewater is to be restored with Soil Forming Materials (SFM) (subject to an amended planning condition), to address the shortfall in natural soils.

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5.2.3 Assessment of Current Land Cover – Gaverigan 74. The northern area of Gaverigan has been restored to woodland planting that has been slow to develop, and subsequently shrub species have become dominant (particularly Bramble and Gorse) towards the east of this area. These have developed directly over sand with natural (restored) topsoil, which could be a reason for slow tree growth.

75. Woodland has established more successfully to the west of Gaverigan, however there are still shrub species present which suggests that further management is required to ensure woodland habitat develops.

76. There was no evidence to suggest that soil forming material or natural (restored) soil was present. Most planting has taken place directly over fine sand. 5.3 Karslake (OA12) 77. The operational area contains the following tips that were restored prior to 2011 (Appendix 3, Figure 3: Active Operational Areas and Tip Locations):

• Dorothy sand tip to the west and north of Littlejohns pit. • Higher Gilley Valley stent tip to the west and north of Littlejohns pit. • Littlejohns sand tip to the north and east of Littlejohns pit. • Carrancarrow to the south and east. • Dubbers (mica dam and sand tip) to south and west.

5.3.1 Assessment of Current Land Cover – Dorothy, Littlejohns, Carrancarrow and Dubbers 78. Active restoration is taking place on Carrancarrow and Dubbers tips, whilst Littlejohns tip is being reworked by Brookland Aggregates to produce sand for blockmaking. It is noted that the very top bench of Carrancarrow has been restored using manufactured soils (SFM).

79. Woodland - Extensive woodland planting was undertaken as part of the woodland project, on the north west slopes of Dorothy sand tip, east facing slopes of Littlejohns, east and south facing slopes of Carrancarrow and north west slope of Dubbers / Old Pound. In all cases the planting on the lower slopes of the tip merged with established woodland (for example the now mature woodland between the village Whitemoor and base of Dorothy sand tip). Planting undertaken during the woodland project6 tends to demonstrate a trend, whereby the trees on the (more sheltered) lower slopes have developed well (for example the south east facing slopes of Carrancarrow), whereas on more exposed upper slopes (for example Dorothy tip), tree

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growth is limited, albeit survival is generally good. Generally on the north facing Higher Gilley Valley stent tip, tree growth is stunted, however the understorey vegetation is also limited, therefore competition and scrub invasion is not a specific issue. Grazing, by deer, is evident in many of the woodland planting blocks, which has resulted in a proportion of the stock growing within the tree guard only and loss of plants. The tip slopes where woodland planting has taken place are generally steep (in the region of 300), in consequence, continuing management has been limited following the restoration and aftercare period, and the majority of these areas are no longer in active management.

80. Acid Grassland - This habitat is extensive on the upper slopes of sand tips, Dorothy and Littlejohns, where it is also present as an understorey for woodland planting. The habitat tends to be mossy, with fescue and Agrostis spp. intermixed. In general, this habitat appears to have established and provides a transition between the woodland planting on lower slopes and the heathland on the top of the tips.

81. A section of IML permissive path provides access along the base of Dorothy tip, affording views of the woodland planting and acid grassland on upper slopes.

82. Heathland - The majority of heathland restoration has taken place on Dorothy tip (on the flat upper surface), together with the side slopes of Carrancarrow and Dubbers.

83. On Dorothy tip the programme of heathland restoration was completed between 2003 and 2005, and included the removal of topsoils, deep cultivation to incorporate soils into underlying sands and resowing with a heather seed mix by hydroseeding. The heathland is managed by summer grazing (May to September) by cattle managed as part of the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme in which the land has been enrolled since early 2014. Access to the heathland is restricted, however aerial imagery identifies that it has been maintained in a good condition, with little evidence of scrub invasion into the area.

84. On Dubbers and Carrancarrow, the heathland has been developed by oversowing heather seed into grassland and the management of scrub, including Rhododendron. On both tips, discrete mosaics of heathland have established and there is evidence that heather has out competed the grassland species. On the upper surface of Carrancarrow, restoration treatment for heathland included incorporation of soil into the sand surface before hydroseeding with a heathland mix, with subsequent control of invasive species. To the west of Carrancarrow (and north of Blackpool), an

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area of degraded natural heathland was improved through removal of scrub and invasive species, this area is not subject to an Environmental Stewardship Scheme, however it is managed through grazing in the same fashion as the Stewardship areas and is a County Wildlife Site.

85. The development of heathland appears to have worked well on all the tips in the Karslake operational area and was based on the use of several restoration techniques (including deep incorporation of soils to reduce fertility of the substrate and oversowing into acid grassland, with a subsequent management that has included cattle grazing (Dorothy Tip); and no specific active management (Dubbers and Carrancarrow). In addition, all the restored heathland in the Karslake operational area remains inaccessible to the public. Whilst there will eventually be opportunities to do this at both Carrancarrow and Dubbers, it is likely that operational areas will remain in close proximity to operational pit working, to allow public access within the 15-year timeframe of the ROMP. Similarly, it is expected that there will be no public access to Dorothy tip until all operations at Karslake cease.

5.3.2 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Dubbers 86. Soil restoration - The most recent restoration on Dubbers comprises a mosaic of different trial techniques to ascertain a suitable topsoil alternative for grassland and woodland restoration; with different blends and profiles applied to each of the restoration habitat types. The trial techniques have been based on the use of soil forming material (SFM), including Bio Solids, dredgings, and mixtures with natural regenerated soils. Current and ongoing restoration is based on the use of a Compost Like Output (CLO), received from various producers in the South West, which is mixed with fine sand, gypsum (as milled plasterboard) and other soil forming materials, as and when available. Acceptance of soil forming to Dubbers and application to land is controlled through a bespoke Environmental Permit (CB3237WJ/V003).

87. A soil profile has been reconstructed by variations of the following:

0 to CLO based soil forming horizon 0.5 m 0.5 to Fine sand from washing plant 1 m > 1m Tip material

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88. CLO is imported to Dubbers throughout the year and soil restoration work is progressive such that a number of discrete restoration ‘areas’ can be defined by the mixture of SFM and year of sowing to grassland mix.

89. Grassland - Grassland has been established through hydroseeding with a traditional reclamation seed mix including: Ryegrass (variety - Westerwolds), slender creeping red fescue and hard fescue, crested dogstail, bent, white clover and birdsfoot trefoil. The grass seed mix has been typically used in the hydroseeding of restored tips and has been successful at establishing an initial nurse crop (ryegrass) that dies back after two to three seasons and allows the more slowing growing species to establish.

90. Hydroseeding in several areas where SFM, including CLO, Bio solids and dredgings have been used during restoration have resulted in ryegrass (variety - Westerwolds) being the dominant vegetation. Ryegrass has typically shown rapid establishment and growth, resulting in poor or no evidence of the establishment of other species present in the seed mix. This may be a consequence of the ryegrass proportion in the seed mix being too high, combined with the use of fertilisers contained in the hydroseed, which would favour establishment of ryegrass. Where this has been observed, ryegrass persists for a short period and then suffers virtually complete die- back, leaving a lank vegetation that smothers the soil surface. Within this lank vegetation there is virtually no regrowth from the other species in the mix. Subsequent management and re-establishment of a vegetation cover is difficult due to the combination of steep slopes, and the low ground bearing pressure of the SFM surface which precludes further soil cultivation. As there is no seedbank in the SFM, natural regeneration appears to be negligible, although the period of time to observe whether revegetation is likely to occur remains relatively short (as the SFM has been used predominately within the last 3 seasons).

91. Woodland - Planting on Dubbers is ongoing and generally successful, due both to the planting technique, notch planting into SFM, and the increased number of species in the plant mix (including oak, ash, birch and holly). The use of 0.7m tree guards has also been successful in reducing the grazing, by deer, that occurred extensively with use of shorter (0.5m) guards. Ongoing management includes maintaining vegetation growth around the base of trees and annual inspection and beat up, as necessary.

5.3.3 Effectiveness of Restoration using Soil Forming Materials (SFM) 92. The use of SFM should enable a wider range of habitat types to be established than the standard woodland/acid grassland/heathland arrangement which has been standard practice on many tips; and should have specific applications for final restoration of tips such as Scarcewater, where natural St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 41 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

soils are not sufficient to complete the programme of progressive restoration. IML currently have four main sources of SFM and utilise different blends and profiles to facilitate the establishment of different habitat types. It is noted however, that due to the high nutrient content, the use of SFM is not suitable as a substrate for the restoration of heathland habitats.

93. In addition, the SFM manufactured soils can be applied throughout the year, using dump trucks to tip material, which is bladed out to form the upper 0.5m horizon, overlying the fine sand horizon. The SFM contains sufficient plant nutrients to promote the rapid establishment of vegetation. However, the vegetation can be difficult to manage with traditional agricultural machinery, due to steep slopes and the low ground bearing pressure of the SFM surface.

94. The SFM manufactured horizon appears to hold surface water in the lower horizon, above the layer of fine sand, developing anaerobic conditions within the profile at depths of 20 to 50 cm. It is not clear from the evidence whether impeded drainage occurs in the SFM manufactured horizon because of reduced infiltration, with depth, or the saturation of the underlying fine sand horizon. This requires further investigation, specifically whether these conditions contribute to the die back of the ryegrass, through inhibition of the root growth.

95. From routine monitoring within the areas that have been restored with SFM, there is no evidence of erosion of either the newly placed (bare) surface or the established (vegetated) surface leading to increased sediment loading (pollution) of receiving watercourses.

96. It is noted that discussions between Natural England and the Forestry Commission regarding the woodland project have identified that a lower level of planting failure would have been experience if SFM techniques had been adopted as part of that project.

5.3.4 Assessment of Current Land Cover - Carrancarrow 97. On Carrancarrow the vegetation on steeper slopes results from hydroseeding with natural regeneration towards heathland, and woodland planting on the shallow slopes facing towards Blackpool Pit. More recent restoration has used SFM, prepared at Dubbers, over a fine sand horizon. This is then hydroseeded with the same grass seed mix used at Dubbers. The areas of grassland habitat are dominated by annual ryegrass, which have outcompeted most other species in the seed mix. There are also significant areas of waterlogging within the SFM material-based grassland habitats.

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5.4 Other Examples of Restoration Techniques in Cornwall 98. Three former mineral/waste sites (Stannon and Park China Clay pits and Landfill site) outside of the china clay Area that have been recently, or are still undergoing, restoration were also surveyed for comparison. The review considered available information regarding restoration and the sites were viewed from publicly available locations near to each site. These sites have been cited by Cornwall Council as good examples of mineral/landfill site restoration. It is also noted that Stannon and Park China Clay pits were operated by IML and initial restoration of these sites was completed by IML prior to purchase by South West Water.

5.4.1 United Mines – Restoration of Former Landfill 99. Restoration of the former landfill has taken place over several years, with target habitats that include heathland, woodland and acid grassland. The restoration design has been informed by technical reports including ecological monitoring, design specification together with annual aftercare reports. It is evident from these reports that acid grassland and woodland vegetation have been successfully established on the relatively nutrient rich topsoil, available for final restoration. However, a time extension for the restoration of the United Mine was approved to source suitable materials to complete the soil placement and establish heathland habitat, identified on the restoration masterplan. At the time this site was visited, approximately 0.3 to 0.5m of sand from the china clay run of mine material had been placed over the landfill capping layer and the surface was prepared for sowing heathland, using techniques similar to those used in the china clay area. Restoration was based on a detailed design that incorporated existing restored areas, together with features of the wider landscape. Permissive paths have been fenced and infrastructure is in place for the final route of public footpaths, post restoration and aftercare.

5.4.2 Stannon Pit (China Clay) 100. Located on Bodmin Moor, to the south of , clay extraction ceased prior to 2009, when a Prohibition Order permanently extinguished the former mineral permissions. The site is not located adjacent to other areas of mineral working and is surrounded by agricultural land (part improved for grazing) and open moorland, typical of Bodmin Moor. Site restoration included the reprofiling of surface mounds and completion of the mica lagoon suitable for revegetation. Additionally, control of surface water overflow from the flooded pit provides a reservoir used by South West Water. The Prohibition Order contained specific restoration and aftercare conditions that were monitored for the five-year aftercare period. During the St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 43 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

aftercare period the site was fenced, with no public access. Formal aftercare management continued until 2014, five years from the date of the Prohibition Order.

5.4.3 Park Pit (China Clay) 101. Located on Bodmin Moor, to the north of Bodmin, clay extraction ceased prior to 2006 and restoration included removing mine building and infrastructure, reshaping of surface mounds, completing the mica lagoon, treating surfaces between the pit rim and tips for revegetation was ongoing during this period. Aftercare management was completed in 2013. Since the completion of aftercare management, vegetation monitoring has been ongoing, together with grazing management targeted to the specific habitats on the site. Like Stannon, Park Pit is surrounded by agricultural land and moorland, and control of surface water overflow from the flooded pit provides a reservoir used by South West Water.

102. South West Water acquired Park and Stannon Pits from IML approximately 10 years ago for use of the flooded pits in the reservoir system. Self-evidently, there is further scope for the utility company to use flooded pits in the china clay area as reservoirs, and this has occurred in the past, on a temporary basis. However, there are no current proposals for taking flooded pits within the china clay area into the Region’s reservoir network.

103. At both Stannon and Park restoration has been mainly achieved through natural regeneration and South West Water have identified that promoting revegetation to specific habitats has largely relied on reducing grazing pressure. At both sites this has been achieved by combination of fencing to keep out trespassing livestock and control of the rabbit population. Regular monitoring of the vegetation also allows South West Water to react to changes and instigate effective aftercare management. Both sites remain closed to the public and are characterised by relatively limited access nearby. This has enabled aftercare and subsequent grazing management to take place in the absence of adjacent operational activities, such as that typically present within the china clay area. The approach to aftercare management, informed through regular ecological monitoring reports that included both recently completed and well-established areas revegetated areas, could be adopted in future years, within the china clay area, as pits become non- operational and enter final restoration, adjoining land on tips that have previously been restored and where vegetation will have been established for many years.

104. South West Water have also identified that effective community engagement and a sense of ownership by local residents has also aided the restoration. For example, respect of the no access policy has precluded the St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 44 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

establishment of informal access routes at both sites; which in turn prevents disturbance by humans and dogs, making the sites more attractive to a range of birds and animals.

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6 Current Landscape and Visual Analysis by District 6.1 Introduction 105. This section looks at the present landscape character and views of the china clay workings, and how this relates to the recommendations which were made for the future of the area in the TRS 2000. Each District is looked at separately and photographs to illustrate the fieldwork assessment are contained within Appendix 2.

106. The TRS 2000 identified ‘areas of restraint’ and ‘areas of opportunity’, the latter also setting out features considered to be ‘eyesores’. The landscape and visual analysis therefore include a comparison of current conditions with the findings of the TRS 2000 (how ‘areas of restraint’ and ‘areas of opportunity’ have been addressed). In general, the ‘eyesores’ identified in the TRS 2000 were at a large scale and have been incorporated into landscape and restoration schemes implemented since 2000. Current ‘eyesores’ tend to be of a smaller scale than those identified in 2000 and include former mine and industrial buildings, as opposed to unrestored tips, which are the focus of this draft SPD.

107. For the purposes of this draft SPD ‘eyesores’ are repetitive or individual visual elements that conflict with the harmony of the existing landscape and lack both unique historic character and interesting vernacular artefacts. These could potentially be pylons, acoustic fences, storage tanks and temporary stockpiles of aggregate.

108. Appendix 3, Figure 2: Site Survey Points identifies the photographic survey point locations illustrating the extent of the study and evidence base. The analysis encompasses the Working Districts defined in the 2000 TRS, including:

• Fal District (OA1) (Appendix 2a) • Goonvean District (OA4C) (Appendix 2b) • Blackpool District (OA13) (Appendix 2c) • Karslake District (OA12) (Appendix 2d) • Carthew District (OA18 and OA19) (Appendix 2e) • Eastern District (OA27, OA28 and OA29) (Appendix 2f)

109. For the purposes of this draft SPD a wider landscape scale assessment has been undertaken using the “working district’ boundaries in the TRS, 2000. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 46 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

This is because the “districts” are larger than the Operational Areas and therefore enable a wider appreciation of the approach to landscape restoration as per Figure 4 (Appendix 3).

110. It should be noted that the boundaries of the Working Districts in the TRS 2000 do not directly relate to the Operational Areas (OA1 etc.) The differences are illustrated in Figure 4 Appendix 3. 6.2 Methodology 111. The landscape and visual analysis of each Working District is explained and illustrated with reference to representative viewpoints. Panorama photography is used to place existing Operational Areas in a landscape and visual context with older tipping areas and to consider how potential improvements could be made in the future. The following provides an overview of observations made for each former Working District with photographs set out in Appendices 2a to 2f. Extracts from TRS 2000 are shown in italics for ease of reference.

112. The fieldwork involved visual assessment from the ground level, with observations supplemented with a selection of representative panorama photographs. The panoramas show an extended horizontal field of view providing a wider than normal perspective. However, the intention is to show restored and operational sites in context and side by side, to make overall judgements on landscape character/ types, the visibility of sites, the extent and success of restored areas and the potential for further improvements. A selection of the original wider panoramas have also been enlarged to provide images to aid the discussion of specific restoration details.

113. It is apparent from the fieldwork that views into existing pits and tipping areas were, in most cases, screened and filtered by topography, trees and roadside hedgerows. This accepted, rather than solely including photographic examples of successfully screened operational areas, the study then focussed on representative locations where such screening is absent, often at site entrances, which illustrate views into pits and working areas. In many cases, these views were gained from the pubic highway which may give rise to fleeting and glimpsed views into the respective sites. Other photographs were taken from vantage points such as Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and permissive paths, where longer duration views can be experienced. Therefore, the photographs show a range of representative channelled and wide-panoramic views across the landscape of the China Clay Area.

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6.3 Landscape Character and Heritage Evidence Base 114. The evidence review also included consideration of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Assessment 2007 (CA17 - St Austell or Hensbarrow China Clay) and notes the following key landscape characteristics:

• High extensive spoil heaps and vivid blue settling ponds, lakes and mica dams. • Extensive industrial buildings, both active and derelict. • Fluctuation and change in condition and relationship of landscape elements. • Settlement pattern of large mining villages and terraces, and many industrial buildings. • Huge scale of spoil heaps, contrasting with small scale of farmland. • Small areas of pastoral farmland and rough grazing. • Fragmented areas of Lowland Heathland, scrub and broadleaved woodland with areas of natural regeneration and restoration of heathland, woodland and rough ground. • High density of open water in the form of pools • Small-scale field pattern of miners' smallholdings around St Dennis. • Visible time-depth of structures and patterns within landscape - Bronze Age barrows, medieval field pattern, 19th Century mining relics and modern china clay workings.

115. ‘Sky Tips in the St Austell China Clay District Archaeological Assessment’ by John R Smith 2008 states:

• The study establishes that conical tips are part of the landscape character, are landmarks and are of heritage interest to the public 6.4 Fal District 116. Description in TRS 2000:

‘The western district of the clay area is roughly rectangular in shape with the villages of and St Dennis to the north west and north east respectively and St. Stephen to the south east. The tips on the western boundary form ramparts on the edge of the high ground where it falls away to the farmland below. The district exhibits four of the five character areas: valley, upland farmland, lowland farm land and china clay workings’.

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6.4.1 Recommendations of the TRS 2000 and Current Status and Condition 117. Areas of restraint:

‘The bowl of agricultural land to the north of Treviscoe has lain outside the clay operations. It forms a link with the open countryside for Treviscoe and St. Dennis and should be excluded from any form of industrial activity.’

118. The TRS 2000 provides guidance on the safeguarding of agricultural land to the north of Treviscoe. Land in this area has not been worked for China Clay extraction and continues to provide a link with the open countryside for Treviscoe and St Dennis. This area of land is visible in Appendix 2a Plate F3.

119. Areas of Opportunity:

‘The working complex of Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia stretches the whole length of the western edge of the China Clay area. The tips are steep sided but there is suitable land at each end which could be utilised to create the opportunity for additional tipping in order to form a more pleasing landform with gentler slopes. This has already been agreed at the northern end at Gaverigan. Similar opportunities could be adopted at the southern end. Part of any improvements should include a definitive restoration scheme for Fraddon, Pines and Melbur Tips. Within the pit complex some backfilling should be undertaken to form a series of lakes.’

120. Former tipping areas such as North Fraddon to the north and Pines to the west have been successfully restored and are under ongoing management.

121. Appendix 2a Plate F1 shows that although still in operation the immediate peripheral areas have been remediated such that they have vegetated, forming mature landscape features. These include the conical New Halwyn tip in the mid horizon which should be retained for its contribution to landscape character and heritage. Appendix 2a Plate F1 also shows that Melbur tip (to the far right) could, following possible future reworking for secondary aggregates be reprofiled to create a smoother and more natural landform to echo the restored profile of the Pines Tip which has an acceptable profile and is well vegetated with establishing vegetation.

122. Appendix 2a Plate F2 the Gaverigan Tip site is subject to planning conditions (Planning reference C2/97/00253) which include remediation of the northern, central and southern areas of this tip. The observations made below are currently being addressed within the approval plans for Gaverigan Tip.

123. Site inspections, looking from the north shown in Appendix 2a Plate F2, confirmed that this site has already been subject to previous remediation St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 49 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

including the establishment of trees amongst existing gorse scrub. The photos show that there are existing current small conical tips within the operational area and excavated longitudinal faces which require naturalisation by smoothing the existing quarry profile.

124. Appendix 2a Plate F3 looks towards Wheal Remfry China Clay works and the pit comprises exposed white faces in a stepped formation. To the north of this are Gaverigan tipping areas. The interfaces between tips and pits should be addressed by earth modelling and remediation. Soils should be established with woodlands and rough grassland/ heathland to integrate with existing mature vegetation between the two sites. There are sequential views along nearby roads from Treviscoe to Trerice and new tree planting within/ on the edge of the Wheal Remfry site could potentially provide a visual filter to the ongoing operations.

125. Appendix 2a Plate F4 shows that when viewed from St Dennis a pattern of remediation is already established. Links between existing areas of woodland and scrub should be established through future planting and also the creation of a mosaic of other habitats such as rough and species rich grassland delineated by hedgerows to connect with existing hedged field boundaries where topography allows. Gaverigan is still under a restoration plan associated with a planning application. Therefore, consider assimilation with earlier vegetated phases where planting of shrubs such as Gorse and tree planting has gone well on lower slopes. Address skyline of small sporadic tips (stockpiles) associated with secondary aggregate working at the site and how this can form a sympathetic landform.

126. Appendix 2a Plate F5 is a view out from the Fal district. The skyline is characterised by conical sky tips behind St Dennis and more recent wooded tips around Hendra and Treviscoe. The Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) buildings within Parkendillick are prominent and road side screening near to this viewpoint could be used to screen and filter potential views towards this incongruous feature.

127. Appendix 2a Plate F6 also shows that a scheme of restoration has been carried out on Pines Tip with tree planting and scrub occupying the lower slopes and grazed grassland on the upper areas.

128. Appendix 2a Plates F6 and F1 show that Melbur Pit and Tip are still operational and while restoration has commenced, more work is required following potential future working, to develop the restored landform.

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129. Appendix 2a Plate F7 shows that a scheme of restoration has been carried out on Fraddon Tip which includes areas of woodland, scrub and grassland. The tip has been reprofiled to produce a natural and vegetated landform.

