COLCHESTER STANWAY QUARRY

Transcription

1 COLCHESTER STANWAY QUARRY STANWAY QUARRY FIVE WAYS FRUIT FARM EXTENSION AND CONSOLIDATION APPLICATION ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY VOLUME 3 May 2014

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY VOLUME 3 COLCHESTER QUARRY Five Ways Fruit Farm extension and Stanway Quarry Consolidation Client: Lafarge Tarmac Ltd Job no Document title: Non Technical Summary Volume 3 Status: Final Date: Ref: NTS

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5 CONTENTS CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION Background The Non Technical Summary Technical Studies Document Availability LOCATION AND MAIN FEATURES THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Introduction Preliminary Operations Phased Working Scheme Hours of Working Output and Traffic Routing RESTORATION STRATEGY Restoration design principles Restoration Aims Restoration Landuses Restoration proposals SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Introduction Landscape and Visual Effects Landscape and Visual Residual Impacts Ecology Agriculture and Soil Resources Ground and surface water Noise Air Quality Traffic Cultural Heritage CONCLUSIONS LIST OF FIGURES Figure Site Location Plan... 4 Figure 3-1 Current Situation Figure 3-2 Block Phasing Figure 3-3 Initial Works/Phase Figure 3-4 Phase Figure 3-5 Phase Figure 3-6 Phase Figure 3-7 Phase Figure 3-8 Phase Figure 3-9 Phase Figure 4-1 Restoration Strategy Colchester Quarry P a g e i SLR Consulting Limited

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7 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background A planning application has been submitted by Lafarge Tarmac to Essex County Council (ECC) which seeks planning permission for: (i) (ii) A northern extension of Stanway Quarry into land at the Stanway Fiveways Fruit Farm (FWFF); and The consolidation of the current planning permission at Stanway Quarry into one overall permission regulating quarrying, restoration and ancillary operations at the overall quarry site. A plan illustrating the location of the Stanway quarry application site, including the FWFF extension area is produced as Figure 1-1. Stanway Quarry is a long established sand and gravel quarry which commenced working in Over subsequent decades it has become a key supplier of aggregate raw material for construction projects in the local area and further afield. However, remaining reserves of sand and gravel at Stanway Quarry are now limited, and in order to provide for continuity of production and supply, the quarry owners, Lafarge Tarmac, wish to seek planning permission for a northern extension of the quarry into land at the FWFF. The extension site is identified in the ECC draft Replacement Minerals Local Plan (RMLP) as a preferred site for future sand and gravel extraction. The existing Stanway Quarry contains a sand and gravel processing plant, a dry silo mortar plant (DSM), a ready mixed concrete plant, an inert waste recycling operation, and related buildings and internal access roads. Each of the ancillary developments enjoys the benefit of a separate planning permission. The consolidation application is intended to also bring these related developments within the control of a single planning permission. The historic planning issues are addressed separately within a Planning Application Statement (PAS) which accompanies the planning application. The PAS further explains the rationale of the planning application and its consolidation function. The overall development scheme makes provision for: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) The phased extraction of some 2.95m tonnes of sand and gravel from the FWFF area; The restoration of the FWFF area using soils, clay and overburden currently available within the Stanway and FWFF area; The use of existing processing plant, ancillary plant and infrastructure to process sand and gravel from FWFF and the remaining reserves of sand and gravel at the adjoining Bellhouse Quarry; The importation of some 2.35 million cubic metres of inert material to partially backfill the existing Stanway Quarry excavation, and to profile and restore the side slopes; The application site boundaries have been drawn to encompass the proposed extension area and existing Stanway Quarry. This is designed to facilitate the issuing of a single planning permission, covering all extraction, restoration, processing and related operations at Stanway Quarry, and to address the complex planning history of the quarry by providing for a comprehensive new restoration scheme. (v) An overall restoration scheme for the Stanway and FWFF area, which provides for a variety of land uses comprising fruit farm production, lakes, agricultural land, species rich grass land, woodland and nature conservation areas, with a series of permissive paths across the restored site to link with existing rights of way; and Colchester Quarry P a g e 1 SLR Consulting Limited

