Denistone and Broadway Quarries, Kingsteignton and... · Denistone quarry via the private internal Sibelco access from John Acres Lane quarry. 2.8 Quarry traffic accesses Broadway

Denistone and Broadway Quarries, Kingsteignton

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Statement, Non-Technical Summary

August 2017

Prepared by

TEP Genesis Centre

Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH

Tel: 01925 844004 Fax: 01925 844002

e-mail: [email protected]

for

Sibelco Brookside Hall

Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4TF

Non-Technical Summary

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1 An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken to assess the effects of the consolidation of Denistone and Broadway Quarries including the realignment of the Ugbrooke Stream and Associated Operations (‘The Proposed Development’). The results are set out in the Environmental Statement (ES) which accompanies the Planning Application for the 'Consolidating planning application for the development of consented mineral reserves, realignment of the Ugbrooke Stream and restoration of Denistone and Broadway Ball Clay Sites, Kingsteignton, Devon.'

1.2 The planning application proposes the consolidation of two existing, permitted mineral units, Denistone and Broadway Quarries. The site location is detailed on Figure 1 below and the Planning Application Boundary on Figure 2 (page 5).

Figure 1 - Site Location Plan


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1.3 The consolidating application is required to merge two separate mineral planning units,

providing a comprehensive scheme of future working. Denistone and Broadway Quarries are currently separate mineral units due to Broadway Quarry formerly being owned by Imerys Limited (IML).

1.4 Sibelco acquired Broadway Quarry from IML to allow for the extraction of permitted mineral reserves that are currently sterilised as a result of the former land ownerships. Important ball clay reserves are sterilised by the current alignment of the Ugbrooke Stream, which in turn prevents extraction to depth in Broadway quarry to access permitted reserves.

1.5 The application does not seek permission to work new mineral. All ball clays in the

Application Site are already consented for extraction.

1.6 The application proposes the coalescence of Denistone and Broadway Quarries to access nationally important reserves of ball clays which are currently sterilised beneath the existing Ugbrooke Stream. The existing Ugbrooke Stream corridor currently sterilises 1.4 million tonnes of ball clay reserves. It is estimated that the accessible reserves in the Application Site are likely to be in the region of 3 million tonnes.

1.7 The objectives of the Proposed Development are to:

secure continuity of supply of the unique ball clays found at the site to the ceramics industry;

maximise mineral sustainability whilst minimising the environmental impact of the operations;

secure an ultimate realignment of the Ugbrooke Stream corridor; and

secure restoration of the site to a beneficial afteruse.

Non-Technical Summary 1.8 This document is a Non-Technical Summary (NTS) of the findings of the ES presented in

non-technical language.

1.9 In preparing the NTS regard has been given to the contents of Schedule 4, Part 1 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended) which identifies that a NTS must be presented as part of the EIA.

1.10 The scheme has been carried out under the 2011 Regulations, rather than the recently

introduced 2017 Regulations, because the Scoping process was undertaken under the previous regime and therefore the subsequent EIA processes fall to the Regulations that the Scoping opinion was assessed against.

1.11 This NTS gives a summary of:

the proposed development;


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the main elements of the proposals that have the potential to impact positively and/or negatively on the environment and local residents;

proposed mitigation measures to prevent, reduce and where possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment.

Consideration of the main alternatives to the proposed development.

1.12 This NTS has considered the environmental assessment work undertaken by the Applicant’s team of consultants and indicates where the assessment work has influenced the ultimate design of the scheme, with regard to mitigating potential environmental effects.

1.13 The proposal has been assessed and is considered to meet the tests of environmental

acceptability. The potential impacts of the proposed operations can be effectively mitigated and controlled to ensure it is acceptable through the imposition of appropriate planning conditions and obligations.

1.14 The proposal would bring about a number of potential significant benefits which includes

meeting a need for Ball Clay, socio-economic benefits through maintaining direct and indirect employment, long term improvements to the landscape character and ecological and biodiversity enhancements. The potential benefits are considered to weigh positively in the planning balance to minimise any potential negative environmental effects.

1.15 The specific technical reports assessed within the ES cover the following topic areas:

Ecology;

Landscape and Visual Impact;

Hydrology and Hydrogeomorphology;

Noise;

Air Quality; and

Alternatives.

1.16 The key issues are summarised in this NTS.


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2.0 SITE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS 2.1 Denistone and Broadway Quarries lies within the County of Devon and within Teignbridge

District. The Application Site falls predominantly inside Kingsteignton Town Parish with the exception of the extreme western edge of the Broadway site which lies within the Parish of Teigngrace.

