IDENTIFIED AREA SITE BRIEF – SG8

AREA OF SEARCH

LAND SOUTH OF THE A166, ON THE WOLDS AOS

Location and Use The AOS is located approximately 1km south of Garton on the Wolds and 2km west of , and lies within an area designated as Wolds Area of Landscape Protection. The land is classified as Grade 2 agricultural land. The topography forms a small valley feature which is orientated north west – south east. Surrounding the AOS is farmland with isolated dwellings/farm buildings.

Site Area Indicated likely area of extraction of approx 84ha. Deposit Sand and Gravel (locally referred to as ‘Garton Gravel’ or ‘hoggin’). AOS is proposed to replace production of Garton Gravel from existing quarry to north of A166. Potential Yield Up to 2m tonnes / up to 180,000 tonnes per annum, subject to demand. Planning History There have been no apparent planning applications in relation to this site within the last 5 years. Planning Policies The AOS is referred to in the East Local Plan and the Wolds Areas of Landscape Protection. The Local Plan indicates ‘EN17 - Floodzone’ area within the proposed AOS. The site is within the Driffield Airfield Development Area to the south east of the AOS, which includes a large area of residential development. The site is not currently safeguarded in any adopted plan or policy.

In the emerging East Riding Local Plan the AOS falls within an Important Landscape Area (ENV2) and a Minerals Safeguarding Area (EC6).

Site Planning Requirements

The following information provides further details on the AOS, highlighting any potential issues.

(i) Human health and amenity The AOS encompasses Low Farm and Sand Pit Cottage. There are 436 dwellings within 2km of the AOS, 294 are within 1km. Station Road passes from north to south to the east of the proposed AoS and a single-lane tarmaced road leads from Station road westward into the AoS and indicated extraction area. In addition, there are several access tracks/drives. A bridleway borders the north-west boundary of the AOS. It will be necessary to incorporate mitigation measures into any proposals in order to respect the residential amenity of these dwellings and users of the footpath.

(ii) Biodiversity

A phase 1 habitat survey will be required to inform the need for any subsequent surveys for protected species. The developer should assess likely impact and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures intro the proposals.

Rev 0. 06 2015

It will be necessary to demonstrate that any mineral extraction proposals do not adversely affect the designated sites located within 8km of the AOS.

There are no SSSIs or other designated nature conservation areas in the immediate vicinity of the AOS, however there are 4 SSSIs within 8km of the AOS, of which Headwaters is the closest (1.07km). Appropriate mitigation measures will need to be taken where required.

There are a number of Environmental Stewardship Agreements and Countryside Stewardship Schemes within 2km of the AOS. There are 40 East Yorkshire Local Wildlife Schemes between 1km and 8km of the AOS. 6 Regionally Important Geological Sites are located within 8km of the AOS, of which Bainton Balk Braken Quarry is the closest (5.73km). There are no World Heritage Sites located within 8km of the AOS.

(iii) Landscape

The area in which the AOS is located is an Area of High Landscape Value.

The site lies with Character Area 13D: North Wolds Plateau Farmland, near to the border of Character Area 15C: Elmswell Beck Corridor. This character type is part of the distinctive chalk lands of the Wolds in Yorkshire and contributes to the diversity of the from the escarpment landform to the steep sided dry vales and the rolling arable farmland. The character type is assessed to be high quality.

The open and sparsely populated characteristics of the character type that contribute to quality would be adversely affected by development that does not respect these characteristics. Residential and commercial development has the potential to be accommodated on a small scale in appropriate locations and sensitivity to this type of development is assessed to be medium.

This high quality landscape is sensitive to change as a result of built development. There are extensive views across the landscape which is relatively featureless. Adding structures such as wind turbines would introduce uncharacteristic features to the Wolds. Vertical skyline features are not characteristic and would be a detractor in the rolling, open agricultural landscape. Great care should be taken in framing any proposals for quarrying to address the constraints of the site and its surrounding area. Any proposals would need to be most carefully sited and screened to minimise impact on the landscape, and any working areas should be worked progressively to minimise the exposed area at any one time.