8 (vi) The provision of an area which would allow the implementation of a separate planning permission for the installation of a Mechanical and Biological Treatment Plant (MBT) and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant for the treatment of municipal and commercial / industrial waste ( the Cory MBT plant development ). 1.2 The Non Technical Summary An Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken to consider the environmental effects of the proposed development. The results are presented in an Environmental Statement which accompanies the planning application. This document is a non technical summary (NTS) of the Environmental Statement (ES), and presents the main findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in non technical language. The NTS, as the title suggests, provides only a brief summarised account of a large amount of technical reports and data. However, it is intended to provide a sufficient overview of the development scheme, and the environmental issues which would be associated with the development, to allow the reader to gain an understanding of the key issues, and the way in which the EIA has informed the preparation of the proposed development scheme. The NTS comprises Volume 3 of a comprehensive submission which consists of: Volume 1: Environmental Statement (ES); Volume 2: Technical Appendices; Volume 3: Non Technical Summary of the ES (i.e. this document); Volume 4: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Figures; Volume 5: Planning Application Statement; and Volume 6: Quarry Development and Restoration Plans. 1.3 Technical Studies The content of the EIA and the respective technical studies has been informed by a scoping opinion issued by Essex County Council on tne issues which should be addressed by the EIA, by further informal discussions held with ECC, by Lafarge Tarmac s experience of operating the quarry, and by the external consultancy services employed by Lafarge Tarmac. The EIA and the preparation of the ES have been coordinated by SLR Consulting Limited. SLR are members of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, with an awarded Quality Mark, and have specialist capability in mineral planning. As part of the EIA, specific technical studies have been undertaken to consider the effect of the ongoing development in terms of: Landscape and Visual Impact; Ecology; Soils and Agricultural Land; Hydrology and Hydrogeology; Noise; Air Quality; Transportation; and Cultural Heritage. In addition, technical inputs on the design of the working scheme, geology and reserve assessment, have been provided by in-house expertise at Lafarge Tarmac. 1.4 Document Availability The ES volumes are available for inspection at the offices of Essex County Council, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QH. Copies may be purchased from SLR Consulting Ltd, Fulmar House, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5PB. Colchester Quarry P a g e 2 SLR Consulting Limited

9 The cost of volumes (inclusive of VAT and postage) is: Volumes 1-6: (Printed versions) Volumes 1-6: (CD version) 5.00 Volume 3 NTS: (Printed version) 5.00 Colchester Quarry P a g e 3 SLR Consulting Limited

10 Figure Site Location Plan Colchester Quarry P a g e 4 SLR Consulting Limited

11 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT LOCATION AND MAIN FEATURES The planning application boundary has been drawn to encompass the permitted area of the existing Stanway Quarry, and the proposed extension site at FWFF. The total area of the existing Stanway Hall Quarry is approximately 78 hectares, with the FWFF extension area approximately 16 hectares. The overall application site boundary is thus approximately 94 hectares in total. The application site is bounded to the west by Warren Lane, with Bellhouse Quarry beyond; to the south by the B1022 Maldon Road; to the east by Grymes Dyke and a public footpath / bridleway; and to the north by generally undefined boundaries within the northern area of the FWFF, but with the application site boundary abutting Dyer s Road at its north western extremity. The existing Stanway Quarry comprises 4 main areas: (i) The main quarry void in the central and eastern area, which includes the current extraction area on its western boundary; the most recent previous extraction area in the south west; the plant and stockpile area in the centre of the site; existing freshwater and silt lagoons in the eastern area; and a proposed new silt lagoon north of the processing plant which would be used as part of the processing of sand and gravel from the FWFF extension area. (ii) The Horse-Shoe Lagoon triangular area bounded by Warren lane to the west; the alignment of footpath 39 (FP39) to the east; and the route of the conveyor link from Bellhouse Quarry to the Stanway processing plant to the south, at the base of the triangle. The area contains a series of lakes and dried silt, with regenerating scrub woodland and a maturing woodland screen fronting Warren Lane. (iii) The western operational area associated with an inert waste recycling operation (which benefits from a separate planning permission), related office and weighbridge, and a landfill gas energy compound associated with the landfill operations at Bellhouse Quarry. (iv) Silt lagoons in the south western area to the south of the quarry access road, which have recently been decommissioned, and will be subject to final restoration treatment. The FWFF extension area is predominantly a mixture of arable agriculture, horticulture and orchard tree plantations. The westernmost field is occupied by coniferous tree plantations to the north, and grassland to the south. The eastern part of the site is largely flat, at an elevation of around 37 m Above Ordinance Datum ( AOD ). An east-west trending valley occupies the western portion of the site, running from an elevation of circa 36m AOD in the east to circa 31m AOD in the west. The north-western boundary of the extension area is defined by a hedgerow which abuts Dyer s Road, an unclassified road linking Warren Lane with Peartree Road. The northern boundary extends to FWFF and the existing orchards. The northern boundary does not follow any physical features on the ground, cutting across fields containing fruit tree plantations associated with FWFF and tree belts which have been planted to provide wind breaks and shelter to the orchard trees. The north-eastern extent is defined by two field boundaries that consist of a small hedge and tree planting. The eastern boundary of the extension area abuts an archaeological feature known as Grymes Dyke. Sunken public rights of way (bridleway S17 and footpath S36) run along the route of the Dyke, bounded by both mature and more recently planted hedgerows. The established hedgerows contain mature oaks. Beyond the Dyke are agricultural fields which contain the remains of Gosbecks Iron Age and Romano Site, both of which are registered as Scheduled Monuments. The entire southern boundary is coincident with the northern extent of the currently operational Stanway Quarry. The western periphery of the extension area adjoins the property boundary of Furze Hill, which is defined by a hedgerow and numerous mature trees located within the curtilage of the property. Colchester Quarry P a g e 5 SLR Consulting Limited