2.2 The Application Site lies south of the Central Area Bovey Basin Ball Clay workings, north west of Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot. Within the Bovey Basin there are twelve quarry sites currently being operated or back-filled; eight of these are owned and operated by Sibelco, the remainder being owned and operated by IMERYS Minerals Ltd, Denistone and Broadway form two of these operational units.

2.3 Sibelco operations in the Bovey Basin are complemented by additional operational

facilities such as the clay processing and storage areas at Preston Manor and East Golds Works.

2.4 Denistone Quarry is bounded by the Lower Preston Road (former B3193) to the north and

the Old Exeter Road to the east. The south-eastern boundary of the site adjoins the Broadway Quarry site and the Ugbrooke Stream bisects the two sites forming the southern margin. The River Teign forms the western boundary and the agricultural field margins, beyond the 132 kV high voltage power line, defines the north-western boundary of future quarrying operations. The Denistone Operational Area extends to some 27.3 hectares.

2.5 Broadway Quarry bounded to the north by the Denistone site by, in part, the Ugbrooke

Stream, an existing hedge line and a mineral by-product tip adjoins the north east border. The Old Exeter Road forms the eastern boundary of the site whilst the River Teign corridor and the adjacent Footpath 13 bound the western edge. The Broadway Operational Area extends to some 26.0 hectares.

2.6 The Planning Application Boundary comprises 58.7 hectares.

2.7 The Denistone site is accessed from the Lower Preston Road (former B3193) via a signal

controlled cross road junction. The signal controlled junction allows for access to Denistone quarry via the private internal Sibelco access from John Acres Lane quarry.

2.8 Quarry traffic accesses Broadway Quarry via the Denistone entrance which is linked by

internal haul roads crossing the Ugbrooke Stream.

2.9 There are accesses to Broadway Quarry at two points along Old Exeter Road, utilised by Sibelco for operations.

2.10 Footpath FP3 runs along the southern boundary of Broadway Quarry and follows the River

Teign heading north. On the ground FP3 follows the River Teign and is separated from the quarry by a post and wire fence. The footpath does not encroach onto the quarry access road as detailed. Footpath FP7 runs along the northern boundary of Denistone Quarry.


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Figure 2 – Planning Application Boundary


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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 The planning application that the ES supports is for the following description of

development: 'Consolidating planning application for the development of consented mineral reserves, realignment of the Ugbrooke Stream and restoration of Denistone and Broadway Ball Clay Sites, Kingsteignton, Devon.'

3.2 The decision to submit a consolidating planning application follows the method used for a similar application in respect of Chudleigh Knighton & Clay Lane ball clay sites, granted planning permission by DCC in February 2016 (Ref: DCC/3793/2015). Through discussions between the Applicant and the MPA in 2011 and more recently 2016 the consolidating application approach is the favoured method in dealing with the complex arrangement of permissions in the Bovey Basin.

3.3 The application does not seek permission to work new mineral. All ball clays in the Application Site are already consented for extraction.

3.4 The coalescence of Denistone and Broadway quarries will release a valuable reserve of Group 1 low carbon light clays, a particularly important component in clay blends for the sanitary ware industry. The additional advantage of the clays in this area is that they contain a very low percentage of carbonaceous material. This material compliments extraction at Southacre quarry where clays of a similar type are higher in carbon and hence achieves a better overall balance when blended to make saleable product.

3.5 The Proposed Development would be undertaken over a period of 60 years; the first 45 years comprising mineral extraction, mineral by-product tipping, the re-alignment of the Ugbrooke Stream and progressive restoration operations. The remaining 15 years will comprise restoration operations.

3.6 The Application Site will be restored to surrounding land levels through tipping of mineral

by-product allowing restoration to the historic herringbone field pattern.

Development Operations

3.7 The Development Operations are detailed over five phases (45 years) described below.

3.8 Figure 3: Provides an overview of the proposals.


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Figure 3: Development Overview


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Phase 1 3.9 Phase one is anticipated to cover operations during a two year period.

Mineral Extraction

3.10 Mineral extraction operations are undertaken on a campaign basis, mineral being taken from Denistone quarry and transferred to stockpiles in the north west of the Denistone Site. Mineral is then transferred from the stockpile to Preston Manor works (via internal haul roads) for processing.

