Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30 for (A) Variation of Condition No.1 – Planning Permission CM3/901/76 for Continuation of Use for Mineral Extraction and Restoration by Landfill and (B) Variation of Condition No.2 – Planning Permission CM3/1203/163 for Retention of Temporary Access Road Dated 26th April 2007 Slinter Top Quarry, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire Non Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement Contents Page i 1. Introduction 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 Development Proposals The Application Site Quarry Operations, Reserves and Void Space Development, Restoration and Aftercare Proposals 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Environmental Issues Landscape & Visual Amenity Ecology Noise Dust Blasting Water Stability Transport Other Environmental Issues 4. Alternatives to the Proposed Development Plans and Drawings Drawing No.SMC/FA/01 Drawing No.SMC/FA/02 Drawing No.SMC/FA/03 Drawing No.SMC/FA/04 Drawing No.GA.DRB.334-3 Drawing No. PSS-100-001-14.2 Drawing No.PSS.DRB.150-2a S/4065/ES NTS Contents Final Location Application Site Site Environs Site Topography Excavation Areas & Cross Sections Survey and Excavation Design Conceptual Final Restoration iii iii iv vi vii vii viii ix x xi xii xiii xiv xiv xvii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement Environmental Statement in Support of Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30 for (A) Variation of Condition No.1 – Planning Permission CM3/901/76 for Continuation of Use for Mineral Extraction and Restoration by Landfill and (B) Variation of Condition No.2 – Planning Permission CM3/1203/163 for Retention of Temporary Access Road Dated 26th April 2007 Slinter Top Quarry, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire Non Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement 1. Introduction Slinter Top Quarry is located near Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire. Limestone and associated vein minerals are worked at the Quarry, which is operated by the Slinter Mining Company Ltd (the Applicant). The Environmental Statement is being submitted to Derbyshire County Council (the MPA) in support of a formal amendment (the Formal Amendment) to undetermined Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, dated 26th April 2007. The Environmental Statement contains details of the Formal Amendment. The main planning permission covering Slinter Top Quarry is Planning Permission CM3/901/76, dated 15th December 2005. This Permission time limited the mineral extraction operations to 30th April 2007 and infilling and restoration to 30th April 2010. Just prior to 30th April 2007, the Applicant submitted Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30 to extend these time limits to 30th April 2013 for mineral extraction operations and 30th April 2020 for infilling and restoration. The MPA processed the Application, but the consequent planning permission was never issued. The current planning situation at Slinter Top Quarry is that mineral extraction and infilling operations are currently being carried out on the basis that Permission CM3/901/76 is being ‘held over’ until the Application is finally determined. During 2011 it became apparent that the time limits proposed in the undetermined Application were considerably short of the time limits actually required and it was, therefore, decided that a new planning application would be submitted to extend the S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page i Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement timescales set out in Planning Permission CM3/901/76. Accordingly a Screening and Scoping Request was submitted to the MPA on 20th July 2011 and the MPA issued a Scoping Opinion on 18th November 2011. Following discussions with the MPA, it was decided that a better way forward would be for the Applicant to formally amend the undetermined Application to reflect the development outlined in the Screening and Scoping Request and to submit the Environmental Statement (the ES) outlined in the Scoping Opinion as supplementary information in support of the Formal Amendment. The Formal Amendment to the undetermined Application is that the time limit on mineral extraction operations be extended from 30th April 2013 to 31st December 2021 and the time limit for infilling and restoration be extended from 30th April 2020 to 31st December 2032. The Formal Amendment also withdraws the request to retain the temporary access road, as this is no longer required. The revised timescales are referred to in this Non-Technical Summary as the ‘proposed development’. The ES has been prepared by Sloane Mead, a specialist firm of minerals planning consultants, it comprises two volumes: Volume I is the full Environmental Statement, which includes a detailed report on each of the key environmental issues considered during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This Non-Technical summary is included at the start of the ES. Volume II is the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement, which is being made available as a separate document. It should be noted that the ES is being submitted in support of the Formal Amendment to the undetermined Application. It comprises the findings of the EIA and details of the Formal Amendment. The scope of the EIA is set out in the Scoping Opinion issued by the MPA on 18th November 2011. The Scoping Opinion advised that the EIA should include: a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment; an Ecological Impact Assessment; a Noise Assessment; an Air Quality Assessment; a Blast Vibration Assessment; a Hydrological & Hydrogeological Assessment; and a Transport Assessment. Additionally, in the light of recent stability issues, the Applicant felt that a Geological & Geotechnical Assessment would also be appropriate. These Key Environmental Issues have been assessed by independent specialist consultants and their individual reports are contained in Sections 6 to 13 of the ES and are summarised in this Non-Technical Summary. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page ii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement The Scoping Opinion also required an assessment of the impact on Cultural Heritage (Archaeology) and Rights of Way & Recreation. It also required the issues of Socio Economic Impact and Cumulative Impact to be considered. These other issues have been dealt with and their findings are contained in Section 14 of the ES and are summarised in this Non-Technical Summary. The issue of Alternatives to the proposed development is dealt with in Section 5 of the ES and is also summarised in this Non-Technical Summary. The baseline for these various Assessments was taken to be the situation should the undetermined Application not be permitted. If this occurs then the time limits set out in Permission CM3/901/76 become operational. As both these time limits have now passed then Condition No.51 in the Permission would take effect. This Condition states that an alternative reclamation scheme should to be drawn up, submitted and implemented in the event of the expiry of the Permission before completion of mineral extraction and infilling. The baseline situation is, therefore, that if the Application is refused then a part worked, part filled restored Quarry will result. 2. Development Proposals 2.1. The Application Site Slinter Top Quarry is located approximately 0.5km west of Cromford, 1km north east of the village of Middleton by Wirksworth, 1.2km south of the village of Bonsall and 1.5km south west of Matlock Bath. It is situated in Derbyshire Dales District in the County of Derbyshire. Its location can be seen on Drawing No.SMC/FA/01. The Application Site covers the entire Quarry and is shown outlined by a solid red line on Drawing No.SMC/FA/02. Land controlled by the Applicant is shown outlined by a solid blue line on Drawing No.SMC/FA/02. Tarmac’s Dene Quarry lies only 0.2km south of Slinter Top Quarry and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) entering or leaving the Quarry use Dene Quarry’s internal haul road and share the same access onto the B5036 Cromford to Wirksworth Road. The HGV access route is shown by a purple line on Drawing No.SMC/FA/02. Light traffic entering or leaving Slinter Top Quarry uses a track along the northern boundary of Dene Quarry, which links into the shared access and is shown by a yellow line on Drawing No.SMC/FA/02. Drawing No.SMC/FA/02 also shows the Application Site in relation to the surrounding topography and built development. The nearest dwelling houses to the Application Site boundary are as follows: S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page iii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement • Houses on Rose End Avenue, Hawthorn Drive and St Marks Close in Cromford, situated approximately 450m east of the Site boundary. • Three isolated farm houses off Duke Street in Middleton by Wirksworth, situated approximately 500m to 600m south west of the Site boundary. • Houses at the southern end of Clatterway approximately 400m north of the Site boundary. in Bonsall, situated • Houses at the southern end of Church Street in Bonsall, situated in excess of 800m north of the Site boundary. • Old Mill Cottage, situated on the A5012 and lying approximately 375m north west of the Site boundary. Drawing No.SMC/FA/03 shows Slinter Top Quarry in relation to the surrounding area. It also shows: Rose End Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Via Gellia Woodlands SSSI; Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Buffer Zone; Peak District Dales SAC; and definitive Footpaths along with their respective footpath number. Drawing No.SMC/FA/04 is based on a recent topographical survey of the Quarry. The adjoining ground levels around the Quarry are approximately 230m AOD on the south-western side and 208m AOD on the north-eastern side. The Quarry excavation extends down to around 167m AOD. Infill material attains a height of approximately 225m AOD near to the entrance on the southern limit of the Site. However, the extent of infilling is currently limited to the south-eastern part of the Quarry. The Application Site is situated within an area of sloping land and covers 5.97ha. Virtually the entire Site as been disturbed and the quarry workings have reached their maximum lateral extent. All future extraction will extend downwards and no additional surface area will be required. 