HANSON UK MANOR FARM QUARRY MILTON KEYNES SAND AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION OFF HAVERSHAM ROAD, NEW BRADWELL.

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2 HANSON UK MANOR FARM QUARRY MILTON KEYNES SAND AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION OFF HAVERSHAM ROAD, NEW BRADWELL. ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY JANUARY 2013 Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd Ashby Road East Shepshed Leicestershire LE12 9BU URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited Royal Court Basil Close Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 7SL

3 REVISION SCHEDULE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT: NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY Rev Date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by 01 NOV 2012 Draft Sarah Askew Planner (Minerals and Waste) Chris Nicoll Principal Planner (Minerals and Waste) Chris Nicoll Principal Planner (Minerals and Waste) 02 JAN 2013 Final Sarah Askew Planner (Minerals and Waste) Chris Nicoll Principal Planner (Minerals and Waste Barry Gore Director (Minerals and Waste :Non Technical Summary Final

4 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Introduction Scheme Overview The DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE Referencing Site Description Geology and Soils Site Context and History Adjacent Land Uses Statutory and Non Statutory Designations Planning History Public Rights of Way (PRoW) THE SCHEME Introduction Overview Development Stages Timescales Hours of Operation Mineral Reserves and Output Site Establishment Mineral Extraction Restoration Land Use Aftercare SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Introduction Soils and agriculture Landscape and visual Biodiversity and Ecology Hydrology and Flood Risk Traffic and Transport :Non Technical Summary Final

5 4.7 Noise Cultural heritage and Archaeology Air quality and dust Combined and cumulative effects Other Matters CONCLUSION...17 PLANS :Non Technical Summary Final

6 PLANS Reference Title Scale Revision NTS.001 Site Location 1:50,000 NTS.002 Location Area 1:10,000 NTS.003 Phasing Layout 1:5000 NTS.004 Restoration Master Plan NTS :Non Technical Summary Final

7 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction This document is a non-technical summary (NTS) of the (ES) that accompanies a planning application for mineral extraction at Haversham Road, submitted by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd ( Hanson ). The application relates to land off Haversham Road, New Bradwell, Milton Keynes see site location plan NTS.001. The planning application boundary includes all areas of mineral extraction as identified on plan NTS.002 and is hereinafter referred to as the Site. For the purposes of this ES the development proposed by the planning application and assessed within this document are hereinafter referred to as the Scheme. Isolated stands of immature Cricket Bat Willow are situated in the southern half of the Site. There are no buildings on the Site and the land has not previously been the subject of development. The Site area is some 20ha at a general level at 60m AOD. The two fields are largely bordered by woodland and trees. The Ouse Valley Linear Park includes a substantive public right of way located on the bank of the River Great Ouse just north of the Site. The most southerly residential properties of Haversham on The Crescent lie the closest at some 200m. 1.2 Scheme Overview The Scheme comprises the proposed phased sand and gravel extraction, with progressive restoration to flood meadow and open water and associated development as detailed below: development of a temporary haul road from the Haversham Rd roundabout to the lorry loading area; installing a lorry wheel wash on the haul road; phased soil stripping in advance of mineral extraction to temporary perimeter storage and screening bunds to reduce visual impacts and noise propagation; a watching brief for archaeological assets during soil stripping (within a programme of archaeological mitigation); extraction of sand and gravel over approximately three years in a sequence of phases; no on site mineral processing; loading at a lorry loading point located at the end of the haul road; haulage by lorry off site (to Manor Farm Quarry); localised dewatering of the sand and gravel shallow aquifer to facilitate dry excavation and efficient mineral recovery; water settlement in an on site lagoon prior to discharge of clean decanted water to the River Great Ouse (subject to Environmental Permit) and not during any period of river flooding; daytime working on Monday to Friday only; : Final 1

