ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT REPORT 5.0 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

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1 5.0 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 5.1 Introduction The Planning Policy Framework impacting on Yennadon Quarry is evolving and has been subject to recent change. A key factor has been the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which has replaced the previous Planning Policy Statements and Mineral Planning Guidance; although this latter area is covered by technical guidance All planning decisions are required to be taken in the context of the appropriate Development Plan. Yennadon Quarry this lies within the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and as a consequence it is not subject to the Devon County Mineral Local Plan as would normally be the case with a district planning authority. Detailed Minerals Policy is contained in the DNPA Core Strategy and DNPA Local Plan until such time as superseded by more up to date planning policy documents The DNPA Development Management and Delivery DPD was subject to examination during December This was adopted by the DNPA in line with the Inspectors recommendations. [NB. At the time of drafting the six week period for legal challenge had not fully passed] Set out below is a review of the main elements of the NPPF and the development plan as they apply to the proposals for an extension to the working area at Yennadon Quarry. The manner in which key policy tests have been met is addressed in a number of individual reports that form the Appendices of the ES. They are also discussed with regard to individual policies in this section. 5.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section 11 of the NPPF, Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment, places great weight on conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important considerations in all these areas, and should be given great weight in National Parks and the Broads ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 41 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

2 5.2.2 With regard to planning applications it states at paragraph 116: Planning permission should be refused for major developments in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of: the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations, and the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy; the cost of, and scope for, developing elsewhere outside the designated area, or meeting the need for it in some other way; and any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape and recreational opportunities, and the extent to which that could be moderated Section 13 of the NPPF sets out the government s policy on facilitating the sustainable use of minerals recognising that: Minerals are essential to support sustainable economic growth and our quality of life. It is therefore important that there is a sufficient supply of material to provide the infrastructure, buildings, energy and goods that the country needs. However, since minerals are a finite natural resource and can only be worked where they are found, it is important to make best use of them to secure their long-term conservation A Socio-Economic Report has been prepared by Vickery Holman (Appendix A6a), which along with further detailed information provided by Yennadon Stone Ltd (Appendix A6b) seeks to address the balance between the above issues Local Authorities are required inter alia to: set out environmental criteria, in line with the policies in the Framework, against which planning applications will be assessed so as to ensure that permitted operations do not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or human health, including from noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, tip- and quarry-slope stability, differential settlement of quarry backfill, mining subsidence, increased flood risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater and migration of contamination from the site; and take into account the cumulative effects of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or a number of sites in a locality; put in place policies to ensure worked land is reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, give great weight to the benefits of the mineral extraction, including to the economy; 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 42 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

3 consider how to meet any demand for small-scale extraction of building stone at, or close to, relic quarries needed for the repair of heritage assets, taking account of the need to protect designated sites; and recognise the small-scale nature and impact of building and roofing stone quarries, and the need for a flexible approach to the potentially long duration of planning permissions reflecting the intermittent or low rate of working at many sites The above is expanded upon in the technical guidance to the NPPF. This contains a specific section on Minerals Policy and addresses key considerations with regard to: Proximity to communities Dust emissions Noise Stability Restoration and aftercare including landscape strategy. Proximity of mineral workings to communities Paragraph 21 of the technical guidance states: A programme of work should be agreed which takes account, as far as is practicable, of the potential impacts on the local community over the expected duration of operations. The programme of work and/or the location of plant within the mineral working should take account of the proximity to occupied properties, as well as legitimate operational considerations It goes on to state, inter alia, in paragraph 22, that where mineral extraction is taking place close to residential properties it may be justified to consider adequate separation distances. Any such distance should be effective but reasonable, taking into account: The nature of the mineral extraction activity (including its duration); The need to avoid undue sterilisation of mineral resources, location and topography; The characteristics of the various environmental effects likely to arise; and the various amelioration measures that can be applied ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 43 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