130. Appendix 2a Plate F8 shows established Birch and Willow Trees on upper slopes of Pines with Gorse understorey provide sheltered habitats. Invasive species such as the Rhododendron in the centre of the photograph should be managed and controlled

131. Appendix 2a Plate F10 identifies Areas of Gorse scrub and heathland successfully restored providing a habitat mosaic and slopes with a natural profile and appearance

132. Appendix 2a Plate F11 shows heathland habitat at the top of Pines Tip grazed by cattle provides a sustainable and managed habitat:

‘The River Fal runs in a deep valley through the working area. Tipping on either side has increased the apparent depth of the valley and although some planting and regeneration has taken place it still requires a well thought out restoration scheme. The valley can be linked to the lake area of the old pits to create a water-based recreation area. Some additional tipping may be necessary along the eastern bank between Kernick Dam and South Fraddon Tip before carrying out an overall planting scheme. Further work is required to the front face of Kernick Dam which could include tipping against the face from Trethosa Mica Dam in order to soften the slope profile. The whole of this area would be ideal for forestry.’

133. In the Fal District the visibility of partially restored tips comprising wooded conical and domed tip formations has been reduced as vegetation has established to maturity, screening remaining steep sided slopes.

134. Appendix 2a Plate F1 shows a view from Pines Tip of a valley landscape with established woodland between former tips/ pits and the current operational areas including Kernick and South Fraddon.

135. A scheme of restoration has been carried out on South Fraddon and Kernick areas, as seen in Appendix 2a Plate F1. The area has a wooded and natural appearance, complementing the older vegetated sky tips. The progressive restoration undertaken along with natural regeneration reduces the visual presence of the current working areas.

136. Kernick and Treviscoe, previously restored areas assimilate well into the landscape, but the interfaces between entrances to pits and tipping areas need to be addressed to aesthetically improve the landscape around villages

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and connecting roads. An opportunity for improvement where recent screen planting has been implemented is shown in Appendix 2a Plate F12.

‘Treviscoe Tip looms over the village. Although there has been some restoration work both on the tip and at the Parkandillick complex there are still ugly bare slopes and unsightly changes of level. A programme of further restoration should be developed including extensive tree planting that could improve this area visually. Due to limited space for any further recontouring it maybe that some of the surfeit of material could be disposed of as part of the backfilling programme for Treviscoe Pit.’

137. Appendix 2a Plate F5 is a view out of the Fal district. The skyline is characterised by conical sky tips behind St Dennis and more recent wooded tips around Hendra and Treviscoe. The CERC buildings within Parkendillick are prominent and roadside screening near to this viewpoint could be used to screen and filter potential views towards this incongruous feature.

138. Appendix 2a Plate F9 looks north from Treviscoe towards the former tipping area and shows that the long sloping landform has been restored with scrub, rough grassland and trees. The remaining slopes appear as natural wooded slopes within the existing industrial landscape.

139. Appendix 2a Plate F12 looks north from Treviscoe towards the former tipping area

140. Travelling west into Treviscoe coniferous hedging has been used to screen a working area. This approach to planting is not in keeping with the character area and the planting of native broadleaved conifers as an alternative is encouraged (Appendix 2a Plate F13). It is noted that IML do not include ornamental conifers in planting schemes and native tree broadleaf planting is now standard practice.

141. Treviscoe Pit - While the operational areas are visible from within the mine entrance, visibility is limited from the outlying areas due to established peripheral vegetation on the steep sided slopes and within the verges and surrounding land (Appendix 2a Plate F14).

142. Scarcewater Tip - This tip has been partially restored in accordance with an approved scheme and associated planning conditions Scarcewater (Planning reference C2/03/00808) with success to eventually achieve the appearance of heathland on the upper slopes. Tree planting and scrub with heathland on higher slopes would be appropriate (Appendix 2a Plate F15).

Recommendations – Fal District

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I. New Halwyn tip in the mid horizon which should be retained for its contribution to landscape character and heritage.

II. Melbur tip is a potential source of secondary aggregates and following possible future reworking could be reprofiled to create a smoother and more natural landform to echo the restored profile of Pines Tip, and a final scheme of restoration potentially using short rotational forestry on the higher areas of the tip and other habitats will be required should extraction for secondary aggregates be undertaken.

III. The interfaces between tips and pits at Wheal Remfry China Clay works and Gaverigan should be addressed by earth modelling and remediation

IV. At Gaverigan consider assimilation with earlier vegetated phases where planting of shrubs and trees has gone well on lower slopes. Address skyline of small sporadic tips (stockpiles) associated with secondary aggregate working at the site and how this can form a sympathetic landform.

V. Links between existing areas of woodland and scrub should be established through future planting and also the creation of a mosaic of other habitats such as rough and species rich grassland delineated by hedgerows to connect with existing hedged field boundaries where topography allows.

VI. Scarecewater Tip to eventually achieve tree planting and scrub with heathland on higher slopes.

VII. Physically link previously successfully restored areas of Scarcewater to the southwest and Gaverigan to the north with areas of woodland, scrub, heathland and rough grass with management by grazing, if feasible.

VIII. Kernick and Treviscoe areas, interfaces between entrances to pits and tipping areas need to be addressed to aesthetically improve the landscape around villages and connecting roads. Further tree planting to filter views to existing storage tanks near to this location, opposite the Dryers engineering workshops in Treviscoe, would be beneficial.

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IX. Avoid the planting of ornamental conifers as screening. This approach to planting is not in keeping with the character area and the planting of native broadleaved conifers is encouraged.

X. Restored wooded conical and domed tipping formations in the Fal District should remain as existing; as they are widely accepted to be locally valued landmarks.

XI. Where appropriate, and where tip stability would not be compromised, removal of vegetation to reveal the true tip profile could be considered for reasons of cultural heritage, as there is concern that the iconic landforms that characterise these tips could be less apparent due to established vegetation.

XII. Invasive species such as the Rhododendron should be managed and controlled.

6.5 Goonvean District 143. Description in TRS 2000:

‘A roughly triangular district on the south side of the clay area between the Fal district to the west and the Blackpool district to the east. The village of St. Stephen occupies the south west corner and the village of Foxhole runs along the eastern boundary. The district exhibits all the character types: valley, upland farmland, lowland farmland, heathland and china clay workings’.

6.5.1 Recommendations of the TRS 2000 and Current Status and Conditions 144. Areas of restraint:

‘The Tregargus valley, the high ground that acts as a backdrop for St. Stephen and St Stephen's Beacon, itself, should be excluded from any industrial activity. The valley and beacon are important features in the landscape whilst the high ground forms a strong visual feature that should be retained.

The general appearance of the landscape within the northern worked areas of this district is relatively unique in that the tips are smaller and more angular than elsewhere. In order to provide a degree of variation in the restoration of the whole China Clay area much of this area should remain undisturbed and even replication could be considered.’

145. The tract of land known as the Tregargus Valley, identified in 2000, remains an area of undisturbed land, has been excluded from recent

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industrial activity, aside from recent solar farm development, and continues to provide a rural backdrop to St. Stephen and St Stephen’s Beacon. However, in the 19th Century it was an industrial location with China Clay quarries and mills. The Valley is now managed by the Tregargus Trust, a charitable organisation that preserves the abundant industrial archaeology and makes it publicly accessible.

146. Areas of Opportunity:

‘Along the northern boundary of the Goonvean Ltd. works area are raw sand piles and unconstrained tipping which makes this part of the district look derelict. There appears to be an opportunity to improve this aspect by creating well designed boundary features. Rostowrack tip dominates this part of the district with its rough steep slopes’.

147. Roadside tree planting within key views should be implemented where there are industrial buildings and cylindrical tanks in the landscape such as around the entrance to Rostowrack Pit. Appendix 2b Plate G2 shows the view north, north-east from entrance to Hendra Mica dam of Rostowrack, Trevalour tips and tips within Hendra area on the horizon. It also shows that the older areas of redundant and restored tipping sites are fully restored and host mature vegetation and associated habitats. It is not considered that further restoration in these areas is required.

148. Appendix 2b Plate G3 shows that Old Hendra tip is now fully restored and vegetated with mature trees and scrub. The pit remains as an existing water body.

149. Appendix 2b Plates G3 and G4 view northeast from minor road of (RC2) Rostowrack Tip shows the white slopes of the existing tip west of Rostowrack. The tip is visible to car drivers with fleeting and glimpsed views. The view could be successfully screened and filtered by new tree planting and potentially mounding along the edge of the site.

150. There are operational tipping areas visible including Goonvean Tip and Tip GC1 which appear steep sided and have not vegetated and restoration would therefore be desirable.

‘There could be the feasibility of enlarging the footprint of the tip taking in adjacent agricultural land and backfilling the old Quarry Pit. This could result in more sympathetic slopes which could be vegetated. It may be possible to recreate one of the more conical types of tip that are found in this area creating the slopes at a suitable angle and finish to support willow scab and heather.

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Although the old mica dam and tip at Goonamarris has partially revegetated its flat top and steep sides could be reshaped to create a more sympathetic landscape form. It may be possible to achieve this by allowing an extenstion to the west end of the tip in a natural fold in the land where the Tregargus valley turns northwards surcharging on top of the existing tip and slackening the existing slopes’.

151. From Appendix 2b Plate G1, former tips to the left of the view (northeast) include tips within the Treviscoe, Rostowrack and Trethosa areas, which form the skyline with former rough steep slopes colonised by trees and scrub, visually softening the landform. A series of wooded hillocks are visible on the horizon and therefore no further restoration is necessary in the background of the view. Within the centre of the view, tipping areas within the Goonamarris complex appear to have been reshaped and restored although it is difficult to identify the restored landforms due to mature tree cover. At Goonamarris Tip IML have indicated that it is probably not practicable to change the landform. Tipping areas within and adjacent to the Tregargus Valley form wooded landscape features and no longer appear unsightly so further restoration is not required. The wooded landform to the right of the view at the top of the Tregargus Valley provides a good example of natural regeneration over time, forming a dramatic landscape feature along the valley sides. On the horizon to the right there is a glimpsed view of Hornick Hill Tip in the Blackpool District. The roadside view into the Goonvean site is unsightly and requires attention. Tree planting to screen and filter direct views from the roadside into the pits should be implemented.

‘Smaller scale landscaping schemes should be considered for the Goverseth area to improve the visual appearance of this working area by breaking up the bulk and extent of the tank farm of the rising ground in front of ’.

Recommendations – Goonvean District I. The existing view of an irregular working tip face at Rostowrack Tip could be successfully screened and filtered by new tree planting and potentially mounding along the edge of the site. II. Consider screening the interface between publicly accessible areas and operational sites such as around the entrance to Rostowrack Pit III. Some bare steep slopes remain at Goonamarris Tip, which should, where and when feasible, be restored further with grass seeding and tree planting IV. There are operational tipping areas visible including Goonvean Tip and Tip GC1 which appear steep sided and have not vegetated and restoration would therefore be desirable. V. The roadside view into the Goonvean site is unsightly. There is still a feeling of dereliction where entrances to sites interface with public St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 56 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

roads and areas such as around the entrance to Goonvean Pit. This should be given consideration for example existing verges of bare earth could be reprofiled to accommodate tree planting to visually conceal the operational areas, where this would not compromise safety by diminishing lines of sight for vehicles entering or exiting the site. Tree planting to screen and filter direct views from the roadside into the pits should be implemented

6.6 Blackpool District 152. Description in TRS 2000:

‘The district is on the southern side of the China Clay Area and is bounded by the villages of Foxhole in the west, High Street and in the south and the working areas of Longstone and Carrancarrow in the north and Greensplat in the east. The active china clay pit is ECCI's Blackpool pit with its associated tips on high ground to the west and plant areas to the east. The District exhibits all the character types: valley, upland farmland, lowland farmland, heathland and china clay workings’.

6.6.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 153. Areas of restraint:

‘The steep well hedged fields above Foxhole and the sloping farmland to the north of Trewoon form a fine green background and setting for the settlements. At the same time, they provide a foreground for the activities of the China Clay industry creating a foil as well as a buffer between industry and housing. This is a strong visual feature and it is important that it be retained’.

154. The tract of land to the north of Foxhole, identified in 2000 remains an area of agricultural land and continues to provide a green background and setting for the settlements. This area of land is visible in Appendix 2c Plate B1. This area has intrinsic value in its own right as an area of Anciently Enclosed Land ( medieval or earlier origins) with some patches of 18th or 19th Century intakes.

155. As also advised in 2000, the area to the north of Trewoon remains rural and undisturbed as shown in Appendix 2c Plate B2.

156. Areas of Opportunity:

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‘The vast Blackpool-Watch Hill Tip on top of the high ground with its severe steep slopes on the west and south of the structure dominate the local landscape. Supplementary tipping around the western flank could make the tip blend more into the landscape and create a more acceptable landform.

Bardon Aggregates sand works is a highly prominent works area on the road between Trewoon and High Street and opposite the well screened entrance to ECCI's Blackpool Works. There is very little perimeter screening to close off views into the working heart of the site. Screening should be created especially for views from the south east.

In visual terms there are parts of the area that could have a potential for extra tipping. In addition to the western flank of Blackpool Pit tipping potential might be exploited on the high ground to the north and east of the Gover Valley although this will be extremely limited due to the configuration of the existing landform unless there is a scheme to link with the neighbouring Greensplatt tip to form a new top to this small hill.

In the long term the Blackpool pit should be backfilled to form a sheltered bowl on the hillside and returned to agriculture’.

157. This tip remains prominent, especially when viewed from the north as shown in Appendix 2c Plate B3. It was advised in 2000 that the western flank should blend more into the landscape and therefore tipping has been carried out in a tiered formation across the entire tip to create a gradual and natural profile.

158. The lower, longer established areas of the slope have, to an extent, naturalised with grass and scrub.

159. Hornick Hill Tip comprises a large landform which is visible in views from the north, east, southeast and south. The tip has been partially restored with a natural profile in places and a stepped profile with steep sides in recently worked areas. Vegetation such as scrub and grass has established particularly on the lower northward faces. From the east the tip appears to form steps and could be reprofiled.

160. Older tips nearby which are covered in vegetation demonstrate that with good restoration, over time, Hornick Hill Tip will assimilate into the landscape by natural regeneration.

161. From the east, the existing Blackpool Tip is stepped in profile as shown on Appendix 2c Plate B2. This could benefit from further reprofiling followed by grass seeding and planting of trees to create a smoother and more natural landform. However, a desire to retain a visual history of the China Clay St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 58 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

industry by the selective retention of a range of tip profiles characterising different periods and working methods has been identified and therefore retention and enhancement of this stepped profile could also be considered. Additionally, this site forms part of the Eco-Bos Option12 facilitated by a partnership between Cornwall Council and Eco-Bos, which considers mixed use development with sustainable infrastructure to create new eco- communities using former china clay land; other alternative uses are also being investigated, and reprofiling may not be possible due to space and other practical limitations. While the upper areas are being worked into a stable but natural profile, restoration with appropriate vegetation would be beneficial. The suggestion to return Blackpool Tip to agriculture in 2000 is noted. However, future land uses such as heathland, woodland, and forestry would alternatively provide practical and sustainable options for landscape and visual improvement, given the current constraints such as topography.

Recommendations – Blackpool District I. Hornick Hill Tip appears to form steps from the east and where appropriate could benefit from reprofiling followed by grass seeding and planting of trees. However, a desire to retain a visual history of the China Clay industry by the selective retention of a range of tip profiles characterising different periods and working methods has been identified and therefore retention and enhancement of this stepped profile could also be considered. II. From the east, the existing Blackpool Tip is stepped in profile and this could benefit from further reprofiling followed by grass seeding and planting of trees to create a smoother and more natural landform. While the upper areas are being worked into a stable but natural profile, restoration with appropriate vegetation would be beneficial. However, future land uses such as heathland, woodland, and forestry would alternatively provide practical and sustainable options for landscape and visual improvement, given the current constraints such as topography. III. A desire to retain a visual history of the China Clay industry by the selective retention of a range of tip profiles characterising different periods and working methods has been identified and therefore retention and enhancement of this stepped profile could also be considered.

12https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/eco-communities/projects/west-carclaze-eco- community/ St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 59 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

6.7 Karslake District 162. Description in TRS 2000:

‘This area is a roughly rectangular block on the north side of the Clay District bordered by St. Dennis, Roche and Nanpean. The Blackpool area lies to the south, Carthew to the east and Goonvean to the west. The landscape exhibits 4 of the character types found in the clay district: upland farmland, lowland farmland, heathland and china clay workings’.

6.7.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 163. Areas of restraint:

‘The farmland area around Nanpean, Currian Vale and Whitemoor has not been affected by the China Clay workings. This creates an open feeling for these settlements besides keeping the industrial activity at a distance. The open feeling has been reinforced by the reclamation works that have been undertaken on the tips behind Nanpean running towards Whitemoor creating a green downland. Ideally it is important to maintain open aspects around the Island Settlements creating an atmosphere of light and air and at the same time reducing the feeling of being buried by the industry. The proximity and imposing nature of the Dorothy Tip behind Whitemoor demonstrates the desirability of maintaining open areas around the settlements’

164. The TRS 2000 emphasises the need to retain areas of open, undisturbed land around settlements. Site surveys supported by photographic records demonstrate that areas of land between Nanpean and Whitemoor remain in agricultural use, providing space and contrast with the operational extraction and tipping areas, as shown within the left side of Appendix 2d Plate K1.

165. Areas of Opportunity:

‘The Dubbers and Winnipeg complex is comprised of an unrelated series of tips, mica dams and pits. An amount of dead land appears to have been left between the existing structures. This complex offers an opportunity to reconsider tipping patterns and create a much more consolidated landform with gentle profiles. Enhanced working of Old Pound Pit would allow subsequent backfilling and surcharging so creating the opportunity to create more attractive slopes to the consolidated form’.

166. Looking from Nanpean towards Dorothy Tip and Dubbers Tip the Karslake operational area is visible. From the south the slopes of Dubbers tip appear gentle and smooth in places, resembling heathland.

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167. Dubbers tip has naturalised in places when viewed from the south and the north and is relatively smoothly profiled. The northern side of Dubbers Tip is shown in Appendix 2d Plate K1. The photo shows that the landform of the lower slope is tiered and has revegetated with a mix of gorse scrub, willow scrub and rough grassland. Tree shelters are visible and eventually these older slopes will be naturalised and visually softened by tree planting. The upper tipping areas are slightly vegetated but appear angular and should be smoothed off and seeded.

168. Appendix 2d Plate K1 shows the current operational area between Dorothy Tip and Dubbers Tip which comprises stock-piles of material. In the event of final restoration, this area should form a smooth profile and provide a vegetated link between the two tips and Dorothy Pit to create a natural landform as a backdrop to the safeguarded agricultural landscape around Whitemoor and Nanpean.

169. Appendix 2d Plate K2 shows the southwest face of Dubbers Tip as a smooth and sympathetic landform with green vegetation resembling heathland. The gentle slopes advocated in the 2000 TRS have, in part, been achieved.

170. Appendix 2d Plate K2 also shows that to the right of Dubbers Tip (above Old Pound), there are areas currently being worked including recent tipping adjacent to access roads to the Karslake complex to the north of Old Pound. While these areas may be identified for future pit development, following the cessation of operations in future years, it would be beneficial to infill this area to achieve natural landforms. This would build upon the restoration of Dubbers to date and assimilate this gap with the land to the east comprising areas of existing heathland on Longstone Down. The former Old Pound Pit, discussed above in the TRS 2000 has been backfilled.

‘To the south of this district is the isolated Longstone Tip rearing up as an unrestored mound from the remnants of the Longstone Downs heathland. Further east the massive Carrancarrow Tip has been constructed leaving a section of original heathland as a wedge between the two tips. Visually there would be an improvement by in filling between the two tips to create one long landform and at the same time restore Longstone Tip. The existing vegetation could be used as a donor source to create new heathland’.

171. The former Longstone tip has in recent year vegetated over and areas of scrub, trees and planted trees in tubes indicate successful restoration which will further improve in future years (Appendix 2d Plate K3).

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172. Carrancarrow tip appears as one long landform with restored heathland according with the aspiration of the 2000 TRS as shown in Appendix 2d Plate K3.

173. Longstone Tip forms a feature in the landscape and is covered with vegetation. Longstone tip should be retained as existing.

‘On the western side of this district lies Trelavour Downs, a complex of old tips and pits that have mainly revegetated naturally with heath and willow scrub. Most of the area could be left and used for recreation. Towards the edge of the area above St Dennis there is an abandoned pit, Old Hendra, that could be backfilled and surcharged against the abrupt end of the existing tip to create a gentler profile that would be less intrusive on the skyline in views from St Dennis. Proposals to tip on the land to the north of the existing tip could also be harnessed to improve the visual appearance of this end of the old tip and at the same time make the landform more usable in terms of public access.

North of Whitemoor lies the abandoned workings of . Vegetation has regenerated naturally creating a series of habitats based on tips and pits. This area could be linked to the adjacent Trelavour area to make an extensive area for recreation.

Gilleys Mica Dam and the associated overburden tip to the north are typical of semi-restored tipping areas. The overburden tip is covered in a mixture of grass and gorse whilst the sides of the mica dam are clothed in thick gorse with an untreated top. As they rise out of the willow scrub on the edge of both sites would be suitable for woodland projects if these two tips are to retain their current form.

The north face of Littlejohns tip is steep and imposing and at their present angle the slopes will be difficult to maintain. There is an area of farmland to the north of the tip that could be included to extend the tip and at the same time create gentler, more sustainable, slopes that could be returned to agriculture. At the same time links could be made with the adjacent Dorothy Tip to form a more continuous landform and remove the current eyesore of the terraced stent tipping and restoring the northern face to gentler slopes. The west face of Dorothy Tip could also be improved with an extensive woodland planting scheme. Although this would not reduce the imposing nature of the slope behind the houses in Whitemoor it would soften the abrupt nature of the tip’.

174. It should be noted that Old Hendra Tip and Pit is included in Goonvean District (Appendix 2b Plate G3). The TRS 2000 also mentions abandoned

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workings at Gothers, which are now fully restored and the site of the former Gilleys Mica Dam now comprises a solar energy installation.

175. There are views into the Karslake District from the north with the exposed face of Littlejohns tip forming a series of shelved ridges adjacent to the shelved Higher Gilley Valley tip (stent) and the more domed profile of Dorothy tip (Sand) to the west as shown in Appendix 2d Plate K4.

176. Appendix 2d Plate K4 shows Littlejohns (Sand) Tip to the left of the view with relatively recent areas of sand which are proposed for removal and reduction. To the right of Littlejohns Tip, recently tipped aggregate on Higher Gilley Valley (Stent) Tip is stockpiled and either not vegetated or in the early stages of natural regeneration. To the right of the view is the older Dorothy (Sand) Tip which appears more natural in profile, with partial restoration and partial vegetation cover.

177. Littlejohns tip is being used for the supply of aggregates and therefore the tip profile may change in future years.

178. In views from the north, existing trees provide a screen.

179. It has been previously proposed to soften further the eastern edge of Dorothy Sand Tip to provide a smooth transition with Littlejohns and Higher Gilley Valley Tip. However, this may not be possible as the divide forms an important drainage route.

180. The western edge of Dorothy Sand Tip has been planted with trees in accordance with the 2000 TRS.

181. Littlejohns Tip has a distinct landform, but reduction in the future, due to a requirement for aggregates, may make way for a softer landform with potential for agriculture and hedgerows near to adjacent farmland, with woodland on lower areas and heathland on higher ground; however this is unlikely to occur within the 15-year period of the ROMP.

182. Higher Gilley Valley Tip lies immediately to the west of Littlejohns and is only partially visible due to screening from local hedgerows.

183. The stepped formation of the main Dorothy tip is visible to the far right of the panorama photograph.

184. Retention of man-made profiles could be considered to selectively retain the industrial heritage of the China Clay Area.