8 phased and progressive restoration to flood plain meadow and open water; and a five-year programme of site aftercare. 1.3 The The ES has been prepared on behalf of Hanson by URS Infrastructure and Environment Ltd (URS) and other specialist consultants (where necessary), and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations The purpose of the ES is to ensure that: the development details sufficiently describe the Scheme; relevant environmental issues are assessed appropriately; potential environmental impacts are assessed appropriately; potential environmental impacts, associated with either the construction, operational and aftercare phases of the proposed scheme are identified together with appropriate mitigation measures; the significance of any residual effects is evaluated; and interested parties are given the opportunity to address any relevant issues. The ES seeks to present the Scheme and the results of specialist assessment in a clear and unbiased manner and has been produced to accompany the planning application. An outline of the content of the ES as sent to MKC with a formal request for advice on the issues to be considered by Hanson. Based on the advice (or Scoping Opinion ) received, the key potential environment and related impacts to be assessed are listed below: soils and agriculture; landscape and visual; cultural heritage and archaeology; hydrology and flood risk; ecology; traffic and transport; noise; air quality and dust; combine and cumulative effects; and other matters (socio economic and PRoW) : Final 2

9 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE 2.1 Referencing For referencing purposes the following definitions have been adopted and are utilised from this point forwards: For referencing purposes the following definitions have been adopted and are utilised from this point forwards: the Site refers to the Haversham Road planning application area identified edged red on plan SS.003. the Access Track is an existing agricultural access track that runs from a gated access off the Haversham Road roundabout spur for about 125m through a small plantation and woodland. The route will be slightly widened and realigned to provide HGV access from the public highway to the Lorry Loading Point; Manor Farm Quarry comprises the existing Manor Farm Quarry operation in nearby Old Wolverton, with mineral washing facility, loading, weighbridge, wheelwash and office; the Lorry Loading Point is the area identified on the development plans at the end of the Access Track to be provided for the loading of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) with as dug sand and gravel for transport to Manor Farm Quarry for processing and sale. The Central Hedgerow is the hedgeline of approximately 350m length dividing the Site in two. the Scheme the development proposed by the planning application and assessed within the accompanying. The physical features are illustrated on plans NTS.002 and ES Site Description The site is situated to the north-west of Milton Keynes, in the parish of New Bradwell, entirely within the Milton Keynes administrative boundary. The site is located within close proximity to Hanson s existing Manor Farm Quarry which will be utilised for the processing of sand and gravel. The Site is part of the Ouse Valley Linear Park managed by the Parks Trust although there is no direct public access to the two field that form the Site and these are maintained by the Trust only as grazing land. The fields are bisected by a roughly central and north south aligned hedgerow and are of a level topography. The fields comprise flood plain on the southern bank of the River Great Ouse which meanders across a broad shallow valley and is the principle local landscape feature. To the north and east lie the banks of the River Great Ouse. Haversham Road and Grafton Street lies to the west and east respectively. They form part of the road network leading north away from the New Bradwell area of Milton Keynes. The New Bradwell footpath (reference 120a) runs between the northern boundary fence and the southern bank of the river. The route is hard surfaced and well used primarily by walkers, linking Newport Road to the east with Wolverton to the west (where it passes close by the Quarry). To the south-east lie Newport Road allotments off Newport Road and a small public car park. Immediately to the north-west is the viaduct and bridge of Haversham Road crossing the river : Final 3

10 valley and beyond the road on a high embankment and second large brick viaduct the London to Rugby railway line. Further to the west on the edge of large industrial estate are Hanson s workings at Manor Farm Quarry which are undergoing the final sequence of working and land forming prior to restoration to floodplain forest (a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat). To the east along the river valley are a series of nine lakes restored after the completion of sand and gravel extraction at Great Linford Pit now comprising the privately owned Great Linford fishery. 2.3 Geology and Soils The Site comprises and area of sand reserves derived from the First River Terrace of the River Great Ouse. Geological investigations show that the mineral horizon varies from between 0 to 3 metres in thickness averaging 2 metres across the Site. The sand and gravel is overlain by overburden and soils varying between 1 and 2 metres thick. The water table within the deposit rests at approximately 1 metre beneath the ground surface but does vary seasonally. Chapter 10 of this document considers this in more detail. The 1:50000 Geological Map (Geological Survey 1976) shows the entire area to be underlain with alluvium. The reconnaissance scale (1:250000) Soil Survey Map for the area shows the Site to be within an area of Fladbury Soil Associations. Fladbury soils are stoneless, clayless soils developed in river alluvium, variably affected by groundwater. Agricultural Soil Classification (ALC) survey of the soil resource undertaken for the ES identified that the Site falls within soil sub-grade 3b. 2.4 Site Context and History There are no records of any built development within the Site. The land has been used for livestock grazing for many years. The ES includes an assessment of the Site s heritage baseline and archaeological potential. The Park Trust has planted occasional Cricket Bat Willow in the Site and three small tree groups but otherwise the land is unmanaged improved grassland. Historical records show the river formerly crossed the western field but was realigned to its present position to allow construction of the Wolverton railway viaduct in the early 19 th Century. The local stretch of Ouse Valley Linear Park linking Buckingham to Milton Keynes was established in the mid 1990 s. 2.5 Adjacent Land Uses The Site boundary and additional land within the applicant s control is shown on plan NTS.003. The land in the area is of a semi rural nature in ownership of the Parks Trust known as the Ouse Valley Park. Woolston Allotments off Newport Road are located approximately 50m from the south-east part of the Site. Millmead Hall (Sport Hall and Meeting Centre), is located off Wolverton Road 150m to the south between Grafton St and Wolverton Road. The Hanson Premix concrete batching plant and Tread Mark Motor Vehicle Servicing 200m south-west lying between the two Old Wolverton Road railway arches. A similar plant operated by another operator is located nearby. There are a number of residential properties in the wider surrounding order which are listed below: The Crescent located approximately m north (edge of application boundary to garden hedge and house respectively) : Final 4