12 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Introduction As noted above, the planning application site boundary has been drawn to encompass the permitted area of the existing Stanway Quarry, and the proposed extension area at FWFF. This is designed to facilitate the submission of a comprehensive working and restoration scheme for the entire quarry, and to consolidate the existing planning permissions at Stanway Quarry into a single overall planning permission. Within this context, the main elements of the scheme are: (vi) Via items (ii) (v) above, the implementation of a comprehensive restoration scheme for the entire site Stanway and FWFF area, which provides for a variety of land uses comprising fruit farm production, lakes, agricultural land, species rich grass land, woodland and nature conservation areas, with a series of permissive paths across the restored site to link with existing rights of way. The development is described in detail in Sections 6.0 and 7.0 of the Planning Application Statement (and chapters 3.0 and 4.0 of the ES), and is shown on the application plans produced in Volume 6 of the submission, and reproduced below at a smaller scale as figures (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) A northern extension of Stanway Quarry into the defined FWFF area, which, via a phased extraction and restoration programme, would release a reserve of some 2.95m tonnes of sand and gravel; The temporary retention of existing plant and infrastructure to process the remaining sand and gravel reserves at Stanway Quarry, the reserves which would be released at FWFF, and the remaining reserves of sand and gravel at the adjoining Bellhouse Quarry, to be imported to the Stanway site by conveyor, as at present The restoration of the FWFF area using soils, clay and overburden currently available within the Stanway and FWFF area to a mixed use of agricultural land, orchard, woodland, grassland, lakes and habitat creation; The phased restoration of the central / eastern area of Stanway Quarry, using some 2.35m 3 of imported inert waste to create stable side slopes, and to raise the base of the south / central area of the restored site to levels above the water table, with a lake to be established in the north / central area; The phased restoration of the western area of Stanway Quarry to predominantly nature conservation after uses; and 3.2 Preliminary Operations The FWFF site benefits from close proximity to the Stanway Quarry processing plant where all required facilities are in place for the processing, stocking and off-site distribution of the sand and gravel. No substantive preliminary works are thus required other than minor internal operations associated with the construction of a haul road ramp from the existing processing plant stock area north eastwards into the southern edge of the Phase 1 extension area. A new hedgerow would be established along the western boundary of phase 4 to assist in screening the development in the latter stages of the operations. Advanced mitigation works associated with the presence of a protected plant species ( jersey cudweed ) within the proposed extension area would be carried out where soils would be moved and seed would be collected, under licence from Natural England, and the species reestablished within a defined receptor area in the field to the east of Phase 1 and in a new receptor area within Stanway Quarry to the south. Colchester Quarry P a g e 6 SLR Consulting Limited

13 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Phased Working Scheme Introduction The sand and gravel extraction scheme within FWFF would progress in 4 phases, as illustrated on figure 3-2. Restoration works within Stanway Quarry would progress concurrently with the sand and gravel extraction at FWFF. Upon completion of extraction and restoration within the FWFF area, there would be 3 further restoration phases within Stanway to complete the overall restoration scheme. The anticipated progress of extraction and restoration within the respective phases is illustrated on figures The figures illustrate: Figure 3-1: The current situation; Figure 3-2: Overall block phasing plan; Figure 3-3: Initial works/phase 1; Figure 3-4: Phase 2; Figure 3-5: Phase 3; Figure 3-6: Phase 4; Figure 3-7: Phase 5; Figure 3-8: Phase 6; and Figure 3-9: Phase 7. The plans confirm the principle of temporarily retaining land in advance of the extraction phase in agricultural use. This applies particularly to Phase 2 where the boundaries have been defined to allow the retention and use of the existing polytunnels in Phase 2 for as long as possible. The sand and gravel would be processed via the existing Stanway Quarry processing plant. It thus benefits from the existing infrastructure associated with the site and the well screened and discrete location of the plant at the base of the Stanway Quarry excavation. The existing Dry Silo Mortar Plant, ready mixed concrete plant and recycling operations would continue for the duration of the FWFF development, and during the processing of the remaining reserves from Bellhouse Quarry. The existing recycling operation would continue and will assist with the opportunity to attract inert waste to the site for restoration, allowing fine material from the recycling process to be made available for restoration works. The inclusion of the recycling operation as part of the overall application is thus designed to allow the recycling operation to continue beyond the current temporary time limit of 11 th January 2015 (planning permission ref. ESS/17/05/COL). The scheme makes provision for the restoration of the existing Stanway Quarry to a range of after uses shown on figure 4-1. The implementation of this restoration scheme will be dependent on the future of the Cory MBT plant development and the restoration works which are integral to that scheme, if implemented. The current planning permission for the Cory MBT plant development expires in May A decision on the future of the MBT plant development will thus be made prior to any substantive commencement of restoration works proposed as part of this development. Any early commencement of the restoration works proposed as part of this application would not prejudice the ability to then implement the MBT plant development. The description of the restoration works which follow in the sections below thus relate to the scheme as proposed in this application, which will represent the default restoration scheme in the event of the non implementation of the MBT plant development Initial Works / Phase 1 Operations in Phase 1 (Figure 3-3), would commence with a separate stripping of the topsoil and subsoil from Phase 1, which would be placed in a soil bund along the northern boundary of Phases 1 and 2, together with two additional soil bunds to be temporarily positioned within the Phase 3 extraction area. The northern perimeter bund would be profiled to height of between 1.5 and 2m, with the temporary bunds in Phase 3 to be profiled to a height of 3m. Phase 1 would be fenced off along the northern and eastern boundaries for health and safety purposes. Sand and gravel extraction would then progress in the Phase 1, Stage A area, working from south to north in 2 benches with face heights of between 7 and 8m, with a ramp to bench 2 off the main access track running south eastwards to the processing plant site. The extraction would then progress north and then west into the Phase 1 Stage B area as a progressive development of the 2 benches. Colchester Quarry P a g e 7 SLR Consulting Limited

