TRUSTEES VISCOUNT FITZHARRIS 1981 SETTLEMENT, AND H.H. … · alterations to the basic design or operation of the development or the introduction of ... scoping request and consultation

TRUSTEES VISCOUNT FITZHARRIS 1981 SETTLEMENT, AND

H.H. AND D.E. DREW LIMITED

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION TO SAND AND GRAVEL

EXTRACTION AT HURN QUARRY, DORSET FOLLOWED BY FILLING WITH

IMPORTED INERT MATERIALS AND RESTORATION

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS)

MARCH 2015

Wardell Armstrong

Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)845 111 7777 Facsimile: +44 (0)845 111 8888 www.wardell-armstrong.com

Wardell Armstrong is the trading name of Wardell Armstrong LLP, Registered in England No. OC307138.

Registered office: Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

UK Offices: Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, London, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Penryn, Sheffield, Truro, West Bromwich. International Offices: Almaty, Moscow

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

LAND AND PROPERTY

MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING

MINERAL ESTATES AND QUARRYING

WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

DATE ISSUED: MARCH 2015

JOB NUMBER: ST14186

REPORT NUMBER: 004

TRUSTEES VISCOUNT FITZHARRIS 1981 SETTLEMENT, AND

H.H. AND D.E. DREW LIMITED

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION TO SAND AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION AT

HURN QUARRY, DORSET FOLLOWED BY FILLING WITH IMPORTED INERT MATERIALS

AND RESTORATION

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY (NTS) PLANNING APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION TO

SAND AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION AT HURN QUARRY, DORSET FOLLOWED BY FILLING

WITH IMPORTED INERT MATERIALS AND RESTORATION

MARCH 20155

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract

with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third

parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.

HURN QUARRY EXTENSION

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

ST14186 REP-004

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1

2 EIA APPROACH AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT................................................................. 2

3 SITE LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 5

4 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS ........................................................................................ 6

5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREDICTION, EVALUATION AND MITIGATION ...................... 7

DRAWINGS

ST14186-001 Site Location Plan

ST14186-004 Site Setting

ST14186-005 Extraction Phasing

ST14186-008 Restoration Plan



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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of this Non-Technical Summary

1.1.1 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) presents (in non-technical language) the findings

of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken in support of a proposed

extension to an existing sand and gravel operation at Hurn Quarry, Bournemouth.

1.1.2 This NTS has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of Trustees Viscount

FitzHarris 1981 Settlement. The full Environmental Statement (ES) has been submitted

with the planning application. The ES has been prepared in accordance with the

requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment)

Regulations 2011 and other relevant guidance.

1.1.3 This NTS provides a brief site description, a discussion of the proposals and then

presents the assessment findings for each technical section of the ES, in non-technical

language. Anyone with interest in exploring specific technical assessment findings can

refer to the main ES.

1.2 Introduction

1.2.1 The site is located to the west of an existing sand and gravel quarry, south of

Bournemouth International Airport, in Dorset.

1.2.2 The site is approximately 17.5ha in size, and currently comprises a number of

agricultural fields used to grow crops, small paddocks, and part of the car park for the

adjacent amusement park.

1.2.3 The existing quarry is nearing the end of its operation, and so the proposals are to

extend the quarry on the land to the west in order to continue operations there.



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2 EIA APPROACH AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 In accordance with the 2011 Regulations a full ES has been prepared in order to

identify, describe and assess the environmental impacts of the proposals.

2.1.2 The scope of the ES was determined in accordance with the Scoping Opinion received

from Dorset County Council. The following topic areas were considered in the ES:

• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;

• Ecology;

• Land Use and Soils;

• Hydrogeology and Hydrology;

• Noise and Vibration;

• Air Quality;

• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;

• Climate Change; and

• Traffic.

2.1.3 In addition, a Site Investigation and Flood Risk Assessment were undertaken.

2.1.4 Due to the size and scale of the proposals it was considered that all environmental

issues would require consideration. As such, no topics were scoped out.

2.2 EIA Approach

Baseline

2.2.1 The baseline for the study, against which impacts have been assessed, has been taken

as the current position of the site as agricultural fields and a section of a car park. It is

in this context that the extension of mineral extraction within the site has been

considered and assessed.