11 Properties in the recent Wolverton Park residential development (the closest being homes inside in The Royal (a former locomotive shed) at least 250m to the south and beyond the railway mainline Properties on the south side of Newport Road some 400m south-east and beyond the allotments 2.6 Statutory and Non Statutory Designations There are no sites given statutory protection within the Site or within the immediate surrounding area (1km radius). The nearest Scheduled Monuments are a Motte and Bailey Castle south of Manor Farm Quarry and a Moat north of the Haversham Road site (see enclosed English Heritage extract). Impact upon the setting of these scheduled monuments will need to be considered. To the east of Manor House Farm is the Iron Trunk Aqueduct which is also a Scheduled Monument. 2.7 Planning History A planning search using the Council s on-line planning history search facility has not uncovered any planning applications relating to the Site. 2.8 Public Rights of Way (PRoW) A public right of way search undertaken by Milton Keynes Council has identified that the nearest PRoW to the Site runs along the north and eastern boundary of the Site (The New Bradwell foot path 120A) and is shown on plan NTS.003. There are no proposed alterations to this right of way and views of the proposed development from this footpath are considered within the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment outlined in the ES : Final 5

12 3. The Scheme 3.1 Introduction The Scheme comprises the proposed phased sand and gravel extraction, with progressive restoration to flood meadow and open water and associated development as detailed below. 3.2 Overview In summary, the Scheme includes the following development, operations and working practices: the use of the land contained within he red line planning application boundary as indicated on plan indicative phasing plan NTS.003, for mineral extraction; and development of the extraction area over the life of the Scheme to deliver phased restoration to the final Restoration Master Plan indicated on plan NTS.004. Please note the plans attached to this Non-technical Summary are a simplified sequence of plans from those contained within the full ES and planning application. For full details of the Scheme please refer to these separate documents. 3.3 Development Stages Four distinct development stages will be carried out: 1. Site Establishment 2. Mineral Extraction 3. Restoration 4. Aftercare These stages are described in detail within the ES and in brief summary below. In practice operations will be often continuous across the Site so that the overall development is undertaken in the shortest time period practicable. 3.4 Timescales The Scheme is expected to last approximately five years (plus aftercare) with the main extraction and earth moving period lasting about three years, broken down as follows: initial site establishment - approximately 3 months (weather conditions depending); mineral extraction and haulage- approximately 3years; restoration landforming progressive following behind mineral extraction with completion about 6months after mineral extraction; restoration period extending beyond landforming - 1 year; and restoration aftercare period - 5 years after mineral extraction : Final 6