3.11 The annual ball clay offtake from Denistone Quarry is in the region of 60,000 tonnes.

3.12 Denistone Quarry will continue to develop through extraction operations in the southern quarry area and the deepening of the existing quarry floor.

Mineral by-product tipping

3.13 Mineral by-product1 generated from Denistone will continue to be accommodated on an

existing ‘holding tip’ prior to being transported to Broadway Tip 5. For the duration of Phase 1 Denistone Holding Tip and Broadway Tip 5 would accommodate all mineral by-product tipping requirements.

3.14 Mineral by-product tipping generated by the excavation of the Ugbrooke Stream re-

alignment channel cut is detailed below.

Ugbrooke Stream Re-alignment

3.15 The existing Ugbrooke Stream is 900 metres in length. The length of the Ugbrooke Stream to be lost to mineral extraction is 737m with 154m remaining in its current alignment. The proposed re-alignment is 786 metres in length, resulting in a net gain of 49 metres. Following completion of the re-alignment the Ugbrooke Stream will be 940m in length through the Application Site.

3.16 In Phase 1, excavation works will commence along three quarters of the proposed re-alignment. The excavation works will reduce levels along the proposed re-alignment to allow the channel box to be formed and then for the channel profile to be cut along the majority of the length.

3.17 The typical cross section details a two stage channel design, with a wide channel to allow

low flows to create their own meandering route over time. This approach aims to replicate the existing channel whilst providing equivalent capacity along the length of the new alignment.

1 Any unwanted or surplus material arising from the winning and working of minerals which requires an alternative use,

treatment or disposal, including rock, sand, silt and tailings.


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Figure 3: Phase 1


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Figure 4: Typical Section of Realigned Ugbrooke Channel

Phase Two

3.18 Phase two is anticipated to cover a five year period.

Mineral Extraction

3.19 Denistone Quarry will continue to develop through extraction operations in the southern quarry area and the deepening of the existing quarry floor.


3.20 Mineral by-product generated from Denistone will continue to be accommodated on an

existing ‘holding tip’ prior to being transported either to Broadway Tip 5 or off-site to East Golds as part of a program to infill the existing redundant quarry void.

3.21 The infilling of East Golds quarry with material from Denistone and Broadway quarries will

be undertaken over a 25 year period. It is estimated that 500,000 tonnes of mineral by-product would be transferred to East Golds from Denistone in this 25 year period, an average of 20,000 tonnes per annum. Material movements would be undertaken on a campaign basis egressing the site via the new access provided onto Old Exeter Road moving a short distance along Old Exeter Road to the private Sibelco access to East Golds Quarry.

3.22 Material movements to infill East golds Quarry have been on-going for a number of years

as part of Sibelco continued operations in the Bovey Basin.

Ugbrooke Stream Re-alignment

3.23 The realigned stream corridor would be landscaped to a detailed planting scheme.

3.24 The corridor would be planted at an early stage with pool and riffles constructed within the stream bed along with gravel bars.


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3.25 The downstream connection would be made to the River Teign during Phase 2 with surface water being fed into the channel to assist vegetation establishment over a five year period. Surface water will either come from Netherexe Pond via a gravity connection (therefore a ‘clean’ supply) or via a stop log weir arrangement from the Ugbrooke downstream of the consented discharge point.

Progressive Restoration

3.26 The land east of the re-aligned Ugbrooke channel will be restored to surrounding land levels, i.e. comparable to that of the Old Exeter Road (13 – 14m AoD), during Phase 2.

3.27 This section of land previously benefitted from planning permission for open space, sports

and recreation use, linked to the adjacent residential development at Newcross (07/02886/MAJ and 11/03269/MAJ). The permission has since lapsed although it is anticipated that there will be a further application for open space, sports and recreation development on this part of the site linked to further residential development allocations as part of the Teignbridge Local Plan.

3.28 As part of this Proposed Development the land will be restored to surrounding ground level

which could enable potential future open space, sports and recreation use. The land would be restored to agriculture as detailed within a restoration plan.

3.29 The progressive restoration works involve the removal of Broadway Tips 1 and 7.

Broadway Tip 1 will be partially removed during the channel cut works for the Ugbrooke Stream Re-alignment. The remaining material will be excavated and placed on Broadway Tip 5.

3.30 Netherexe Pond will be drained and infilled with material from Broadway Tip 7. Surplus

material from Tip 7 will be placed on Broadway Tip 5. 3.31 Netherexe Pond is currently fished under license by the Newton Abbot Fishing Association

(NAFA). The fish removed from Netherexe are the property of NAFA and would likely be moved to the ponds at Rackerheyes.