Significance Criteria

2.2.2 The criteria for the assessment of significance has been selected and applied in

accordance with published guidance specific to the individual topic areas covered in

the technical assessments. Such guidance represents the industry standard method

for assessing potential impacts and is consistent with EIA best practice. The published



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guidance used in the undertaking of the assessments is referenced in each technical

chapter. Where published guidance or criteria is not available the chosen method for

assessing impacts and their significance is explained in detail to ensure transparency.

2.2.3 Where significant impacts have been identified, mitigation measures have been

recommended to avoid, reduce or remedy such impacts. These have involved

alterations to the basic design or operation of the development or the introduction of

specific safeguards to ameliorate potential effects. The assessment methodology has

therefore been used to refine the development proposals in an iterative process.

Local Engagement

2.2.4 In addition to Dorset County Council being consulted via the request for scoping, a

letter was sent to the residents of properties located close to the site. The letter

provided summary details of the proposals, directed residents to the location of the

scoping request and consultation page on Dorset County Council’s web site, and

invited comments on the proposals prior to the submission of this application.

Discussions were also held between a local resident and the landscape architect

during a site visit.

2.2.5 A number of responses arising from the letter to residents have been received, mainly

in relation to the distance of the workings from residential properties; and visual,

noise and vibration impacts. Comments from local residents have been considered

within the assessment, in the design of the operations, and in the design of

appropriate mitigation.

Mitigation

2.2.6 The development proposals incorporate measures to avoid, reduce and remedy any

potential adverse environmental impacts, and to enhance the environmental benefits

of the scheme. This has been done by ensuring that potential adverse effects, issues

or constraints are designed out of the scheme as far as practicably possible, with

impacts that cannot be adequately mitigated through site design addressed through

a combination of operational methods and techniques, best working practices, or

specific strategies or action plans.

Residual Impacts

2.2.7 Assessment and mitigation of the key environmental issues have been used to reduce

impacts to the lowest practicable level consistent with the overall objectives. Any

residual impacts (the remaining effects following mitigation) are identified.



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2.3 Consideration of Alternatives

2.3.1 The consideration of alternatives helps to provide a scheme which reduces the

environmental effects of a project.

2.3.2 There are three possible alternatives to the proposed scheme:

• The ‘do nothing’ option

• An alternative location

• An alternative design

2.3.3 The ‘do nothing’ option considers the alternative of not developing the site, and

allowing it to continue in its current land use. This option would eliminate the

potential environmental impacts resulting from the development. However, as

described within the Planning Supporting Statement submitted with this application,

in view of the demonstrated need for mineral and relatively limited harm of the

proposals, it is considered that the ‘do nothing’ alternative can be discounted.

2.3.4 The scope for considering alternative locations is limited by the need for minerals to

be present. It is preferable to consider an extension to the existing quarry rather than

a new quarry, as this will allow the existing infrastructure to be used and prevent a

new site having to be developed. It is not possible to extend to the west due to the

presence of Conservation Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Extension to

the south would have significant impacts on ecology and the landscape through

extensive tree and hedgerow removal. Extension to the north is limited by the

proximity to the airport, and would lead to traffic and access issues. Therefore an

extension to the west is the preferred alternative, as it is easily accessible from the

existing quarry and would result in the least environmental impact.

2.3.5 The proposed scheme has been designed in conjunction with the production of the

ES. As far as possible, potential significant adverse environmental impacts have been

‘designed out’ of the scheme. However, measures have also been incorporated into

the proposals to mitigate any impacts that cannot be adequately addressed through

design. This includes avoiding areas at risk of flooding, and an increase in stand-off

from properties, bund size, change in standard working methods, and additional

planting in order to reduce noise and visual impacts.

2.3.6 The current proposals are therefore considered to be the most suitable alternative in

environmental terms.



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3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE

3.1.1 The site is approximately 17.5ha in size is located immediately to the south of

Bournemouth International Airport, within the borough of Christchurch and the

county of Dorset. The relevant planning authority is Dorset County Council.