13 3.5 Hours of Operation The proposed hours of operation of the Site are: 0700 to 1900 hours Mondays to Fridays (excluding Bank and Public Holidays) no operations on weekends. Core working hours are likely to be 08:00-16:00 in winter (GMT) to provide safe working. 3.6 Mineral Reserves and Output Laboratory analysis and modern computer modelling has indicated that the Site holds approximately 320,000 tonnes of saleable reserves. Output is proposed at 125,000 tonnes per annum, producing approximately 125,000 tonnes per annum of saleable mineral from Manor Farm Quarry. 3.7 Site Establishment Summary of Initial Works Only minor works are required to establish the Site prior to soil stripping in advance of mineral extraction. These include: the access track from Haversham Rd to be upgraded to provide a suitable route for lorries including the first approximately 25m to be hard surfaced (concrete); the installation of a wheelwash on the access; the upgrade of a small drainage culvert under the access track; the removal of approximately 4 Cricket Bat Willows alongside the access track and some undergrowth clearance to facilitate widening of the access track; preparing the Lorry Loading Point by soil stripping and establishing a temporary free draining hard working area by compacting as raised mineral; siting of a single portacabin style welfare unit for employees/contractors; providing a self contained double skinned fuel storage tank for onsite plant. No buildings or permanent above ground structures are proposed Soil Stripping The soils in all areas of mineral extraction and haul roads will be stripped and stored in order to be re-used in the restoration process. The location of perimeter soil storage/ environmental screening mounds ( bunds ) is shown on plan NTS.003. Note the location of the bunds is phased and those shown on the plan will not be insitu for the full period of working (see the full ES for details). The removal of the northern part of the Central Hedgerow will take place in Phase 1 and the remainder in Phase : Final 7

14 3.8 Mineral Extraction Method of Working Mineral extraction will be by surface method only utilising tracked excavators and dump trucks in the same fashion as employed by Hanson at Manor Farm Quarry. Extraction will take progressively over a sequence of six phases referenced on plan NTS.003. The initial two phases will see the establishment of soil screening mounds on the northern boundary and the excavation of a water settlement lagoon. An excavator will load dumper trucks which will haul the mineral to the Lorry Loading Point to create a temporary stockpile. An excavator will then load road lorries from the stockpile for haulage to Manor Farm Quarry. The backfill of overburden materials and replacement of restoration soils will follow shortly behind extraction to limit the area of disturbed land and to complete extraction in as short a time as practicable Processing Mineral will be transported via the Lorry Loading Point to the existing plant at Manor Farm Quarry to be processed and onward sale. Thus no processing (crushing washing and screening) will be carried out on the Site Staffing It is anticipated that the Site will maintain employment of Manor Farm Quarry staff of 6 employees for a further three years Water Management The Scheme proposes to work the mineral dry, requiring the temporary localised dewatering of the shallow sand and gravel horizon. The water percolating into the base of the excavation from the unworked margin will be pumped to the surface water lagoon. The settled water will thus be decanted to the river via existing surface water ditch under the terms of an Environmental Permit Environmental Permitting The discharge from the dewatering/water settlement lagoon and a final outfall from the restoration lake to the river via surface ditch will both require an Environmental Permit, a Permit will be sought from the Environment Agency post planning. 3.9 Restoration A restoration scheme for the whole Site is detailed on plan NTS.004, this identifies the restoration of the Site to flood plain meadow, open water and marsh. Restoration will commence incrementally after each phase of soil stripping and extraction. Table Approximate Habitat Establishment Habitat Pre-Scheme Post Scheme Semi-improved species poor grassland 19.5ha : Final 8

15 Hedgerows 400m 190m Tree Groups 0.25ha 0.5ha Flood Meadow ha Lake with aquatic margins ha Pond ha Marsh ha Total 19.75ha 19.75ha The restored site will be returned into the on-going management of the Parks Trust as part of the Ouse Valley Linear Park. The Trust will manage the grassland habitats under a management regime of hay cropping and/or extensive livestock grazing with no inputs aimed at increasing the species diversity of the floodplain grassland and providing suitable habitat for ground nesting birds and invertebrates. The lake and pond marginal and island habitats outside of the hay cutting/grazing regime will be managed sensitively through selective and periodic cutting where necessary to maintain structural diversity in these habitats. The reinstated hedgerow and connecting ditch course will be carefully managed to maintain the landscape feature and a linking corridor for wildlife. About half of the Central Hedgerow will be re- established during restoration. Similar machinery employed in the soil stripping and mineral excavation stages will be employed in restoration. No waste materials will be imported into the site for disposal or to achieve restoration. The restoration scheme will provide a net landscape and substantial biodiversity gain over existing pasture land use Land Use The Site is owned by The Parks Trust and a progressive restoration has been devised which will result in a flood meadow and open water associated development. The restoration master plan provides details of the overall scheme, which demonstrates significant biodiversity gain over the existing pasture land use. The restoration scheme has been designed to make the best use of the land post mineral extraction in a way that is appropriate to the location and the aspirations of The Parks Trust Aftercare The restored area will be managed in accordance with a programme of aftercare designed to comply with the advice contained within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), its : Final 9

