RESTORATION STRATEGY IN RESPECT OF TOPLEY PIKE QUARRY, KING STERNDALE, ,

CONSOLIDATION APPLICATION FOR REVISED WORKING AND RESTORATION PROPOSALS, INCLUDING A REDUCTION TO THE END DATE FOR MINERAL OPERATIONS AND THE RESTORATION OF TIP AREA

For Aggregate Industries UK Limited

December 2013

FINAL

Prepared By: PLEYDELL SMITHYMAN LIMITED

20a The Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7NH Tel: 01952 433211 Fax: 01952 433323 and 116 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 2EG Tel: 0141 204 3491

Email: [email protected]

TOPLEY PIKE CONSOLIDATION APPLICATION AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES UK LIMITED LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS:

1.0 Introduction ...... 1

2.0 Policy Context ...... 2

3.0 Landscape Character ...... 5

4.0 Detailed Restoration Proposals ...... 8

5.0 Proposed Habitats ...... 9

6.0 Conclusion ...... 14

APPENDICES:

Appendix 1 – PSL Reference M11.160(f).D.027 Seeding and Planting Locations and Specifications

TOPLEY PIKE CONSOLIDATION APPLICATION AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES UK LIMITED LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1.0 Introduction

1.1 This document accompanies the restoration proposals drawing (reference TP/CSV2/09 - see Appendix 1) in stating the restoration landform and soft restoration planting proposals for both Topley Pike Quarry extraction area and Plant Site and Deep Dale Tip area.

1.2 This document states the aims and objectives of the Restoration Strategy, provides background Policy Context and Peak District Landscape Character Key Characteristics. It also states the detailed restoration proposals and demonstrates how they tie into policy and BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) targets.

1.3 This document details proposed planting works, species types and growing mediums to help establish the restoration proposals.

1.4 The overall aim of the Restoration Strategy is:

‘To provide a long term and sustainable landform with appropriate vegetation cover that either reflects and / or integrates into its local setting whilst providing wildlife and amenity enhancement’.

1.5 The objectives of the Restoration Strategy being:

 The re-establishment of a typical 'Dale' landform profile within Deep Dale

 Re-instatement of the surface water course within Deep Dale linking into the local water catchment network

 Establishment of a lake with shallows and crenulated lake margins to the extracted quarry void

 Areas of limestone grassland

 Craggy outcrops, cliffs/faces and benches

 Native scrub and woodland

 Footpath 37 reinstated along Deep Dale valley floor

 To optimise wildlife gain through the provision of a mosaic of grassland, scrub, woodland, rock and river habitat found within the Limestone Dales Landscape Character Type (LCT) applied to Deep Dale and Limestone Village Pastures LCT with additional lake and exposed rock / faces applied to the extraction area and Plant Site within Topley Pike Quarry.

1.6 The restoration of the Application Site will be progressive as illustrated on Drawing No. TP/CSV2/08a to TP/CSV2/08d which are contained within the submitted planning application / accompanying Environmental Statement.

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2.0 Policy Context

2.1 The Application Site is located within the Peak District National Park designated in 1951.

2.2 This nationally recognised designation has two statutory purposes:

i. Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage

ii. Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special quantities of National Parks by the public.

2.3 The valley features of ‘Topley Pike and Deep Dale’ and ‘Wye Dale’ are recognised as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are located within the Peak District Dales Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These areas abut or form a small part of the application site. These areas are cited due to the semi natural dry calcareous grassland, scrub and woodland areas.

2.4 The SSSI (Topley Pike and Deep Dale) is generally in a favourable condition with on- going management to maintain the habitats, however, the Deep Dale Tip area has been classified as being in an ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition due to reduced proportions of herbs and sward structure in this area.

2.5 The currently relevant planning policy documents for the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) are as follows:

i. Saved Policies from the Peak District National Park Authority Local Plan (2001)

ii. Peak District National Park Authority Core Strategy (2011)

2.6 The National Planning Policy Framework is also a material consideration where Chapter 13 considers the Sustainable Use of Minerals. Guidance is provided on what Councils/Authorities should include within their policies, for example ‘mineral development should not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or human health, including from noise, dust, visual intrusion…and take into account the cumulative effect of multiple impacts from individual sites and or a number of sites locally’.