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Figure 5: Phase 2


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Phase Three 3.32 Phase three covers an eight year period.

Mineral Extraction

3.33 Denistone Quarry will have reached the western limit of the quarrying envelope (adjacent

Fishwick tip 1 and the settlement lagoons) and will continue to work minerals at depth. 3.34 Broadway Quarry is likely to undergo some limited extraction from the north east corner of

the quarry to access the Group 1 Light horizon of clays that outcrop in this area. This would be undertaken prior to the permanent diversion of the Ugbrooke to the re-aligned stream.

3.35 Once the realigned Ugbrooke Channel is deemed functional the overburden will be

stripped to expose ball clays previously sterilised beneath the old course of the Ugbrooke stream.

3.36 The pillar of material or ‘spine’ area between Denistone and Broadway Quarries will be worked to depth in a westerly direction from the point of the clay sequence outcrop along the eastern margin to coalesce the quarries.


3.37 Mineral by-product generated from Denistone will continue to be accommodated on an existing ‘holding tip’ prior to being transported either to Broadway Tip 5 or off-site to East Golds as part of a program to infill the existing redundant quarry void.

3.38 Clay working at Denistone Quarry over this period will create infill tipping opportunities, within the quarry void, to accommodate future mineral by-product. Broadway Tip 5 would be complete during phase 3 reaching a maximum height of 17.5 metres AOD. Ugbrooke Stream Re-alignment

3.39 Once the channel has established the connection to the Ugbrooke Stream will be completed with flows permanently diverted.

3.40 Material from the redundant section of stream will be used to seed the new alignment

stream bed.

Progressive Restoration

3.41 Tree planting would take place on the south eastern face of Broadway Tip 5 midway through phase 3. Tree planting of the north west face would take place at the end of phase 3, once tipping has been completed.


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Figure 6: Phase 3


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Phase Four

3.42 Phase four is anticipated to cover operations during a fifteen year period. This phase covers three stages identified as 4A, 4B and 4C.

Figure 7: Phase 4


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Mineral Extraction

3.43 Mineral extraction operations continue working from the east of Broadway quarry, west towards and eventually through Fishwick Tip 1 and the existing settlement lagoons.

3.44 Fishwick Tip 1 would be cleared of vegetation prior to the commencement of extraction operations.

3.45 The removal of Fishwick tip 1 will also require the removal of the settlement lagoons adjacent to it. By this point quarrying would allow for a central sump with a water circuit in place pumping to the replacement settlement lagoon on the former Denistone Tip. Mineral by-product tipping

3.46 Mineral by-product generated will be used to backfill and infill the existing quarry void. Some mineral will be moved off-site to East Golds as part of the program to infill the existing redundant quarry void.

3.47 It is anticipated that the infilling of East Golds Quarry will be completed during phase 4 of the operations. Phase Five

3.48 Phase five covers the final fifteen year extracted period prior to the cessation of mineral extraction operations. Mineral Extraction

3.49 Mineral extraction operations continue working east in Broadway quarry, facilitating the removal of Fishwick Tip 2 to access group 1 ball clay reserves beneath it. Operations will then focus on digging mineral to depth, circa -45m below original ground level.

3.50 It is anticipated that mineral currently sterilised beneath the overhead lines running across the north western boundary of Denistone quarry would be extracted during this period, subject to negotiations with the statutory undertaker.

3.51 The north western area of the application site falls within the Long Term working area

known as Preston.


3.52 Mineral by-product generated will be used to backfill and infill the existing void.


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Figure 8: Phase 5


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Restoration Phase 3.53 Upon cessation of mineral extraction, restoration works will continue. The consolidated

Denistone and Broadway quarry void will continue to be infilled with material from operations in the Central Area.

3.54 Infilling is anticipated to be undertaken over 15 years bringing the site back to previous surrounding ground levels.

3.55 The Application Site will be restored to agriculture using a herringbone field pattern,

synonymous with the history of the area.

3.56 A cumulative total of 1.33 hectares of waterbodies will be created on site as part of the restoration scheme.

3.57 The restoration proposal is provided on Drawing 1.

Hours of Working

3.58 There would be no change to the permitted hours of working already in place which are

0700 – 1900; Monday to Friday and 0700-1700 Saturday with no working permitted on Sundays or Bank Holidays which accords with the Planning Practice Guidance.