16 accompanying technical guidance and other relevant guidance. The Scheme will include a minimum aftercare period of five years and it is anticipated the matter will be the subject of a condition in any grant of planning permission : Final 10

17 4. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 Introduction The key potential environmental and related impacts assessed within the ES in connection with the Scheme are as follows: soils and agriculture; landscape and visual impact; cultural heritage and archaeology; hydrology and flood risk; ecology; traffic and transport; noise; air quality and dust; and combined and cumulative effects. The Scheme includes a range of measures designed to reduce or prevent significant adverse environmental effects arising (mitigation measures). In some cases these result in improvements in existing environmental conditions. The assessment of effects has taken into account all mitigation measures that form part of the Scheme and to which Hanson is committed. These mitigation measures form part of the description of the Scheme provided in the ES. 4.2 Soils and agriculture An assessment of soil quality has been undertaken and is provided in full in the ES. This has established that the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) for the Site is sub-grade 3b (moderate quality), this rating is due to the high level of flood risk of the Site and the clayey soil texture which limits potential uses. The land is presently let for cattle and sheep grazing and some Cricket Bat Willow cropping. The existing land use is limited to an improved grassland pasture status due to the frequency of flooding and water logging of the soil structure. All top soils will be stripped and reused in restoration and not lost as a potential agricultural resource. The agricultural value of the land is therefore not considered a barrier to short term minerals development. 4.3 Landscape and visual The baseline landscape conditions have been assessed though both desktop and site appraisal during September The Site lies within an area whose characteristics are defined by the gently sloping broad valley : Final 11

18 of the River Ouse, which meanders through the bottom of the valley in a relatively narrow band of flat floodplain with substantial tree cover. The Site has no national designation relating to landscape quality. Locally the Site is within an area designated in the Milton Keynes Local Plan as an Area of Attractive Landscape. The Milton Keynes Landscape Character Assessment defines the condition of the landscape within Area 2b as being Good, it s strength of character as Moderate and recommends a general landscape strategy of Conserve and Strengthen which is translated to landscape of Moderate/High quality. The Site is generally typical of land within the wider landscape along the broad river valley and provides a consistent landscape of medium landscape quality locally. The London-Rugby railway mainline Wolverton viaduct and Wolverton embankment are prominent local engineered features to the west. In the case of the proposed development the landscape currently includes similar operations to the west of the Site at Manor Farm Quarry, additionally the extraction of minerals is an existing and historic operation and would not therefore introduce a new or incongruous land-use to the area. The Site is therefore regarded as having a high capacity to accommodate the Scheme; which reflects the temporary nature of the development, the method of progressive working, proposed restoration scheme and hence the degree to which it is capable of being fully integrated back into the landscape over a relatively short period. It is considered that the proposed development would not give rise to any identifiable indirect landscape effects on landscape character. Mitigation and enhancement of potential landscape effects of the Scheme has been incorporated into the planning application in the form of a rolling program of restoration, commencing after Phase 1. Generally, the Site is well screened in the local landscape from most directions, which will result in limited views of the operation with two exceptions. Users of the Ouse Valley Way will have transitory and temporary yet relatively clear views into the Site and the operations. The Scheme proposes to help mitigate by temporary screening where possible (within limitations to avoid increased flood risk). Residential receptors on the south side of Haversham (most particularly on the south side of The Crescent) will have rear property partial views across all phases of the Site during the period of operations (mainly from first floor level). Screening boundary phasing will provide a small degree of mitigation from this viewpoint. Elsewhere where views are possible they are of such a limited extent that they are not considered to be of slight beneficial significance of effect. It is considered that the proposed operations will have limited visual impact upon the surrounding landscape. Once the operational phase is complete and restoration has matured it is considered the creation of a mix of preferred habitats will results in a medium impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding landscape resulting in a slight beneficial significance of effects. Overall the Scheme is considered to have no impact on the landscape character of the National Character Area (NCA) or Landscape Character Types (LCTs) / Landscape Character Assessments (LCAs) at national, regional and local scale. However, post restoration, the Scheme will result in the creation of a landscape of habitats : Final 12