3.1.2 The majority of the site comprises a number of large agricultural fields used to grow

crops and a number of smaller paddocks, separated by hedgerows. The remainder of

the site, to the east, comprises part of the car park for the adjacent Adventure

Wonderland Amusement Park. There are hedgerows and trees on the northern,

western and eastern site boundaries.

3.1.3 The site is bound by:

• Parley Lane to the north, with Bournemouth Airport beyond;

• Hurn Court Lane and the existing quarry to the east;

• Dales Lane to the south, with agricultural land beyond; and

• The Adventure Wonderland amusement park to the west.

3.1.4 There are a number of properties locate on Dales Lane. Dales House is located

adjacent to the centre of the southern site boundary, and the remaining properties

are located adjacent to the south-western corner of the site at the junction of Dales

Lane and Hurn Court Lane.

3.1.5 See Drawing ST14186-001 for the Site Location Plan and Drawing ST14186-004 for the

Site Setting.



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4 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 As the existing Hurn Quarry is coming to the end of its operational life, this ES has been

prepared in support of an application to extend mineral operations on to the land to

the west of the existing quarry.

4.1.2 Extraction of minerals within the new site will be split into five phases, each lasting

approximately two years (see Drawing ST14186-005). The direction of phasing

progresses in a clockwise direction, from the south-west of the site to the north-west.

Before mineral extraction takes place in each phase, soils will be stripped and used to

create bunds on the site boundary. These bunds will screen views of the quarry, and

reduce noise levels.

4.1.3 Mineral extracted from the site will be transported to the existing processing plant,

via a new access road to be constructed between the existing quarry and the proposed

extension. The exact position of the new access road will be confirmed with the

highways agency.

4.1.4 Restoration of each phase (via infill) will begin approximately one year after extraction

within that phase has finished. Restoration of each phase will take approximately two

year. The entire site will eventually be restored back to its current use as agricultural

fields, with the car park restored to grassland. This will include the replanting of any

trees and hedgerows removed as part of the extraction operations (see Drawing

ST14186-008).



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5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREDICTION, EVALUATION AND MITIGATION

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 Potential impacts have been identified and evaluated with reference to magnitude

and significance and where required, measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or

compensate any adverse effects have been incorporated into the site design and

working methods.

5.1.2 An overview of each of the environmental assessments is provided below.

5.2 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

5.2.1 The site is located on a remnant of an agricultural landscape located along the River

Stour. This area has traditionally been rural in character, however development

surrounding the B3073, including the airport and amusement park, has changed the

perception of the landscape character. Mineral extraction has adversely affected the

landscape, and aircraft and road noise reduce the tranquillity of the area.

5.2.2 The proposals have incorporated mitigation measures to screen the proposals,

including the construction of a bund on the site boundary, the enhancement of

existing vegetation, and additional planting done in advance of proposals. These

measures were taken account of in the assessment.

5.2.3 The proposals will change the land use of the area from agricultural to a mineral

extraction site. However the landscape is already affected by the existing quarry, the

airport, the amusement park and the B3073. Therefore the proposals will have a

moderate adverse effect on the landscape character. These effects will be temporary,

and following restoration there will be a negligible to slight beneficial impact on the

landscape character, due to the additional planting and enhancement of the existing

vegetation.

5.2.4 The key receptors which will experience views of the proposals are the houses, roads

and footpaths located adjacent to the site boundaries. Impacts on views will be

highest when works are being undertaken in the adjacent section of the site. However

following construction of the bund the majority of views will be screened, and impacts

will greatly reduce.

5.3 Ecology

5.3.1 An ecological assessment is required to identify and evaluate the elements that make

up the local ecosystem and consider how the impacts of the development may affect



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these in accordance with NPPF and the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact

Assessment (2006).

5.3.2 At this stage of the application, a complete detailed evaluation of potential impacts

has not been carried out and further survey for Great Crested Newts and the

subsequent base line data is required in order to do so. Consequently, this assessment

has been unable to fully evaluate the potential impacts in accordance with NPPF and

the CIEEM Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (2006).

5.3.3 The assessment has established that the construction and operation of the proposed

development will not significantly impact upon the habitats and species that are

present within the site.

5.3.4 Mitigation measures have been recommended for the loss of habitats and impacts

upon bats, in order to maintain best practice and to adhere to relevant legislation for

ecological receptors which non-significant effects have been identified.