2.7 PDNPA Local Plan (Saved Policies)

Policy LM1: Assessing and Minimising the Environmental Impact of Mineral Activity

Mineral development will not be permitted unless adverse impacts on the valued characteristics and amenity of the area can be reduced to the minimum practicable level, or eliminated, and the development is acceptable given the need to conserve and enhance the National Park. Were appropriate, the applicant must provide satisfactory evidence that the development can be completed within an agreed period. Particular attention will be paid to the following and planning conditions will be imposed as appropriate:

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a. Nuisance and general disturbance to the amenity of the area (including that caused by transport and the method and duration of working); b. The risk and impact of potential pollution affecting the use of land (including noise, dust, vibration and fumes); c. Harm to the landscape (including that caused by the design and location of plant and buildings) and any necessary screening or landscaping of the Site; d. Harm to nature conservation, built environment and other heritage features; e. Harm to agricultural and forestry interests; f. Harm to recreational interests including public rights of way; g. Harm to surface and groundwater resources; h. Damage in the form of subsistence or landslips and the effects of land instability on surface development; i. The cumulative impacts of operations.

Where necessary, planning obligations will be sought to address matters which cannot be dealt with by means of planning conditions, including the extinguishment of existing planning permissions.

Policy LC20: Protecting Trees, Woodlands or other Landscape Features put at Risk by Development

a. Planning applications should provide sufficient information to enable their impact on trees, woodlands and other landscape features to be properly considered b. Where development that involves risk of damage to trees, woodlands or other landscape features is acceptable, adequate space must be left for their replacement with appropriate species of trees and shrubs or local materials. Appropriate maintenance that respects wildlife interests will be required.

2.8 PDNPA Core Strategy

With respect to aggregates paragraph 14.5 states that:

There is extensive national policy on the provision of aggregate minerals. Much of this is set out in MPS1. The main requirements affecting the Peak District are in respect of…..:

….giving ‘great weight’ to the conservation of landscape and countryside, wildlife and heritage, and avoidance of impacts on recreation, in assessing non-major mineral development in National Parks.

Policy GSP2: Enhancing the National Park

A. Opportunities for enhancing the valued characteristics of the National Park will be identified and acted upon. B. Proposals intended to enhance the National Park will need to demonstrate that they offer significant overall benefit to the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. They should not undermine the achievement of other Core Policies. C. When development is permitted, a design will be sought that respects the character of the area, and where appropriate, landscaping and planting schemes will be sought

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that are consistent with local landscape characteristics and their setting, complementing the locality and helping to achieve biodiversity objectives. D. Opportunities will be taken to enhance the National Park by the treatment or removal of undesirable features or buildings. Work must be undertaken in a manner which conserves the valued characteristics of the site and its surroundings. E. Development in settlements necessary for the treatment, removal or relocation of non-conforming uses to an acceptable site, or which would enhance the valued characteristics of the National Park will be permitted. In such cases a site brief may be necessary to achieve the best mix of uses to secure the conservation and enhancement of the National Park and the most sustainable outcome for the community.

Policy GSP3: Development management principles

All development must conform to the following principles:

Development must respect, conserve and enhance all valued characteristics of the site and buildings that are subject to the development proposal. Particular attention will be paid to:

A. Impact on the character and setting of buildings B. Scale of development appropriate to the character and appearance of the National Park C. Siting, landscaping and building materials D. Design in accordance with the National Park Authority Design Guide E. Form and intensity of proposed use or activity F. Impact on living conditions of communities G. Impact on access and traffic levels H. Use of sustainable modes of transport I. Use of sustainable building techniques J. Ground conditions including any land instability from former mining, quarrying or industrial uses K. Adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change, particularly in respect of carbon emissions, energy and water demand

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3.0 Landscape Character

3.1 The Application Site is located within the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) Landscape Strategy and Action Plan 2009-2019 defined White Peak Landscape Strategy and Action Plan area.

3.2 The White Peak is ‘an area of settled uplands lying on both sides of the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire at the Southern end of the Pennine Hills. The term derives from the limestone geology which provides the distinctive grey and white stone. The region comprises an elevated limestone plateau dissected by deeply cut dales and gorges, which contrast sharply with the adjoining landscapes of the Dark dale, South West Peak and Derbyshire Fringe’ (Landscape Strategy and Action Plan, 2009, Peak District National Park Authority).