19 recommended within the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes (Biodiversity Action Plan) BAP and within the LCA management guidelines. It is therefore considered that there will be a long term beneficial effect at the Site level. 4.4 Biodiversity and Ecology The ES includes an ecological assessment of the Site, including desk-based study and on-site surveys carried out by a qualified ecologist. The assessment determines the baseline conditions of the Site and surrounding area, assesses the impacts of the Scheme upon the identified baseline and outlines appropriate mitigation measures where necessary. There are no records of statutory designated sites within 2km of the Site. The local biological records centre provided one record for a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) within 2km of the study area. Grand Union Canal, Stanton Low lies approximately 1.4km to the east of the Site. They also provided records of eight Biological Notification Sites (BNS) within 2km of the Site. Two of these sites are within 1km of the Site: Manor Farm, New Bradwell - mostly grazed grassland stretching from the farm to the River Ouse. There is a pond on eastern edge of Site. The Site is bounded to the west by the Grand Union Canal. Woolly thistle has been recorded in the fields surrounding the farm house. River Great Ouse, Wolverton The River flows around the northern and eastern boundaries of the Site. The desk and site surveys (extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey) have informed the assessment of impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The survey found the open fields of improved pasture do not to have any particular ecological significance. The central hedgerow includes some trees (largely crack willow) which have some potential as ecological habitats. Consequently a Bat Tree Roost Assessment has been undertaken (including tree climbing to inspect for bat roosts). A river bank walkover for signs of watervole and otter was also undertaken. No bats or otters have been recorded and therefore the intrinsic ecological value of the Site is considered low and no special mitigation measures are required i.e. other than those that would be considered as normal good management practice (e.g. tree and hedgerow felling outside the bird nesting season etc). The restoration of the Site is an integral component of the Scheme and has been designed to return the land to a beneficial biodiversity enhancing end use, supportive of the aims of local adopted Biological Action Plan (BAP). The Site restoration will recreate habitats of the same or a higher biodiversity value than those currently present. With appropriate habitat management these habitats are likely to be suitable to support protected species in the future and in the long term are expected to have a beneficial impact on local biodiversity. 4.5 Hydrology and Flood Risk In accordance with NPPF guidance the ES includes an assessment of hydrology and flood risk, which is assessed by undertaking an analysis of the local land form and obtaining local accounts of flooding at the Site. Flow gauge data has been used to analyse the frequency and time of flood peak event modelled. The Site lies within EA designated flood zone 3 (high risk of flooding) : Final 13

20 Mineral working is considered in flood risk terms to be a compatible use of land within the floodplain, subject to site risk assessment The effect of the proposed development on floodplain storage and potential downstream impacts of dewatering on the River Great Ouse has been assessed. Appendix D comprises an assessment of hydrology and flood risk and sets out the effects of the mitigation proposals included within the Scheme. The Scheme has been found to increase the flood storage capacity of the floodplain as the land will be restored to exiting ground level or lower, with a free board at the lake which provides extra capacity. The temporary storage of soils above ground level is short term and is fully compensated by the amount of void created by excavation at any one time. The restoration scheme will see the existing land drainage work reinstated. Water discharges from the workings will be subject to separate Environmental Permit application. The overall impact of Scheme on the hydrological and hydrogeological regime is considered to be limited and low. 4.6 Traffic and Transport An assessment of traffic generation has been undertaken as part of the ES and is presented as a Transport Statement (TS) at Appendix E. The TS assesses the impacts of the Scheme in transport terms through an examination of the existing highway network and predication of future impacts of the Scheme upon the highway. Development flows were established which identified an additional 6 HGV arrivals to Manor Farm Quarry in any one hour (12 HGV Movements) during a typical working day (Monday to Friday). It is concluded that this would not lead to a material impact in terms of either road capacity or road safety. The analysis of accident data shows only one accident to have occurred within the assessment area on Old Wolverton Road over the five year period which was of slight severity. Overall it is assessed that the impact of the Scheme would not be significant on road safety and as such no mitigation measures are proposed above those already included in the Scheme. 4.7 Noise The ES includes at Appendix F a detailed assessment of noise associated with the Scheme. The assessment benefits from a survey of existing noise levels, undertaken at the closest sensitive receptors in each direction from the Site. In consultation with the Milton Keynes Environmental Health Officer baseline noise monitoring has been undertaken at two long term locations used for baseline measurements and subsequent modelling: 20, The Crescent; and 174 Newport Road Add locations. Additional short-term monitoring was undertaken at a further 2 locations; Haversham Manor; and : Final 14