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4.0 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 4.1 The following summarises the findings of the EIA work undertaken in the preparation of

the ES. The assessment of the topic areas has been undertaken by employing independent specialist consultants. The technical reports relating to the evaluation of the potential impacts are presented as part of the ES.

Ecology 4.2 An Ecological Assessment has been undertaken and considers the impacts on the

identified ecological and nature conservation features of the Site and the surrounding area based upon desk study information and field surveys.

4.3 The following International, National and Non-Statutory Designations were identified within the vicinity of the Proposed Development:

International Designation

4.4 Chudleigh Caves and Woods SSSI is a component of the South Hams SAC, designated

in part for the presence of greater horseshoe bats and is 3.4 km distant at the closest point.

4.5 The Application Site is within the greater horseshoe bat consultation zone, being within the sustenance zone and adjacent to a strategic flyway considered important to support the SAC. National Designation

4.6 There is a single geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 2 km of the

Application Site. This is Southacre Clay Pits (SX854754), designated for exposures of lignite and clay sediments belonging to the Middle & Upper Bovey Formation.

4.7 Stover Park SSSI and Brocks Farm SSSI are between 2 and 5 km distant. A component

unit of the Chudleigh Caves and Woods SSSI is also within 5 km.

Non-statutory designation

4.8 Ten County Wildlife Sites are within 2 km of the Application Site. Surveys

4.9 A suite of ecological surveys have been carried out on Denistone Broadway quarries by

experienced ecologists. The following table summarises the results.


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Summary of biodiversity interest

Feature Importance

Habitats Local - HPI present, notably ‘Open mosaic habitats on previously developed ground’, Lowland Mixed Woodland (section adjacent to the Teign only), Rivers (Ugbrooke on the basis of the 6 or more species of qualifying species - otter plus 5 fish species) and Hedges. Six ‘Important’ hedges are present.

Flora Local - 8 species considered occasional in Devon.

Invertebrates County -on the basis of qualifying under 5 County Wildlife Site criteria. 1348 taxa, 9 of which are Red Data Book and 57 Nationally Scarce. 4 SPI species. Netherexe Pond is a County Wildlife Site and O5a a Priority Pond both on invertebrate grounds

Fish Local - 5 species contribute towards HPI status for Ugbrooke, 3 SPI species.

Great Crested newts

Not recorded.

Reptiles Local - isolated populations of grass snake and slow worm both legally protected.

Birds Local - common and widespread bird community. 5 breeding SPI species. Two breeding species of higher importance, kestrel (District) and sand martin (County).

Water voles Not recorded.

Otter Local - legally protected. Likely den.

Dormouse Local - legally protected.

Bats District - At least 12 species including greater horseshoe, lesser horseshoe and barbastelle. Widespread use of the site but greatest abundance along Teign. Legally protected.

Badger Local - main sett, annex and outliers. Legally protected.

4.10 Discussions were held with the Environment Agency, Natural England and the County

Ecologist and background data obtained.

4.11 An assessment of impact on these features was undertaken both with respect of the absolute impact, so as to ensure that the appropriate mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures are put in place, and with respect to changes occurring from the current consents.

4.12 Overall there will be positive residual effects on all habitat features with the exception of

bare ground whose loss is not considered to have a significant impact.

4.13 Species groups for which there will be a short-term positive residual impact but a long-term negative impact are flora, invertebrates and nightjar. This is because the time extension for extraction associated with this Application allows the maintenance of the


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transient communities favoured by a number of scarcer species which disappear as restoration occurs.

4.14 Low positive residual effects are predicted for fish, reptiles, birds, badger, dormouse, bats

and otter, largely as a result of general habitat creation but also the provision of specific features that will benefit them.

4.15 European protected species licences will be required for otter and dormouse and the grant

will include specific conservation measures. Translocation of reptiles from a single area is proposed.

4.16 Bat assessment has identified widespread use of the site at a low level by greater

horseshoe bats. Planting along the new Ugbrooke corridor will be used to ensure that no light pollution reaches the corridor and that it can function as a replacement corridor for movement. A shadow Habitat Regulations Assessment has identified that there is no likely significant effect on the South Hams SAC.

4.17 Fisheries survey identified that the Ugbrooke was used by salmonids and eels and

modelling has been used to ensure that the replacement Ugbrooke contains features which will enhance the suitability of the new watercourse for these species. A shadow Habitat Regulations Assessment has identified that there is no likely significant effect on salmon feature of the Dartmoor SAC.

4.18 There will be the loss of the County Wildlife Site Netherexe Pond. This is however already

consented and its loss is the subject of an existing legal agreement with the County.