Recommendations – Karslake District

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I. The upper tipping areas of Dubbers are slightly vegetated but appear angular and should be reprofiled to a smooth landform and seeded. II. The currently visible tipping areas looking from Nanpean towards Dorothy tip and Dubbers tip should be reprofiled, seeded and planted to provide a smoother transitional landscape. III. The current Operational Area between Dorothy Tip and Dubbers Tip which comprises stock-piles of material. In the event of final restoration, this area should form a smooth profile and provide a vegetated link between the two tips and Dorothy Pit to create a natural landform as a backdrop to the safeguarded agricultural landscape around Whitemoor and Nanpean. IV. To the east of Dubbers Tip there are areas currently being worked including recent tipping adjacent to the access roads to the Karslake complex, to the north of Old Pound. While these areas maybe identified for future pit development, following the cessation of operations in future years, it would be beneficial to infill this area to achieve natural landforms V. Proposals to remove aggregates such as sand should consider the retention of established vegetation and recently planted trees VI. The shelved ridges of Higher Gilley Valley tip could be softened by woodland planting, however, as discussed, consideration should be given to maintaining the tip profile as part of the visual history of the China Clay industry. VII. It has been previously proposed to soften further the eastern edge of Dorothy Sand Tip to provide a smooth transition with Littlejohns and Higher Gilley Valley Tip. However, this may not be possible as the divide forms an important drainage route. VIII. Littlejohns Tip has a distinct landform, but reduction in the future due to a requirement for aggregates may make way for a softer landform with potential for agriculture and hedgerows near to adjacent farmland, with woodland on lower areas and heathland on higher ground however this is unlikely to occur within the 15-year period of the ROMP. IX. Longstone tip should be retained as existing.

6.8 Carthew District 185. Description in TRS 2000:

‘The Carthew area is a triangular section of the clay district centred on the Carthew - Ruddlemoor valley and stretching to Hensbarrow in the north.

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There is a range of active pits and tips belonging to both clay companies. The landscape in this section exhibits 4 of the character areas found in the clay area: valley, upland farmland, heathland and china clay workings’.

6.8.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 186. Areas of restraint:

‘The sides of the valley form the backdrops to the settlements. Therefore, as the valley is very narrow and deep and the sides so steep any change in landform should be undertaken behind the rim of the valley so that the industry does not overwhelm it. The sloping dome shaped ground of the southern part of the district that forms the backdrop to St. Austell. should also be excluded from future tipping operations.

Carluddon Tip as an example of conical tipping should be retained in situ’.

187. The tract of land to the north of St Austell remains rural and undisturbed. The conical Carluddon Tip is visible from the A391 north of St Austell and is a local landmark.

188. Areas of Opportunity:

‘Greensplat Tip is an isolated tip on high ground with a severe west face. It could be reprofiled with additional tipping either by enlarging the existing tip footprint towards the rim of Carthew Valley or consideration could be given to linking it with any proposed tipping at the head of the Gover valley to create a new top to this spur of high land’.

189. When viewed from the southwest along Greensplat Road, Greensplat Tip is now covered in mature vegetation and forms a green aspect within the landscape, which provides a physical divide between the industrial works and tipping areas to the north and the rural Gover Valley to the south (Appendix 2e Plate C1).

190. However, in views from Carthew and Old Pound (Appendix 2e Plate C2) the current operational areas and secondary aggregate operations are visible. The visible areas of tipping should be modelled and levelled to blend in with the existing landform, followed by seeding and tree planting.

‘The tips of Littlejohns and Gunheath have been developed on either side of the old high spot of Hensbarrow. Both rise abruptly to a considerable height from the already high ground with steep angular faces leaving a parcel of isolated land between. In visual terms it would be preferable to link the two separate tips together in one new landform with gentle slopes. Means would have to be found to conserve the neolithic barrow - even going as far as St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 65 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

rebuilding it on top of the new landform. If burying the barrow is considered totally unacceptable it would still be desirable to carry out some minimal tipping on the open ground to reduce the impact of the existing tips and blend them into the current landform. The existence of the barrow could severely limit this opportunity. Restoration to heath land would be the preferred option for this tipping area. The existing heathland could be used as a donor to restoration on other tipping areas especially other parts of Gunheath Tip.

The Gunheath complex presents a number of problems. At its eastern end the small pits are being backfilled and these can be recontoured to blend in with the shape of the tip. Final contouring should create gentle slopes that can be restored to heathland. Similar effects could be created by eventually backfilling the whole of the Gunheath Pit creating a corrie like end to the Carthew valley which would lead up to the Karslake Pit area’.

191. From the north on Hensbarrow heathland, looking south, the northern edge of Gunheath forms a smooth and gentle feature. Gunheath when viewed from the north appears restored and assimilates well with the downland at Hensbarrow. However, when viewed from the south, the entrance to the Gunheath works is stark in contrast, with the tip restored, but secondary aggregate operations still ongoing. There will be a requirement for restoration of the secondary aggregate works in the future. As an interim measure, tree planting at the roadside could be implemented to help filter views into the site

192. From Hensbarrow, Littlejohns tip is visible and has a stepped profile. During the eventual removal of materials to fill Dorothy pit, the retention of existing trees on the edges of the tip should be considered. The western fringe of Littlejohns Tip has been planted with coniferous and broadleaved species which are now established. The profile of Littlejohns Tip, when viewed from the northeast, shows a stepped formation which could be naturalised as the sand is removed.

193. Retention of the some of the trees on the western fringe of Littlejohns Tip would be beneficial as mature landscape elements

194. The view of Gunheath China Clay Works entrance (Appendix 2e Plate C4) shows that although the tip is fully restored, operations for the supply of secondary aggregates are still ongoing and that restoration works of the recent aggregate stockpiling areas may be required in the future.

195. There is ongoing but limited tipping, from Wheal Martyn, in the area to the left of the wind turbine. Tree planting at the roadside could be implemented to help filter views into the site.

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‘The Wheal Martyn tip is an isolated tip with steep benched sides separated from neighbouring Carrancarrow by Greensplatt Road. If the road were to close in the long term the two tips could be linked together to form a unified landform. This could be linked eventually to partial backfilling the linked Wheal Martin and Greensplatt Pits to form a new side valley to the Carthew Valley’.

196. Wheal Martyn Pit is operational with steep exposed sides, and is visible from Greensplat Road in sequential views when travelling north from Greensplat Road close to the site and from the entrance to the Goonvean Aggregates site also on Greensplat Road, as a glimpsed view (Appendix 2e Plate C5 and C6). The surrounding Penrice and Gunheath tips have vegetated over and form a green backdrop to the pit with distinct profiles on the horizon. This site, along with nearby industrial yards and premises within Greensplat would benefit from tree planting to reduce visibility and improve the character of the landscape as an interim measure.

197. Tree planting could be implemented along the edges of the pit to filter views from Greensplat Road of the current extraction areas.

198. The TRS 2000 suggests filling in of the pits after operations have ceased to join Wheal Martyn with Greensplat.

199. At present industrial premises and operational and storage requirements prevent the two sites from merging and forming a new edge to the Carthew Valley.

Recommendations – Carthew District I. Future restoration will be required when secondary aggregate works cease. In the interim tree planting at the roadside would filter views into the site. II. During the eventual removal of materials to fill Dorothy pit, the retention of existing trees on the edges of the tip should be considered. III. The profile of Littlejohns Tip, when viewed from the northeast, shows a stepped formation which could be naturalised as the sand is removed. Retention of the some of the trees on the western fringe would be beneficial as mature landscape elements IV. The view of Gunheath China Clay Works entrance shows that although the tip is fully restored, operations for the supply of secondary aggregates are still ongoing and that restoration works of the recent aggregate stockpiling areas may be required in the future.

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V. Carry our tree planting to reduce visibility as an interim measure to Wheal Martyn Pit and nearby industrial yards and premises with in Greensplat VI. Following the cessation of operations infilling and integrated restoration should take place where feasible, to develop an edge, in landscape terms, to the Carthew Valley VII. The TRS 2000 suggests filling in of the pits after operations have ceased to join Wheal Martyn with Greensplat.

6.9 Eastern District 200. Description in TRS 2000:

‘This, the most eastern section of the clay area next to Carthew District, is roughly triangular and centred on the three villages of Bugle, Stenalees and . At its eastern edge the high ground falls away quite dramatically to the flatter more fertile ground of the Valley and St. Austell Bay Character area. This edge runs through the district northwards from Trethurgy to Bowling Green and the eastern end of Rocks Tip. West of this line are concentrated the working area and typical upland farmland. East of the line is typically lowland farmland with stripes of upland farmland on the ridges. The landscape exhibits three of the character areas: upland farming, lowland farming and china clay working’.

6.9.1 Recommendations of the TRS, 2000 and Current Status and Condition 201. Areas of restraint:

‘The old tips to the west of Bugle and Stenalees - Carnsmerry and Caudledown -are very dominating in views from the north presenting a grey, jagged profile as a backdrop to the villages increasing the slightly depressed air of the settlements. As working is to take place on the Goonbarrow side of these tips it should be possible to reprofile these tips to form a better backdrop to the housing. The sand tip at Woon is of an equally imposing nature and attempts should be made to reduce angles of the side slopes to make the tip more visually acceptable. The slopes will be protected from the salt laden westerly wind and therefore suitable for forestry.

The area to the east round is a complex of pits, tips and mica dams. Part of the area, Penrose, is a restored clay tip where the original restoration has been allowed to degrade. The remainder has been allowed to regenerate naturally forming a mosaic of willow scrub, open water, wetands, heathland and sandbanks. Judging by the level of land management Penrose could be allowed to revert to heathland. The whole is extremely attractive and should St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 68 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

be left undisturbed although it may advisable to carry out some restoration to the surface of the mica dam’.

202. To the west of Bugle, former pits have now naturalised as mature trees forming woodlands are now established. An example is the former Woon Sand Tip which is now a wooded slope. To the north of this District, Woon and Goonbarrow tips have already been subject to previous remediation including the establishment of trees on the northern fringe/ slopes resembling wooded downland / heathland

203. Areas of Opportunity:

‘In the long term Rocks Pit should be backfilled to provide a flat area of ground close to Bugle and at the same time be joined to the Kerrow Moor tipping area to improve the tipping profiles.

On the west side of the Goonbarrow complex is an area of broken ground centred on Wheal Prosper Pit. A "dead" area of land lies between the complex and Wheal Prosper Pit that could be used for tipping surcharging against the existing steep sided bench tip to create gentler, more sustainable, more visually attractive slopes. Similarly, an extension northward could be carried out to the Wheal Prosper Tip which would bring all the disparate features of tip and mica dam together into one pleasing landform with greater after-use potential’.

204. Site inspections, looking from the north shown in Appendix 2f Plate E1 confirmed that this site has already been subject to previous remediation including the establishment of trees on the northern fringe/ slope which resembles wooded downland.

205. The Wheal Prosper and Goonbarrow tips are visible from the west along the B374 and from Roche Rock. These tips have naturalised with mature trees forming a smooth landform.

206. Appendix 2f Plate E2 shows the intervening land between the Roche Rock landmark to the northwest and the Wheal Prosper Tip to the northeast. Within the intervening land between the Roche Rock landmark to the northwest and the Wheal Prosper tip to the northeast, there are man-made features such as wind turbines and car storage yards visible, with the tipping area partially visible and the rest of the tip filtered by trees and softened by established vegetation.

207. Appendix 2f Plates E2 and E3 show that Wheal Prosper tip has naturalised with established vegetation on a smooth landform. There are areas of tipped material visible which still require screening or eventual restoration. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 69 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

208. Appendix 2f Plate E4 shows that the fringes of Rocks and Goonbarrow tips are visible as a backdrop to housing located within the village of Bugle. These slopes have been restored with areas of woodland, scrub and smooth grassed slopes resembling heathland.

209. Appendix 2f Plate E5 is taken from outside the entrance to Rocks China Clay Works on the B3374. The road corridor is substantially vegetated with trees concealing both the site of the Rocks pit to the southwest and the tip to the northeast.

210. Appendix 2f Plate 6 was taken from higher ground to the southwest, as views of Rocks Pit are very limited from public locations/ areas. While this site has revegetated over time, greening the sides of the tip and pit to the rear, further backfilling of the pit and potential reduction of the sand will provide opportunities for further restoration of the interface between the pit and the tip.

211. An example of successful restoration is evident at Caudledown. The steep sided tip shown in the TRS 2000 is now restored and has naturalised to heathland and agriculture. However, continuing improvements to screen and filter industrial buildings and site entrances associated with the China Clay industry such as the southern entrance to Goonbarrow tip on the B3274 should be considered, as this would be a benefit in the medium term.

Recommendations – Eastern District

I. There are areas of tipped material visible which require screening or eventual restoration a Wheal Prosper Tip

II. Rocks Pit has revegetated over time, greening the sides of the tip and pit to the rear, further backfilling of the pit and potential reduction of the sand will provide opportunities for further restoration of the interface between the pit and the tip.

7 Rights of Way 7.1 Current Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and Permissive Path Network 212. It is recognised that there are mapped Public Rights of Way (PRoW) which cross Operational Areas and therefore, as a result are no longer accessible; and may not have the potential to be reinstated along their original routing St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 70 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

due to landform changes. However, within the St Austell China Clay Area, the network of permissive paths, provide connections with existing PRoW, where practical. Taking account of operational working areas and continued restoration of tips, there is the potential to consider improving the connectivity of the footpath network. The potential for reopening existing PRoW (potentially along slightly altered routes) may be an option in the longer term, as currently operational pits that are worked out are either backfilled or allowed to flood. Shorter term objectives for improving PRoW include removing obstacles on the existing network and designing improved connectivity through developments such as the West Carclaze Eco- community.

213. Due to a need to protect public safety by preventing access to working areas and associated hazards, the current footprint of the china clay workings has resulted in the curtailment of pre-existing PRoW in some areas. Additionally, changes in landform due to the china clay workings may preclude the re-establishment of these PRoW along pre-extraction routeings on the cessation of operations. This is the subject of on-going discussions between IML and Cornwall Council as there is a recognised need to (a) where possible, formally divert PRoW, and (b) prioritise the order in which these diversions are progress. Based upon current knowledge of predicted China Clay working, no further requirements for PRoW closures within the next 10 to 15 years have been identified.

214. To address this loss of public access, since the mid-1990’s IML have developed a series of temporary permissive (concessionary) paths, for the use of walkers, cyclists and horse riders on restored areas. Where possible these permissive paths have been designed to link with the existing PRoW network.

215. As part of the GIS mapping for this draft SPD, all existing / mapped PRoW and IML permissive paths within the china clay area have been identified and are shown in Appendix 3, Figure 5: Operational Areas and Access Network. However, it must be noted that the nature of the Permissive Paths means that they are subject to change in accordance with the operational requirements of the China Clay industry.

216. Additionally, although a full review of the condition and accessibility of PRoW within the China Clay Area was not within the scope of this draft SPD, where encountered during field work, the condition and accessibility of PRoW was noted. It is evident that whilst there is an extensive network of PRoW not affected by China Clay operations, there are places where accessibility and usability of these existing PRoW could be improved.

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7.2 Opportunities for Increasing the PRoW and Permissive Path Network 217. The GIS mapping data has formed the basis for a high-level analysis of potential new or replacement links which could be created during the 15- year period of the ROMP.

218. It is noted that whist there is a desire on behalf of both IML and Cornwall Council to create a fully connected public access network for the China Clay Area, for reasons of public safety, routes can only be designed and constructed upon cessation of all operations and final restoration. This is particularly applicable to the development of east – west links that cross currently active operational areas. Consequently, the potential to construct new east to west paths will be beyond the 15-year period of the ROMP.

7.2.1 Potential Strategic Links 219. The data on the extent of the current PRoW and permissive path network and knowledge of the proposed china clay operations including agreed restoration plans, has been used to identify strategic landscape scale links which could be potentially achieved within the ten-year review period. The precise routeing of these links cannot be defined, and the routes shown in Appendix 3, Figure 5: Operational Area and Access Network are, therefore, indicative.

7.2.1.1 Central Strategic Link 220. Of the three, proposed strategic landscape-scale links, the Central Strategic Link (shown blue, Appendix 3, Figure 5), is most likely to be achieved within the timescale of the ROMPs period. This route has sections constructed in the form of IML permissive paths (Gillies Trail and Blackpool Trail) which run from Operational Area 11 (OA11) Gillies, along the western edges of OA12 Karslake and OA13 Blackpool; supplemented by short sections of existing PRoW (for example PRoW 422/35/1 and 422/57/1 east of Nanpean). The opportunities primarily exist to the northern and southern boundaries of OA13 Blackpool where new permissive paths could be created linking with existing PRoW to the east and west. This would provide further strategic landscape-scale links between the western and eastern china clay areas. The routeing of these potential links would likely be based upon existing quarry access routes / haul roads but cannot be defined at this time.

221. The other proposed strategic landscape-scale links shown in Appendix 3, Figure 5, are considered aspirational, as it will not be feasible to bring these forward within the 15-year timeframe of the ROMP, however they provide a structure going forward. The yellow lines indicate existing PRoW or

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permissive paths, whilst the red lines indicate where new links could be created.

7.2.1.2 Eastern Strategic Link 222. The proposed Eastern Strategic Link extends southwards from utilising the existing PRoW network across Hensbarrow Downs (PRoW 412/21 and 142/20), and links to existing PRoW to the north of Trewoon and Burngullow (for example PRoW 424/7 419/27 and 419/30). A new route linking these northern and southern PRoW networks would be required. This could potentially be routed to follow, but be separated from, Greensplat Road, which forms the eastern edge of OA12 Karslake. This route could also be designed to link with the paths created to northern and southern boundaries of OA13 Blackpool as part of the Central Strategic Link, therefore allowing onward access to the Blackpool Trail and the potential network of paths created around Blackpool.

7.2.1.3 Western Strategic Link 223. The proposed Western Strategic Link follows the western edge of the China Clay Area and OA1 Fal District, linking Fraddon with Terras. To the north, it utilises the existing PRoW network and Pines permissive path; and to the south it utilises existing PRoW and their links to the new PRoW and permissive paths which will be created as part of the agreed restoration plan for Scarcewater Tip. A strategic north – south link could potentially be connected by means of a new PRoW or permissive path potentially following but separated from the existing road to the east of the OA1 boundary. It is noted that a potential obstacle to this proposed routeing is the presence of Aggregate Industries’ Melbur works.

7.2.2 Other Opportunities 224. The local Ramblers are keen to see permissive paths converted to long term and dedicated routes. Similarly, where opportunities arise to reinstate former historic and recognised routes between settlements, improvements should also be considered. For example, connectivity between the PRoW network to the east of Foxhole including footpaths 422/55; 422/102, 422/58 and 422/54, could be potentially improved to link with the existing section of the Blackpool Trail, which runs broadly north to south along the western flank of the Blackpool operational area. Currently, the existing minor road to the east of Foxhole provides a connection for existing public footpaths users to the Blackpool Trail. However, there is potential to construct a new permissive footpath access which would traverse the existing highway verge and cut across privately owned land. This proposal would help to establish links into the proposed wider strategic network of routes, however these would depend upon land ownership permissions.

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225. There is an extensive network of permissive paths in OA29 Baal, OA27 Singlerose and OA34 Innis Moor to the north of St Austell. These permissive paths have been designed to link with PRoW, such as the China Clay Trails, footpaths and cycle routes (Appendix 3, Figure 7: Operational Areas and Access Network). If approved, the proposed West Carclaze Eco-Community, which is primarily located in OA28 Penhale, with some development to the east of OA29 Baal will deliver further PRoW links (including footpaths and dedicated cycleways) in this area, connecting with these existing routes. Thus enabling greater connectivity between Stenalees and Carthew to the west of OA28 with settlements such as Scredda, Carluddon, Carclaze, Carthew and Penwithick to the south and east.

226. Appendix 3, Figure 5: Operational Area and Access Network shows dedicated areas of Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Access Land (CRoW Act 2000) and a proposed indicative aspirational recreational link, which runs broadly north to south, parallel with Greensplat Road and provides an example of a future access link, which would increase connectivity between existing areas with open access. This approach is advocated by The Ramblers Association and could be considered in other parts of the China Clay Area to link CRoW Act 2000 Access land with PRoW by mean of permissive footpaths, therefore increasing the public access. The Ramblers have also indicated that it would be beneficial to introduce areas of CRoW Act Access Land where mineral extraction has ceased.

227. There is also the potential for other similar Eco-Community developments to come forward within the ten-year period of the ROMP, which would deliver similar opportunities to increase the access network.

228. Section 9 considers potential opportunities for enhanced public access within the china clay area to be delivered as part of restoration.

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Restoration and Tipping - Future Approach and Strategy 8 Landform and Restoration Objectives 8.1 Future Requirements for Tipping 229. Since 2000, there have been significant changes in the requirement for tipping of waste materials, which are associated with:

• reduction in annual rate of clay production (66% reduction since the publication of the TRS 2000), resulting in a proportional reduction in stent, sand and mica to be tipped; • a high proportion of the run-of-mine waste rock and sand (primarily sand) being reprocessed for use as aggregate within the construction industry; • reworking of sand tips to further supply aggregates to the construction industry; and • availability of worked out pits for tipping of run of mine waste, including stent, sand and mica.

230. IML have indicated that the requirement for new above ground tips for stent, sand and mica are unlikely over the next 15-year period. Consequently, the potential opportunities for future reshaping of tips by infilling and landform design is limited, due to lack of a suitable volume of materials. Therefore, changes in landform should be directed at implementing long- term schemes associated with the reworking of tips for aggregate and profiling unrestored tips, where they can be coordinated with ongoing restoration, current examples of these techniques are tip landform construction and restoration at Scarcewater, Gaverigan (OA1), Dubbers and Carrancarrow (OA2). 8.2 Post Restoration Uses 231. The TRS 2000 concentrated on the restoration of tips that involved a mixture of reprofiling outer facing slopes combined with hydroseeding to establish a mix of woodland on lower tip slopes and grassland / heathland on upper slopes and surface of the tip. This has been a successful strategy in the majority of operational areas, combined with the natural revegetation of St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 75 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

slopes once operations have ceased. The restoration of Pines Tip and Fraddon Tip in the Fal District (OA 1) provides a successful example of this approach.

232. However, a greater range of potential options for restoration can be achieved than was originally envisaged in the TRS 2000. Since 2000, there has been renewable energy development (both solar and wind) on tips and restored mica lagoons, although the potential for future schemes are limited to those that accord with current policy framework.

233. The West Carclaze Eco-Community is subject to approved outline plans and will result in other potential uses being promoted, as a consequence of this development. Most evident is the potential to develop a wider network of schemes that promote leisure use and interconnect with the existing permissive paths, clay trails and Sustrans routes, linked with the development of the West Carclaze Eco-Community and reuse of tips and pits to encourage other leisure uses, within the non-operational areas. There is an opportunity to build on the success of the Eden Project and develop other alternative uses within these areas, for example using a pit as a ski-slope or ice rink. 8.3 Landform 234. Natural England’s 2013 description of the landform within National Character Area 154 Hensbarrow is applicable to the landscape in 201813:

“The lowest point in the NCA 130 m below sea level (in the opencast quarry areas) but rises to a maximum height of 307 m. The mean height is 163 m. The area is visible from many areas of Cornwall owing to the landscape that has been created by china clay extraction, a landscape of steep slopes and pointed peaks which contrasts with the rolling farmland, pockets of valley woodland, heath and moorland of the rest of the area. The farmland is mostly formed of irregular fields of pasture bounded by Cornish hedges”.

235. It is recognised that the distinct and varied landforms within the China Clay Area contribute to a sense of place with a unique and special character. However, the level of change in this dynamic landscape means that , which gave its name to the whole Hensbarrow area, is now no longer the dominant peak and landform in this area. The selective retention of landforms which contribute to the character and heritage of the China Clay Area should, therefore, be given due consideration. This approach

13 Natural England (2013). National Character Area profile: 154 Hensbarrow St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 76 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

provides an alternative to reprofiling older tips, particularly those which now host mature vegetation. 8.4 Conservation and Long-term Management

8.4.1 Designated Sites 236. There are numerous environmental designations within, and in the locality of, the China Clay Area, including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) which are internationally designated, National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) including sites with special geological features, which are nationally designated, and County Wildlife Sites (CWS) which are locally designated. These sites can be found on the Councils mapping system14.