21 211 Newport Road. The baseline noise surveys have resulted in a good understanding of the existing noise climate at the closest noise sensitive receptor locations. A series of noise predictions have been undertaken using computer noise modelling software to predict the noise levels at surrounding receptor locations during the full range of predicted proposed operational activities and combinations of activities. Consequent operational noise limits have been derived based upon the background noise levels measured and with reference to national guidelines of the NPPF Technical Guidance Note. The modelling results demonstrate that operation of the proposed quarry extension area will not result in noise levels in excess of the derived noise limits and will be well below upper limits in technical guidance and hence should not given reason for complaint at any residential receptor. 4.8 Cultural heritage and Archaeology The baseline cultural heritage and archaeological condition is assessed as part of this ES through a desk based review of the local area to determine any locations of historical interest and to gain an understanding of archaeological context. Appendix G of the ES provides a written report of the Site s archaeological context and the likely effects of the mitigation proposals which are included in the Scheme. The assessment of indirect impacts on all cultural heritage assets within the study area shows that there are not expected to be any significant effects on the heritage resource of the location as a result of the Scheme. To address the potential that unknown archaeological remains exist on the Site, the Scheme proposes to put in place mitigation of an appropriate level of archaeological monitoring e.g. a watching brief during soil stripping, and other operations that have the capacity to have an impact upon the present ground surface. 4.9 Air quality and dust An air quality assessment has been undertaken which identifies that the Site lies in a semi rural location which is assumed to have good air quality standards. The primary air quality issue that may arise is likely to be dust generated by the open nature of the excavations. The Scheme has the potential to create dust that if not properly controlled could escape and cause a nuisance. This ES therefore identifies potential risk from unmitigated dust on local receptors e.g. ecology residential properties and users of the Great Ouse Way. The excavations will be made into ground with a high water table such that the soils and mineral will be intrinsically wet or damp even after local dewatering (during the excavation stage). The nature of any dust arising will be mineral and course grained and thus unlikely to be generated in any significant levels. The Scheme proposes a rapid rate of working and restoration across the Site and the grass seeded of soil stockpiles so that even in periods of dry weather normal site best practice operating procedures e.g. the regular dampening of haul roads with water as prescribed by a site specific dust management scheme, should mean no fugitive dust should arise that could cause an environmental or amenity impact Combined and cumulative effects The assessment of combined and cumulative impacts has been undertaken within the individual : Final 15

22 assessments and by a review of relevant applications set out in the ES. Following the Site identification stage of the assessment, a review was undertaken in order to assess if any combined or cumulative impacts may result in relation to the Scheme. The assessment identified that the Scheme will not result in any negative combined or cumulative impacts, therefore no mitigation is required Other Matters Alternatives Pre application discussions and consultation responses have been received from MKC (Archeology, Transport and Environmental Health), the Environment Agency, Network Rail, and Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. The Scheme has evolved to reflect the points raised through pre application consultation and as a result of the Councils Environmental Impact Scoping Opinion. Of note has been the relocation of storage bunds following detailed discussion with the Environment Agency which have been repositioned in order to avoid any increased risk of flooding. The repositioning involved moving them outside of an area of known flooding and ensuring that there orientation will allow the flow of flood water and not increase the risk of flooding in other locations. A key benefit of the proposed mineral extraction in this location is that the existing processing plant at Manor Farm Quarry can be utilised leading to a Scheme of reduced impact as plant is not required at the extraction site. In addition due to the nearby location of the existing Manor Farm Quarry, vehicle mileage due resulting from the transport of mineral for processing can be kept to a minimum. It is considered that there are no other sites which will offer such as level of reduced impact Community and Socio Economic/Amenity The ES provides an assessment of the community and socio economic/amenity. The significant social and economic investment provided by the mineral extraction results in numerous positive impacts for the local community. A review of relevant background studies as well as data provided by Hanson, has identified that the existing and continued mineral extraction in this location provides a positive contribution to the local community, through the provision of direct and indirect employment opportunities and the provision of materials to the construction industry. The current levels of employment opportunities will be maintained by the Scheme following ceasing of mineral extraction at the existing Manor Farm Quarry. The assessment also identifies impacts at the regional and national level, which include additional investment and employment opportunities through the provision of aggregate to the wider construction industry which will utilise the resources extracted from the operations. Overall, it is considered that the development will continue Hanson s significant positive impacts upon the community and socio economic / amenity considerations. No mitigation is therefore required : Final 16