14 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3 During Phase 1, concurrent restoration works would progress within the existing Stanway Quarry. The backfilling and face stabilising works within Stanway would commence in the south western area of the main void as Restoration Area A, using imported inert waste material (soils and clay etc). A temporary closure and diversion of a public right of way (Footpath 39) will be required to allow the backfilling of the void south of the quarry access road which is traversed by the alignment of the public right of way. Restoration Areas B and C within Stanway (the Horseshoe Lagoon and south west lagoon) are currently naturally regenerating. These areas would be managed to achieve the restoration land uses shown on the final restoration plan Phase 2 Operations in phase 2 would similarly be preceded by mitigation for jersey cudweed. During Phase 2 (Figure 3-4), a new silt lagoon ( JR Lagoon ) would be constructed to the east of the plant site. Overburden/clay from the construction of JR Lagoon would be used for direct replacement in Restoration Area D which would comprise the eastern area of the Phase 1 extraction area in FWFF. The polytunnels in Phase 2 would be decommissioned and removed, and the soils from Phase 2 would be stripped and used to extend the northern bund along the boundary of Phases 3 and 4. Residual soils from Phase 2 would be used for direct replacement within Restoration Area D. Sand and gravel extraction in Phase 2 would progress via the development of the faces and benches along the northern edge of Phases 1 and 2 northwards to the northern limit of Phase 2. This limit would be fenced off along the northern boundary for health and safety purposes. Restoration works within Stanway Quarry would progress with ongoing backfilling of the south western area of the void as Restoration Area E using imported inert waste material. Land to the west of the public right of way would be restored, and the restoration planting / after uses established along the south / south western boundary of the site within the completed Restoration Area A Phase 3 Preliminary works in Phase 3 (Figure 3-5), would comprise the removal of the temporary soil storage bunds from the Phase 3 extraction area, which would be used to progress restoration within Restoration Area F. This would be supplemented by restoration material sourced from bunds on the footprint of the new Reg Lagoon, and from material derived from the construction of the lagoon. Soils would be stripped from Phase 3 and used directly to complete the restoration of Area D. Mitigation for Jersey Cudweed would occur prior to soil stripping. Sand and gravel extraction would then proceed, working the existing faces along the north western edges of Phases 1 and 2 northwards into Phase 3, and then westwards to the defined limits of Phase 3. Again, the extraction area would be fenced off from adjoining land. Restoration works within Stanway Quarry would continue, with the establishment of the restoration land uses within the south western area of Restoration Area E and the commencement of inert infilling within Restoration Area G Phase 4 Preliminary works in Phase 4 (Figure 3-6), would comprise the completion of construction of Reg Lagoon, with the excavated material used to create the restoration formation levels within Restoration Area H (the previous Phase 3 extraction area). The soils from extraction Phase 4 would then be stripped and used directly to complete the restoration of Area H. The final sand and gravel extraction works would then progress into Phase 4, developing the faces and benches on the western side of Phase 3 westwards to the defined limits of Phase 4, with a fence erected along the site boundary. Restoration works within Stanway Quarry would continue, with the completion of Restoration Area G and the commencement of infilling within Restoration Area I. Colchester Quarry P a g e 8 SLR Consulting Limited