237. The eight SAC sites within the Operational Areas have been designated for the presence of Marsupella profunda, Western Rustwort, a liverwort, endemic to Europe and only found in the , , the and in ten locations in the UK, all of which are in Cornwall. Western Rustwort is a pioneer species which thrives on the bare micaceous or clay waste substrates or granite rocks exposed during china clay operations. As such, the lack of disturbance to the protected SAC sites has, in some cases, resulted in the continuation of the natural colonisation process and the crowding out of Western Rustwort by other species. The species does, however, continue to thrive within the operational areas, where IML take special precautions to monitor and protect the species during working (relocation of substrate / rocks supporting the species outside of the working area).

238. To the north of the China Clay Area lies the and Goss and Moors SAC, this lowland site exhibits mosaics of various habitats, including European dry heaths, North Atlantic wet heaths, transition mires and quaking bogs, acid grassland, bog, swamp, fen and open water communities. It is also designated as it supports the most westerly viable population of Marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) in England. Parts of the SAC and surrounding area are also designated as NNR and SSSI for the same reason.

239. One of the aims of the Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage project was to design a linked mosaic of heathland habitats that supports the local population of Marsh fritillary allowing it to colonise restored heathland habitat, thereby increasing the size and the resilience of the population. It is for this reason that Natural England have identified that the restoration and long-term management of heathland should continue to inform the

14 Cornwall Council’s interactive mapping https://map.cornwall.gov.uk/website/ccmap/ St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 77 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

restoration strategy in this draft SPD. The registration of natural and restored heathland into Environmental Stewardship schemes, will assist in the delivery of long term management which is required to maintain the condition of heathland as a host for Marsh fritillary.

240. There are a number of Scheduled Monuments within the China Clay study area and Archaeologically Important Landscapes. These sites can be found on the Council’s mapping system15. Scheduled Monuments are protected by statute and their setting and importance should be considered for both new planning applications for mineral working and in the context of restoration proposals. 8.5 Soil Profile

8.5.1 Soil Forming Material 241. IML have developed the use of soil forming material (SFM) based on Compost Like Outputs (CLOs), to develop a standardised method for restoration at Dubbers and Carrancarrow. There is potential for the future use of this technique on the completed Dubbers mica lagoon, remaining restored slopes at Scarcewater and Gaverigan (as the availability of natural soils is limited) and in future:

• areas where tips are reprofiled after extraction of secondary aggregate; • back slopes of pits above the water level; and • other areas of disturbed land within operational areas, as an alternative to revegetation that takes place naturally, once disturbance through mining operations has ceased.

242. The use of soil forming material has been trialled during the restoration of Dubbers and Carrancarrow. Several potential issues with the use of this material have yet to be resolved, before it can be standardised for use against a specific end use, including; physical structure of soil profile, chemical content of the soil forming material, choice of nurse crop and drainage. These are discussed further in the remainder of this section.

Physical structure of soil profile

243. The soil profile has little or no structure after placement on the cover material of fine sand and is not suitable for use of weight bearing agricultural machinery. It should be noted that, to date, the restoration slopes at Dubbers and Carrancarrow are generally too steep for use of machinery. The lack of structure hinders ongoing aftercare management, post restoration and this

15 Cornwall Council’s interactive mapping https://map.cornwall.gov.uk/website/ccmap/ St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 78 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

limitation will need to be considered further, on less steep slopes, for example those at Scarcewater.

Chemical content of the soil forming material

244. The heavy metals content of SFM at Dubbers and Carrancarrow are monitored annually during the aftercare period. During this time, the nutrient content of the soil will also reduce, with the potential for establishing a wider range of agricultural crops and other habitats than grassland, which can be used as a nurse crop to promote the development of soil structure.

Choice of nurse crop

245. A standard seed mix is used to vegetate the SFM, sown using a mulch by hydroseeding. Due to the higher fertility of the SFM, early growth of annual ryegrass dominates the sward, in the short term, out competing the other species in the mix. Further trials are required to develop an optimum approach to seeding, including:

• ensuring nutrient levels post germination do not lead to the growth of a dominant species within the sward, which is difficult to manage; • use of perennial ryegrass as a nurse crop, favouring smaller, prostrate and tillering varieties to encourage establishment of slower growing species in the mix; • trialling seed mixes without ryegrass as a nurse, favouring species such as cocksfoot and timothy; and • encouraging the establishment of a grassland suitable for use a pasture that would enable subsequent management during the aftercare period.

246. The initial results on woodland planting at Dubbers are encouraging, however, these initial observations need to be monitored over a longer period, it should be noted this more recent planting has used 0.7m tree guards, which has also reduced the incidence of deer grazing on young shoots.

Drainage

247. There is evidence that surface water is infiltrating too slowly through the soil profile, even on the relatively steep slopes encountered at Dubbers and Carrancarrow. This has resulted in the potential for anaerobic conditions to develop in the lower layers of the soil horizon. The extent to which these persist throughout the growing season should be monitored; and for use on

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more shallow slopes, improving underdrainage should be considered, for example:

• using a more porous layer of sand/gravel between the fine sand and soil horizon; • laying a drainage pathway using coarse sand on top of the fine sand and before placing the soil horizon; and • introducing deeper rooting nurse crops to develop a rooting structure through the soil profile more effectively than using a grass nurse crop. This has been previously trialled with a good crop of forage maize being achieved, however there are concerns regarding safe access of machinery due to the low load bearing capacity of the restored soil surface. Therefore, although the introduction of annual cereals harvested as a green manure, with harvested vegetation being removed from the surface and allowing a grass mix to establish in the stubble, could be introduced on shallow slopes, this would be dependent upon use of low ground pressure equipment.

248. Restrictions to HGV movements to maintain local amenity, limit the importation of SFM at Dubbers to 30,000 tpa. This volume of SFM could create restoration soils sufficient to cover a maximum of 30 ha per year. However other factors such as weather conditions, which limit soil placement, mean that coverage of 15 to 20 ha per year, is more feasible in most years. Should the use of SFM be introduced at other OAs, IML would invest in additional mobile plant, as required, to facilitate this. However, annual deployment rates at each site would be subject to similar climate limitations; and possibly to restrictions to import tonnages (limits of HGV movements to protect local amenity). 9 Tipping Strategy 9.1 Introduction 249. This section considers where tipping is currently taking place and is likely to continue over the next 15-year period. Future tipping will be influenced by:

• the changes in the annual rate of clay production; • the increase in the volume of run-of-mine waste rock and sand (primarily sand) being reprocessed for use as aggregate; • the use of fine sand to blind the surface of tips and for use in making SFM, for use in tip restoration, and • the reworking of tips to further supply aggregates; and St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 80 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

• the use of worked out pits for tipping of run-of-mine waste, including stent and mica.

250. Consequently, there has been a considerable change in the requirement for the tipping of waste materials since the TRS 2000. Although construction of Scarcewater tip commenced in 2003, no further tips have been designed, or required in the intervening period. Furthermore, the requirement for new surface tips within next ROMP period has not been identified by IML and therefore is considered very unlikely.

Recommendation Future tipping requirements are determined by the following considerations: I. maximising the reuse of available run-of-mines resource for supply of aggregates; II. the use of fine sand for use as soil forming material (SFM) and the use of SFM in restoration of tips and pits; III. determining the levels to achieve final landform through infilling of pits; IV. the balance of infilled pits and those that are flooded, in terms of final landuse (agricultural, conservation, water storage and/or leisure uses); V. obtaining advance approval of the restoration plan, through ROMP submissions for those pits that do not have approved plans; VI. increased appreciations of the volumes available for infilling pits, to the approved landform to determine indicative programme to final restoration for pits and tips.

251. In addition, the reuse of tips for the extraction of secondary aggregate will result in future changes to restored tip landforms and this should be considered further, in conjunction with schemes submitted through the ROMP.

252. IML have provided data on the current and predicted backfill and tipping operations, and these are described by Operational Area below. Data is also included in Appendix 3, Figure 6: Projected Backfill and Tipping. 9.2 Fal Operational Area (OA1)

9.2.1 Melbur and Virginia Pits 253. No wastes are currently received at Melbur and Virginia Pits and clay and stent waste from these pits currently goes to construct Scarcewater tip to approved final levels. It is predicted that tipping at Scarcewater will be completed during 2022. Once Scarcewater tip has been completed these mine wastes will be disposed of within worked out areas of the pit. At Melbur pit backfill using mine waste would commence to the north west corner of

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the pit (near the block plant), progressing generally north to south. It is predicted that Melbur pit has the capacity for approximately 4 to 5 million m3 of material. The direction of fill at Virginia pit would also be from north to south and it is anticipated that the pit has the capacity for approximately 2 million m3 of material.

9.2.2 Scarcewater Tip 254. Scarcewater tip currently recieves stained or poor-quality clay and poor quality stent from Melbur and Virginia pits and has sufficient capacity until approximately 2022. Tipping and restoration will contuinue in a north west direction towards Melbur, including completion of the upper bench and south-west corner.

9.2.3 Gaverigan Tip 255. Gaverigan Tip receives stained or poor-quality clay and poor quality stent from Wheal Remfry Pit. Operations are ongoing, with tipping progressing from northeast to southwest. Tipping at Gaverigan is consented to 2042. 9.3 Karslake Operational Area (OA12) 256. Stent and mica from pits within the Karslake Complex (Littlejohns, Great Longstone, Lower Longstone, Highermoor pit (supplemented with clays from Wheal Martyn (OA18) and Greensplat (OA17)) will be backfilled to Dorothy pit. It is estimated that Dorothy pit has sufficient capacity for more than a ten-year period at current production rates with future capacity by backfilling Rocks pit (OA25)). A proportion of the fine sand from secondary aggregate working at Littlejohns tip is also backfilled in Dorothy pit.

257. Restoration at Carrancarrow tip will be completed in the near future and any further tipping requirements would involve taking material into Great Longstone pit, commencing backfilling to the northwest of the pit. The tipped material would be used to join Great Longstone with the northern face of Carrancarrow tip.

258. The TRS 2000 suggested that additional tipping could be undertaken to the north of Littlejohns tip, however this additional tipping capacity has not been required. Littlejohns tip is currently being reworked for the extraction of secondary aggregate (sand).

259. Mica disposal at Dubbers Mica Dam is complete, and the area is currently being capped with fine sand from the Karslake complex. It is expected that capping operations will continue until approximately mid- to late- 2019. Following this, the capped area will be given two to three years to drain and

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dry out sufficiently for final restoration to be carried out through the placement of SFM. 9.4 Hendra Operational Area (OA9) 260. The currently flooded Hendra Pit void and mica dam will be back filled with micaceous material taken from the three active pits within OA1 Fal: Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia pits. Following this the tipped area will be given two to three years to drain and dry out sufficiently for final restoration to be carried out using the techniques developed at Dubbers. 9.5 Trelavour Operational Area (OA4A) 261. Backfill of Old Trelavour Pit with mica wastes from Melbur, Wheal Remfry and Virginia Pits is expected to commence once tipping at Hendra is complete. Tipping at Old Trelavour Pit is expected to be completed within a few years, with the duration of tipping dependent upon factors such as china clay production rates. 9.6 Goonvean Operational Area (OA4C) and Treviscoe Operational Area (OA3) 262. Once Hendra pit and mica dam has been backfilled, there is the potential for mica waste from Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia pits to be used to backfill Goonvean Pit (OA4C) or potentially tipped at Treviscoe Pit (OA3). Tipping would continue for the remainder of the period of the ROMP.

263. It is noted that as there is an approved restoration scheme for Treviscoe under the 1999 ROMP, if only one pit was to be backfilled material would most likely go to Treviscoe rather than Goonvean. The approved scheme for Treviscoe Pit includes three stages of tipping prior to final restoration:

• Stage 1: backfill of pit with mica level with the top of the pit, • Stage 2: construction of a sand embankment • Stage 3: further tipping against the sand embankment to create a final sloping landform.

264. However, depending on the availability of material, there may be an amendment to the restoration scheme so that only Stage 1 (backfill of the pit) is completed prior to final restoration.

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9.7 Rocks Operational Area (OA25) 265. Rocks pit is currently being backfilled with mica from Greensplat, Wheal Martyn and Trebal Refinery and this process will continue for the ROMP review period. 10 Restoration Strategy and Recommendations 10.1 Introduction 266. Where a need for restoration has been identified during the study, recommendations have been described. These are separated into site or Operational Area specific recommendations, and overarching recommendations which are applicable to the whole of the China Clay Area.

267. Operational Area and site-specific requirements and recommendations are discussed in section 11.3, to take account of IML’s operational works programme. 10.2 Overarching Recommendations

10.2.1 Restoration 268. Where not already agreed, detailed restoration and aftercare schemes for each Operational Area (or part thereof, as appropriate) should be based on the wider landscape and vegetation patterns that take account of restoration to date. Individual pit restoration schemes should be based on a contemporary analysis of factors such as landscape, ecology / biodiversity, water resources, geotechnical stability and land use to inform the final proposals for the landform. Applicable restoration techniques should also consider the use of SFM to increase options for final, post restoration land use.

269. Preliminary information about the site / Operational Area should be considered at an early stage so that issues and barriers to restoration success are identified and either avoided or mitigated. The following approach is advised:

• Carry out an initial desk top study to identify the geological, physical, ecological and historic/cultural attributes or constraints and designations relating to the site,

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• Refer to existing strategies and assessments to inform the approach to factors such as landscape character, • Carry out an initial site assessment to gather more detailed information on sensitivities and design constraints, • Carry out an assessment of landscape character types present and potential visual sensitivities to inform the design proposals, • Undertake a survey of site stability to identify essential remediation for safety reasons, • Carry out soil testing and a vegetation survey to understand potential ground conditions for plant growth and to identify successful plant species, • Be aware of the climatic conditions of the current site and implications for future plant growth, • Ensure that areas for restoration have suitable drainage, appropriate to the intended habitat types, • Consider topography and drainage to establish new footpaths including an inclusive approach to access where applicable, • Incorporate recycled soil forming materials where possible unless there are ecological constraints, and • Prior to establishing the requirements and direction of tipping and nature of backfilling materials, provide a preliminary restoration plan to enable site operators to plan remediation and restoration sites in advance, ensuring a more successful approach to the placing of materials, plant establishment and sustainable restoration solutions.

270. It is considered that where revegetation through restoration or natural regeneration has already occurred, this should be incorporated into detailed restoration schemes wherever possible, unless the analysis in this draft SPD identifies that alternative landuse options should be incorporated into a site- specific restoration scheme. Section 11.2.2 provides an example of developing an outline restoration scheme. It should be noted that whilst this example is based upon current areas of operation within the St Austell China Clay Area, it is indicative for purpose of illustrating an approach.

271. The restoration of the china clay area should continue to provide a diverse range and mosaic of habitat types to add interest and create biodiversity gains. When devising restoration habitats / schemes, consideration should be given to the long-term management requirements of the intended habitat type, and whether those requirements can be realistically met in the medium- to long-term following the end of the aftercare period.

272. When developing restoration schemes, the initial desk studies should identify species/planting mixes which are appropriate to the conditions (pH, St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 85 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

aspect, substrate, nutrient status, etc.) to ensure that establishment and survival rates are maximised. Native species in keeping with the local landscape should be used. It is noted that ‘The Woodland Project’ aimed to achieve an Oak woodland as the dominant canopy, however, in most cases Oak has been slower to establish or has experienced lower survival rates than other species (either those included in the planting mix or which have naturally colonised). Oaks are therefore best planted within mixed stands of faster-growing Birch, Hazel, Alder and Willow (which provide shelter while the Oaks establish), and establishing Oak woodland on steep slopes with an aspect that results in exposure to extremes of weather (from the south west), should be avoided because of the failure rate on past schemes.

273. Although fast growing and provide screening in a short timeframe, the use of Leylandii and other fast-growing ornamental conifers, should be carefully considered. It is noted that IML do not currently use Leylandii or similar species in their planting mix. Where Leylandii have been used in the past, consideration could be given to co-planting native species more in keeping with the local landscape (see Appendix 5 for species list) and reducing or removing the Leylandii as these become better established and able to provide screening in the longer term.

274. Where designated sites, such as the SACs established to protect populations of Marsupella profunda, are present, these should be considered within the restoration and aftercare schemes. The detailed plan should ensure that restoration proposals are compatible with the aims of the designations and take account of the management plan which is agreed with Natural England.

275. Restoration schemes should contain provision for fencing, to maintain safety for the public, including operational areas, steep pit voids and lakes; also to ensure that programmed livestock grazing is restricted to prescribed areas.

276. The following case studies are used to provide indicative guidance for restoration.

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10.2.2 Case Study 10.2.2.1 Restoration of Dorothy Pit, Karslake Area

277. The indicative sketch proposals plan above was formulated from observations made on site and proposals for tipping and filling within and around Dorothy Pit to the north.

278. The land to the south reflects the ongoing restoration of Dubbers Tip and Mica Dam as previously discussed. This case study focusses primarily on the proposed interface between Dorothy Pit and the Karslake tipping area to the west. The arrow shown on the plan indicates the origins of the material which will be used to backfill Dorothy Pit.

279. Initially it will be important to achieve a natural landform which will assimilate restored operational areas with areas to be filled, providing suitable gradients for grazing by livestock and for pedestrian and occasional vehicular access.

280. It is recognised that areas of existing heathland, scrub and trees where natural regeneration has occurred within the area have naturalised through

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successive regeneration, leaving the remaining areas of more recent tipping and excavations to be addressed though restoration. Existing habitats on the site include areas of wetland, grassland, heathland, scrub and broadleaved trees. It is therefore considered appropriate to restore the final outstanding working areas in a way that links existing landscape and ecological attributes. This considered, habitats rely on a growing medium which may vary from low to high nutrient content and pH value. The conversion of land from china clay workings therefore requires the formation of a suitable soil profile.

281. The indicative plan shows a proposed east to west route along an existing haul road providing access to the restored Dubbers mica dam for potential grazing by livestock. The east to west link is planted to the north and south with belts of woodland which will link to woodland clumps across the Dorothy area to the north. Along the south- eastern fringe of Dubbers a new walking route from Nanpean is suggested on the assumption that the finally restored Karslake area will offer a network of walking routes.

282. While it is recognised that Dubbers Tip is currently under a scheme of progressive restoration, where final gradients allow, the incorporation of pastoral fields and hedgerows within the Karslake operational area has the potential to increase biodiversity.

283. Within the Dorothy area woodland belts are located along the tiered landform to accentuate the character of the landscape and to define new spaces around the former pit, which incorporates seasonally wet basins, grassland heathland and scrub. Woodland belts are arranged to provide connections with peripheral existing established woodlands to create wildlife islands and corridors.

Establishment of Landscape Restoration

284. The suggested approach to detailed restoration and habitat establishment is described as follows:

Agricultural Land and Hedgerows

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285. Hedgerow traditionally comprise a local stone base filled with topsoil to provide a long-term medium for plant growth. The approach designed by IML at Scarcewater replicates the dry stone wall using gabion baskets filled with soil on the surface allowing the roots to grow into the gabions. The structure is protected by fencing to both sides of the hedge. A tapestry hedge replicates the biodiversity found in traditional hedgerows and comprises species in the following Table 4 and Table 5.

Table 4 Native Trees and Shrubs for Use in Hedgerow Enhancement

Species (Latin Species (Common Specification % in Mix name) name) 90-120cm – single plant Quercus petraea Oak 5 every 10 metres 45-60cm Crataegus Hawthorn (double staggered rows 50 monogyna 300mm apart) 45-60cm Sambucus nigra Elder (in double staggered rows 10 300mm apart) 45-60cm(in double Prunus spinosa Blackthorn staggered rows 300mm 25 apart) 45-60cm Corylus avellana Hazel (in double staggered rows 15 300mm apart)

Table 5: Herbaceous Plants Native to Cornwall for Planting in Hedgerows

Species Species Species Species (Common (Latin name) (Latin name) (Common name) name) Cow parsley Anthriscus (Queen Lapsana communis Nipplewort sylvestris Anne's Lace)

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Species Species Species Species (Common (Latin name) (Latin name) (Common name) name) Lesser Arctium minus Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling burdock Agrimonia Leucanthemum Ox-eye daisy (Moon Agrimony eupatoria vulgare daisy) Common toadflax Hedge Calystegia sepium Linaria vulgaris (Yellow bindweed snapdragon) Common Greater bird's-foot Centaurea nigra Lotus pedunculatus knapweed trefoil Plantago Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle Ribwort plantain lanceolata Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Fumaria species Fumitories Rumex acetosa Common sorrel F. muralis ssp (Ramping Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock boraei fumitory), (Tall ramping F. bastardii Silene dioica Red campion fumitory) Cleavers (Goose- Galium aparine Stachys officinalis Betony grass, Sticky- weed) Hedge Galium mollugo Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort bedstraw Wood avens Sisymbrium Geum urbanum (Herb Hedge mustard officinale bennet) Pennywort Geranium species Cranesbills Umbilicus rupestris (Navelwort) Veronica Germander G. robertianum (Herb robert) chamaedrys speedwell (Cut-leaved G. dissectum Vicia species Vetches cranesbill), (Dove's-foot G. molle V. cracca (Tufted vetch) cranesbill). Hogweed Heraclium (Cow V. sativa (Common vetch). sphondylium parsnip) Hyacinthoides non- Bluebell Viola riviniana Common violet scripta Field Knautia arvensis scabious

286. Field patterns should aim to provide a patchwork of sheltered enclosures. The optimum soil profile using SFM has been established at Dubbers and is likely to evolve further to provide optimum soil profiles for different habitats.

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Examples of soil forming materials used for agricultural land are described and illustrated in this draft SPD.

Heathland

287. Cornwall’s Biodiversity Action Plan states the following:

‘Lowland heathland is characterised by the presence of plants such as heather, dwarf gorse and cross-leaved heath and is generally found below 300 metres in altitude. Areas of good quality heathland should consist of an ericaceous layer of varying heights and structures, some areas of scattered trees and scrub, areas of bare ground, gorse, wet heaths, bogs and open water. The presence and numbers of characteristic birds, reptiles, invertebrates, vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens are important indicators of habitat quality’.

288. Typical heathland plants for Karlake are suggested in Table 6 below. Heathland can be established using SFM adopting the soil mixes and profiles described and illustrated in this draft SPD.

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Table 6: Heathland Plants suitable for the China Clay Area

Species (Latin Species % in Mix name) (Common name) Agrositis curtisii Bristle Bent 10 Calluna vulgaris Heather 20 Erica cinerea Bell Heather 15 Erica vagans Cornish Heath 15 Erica tetralix Cross leaved heath 10 Ulex gallii Western Gorse 10 Ulex minor Dwarf Gorse 10 Vaccinium Bilberry 10 myrtillus

Seasonally Wet Habitats

289. Seasonally wetland designed as a combination of open water and aquatic marginal habitats to increase diversity of flora and develop habitat for amphibians and invertebrates. Typically, the habitat mosaic could comprise relatively small localised water bodies created by excavating material to a maximum depth of 750mm achieving gentle gradients towards the edges which should be irregular in shape. Mica is a suitable substrate to design slowly permeable basins. The margins can be designed for a range of native aquatic and marginal plant species. For geotechnical reasons the retention of water on tip structures is not encouraged. However, in other areas the creation of water bodies may be appropriate.