23 5. CONCLUSION The Environmental Impact Assessment contained within the has involved a comprehensive assessment of the environmental implications of the Scheme. If the mitigation measures defined therein are implemented, the assessment finds that residual effects should be minimised to an acceptable degree : Final 17

24 PLANS : Final 18

25 KEY SITE LOCATION REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA CROWN COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENCE NUMBER Drawing Title MANOR FARM QUARRY HAVERSHAM ROAD SITE LOCATION DB4V Scale at A4 : 1:50,000 Drw Chk NTS.001 AAO App CN Rev CN Date 01/13 Date

26 E E HAVERSHAM KEY PLANNING APPLICATION BOUNDARY MANOR FARM QUARRY VEHICLE ROUTE MANOR FARM QUARRY PLANT SITE N HANSON CONCRETE LAFARGE CONCRETE REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA CROWN COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENCE NUMBER Drawing Title MANOR FARM QUARRY HAVERSHAM ROAD SITE AREA PLAN NTS.002 Scale at A3 : 1:5,000 Drw AAO App CN Rev Chk CN Date 01/13 Date

27 i+n~ NOTES 1. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW ONLY. NOT ALL THE BUNDS SHOWN ARE RETAINED FOR THE FULL SEQUENCE OF WORKING. THE CRESCENT (HAVERSHAM) 2. SCREENING BUND MAX LENGTH OF 75m WITH 5m GAP BETWEEN. KEY PLANNING APPLICATION BOUNDARY (AT FIELD BOUNDARY FENCE) MANOR FARM QUARRY AREA '--._ v I PHASE 2 EDGE OF EXTRACTION 12m FROM FENCELINE '--._ LIMIT OF BUND ~GE ZONE DITCH PROPOSED LIMIT OF EXTRACTION - - PHASING BOUNDARY ---- DIRECTION OF WORKING I c::::j I T0Pso1L BuND -- 0 T1 EXISTING SITE ACCESS TRACK BROADLEAF TREES I WOODLAND MATURE CRICKET BAT WILLOW (NON SURVEYED) MATURE CRICKET BAT WILLOW (SURVEYED) CRICKET BAT WILLOW INDIVIDUAL STANDS HEDGE TREES IDENTIFIED IN HABITAT SURVEY REPORT r 4.5m 1 I I 1 J3m ~ (FENCE I 10m I ~m PERIMETER AND TOPSOIL BUND DETAIL ALLOTMENTS 10m REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP DATA CROWN COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENCE NUMBER Drawing Title O-URS-SW-CTB-DB3 MANOR FARM QUARRY HAVERSHAM ROAD PHASING 18m OTHER OVERBURDEN BUND DETAIL NTS.003 Scale at A3 : 1 :5,000 Drw DM App CN Rev Hanson HEIDELBERCiCEMENTGroup Chk CN Date 01/13 Date

28 THE C~ESCENT (HAVERSHA~) 2_42 5Q_QN NOTES 2_42 ±Q_QN KEY -- SITE PLANNING APPLICATION BOUNDARY (AT FIELD BOUNDARY FENCE) DITCH EXISTING PERIMETER FENCING ACCESS TRACK FIELD ACCESS TRACK BROADLEAF TREES I WOODLAND MATURE CRICKET BAT WILLOW (NON SURVEYED) - HEDGE 0 MATURE CRICKET BAT WILLOW (SURVEYED) CRICKET BAT WILLOW INDIVIDUAL STANDS PROPOSED TREE PLANTING D FLOOD MEADOW GRASSLAND l ~~///J MARSH SHALLOW WATER MARGINS <0.5m DEEP Revision Details Date Suffix FINAL Job Title 2_42QQ_QN MANOR FARM QUARRY HAVERSHAM ROAD Drawing Title 2_4J_~_QQN RESTORATION MASTER PLAN 2_4J_6_QQN Scalea!A3 N.T.S. Drawn AAO Stage 1 check CN Approved CN Stage 2 check Originated Date CH/WASTE 01/13 Hanson HEIDELBERGCEMENT Group ALLOTMENTS URS lnfrastrudure & Environment Limited Royal Court, Basil Close Chesterfield lle!byshire. S41 7SL Telephooe. (01246) Fax. (01246) REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY DIGITAL MAP CROWN COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENCE NUMBER DB2V CHOS-V1 Drawing Number NTS.004 Rev