15 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Phase 5 On completion of extraction within the FWFF phase 4 extraction area, (Figure 3-7), all remaining overburden within Stanway would be used to create the restoration formation levels within the Phase 4 extraction area (Restoration Area J). This material would be supplemented by a limited cut and fill exercise within the north western standoff area which would grade down the sand in the exposed north west face (parallel to Dyer s Road) to assist in creating a shallower restoration profile (between 1:5 and 1:8). Soils from within the northern storage bund would then be used to complete the restoration of the FWFF extension area. The processing plant would continue in operation following the completion of extraction in Phase 4 with the re-activation of the conveyor link to Bellhouse Quarry, and the processing of the remaining sand and gravel reserves from Bellhouse Quarry (1.5m tonnes at January 2014). Throughout this phase, inert waste would continue to be imported to progress the restoration of the south eastern area of the Stanway Quarry void (Restoration Area K) Phase 6 At Phase 6 (Figure 3-8), all mineral processing will have ceased, and the plant and related infrastructure (DSM plant and ready mixed concrete plant) will be de-commissioned and removed from the site. The restoration land uses within the FWFF would be fully established, and the full FWFF area would be in aftercare management. Restoration works within Stanway Quarry would continue in Restoration Area L in the eastern area, following completion of restoration in the south eastern area (Restoration Area K). These circumstances would effectively establish a substantially restored outer perimeter of the site, around a small central core of operational land associated with the processing plant site which would then be restored as a final phase Phase 7 Following the removal of all plant and infrastructure, final works would involve the breaking up of hard standings, and the extraction of any residual sand and gravel present beneath the plant site, using temporary mobile plant for processing, if appropriate. These works would be linked to the creation of the shape of the lake to be created in the central Stanway area and lake margins. In that respect, it is anticipated that if permission is granted for the proposed development, then a planning condition could be imposed requiring the submission of a detailed scheme for the lake shape and lake margins restoration treatment upon commencement of Phase 7. Restoration backfill works within Stanway Quarry would continue in the central area as Restoration Area M (Figure 3-9), involving the progressive creation of the central lake margins and peripheral areas as part of the final restoration works designed to create the final restoration scheme. 3.4 Hours of Working The current hours of working regulated by permission ref ESS/06/09/COL confirm that: Unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Mineral Planning Authority and with the exception of pumping operations necessary for dewatering the area of excavation, operations involving or connected with the extraction of sand and gravel, its despatch by lorry off-site and site restoration shall, except in an emergency, only be carried out between the hours of Mondays to Fridays and on Saturdays. In addition no stripping, movement, temporary or permanent placing of soil making materials shall take place on any day before 0730 hours (ref condition 42); and No mineral working or site restoration operations shall be undertaken on the site on any Sunday or any Bank Holiday unless previously agreed in writing with the Mineral Planning Authority (ref condition 43). Colchester Quarry P a g e 9 SLR Consulting Limited

16 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3 The consolidation application does not seek any changes to these well established operational hours either in terms of extraction, processing or related operations, or the restoration works associated with the inert backfill restoration scheme for the existing Stanway Quarry. 3.5 Output and Traffic Routing The proposed extension will release approximately 2.95 million tonnes of sand and gravel, which would allow the exiting output of around 500,000 tonnes per annum to be maintained for an additional period of some 6 years (followed by the processing of the remaining reserves from Bellhouse). The sand and gravel would be processed using the existing processing plant within Stanway Quarry, and the saleable mineral would be exported by road via the existing access onto Warren Lane. Whilst all sand and gravel is exported by road, a proportion is taken to the Marks Tey rail siding for onward transportation by rail. As noted above, the operation would work in tandem with the existing operations at Stanway Quarry, including the inert waste recycling operation, where a proportion of the recycled product, which does not have a market as recycled aggregate, would be used for restoration purposes within the quarry. In addition, the importation of 100,000 m 3 of inert materials per annum, which equates to 150,000 tonnes, would result in 32 loads / 64 movements based on an average payload of 17 tonnes. During the 6 to 7 year period when sand and gravel sales from FWFF and waste importing are undertaken concurrently, the combined activities would result in 123 loads / 246 HGV movements per day on the local highway network, assuming no back-hauling takes place. These movements would continue when the operation reverts to the processing of the remaining reserves of sand and gravel from Bellhouse (approximately 1.5m tonnes), at assumed similar rates of output (approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum). In accordance with the existing traffic distributions, almost all of the development traffic would travel to / from the north along Warren Lane to the A12(T) via the A1124 Essex Yeomanry Way, Tollgate Road, Church Lane and Warren Lane. Inert material for the restoration works would be imported to the site at a rate of approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum, and with a requirement for some 2.35 million m 3 of infill material, the restoration works would take approximately 23 years to complete. This timescale is within the currently imposed end date for operations at Stanway Quarry of February The proposed FWFF extension development effectively represents a continuation of existing, approved activities within the site. In terms of mineral sales, based on an average output of 500,000 tonnes per annum spread over 275 working days per annum (Monday to Friday and half day on Saturday with no working on Sundays or Bank Holidays), and an average payload of 20 tonnes, this equates to an average of 91 loads / 182 HGV movements per day. Colchester Quarry P a g e 10 SLR Consulting Limited