4 Dust emissions The NPPF makes it clear that a dust assessment study should be undertaken by a competent person/organization. The scope of a dust assessment study should be agreed with the minerals planning authority and local planning authority. Such studies should be used to: Establish baseline conditions of the existing dust climate around the site of the proposed operations; Identify site activities that could lead to dust emission without mitigation; Identify site parameters, which may increase potential impacts from dust; recommend mitigation measures, including modification of site design; and Make proposals to monitor and report dust emissions to ensure compliance with appropriate environmental standards and to enable an effective response to complaints The key stages of the dust assessment study are set out in table 6 of the technical guidance. Noise emissions Unavoidable noise emissions should be controlled, mitigated or removed at source and mineral planning authorities should also establish appropriate noise limits for extraction in proximity to noise sensitive properties The technical guidance recommends that those making development proposals should carry out a noise emissions assessment, which should identify all sources of noise and, for each source, consider the proposed operating locations, procedures, schedules and duration of work for the life of the operation. It states: Proposals for the control or mitigation of noise emissions should consider: the main characteristics of the production process and its environs, including the location of noise-sensitive properties; proposals to minimise, mitigate or remove noise emissions at source; assessing the existing noise climate around the site of the proposed operations, including background noise levels at nearby noise-sensitive properties; estimating the likely future noise from the development and its impact on the neighbourhood of the proposed operations; monitoring noise emissions to ensure compliance with appropriate environmental standards ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 44 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

5 The technical guidance also establishes maximum noise standards. It recognises, however, that in many circumstances it will be difficult to not exceed the background level by more than 10dB(A) without imposing unreasonable burdens on the mineral operator. In such cases, the limit set should be as near that level as practicable during normal working hours. Stability in surface mine workings and tips Consideration of slope stability will vary between mineral workings depending on a number of factors, e.g. depth of working; the nature of materials excavated; the life of the working; and the nature of restoration proposals and, thus the length of time slopes are expected to be in place. Appraisal of slope stability issues for new workings should be based on existing information, which aims to: identify any potential hazard to people and property and assess its significance; establish the basis for reserve calculation; and identify any features that could adversely affect the stability of the working to enable basic quarry design to be undertaken. Restoration and aftercare of mineral sites The NPPF requires that planning authorities should provide for restoration and aftercare at the earliest opportunity to be carried out to high environmental standards. This should include the provision of a landscape strategy, restoration conditions and aftercare schemes as appropriate. A key element is landscape strategy and a site specific strategy is required to accompany applications for either a new site or any significant extension to an existing working site. It should include: defining the key landscape opportunities and constraints; considering potential directions of working, significant waste material locations, degrees of visual exposure etc.; Identifying the need for additional screening during operations; identifying proposed after-uses and preferred character for the restored landscape It goes on to state at paragraph 35: Landscape and reclamation plans should address the impacts which mineral extraction can have on the existing landscape. These will include the working face and operations at the face, locations of waste tips, and haul roads. Coordination of phasing, 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 45 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

6 provision of temporary or permanent screening, and progressive reclamation can together minimise visual impact and the impact on landscape quality With regard to reclamation conditions and aftercare schemes these matters are given detailed consideration in paragraphs of the technical guidance. The key requirements are: Reclamation schemes should indicate how the restoration and aftercare of the site is to be integrated with the working scheme. Consideration should also be given to the potential impacts of the reclamation proposals on adjacent land. It is advised to prepare, at the outset, a working plan, which includes restoration proposals and is based upon findings from the site investigation. Where possible, it is normally desirable to have 'progressive' or 'rolling' reclamation to minimise the area of land occupied at any one time by the mineral working, unless to do so would be likely to affect adversely the standard of reclamation achieved, or would be impractical having regard to the type of operation and nature of the site. Agreement at the outset of the outline requirements covering the main stages (e.g. filling, restoration and aftercare), together with detailed schemes for stripping and storage of soil materials sufficient to clearly demonstrate that the overall objectives of the scheme are practically achievable With regard to aftercare the preparation of a successful aftercare scheme requires two levels of information from the mineral operator: an outline strategy of commitments for the five year aftercare period; and a detailed programme for the forthcoming year. detailed requirements are set out in paragraph 45. The Yennadon Quarry is an existing quarry and the subject of an existing planning permission, which controls all of the above identified elements. It is important to note that with regard to this planning application no change to mode of operation, hours, extraction rates, vehicles etc. is proposed. What is proposed is an extension of the area being worked within the existing operational timeframe for the quarry ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 46 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