290. The following list of plants are suitable for seasonally wet ponds and scrapes:

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Table 7: Typical Marginal Plants

Species (Latin Species % in Mix name) (Common name) Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold 10 Carex riparia Greater Pond Sedge 10 Iris pseudacorus Yelllow Iris 10 Lysumachia Yellow Loosestrife 10 vulgaris Mentha Water Mint 10 aquatica Myosotis Water forget me not 10 scorpioides Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort 10 Ranunculus Lesser Spearwort 10 flammula Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian 10 Veronica Water Speedwell 10 beccabunga

Grassland on Clay Soils

291. The following grass mix is an example of a suitable mix for clay-based soils.

Table 8: Grass Mix for Clay Based Soils

Species (Latin Species % in name) (Common name) Mix Agrostis capillaris Common Bent 10 Alopecurus Meadow Foxtail (w) 2 pratensis Anthoxanthum Sweet Vernal-grass 2 odoratum (w) Briza media Quaking Grass (w) 1 Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogstail 36 Slender-creeping Red- Festuca rubra 2 fescue Hordeum Meadow Barley (w) 1 secalinum Phleum bertolonii Smaller Cat's-tail 4

Grassland on Sandy Soils

292. Where applicable, if sandy soils are present, Table 9 should be used for guidance.

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Table 9: Typical Grass Mix for Sand Based Soils

Species (Latin Species % in name) (Common name) Mix Agrostis capillaris Common Bent 12.5 Agrostis vinealis Brown Bent 5 Anthoxanthum Sweet Vernal-grass 5 odoratum (w) Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dogstail 30 Deschampsia Wavy Hair-grass (w) 5 flexuosa Festuca ovina Sheep's Fescue 20 Slender-creeping Red- Festuca rubra 15 fescue Koeleria Crested Hair Grass (w) 2.5 macrantah Phleum bertolonii Smaller Cat's-tail 5

293. Grassland has been successfully established on Dubbers Tip and it would be appropriate to extend this habitat into the area around Dorothy to the north.

294. Following soil mixing and application of the medium for plant growth soil testing should be carried out to establish the final structure, nutrient content and pH level. The results of the test will help to inform the selection of the final grass mix for hydroseeding. Suitable soil mixing arrangement for the establishment of grassland at Karslake are described in this draft SPD.

Deciduous Woodland

295. Cornwall’s Biodiversity Action Plan states:

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‘Upland oakwoods are characterised by a predominance of oak (most commonly sessile, but locally pedunculate) and birch in the canopy, with varying amounts of holly, rowan and hazel as the main understorey species. The range of plants found in the ground layer varies according to the underlying soil type and degree of grazing from bluebell-bramble-fern communities through grass and bracken dominated ones to healthy moss- dominated areas’.

‘Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland includes woodland growing on the full range of soil conditions and occurs largely within enclosed landscapes, usually on sites with well-defined boundaries, at relatively low altitudes, although altitude is not a defining feature’.

296. Dubbers and Dorothy cover areas of relatively low altitude, below 300m AOD, where lowland mixed deciduous woodland would be appropriate and also include areas at higher altitudes where an upland planting mix is applicable. Areas of new woodland planting are establishing on the edges of Dubbers Tip and are visible from Nanpean.

297. It should be noted that while Oak is desirable as a native species for biodiversity reasons, site inspections throughout the China Clay Area revealed that Oaks planted on high exposed west facing slopes have been prone to desiccation and stunted growth due to a combination of limited soils resources, steep gradients, prevailing westerly winds and a lack of shelter. Oaks are therefore best planted within mixed stands of Birch, Hazel, Alder and Willow and should avoid planting in high exposed locations.

298. Woodland areas shown on the above indicative plan for Dorothy Pit.

Trees Native to Cornwall.

Table 10: Native and Acid Tolerant Woodland Planting

Species Species (Latin name) Size (cm) Specification (Common name) Acer campestre Field Maple 45 – 60 1+1 Alnus glutinosa Common Alder 45 – 60 1+0 Betula pendula Silver Birch 45 – 60 1+1 Buxus sempervirens Box 40 – 60 1+1 Corylus avellana Hazel 45 – 60 1+1 Crataegus monogyna Common Hawthorn 45 – 60 1+1 Euonymus europaeus Spindle 30 – 45 e.g. 2 litres Ilex aquifolium Holly 45 – 60 1+1 Malus sylvestris Crab Apple 45 – 60 1+1 Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine 45 – 60 1+1

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Species Species (Latin name) Size (cm) Specification (Common name) Populus nigra var. Black Poplar 45 – 60 1+1 betulifolia Populus tremula Aspen 45 – 60 1+1 Prunus avium Wild cherry /gean 45 – 60 1+1 Prunus spinosa Blackthorn 45 – 60 1+1 Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 45 – 60 1+1 Salix caprea Goat Willow 30 – 45 e.g. 2 litres Salix cinerea subspoleifolia Grey Willow 30 – 45 e.g. 2 litres Sorbus aucuparia Rowan 45 – 60 1+1 Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose 30 – 45 e.g. 2 litres

Accessibility

299. There are existing permissive paths and PRoW which direct users through farmland on the edges of Nanpean. The existing haul road which runs from east to west provides a divide between the former Dubbers Tip and Dorothy Pit, this could be adopted as part of the permissive path network, increasing accessibility to the restored Karslake area in future years. There is also potential to extend the public access network into the area around Dorothy Pit. In order to do this, areas to be grazed by livestock may require post and wire fencing.

300. Where feasible gradients and access points should be accessible to wheelchair users or at least offer a route with suitable gradients.

Design Considerations

301. The enhanced network of routes through this area should be inspected to ensure that paths available for a year-round use. This is achievable by firstly

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ensuring that the paths are well drained, involving the creation of cross-falls and cambered profiles to drain into ditches and culverts.

302. The choice of surface material may vary, depending on user requirements for example, cycling and / or equestrian use and environmental factors such as the pH of materials. Footpaths and cycleways should be checked for soft spots which should be filled with large aggregate. Sub-base materials should comprise a bed of 150mm diameter stone, with an intermediate layer the same material of 75mm to 100mm diameter, blinded off with 20mm to dust aggregate with a mechanical roller. The sides of the path can be allowed to blend into the landscape by revegetating, creating a rural character.

303. Where erosion is likely to occur, the use of timber edging boards and geotextile membranes should be considered. Surfacing materials such as sandstone with a neutral pH should be used where the surrounding habitats are sensitive to pH changes; alternatively, where this is not an issue, limestone derivatives such as DOT Type 1 aggregate can be used. The choice of surface materials for proposed footpath surfacing within the former Dubbers and Dorothy areas should be carefully considered.

Heritage, Character and Biodiversity

304. The restoration within the China Clay Area includes habitats that assist with biodiversity action plans (BAPS). The character of the landscape and cultural heritage is an important component of these objectives. The tip formations within the Karslake area vary from conical sky tips to the north of the site to rounded circular disused tips to the west and south. Where practical the industrial heritage should be retained and reflected in the landscape and restoration objectives. Similarly, and by contrast, the hedged patchwork of fields which were characteristic of the pre-mining landscape, are an intrinsic element which can be restored, enhanced and replicated, according with the historic field patterns within the landscape. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 97 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

305. This draft SPD draws on guidance on appropriate species for woodlands. The Rhododendron species is not listed as native to Cornwall and is not recommended as an appropriate species. However, Rhododendron has colonised the China Clay Area and is present within many tip sites including parts of Dubbers and Dorothy tips. The species has contributed to the greening of tip surfaces over time and concealing exposed surfaces through natural revegetation. The value of Rhododendron throughout the China Clay Area is evident in the many tip and pit surfaces now substantially colonised by the species.

10.2.3 Aftercare of the Restored Areas of Dubbers and Dorothy 306. A large area within Dubbers and Dorothy has been restored and no longer requires specific aftercare management, including the areas restored to heathland, woodland and acidic grassland. However, future restoration requires a five-year management programme, underpinned by an annual meeting to establish recent restoration and review progress, in accordance with the approved plan. Data gathered on the success of revegetation, taking account of soil profile, slope and aspect should be used to modify the site- specific annual management programme and feedback into design and implementation of restoration.

307. The aftercare management regime should consider maintenance requirements for a five-year period to ensure continued integration of restoration with the existing habitats and the approved design. The aims of the aftercare scheme should include the following:

• Management of new habitat to contribute to those already established. • Construction, maintenance and repair of infrastructure such as fencing, gates, paths etc., as necessary and in accordance with the approved plan. • Maintenance of woodland and hedgerows including pruning and cutting, over a period of five years. • Promote the conservation of the flora and fauna associated with target habitats such as seasonal wetlands and heathlands. • Ensure that land restored for agricultural use is managed to enable commercial use of the land once aftercare has ceased.

Typical Aftercare Management Procedures

308. Schedules for each year of aftercare will take account of the conditions specified in the annual report and may include the following, depending on site specific requirements:

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Table 11: Maintenance Regime Carried Out on Annual Basis: General

Operation Frequency Each general inspection should include fencing, gates, a scavenge and litter pick (including debris and any other deleterious matter) removing all arisings to 2 visits per year. contractor's tip, leaving the site in a neat and tidy appearance.

Scrub and Hedgerow Planting

309. The scrub and hedgerow planting would be inspected on an annual basis and dead and diseased stock replaced. During the establishment of the planting it would be necessary to maintain a weed-free area around the scrub, which can be achieved either by mechanical or chemical means. An appropriate herbicide, suitable for use next to water will be applied to an area of 1m diameter around the base of the trees, during the growing season (i.e. mid-April to end of September). Applications of herbicide will need to be assessed during the first three growing seasons. Alternatively, grass growth can be managed by strimming vegetation during the growing season. Long term maintenance will include selective thinning and trimming to produce stock-proof hedgerows. Operations will decrease in frequency as the years progress until a sustainable woodland community is established.

310. Herbicides will only be used in accordance with Guidelines for the use of herbicides on weeds in or near watercourses and lakes (MAFF, 1995). Herbicide will be applied by ring spraying around each tree with strimming to reduce competition but maintaining the vegetation cover to protect the soil from erosion.

Table 12: Typical Maintenance Regime Undertaken for Year 1: Scrub and Hedgerow Planting

Operation Frequency Translocated herbicide application to entire planted 2 visits - April, June and September, plus 1 area. provisional application. Refirming of all plant material where necessary. 1 visit – April. Slow release fertiliser application at rate dependent on 1 visit – April. soil test. Replace shelters and stakes. Where necessary. Pruning of dead and diseased wood. All arisings will 1 visit – November-March. be removed to contractor’s tip. Replacement planting of dead/dying/diseased plants 1 visit – November-December. (maintain species mix specified in Table 2.1)

Grass (species diverse acid agricultural pasture)

311. Target sowing / hydroseeding during late spring, May-June and September- October. Following germination, the sward will be inspected to record establishment and determine requirements for management.

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312. After the first year’s establishment the sward on Dubbers and Dorothy would be assessed for suitability to be grazed to encourage the development of species rich sward.

313. Observation records and potential management requirements have been identified in this draft SPD.

Table 13: Typical Maintenance Regime: Grass Seeded Areas

Operation Frequency General inspection of: Germination and the establishment of grasses until the mix has shown successful germination and 2 visits per year or as required for success establishment. Surface erosion and, where necessary the requirement for intermediate grips to control run-off. Adopt grazing once fencing has been erected to Grassland management enable animal husbandry. Selective herbicide application or removal by hand 2 visits per year to inspect and maintain before pulling of pernicious or notifiable weeds onset of seed dispersal Refer to The Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Site operatives will be trained to recognise the Pesticides on Farms and Holdings [PB3528] for pernicious weed species regulations on herbicide application. Making good and reseeding dead or damaged areas Annually

314. The details of grassland management may be subject to further revision, depending on the area of land within each phase of restoration and the ability to introduce livestock onto restored areas. The details will be addressed in the detailed aftercare management plans submitted for each phase of restoration.

10.2.4 Aftercare 315. Annual aftercare reports, including ecological monitoring reports, should be produced for each site and/or Operational Area, as appropriate, during the agreed aftercare period. Where applicable, the monitoring criteria should draw upon appropriate standards such as, but not limited to, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s (JNCC) Common Standards Monitoring Guidance16 (available for a range of habitat types including woodland, grassland, heathland and wetland), or the criteria set out in the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements in place within the China Clay Area.

316. Natural England have expressed an interest in promoting 5 to 10-year maintenance requirements for native woodland and this should be considered for the preparation of restoration and aftercare management plans.

16 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Common Standards Monitoring Guidance. Available at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2199. Accessed 14th August 2018. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 100 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

317. Whilst the need for control of non-native /invasive plant species during the agreed aftercare period is acknowledged, it is recommended that consideration is given to Rhododendron. This non-native species has established throughout the China Clay Area through the colonisation of steep and inaccessible slopes, where it is difficult to control and manage; and, by inference, where formal restoration planting would be difficult or impossible to achieve. Where this has occurred, the presence of Rhododendron should be included into the landscape / ecology assessment for each restoration scheme, so that the benefits, or otherwise can be assessed.

318. Control of wild grazing animals (including deer and rabbits) should be a consideration of the aftercare management plan, particularly where previous experience indicates that grazing will negatively impact the establishment and growth of vegetation. This can include fencing, height of tree guards and selective population control.

10.2.5 Tipping 319. There are no further recommendations where the tipping of wastes is covered by modern planning conditions. However, where this is not the case, a restoration and aftercare scheme should be agreed in advance of tipping, this includes tipping into / backfill of pits. The scheme should agree final levels and landform which ensure that the restoration ties in with other areas of restoration and the surrounding landscape, and take account of the recommendations set out in this draft SPD.

10.2.6 Landscape and Visual 320. In some cases, the production of an indicative progressive landscape scale scheme, which incorporates several visually related Operational Areas, or multiple tips and pits within a larger Operational Area, should be considered. This indicative landscape scale plan would provide a blueprint to the overall restoration and for the detailed site-specific restoration schemes, ensuring a cohesive landscape which connects existing and proposed habitats across the wider area; and would provide for an interconnected public access network. It would also enable consideration of a more diverse range of land uses within the restoration design.

321. It would be beneficial if a gentle transition between different landscapes could be achieved rather than the abrupt change which is evident in some areas. It is acknowledged that this is achieved in the more gently sloping ‘modern’ tips such as Scarcewater and Gaverigan where field boundaries can form part of the restored tip. Similar objectives should be achievable as a consequence of reworking tips for secondary aggregate.

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322. There is a desire to retain a visual history of the China Clay industry by the selective retention of a range of tip profiles, characterising different periods and working methods, including consideration of post war tip profiles. As part of the initial desk top study undertaken to inform individual restoration schemes the historic/cultural attributes relating to the site, including the presence of culturally important tip profiles, should be considered. It is noted that there is a general acceptance that, where practicable, all historic conical sky tips within the China Clay Area should be retained. Similarly, the assessment should consider whether, where such tip profiles are present but are masked by overlying vegetation, it would be appropriate (where tip stability would not be compromised) to remove this vegetation to reveal the true tip profile.

323. This draft SPD has considered views from settlements as set out in Appendix 2 Landscape Analysis. Future assessment of appropriate tip profiles should be carried out in a landscape character, visual and historic context to ascertain potential effects of retained tip profiles on the wider landscape of Cornwall, which surrounds the China Clay Area.

10.2.7 Secondary Aggregates 324. As the secondary aggregate industry will have a significant impact on future restoration within the China Clay Area by influencing both the volume of run-of-mine wastes requiring tipping (available restoration material) and the alteration of landforms through the reworking of existing tips; it is recommended that a review of the volume and use of potential waste materials for secondary aggregate be undertaken. This should prioritise the areas of secondary aggregate reserves, identify the tips most likely to be reworked and the approximate timescales. This would allow interim restoration measures to be devised for the tips which will be subject to reworking to allow for visual improvements, prior to secondary mineral extraction; and also ensure that restoration measures would not preclude or hinder future secondary mineral extraction. For example, as well as providing a commercial income, short rotation forestry (SRF) provides restoration woodland habitat. SRF requires approximately 15 to 20-years to reach maturity (economic viability) and therefore can only be considered in areas where the potential for secondary aggregate extraction would be 20 years or more in the future. Similarly, the exclusion of tips from secondary aggregate requirements would give confidence that the existing restoration schemes can be considered as permanent or final landform. Projections of future run- of-mine secondary aggregate working would allow greater confidence regarding future tipping requirements and the design of, and the timescales required to achieve, final agreed landforms.

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325. A scheme of working, including detailed restoration and aftercare requirements should be agreed in advance of secondary aggregate operations.

10.2.8 Historic Environment 326. The value of Anciently Enclosed Land (AEL; medieval or earlier origins) within the China Clay Area, which is often especially well-preserved due to the relative lack of agricultural intensification, should be recognised in the planning and restoration process. Land reinstated to agriculture should be carefully integrated into, or at least sensibly neighboured into, historic patterns.

327. Scheduled Monuments and Areas of Archeologically Important Landscape should be considered in the restoration design and planning process. For example, the restoration recommendations set out in Section 11.3.5 proposed that, at Hendra (OA9), restoration proposals should consider the capacity to assimilate landscape proposals with the neighbouring St. Dennis, Consols and Gothers Archaeologically Important Landscape; whilst in Greensplat (OA17), proposals should assimilate with the rural Gover Valley, Archaeologically Important Landscape; and in Gunheath (OA19) proposals should consider the surrounding Archaeologically Important Landscapes of the Gover and Trethowel Valleys and Hensbarrow Downs.

328. It is advised that in addition to landscape character and visual receptor considerations, future restoration schemes should consider four main aspects of the historic environment that will be affected (usually positively) by the landscaping works being carefully designed, including:

• the significance of certain areas and aspects of the pre-china-clay landscape (prehistoric to modern); • the significance of the heritage of the China Clay industry itself; • the way the landscape of the China Clay Area is perceived by people in relation to the area’s identity and sense of place; and • the importance of local cultural distinctiveness to people’s appreciation and enjoyment of places within the China Clay Area.

329. An assessment of ancillary mining infrastructure should be considered. This would assess the landscape, visual and historic merits, to ensure that these can be potentially reflected in future restoration plans.

330. In order to generally improve the appearance of the China Clay Area to both residents and visitors, the screening of site entrances could be considered and addressed through the ROMP. The analysis carried out in Appendix 2 confirms that there are locations where views to sheds and hard- St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 103 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

standings could be screened from public view, resulting in an overall cumulative, beneficial and strategic improvement. However, screen planting should be designed and managed to retain views to iconic landforms and artefacts of historic interest, where applicable.

10.2.9 Public Access 331. The inaccessibility of some of the mapped PRoW within the China Clay Area (due to closures owing to the proximity of mineral workings and associated safety considerations; and lack of maintenance of some routes unaffected by minerals working) has been considered in the study. The development of restoration schemes should include further assessment of the PRoWs and identify future potential to either reinstate access or close PRoWs, should alternatives be more appropriate. Public access is considered in the restoration recommendations in Section 11.3; and demonstrated in the case studies. To inform restoration schemes, liaison between IML, the Council and local residents or interest groups (if applicable) should be continued. Where possible new links via permissive routes should be explored with land owners and the Council to maximise the coverage and accessibility of the network across the China Clay Area.

332. While it is recognised that in some Operational Areas PRoW cannot be reinstated until after the 15-year period of the ROMP, if feasible a phased approach to the restoration of footpath routes should be considered as this could potentially, in certain locations, establish links prior to the 15-year ROMP timescale.

10.2.10 The use of Soil Forming Material (SFM) in Restoration 333. The use of SFM to increase growth rates following seeding; and the delivery of a range of soil profiles and types (mixes) may result in a greater range of restoration habitats, which should be considered when designing site specific restoration plans. If SFM is to be used, appropriate soil mixes and profiles should be described within the restoration plan, based upon experience at Dubbers and Carrancarrow.

334. It is recommended that further investigations are undertaken to examine the causes of the vegetation dieback that has been experienced on areas restored with SFM at Dubbers, including consideration of the causes of impeded drainage and whether these are related.

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10.3 Recommendations for Restoration and Aftercare Management for Selected Operational Areas 335. This section sets out the approach taken to prioritise recommendations for landscape restoration design and aftercare management for selected Operational Areas.

336. Based on the findings of the analysis of past and current restoration, together with the projected requirements for tipping, selected Operational Areas have been assessed, primarily from a visual perspective, to develop site specific recommendations. It is noted that previous work on china clay restoration has concentrated on the restoration of the outer facing and upper surface of tips. However, future restoration objectives should also address the inner tip slopes, pit surrounds, and the interface between pits and tips and infilled pits. Not only will this provide a greater variety of potential habitats, it will also provide opportunities to deliver a more diverse range of land uses within the overall restoration design, including productive agricultural land.

337. Analysis has been supported by a visual record (including some ‘enlarged’ or ‘zoomed in’ images) to identify aspects of tips and associated operational areas, to illustrate existing conditions and assist in identifying the approach to restoration and aftercare management.

338. Each of the Operational Areas have been assessed to consider where further restoration can be undertaken without further tipping (and/or extraction of material for secondary aggregates); followed by a consideration of future restoration, which would be dependent on known requirements for tipping. For tips where active extraction of material for secondary aggregates is occurring, the effects on restoration have also been considered.

339. The recommendations for restoration of tips, infilled pits (which have been used for tipping) and associated operational land have been based on the current and future operational requirements for tipping of sand, stent and mica, taking account of the transfer of these run of mine wastes between pits and tips within operational areas.

340. It should be noted that the review of the 2000 Tipping and Restoration Strategy referred to six China Clay Districts whereas, in this report, recommendations have been considered in the context of the remaining Operational Areas (as defined in the Review of Old Mineral Permissions

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(ROMP)) within which clay extraction and / or secondary aggregate working is taking place, or the need for further restoration has been identified.

341. The proposed restoration of existing operational sites is prioritised in accordance with the owner’s operational works programme as follows:

Restored Areas that have previously been restored and have been subject to 5 years of aftercare management, whether through an approved scheme with modern restoration and aftercare conditions, or as a consequence of schemes developed by IML. These also included those tips that have a subsequent planning consent for change of use.

On-going Tipping and restoration currently taking place, including schemes that have approved restoration and aftercare conditions and those tipping sites where restoration schemes have yet to be approved. Short-term Restoration and aftercare management is likely to commence within the next 5 years (to 2022).

Medium-term Tipping is likely to continue for at least 5 years with restoration and aftercare management taking place after 2022 and in the period up to 2028.

Long-term Due to operational requirements, restoration and aftercare management is unlikely to take place before 2028.

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10.3.1 Fal Operational Area

Operational Area Fal (OA1)

Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe Recommendations An indicative progressive landscape framework should be produced for the Fal Operational Area (OA1). Although the final Short-term restoration of the OA will only occur on cessation of mineral extraction, the preparation of an indicative plan, in advance, would provide a blueprint to the overall restoration, ensuring a cohesive landscape which connects existing and proposed habitats; and provides a well-connected public access network. It would also enable consideration of a more diverse range of land uses within the restoration design.

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Where possible, the indicative plan should identify the progressive nature of the restoration, taking account of known operations within the OA, currently agreed restoration schemes (for example Scarcewater and Gaverigan), and the restoration habitats and landforms which have been delivered to date.

Individual sites are discussed in more detail below.

Fraddon

1. View to south east of Fraddon Tip from A30 footbridge. 2.

Recommendations Fraddon Tip has been restored and managed for the five year aftercare period. A mosaic of habitats is evident and therefore no Restored further restoration is required on this tip. The tip is enrolled in an higher level Environmental Stewardship Scheme through which its ongoing management will be maintained.

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Pines

2. View looking southwest from Manor Farm, with New Halwyn sky (conical) tip to the left of the photograph

Description Pines has been restored and is visible with New Halwyn sky tip when viewed from the northeast as shown in photograph 2. Restored Vegetation has been managed during the five-year aftercare period, including the control of invasive species such as Rhododendron. Woodland planting has not established successfully on south west facing slopes; other habitats including heathland and acid grassland have been established and maintained by summer grazing through an agreement with local farmers. Recommendations This tip has been restored, resulting in a mosaic of habitats and therefore no further restoration is required on this tip. No further restoration required

Melbur Tip and Pit 1. View from field entrance off Scarewater Road looking south across Melbur Works to the north face of Melbur Tip

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2.

Description A scheme of working for Melbur Tip has been submitted pursuant to Condition 5 of the initial ROMP (1999), but remains On-going undetermined. Melbur Tip is a good example of a benched sand tip, with woodland established at the base and lower slopes of the tip and acid grassland on the slope above the second bench. Tipping continues, on the upper lift, with part of the slope now substantially revegetated through natural re-colonisation. The restoration habitats are now largely unmanaged and inaccessible due to the steepness of the slopes between benches. This sand tip has potential to be reworked for secondary aggregates in future.