17 Figure 3-1 Current Situation Colchester Quarry P a g e 11 SLR Consulting Limited

18 Figure 3-2 Block Phasing Colchester Quarry P a g e 12 SLR Consulting Limited

19 Figure 3-3 Initial Works/Phase 1 Colchester Quarry P a g e 13 SLR Consulting Limited

20 Figure 3-4 Phase 2 Colchester Quarry P a g e 14 SLR Consulting Limited

21 Figure 3-5 Phase 3 Colchester Quarry P a g e 15 SLR Consulting Limited

22 Figure 3-6 Phase 4 Colchester Quarry P a g e 16 SLR Consulting Limited

23 Figure 3-7 Phase 5 Colchester Quarry P a g e 17 SLR Consulting Limited

24 Figure 3-8 Phase 6 Colchester Quarry P a g e 18 SLR Consulting Limited

25 Figure 3-9 Phase 7 Colchester Quarry P a g e 19 SLR Consulting Limited

26 4.0 RESTORATION STRATEGY The Concept Restoration Scheme / Masterplan Scheme for Stanway Quarry / Fiveways Fruit Farm is illustrated on Figure Restoration design principles The summary restoration strategy for the extension and its integration within its local setting is for: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Restoration which is progressive i.e. land utilised within the mineral extraction process should be restored to an appropriate after use as soon as is practically achievable; A diversified agricultural landscape which would have the potential to raise local amenity values; Greater public access; The creation of an agricultural irrigation lagoon to help maintain the proposed Fruit Farm Orchard within the north western area of the site; and The creation of habitats of biodiversity interest. The creation of a wildlife enhanced agricultural landscape with increased public access which will assimilate into and enhance the Colchester and environs and South Colchester Farmlands Landscape Character Areas raising local amenity values. The restoration strategy for the site has been based upon an understanding of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) The site s physical features; The location of local residents properties and areas of local amenity value; The landowners land management objectives and capabilities; Local planning policies and designations; The ability to restore through mineral extraction; An understanding of the Colchester and environs and South Colchester Farmlands Landscape Character Areas within which the site is located; The requirements of statutory bodies; The presence of Priority Habitats and protected, scarce and Priority Species; The need to compensate as far as possible for the currently consented loss of a Local Wildlife Site. Through both informal and formal consultation the main restoration requirements for the site have been identified as: The restoration is designed with full regard to: The maintenance of a productive agricultural presence balanced with nature conservation aims and public access; The views of statutory and non-statutory consultees including parish council representatives and interested local residents (as far as is practicable and compatible with quarry operations); Appropriate drainage of the site whilst maximising the potential water storage resource to provide the irrigation facilities needed to maintain good crop yields and combat the difficulty of a shortage of irrigation water; Minimising visual impact by progressively restoring working phases within the FWFF Extension; and Encouraging safe and practical public access appropriate to the habitats created. 4.2 Restoration Aims The Main Aims of the Restoration Scheme are: (i) To produce a landform and land use scheme that is capable of not only integration into but enhancement of the local landscape character; Colchester Quarry P a g e 20 SLR Consulting Limited

27 (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) To create new habitats to provide opportunity for sustainable long term biodiversity within the site and the local area; To minimise the amount of material that will be required to restore the site from off-site sources; To allow for the progressive restoration of FFWF utilising on-site restoration materials only. To produce a landform and land use scheme that is capable of not only integration into but enhancement of the local landscape character. Varied batter slopes; Local topographical / landform elements; Hollows; Varied land uses: - Species rich grassland; - Hedgerows; - Woodland blocks; - Scrubland; - Orchard; - Acid and neutral grassland; - Lakes and aquatic marginal vegetation; - Amenity access / permissive rights of way; - Reptile habitat / translocation areas; and - Jersey Cudweed protection areas. To create new habitat to provide opportunity for sustainable long term biodiversity interest within the site and local areas. In particular, full consideration has been given to the need to retain protected, rare and Priority species on site and to create Priority habitats, including the creation of woodland, scrub, hedges, orchards, grassland (acid and neutral), water-bodies, reed-beds to provide for mitigation and enhancement. (vii) To minimise the amount of material that will be required to restore the site from off-site sources and to allow for the progressive restoration of FWFF utilising on-site restoration materials only. Given the nature of the existing and proposed development including an existing source of on-site restoration materials, it is possible to carry out progressive restoration within both the existing Stanway Quarry and also the proposed FWFF concurrently. Progressive restoration will commence within the southern area of Stanway Quarry. It will involve the importation of inert materials in an anti clockwise phasing programme to achieve restoration formation levels for both land and water-based land uses. To help ensure appropriate soil profiles are achieved throughout the site, temporary stockpiles of imported topsoil and subsoil will be placed within the extracted quarry void. These will be utilised when sufficient areas of land at restoration levels have been achieved. This process will continue within Stanway Quarry until final restoration is achieved. During the initial stages of the restoration for Stanway Quarry, mineral will be extracted from the FWFF extension area. Extraction will take place in a general northerly and westerly direction. Once sufficient extracted void area is available a combination of currently on-site London clay, overburden and soils will be placed to achieve the final Restoration Landform as illustrated on Figure 4-1. On the completion of restoration works all restored land will be subject to a minimum period of 5 years aftercare. The proposed restored landform for the site has been achieved through balancing the permitted land based restoration scheme for Stanway Quarry with minimising the requirement for the importation of inert material for restoration purposes. The EIA groundwater study has concluded that ground water levels will rise to approximately 22 m AOD upon cessation of quarry dewatering / water management. To achieve the balance of site land uses, avoid a large water body in the base of the site, and enhance the amenity and habitat potential of the terrestrial site, restored land levels are proposed between approximately 22 and 24m AOD. Colchester Quarry P a g e 21 SLR Consulting Limited