4.19 No in-combination effects are likely with other projects.

4.20 Overall, the Proposed Development provides for a range of mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures which improves on the currently consented restoration scheme.

Landscape and Visual Impact

4.21 The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment considered the acceptability of the Proposed Development in the location proposed. It is based on a data review and field visits to identify the most sensitive landscape and visual receptors, and considers their ability to accommodate the change proposed.

4.22 The baseline conditions of the site, are that of an existing quarry, with consents for mineral extraction and restoration.

4.23 No part of the Site lies within a statutorily designated landscape (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or National Park). Dartmoor National Park lies c.4.25km to the west of the Site at its nearest point.

4.24 No part of the Site lies within a non-statutorily designated landscape. An Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) lies circa 1km to the east and northeast of the Site.


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4.25 No part of the Site lies within a Registered Park or Garden. One Grade II Registered Park

or Garden named Stover Park lies c.650 km northwest of the Site and another, Lindridge, lies c.1.6km northeast of the Site.

4.26 The design of the Proposed Development has undergone a series of changes to refine the

proposals, with the aim of avoiding and minimising potentially significant landscape and visual effects and has been informed by local character assessments, biodiversity targets and planning policy.

4.27 This has resulted in an iterative design and assessment process, using Chartered Landscape Architects following the latest best practice guidance, which looked at a variety of aspects, including extent of mineral extraction (lateral and vertical), phased working and restoration, use and timing of visual screening and restoration and afteruse design.

4.28 The assessment aspects took into consideration the sensitivities of the landscape characteristics (within the Site and outwith the Site), of the landscape character and of visual receptors and their likely response to any changes in visual amenity.

4.29 The Proposed Development (operations) will be a characteristic element of the existing

landscape exerting similar effects to that already consented.

4.30 The adverse effects would be temporary, where relating to the diversion of the Ugbrooke (in absolute terms) with a new established habitat being implemented in advance of the removal of the existing, such that a Medium-term duration of effect could be envisaged. The additional duration of working overall would primarily relate to the existing quarries, with the Preston Mineral Unit always being viewed as a ‘Long term working area’. A 20-year extension, within the existing quarries, would fall within the Very Long term duration category. This would be considered to be site-specific, with a subsequent deferment of entering mineral units considered to be ‘Long-term working areas’.

4.31 During the operational period of the Proposed Development there is expected to be an

adverse effect of ‘Large magnitude’ on the landscape character within the Site itself, with a Medium magnitude of adverse effect on wider landscape character, due to the anticipated limited likely appreciation of changes from outside the Site, to that consented.

4.32 The adverse effects on landscape characteristics during the operational period are

considered to be of Moderate Significance, having some effect on the landscape characteristics and landscape character without exceeding the landscape capacity threshold. Key characteristics would be retained and not affected to a Significant or notable degree.

4.33 The restoration landform within the Denistone Quarry area is largely unchanged from that consented, and restores the previous levels within the Preston mineral unit area. Within Broadway Quarry, a more characteristic landform will be created, with lower lying levels compared to those consented for Fishwick Tip 2 (in particular). This will create a positive landscape effect within the Site and when experienced from locations to the northwest, west and southwest of the Site.


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4.34 Post-restoration, there will be an overall improvement through a lower-lying landform that

has more gradual undulation and resemblance to the characteristics of the landscape character type and proximity to the River Teign and with less incongruity when experienced from the wider landscape, supplemented with further strengthening of key characteristics beyond that provided by the baseline situation at the Site, as described above.

4.35 The landscape sensitivity of the landscape character to the proposed restoration scheme,

at the Site is Low and within the landscape character area is considered to be Medium. The magnitude of positive effect on the Site’s landscape character and landscape character area, over and above the consented scheme, is considered to be Medium for the post-restoration (Very Long-term) period.

4.36 The (overall nett) effect on the landscape characteristics at the Site is considered to be

beneficial and of Minor-Moderate positive significance and, for the landscape character area in the locality, Moderate positive significance.

4.37 Key characteristics would be retained and enhanced but not affected to a Significant or

notable degree.

Hydrology and Hydrogeomorphology 4.38 A hydrological, hydrogeological and flood risk assessment have been undertaken as part

of the EIA.

4.39 A review of the publically available Environment Agency Flood Data Map indicates that the current workings are within Flood Zone 3. However, the areas shown as Flood Zone 3 are at substantially lower elevations than the surrounding ground and correlate with that of the existing Denistone and Broadway quarry voids. Based upon the location of the areas identified it is considered that this flooding is attributable to the Ugbrooke Stream and not the River Teign.