7 The key considerations are therefore why this is necessary, what implications arise from the impact of operations on the proposed extension area and proposed reinstatement and aftercare. The development plan provides a range of detailed polices for the assessment of these matters. 5.3 The Development Plan The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Section 38(6)) provides that decisions shall be taken in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The importance of an up to date plan is re-affirmed in the NPPF. At the start of the preparation of this ES the Development Plan in this case comprised: The Regional Spatial Strategy - RPG10 (September 2001) The Devon Structure Plan (Adopted October 2004) The Dartmoor National Park Core Strategy (Adopted June 2008) The Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review The Dartmoor National Park Development Management and Delivery DPD As of 20th May 2013 (SI 2013 No 935) the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West along with (inter alia) the Devon Structure Plan have been revoked. With regard to this policy appraisal it is considered that given the age of RPG10 and its strategic nature that it does not have any detailed relevance with regard to informing this application and decision taking. Reference however is retained to the Devon Structure Plan as it provided the strategic policy context for both the Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review and the subsequent Core Strategy. Devon Structure Plan 2001 to The Devon Structure Plan provides the strategic planning policy framework for all development in Devon, including the Dartmoor National Park. There are three key policies to which the proposals should have regard; defining the nature and purpose of the Dartmoor National Park and also consideration of the impacts of mineral working. Policy CO2 (former Policy C3) National Parks Policy CO2 states: In Dartmoor National Park, the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage will be given priority over other considerations in the 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 47 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

8 determination of development proposals. Development will only be provided for where it would: 1) conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park; or 2) promote the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park; or 3) foster the social or economic well-being of the communities within the Park provided that such development is compatible with the pursuit of National Park purposes. Particular care will also be taken to ensure that no development is permitted outside Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks, which would damage their natural beauty, character and special qualities or otherwise prejudice the achievement of National Park purposes. Policy MN2 (Policy E15 revised) Environmental Effects of Mineral Working Any adverse effects on the environment or the amenity of local residents of mineral development should be minimised. Land that has been subject to mineral working should be reclaimed at the earliest opportunity in order to maintain or, where possible, enhance its long-term usefulness, quality and appearance and take into account relevant landscape character issues. Policy MN3 (former Policy E16) Mineral Development in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Proposals for mineral development within Dartmoor National Park and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be subject to the most rigorous examination, and will only be approved where development can be demonstrated to be in the public interest and where there is an overriding national need for development, which cannot reasonably be met in some other way These policies set the strategic framework for the Dartmoor National Park, however it is important to note that the DNP is not subject to DCC s Minerals Working Local Plan and detailed minerals working policies are set out in the DNP Core Strategy and the DNP Local Plan First Review ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 48 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

9 Dartmoor National Park Core Strategy (Adopted June 2008) In considering all development in National Parks it is important to have regard to the Acts that established them and set out their statutory purposes. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Environment Act 1995 provided the following purposes: To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage (of the National Parks); and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities (of the National Parks) by the public The 1995 Act also states that, in pursuing National Park purposes, National Park Authorities have a duty: To seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities (within the National Park) by working closely with the agencies and local authorities responsible for these matters This provides the driver for the DNPA strategic principles set out in the Core Strategy Many of the policies within the Core Strategy are not specific to mineral working but they nevertheless, taken collectively, set out the full range of landscape, environmental and socio-economic considerations that any proposals for minerals working will need to address. These policies are set out in full below. Discussion of the balance struck between these policies and the relevant sections of the ES follows. Policy COR1 (Sustainable Development) In order to ensure that development within the Dartmoor National Park is undertaken in a sustainable manner, the following considerations should be taken into account: a) The need to make efficient use of land and infrastructure; b) The conservation of scarce resources and the reduction of waste; c) The promotion of the health, safety, economic and social well-being and access to services opportunities of the local population; d) Support for the socio-economic vitality of the National Park; e) The conservation of the quality and quantity of natural resources including water, air, soils, geodiversity and biodiversity; f) Allowance for the natural drainage of surface water; g) The provision of high quality design and construction; 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 49 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