Clay extraction at Melbur Pit is ongoing, with clay and stent waste from these pits currently disposed of at to Scarcewater. Once tipping at Scarcewater is complete (approximately 2022), run of mine wastes will be disposed of ‘at site’, with waste placement to the northwest corner of the pit (near the block plant), progressing north to south. Recommendations Prior to tipping within Melbur Pit reaching final levels, a detailed restoration and aftercare plan should be agreed. This should Medium-term addresses the tie-in of the pit/ tip interface and build upon the submitted (waiting approval) scheme of working, restoration and aftercare. The plan should take into account the surrounding landforms (Pines and Scarcewater Tips), especially the interface

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between Melbur and the final restored landform of Scarcewater. The restoration should include a grassland and woodland mix with enhanced public access. The scheme should include aftercare measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML.

These measures will ensure a coherent and cohesive landscape which connects existing and proposed habitats.

For Melbur Tip a planting scheme of Short Rotational Forestry (SRF) coppice is considered for further temporary restoration of Short-term the southern pit to tip interface and top of the tip. This would have an approximate planting to felling lifespan of 15 to 20 years which would allow the ‘greening’ of the tip and ‘soften’ the lower slopes whilst not compromising the potential of MelburTip to be worked for secondary aggregate in the long-term, should this be required.

Restoration design should take account of the existing vegetation, the interface between Melbur and the final restored landform of Scarcewater. The proposed planting scheme should consider plant into exiting substrate, to reduce mixing of sand with other material; and also the benefits of increased potential growth rates through the use of soil manufactured with Soil Forming Materials (SFM), taking account of exposure and substrate. A five-year management plan for aftercare should be provided.

Should secondary aggregate (sand) extraction be proposed in the future, prior to commencement of works, a detailed scheme Medium-term for restoration and aftercare should be submitted. This should include the scheme of work, and phasing of restoration, taking account of the surrounding landforms (Pines and Scarcewater tips), together with the interface between the pit and the tip; and any approved schemes which may be in place.

Virginia Pit and Tip 4. View South from Manor Farm to northern face of Virginia Tip. 5.

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Description Clay extraction at Virginia Pit is ongoing, with clay and stent waste from these pits currently disposed of at to Scarcewater. Once On-going tipping at Scarcewater is complete (approximately 2022), run of mine wastes will be disposed of ‘at site’, with waste placement to the northwest corner of the pit (near the block plant), progressing north to south. As shown in photograph 4, Virginia Tip is a good example of a benched tip. The majority of the tip is vegetated to a combination of woodland, grassland and scrub, through hydroseeding and natural regeneration. There is ocasional tipping to Virginia Tip which occurs when tipping is required outside of the approved operational hours for Scarcewater Tip and at times when Scarcewater Tip is fog bound; and therefore the northren face and top of the tip are currenty unvegetated (photograph 4). There is currently no restoration design for the tip.

Recommendations A scheme of restotation should be approved, which addresses the restoration design for Virginia Tip, the final levels for infill of Medium term Virginia Pit and the tie-in of the pit/tip interface. The scheme should include a grassland and woodland mix with enhanced public access; and retention of the benched profile of the tip as an example of the visual history of the China Clay Area should be considered, if appropriate. An indicative example of a restoration scheme is contained in Appendix 5. The restoration should consider the surrounding habitats and landforms within Fal (OA1). The scheme should include aftercare measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML.

Scarcewater Tip 5.View northeast across Scarewater Tip showing previously restored area with scrub and heathland (restored with natural soils); area of current tipping (to be restored using SFM); and former haul road and non-tipped area in the foreground.

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Description Scarewater Tip recieves stained or poor quality clay and poor quality stent from Melbur and Virginia pits (sufficient capacity until On-going approximately 2022, at current tipping rates). The restoration works have been implemented through modern planning conditions, following planning approval (Planning reference C2/03/00808) to create to a mosaic of restoration to woodland (planting), heathland, grassland and agricultural land (pasture). Tipping and restoration will contuinue in a north west direction towards Melbur, including completion of the upper bench and south-west corner. The lower benches, as shown in photograph 5, are to be restored to agricultural use (grassland), with Cornish-style hedgerows.

Previous restoration has used natural soils, however current and future phases of restoration will require the use of SFM. The ratio of SFM to sand (soil blend); and depth of the soil profile continue to be tailored to the desired habitat and afteruse.

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Recommendations The lack of structure of SFM can be a significant limitation for ongoing aftercare management post-restoration. This limitation Short-term will need to be considered further when developing the lower flatter slopes at Scarcewater.

Gaverigan Tip/ Wheal Remfry Pit

6. View north west from road near to Manor Farm looking into Wheal Remfry Pit (to left of the photograph) with Gaverigan Tip to the right of the photograph.

Description Gaverigan receives stained or poor quality clay and stent from Wheal Remfry Pit. Operations are ongoing with more than 10 On-going years tipping capacity remaining at current tipping rates; and tipping operations at Gaverigan consented until 2042. Tipping is moving from northeast to southwest. The restoration works have been implemented through modern planning conditions, following planning approval (Planning reference C2/97/00253) to create to a mosaic of restoration habitats including woodland (planting), heathland, grassland and agricultural land (pasture).

As for Scarcewater, the shortfall in natural soils is to be made up with the use of SFM.

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Denis May and Sons process stent and sand as secondary aggregates at their Wheal Remfry Works at Gaverigan. The site is accessed from the roundabout on the B3279 near the A30. Small conical stockpiles of aggregate are visible on the surface of Gaverigan Tip from views along B3279 and a PRoW to the north of the site and from the minor road which forms the northern and eastern boundary to the site. The operations are consented under planning reference PA15/09670 and Condition 18 requires that the land should be restored, so far as is practicable, to its condition before the development took place or restored to such condition as may have been agreed in writing between the LPA and the developer. Recommendations There are sequential views of the higher edges and areas of Wheal Remfry Pit along with the southeast face of Gaverigan Tip Short-term from roads and scattered properties to southeast. Where possible supplementary screening along the southern edge of the site should be considered to filter potential views of the working areas.

Restoration should continue in line with the approved restoration scheme. Short-term The ratio of SFM to sand (soil blend); and depth of the soil profile should be tailored to the desired habitat and afteruse.

The lack of structure of SFM can be a significant limitation for ongoing aftercare management post-restoration. This limitation will need to be considered further.

Measures should be implemented to remove or reduce the visual impact of the secondary aggregate stockpiles on Gaverigan Short-term Tip. To address the visual interaction of Wheal Remfry Pit and Gaverigan Tip (as represented in photograph 6) a restoration scheme Long-term for Wheal Remfry is required, which references the Fal progressive landscape framework.

The scheme should identify the progressive nature of the restoration, taking account of operations within Wheal Remfry and the agreed restoration scheme for Gaverigan. Importantly, the scheme should address the pit to tip slope interface. The scheme should include measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML.

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10.3.2 Kernick Operational Area

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Operational Area Kernick (OA2)

Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

7. View west across Kernick Solar Farm, with Fal (OA1) in the background (benched Virginia Tip to right of photograph and eastern face of Melbur Tip to the left).

Description Restoration of the former mica dam has been completed and the land developed as a solar farm. The land surrounding the PV Restored arrays is revegetated as pasture and let for summer grazing.

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Recommendations This tip has been restored, therefore no further restoration is required. The medium to long-term management of the area is None associated to the Solar Farm and planning agreement for that development.

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10.3.3 Karslake Operational Area

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Operational Area Karslake (OA12)

Site Recommendations Status / Timeframe

Carrancarrow Tip

8. View looking north towards Carrancarrow Tip from Greensplat Road, showing revegetated southern face merging into natural heathland. (Longstone Tip is in background to the left of the photograph, Penrice Tip is in background to right of photograph).

Description South and southeast facing tip slopes of Carrancarrow are now largely revegetated (as shown in photograph), with restored On-going habitats merging into natural heathland at the base of the tip. Woodland planting on the lower east and south facing slopes of Carrancarrow was undertaken as part of the China Clay Woodland Project, this planting is developing well. The side slopes of Carrancarrow have been restored to heathland developed by oversowing heather seed into grassland and the management of scrub. Discrete mosaics of heathland have established and there is evidence that heather has out-competed the grassland species. On the upper surface of Carrancarrow, restoration treatment for heathland has included incorporation of soil into the sand surface before hydroseeding with a heathland mix, with subsequent control of invasive species.

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There will be no further tipping at Carrancarrow, and the tip is in the final phase of restoration. The remaining unrestored areas of the upper surface of the tip are currently being restored using SFM over a fine sand horizon; this precludes the establishment of heathland habitat in these areas, as the SFM is too nutrient rich. Grassland has been/ will be established through hydroseeding with a traditional reclamation seed mix and the sward is dominated by annual ryegrass, which has outcompeted most other species. There are also significant areas of waterlogging within the SFM material-based grassland habitats. Woodland planting is also to be developed. It is noted that no scheme of working and restoration) has been submitted.

Recommendations To finalise the restoration, the introduction of sustainable land management by grazing of the flatter upper surface of the tip Short- to medium-term should be considered. This would require the enclosures (fencing) and the retention of a former haul road as a means of access for agricultural management.

The naturally regenerated coniferous woodland to the east of the Karslake operational area, along Greensplat Road, whilst Short- to Medium-term extremely effective at screening the views of minerals workings, is currently dense and oppressive, needing to be flailed so as not to encroach on the highway. Consideration should be given to thinning these trees to allow space for native deciduous and conifer species. The existing trees would provide shelter for the saplings, potentially increasing establishment success.

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Higher Gilley Valley Tip

9. View south to benched Higher Gilley Valley Tip (stent tip). The western edge of Littlejohns Tip is visible to the far left of the photograph and the eastern edge of Dorothy Tip is visible to the right of the photograph. The haul road (and drainage route) is visible between Higher Gilley Valley and Dorothy Tips.

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Description Higher Gilley Valley (Stent) Tip is an example of a benched profiled tip design. The stent tip is located to the south and east of Restored Dorothy Tip (sand) and separated from Dorothy Tip by an active haul road and strategic drainage route (see photograph). Dorothy Tip acts as a screen blocking views of Higher Gilley Valley Tip from the west and north. In general, the stent tip is visible from short range vantage points, including the approach on the permissive path from Gilleys Solar Farm, which runs south to Dorothy Tip. The presence of the strategic drainage route between Higher Gilley Valley and Dorothy Tips constrains both the current landform and the potential for future reprofiling between adjacent tips.

No scheme of working and restoration has been submitted. Some woodland planting was undertaken as part of the China Clay Woodland Project, but tree growth is stunted due to the exposed aspect of the site and the nature of the substrate. The understorey vegetation is also limited, therefore competition and scrub invasion is not a specific issue. Other parts of the tip are in the early stages of natural regeneration and there is potential for a future planting scheme, although this would require the use of SFM to ensure establishment.

Recommendations Further woodland planting (to replant or infill) should be carried out where feasible, this would require the use of SFM as Short-to Medium-term establishment is likely to be poor if planting is implemented directly into the existing substrate.

For cultural heritage reasons, retention of the stepped/ benched landform of Higher Gilley Valley Tip should be considered.

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Littlejohns Tip 10. View looking south from the public footpath between Trezaise and Pentivale (just west of Trezaise Road). The vegetated benched profile of the southern tip face is visible, as are small stockpiles of sand on the upper surface of the tip. The benched profile of Higher Gilley Valley Tip is visible in the background to the right of the photograph.

Description Littlejohns Tip is an example of a benched sand tip. No scheme of working and restoration has been submitted. However, the out On-going facing slopes of the tip have been revegetated. There is woodland on the lower slopes and the east facing slopes were planted as part of the China Clay Woodland Project, with an acid grassland understorey. Acid grassland habitat is extensive on the upper slopes and provides a transition between the woodland planting on lower slopes and the heathland on the top of the tip. The tip is fully revegetated. The TRS 2000 suggested that additional tipping could be undertaken to the north of Littlejohns Tip, however this additional tipping capacity has not been required. There will be no further tipping of sand at Littlejohns, however the tip is currently being reworked by Brookland Aggregates to produce sand (secondary aggregate) for blockmaking (with fine sand used as a constituent of SFM, or as backfill material for Dorothy Pit). The stockpiles of secondary aggregate sand are visible on the upper surface of the tip, when viewed from the north.

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Recommendations A restoration scheme should be agreed for the sand extraction. This should include a phased landscape scheme to reduce potential Short-term for visual impacts (including opening up views of other tips, as the height of the tip is reduced). Establishing agricultural land with new hedgerows linking to existing on the lower slopes near to the edges of the existing tip would be appropriate from an ecological and landscape character perspective, making a gentler and more natural transition between the natural and man-made landscape. However, this would be dependent upon the final topography of the landform, as currently the lower slopes are too steep to achieve this. Restoration design should take account of the existing vegetation, the interface between tip and the pit and provide a 5-year management plan for aftercare.

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Dubbers 11. View northeast to Dubbers Tip from Foxhole, with current area of restoration to the right. The less well vegetated Old Pound Tip is visible in the background to the far right of the photograph.

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12. View looking south from Currian Vale across Dubbers Tip (foreground) and Longstone Tip (background).

Description Outer slopes of Dubbers, including the mica dam are largely restored, with more recent restoration using SFM. On-going

The landform of the lower slope of Dubbers Tip is tiered and has revegetated with a mix of gorse scrub, willow scrub, rough grassland and tree planting, which will visually soften the slopes. Woodland planting to the northwest slope of Dubbers was undertaken as part of the China Clay Woodland project. Woodland planting is ongoing and generally successful, due to both the planting technique, notch planting into SFM, and the increased number of species in the plant mix. Ongoing management includes

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maintaining vegetation growth around to base of trees and annual inspection and ‘beating up’ for replacement plants, as necessary.

Heathland is present to the side slopes, developed by oversowing heather seed into grassland and the management of scrub. Discrete mosaics of heathland have established and there is evidence that heather has out-competed the grassland species. Opportunities for restoration management are limited due to the steep slope gradient and there is no specific management being undertaken at present.

The use of SFM on Dubbers Tip has enabled a series of SFM mixes to be developed and trailed.

Mica disposal at Dubbers Mica Dam is complete and has resulted in a flat landform. The area is currently being capped with fine sand from the Karslake complex. It is expected that capping operations will until approximately mid- to late-2019. Following this, the capped area will be given two to three years to drain and dry out sufficiently for final restoration to be carried out through the placement of SFM.

The final scheme should include details of the proposed landscape scale restoration, in particular the interface between the dam surface and the surround tip and dam. Materials such as stent and mica will be taken to Dorothy Pit and the final restored level of Dorothy Pit will influence both the mix and extent of grass and woodland which should ultimately form linkages with other habitats. Access for management of this land and surrounding areas of grassland are required.

Recommendations No scheme of working and restoration has been submitted. The final restored level of Dorothy Pit and the interface / landform Medium term between the pit and the restored Dubbers Tip will influence the extent of habitats which can be created in this area of Karslake. It is therefore recommended that a restoration and aftercare scheme be developed; and that scheme should include details of the proposed landscape scale restoration. Appendix 5 contains an indicative sketch proposal restoration plan for Dubbers Tip, Dubbers Mica Dam and Dorothy Pit along with indicative restoration and aftercare proposals. The indicative restoration gives particular consideration to the interface between the dam surface and the surround tip and dam; and indicative habitats include grassland, heathland and woodland. The final landform of Dubbers Mica Dam will be flat, making it suitable for a wide range of after uses, including agricultural land. The incorporation of existing haul roads into the permissive path network should be considered within the proposals for restoration.

Following restoration, the land should enter a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML; however, the as the lack of structure of SFM can be a significant limitation for ongoing aftercare management post-restoration, this must be considered.

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Dorothy Tip

13. View of Dorothy Tip looking south from Gilleys Solar Farm (former mica dam).

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14. Wooded base and lower slopes of Dorothy Tip with scrub encroachment. The stepped profile of Littlejohns is visible in the background and an IML permissive path is to the left of the fenceline.

Description Dorothy Tip is an example of a benched sand tip; and although there is no agreed restoration scheme, the outer facing slopes are Restored restored. Restoration has followed the methodology which advocates woodland at the base and the lower slopes, grassland on the upper slopes and heathland of the upper surface of the tip.

The success of woodland planting on middle benches is variable to poor, and there is evidence of birch / scrub colonisation which is likely to continue, without specific management. The upper surface of Dorothy Tip has been restored to heathland and is enrolled in an Environmental Stewardship Scheme that requires annual management through summer grazing. This will ensure the condition of the heathland will stay as it is currently. There is a permissive path on the western perimeter of the tip that links to Gilleys (OA11) to the north that could be extended via an existing haul road once it is operationally safe to do so.

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Recommendations A long-term objective to allow permissive access to the heathland should be considered. Long term

The current control of invasive species on the heathland habitats by grazing should be extended to the tip slopes, with the Short-term management objective of favouring a shift to deciduous birch / willow woodland on the slopes in the longer term.

Dorothy Pit

Description Stent and mica from the Karslake Complex (Littlejohns, Great Longstone, Lower Longstone and Highermoor Pit (supplemented On-going with clays from Wheal Martyn (OA18) and Greensplat (OA17)) is backfill to Dorothy Pit. It is estimated that Dorothy Pit has sufficient capacity for more than a ten-year period at current production rates, with additional capacity for mica disposal at Rocks Pit (OA25)). A proportion of the fine sand from secondary aggregate working at Littlejohns Tip is also placed in Dorothy Pit. The final restoration level of Dorothy Pit will influence the proposed landscape types. The pits within Karslake will be filled in a north to south direction.

Recommendations Prior to the infill of Dorothy Pit reaching final levels, a scheme of restotation should be approved, which addresses the tie-in of Medium-term the pit/tip interface and should include a grassland and woodland mix with enhanced public access. The scheme should include measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML.

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10.3.4 Gilleys Operational Area

Operational Area Gilleys (OA11)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

15. Gilleys solar farm viewed from the permissive path to the south.

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Description Restoration of the former mica dam has been completed and the land developed as a solar farm. The land beneath the PV arrays Restored is revegetated as marshy grassland with rushes.

Recommendations This mica dam has been restored, therefore no further restoration is required. The medium to long-term management of the area None is attached to the Solar Farm and planning agreement for that development.

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10.3.5 Hendra Operational Area

Operational Area Hendra (OA9)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

16. Looking west over the flooded Hendra Pit void which is currently being utilised as a mica dam

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Description Up to the year 2020, the currently flooded Hendra Pit void will be filled with mica material taken from the three active pits within On-going OA1 Fal: Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia. Following this the tipped area will require an estimated two to three years to drain and dry out sufficiently for final restoration to be carried out. The restoration landform will be flat.

There is an approved restoration scheme for Hendra, which provides a range of habitats which tie in with the existing heathland habitat to the north and east to provide both visual and ecological continuity. The scheme also incorporates additional permissive public access, based upon existing haul routes. However, the restoration scheme may require amendment for example to include the use of SFM at the site. Recommendations The amended restoration scheme should ensure that the provided habitats continue to tie in with the existing surrounding land Short-term uses and fit considerately with the neighbouring St. Dennis, Consols and Gathers Archaeologically Important Landscape. The ratio of SFM to sand (soil blend); and depth of the soil profile should be tailored to the desired habitat and afteruse, drawing on the trials undertaken at Dubbers.

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10.3.6 Prosper Operational Area

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Operational Area Prosper (OA20)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

Prosper (also known as Great Wheal Prosper)

17. Glimpsed View of unvegetated north-west face of Prosper Tip within Great Wheal Prosper, with the stepped and vegetated benches of the north face of Goonbarrow Tip in the background. The view was taken from the Trendale Industrial Park in Higher Tresaize,

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Description A restoration and aftercare scheme for Wheal Prosper China Clay Works was submitted and approved (2011), with final restoration On-going to be implemented following cessation of working. The OA was non-operational (mothballed) in 2014, but was brought back into operational use in July 2018. Therefore, there will be recommencement of some tipping to Prosper Tip. There are four tips within Great Wheal Prosper, to the west and north of the pit. There has been progressive restoration of the outer slopes of these tips through hydroseeding to grass, in accordance with the ROMP scheme. The upper surfaces of the tips are largely unrestored. The lower bench of the northwest face of Prosper Tip is visible from the public highway to southwest as glimpsed views as shown in Photograph 17. The lower bench appears to have vegetated naturally, however the middle and upper benches are not vegetated.

There are several small conical sand tips on the, otherwise vegetated, northern benches of the tip which are visible from local roads. These tips are the result of exploratory works by a secondary aggregate company to determine the quality of aggregate within the tip. These exploratory works are complete, with plant and equipment removed from site. It is therefore likely that their removal would need to be tied to the commencement of commercial secondary aggregate extraction at the site; and it is not known whether this will be undertaken. Consequently, if the tips are removed it is likely to be in the medium- to long-term.

The virgin heathland at Tresayes Downs was improved through a programme of gorse control and management, which also included Prosper Tip to the west.

The site contains an internationally designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) site, designated due to the presence of Western Rustwort (Marsupella profunda). The SAC is 0.05 ha in size and is unaffected by the tips.

Recommendations In line with operations at the site and tipping requirements to Prosper Tip, the currently unvegetated outer face of the tip (as Short-term illustrated in Photograph 17) should be progressively restored to the habitats described within the approved restoration scheme.

Prior to commencement of secondary aggregate extraction (if undertaken), a detailed scheme for restoration and aftercare should Medium- to long-term be agreed with Cornwall Council (as the Local Mineral Planning Authority). This should include the scheme of work and phasing of restoration, taking account of the surrounding landforms and vegetation including the Archaeologicaly Important Landscape of Hensbarrow Downs to the south of the site; and the provisions of the approved restoration scheme for the site, together with the interface between the pit and the tip. This should include provision for the removal of the recent small conical tips from the exploratory works as soon as possible to improve views from the north. The restoration design should consider the use of soil manufactured with Soil Forming Materials (SFM), and provide a five-year management plan for aftercare. The potential impact to Marsupella profunda and the associated SAC site must be considered and, if the species is present within the working area, the restoration should allow for continued protection and management in accordance with the management scheme agreed with Natural England.

Upon cessation of working, the site as a whole should be restored in line with the approved restoration scheme and the operational Long-term programme. It is noted that, should secondary aggregate extraction be undertaken, amendment of the agreed restoration scheme may be required to reflect and tie in with the lower landform.

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If not addressed through secondary aggregate working, the three small conical tips from the exploratory works should be removed as soon as possible as part of final restoration.

Marsupella profunda should continue to be managed and protected in accordance with the management scheme agreed with Natural England.

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10.3.7 Goonbarrow Operational Area

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Operational Area Goonbarrow (OA21)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

18. View of Woon (Part of Goonbarrow Tip) looking south from entrance to Wheal Rose Buisness Park

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19. Looking northeast across Hensbarrow Downs from PRoW towards the vegetated tip to the south of OA20 Prosper (left), the benched profile of Goonbarrow Tip including the unvegetated southern face (centre)

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20. View northeast towards entrance to Goonbarrow China Clay Works off the B3274

Description Goonbarrow China Clay works have been dormant since before 2014. A restoration and aftercare scheme was approved as part On-going (currently dormant) of the 1999 ROMP and future phases of restoration will accord with this scheme. Part of the Operational Area has been included in the proposed Eco-Bos Eco-Community development, principally redundant sheds. The A391 proposed Stenalees by-pass will be constructed to the west of the operational area.

Goonbarrow Tip is a large stent and sand tip, with outer slopes facing north that have been restored to a woodland, on the lower benches and hydroseeded to grass on upper benches; in accordance with the ROMP scheme. The upper surface of the tip is flat and is currently a mixture of bare surface and natural revegetation. Woon Tip is a good example of successful restoration through woodland planting resembling wooded downland/ heathland which has softened and naturalised the tip (photograph 18).