2.2. Quarry Operations, Reserves and Void Space In-situ rock is loosened by a combination of blasting and digging with a hydraulic excavator. Blasting takes place no more than once a day on an ad-hoc basis, depending on demand. The blasted rock is loaded into dump trucks by loading shovel and transported to the mobile processing plant, which comprises a primary and secondary crusher and screens. As and when pockets of mineral ore are encountered S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page iv Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement they are either loaded directly onto HGVs or pre-screened to remove lump limestone prior to loading and dispatch. The void created by quarrying is being gradually infilled with inert, non-hazardous excavation materials including concrete waste, moulding sands and insoluble vitrified waste. Infill materials are discharged by HGVs in front of the tip face and are then spread and compacted in layers not exceeding 2.5m by dozer of rubber-tyred shovel. The infilling takes place in compliance with the approved Excavations and Tips Rules (Regulation 31, Quarries Regulations 1999) and in full compliance with the terms of the Waste Management Licence (BW30521Z). To ensure that the tipped materials are suitably contained the void is lined with clay. In the event that the content of infill materials received does not comply with the authorised types to be disposed of, then such materials are separated for removal from the Site for disposal at an authorised location. If suitable waste material is available, the Applicant is permitted to recycle up to 5% of the permitted volume of imported materials for use as construction hardcore. Current permitted working hours at Slinter Top Quarry are: • • Monday – Friday: Saturdays: 07:30 – 18:00 07:30 – 15:00 No operations are permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays. The loading of HGVs and their movements to and from the Quarry are also restricted, under Condition No.9, to the following time periods: • • Monday – Friday: Saturdays: 06:00 – 19:00 06:00 – 15:00 No vehicle operations are permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays. There are no maximum annual or monthly limits on stone production or materials exported from the Site. Nevertheless, the Applicant operates a backloading system (i.e. HGVs depart the Site full of stone product and return to the Site full of landfill material) wherever possible. Such backloading practice limits the number of vehicle movements to and from the Site each day and helps to reduce overall vehicle mileage. There are some 677,320 tonnes of mineral remaining at the Quarry (as of 1st January 2012), which should have a life of approximately 7.2 years (based on the average annual output for the past four years). There are also some 1,455,000 tonnes of S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page v Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement potential void space remaining at the Quarry (as of 1st January 2012), which could take approximately 17 years to infill (assuming an average input of 50,000 tonnes per annum for 9 years rising to an average input of 120,000 tonnes per annum for a further 8 years). It is due to the remaining mineral reserves and landfill void that the Formal Amendment is being made. The Formal Amendment requests a new time limit for mineral extraction operations until 31/12/2021 and a new time limit for infilling & restoration until 31/12/2032. These additional timescales will allow the remaining mineral to be extracted and the resultant void space to be infilled and the Site restored back to original ground levels. 2.3. Development, Restoration and Aftercare Proposals The proposed development is to continue with the current mineral extraction and infilling operations in accordance with the timescales in the Formal Amendment. If planning permission is not granted then Quarry operations would have to cease and an alternative reclamation scheme would need to be drawn up, submitted and implemented. Drawing No.GA.DRB.334-3 is the currently approved working scheme. However, due to difficult geological and geotechnical issues it has been necessary to revise the extraction design at the western end of the Quarry. The new design is shown on Drawing No.PSS-100-001-14.2. This new design caters for 15m high faces with 5m wide intermediate benches. This Drawing also shows a comparison between the previous and proposed excavation design for this part of the Quarry. Other than the revised excavation design in the western part of the Quarry, it is not proposed to materially change any other aspect of the current mineral extraction and infilling operations. Neither is it proposed to change the approved Drawing No.PSS.DRB.150-2a entitled ‘Conceptual Final Restoration’. This Drawing shows the Site being restored to original ground levels, the tree planting to be carried out and the reinstatement of the original pattern of dry stone walls. It is the Applicant’s intention to submit further details of restoration and aftercare in advance of the completion of infilling. These details will be designed so as to enhance the important landscape and ecological features of the area. Once restoration has been completed, the restored area will be subject to five years of aftercare. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page vi Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement 3. Environmental Issues 3.1. Landscape and Visual Amenity Independent landscape and environmental consultants, Bright & Associates, carried out a full Landscape and Impact Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the proposed development. It includes a baseline study of the current situation at the Quarry and its surroundings; a study of the Landscape Setting; a study of the Landscape Character and Designations; and a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The Assessment found that: In terms of Landscape Character In the ‘East Midlands Regional Landscape Character Assessment’ the Site is located within Group 6 (Limestone Farmlands). The Site is situated within sub-group Group 6c Limestone Dales. The ‘Landscape Character of Derbyshire’ adopts National Character Area boundaries and further sub-divides these into Landscape Character Types. The Site is located on the edge of the Limestone Slopes Landscape Character Type. In the section on Built Environment, within the ‘Landscape Character of Derbyshire’ the following is noted ‘…Quarrying in