10 h) Respect for and enhancement of the character, quality and tranquillity of local landscapes and the wider countryside; i) The need to sustain the local distinctiveness, character, townscape, and the setting of settlements; j) The need to conserve or enhance important historic and cultural features; k) The provision of essential services to the public; l) The accessibility by the public via public transport, cycle or foot to destinations in daily life; m) The avoidance of new development and a reduction in vulnerability of redevelopment carried out within medium to high risk flood zones. Policy COR3 (Landscape and Environment) Development will conserve and enhance the characteristic landscapes and features that contribute to Dartmoor s special environmental qualities and in making an assessment of development particular regard will be had to: underlying geology and watercourses, river corridors and wetlands; moor and heath; woodlands, trees and orchards; wildlife habitats; field boundaries; settlements, roads and lanes; historic and archaeological landscapes, features and artefacts; and Vernacular and other historic buildings and traditional man-made features. Policy COR7 (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) Development proposals will protect, maintain or enhance the biodiversity and geodiversity interests of the Dartmoor National Park. Opportunities will be sought to restore or re-create habitats or enhance the linkages between them. Policy COR11 (Residential Tranquillity) The Authority will seek to sustain Dartmoor as a place that continues to offer a sense of tranquillity to residents, those who work in the National Park and those who visit it ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 50 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

11 Policy COR21 (Accessibility) Development should be located so as to facilitate access to local services and reduce the need to travel, especially by car, providing for and promoting choice in transport modes. Development proposals should: (i) Not conflict with the standard, capacity and function of local roads as defined in the Dartmoor Route Network; (ii) not have a detrimental impact on road safety or the existing capacity of the highway network such that congestion is created or increased, thereby placing responsibility on the highway authority to make improvements; (iii) Provide sufficient parking and turning space; (iv) Provide dedicated footways for pedestrians and, wherever possible, links to existing and proposed networks of footpaths and cycleways; (v) Assist in the provision of infrastructure, facilities and resources needed to support public transport services and other community transport initiatives. All major development proposals should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment. Policy COR22 (Mineral Development) Major mineral development will not be allowed unless, after rigorous examination, it can be demonstrated that there is a national need, which cannot reasonably be met in any other way, and which is sufficient to override the potential damage to the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage or quiet enjoyment of the National Park. Other mineral development will be carefully assessed, with great weight being given in decisions to the conservation of the landscape and the countryside, the conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage and the need to avoid adverse impacts on recreational opportunities. Small scale quarrying of traditional building stone will be granted in locations where this would not be damaging to the landscape, archaeological, ecological or geological interests, or to the amenity of local residents and where the local road network is adequate to cope with the traffic generated by or associated with the proposed development. Policy COR23 (Waste Management) Proposals for the management of waste arising from within the Dartmoor National Park, including that generated by new development, will be considered in accordance with the waste hierarchy. Wherever possible, waste should be managed on the site where it arises ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 51 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