3.3 Landscape Character Types

Land within the application site is located within two differing landscape types:

i. Limestone Dales LCT (Deep Dale), key characteristics include:

- Steep sided Limestone Dales

- Craggy outcrops, cliffs and scree slopes

- Extensive patches of limestone grassland

- Interlocking blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland, secondary woodland and scrub

- Largely unsettled, apart from occasional small mill settlements

- Historic mineral working (quarrying, lead mining)

ii. Limestone Village Pastures LCT (Main Quarry), key characteristics include:

- A gently undulating plateau

- Pastoral farmland enclosed by drystone walls made from limestone

- A repeating pattern of narrow strip fields originating from medieval open fields

- Scattered boundary trees and tree groups around buildings

- Discrete Limestone Village Pastures and clusters of stone dwellings

- Relict mine shafts and associated lead mining remains

- Localised field dewponds

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The overall strategy for the White Peak as stated within the White Peak Landscape Strategy and Action Plan is:

‘Protect and manage the distinctive and values historic character of the settled, agricultural landscapes, whilst seeking opportunities to enhance the wild character and diversity of remoter areas’

One of the ways this can be achieved being

‘Innovative and proactive schemes to restore and create distinctive White Peak habitats and suitable sites’.

In respect of the Dales which are an intimate, secluded and largely semi-natural landscape where views are often tightly controlled by landform and tree cover. The priority in this landscape is to protect and manage the mosaic of internationally important grassland, scrub, woodland, rock and river habitats and the cultural heritage features, while seeking opportunities to enhance diversity and opportunities for people to enjoy the landscape.

Landscape Guidelines for the White Peak include:-

 Manage and enhance woodlands

 Manage the network of tracks and footpaths to maximise opportunities to enjoy the landscape.

 Manage historic mineral landscapes

 Create areas of limestone grassland and heath

 Create new native broadleaved woodland

 Develop appropriate landscapes from mineral workings

3.4 Natural Natural Area Objectives

The following Natural England Natural Area Objectives for the White Peak are satisfied within this restoration scheme:

 Restore the typical zonation of woodland types from wet alder woodland in the dale bottoms through ash-elm woodland on the daleside.

 Safeguard the diversity of daleside habitats including species-rich calcicolous, neutral and tall-herb grassland, woodland, scrub, flushes, scree and exposed rock. Establish an optimum balance between the components.

 Maximise opportunities for nature conservation in the reclamation of quarries.

 Ensure recreational activities are managed to be compatible with the interests of natural history and earth science.

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3.5 Peak District General and Specific Objectives

 To enhance the landscapes of the Peak District and their component parts

 To maintain existing areas of high quality BAP habitats

 To enhance existing BAP habitats

 To restore, enhance and connect BAP habitas where appropriate and feasible

 To enhance biodiversity (semi natural habitats and native species)

 To maintain and enhance populations of BAP species

 To maximise the associated benefits that biodiversity conservation can bring

Upland Mixed Ashwoods:

- Planting of new woodland blocks (excluding ash due to Ash Die Back Disease), where ash would normally be specified then alternative typical and complementary species have been included

- Restore and connect with transitional habitats, from dale bottom wet woodlands to dale brow oak and birch woodlands

- Expand woodlands into mineral sites as part of quarry restoration schemes

Lowland Calcareous Grassland

- Largely confined to limestone dales, with smaller often unprotected areas associated with slopes, rock outcrops, limestone hills

- Connectivity generally good in the dales occurring as part of expansive mosaics of semi natural habitats along valley corridors. Patchy on the limestone plateau

- International importance, threat of scrub encroachment and inadequate grazing

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4.0 Detailed Restoration Proposals

4.1 The detailed strategy proposals are illustrated on the Restoration Concept Drawing TP/CSV2/09.

4.2 The restoration proposals include the creation of the fully restored land uses:

Land Use / Habitat Area (Hectares)

Lowland Calcareous Grassland 9.14 Ha

Native Upland Woodland / Scrub 5.14 Ha

Seasonal Stream (marshy grassland) 0.87 Ha

Bare Ground 2.56 Ha

Lake Shallows / Ephemeral Wetland 2.23 Ha

Rocky Outcrops / Scree / Quarried Faces / Crags 2.20 Ha

Open Water 9.37 Ha

TOTAL 31.52 Ha

4.3 As part of the restoration scheme it is also proposed to reinstate a 440 linear metre section of public right of way (FP 37) within the valley floor of Deep Dale along its original alignment i.e. before the dale was utilised as an area for quarry waste / tip / silt material.

4.4 Please see Appendix 1 (Drawing Number M11.160(f).D.027) for detailed locations and species for the tree/shrub and grassland planting proposals.