28 4.3 Restoration Landuses The restoration scheme comprises a mixed pattern of after use, with the proposed restoration land uses are set out in Table 4-1 below: Table 4-1: Restoration land uses Landuse Area Ha Dry Woodland 5.6 Dry Scrub 1.2 Proposed Orchard 3.2 Existing Woodland 6.6 Acid Grassland 21.8 Species Rich Grassland 15.2 Agricultural Grassland 8.2 Proposed Reedbed 5.0 Wet Woodland 0.4 Marginal Aquatic Vegetation 3.5 Jersey Cudweed Protection Areas 1.6 Reptile Areas / Mosaic Habitat 4.6 Bare Ground 1.3 Proposed Tracks 0.9 Open Water 15.1 Total Area 94.2 iii. Proposed Orchard; iv. Existing Woodland; v. Acid Grassland; vi. Species Rich Grassland; vii. Agricultural Grassland; viii. Proposed Reedbed; ix. Wet Woodland; x. Marginal Aquatic Vegetation; xi. Jersey Cudweed Protection Areas; and xii. Reptile Areas / Mosaic Habitat. Proposals for the species mix and maintenance provisions are set out in detail in the Planning Application Statement, and the details are thus not repeated in this NTS. However, the restoration strategy has provided the context for the impact assessments which follow, notably in relation to the landscape and visual effects and mitigation measures, of which the restoration strategy forms a integral component; ecology and ecological mitigation and enhancement measures which underpin the ecology study; and hydrology, and the future surface water management regime which is based upon the proposed restoration landform and contours. The scheme also includes the establishment of new hedgerows with a combined length of approximately 4280 linear metres Restoration proposals As detailed in table 4-1 above, there are 15 proposed types of restoration land use. Within these 15 land uses are 12 individual planting types, namely: i. Dry Woodland; ii. Dry Scrub; Colchester Quarry P a g e 22 SLR Consulting Limited

29 Figure 4-1 Restoration Strategy Colchester Quarry P a g e 23 SLR Consulting Limited

30 5.0 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 5.1 Introduction The ES considers the potential environmental effects of the proposed extension to Stanway Quarry, ancillary processing operations, and the restoration of the overall application site including the exiting Stanway Quarry. Based upon the studies and content of the individual chapters, the underlying conclusion of the EIA is that there is no single topic, or combination of issues which should objectively prevent the development from proceeding. This in part reflects the fact that planning permission has already been granted for quarrying and restoration of the exiting Stanway Quarry, and the acceptability of the principle of extraction at the FWFF extension area has been acknowledged by ECC via the emerging Replacement Minerals Local Plan The respective environmental studies have paid due regard to the environmental issues identified in the scoping exercise undertaken with ECC relating to environmental effects. Where relevant, the studies have made a series of recommendations for measures which could minimise effects, and/ or result in positive enhancements. These issues are summarised below as a brief resumé of the ES chapters and the conclusions which are drawn. For each topic, the summary describes the key elements of the study which has been undertaken, the mitigation measures which have been incorporated into the development scheme or which will be implemented as part of the ongoing development, and the assessed effects taking into account the mitigation measures, referred to as residual effects. The assessments have been undertaken against a baseline of the existing circumstances at the quarry / FWFF extension area. However, where relevant, the studies have also compared the environmental effects of the proposed development with those which would be associated with the implementation of the Cory MBT plant development, and an alternative low level restoration scheme for Stanway Quarry which would restore the main void without the inclusion of water-bodies, and which, as a result would require greater volumes of infill material (some 3.4m m 3 ). 5.2 Landscape and Visual Effects LVIA Study The landscape and visual impact assessment has been carried out in accordance with up to date published guidance. The development has been assessed as a three-stage process: Initial Work, the Operational Stage (including progressive restoration), and once Final Restoration is complete. Landscape and visual effects include the removal of vegetation from FWFF, the stripping of soils at the Fruit Farm, bund creation, excavation activities and vehicle movement, the continued presence of the plant and processing plant, and progressive restoration activities including soil movements and surface treatment. The FWFF extension proposals would foreshorten the life of the operational works when compared to the circa 37 year life of the Cory MBT plant scheme, and the circa 34 year life of the alternative inert waste low level backfill restoration scheme Landscape Mitigation measures A series of mitigation measures are integral to the proposed development such as the retention of vegetation / hedges which form the peripheral boundaries, the planting of an additional hedgerow, and the screening bunds which would be provided along the northern edge of the extension area. Landscape mitigation measures which have been integrated into the design of the development scheme include: Colchester Quarry P a g e 24 SLR Consulting Limited