12 No waste disposal sites will be permitted unless there are significant environmental benefits for the Dartmoor National Park to be derived from their provision The critical issue with regard to these policies is the need for the application to demonstrate there is a need for the stone that cannot be met elsewhere and that the requirements of policies with regard to sustainable development, landscape and environment, biodiversity and geodiversity, residential tranquillity and accessibility are met. discussed in the Policy Summary Section below. These matters are Dartmoor National Park Local Plan First Review The Dartmoor National Park Local Plan remains the main development control tool for the consideration of all planning applications. A number of policies have been superseded by policies contained in the Core Strategy. The position with regard to Mineral working polices is as follows: M1 New mineral working, or extensions, or waste tipping - strategic policy. Replaced by Core Strategy DPD COR22 M2 Proposals to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of mineral working. Saved until replaced by Minerals and Waste Development DPD M3 Small scale quarrying of traditional stone. Replaced by Core Strategy DPD COR22 M4 New mineral working, or extensions, or waste tipping - detailed criteria. Saved until replaced by Minerals and Waste Development DPD M5 Recycling or reuse of mineral waste. Save until replaced by Minerals and Waste Development DPD M6 Development within mineral consultation areas. Save until replaced by Minerals and Waste Development DPD M7 Exploratory drilling. Saved until replaced by Minerals and Waste Development DPD Of the above policies M2 and M4 are germane to these proposals. Policy M Planning permission will be granted for proposals which, after rigorous examination, would effectively reduce the adverse environmental effects of existing workings, mineral waste tipping operations, or approved but unimplemented minerals development ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 52 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

13 Policy M Applications for new minerals workings; extension of existing workings; mineral waste tipping, recycling or re-use; and ancillary development, will be rigorously examined and determined having regard in particular to the following factors: (i) Evidence of the presence of the mineral; (ii) The loss of agricultural land; (iii) the effects on the local environment, including the generation and routing of heavy lorry traffic, potential nuisance by noise, dust or vibration, and interference with, or pollution of, water supplies; (iv) The effect on landscape and on land with recognised conservation interest, including sites of nature conservation importance, and on Ancient Monuments and other archaeological remains and their settings; (v) The local, regional or national economic benefits of extracting the mineral; (vi) The local, regional or national need for the particular mineral, and alternative ways of meeting that need; (vii) The proposals by the applicant for the method of working, and for restoration to agriculture, forestry or other appropriate use (to include details for the aftercare necessary to ensure proper establishment to a condition suitable for that use); (viii) The effects of the proposal on flood risk; (ix) The effects of the proposal on the amenities of local residents; (x) The effects of the proposal on recreational use in the locality; (xi) The potential for mitigating adverse effects through the use of planning obligations. If, in the light of these factors, a planning permission is granted under the terms of Policy M1, M2, M3 or M5 then conditions will be imposed, and legal obligations may be sought, to remove or reduce to an acceptable level any potential adverse effects which the examination of the proposal has identified in relation to the factors listed. A condition removing permitted development rights will be imposed where there are compelling reasons to do so because of potential environmental damage in terms of the factors listed Table 7 of the Local Plan provides information of Mineral Operations Currently Active in the Dartmoor National Park. Yennadon Quarry is currently listed as follows: Yennadon, Nr 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 53 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

14 Dousland: Metamorphic 1990 Small Long established quarry. Building, walling and ornamental stone. Comprehensive conditions. Dartmoor National Park Authority Development Management and Delivery DPD The Development Management and Delivery DPD was adopted in July It contains a number of policies relevant to this proposal. Key amongst these are as follows: DMD1a: Presumption in favour of sustainable development which reflects the NPPF, DMD1b: Delivering National Park purposes and protecting Dartmoor National Park s special qualities which reflects DSP Policy CO2, DMD2: Major development in Dartmoor National Park which reflects NPPF #116, DMD4: Protecting residential amenity in Dartmoor National Park which reflects COR11, DMD5: Protecting the character of Dartmoor s landscape which reflects COR3 with particular reference to the DNP Landscape Character Assessment, DMD 6: Development affecting moor, heath and woodland, DMD7: which inter alia seeks to reinforce the distinctive qualities of place including materials which is also reflected in Polices DMD 9 and DMD 12 DMD14: Natural environment, biodiversity and geodiversity which reflects COR DMD1a: Presumption in favour sustainable development: When considering development proposals the Authority will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the NPPF. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions, which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in the Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Authority will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise taking into account whether: 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 54 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