general is a prominent feature. Once small in scale, some areas are now dominated by large modern quarries with their associated plant’. In terms of Landscape Designations The Peak District National Park is located c.350m north-west of the Site and occupies the north-western part of the study area. Areas within the Griffe Grange Valley (along both sides of the Peak District National Park boundary) are identified for conservation and landscape protection including SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and SACs (Special Areas of Conservation). The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (WHS) comprises a range of industrial sites and settlements dating from the 18th to early 20th centuries in the lower Derwent Valley. Representing examples of the Industrial Revolution it includes areas around Cromford and Matlock Bath. The WHS itself covers 1,229ha with a buffer zone of 4,365 ha. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page vii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement In relation to the Site, the WHS boundary is within c.150m to the north-east as the boundary includes an area segmented between the A5012 and Slinter Wood. The eastern part of the Site is within the WHS buffer zone (which extends west of Cromford). There are a number of conservation areas near to the Site, as well as Registered Parks and Gardens. In terms of Visual Impact Assessment Only limited areas from where the Site could potentially be seen (principal visual envelope) were identified. Accordingly, the potential impacts are limited to relatively small areas and are generally situated on the southern valley slope, north of the Site from Masson Hill. The highest predicted impact is from Viewpoint 4, located on the upper part of Masson Hill, from where visible infilling could lead to a Moderate or ModerateMajor level of visual significance. This effect will be limited to the higher areas of the Hill where a more direct view is gained. From lower elevations, where some residential properties may gain a view towards the Site, a Moderate or even Minor-Moderate impact significance is predicted. Cumulative visual effects may occur from some elevated areas although this is not predicted to have a significant level of effect and will not increase the visual impacts identified. The impacts identified in the LVIA (both landscape and visual) are considered to be acceptable and preferential, when compared to the baseline situation. The proposed development will result in the continued use of the site access road and site entrance together with a change in landform due to infilling taking place; however the restoration proposals will have a longer term beneficial effect, returning the Site ultimately to grassland (and a small section of woodland). This is in keeping with the immediate environment and landscape character. There is no lasting or significant adverse landscape effect predicted as a result of the proposed development. 3.2. Ecology Independent consultants, BSG Ecology, carried out a comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) of the development proposals. The EcIA includes a Baseline Ecological Report (comprising a desk study and an extended phase 1 habitat survey); consideration of the environmental impacts; the mitigation measures S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page viii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement required to prevent, reduce or offset any significant adverse effects; and the likely residual effects after these measures have been employed. The Baseline Report identified and listed statutory and non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest, lying in close proximity to the Site, and described the habitats identified during the extended phase 1 habitat survey. The Report also considered the habitats in relation to various protected species. The EcIA examined the likely significant ecological effects of the proposed development. The impact assessment was carried out with reference to the guidance produced by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM, 2006), which is recognised nationally as current best practice. The approach adopted followed the EcIA process from baseline data gathering through to the assessment of residual impacts. The collated baseline information was evaluated to identify which receptors (i.e. sites, habitats and species) were of importance for nature conservation, placing that importance on a geographical scale that ranges from site to international level. The policy/legal implications of each impact were also discussed. The potential impacts on the key receptors were then outlined and an assessment made of their ecological significance. In the final stages, the potential for measures to mitigate significant adverse impacts was investigated and, where this was not possible, the need for compensatory measures was identified. The likely postmitigation/compensation residual impacts were discussed and any residual effects identified. The EcIA concluded that, without mitigation, compensation or enhancement, the proposed development would be likely to result in an adverse impact on: the Peak District Dales SAC/Via Gellia SSSI; Rose End Meadows SSSI; scrub and ruderal vegetation; badger; nesting birds; and slow worm. However, with the proposed mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures in place, there will be a neutral impact. In the long-term the restoration of the Site to species-rich grassland complementing the surrounding habitats will provide a positive benefit. 