31 Retention of all site periphery vegetation including existing hedges adjoining the FWFF extension area, and along Dyers Road and Grymes Dyke; Extraction of the sand and gravel in benches, with mobile excavators sited below adjoining ground level; Establishment of a new / improved hedge along the boundary between FWFF and Furze Hill; Bund creation on the northern edge of the proposed extension; All currently available soil making material on site is to be retained and managed to preserve the reserve and retain its nutrient status; Progressive restoration techniques will be implemented to bring land back into amenity, wildlife and / or agricultural land uses as soon as is possible throughout the life of the site; To achieve the proposed restoration scheme within Stanway Quarry the importation of inert materials will be required. These materials will be placed to create the proposed terrestrial land uses and stable restoration batter slopes and gradients. 5.3 Landscape and Visual Residual Impacts The proposed integrated mitigation measures retain both a peripheral visual barrier and a phased development scheme which limits the disturbed area of land throughout the development s proposed life span. The additionally proposed measures add to these effects with tree / hedgerow planting to the north eastern boundary as well as new hedgerows creating new visual barriers to the east, north and western boundaries. However the effects of the development on landscape character and visual amenity are not eliminated due to both the scale of the development and the creation of a new, larger quarry void to the north of the area. The Landscape and Visual Impact assessment categorises impacts on a scale ranging from severe to major, substantial, notable, moderate, slight, minimal and neutral, with an assessment as to whether the effects will be adverse or beneficial. Conclusions have been reached as to the likely impacts of the development against these impact categories. Landscape Residual Impacts The additional hedgerow and tree planting will create landscape features, which are in character with the field boundaries that are currently present (and will be lost) from the FWFF area. The increased level of visual screening will also help to mitigate open and restricted views towards the quarry void and the removal of the in-situ ground from the FWFF extension area. Therefore in landscape terms, taking account of the full proposed mitigation, the future extension will partly offset adverse effects to the landscape during the Operational Stages and following Final Restoration. It is expected that the additional mitigation measures would be significant enough to reduce the maximum assessed effect to Very Slight Adverse. The effect on landscape character beyond the site boundary is predicted to reduce to Minimal Adverse. Following restoration the effects will remain beneficial on landscape character areas within and beyond the site boundary. Visual Residual Impacts The additional mitigation and enhancement measures will create visual screening to receptors on the western, northern and eastern sides of the FWFF extension area. These areas are most adversely affected by the proposed extension. The visual screening will be enhanced by appropriate maintenance and management techniques such as phased cutting and infilling of existing tree lines to create a dense visual screen that also restricts views in the winter months when deciduous trees have lost their leaves. The visual appraisal concluded that with integrated mitigation in place the receptors associated with dwellings, in particular those located to the west, north and east, and the footpath network would experience up Colchester Quarry P a g e 25 SLR Consulting Limited

32 to Moderate adverse significance of effects during the operational period, primarily due to the relative openness of the operational area to views from these locations. The proposed additional mitigation and enhancement measures (as described above) would reduce the overall impact of the proposed FWFF extension. It is expected that the extra mitigation planting and maintenance measures would reduce the maximum adverse effects from Moderate adverse to Slight and Very Slight Adverse as the proposed enhancement and mitigation measures are in place and established Restoration In general the proposed restoration scheme associated with the FWFF extension creates a landscape which benefits the character and visual amenity for receptors within the local area when compared to the existing situation. In addition the proposed FWFF scheme proposes a landscape which creates more beneficial effects when compared to both the permitted Cory MBT and alternative low level restoration scheme through the varied and bio-diverse habitats of nature conservation and public amenity which are proposed in a reduced time frame. 5.4 Ecology Ecology Study A suite of surveys including extended Phase 1 survey (plants), reptiles, bird, bat and badger surveys were undertaken on the FWFF extension area, and an extended Phase 1 survey (plants), invertebrate survey and habitat suitability assessment of the water-bodies for amphibians has been undertaken on the existing Stanway Quarry, including the north face. Additional surveys are being undertaken within the quarry and will be reported as an addendum to the ES prior to determination of the application. The ecology study categorises potential impacts on habitats and species based upon a scale of importance ranging from international, national, regional, county, district, local, and site. Consideration is also given to specific species protection and rarity, including the presence of Priority Habitats and Priority Species which are threatened or in decline. All habitats on the FWFF extension area were of only Site or Local importance, with the exception of a small area of acid grassland which was of District significance. Within the quarry open ruderal habitats (colonised habitats on disturbed ground) and acid grassland were of District importance, while bare ground was between site and County importance depending on its location. All other habitats were of Site importance. The Priority Habitat Open mosaic habitats on previously developed land is present. Jersey cudweed, a plant species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is present in both areas together with common cudweed listed as near threatened. On FWFF six other plant species were of local interest. Within Stanway quarry, there are two other plants listed as nationally scarce species with one near threatened species. A further two plant species listed on the Essex list of threatened species were present in the quarry, together with five species of local interest. The flora of both sites was of District importance. Invertebrate assessment of the quarry indicated that there is an assemblage of Regional importance with a total of 325 species of invertebrates recorded, nine of which are threatened and 24 nationally scarce. A Habitat Suitability Index assessment indicates that there were six water-bodies that had good or excellent potential for great crested newts, a species fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Colchester Quarry P a g e 26 SLR Consulting Limited