15 Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted Policy DMD1b: Delivering National Park purposes and protecting Dartmoor National Park s special qualities: Within Dartmoor National Park, the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage will be given priority over other considerations in the determination of development proposals. Development will only be provided for where it would: a) conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park; or b) promote the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park; or c) foster the social or economic wellbeing of the communities in the National Park provided that such development is compatible with the pursuit of National Park purposes. In all cases, development should not detract from, and where appropriate enhance, the special qualities of the National Park Policy DMD2: Major development in Dartmoor National Park Planning permission will not be granted for major development unless after the most rigorous examination it can be demonstrated that there is an overriding public interest in permitting the development which outweighs National Park purposes and the development cannot reasonably be accommodated in any other way Policy DMD4: Protecting residential amenity in Dartmoor National Park Development proposals should not: significantly reduce the levels of daylight and privacy enjoyed by the occupiers of nearby properties; have an overbearing and dominant impact; introduce levels of noise, vibration, lighting, odours, fumes or dust that would adversely affect human health and well-being; 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 55 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

16 have an adverse effect on highway safety; detract from the special qualities of the area Policy DMD5: Protecting the character of Dartmoor s landscape Development proposals should conserve and/or enhance the character and special qualities of the Dartmoor landscape by: respecting the valued attributes of landscape character types identified in the Dartmoor National Park Landscape Character Assessment; ensuring that location, site layout, scale and design conserves and/or enhances what is special or locally distinctive about landscape character; retaining, integrating or enhancing distinctive local natural, semi-natural or cultural features; avoiding unsympathetic development that will harm the wider landscape or introduce or increase light pollution; respecting the tranquillity and sense of remoteness of Dartmoor Policy DMD6: Development affecting moor, heath and woodland Within the areas of moor, heath and woodland of conservation importance, as shown on the Policies Map, development will only be permitted where it: would lead to the reinstatement or enhancement of damaged moorland; or conserves or enhances features of landscape, archaeological, historic or nature conservation significance; or maintains or improves public access; or is necessary for the proper husbandry of moor and heath or the management of the areas of woodland; or would enhance small scale recreation opportunities and is in keeping with the special qualities of the area. Development affecting other areas of woodland will be considered on its merits Policy DMD7: The quality and distinctiveness of the built environment Within the built environment of Dartmoor National Park, high standards of design and construction will be promoted to conserve or enhance urban settings, settlement layouts and distinctive historic, cultural and architectural features. Development proposals should: 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 56 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

17 (i) conserve and enhance the character of the local built environment including buildings, open spaces, trees and other important features that contribute to visual, historical or architectural character; (ii) reinforce the distinctive qualities of places through the consideration of uses, scale, height, solid form, alignment, design detailing, materials and finishes; (iii) respect the integrity of historic town or village plans including boundary and street elements; (iv) have particular regard to the quality, integrity, character and settings of heritage assets; (v) conserve the special characteristics of the defined Areas of Historic Setting adjoining conservation areas; (vi) reflect the principles set out in the Dartmoor National Park Design Guide supplementary planning document Policy DMD9: Conversion or re-use of non-residential buildings outside classified settlements (iv) the proposed conversion work should be in keeping with local building styles and materials, not adversely affecting the rural character and appearance of the locality or significant public views Policy DMD12: Development in or affecting a conservation area Development in or affecting a conservation area will only be permitted where the character or appearance of the conservation area is preserved or enhanced. In particular: (iii) the change of use, extension or alteration of a building within a conservation area will be permitted only where the character or appearance of the area is preserved or enhanced; (iv) good quality contemporary design which enhances the character or appearance of the conservation area will be considered. Development outside a conservation area including within the defined Areas of Historic Setting that would harm the conservation area s character or appearance will not be permitted ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 57 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