The unvegetated southern face of the Goonbarrow Tip, as shown in the photograph 19, is visible from PRoWs on Hensbarrow Downs and as glimpsed views from Greensplat Road. This will be addressed through the agreed restoration plan for the site; however, it is recognised that this is likely to be visually prominent in the medium to long term. This was created as a result of a consented six-month trail to investigate the potential reworking of the tip for secondary aggregate.

The unvegetated tip face of two small conical tips to the west side of the site entrance off the B3274 and industrial sheds to the east are visible from the public highway (photograph 20).

Recommendations The unvegetated faces of the small conical tips to the west side of the site entrance should be restored in the medium-term in line Medium-term with the approved restoration and aftercare scheme.

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Similarly, the screening of areas of hardstanding and sheds at the site entrance by new tree planting along the edges of the site, adjacent to the B3274 in line with the restoration scheme should be undertaken; ensuring sight lines and visibility splays for safe vehicular access are not adversely affected.

Medium- to long-term Prior to commencement of secondary aggregate extraction, a detailed scheme for restoration and aftercare should be agreed with Cornwall Council (as the Local Mineral Planning Authority). This should include the scheme of work and phasing of restoration, taking account of the surrounding landforms and vegetation, together with the interface between the pit and the tip. This should include provision for the removal of the more recent small conical tips from the exploratory works as soon as possible to improve views from the north. The restoration design should consider the use of soil manufactured with Soil Forming Materials (SFM), and provide a five-year management plan for aftercare.

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10.3.8 Greensplatt Operational Area

Operational Area Greensplat (OA17)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

Greensplat Tip

21. View east to Greensplat from Old Pound Road, showing secondary aggregate stockpiles at Goonvean Greensplat Aggregates site (left), Greensplat works and other industrial buildings (centre) and Greensplat Tip (right).

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22. Glimpsed view of secondary aggreate working and associated stockplies at Goonvean Greensplat Aggreatates site looking southwest from the B3274 north of Carthew

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Description Clays are extracted from Greensplat Pit on a campaign basis with some deposition of wastes to Greensplat Tip, to deliver the On-going approved landform design. Greensplat Tip is also being reworked for secondary aggregate.

The outer slopes of the Greensplat Tip have been hydroseeded and vegetation cover is mature. When viewed from the southwest the tip forms a green aspect within the landscape, providing a physical divide between the industrial works and tipping areas to the north and the rural Gover Valley (an Archaeologically Important Landscape) to the south. However, in views from Carthew and Old Pound (photographs 21 and 22) the secondary aggregate operations on Greensplat Tip, associated stockpiles and processing areas are visible.

Restoration and landscape improvement schemes have been submitted and approved for the China Clay operations and therefore restoration of these operations will be carried out, in accordance with the agreed scheme and will include the establishment of acid grassland to assimilate with the heathland to the south. It is acknowledged that some landscape improvement works/ planting have been carried out at the site entrance, however the extent of these works were limited by the need to maintain required turning and visibility splays.

There is no agreed restoration scheme for the secondary aggregate working within Greensplat.

Recommendations A detailed scheme of working for the secondary aggregate operations, including details of restoration phasing and aftercare, Short-term should be agreed with Cornwall Council (as the Local Mineral Planning Authority). This should take account of the provisions of the currently approved restoration and landscape improvement schemes for the China Clay extraction operations, such as the provision of acid grassland habitat and links to existing heathland, to ensure a co-ordinated and cohesive restoration outcome. The restoration scheme should also ensure the effective restoration of the tip to pit interface.

The site could benefit from screen planting along the western edge, this could incorporate additional screening and mounding Short-term where feasible.

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10.3.9 Wheal Martyn Operational Area

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Operational Area Wheal Martyn (OA18)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

Wheal Martyn Tip

23. View looking north from Greenspalt Road showing the tip/pit interface at Wheal Martyn in the foreground. The fully vegetated southern face of Carrancarrow Tip is evident in the middle ground to the left of the phtotograph, with the stepped profile and flat top of Penrice Tip behind. Wheal Martyn Tip is evident to the north (right of photograph).

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Description Restoration and landscape improvement schemes have been submitted and approved for Wheal Martyn. Tip: Restored Wheal Martyn Pit is worked on a campaign basis with materials transferred to Littlejohns by pipeline for processing. Consequently, Pit: On-going there is no active tipping into Wheal Martyn Tip, which has been restored as described below. The pit is steep sided and is visible from surrounding roads as shown in Photograph 23. Wheal Martyn Tip, to the north of the pit, comprises two incline tips, both restored with woodland to lower slopes and grassland on upper slopes. Woodland planting on an area of level ground between the tip and pit has largely failed due to overgrown shrub cover and consequently woodland management including ‘beating up’ for plant replacements was completed in March 2018.

Recommendations In the short-term, localised mounding and tree planting / screening along the southern edge of the site would reduce visibility Short-term from Greensplat Road. This should be part of an integrated scheme to deliver against a programme of restoration works.

Wheal Martyn Pit is currently operational and there is limited opportunity for restoration, however, it would be beneficial to Long-term reshape the tip to pit interface prior to the cessation of works, if feasible.

A combined landscape and restoration plan is required to address the visual interaction of Wheal Martyn Tip and Pit, Carrancarrow Short-term and Gunheath (as represented in photograph 23). Although the final restoration of this area is only achievable in the long-term, preparation of an indicative plan which would provide a blueprint to the overall restoration should be undertaken in the short- term, as this would ensure a cohesive landscape framework, which connects existing and proposed habitats; and provides public access. Indicative examples of how such schemes could be developed are contained in Appendix 5.

The indicative plan would identify the progressive nature of the restoration, taking account of operations within Wheal Martyn and Gunheath along with the restoration and habitat formation at Carrancarrow which is currently nearing completion.

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10.3.10 Gunheath Operational Area

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Operational Area Gunheath (OA19)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

24. View from minor road separating OA18 (Wheal Martyn) and OA19 (Gunheath) looking northeast into Gunheath China Clay Works. An historic conical tip which is restored through natural revegetation to a largely wooded condition is to the left of the photograph, with the more recent restored phases of tipping at Gunheath Tip behind. The working faces of Gunheath Pit are to the right of the photograph (see also photograph 25).

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25. View of southern access to Gunheath China Clay works looking north from minor road separating OA18 (Wheal Martyn) and OA19 (Gunheath). The vegetated and stepped profile of the restored areas of Gunheath Tip are to the left of the photograph. The walls of Gunheath Pit are evident to the right of the photograph with the irregular landform / tipped mounds associated with on-going secondary mineral processing above. A wind turbine has been constructed to the east of the pit.

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26. View from the B3274 looking north to the northern access to Gunheath China Clay works. This is an example of the approach to restoration once works are completed, with recent tree planting evident.

Description A restoration and aftercare scheme for Gunheath China Clay was submitted in 2009, but has yet to be determined. However, Tips: Restored Gunheath Tip and the northern site access are restored, and the site is currently not operational for china clay extraction. As Pit: On-going shown in photographs 24 and 25 sequential views of the higher edges and areas of Gunheath Pit are available from the minor road Secondary aggregate: On- separating OA18 (Wheal Martyn) and OA19 (Gunheath). going

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Access to the higher faces of Gunheath Pit is limited. There is currently no access to the north of the pit (pit/tip interface area) and future access is dependent upon infilling of the void / pit lake. Although the pit lake has potential as a future area of tipping, it has not been identified within the Phase 2: Tipping Strategy as being required within the 15-years of the ROMP. This places a potential limitation on the level of restoration works which can be undertaken and /or timescales for delivery.

The Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage Project established heathland on Gunheath Tip, and conducted heathland remediation on the surrounding virgin heath at Hensbarrow where a programme of improved management was implemented. The virgin heathland at Hensbarrow is included in the Environmental Stewardship scheme submitted by IML. As shown in photograph 24, a conical sky tip to the west is restored through natural revegetation to a largely wooded condition, although its south facing slope remains poorly vegetated.

Brooklands Sand and Aggregates Limited currently stockpile and process secondary aggregate (sand and stent) from Wheal Martyn within Gunheath under a separate planning permission (planning reference: NR/10/00107/MIN). There is no winning of secondary aggregates from within Gunheath. The secondary aggregate operations circle the eastern side of the pit; the boundary of the planning permission is shown below. In terms of restoration, the planning permission only allows for the removal of all mobile plant and equipment related to the secondary aggregate operations, with the site to be restored as part of the overall restoration strategy for the Gunheath China Clay complex, as per the main china clay planning permission’.

Recommendations To address the sequential views of the pit as shown in photographs 24 and 25, where possible, supplementary screen planting Short-term along the southern edge of the site should be undertaken to improve the entrance to the pit.

As described for OA18 (Wheal Martyn) a combined landscape and restoration plan is required to address the visual interaction of Short-term Wheal Martyn Tip and Pit, Carrancarrow and Gunheath (as represented in photograph 23). Although the final restoration of this area is only achievable in the long-term, preparation of an indicative plan, which would provide a blueprint to the overall

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restoration should be undertaken in the short-term. This would ensure a cohesive landscape framework, which connects existing and proposed habitats; and also provides a public access network. Proposals should also taking into account the surrounding Archaeologically Important Landscapes of the Gover and Trethowel Valleys and Hensbarrow Downs. Indicative examples of how such a scheme could be developed are contained in Appendix 5.

The indicative plan would identify the progressive nature of the restoration, taking account of operations within Wheal Martyn and Gunheath (including the current secondary aggregate operations) along with the restoration and habitat formation at Carrancarrow which is currently nearing completion. Although the final restoration of this area is only achievable in the long-term, preparation of an indicative plan, which would provide a blueprint to the overall restoration should be undertaken in the short- term. As stated above, the formal restoration (hydroseeding, planting, land forming etc.) of the tip to pit interface at Gunheath would be dependent upon future phases of tipping within the pit lake, the programme for which is not known; and access to the higher faces of Gunheath Pit is limited. Therefore, natural regeneration of these inaccessible areas within the site would be appropriate. The programming of restoration works at Gunheath will also be dependent upon the cessation of secondary aggregate working.

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10.3.11 Rostowrack Operational Area

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Operational Area Rostowrack (OA4B)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

Rostowrack Tip

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27. View looking southeast to Rostowrack Tip from St Dennis

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28. Unvegetated western face of Rostowrack Tip (RC2) viewed looking east from Gothers Road north of the junction with the unclassified road from Trevisco.

Description The China Clay operations at Rostowrack are ongoing and undertaken by IML. Restoration and aftercare schemes for the China On-going Clay working at the site have been submitted,but are awaiting approval through the Periodic ROMP 2013.

Prior to 2000, Rostowrack Tip RC2 (to the east/southeast of the OA) was restored to woodland at the base and slopes and grassland on the upper surface. The outer facing slopes of Fanfare Tip, to the north of the OA adjacent to the B3279 overlooking St Dennis, were also restored prior to 2014. Refer to photograph 27 above.

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Part of Rostowrack is currently operated for the winning and processing of secondary aggregates (sand) by Goonvean Aggregates Ltd; and this area of the site is therefore no longer under the control of IML. The secondary aggregate working has resulted in areas of the outer facing slopes of Rostowrack Tip being reworked / re-tipped and requiring restoration, as illustrated in photograph 28.

Further views of the secondary mineral operations are available from the unclassified road to the south of the operational area off which, the site entrance is located. This road has been subject to temporary closure and therefore, apart from traffic directly related to the site, there is no opportunity for views to be experienced by passing traffic.

Recommendations A detailed scheme of working for the secondary aggregate operations, including details of restoration phasing and aftercare, Short-term should be agreed with Cornwall Council (as the Local Mineral Planning Authority). This should be submitted by the secondary aggregate operator. The scheme should include the scheme of work and phasing of restoration, taking account of the surrounding landforms and vegetation, including the existing woodland and grassland habitats within the site (developed as part of the restoration of the china clay operations or through natural regeneration), the submitted restoration scheme for the China Clay operations, together with consideration of the interface between the pit and the tip.

Where practicable, in line with the removal of material for secondary aggregate, the elevated slopes of the Rostowrack Tip should be restored by reduction and earth modelling, to create agricultural land, hedgerows, trees on lower slopes and scrub and grassland on higher areas. Depending on the availability of natural soils within the site, the use of SFM should be considered.

As part of the integrated restoration scheme, the view to Rostowrack Tip (photograph 28) should be screened and filtered with additional mounding and tree planting along the western edge of the site as soon as is practicable.

Although currently undertemined, restoration of the China Clay workings should continue in line with the submitted scheme of Short-term working.

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10.3.12 Goonvean Operational Area

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Operational Area Goonvean (OA4C)

Site Summary / Recommendations Status / Timeframe

29. Goonvean Pit looking northeast from inside the site entrance with the older (restored) tip at Rostowrack (left) and disused Trethosa/ Goonamarris tips (right) in the background. The naturally revegetated western face of Goonvean Sand Tip is directly above the pit to the right of the photograph. The unvegetated safety bund to the top of the pit is present in the foreground and is visible in glimpsed views from the road.

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30. Unvegetated slopes of Goonvean GC1 looking east from Goonvean site entrance, with Hornick Hill Tip (Blackpool District) in the background. The partially revegetated faces of the historic Goonvean Pit are evident to the centre of the photograph and the revegetated (wooded) slopes of tip GC2 are in the middle ground to the right of the photograph.

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Description An overall restoration scheme for Goonvean was prepared and is awaiting approval. On-going

China Clay extraction operations within the site have ceased. There are three tips within Goonvean: GC1, GC2 and Goonvean Sand Tip. Sand and (previous to 2017) stent from these tips has been extracted and processed as secondary aggregate.

Sand extraction from tip GC1 continues, and the unvegetated faces of the tip are clearly visible from the road adjacent to the western boundary of the site, off which the site entrance is located. The incline tip GC2 (photograph 30) has restored to woodland through natural regeneration; and Goonvean Sand Tip (photograph 29) has restored to scrub woodland and heathland through natural regeneration.

The site contains an internationally designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) site designated due to the presence of Western Rustwort (Marsupella profunda). The SAC is 0.25 ha in size and is unaffected by the tips.

Goonvean Pit is visible from the road to the western boundary of the site. The more recent workings to the north are largely unvegetated (photograph 29), whilst the older workings to the south (photograph 30) have experienced natural re-colonisation to scrub woodland with limited bare areas of the quarry face visible.

Once Hendra Mica Dam has been backfilled, there is the potential for mica waste from Wheal Remfry, Melbur and Virginia works to be diverted to one or both of Goonvean Pit or Treviscoe Pit (OA3); therefore, backfilling of Goonvean Pit could potentially commence in 2020. Similarly, once backfilling of Old Trevalour Pit is complete (c. late 2022), mica from Melbur will also be diverted to one or both of Goonvean Pit or Treviscoe Pit.

The site entrance and interface with the public highway has a feeling of dereliction, for example as the safety bund to the top of the pit comprises bare earth.

Recommendations A restoration and aftercare plan should be agreed, this may be required to be indicative in the first instance as the future working Short-term of the site is not definite. This should build upon the submitted (waiting approval) scheme of working, restoration and aftercare where appropriate. The scheme should include aftercare measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML or Goonvean Aggregates as appropriate. The plan should take into account the surrounding landforms (Rostowrack,Trethosa and the Tregargus Valley), and the habitats which have already established witin the site. Indicative examples of how such a scheme could be developed are contained in Appendix 5.

Tip GC1 will continue to be reduced in height and restoration of this tip should be phased if possible. The new landform should blend with the existing topography, and the connection of the new landform and the top of the pit should be considered. The restoration habitats should be designed to assimilate with the existing woodland, grassland and heathland habitats which have developed within the site to establish long term habitat connections.

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The southern area of the tip (photograph 30) is considered to be restored and any future tipping of mica should be directed to the more recent northen section of the pit. Should tipping within the northern section of the pit occur, progressive restoration would not be possible as it would be dependent upon final fill levels. If possible (depending upon the level of fill) the restoration should blend the tip to pit interface to develop a smooth landform. If this is not possible, where this is feasible and safe to do so, reprofiling of the upper benches to soften the interface should be considered. The restoration should include a mosaic of native woodland, grassland and heathland habitats designed to integrate with the existing habitats within the site. This would provide both visual unity and continuity of ecological habitats (wildlife linkages).

If infill of the northern pit area is not required,or does not occur within the short- to medium-term, the pit should be allowed to naturally regenerate which would be in keeping with the restoration landscape already achieved and evident to the south of the pit.

The restoration design must take account of the sensitivities associated with the SAC site and allow for the continued management of Marsupella profunda in line with the agreed management plan.

If adequate stockpiles of natural soils are not available, the use of SFM should be considered in areas of woodland planting. However, it is noted that the presence of the SAC designation may influence the viability of SFM use within the restoration.

The restoration should also include provision for enhanced public access, potentially based upon the routing of existing quarry haul roads, if this is compatible with the maintenance of public safety.

Tree planting should be undertaken along the western boundary of the site to screen and filter direct views into the pits, where Short-term this would not compromise safety by diminishing lines of sight for vehicles entering or exiting the site. The existing verges of bare earth and safety bund could be reprofiled to accommodate this tree planting, and/or could be seeded to present a greener view into the site. This should be an integral part of the restoration plan, and should be delivered as soon as possible.

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10.3.13 Blackpool Operational Area

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Operational Area Blackpool (OA13)

31. OA 13 Blackpool looking southeast from the unadopted road to the northern boundary. The benched profile of Hornick Hill Tip is to the right of the photograph with the flooded quarry void and pit rim, older restored tips to the east of the Blackpool OA and renewable energy development (wind turbine) evident to the left.

Description Blackpool is non-operational except for use as a water reserve to supply the China Clay processing operations at Karslake (OA12) On-going to the north and the Goverseth Refinery to the west. Restoration and aftercare schemes were approved in 2005 under the 1999 (Tips: restored) ROMP.

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All tips within the Blackpool OA are considered to be restored. Hornick Hill Tip is continuous on the western boundary of the operational area (photograph 31) and is visible in views from the north, east, southeast and south. The tip has been restored with a natural profile in places and a stepped profile with steep sides in recently worked areas. The outer face of the tip is restored to woodland, heathland and grassland, which extends over both the upper surface and the inner facing slopes of the tip. Woodland on upper slopes has not established, due to exposure. Heathland on west facing slopes is well established.

The Blackpool Trail (IML permissive path) runs along the western boundary of the operational area/ site and the woodland at the western base of Hornick Hill Tip adjacent to the trial has established and matured. The Blackpool Trail car park to the northwest corner of the site is currently subject to a programme of Japanese Knotweed eradication, informed by a Management Plan and implemented by IML.

The St Austell Eco-Community (Eco-Bos Development) is predominantly located in Penhale (OA28) and Baal (OA29), however it also includes Blackpool, which is considered for potential leisure uses.

Recommendations A revised restoration and aftercare plan is required for the site. However, it is acknowledged that as a number of restoration Short- to medium-term options/ post restoration land uses are currently being considered, including leisure and renewable energy development, it will not be possible to deliver a detailed plan until the option is finalised. It is also feasible that more than one development may be located within the Blackpool OA. Therefore, preparation of an indicative plan which would provide a blueprint to the overall restoration, should be undertaken in the short-term. This would ensure that different phases of development / restoration within the OA would provide a co-ordinated restoration landscape.

Detailed plans, based on the indicative scheme, should be brought forward as restoration options (land uses) are finalised; through the delivery of planning conditions.

The restoration should, where feasible, include the establishment of new permissive paths along the northern and southern boundaries, linking with the Blackpool Trail and existing PRoW to the east and west. This would create strategic landscape-scale links between the Western and Eastern China Clay Areas. The routeing of these potential links would likely be based upon existing quarry access routes / haul roads,but cannot be defined at this time. Additional public access within the site should also be developed where possible, for example the tiered haul routes which traverse the sides of Hornick Hill Tip could be retained and developed as permissive recreational routes. Improved connectivity of existing PRoW outside the site with the existing length of the Blackpool Trail could also be considered, by creating new access points adjacent to PRoW (across CC owned roadside verges)..

The interface between the flooded surface of the pit and pit rim should be developed to form a more gently sloping landform, to allow safe and easy access to the pit lake. The development of flat or gently sloping areas adjacent to the lake, would also provide opportunity for the development of lake-side leisure and accommodation, if desired.

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Delivery of altered landforms within the site to deliver the post-restoration land uses, may require the disturbance of areas, including tips, which are currently considered to be restored. The restoration of these areas should contain native woodland, grassland and heathland planting as appropriate.

The restoration scheme should consider whether the benched profile of Hornick Hill Tip should be retained as an example of the visual history of the China Clay Area; or whether followed by grass seeding and woodland planting would be more appropriate.

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10.3.14 Trelavour Operational Area

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Operational Area Trevalour (OA4A) also referred to as Trevalour Downs

32. View looking southeast from St Dennis of Trevalour Downs and operational area

Description Restoration and aftercare schemes have been submitted and are awaiting approval. Photograph 32 captures the current situation as viewed from the northwest.

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There are three tips within Trelavour. Two historic conical tips (TC1 and TC2) and the larger Trelavour Downs Tip to the south. Tips TC1 and TC2 are largely naturally revegetated to woodland and scrub; whereas the slopes of Trelavour Downs Tip have been restored to grassland (with some invasion of scrub), with areas of the upper surface of the tip currently unrestored. However, when viewed from the northwest, the Trelavour area appears to be partially restored with established vegetation on former tips.

Backfill of Old Trelavour pit with mica wastes from Melbur is on-going and will be completed within approximately two years delivering a flat or gently sloping landform.

Prior to commencement of tipping into Old Trevalour Pit, a specific restoration scheme, which also considers the landscape scale Short-term restoration requirements of the wider area should be developed. The scheme should provide detailed aftercare proposals based on a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML. The restoration scheme should follow the same approach as the indicative case study.

The indicative landscape scale restoration design and aftercare suggestions for Trevalour and Hendra presented in the detailed case study make provision for a mixture of habitats, which assimilate with existing habitats; and provide both visual unity and continuity of ecological habitats (wildlife linkages). The indicative scheme also incorporates public access, based upon existing haul routes and desire lines.

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10.3.15 Treviscoe Operational Area

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Operational Area Treviscoe (OA3)

33. View looking north-east to Treviscoe Tip from entrance to IML’s Treviscoe Lorry Park off Treviscoe Road (opposite IML Laboratories). The landscaping works adjacent to the road (mounding and tree planting) is an example of sucessful and ongoing visual improvements to site entrances.

Description There is an approved restoration scheme for Treviscoe and restoration to date has followed this scheme. Clay extraction at the On-going site is complete and the void has been allowed to flood creating a quarry lake. The outward facing slopes of tips are restored and there are no views of the Pit or working /unrestored areas within the site from the public highway.

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There are a number of incline tips to the south of Parkandillick Pit that have revegetated naturally to woodland and scrub. Treviscoe Tip (photograph 33) has been restored in accordance with a scheme submitted in 1994. The upper surface of the tip was reseeded with heather in 2001/2 and further control of invasive species, including rhododendron scrub within wooded slopes was undertaken in following years. The tip is currently enrolled in a High-level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Restoration of this Treviscoe Tip has reduced the visual impact from St Dennis.

Once backfill operations at Hendra Mica Dam and Old Trevalour Pit are complete (2020 and c. late 2022, respectively) mica waste from Wheal Remfry, Virginia and Melbur China Clay Works could potentially be tipped at Treviscoe Pit in accordance with an approved restoration scheme. The approved restoration scheme allows (1) backfill level with the top of the pit, followed by (2) the creation of a sand embankment which is then (3) tipped against to create a final sloping landform. However, depending on the availability of material, there may be a requirement to amend the restoration so that only step (1) backfill of the pit is completed prior to final restoration.

There is a need for a further detailed scheme to tie pit reclamation, after backfilling, with base of tips and the area surrounding the Pit.

Since 2009, various building associated with the IML Dryers Engineering Workshops have been demolished and the area converted to a lorry park. Associated with this, a landscaping scheme at the site entrance (photograph 33) was developed, incorporating mounding and tree planting to provide additional screening.