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5.0 Proposed Habitats

5.1 Calcareous Grassland

5.1.1 Habitat Description and BAP Status

This habitat is intended to replicate the local steep ‘dale-side’ habitat and would principally be open calcareous grassland although limited colonisation by locally characteristic scrub and isolated trees would be encouraged. It is proposed to create a ‘Lowland Calcareous Grassland’ as defined by the UK and Peak District BAPs. It is important to note that this grassland does have a scrub component, which is of benefit to the overall habitat. The characteristic steep condition with thin soils, lack of shade and grazing by rabbits, deer and sheep naturally discourages significant tree or shrub establishment which would be detrimental to the open grassland habitat.

5.1.2 UK Targets

There are no current UK targets for the creation of new Lowland Calcareous Grassland, although the latest targets, to 2008, do include maintaining the current extent of the habitat and re-establishing the habitat from other less valuable grasslands.

5.1.3 Peak District BAPs

The restoration of this calcareous grassland would contribute to the target to initiate the creation of 100 ha of Lowland Calcareous Grassland on minerals sites by 2020.

Lowland calcareous grassland is an important habitat for a number of priority invertebrates, plant and bird species. The grasslands of limestone dales are very variable. The geographical location, varying topography and underlying influences of the limestone result in a range of transitional communities. This variability will be strong within restored Topley Pike Quarry / Deep Dale areas as a result of differing restoration / soils medium currently exposed / found on site and to be used for restoration. As such it is proposed to help ensure the appropriate and long term sustainability of the localised grassland swards that only approximately 20% of the delineated lowland Calcareous Grassland Area is seeded. The proposed seeding areas to comprise land that may be susceptible to localised erosion where a grass cover could help stabilise ground to help control surface water flow and in areas of higher visibility. All other areas should be allowed to naturally regenerate.

5.1.4 Landform Creation and Soils / Cultivation Details

This landform is either the original Deep Dale profile exposed through the removal of the silt lagoons, or landform created by placement of granular fill, the material which currently creates the silt lagoon walls in Deep Dale. Where the silt is removed, a thin veneer of approximately 5cm depth would be left on the original valley sides as a medium for vegetation establishment. Existing local variations in topography in the original valley sides would be retained and not “smoothed” out. Similarly existing rocky outcrops would be retained (see below). Where the granular fill is removed and / or placed, the surface would be broken up slightly using a 360° excavator to create a

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varied local topography before the surface is supplemented by a 5cm depth placement of on-site soil mixed with silt to a ratio of 2:3. This material would be placed using a 360° excavator. Silt is appropriate for calcareous grassland establishment, as found on the existing silt lagoons.

The local variation in topography is important to maximise floristic diversity and benefit invertebrates. However, care would be undertaken to ensure that these variations would not impede runoff, or compromise the long-term stability of created landforms.

5.1.5 Seeding / Planting Details

The in-situ ground, silt or silt / soil material would then be seeded by hydraseeding. The seed would comprise 100% species rich grasses. Where possible the grasses would be collected from the DWT land within Deep Dale SSSI. If this is not possible a suitable locally sourced seed mix will be used. The details of the seed collection would be agreed with DWT and Natural England and the seed would be collected under licence. Aggregate Industries is keen to undertake this as a community project.

It should be noted that where it is considered by AI and PDNPA that disturbed / reinstated material / ground could form the basis for natural colonisation it should be allowed to do so without having a thin layer of soils on top. This is to be determined at the time of restoration when a clearer picture of the quality of restoration / ground material can be observed.

The hydraseed mix would comprise seed and water, without components which would increase the fertility of the substrate. The sowing rate may be dictated by the area used for seed collection and the abundance of seeds. Hydraseeding would be undertaken between May and September following substrate preparation.

Species should include:

Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Fairy Flax Linum catharticum Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Quaking-grass Briza media Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris Harebell Campanula rotundifolia Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Wild Marjoram Origanum vulgare Red Fescue Festuca rubra sens.str. Cowslip Primula veris Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Limestone Bedstraw Galium sterner Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum Red Campion Silene dioica Common Rock-rose Helianthemum Colt’s-foot Tussilago farfara nummularium

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5.2 Rocky Outcrops and Scree Slopes

5.2.1 Habitat Description and BAP Status

This is termed “Inland Rock Outcrop and Scree Habitats” in the UK and Peak District BAPs. The aim would be to replicate the rocky outcrops and scree slopes found within the steep “dale-side” grassland areas of the Limestone Dales LCT. This habitat would be of benefit to invertebrates, particularly in south-facing locations which receive the warmth of the sun.

The rocky outcrops will be situated on the valley sides that are uncovered as the Deep Dale Tip material is removed.

5.2.2 UK Targets

There are no UK targets for the creation of new Inland Rock Outcrop and Scree Habitats.