3.3. Noise Independent consultants, Vibrock, carried out a Noise Impact Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment comprised a visual survey of the Quarry and the measurement of the existing ambient noise levels at two potentially noise sensitive locations around the Site boundary. The two noise monitoring locations were: 13 St Marks Close, Cromford and 56 Church St, Bonsall. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page ix Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement The assessment found that: The working of any mineral deposit has the potential to create a certain degree of environmental disturbance to locations in its immediate vicinity. This may be in the form of noise and it is therefore essential that any such potential is recognised and tightly controlled by safe and up to date site working practices and by strict site management. The quarry plant used to work the Site has the potential to increase existing noise levels at nearby properties. Accordingly, the existing noise climate has been assessed at neighbouring properties and predictions of maximum likely future noise levels, due to site operations, have been undertaken to some of the closest properties according to the principles of the relevant British Standards. All the predicted noise levels refer to worst case scenarios, when operations are undertaken at their closest distances to sensitive properties and, therefore, have the greatest influence on the noise climate at these locations. These worst case noise predictions may only last for a few weeks throughout the envisaged working life of the Site. The daytime noise levels have been assessed against the latest guidance given by HM Government for inhabited property adjacent to or near surface mineral extraction sites in the National Planning Policy Framework. From this assessment, it is apparent that the predicted worst case noise levels: (a) Without exception, do not exceed the 70 dB LAeq,1h criterion, considered a normally justifiable upper limit for temporary operations from mineral extraction operations. (b) Without exception do not exceed the background noise level by more than 10 dB(A), a criterion stated in the Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework. 3.4. Dust Independent consultants, Vibrock, carried out an Air Quality Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment examined wind speed & direction and rainfall data for the Site. Existing air quality was assessed and monitored and considered against the background of current air quality standards and the current planning permission. A PM10 assessment was carried out and consideration of the cumulative impact of dust from Slinter Top and Dene Quarry was undertaken. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page x Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement The assessment found that: The mobile plant required to work the Site has the potential to generate dust in the immediate vicinity of their area of operation. The likelihood of problems caused by dust will be largely influenced by the effectiveness of on-site environmental control. The current dust climate was measured at the closest residential properties to the Site (13 St Marks Close, Cromford and 56 Church St, Bonsall) and these are seen to be typical of a rural area. Climatic conditions local to the Site have been assessed and analysed to give an indication of how often the Site could be susceptible to fugitive dust events. Such occasions are relatively few. Potential dust sources were identified and best practice dust control measures have been recommended in order to minimise any such disturbance at nearby sensitive locations. A full PM10 assessment in line with the latest recommendations was undertaken and this clearly showed that the Air Quality Objectives are not expected to be exceeded. Given the intended dust control measures, it is concluded that the Quarry can continue to operate with minimal impact on nearby residential properties. 3.5. Blasting Independent consultants, Vibrock, carried out a Blast Vibration Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment included consideration of: vibration criteria; prediction and control of vibration levels; and blast induced vibration measurements. The locations chosen for the measurements were: Via Gellia Mill, Bonsall; 20 Via Gellia Road, Bonsall; 13 St. Marks Close, Cromford; 56 Church Street, Bonsall; and Bat Roost 183 (closest). The assessment also included a consideration of the cumulative impact of blast vibration from Slinter Top and Dene Quarry. When blasting takes place two forms of vibration occur, namely groundborne and airborne vibration. Groundborne vibration is quoted in terms of peak particle velocity (PPV) and is measured in millimetres per second (mm/sec). Airborne pressure waves are also generated when a blast is set off, known as air overpressure. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xi Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement Human beings are very sensitive to vibration and when a blast is felt it may be at levels as low as 0.5mm/sec. Most concerns centre on the possible damage to the fabric of properties, however research indicates that vibration levels in excess of 50mm/sec are necessary to induce structural damage to residential type structures. Cosmetic damage may occur above 15 mm/sec in the worst case. The assessment found that: A criterion for restricting vibration levels from production blasting has been recommended in order to address the need to minimise annoyance to nearby residents. Accordingly, the criterion of 6 mms-1 for 95% of events is recommended as a satisfactory magnitude for vibration from blasting at the Quarry. All blasts at the Quarry will be designed in order