4.40 The NPPG Technical Guidance document defines flood zones and quantifies acceptable land use within them. It is interpreted from Table 1 and 2 that a less vulnerable land use, such as mineral working and processing, is acceptable in Zone 3a – high probability.

4.41 The areas of virgin ground that are to be worked are within Flood Zone 1 and therefore do

not impact upon the functional flood plain of the River Teign.

4.42 The hydraulic capacity of the proposed two stage channel was tested to enable its comparison to the existing channel and validate the performance of its design. The results showed that the proposed channel reacts in a similar manner to that of the existing with flows coming out of bank for QMED but retained within the two stage channel for the 1 in 1000 year flood event.

4.43 It considered that during periods of high flow within the River Teign, flows within the

Ugbrooke Stream will be impeded at the southern end of the alignment and therefore the


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potential for channel exceedance is greatest at this point. Where flows overtop the landscape bund the haul road will provide an additional storage area and retain flows between the bund and the toe of the Southern Tip (Broadway Tip 5). Further storage will be provided within the area of wet woodland, west of Old Exeter Road.

4.44 It is not envisaged that surface water from the Ugbrooke Stream would affect Old Exeter

Road and therefore there would be no impact on the residential development (Moorlands Reach) to the south east.

4.45 As part of the long term restoration scheme it is proposed that areas of the reinstated

agricultural land will be allowed to flood to provide storage above that currently available, this will provide a moderate positive impact.

4.46 The confluence of the Ugbrooke Stream with the River Teign will remain upstream of Teign

Bridge, which acts as a throttle to flows, to maintain the existing situation.

Noise 4.47 An assessment of the potential noise impacts to the environment associated with the

continued extraction of ball clay has been undertaken. The existing planning permissions for Denistone and Broadway have conditions and schemes approved and implemented for noise monitoring.

4.48 A visual survey of the Application Site has been made and existing daytime noise levels measured at five locations representing noise sensitive premises within the vicinity of the boundary of the Application Site.

4.49 A series of noise predictions, based upon the calculation methodology described within BS 5228 and including a number of worst case assumptions (ball clay extraction, soil stripping) regarding the working scheme. These assumptions have been made to the Nearest Sensitive Receptor (NSR) locations (see Figure 8, page 24) within the vicinity and assessed against noise criteria in Planning Practice Guidance relating to mineral sites.

4.50 All predicted noise levels in the assessment refer to worst case scenarios, when operations

are undertaken at their closest distances to sensitive receptors and therefore have the greatest influence on the noise levels at these locations.

4.51 These worst case noise scenarios are also likely to be of relatively short duration, however,

they indicate the maximum noise level (LAeq) to which an NSR may be exposed during the

continued working of the Application Site. By definition, the worst case situation may occur intermittently over the lifetime of the Site, but longer term noise levels perceived outside of the Site boundary would normally be significantly less.

4.52 Planning Practice Guidance recommends that Mineral Planning Authorities should aim to

establish a noise limit, through a planning condition, at the NSR that does not exceed the background noise level (LA90,1h) by more than 10dB(A) during normal daytime working hours (0700-1900).Where it will be difficult not to exceed the background level by more than 10dB(A) without imposing unreasonable burdens on the mineral operator, the limit


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set should be as near that level as practicable. In any event, the total noise from the operations should not exceed 55dB(A) LAeq,1h (free field).

Figure 8: Nearest Sensitive Receptor Locations

4.53 The existing noise limits imposed on the Denistone and Broadway Quarry sites is 55dB(A)

LAeq,1h (free field)


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4.54 Based on the noise level predictions, the background sound levels obtained during the survey, and the results of the assessment, it is considered that noise limits based on are appropriate at all identified NSR’s

4.55 Depending on the Phase of the Application Site operations, noise levels at the NSRs are

expected to be between LAeq (1 hr) 23.0 dB(A) and 53.4 dB(A), which would give rise to no changes in noise in the existing noise climate at the five NSR locations. Noise impacts from the Phases of the Application Site are unlikely to impact at the NSR’s. The predicted noise levels will remain below the 55 dB limit set in the existing ROMP conditions. Therefore the revised working scheme for the site has negligible impacts upon nearest sensitive receptors.