The quarry entrance is in Little Treviscoe away from the public highway, with views into the pit and former working areas only available from inside the quarry entrance.

Recommendations Prior to the cessation of backfilling, a revised scheme of restoration and aftercare should be submitted. This should take account Medium-term of the changes to the backfilling strategy for Treviscoe Pit (i.e. removal of the requirement of a sand bank with tipping against it, step (2) and (3) listed above); and details of how the base of the tips should be tied in with the new flat or gently sloping landform that the backfilling has created.

The restoration should extend the woodland and scrub habitats present within the site and deliver pockets of grassland. The scheme should also, if safe to do so, incorporate permissive public recreational access, potentially linking new routes with PRoW 422/52, which runs to the south of the site. The scheme should include aftercare measures to be implemented over a five-year aftercare period to be managed by IML.

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10.3.16 Rocks Operational Area

Operational Area Rocks (OA25)

34. View from elevated unofficial path looking east into the Rocks Pit and Tip in the background

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Rocks A restoration and aftercare scheme for Rocks OA25 has been submitted and is awaiting approval. It is noted from the fieldwork that it is difficult for receptors to gain views into the Pit and of the Tip due to established vegetation.

Rocks Pit is currently being backfilled with mica from Greensplat, Wheal Martyn and Trebal Refinery and this process will continue for the life of the mine. On-going

There are three tips within Rocks: Wheal Henry Tip, Rocks Sand Tip and Kerrow Moor Tip; all tipping to these is now complete. Wheal Henry Tip is located to the northwest of the OA, the outward (north) facing slopes have been revegetated and appear restored in views from the local road network. From aerial imagery, the southern slopes (facing into the working area) are

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substantially revegetated, and are not visible from outside the site. A pond on the upper surface of the tip has been retained, but is not visible from locations outside the site.

Rocks Sand Tip is a large L-shaped sand tip which borders the southern and eastern sides of the clay drying sheds. The tip has been restored to woodland (see Appendix 1), which is well established to the base and lower slopes of the tip, but less successful (with the majority of the trees exhibiting stunted growth) on higher slopes. The surface of the tip was restored to heathland, with heather locally good, this has since been over planted with trees that have established well. A PRoW and National Trail run to the southern and eastern boundaries of Rocks Tip.

Kerrow Moor Tip is located to the south of Rocks Pit. The submitted (unapproved) restoration scheme proposes acid grassland on higher slopes including the top of the tip with woodland around the edges. This scheme has been developed and the tip is now partially restored. In views from Bugle the tip appears fully revegetated with woodland, scrub and smooth grassed slopes.

Recommendations There is potential to undertake some woodland clearance on the upper surface of Rocks Sand Tip to promote heathland habitats Medium-term in open glades.

A restoration and aftercare scheme should be agreed for Rocks prior to the completion of the backfilling of Rocks Pit. The interface Medium-term between the new landform of the former pit area and the surrounding tips should be addressed as an integral part of the restoration scheme. The scheme should cover the whole of the Rocks OA to ensure a coordinated and coherent landscape and habitat strategy is developed. This should incorporate restored and natural revegetated habitats currently within the site.

The scheme should include, where safe to do so, enhanced public access linking surrounding settlements such as Stenalees, Bowling Green, Bugle and Rosevean; and connecting the site to the existing PRoW and National Trail which follow the southern and eastern boundaries of Rocks Tip.

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11 Secondary Aggregates Potential 11.1 Introduction 342. When china clay is extracted and refined, solid waste (sand and stent) and fluid waste (mainly mica together with smaller quantities of other materials is produced. The ratio of clay to waste is about 1:9. Solid waste has traditionally been disposed of in spoil tips at the surface (although recently a proportion has been backfilled into worked-out areas of china clay puts), and micaceous waste has been backfilled in old china clay pits and in ‘mica dams’ behind engineered embankments.

11.2 The Use of China Clay Waste 343. There are more than 250 million tonnes of solid china clay waste deposited within existing tips, and it is estimated that over 150 million tonnes of this material are suitable for aggregate use.

344. Cornwall Council considers that there is potential to export larger quantities of secondary aggregates in Cornwall to markets elsewhere, although predominately those based in London and the south-east, and this is supported through policy in the adopted Cornwall Local Plan. 11.3 The Secondary Aggregate tips included in the Assessment 345. The tips which have been included in the assessment have been established in consultation with IML, based on the types of material within the tip and the construction of the tip. These are shown in Appendix 3, Figure 8. The existing Mica Dams are shown in Appendix 3, Figure 9. 11.4 Assessment Methodology 346. A quantitative criteria-based assessment of 25 tips has been undertaken. Each criterion was given a qualitative description of the potential impact(s) associated with extraction and exportation as well as a numerical score with the higher scores reflecting where redevelopment is expected to bring the most benefits and least harm. Each criterion has also been weighted.

347. It has been assumed that 80% of the material would be extracted from each tip – allowing the remainder of the material to be used for purposes such as landscaping.

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11.4.1 Screening Out 348. It is considered that where there are tips which have been comprehensively and successfully restored it would not be desirable for them to be redeveloped for the reuse of secondary aggregates. In this case, this would apply to Carloggas (Singlerose) tip and Carluddon Tip. The assessment of these tips has therefore not been progressed.

11.4.2 Criteria for Assessment 11.4.2.1 Impact on Archaeology and the Historic Environment 349. The potential sensitivity of the historic environment of the tips to their further development for the recovery of secondary aggregates has been assessed by an officer from the Council’s Historic Environment team. Each site was scored using the criteria below on a scale from 1 (most sensitive) to 5 (least sensitive). The scoring system takes account of three main factors:

• The presence (or likely presence) or buried archaeological remains (as indicated by the Historic Environment Record (HER) underneath the tips which may be at risk from engineering operations should they become aggregate recovery sites; • Where tips have been included on the HER as undesignated assets in their own right; • The potential effects of changes resulting from secondary aggregate development on the settings of designated historic assets.

Table 14 Impact on Archaeology and the Historic Environment Criteria Score Development may have a beneficial archaeological impact (e.g. 5 preservation and/or interpretation of industrial archaeology Development would have no detrimental impact on any of the 4 criteria below Development would directly and detrimentally affect an area of 3 known or suspected archaeological interest Development would directly and detrimentally affect an 2 archaeological site other than the above Development would directly and detrimentally affect a Scheduled 1 Monument or other nationally important monument or its setting

11.4.2.2 Impact on Landscape 350. The landscape criteria consider the existing contribution which the individual tips make to the landscape and their current visual impact as well as the impact that their removal would have both on landscape character

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and visually. The landscape scoring was undertaken by a landscape architect within Cornwall Council.

Table 15 Describe the contribution which the existing tip makes to the landscape character of the area?

Criteria Score None The tip in its setting does not positively contribute to 4 the landscape character and/or currently has a negative impact on landscape character

Low The tip in its setting makes a small contribution to the 3 landscape character positively reflecting a small part of the character of the Clay Country

Moderate The tip in its setting makes a reasonable contribution 2 to the landscape character of the Clay Country being an important element in the overall character of the area, or demonstrating a number of characteristics which define the character of the area

High The tip in its setting makes a good contribution to the 1 Clay Country landscape character and/or its character is a key component of the Clay Country’s landscape character

Table 16 What would be the significance to the local landscape character if the tip were to be removed or reprofiled?

Criteria Score

No The removal or reprofile of the tip would not change 4 change the landscape character

Low The removal/reprofile of the tip would be apparent 3 although this would not be detrimental to the landscape character

Moderate The removal/reprofile of the tip would alter the 2 character of a part of the area

High The removal/reprofile of the tip would remove an 1 important element/unique characteristic of the character of the landscape and or would adversely

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affect the character of large parts or the whole of the China Clay area

Table 17 What would be the visual significance if the tip were to be removed/reprofiled?

Criteria Score

Low The tip can only be viewed from within the Clay Area 3 and / or is similar to other stockpiles and or is a common feature within the area. It has little or no individually identifying features

Moderate The tip is predominantly visible from within the Clay 2 Area and/or a limited proportion of the profile forms part of the China Clay skyline; has an overall identifiable profile recognisable as part of the local skyline

High The tip forms part of the external face of the China 1 Clay area and/or presents to the surrounding landscape and/or visual reference on the skyline

Table 18 Potential impact on the local landscape of tip removal or reprofiling

Criteria Score

Very good 5

Good 4

Moderate 3

Poor 2

Very poor 1

Table 19 Potential visual impact of tip removal or reprofiling

Criteria Score

Very good 5

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Good 4

Moderate 3

Poor 2

Very poor 1

11.4.2.3 Impact on biodiversity and geodiversity 351. An objective approach has been taken to the presence of biodiversity and geodiversity designations. The lowest scores have been awarded for those sites closest to designations, with lower weightings for the more significant designations.

Table 20 Biodiversity and geodiversity impact

Criteria Score

Designation Within the site Adjacent to the Within 250m of site the site

International: 1 2 3 SAC SPD National: 2 3 4 NNR SSSI Local: 3 4 5 BAP AGSV CWT LNR County Geology Site None of the 6 above

11.4.2.4 Impact on hydrology 352. The potential impacts upon hydrology were considered as part of the assessment process, to determine whether any of the tips lie within a Critical Drainage Area or a Flood Risk Area zone.

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Table 21 Impact on hydrology

Criteria Score

The development would involve no land within the criteria 5 listed below

The development would involve land within a Critical 4 Drainage Area

The development would involve land within a Flood Risk 3 Area Zone 2

The development would involve land within a Flood Risk 2 Area Zone 3a

The development would involve land within a Flood Risk 1 Area Zone 3b

11.4.2.5 Number of sensitive receptors 353. Sensitive receptors are those properties which are most sensitive to disturbance from the process of removing and transporting the secondary aggregate away from the tips. These properties include residential properties, schools and hospitals and can be detrimentally affected by dust, noise and vibrations. Those sensitive receptors which are most likely to experience disturbance are those closest to the site.

354. For this assessment a distance of 250m has been selected to determine the number of properties closest to the site, as this reflects the extent of the St Austell China Clay Mineral Safeguarding Area. This distance acts as a guide to the number of properties that would potentially be the most affected by dust, noise and vibrations. The assessment has also considered the number of properties within 500m of the sites and those along the predicted heavy goods vehicle routes as these may experience disturbance.

355. Schools and hospitals have been weighted as equal to 100 residential properties due to their extra sensitive nature. The sensitive receptor counts were undertaken using GIS.

Table 22 Number of sensitive receptors within 250m of the site*

Criteria Score

<10 houses within 250m of site 5

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<25 houses within 250m of site 4

<50 houses within 250m of site 3

<100 houses within 250m of site 2

>100 houses within 250m of site 1

*The presence of a school or hospital will equate to 100 houses

Table 23 Number of sensitive receptors within 500m of the site*

Criteria Score

<50 houses within 500m of site 5

<100 houses within 500m of site 4

<250 houses within 500m of site 3

<500 houses within 500m of site 2

>500 houses within 500m of site 1

*The presence of a school of hospital will equate to 100 houses

11.4.2.6 Transportation 356. The transportation of extracted secondary aggregates from china clay tips is likely to require a high volume of heavy goods vehicle movements. This assessment focusses on local transport considerations for aggregate being moved from the individual sites to both rail sidings and the nearest ‘A’ road.

a. rail access

357. The ability to transport secondary aggregates by rail from within Cornwall to destinations around the country offers potential advantages, in terms of reduced road haulage and associated environmental costs. The scoring reflects the greater potential benefits of proximate operational railway sidings, as well as considering the suitability of the road access to the sidings and the number of sensitive receptors along those routes. Where identified as the shortest route with reference to the ‘freight network’ and ‘abnormal load routes’ as detailed on Cornwall Council’s mapping system as well as any other vehicular weight or height restrictions identified during site visits. Private haul roads used by Imerys were not included in the assessment which focused on the public highway element of any routes.

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358. The suitability of the most appropriate route was scored with reference to the width and class of the roads and whether or not there are pavements in any settlements along the route. The Council’s Settlement Hierarchy was used to identify places as settlements.

359. The number of sensitive receptors along the most suitable route has also been considered since the transport of vast quantities of material is likely to give rise to some disturbance to homes, schools and hospitals. The sensitive receptor counts were undertaken using GIS.

360. The suitability and distance scores were multiplied together for each route. The sensitive receptor scores were then increased proportionally so that they are equal to the combined suitability/distance scores.

Table 24 Rail Access (Distance)

Criteria Score

Operational rail siding on site or adjacent to site / does not 5 require travel along public highway

Operational rail siding requiring less than 1km of public 4 highway transport

Operational rail siding requiring less than 2.5km of public 3 highway transport

Operational rail siding requiring less than 5km of public 2 highway transport

Operational rail siding requiring 5km or more of public highway 1 transport

Table 25 Suitability of Rail Access

Criteria Score

All classified road, all wide enough for two vehicles and 5 footpaths in any settlement

Majority classified road, all wide enough for two vehicles 4

Majority classified road, majority suitable for two-way traffic 3

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Majority unclassified road, majority suitable for two-way traffic 2

Majority unclassified road, majority unsuitable for two-way 1 traffic

Table 26 Number of Sensitive Receptors* along public highway to rail siding

Criteria Score

<25 houses 5

<50 houses 4

>50 houses 3

>100 houses 2

>200 houses 1

*The presence of a school or hospital will equate to 100 houses

b. Road Access

361. The road access scores consider the distance and suitability of the most appropriate route to the nearest ‘A’ road for heavy goods vehicles. Where the site is not adjacent to an ‘A’ road, the most suitable route was identified as the shortest route with reference to the ‘freight network’ and ‘abnormal load routes’ as detailed on Cornwall Council’s mapping system as well as any other vehicular weight or height restrictions identified during site visits. The distance of the route was measured from where the tip would be accessed from the public highway to the ‘A’ road using GIS.

362. The suitability of the most appropriate route was scored with reference to the width and class of the roads and whether or not there are pavements in any settlements along the route. The Council’s Settlement Hierarchy was used to identify places as settlements. A combination of site visits and the Council’s mapping system were used to assess suitability.

363. The number of sensitive receptors along the most suitable route has also been considered since the transport of vast quantities of material is likely to give rise to some disturbance to homes, schools and hospitals. The sensitive receptor counts were undertaken using GIS.

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364. The suitability and distance scores were multiplied together for each route. The sensitive receptor scores were then increased proportionally so that they are equal to the combined suitability/distance scores.

Table 27 Distance to nearest 'A' road (measured from the nearest/most suitable existing access point using the most suitable route)

Criteria Score

<1km 5

1-2km 4

2-3km 3

3-5km 2

>5km 1

Table 28 Suitability of best route to nearest 'A' road

Criteria Score

All classified road, all wide enough for two vehicles and 5 footpaths in any settlement

Majority classified road, all wide enough for two vehicles 4

Majority classified road, majority suitable for two-way 3 traffic

Majority classified, majority unsuitable for two-way traffic 2

Majority unclassified, majority unsuitable for two-way 1 traffic

Table 29 Number of sensitive receptors* along highway access (i.e. to 'A' road)

Criteria Score

<25 5

<50 4

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>50 3

>100 2

>200 1

*The presence of a school or hospital will equate to 100 houses

11.4.2.7 Impact on the Public Rights of Way 365. The potential impacts upon nearby public rights of way (PRoW) were considered as part of the assessment process, as they can represent historic routes between settlements, and provide opportunities for recreation and access into the countryside. Removal of the tips has the potential to both impact and improve the PRoW network. The potential for improvements will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis for each site in the future. PRoW were identified via the Council’s mapping system.

Table 30 Impact on Public Rights of Way

Criteria Score

The nearest Public Right of Way is >100m from the site 5

There is a Public Right of Way within a 100m of the site 4

A Public Right of Way runs adjacent to the boundary of the 3 site

The site is crossed by a single Public Right of Way 2

The site is crossed by more than one Public Right of Way 1

11.5 Weighting the criteria 366. The criteria were categorised under the following seven topics:

• Impact on archaeology and the historic environment; • Impact on landscape; • Impact on biodiversity and geodiversity; • Impact on hydrology; • Number of sensitive receptors; • Transport; and • Impact on public rights of way.

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367. The hydrology score was then disregarded since each of the sites achieved the maximum possible score.

368. The remaining six categories were each given a total which was converted to an equivalent score on a scale of 1 to 10 points so that all categories were weighted equally.

369. Additional weighting was then applied to the following categories:

• Impact on landscape; • Impact on biodiversity and geodiversity; • Impact on hydrology; and • Transport.

370. This additional weighting was applied in recognition of the impacts being longer term or more difficult to mitigate for these categories and also to reflect the differentiation between considerable negative implications and positive benefits. The weighting was applied by using the conversion system set out in the table below:

Table 31 Weighted Conversion System

Original Score Converted Score

10 20

9 15

8 10

7 5

6 0

5 -5

4 -10

3 -15

2 -20

1 -25

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371. The new totals for each category were then added together to achieve the overall score for this desk-based assessment. 11.6 Scoring Results 372. The overall total scores for this initial assessment are set out in the table below. A full breakdown of the results is provided at Appendix 5: Scoring Spreadsheet. It is important to note that this reflects the desk-based assessment and the scores should be read in conjunction with their accompanying comments set out in Appendix 5: Tip Assessments. It is important to also note that the scores do not take into account consideration of economic factors.

373. IML have applied a priority to each of the tips, which takes into account operational and economic factors, with a figure of 1 -4 being applied as follow:

1 = high priority, site is currently being worked for secondary aggregates

2 = medium priority

3 = low priority

4 = other, site unlikely to be worked as potential for other uses

374. The overall score and IML priority for each site is set out in the following table:

Table 32 Overall Score and IML Priority

Site Overall Score IML Priority RC2 58 1 Rocks Kerror Moor Tip 49 3 Wheal Henry Old Tips 48 4 GC1 46 1 Rocks Conveyor Tip 45 3 Treviscoe Incline Tip 37 2 Gunheath Incline Tip 25 2 PC3 25 1 Dorothy Conveyor 24 3 Littlejohns Conveyor Tip 24 1 GC2 22 4 Watch Hill (Hornick) Tip 21 3 Goonbarrow Tip 20 1 Carrancarrow Tip 13 2 Goonmarth Tip 1 4

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Pines Tip -1 4 Melbur Conveyor Tip -3 1 PC1 (Prosper) -5 2 GS2 -16 1 Ruddlemoor Tips -19 4 TC1 -22 4 TC2 -23 4 Gunheath Hensbarrow Tip -34 4 Carluddon Tip Screened Out Singlerose Tip Screened Out

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References The following documents were used to inform the study. Not all documents are directly quoted within the text. • Carter, S. on behalf of the Cornish Hedges Library (2009): Check-List of Types of Cornish Hedge Flora. Available at http://www.cornishhedges.co.uk/PDF/checkflora.pdf • Cornwall Council. Various Monitoring of Mineral and Landfill Planning Permissions Reports for Operational Areas within the China Clay Area, see Table 1. • Cornwall Council (2018). Cornwall Minerals Safeguarding Development Plan Document. Available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/mineralsdpd • Cornwall Council, (2017). Local Aggregate Assessment for 2016. Minerals Safeguarding DPD Evidence Report Submission. Available at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/26854149/evidence-report-local-aggregates- assessment-for-2016-june-2017.pdf • Cornwall Council (2016). Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies 2010 – 2030. Available at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/localplancornwall. • Cornwall Council (2016). Local Aggregate Assessment for 2005-2014. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/22939780/local-aggregate-assessment-2014- final.pdf • Cornwall Council (2016). Local Aggregate Assessment for 2015. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/22484974/local-aggregate-assessment-2015- september-2016.pdf • Cornwall Council, (2015). Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: Planning Good Practice Guidance for Cornwall. Available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=12898 • Cornwall Council, (2015). Cornwall Local Plan: China Clay. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/10812590/A18-China-Clay-Submission- Version-January-2015-FINAL.pdf • Cornwall Council, (2014). Monitoring of Prohibition Order Report for Land at the Former Stannon China Clay Works, Advent, Camelford.

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• Cornwall Council, (2013). Technical Paper M 1: China Clay. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3640469/M1-China-Clay-FINAL-March-2013- .pdf • Cornwall Council, (2011). British Native Trees and Shrubs and Their Status in Cornwall. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3622895/Native-trees- and-shrubs-in-Cornwall-WEB.pdf • Cornwall Council (2010). St Austell, and China Clay Area Regeneration Plan Biodiversity & Landscape Review Paper. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3631563/Biodiversity-Landscape-review- paper.pdf

• Cornwall Council. Cornish Hedge Biodiversity (web text only) https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/trees-hedges-and- woodland/hedges/cornish-hedge-biodiversity/ • Cornwall County Council, (2008). Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Study. Landscape Character Area Description: St Austell or Hensbarrow China Clay Area. • Cornwall County Council, (2000). St Austell China Clay: Tipping and Restoration Strategy. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and- planning/planning/minerals-waste-and-renewable-energy/st-austell-china-clay- tipping-and-restoration-strategy/ • Cornwall County Council, (1994). Historic Landscape Character Assessment. Available at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/strategic- historic-environment-service/cornwall-and-scilly-historic-environment- record/historic-landscape-character/ Accessed 10/07/2018. • , (2009). China Clay Biodiversity Visioning. • Davis, I. Code 7 Consulting, on behalf of South West Water (2012). Park Lake. Former Park Pit China Clay Extraction Works. Prohibition Order Annual Report August 2011 to July 2012. • Davis, I. Code 7 Consulting, on behalf of South West Water (2012). Stannon Lake. Former Stannon Pit China Clay Extraction Works. Prohibition Order Annual Report August 2011 to July 2012.

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• Defra (2010). Environmental Permitting Guidance: The Mining Waste Directive (2006/21/EC) Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ environmental-permitting-guidance-the-mining-waste-directive • Department of the Environment Transport and Regions, (1999). Soil Forming Materials - Their Use in Land Reclamation. • English Nature, (2008). China Clay Woodland Project, Exit Strategy Report. • English Nature, (2005). Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage, Putting Back the Wild Heart of Cornwall. • English Nature, (2005). Feasibility of China Clay Secondary Aggregate Use: Potential Sustainable Landscape/Habitat Map and Report • European Commission, (2018). General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/priorities/justice-and-fundamental- rights/data-protection/2018-reform-eu-data-protection-rules_en • Herring, P and Smith, J. R. on behalf of Historic Environment Service, Cornwall County Council (1991). The Archaeology of the St Austell China Clay Area - An Archaeological and Historic Assessment • Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Common Standards Monitoring Guidance. Available at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-2199. Accessed 14th August 2018. • Kirkham, G., on behalf of Cornwall Council Historic Environment Service (2014). china-clay bearing grounds: mineral resource archaeological assessment. • Natural England (2013). National Character Area profile: 154. Hensbarrow • Natural England (2015). SAC: Site Improvement Plan. Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/5130975950405632 • Planning documents relating to the West Carclaze Eco-community (outline planning ref: PA14/12186). Available at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/eco- communities/projects/west-carclaze-eco-community/ • Smith, J. R. on behalf of Historic Environment Service, Cornwall County Council (2008). Sky Tips in The St. Austell China Clay – an Archaeological Assessment. St Austell China Clay Restoration & Tipping Strategy Supplementary Planning Document DRAFT 197 March 2021 Information Classification: PUBLIC

• Statham, K. for Cornwall Council, (2011). Cornwall Landscape Character Best Practice Guide. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3627266/Landscape_Best_Practice_Aug_201 1_Full-version-Web.pdf • Wardell Armstrong on behalf of the Department of the Environment, (1993). Landscaping and Revegetation of China Clay Wastes. • Wardell Armstrong and Land Use Consultants on behalf of the Department of the Environment, (1996). Reclamation of Damaged Land for Nature Conservation.

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If you would like this information in another format please contact: Cornwall Council, County Hall Treyew Road, TR1 3AY Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0300 1234 100 www.cornwall.gov.uk

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