to comply with the vibration criterion of 6 mms-1 peak particle velocity at a 95% confidence level as measured in any of the three planes of measurement. All vibration will be of a low order of magnitude and would be entirely safe with respect to the possibility of the most cosmetic of plaster cracks. All vibration will also be well below those levels recommended for blast induced vibration as being satisfactory within the British Standard Guide BS 6472-2: 2008. All vibration will conform to MPG 9 and MPG 14 where illustrative figures of 6 to 10 mms-1 at 95% confidence are given. With such low ground vibration levels, accompanying air overpressure would also be of a very low and hence safe level, although possibly perceptible on occasions at the closest of properties. If the recommended mitigation measures are followed, there is no reason why blasting operations at the Quarry will give rise to adverse comment due to induced vibration at any of the dwellings or structures in the vicinity. 3.6. Water Independent consultants, James Associates, carried out a Hydrological & Hydrogeological Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment considered the location and topography of the Site and the surface drainage and hydrogeology of the Site. Potential impacts during the proposed development and post restoration were also considered, as was the possible refusal of the Application. The assessment found that: S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement There was no evidence of any derogation of water supply at groundwater abstraction points or to any surface water features. The assessment concluded that the Quarry has already had over 50% of its footprint extracted down to the permitted limit and worked through any clay wayboards contained within the geological sequence. Therefore, any disruption to perched water tables associated with such structures has already occurred and further working to depth in the rest of the Site will have no impact. There was no evidence of any pollution of groundwater due to suspended solids or chemistry of discharge. There were no reports of any water quality problems potentially associated with the operations and the Site complies with current standards with respect to fuel containment. The imported waste materials are contained within an approved containment structure, which is constructed in compliance with the requirements of the extant Waste Management Licence. Water which enters the Site, via direct precipitation or any minor inflows associated with the clay wayboard horizons, passes directly into the quarry floor thereby limiting the potential for contamination by suspended solids. The potential for the creation of any negative impacts upon the water environment associated with the continuation of operations in line with currently adopted practices is considered to be insignificant. 3.7. Stability Independent consultants, James Associates, carried out a Geological & Geotechnical Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment considered the geological and geotechnical issues experienced at the Quarry. Specific geotechnical problems with the South Eastern Sidewall and the West Sidewall were also considered as was the possible refusal of the Application. A solution was proposed to deal with the excavated faces. It is proposed to adopt a 15 metre high face with a 5 metre wide intermediate bench excavation profile within the Quarry. However, it should be noted that where conditions dictate, the face height may be reduced (or possibly in the vicinity of clay wayboards, marginally increased) and/or bench width increased. Drawing No.PSS-100-001-14.2 entitled Survey and Excavation Design has been designed to take account of recent geotechnical issues at the Quarry. It illustrates the proposed excavation design described above and is being submitted to replace Drawing No.GA.DRB.334-3 (the currently approved Quarry design) in respect of the western part of the Quarry. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xiii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement 3.8. Transport Independent consultants, Axis, carried out a comprehensive Transport Assessment of the development proposals. The assessment considered: the Site location and existing conditions; the historical operation of the Quarry; a description of the development proposals; and a review of the impact of anticipated future Site traffic. The Assessment found that: The existing main vehicular access to the Quarry is taken directly from a dedicated quarry access junction with the B5036 Cromford Hill, between the settlements of Cromford to the North and Wirksworth to the South. The Site access junction lies within a section of steep gradient route (1:8) and represents a high standard industrial access connection, which is shared with the adjacent Dene Quarry (operated by Tarmac). A review of visibility criteria and historical safety records at this location suggests that the existing vehicle access junction represents a suitable layout to support continued quarry/landfill operations. A review of accident history over the local study network identified no evidence of accident or road safety issues relating to operation of the Quarry access and only limited HGV accident history on the immediate sections of the A6, A5012 & B5036. There is therefore no reason to anticipate that the development proposals would result in a material detrimental effect on local highway safety conditions. Existing traffic impact mitigation measures would be maintained at the Site to support the proposed extension of life. These measures include sheeting of loaded HGVs, vehicle wheel washing and on-site road cleansing. The main conclusion of the Assessment was that the proposed development would typically only result in traffic related environmental impact of a negligible/slight nature and would not require any additional mitigation measures over and above the retention of those measures already in place. 