5.2.3 Peak District BAP Target

This would contribute to the target to initiate the creation of 130 ha of Inland Rock Outcrops and Scree Habitats on minerals sites by 2020.

5.3 Bare Ground

5.3.1 Habitat Description and BAP Status

Bare ground is a valuable habitat, as is sparsely-vegetated ground. Vegetation would be allowed to colonise and establish naturally; even though this may be a slow process, it will greatly benefit invertebrates. The low fertility means that there would be fewer problems with pernicious weeds or a requirement for intensive management. This habitat is proposed for the quarry faces and benches and western lake shallows, which would not be easily accessible for maintenance and where visual impact is less of an issue. Over time this habitat would develop into “Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Ground” as defined by the UK BAP.

5.3.2 UK Targets

As this is a relatively new BAP habitat there are no UK targets yet.

5.3.3 Peak District BAP Target

This is not currently a priority habitat within the Peak District BAP.

5.4 Proposed ‘Upland Ashwood’ Planting

5.4.1 Habitat Description and BAP Status

The intention is to create “Upland Mixed Ashwoods” as defined by the UK and Peak District BAPs. These woodlands would be planted on slopes at 1 in 2.5 or shallower and would mitigate the loss of 1.7ha woodland through the Deep Dale remediation and

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stabilisation works. The woodland lost is not characteristic of the LCT. As discussed in paragraph 3.5 of this report, planting of new blocks of woodland would exclude Ash as a result of ash die back disease. If a resistant strain of Ash is developed before or during progressive restoration works agreement with PDNPA will be sought as whether to re-introduce this species into the proposed planting mix.

5.4.2 UK Targets

The creation of these woodlands would contribute to the target to expand the current native woodland resource in the UK by 134.5kha by 2015. This target is shared by all priority woodlands.

5.4.3 Peak District BAP Target

The creation of these woodlands would contribute to the target to initiate the creation of 24 ha of Upland Mixed Ashwoods on minerals sites by 2020.

5.4.4 Soils / Cultivation Details

This woodland would be planted directly into either placed granular fill material (which has a high proportion of fines) in the proposed landforms or into the reinstated valley side. Compaction would be alleviated and aeration achieved by ripping prior to planting. The tree planting areas would also be hydraseeded.

If natural flushes and seepages are found in the original Deep Dale profile, as the silt lagoons are removed, tree planting needs to be avoided to allow natural communities to develop i.e. M10 mire and tufa rich flush vegetation.

For details of seeding and planting location and species please refer to Appendix 2.

5.45 Shallows

As part of the landform restoration of the quarry void it is proposed to establish a terrace of restoration material at around 238-240m aOD around the perimeter of the lake. This terrace along with other landform levels and 240m will be capable of supporting marginal aquatic vegetation. It is anticipated that ground water levels will fluctuate from ~238-240m with a controlled outflow set out 240m. Approximate anticipated area of shallow / ephemeral wetland is 2.23 Ha.

It is proposed to allow the shallow areas to naturally regenerate. The success of reedbed establishment will be monitored once restored ground water levels have been reached and the margins have been ascertained through monitoring of the seasonal / yearly variations post restoration. There will be the potential to plant a stand of Phragmites australis if natural regeneration is not occurring after four growing seasons, whilst the site is still within aftercare.

Reedbeds are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Priority Habitat. It is not envisaged that the reed within the restored Topley Pike Quarry will be a substantial reedbed, but it will provide a sustainable marginal aquatic habitat.

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5.46 Access for Land Management

It is proposed that access to Deep Dale for land management by DWT / others is to be off the A6 leading southwards along the retained quarry access road. From this point a grass track is to be created running south through to and into the main (east to west) running Deep Dale valley. To allow vehicle access over both the water management channel from the quarry lake into the eastern section of Deep Dale and the ephemeral surface water channel through the restored section of Deep Dale two low level bridge structures will be erected. These may be constructed of railway sleepers or similar.

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6.0 Conclusion

6.1 The development proposals for the continued extraction of rock from Topley Pike Quarry combined with quarry restoration and the restoration of Deep Dale including a reduction to the end date for mineral operations is considered to result in an appropriate and sustainable long term restoration scheme.

6.2 We consider that the restoration scheme as stated within this document and described and illustrated on Drawing Number TP/CSV2/09 (PSL reference M11.160(f).D.001) is achievable and will enhance the local landscape character and increase local biodiversity.

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Appendix 1 –

Drawing Number M11.160(f).D.027 Seeding and Planting Locations and Specifications

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Appendix 1