5.3.5 Further survey effort and subsequent assessment of impacts will enable more detailed

mitigation measures to be included, addressing the remainder of ecological receptors

within the site.

5.3.6 Following completion of the additional ecological survey, assessment of residual and

cumulative impacts can be undertaken.

5.4 Land Use and Soils

5.4.1 Historically the site was used as agricultural fields. More recently, the land in the west

has been used as parking for the Bournemouth Aviation Museum and the amusement

park, however the majority of the site remains in agricultural use. The existing Hurn

Quarry will be restored to agricultural land of similar quality following completion of

extraction operations.

5.4.2 A detailed site survey was undertaken in order to establish the Agricultural Land

Classification (ALC) of the soils across the site. The survey determined that the

majority of the site is Grade 3a (good quality), just over a third is Grade 2 (very good

quality), and a small amount is Grade 3b (moderate quality). There is also a small

amount of non-agricultural land.

5.4.3 The proposed quarry extension would result in a temporary change of use of 13.6ha

of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) and 1.2ha of non-BMV agricultural land. Due to the

temporary change of the land use, and planned restoration back to agricultural land



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of the same quality, the proposals would not result in a significant effect on the

agricultural land.

5.4.4 The impact upon the soil resources can be properly mitigated and minimised through

phased working and use of best practice methods in soil handling, storage and

restoration. It would not result in a significant effect.

5.4.5 Provided that the water runoff from the site is properly managed and appropriate

agricultural drainage is installed following restoration, the impact on drainage on and

off the site would not be significant.

5.5 Hydrogeology and Hydrology

5.5.1 An investigation of the hydrogeological and hydrological conditions of the site and the

surrounding water environment has been undertaken, and an assessment of the

impact the proposals will have upon the surrounding water environment.

5.5.2 A Conceptual Site Model was produced, which identified that groundwater within the

river terrace deposits was the primary water receptor. The River Moors is not a

receptor as the groundwater flow direction is not towards the River Moors. The River

Stour is also not a receptor given the distance between the Site and the river. The desk

study did not identify any other groundwater dependant systems within 2km of the

Site.

5.5.3 It is proposed that the workings are limited to above the water table. During the

winter, when the water table is higher, there will be a reduction in the working depth.

5.5.4 The impact assessment identified that vehicle activities during the operation,

construction and closure phases of the project have the potential to affect

groundwater quality from accidental releases of fuels and oils.

5.5.5 The implementation of best available techniques and appropriate mitigation

measures will reduce the level of the previously identified impacts to low.

5.6 Noise and Vibration

5.6.1 Noise monitoring was undertaken in order to establish baseline noise levels. During

the survey, noise from road traffic, aircraft, birdsong and the amusement park were

established as existing significant noise sources.

5.6.2 Potential noise impacts at existing sensitive receptors were assessed, with noise

predictions carried out using computer modelling software.



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5.6.3 Without mitigation measures vibration is likely to be perceptible whilst operations

take place closest to existing sensitive receptors, resulting in a slight adverse impact.

However the vibration levels will be well below the threshold for any structural

damage to buildings. Appropriate mitigation measures have been recommended to

reduce vibration impacts at existing sensitive receptors.

5.6.4 Without mitigation the noise generated by the extraction operations would have short

term minor to moderate adverse impacts, and long term minor to major adverse

impacts at the sensitive receptors located in the immediate vicinity of the

development.

5.6.5 Following the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, predicted noise

levels are lower than the noise limits defined in accordance with Planning Practice

Guidance, resulting in a minor adverse impact, which is considered to be acceptable

in the context of the site.

5.7 Dust

5.7.1 A dust assessment has been undertaken to assess the impact of the proposals on

existing dust levels in the vicinity of the site and at identified dust sensitive receptor

locations.

5.7.2 The site is located in a semi-rural setting, with open land and residential properties

surrounding the site to the north, east, west and south. Existing dust sources in the

vicinity of the site include traffic; domestic and aviation fuel burning; and agriculture.

Dust transported from more distant sources will also contribute to the total dust levels

experienced by the site and the surrounding receptors.