3.9. Other Environmental Issues Cumulative Impact Where appropriate, the specialist assessment reports considered the cumulative effects of the proposed development in respect of the particular environmental issue being dealt with. None of the individual cumulative impacts identified in the reports were found to be significant or more than negligible or slight. It is, therefore, S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xiv Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement considered that the combined effects of the individual cumulative impacts are insignificant and no worse than that currently experienced. There have been a series of time limited planning permissions issued in respect of the development of Slinter Top Quarry. These time limits have not been of sufficient duration to allow for the completion of the development and they have created a degree of uncertainty, both within the local community and for the Applicant and its employees and contractors. Should planning permission be granted in response to this Formal Amendment then there should be sufficient time for both the mineral extraction and infilling and restoration to be completed. This would provide certainty for both the local community and the Applicant and allow the Applicant to make capital investments based on the life of the development. Cultural Heritage English Heritage has requested that the ES should demonstrate that there would be no adverse impact on: Buried archaeological remains within the footprint of the development. Subterranean historic mining remains within the footprint of the proposed development. Impact on the setting of heritage assets or character of the historic landscape that lies beyond the footprint of the Quarry. Regarding these issues it is concluded that: As all the land within the Quarry footprint has been disturbed there will be no adverse impact on buried archaeological remains within the footprint of the development. It is possible that subterranean historic mining remains exist at depth within the unworked part of the Quarry footprint. Should any such remains be exposed, it is proposed that a detailed written and photographic record of the remains is made and that this record be made available to English Heritage. The impact on the character of the historic landscape that lies beyond the footprint of the Quarry will remain as currently experienced for almost the entire duration of the proposed development, with expected beneficial effects following restoration. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xv Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement Currently nearby heritage sites co-exist with the Quarry. Once restored the Site will contribute to the landscape value which is underpinned by the heritage sites. Rights of Way & Recreation A number of Public Footpaths run close to the Site. The Cromford FP70 (previously known as Cromford FP13) Public Footpath is the nearest to the Quarry. The original route of this Footpath crossed the middle of the Quarry, but was formally diverted in 1989 to the route shown on Drawing No.SMC/FA/03. It rejoins its original route approximately 30m from the northern Site boundary and 70m south of the Site boundary. The diversion was for a 20 year period, which has now expired. Accordingly, the Applicant has made a further application to divert the Footpath, but this is held in abeyance pending the outcome of the Planning Application. The diversionary route is around the eastern half of the Quarry and is generally situated around 60m from the Site boundary. The exception to this is the stretch of Footpath closest to the northern Site boundary, where the diversionary route is generally around 30m from the Site boundary. With the exception of Cromford FP70, the potential impact of users of Public Footpaths is generally slight and limited to occasional medium to long distance glimpses of the Quarry, occasional effects of blasting and possible noise depending upon wind direction. These impacts are ongoing and are considered to be acceptable. Cromford FP70 is the exception because it is diverted around the eastern half of the Site and users are likely to be aware of the proximity of the Quarry. The impacts on users of Cromford FP70 are considered to be: • Occasional views of the Quarry perimeter and Quarry vehicles. These views have been catagorised in the Landscape & Visual Assessment report as being of ‘medium’ visual sensitivity. • Occasional effects of blasting at the Quarry. In the interest of public safety, warning notices have been erected at either end of the diverted part of FP70. • Occasional effects of noise, depending upon wind direction. All these effects are current and ongoing and, as the Quarry workings deepen, these effects will generally reduce during the period of the development. It is, therefore, considered that the impact on users of Cromford FP70 is acceptable. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xvi Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement Socio-Economic Effects The Applicant was established in 1946 and is a private, family owned, independent business, which specialises in the extraction, processing and treatment of minerals. Its main extractive operation is Slinter Top Quarry, from which limestone, fluorspar and barytes are worked. The Applicant has an annual turnover of around £3 million. The Applicant directly employs 27 people, all of whom live within a 12 mile radius of the Quarry. Four hauliers are also employed on a regular daily basis, but if required a further five or six are spot hired on a daily basis. The Applicant uses a range of local sub contractors and suppliers, many of whom are based in the locality. The goods and services supplied include: maintenance and repairs, tools and equipment, fuels and lubricants, electricity and water, professional and legal, stationary and publications etc. The positive ongoing socio-economic benefits of quarrying at Slinter Top Quarry are significant, particularly in respect of the creation and continuation of employment and the generation of income to the local, regional and national economies. If permission is not granted for the Application, and the Quarry has to close, then the negative socio-economic effects would be substantial and include: • • • • • • The loss of twenty seven jobs The loss of indirect employment, such as the four hauliers The cessation of the use of local sub contractors and suppliers The loss of costs, wages and salaries totaling some £2.4 million annually The loss of approximately £250,000 in Aggregates Levy annually The loss of some £35,000 per annum in Business Rates In conclusion, it is considered the significant socio-economic benefits of the continuation of quarrying at Slinter Top Quarry, far outweigh any potential identified environmental impact caused by the development and identified in the ES. 4. Alternatives to the Development Proposals The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations require an environmental statement to include an outline of the main alternatives studied by the Applicant and the main reasons for choosing the development. This can mean alternative sites, alternatives for the development within the site (such as alternative layouts and designs) or alternative materials. S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xvii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement The development is the continuation of mineral extraction operations until 31st December 2021 and the continuation of infilling and restoration until 31st December 2032. It is not possible for this development to apply to any alternative mineral site. The bulk of the mineral reserves at Slinter Top Quarry already form part of the landbank of permitted aggregate reserves in Derbyshire. The study of alternative sites is not, therefore, considered relevant to the development that is the subject of this EIA. The alternatives for the development within the site are limited in that the Quarry has already reached its maximum ‘footprint’ and all further mineral extraction and infilling will take place within the existing quarry void. However, due to geological and geotechnical issues, an alternative excavation design is being proposed for the western part of the Quarry. There are no other material changes proposed to the operation of the Site. Alternative ways of dealing with undetermined Application Ref.CM3/0507/30 have been considered in conjunction with the MPA. These included: submitting a new planning application to extend the timescales in Permission CM3/901/76 and requesting the MPA to determine undetermined Application Ref.CM3/0507/30. However both the MPA and the Applicant decided that the best way to proceed was by way of the Formal Amendment supported by an ES. Alternative timescales for completing the development have also been considered, in particular expediting the mineral extraction and infilling, but market conditions for the sale of limestone aggregate are difficult and any significant increase in limestone extraction from the Quarry is unlikely in the short to medium term. The speed of the infill operations are, to a large extent, determined by the void space created by the extraction of the limestone. Once all the mineral reserves have been extracted then it is anticipated that the rate of infill will increase. Should the Application not be permitted, then the time limits set out in Permission CM3/901/76 become operational and, as both these time limits have now passed, Condition No.51 would take effect. This condition states that an alternative reclamation scheme should be submitted and implemented in the event of the expiry of the Permission before completion of mineral extraction and infilling. The situation is, therefore, that if the Application is refused then a part worked, part filled restored Quarry will be the result. This alternative was considered in the specialist reports dealing with Landscape & Visual Impact, Ecological Impact, Hydrological & Hydrogeological Impact and Geological & Geotechnical Impact. All these assessment reports independently concluded that the environmental impact of the completion of S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xviii Formal Amendment to Planning Application Ref.CM3/0507/30, Slinter Top Quarry Non Technical Summary of Environmental Statement the development was a superior alternative to the environmental impact of the leaving a part worked, part filled restored Quarry. There are alternative supplies of limestone within the market area the Quarry but working these instead of the reserves at the Quarry could result in the taking of additional areas of virgin land, whereas the reserves at Slinter Top can be worked with the minimum of environmental impact. Furthermore, the Quarry contains rare and valuable reserves of fluorspar and barytes, which are classified as minerals of national importance. _________________________________ S/4065/ES NTS October 2012 Page xix
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