(iv) Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Low Farmhouse, a Grade II Listed Building is situated within the AOS. One Listed Building (Grade II) is within 1km of the AOS (Graveslab at St Michael’s Church – 0.99km), twelve Listed Buildings are less than 2km from the AOS, of which 2 are Grade I (St Michael’s Church and the Church of St Mary, 1 is Grade II* (West End House) and the remainder are Grade II. There are 153 Listed Buildings between 2km and 8km from the AOS.

There are 12 Scheduled Monuments including Round Barrows and Bowl Barrows located west of the site. is located approximately 5km north-west of the proposed Area of Search.

Rev 0. 06 2015 Potential impacts on these features and their settings will need to be assessed and evaluated. A full and detailed archaeological evaluation will be required for any sites which might come forward for development within the Area of Search.

(v) Access and the Impact on the Local Highways

Access to the site is off the A166. This proposed minerals working site could generate a significant increase in the level of traffic movements on the adjacent public highway network. A Transport Assessment will be required, especially with regard to the increase in vehicle turning movements at the junction with the A166, which may need to be improved to provide a right turn holding lane as a result of this development.

Any vehicular access serving the development will need to be wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic movements and the turning requirements of service vehicles at the junction with the A166. Swept Path Analysis drawings will need to be submitted detailing the features on the adjacent public highway and showing the turning manoeuvres of heavy goods delivery vehicles entering and leaving the site.

Visibility for the drivers of vehicles emerging from the existing vehicular access is restricted on the western (traffic departure) side by the vertical alignment of the A166 and if the development is permitted it could create potential hazards to other road users. This does not comply with the minimum requirements of the Highways ’s ‘Design Manual for Roads and Bridges’ (1992) for the current 60 m.p.h. speed limit and a Traffic Speed Survey will be required in support of any proposal to reduce the visibility splays below the recommended levels.

Parking, loading, off-loading and manoeuvring facilities for cars and service vehicles should be provided within the site curtilage. Station Road Public Right of Way passes from north to south to the east of the proposed AOS and a single-lane tarmaced road leads from Station Road westward into the AOS and indicated extraction area. In addition, there are several access tracks/drives. A bridleway borders the north-west boundary of the AOS.

(vi) Flooding and Hydrological Issues

The nearest watercourse is Elmswell Beck, 700m to the east of the AOS. The site is within Flood Zone 1 and does not overlie a Source Protection Zone.

It will be necessary to confirm that quarrying can take place at the site without disturbance to or adverse impact on water interests.

A surface and ground water strategy should ensure no pollution of watercourses or exacerbation of surface water flooding. Drainage from any new development must not increase flood risk either on-site or elsewhere. The use of SuDS to achieve these objectives is strongly recommended.

The requirements of ERYC's Level 1 SFRA should be fully taken into account.

(vii) Other Issues

Any temporary or permanent works within 8 metres of the watercourse crossing the site would require the prior written consent of the Environment Agency.

Rev 0. 06 2015 Indicative Working Proposals

The proposed AOS is supported by a specification of mitigation measures for proposed extraction. Progressive working will take place followed by restoration to agriculture. The largest amount of ground to be worked at any one time will be approximately 3.1 ha. Material is used as dug, so no processing plant will be required on site. Tree and hedgerow planting is proposed to provide visual screening.

Restoration and After-Use Aims and Requirements

The intention is to progressively restore the working area to agriculture following extraction. Due to the environmental sensitivity of the area distance from likely sources of material there is likely to be an objection to the site being developed as a landfill as part of the restoration plan.

The restoration and long-term management plan should incorporate protected and priority habitats and species requirements as well as maximising wildlife benefit, incorporating geological features and ensuring ecological and visual functionality within the wider landscape.

Rev 0. 06 2015

Rev 0. 06 2015