Air Quality 4.56 An assessment has been undertaken that considers the potential effects on air quality

from the continued extraction and movement of material within the Application Site. 4.57 The potential air quality impacts of the Application Site have been assessed by:

Reviewing the legislative requirements and ambient air quality limits;

Identifying the sensitive receptor locations;

Describing the existing air quality and dispersion meteorology of current operations;

Discussing the potential impacts of the Application Site; and

Identifying appropriate air quality mitigation measures.

4.58 The significance of the dust effects has been assessed by taking into account the sensitivity of the local area and the risk that the activities might give rise to dust effects. The local area is considered to be of low sensitivity. With the site specific mitigation measures outlined below in place, the significance of dust effects for mineral development is considered to be negligible.

4.59 With regards to site traffic all vehicle movements are undertaken via internal private access road. On-site material will be retained and utilised for other purposes, and there are no known air quality concerns in the local area, the effects are considered to be negligible.

4.60 To summarise, the assessment indicates that, with site specific mitigation measures in place, the potential dust and air quality effects upon existing sensitive receptors during the site construction and remediation phase of works will be negligible risk. Mitigation Measures Site management and monitoring

Record all dust and air quality complaints and identify the cause(s). Take appropriate measures to reduce emissions in a timely manner, and record the measures taken. Make the complaints log available to upon request;


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Any exceptional incidents that cause dust and/or air emissions, either on or off site need to be recorded; and

Daily on-site and off-site inspections must be undertaken, where Nearest Sensitive Receptors (NSRs) (including roads) are nearby to monitor dust deposition. The inspection results should be recorded and made available upon request.

Vehicles / machinery and sustainable travel

Ensure all vehicles switch off engines when stationary, no idling vehicles.

Use of modern well maintained mobile plant equipment.

Operate within manufacturer recommended guidelines.

Regular maintenance programme and keep documentary evidence on-site.

Use of low sulphur fuels.

Avoid the use of diesel or petrol powered generators and use mains electricity or

battery powered equipment where practicable.

Impose and signpost a maximum-speed-limit of 20 mph on surfaced and 10 mph

on unsurfaced haul roads and work areas (if long haul routes are required these

speeds may be increased with suitable additional control measures provided,

subject to the approval of the nominated undertaker and with the agreement of the

local authority, where appropriate).

Ensure an adequate water supply on the site for effective dust/particulate matter

suppression/mitigation, using non-portable water where possible and appropriate.

Use enclosed chutes and conveyors, and covered skips.

Minimise drop heights from conveyors, loading shovels, and other loading or

handling equipment and use fine water sprays on such equipment wherever

appropriate; and

Ensure equipment is readily available on site to clean any dry spillages, and clean

up spillages as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning

methods.

Alternatives 4.61 The alternatives considered by the Applicant for the principle of taking forward their mineral

production requirements were to:

Take the Applicant’s operations much further into the Preston mineral unit (which extends into Preston village and beyond); or

Extend the Applicant’s Southacre mineral operation, which would require a diversion of the River Teign (previously proposed in 1997).

4.62 Both of these alternatives were considered much more likely to create significant

environmental effects and so the Proposed Development is preferred.


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5.0 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 The application seeks permission for the consolidation of Denistone and Broadway Quarry

sites into one single planning unit through the provision of a comprehensive scheme of working and restoration. The proposal has been developed over a lengthy period taking into account the findings of a suite of studies and investigations. It has also been the subject of valuable local engagement.

5.2 This NTS summarises the main findings of the ES and considers the potential impacts associated with a wide range of identified topic areas.

5.3 The ES concludes that impacts will not be unacceptably adverse. The baseline is unequivocal that permission exists to extract the mineral reserve from the Application Site. This application provides a revised scheme of working to maximise the sustainable extraction of ball clay from the Application Site.

5.4 There will be tangible and significant beneficial impacts which are of local and national

significance. These benefits cover economic, social and environmental considerations.

5.5 At the economic level the proposals ensure the sustainable extraction of consented group 1 ball clay reserves further benefitting the viable future for the continued extraction of Ball Clay within the Bovey Basin and the significant economic benefits it brings to the region.

5.6 From a social perspective, amenity benefits will be delivered through continued high

operation standards which will be reinforced by an appropriate suite of planning conditions.

5.7 The environmental benefits of the Ugbrooke realignment and restoration of the site ensure that the legacy of the site is to ensure net biodiversity gain contributing towards target identified within the Development Plan.

Documents

Denistone and Broadway Quarries, Kingsteignton and... · Denistone quarry via the private internal Sibelco access from John Acres Lane quarry. 2.8 Quarry traffic accesses Broadway