5.7.3 Dust emissions from the site have the potential to increase levels in the surrounding

area, both as short-term peaks and over a longer period. Dust could be blown off site

to affect surrounding receptors. The main potential sources of dust at the site are the

stripping, storage and handling of soils; the movement of material; and vehicle traffic.

5.7.4 The proposals have the potential to generate dust, and therefore mitigation measures

will need to be continually implemented to ensure effective control of dust emissions

is maintained. It is assumed that the existing mitigation measures currently

implemented for the existing quarry, as part of the Environmental Management Plan,

will be in place and will continue to operate during the entirety of the proposed

extension.



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5.7.5 The effective implementation of the dust mitigation measures will ensure that dust

generated at the site will have an insignificant effect on nearby sensitive receptors.

5.8 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

5.8.1 There are no designated heritage assets within the boundary of the site. However

there are seven Grade II Listed Buildings and the Hurn Conservation Area within 1km

of the site.

5.8.2 No designated heritage assets would be physically impacted upon by the proposals.

Two Grade II Listed Buildings, Dales House and Merritown Farmhouse, may experience

an impact to their setting. However this would not exceed an impact of moderate

adverse significance. Visual impacts to the buildings would be mitigated by the

construction of the bund, and the site would be restored to agricultural use upon

completion of extraction. The restoration of the site would also mitigate the loss of

historic hedgerows which would be re-instated.

5.8.3 The assessment indicated a potential for buried remains, in particular remains dated

to the prehistoric period. However, there is no evidence to indicate that potential

remains within the boundary of the site would be of high importance. In order to allow

a suitable mitigation strategy to be put in place, it is anticipated that a programme of

archaeological evaluation would be required to determine the planning application.

5.9 Climate Change

5.9.1 The climate change impacts on the project and the impacts of the project on climate

were assessed.

5.9.2 Climate projections for the UK were assessed in order to establish what changes to

the climate are likely to occur over the lifetime of the project, within Dorset. It is

anticipated that summers are likely to get hotter and drier, and winters are likely to

get wetter. However overall annual average changes in temperature and rainfall are

not expected to be significant. Therefore it is not anticipated that climate change will

impact on conditions or operations at the site.

5.9.3 The main impact a development has on the climate is the generation of greenhouse

gas (GHG) emissions. Generation of GHG emissions within any development is

unavoidable, however within this proposal they will be minimised through the

location and design of the scheme, through the use of energy efficiency measures, and

the restoration of the site. The Flood Risk Assessment also outlines measures that will



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be incorporated within the design of the scheme to ensure that it is not at risk of

flooding.

5.9.4 In conclusion is considered that the proposals are in accordance with local policy on

climate change, as they will be resilient to the impacts of climate change, and will

ensure continued provision of a mineral resource whilst minimising GHG emissions.

5.10 Traffic

5.10.1 The extension area will not be operated at the same time as the existing quarry.

Therefore, the proposals will have a positive impact on Parley Lane as HGV traffic to

and from the quarry will be approximately halved.

5.10.2 The proposals will impact on traffic on Hurn Court Lane as mineral will need to move

from the western side of the lane to the existing quarry site on the eastern side.

Existing traffic on Hurn Court Lane is relatively light and generated by a small number

of residential dwellings and local businesses. There will be a relatively high increase of

traffic on Hurn Court Lane, however the impact would not be significant.

5.10.3 The layout of the crossing point on Hurn Court Lane will need to be agreed with Dorset

County Council and will consider traffic already using this section of the lane in order

to deliver a safe solution, with minimal impact on existing users.

5.11 Cumulative Impacts

5.11.1 No proposed mineral operations in the process of planning have been identified within

the surrounding area. Therefore the proposed extension is not anticipated to result in

cumulative impacts in combination with other developments.

5.11.2 There are no unacceptable impacts on the environment arising from the proposals.

Therefore it is unlikely that any receptor would experience significant cumulative

impacts from the combined effect of two or more sources; or from the impacts

continuing over an extended period of time.



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Documents

TRUSTEES VISCOUNT FITZHARRIS 1981 SETTLEMENT, AND H.H. … · alterations to the basic design or operation of the development or the introduction of ... scoping request and consultation