18 Policy DMD14: Natural environment, biodiversity and geodiversity Development proposals will conserve, enhance and/or restore biodiversity and geodiversity within Dartmoor National Park by: providing Special Areas of Conservation with the highest level of protection and enhancement; furthering the conservation and enhancement of nationally protected sites, habitats and species; conserving, enhancing or restoring priority habitats, species and geodiversity assets identified in the Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan; protecting and where appropriate enhancing other defined sites, features, habitats, species or networks or natural processes of ecological or geological importance; ensuring that effective avoidance or on-site mitigation measures are put in place where there may be an adverse effect on biodiversity or geodiversity interests. In rare cases, off-site compensation may be feasible and acceptable. There should be no net loss of biodiversity or geodiversity as a result of development. 5.4 Policy Summary and Appraisal There is a significant degree of repetition between policies at the strategic and local level. Collectively the policies provide a number of key tests against which the proposals for an extension to the working area at Yennadon Quarry will of necessity need to be judged. Critical amongst these are: The protection of the National Park per se for its beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Support for the socio-economic vitality of the National Park. Need to maintain the source of local stone in the context of rigorous examination of the impacts and that the need cannot be met in other ways. Maintenance and enhancement of the character and appearance via the use of local materials. Protection of amenity. Accessibility and sustainability The National Planning Policy framework sets out a presumption in favour of sustainable development and reaffirms the legal requirement that planning decisions should be made 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 58 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

19 in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise It should be noted at the outset in the context of the planning policy framework that these proposals are for an extension of the working area of an existing quarry in order to maintain the provision of a locally important stone which is a substantial element of the built character of the area. The proposals are not for an increase in the level of activity at the quarry or increased vehicle movements and therefore should be judged in the context of the existing controls. An extension of the working area will also maintain local employment With regard to mineral development there is a general presumption against new quarrying in National Parks as this does not accord with their strategic/national intent. However policy provision is made for small scale quarrying of traditional building stone where it would not cause damage to matters of acknowledged importance. It is therefore necessary to judge these proposals in the context of the full raft of policies contained within the development plan that would have a bearing upon the issues raised by the proposal for an extension of the working area of the quarry In this latter regard Policy M4 of the Local Plan Review provides a template for the issues that an application for the extension of the working area at Yennadon must address. Each of these matters is the subject of detailed examination and separate reports. These are set out in the main body of the Environmental Statement and addressed in the individual sections. The key conclusion in each case is that the impacts can be mitigated or suitable managed in a way that is consistent with the relevant policies of the development plan Of critical importance is the question of need and the availability of additional or alternative sources of suitable stone. Put simply "why do this here in the National Park and not elsewhere". These matters are examined in detail within the Socio Economic section of this Statement in the reports prepared by Vickery Holman and John Grimes Partnership Ltd. (Appendices 7a and 7b respectively.) From these two reports it can be seen that: There are a limited number of quarries serving the building industry with building stone in Devon and Cornwall 7397.ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 59 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry

20 Of the existing quarries none produce a stone of the right quality with regard to strength, colour, bedding planes and rustic finish. The unique qualities of the stone from Yennadon Quarry arise from its position within the Tavy Formation and the contact metamorphism that has taken place as a result of the nearby granite intrusion. Yennadon quarry stone complies with Building Regulation requirements as a construction stone Alternative but as yet untapped sources also lie within the Dartmoor National Park. Planning policy and design guidance within the National Park and surrounding districts has a presumption in favour of maintaining the character of the area, particularly in conservation areas, via the use of natural and local materials. It is the stone of choice for many builders and local authorities alike with it being specified for a large number of local developments and via materials conditions on a number of planning consents. Critically Yennadon is the only quarry that can provide natural quoins and is also the first stone of choice as a replacement for Hurdwick stone which is the principle stone in Tavistock The above sets out in brief the reasons why permission should be granted for the extension of the working area to the existing quarry As previously stated detailed information on each of the matters of acknowledged importance is contained in the relevant sections of the environmental statement. These proposals seek an extension of the working area of the quarry in a northerly direction. They do not seek or will bring about a change in working hours, vehicle movements, number of employees, rates of extraction, etc. Consequently matters with regard to noise, dust, etc. should remain unchanged The public consultation event highlighted two areas where improvement could be made. The first of these was noise, which was associated with a particular piece of equipment that has now been replaced and also when working on the upper levels of the quarry, a matter addressed by a proposed extension to the bund The second was visual impact and this has fed through to an extension to the proposed height and length of the bund ES.Report.25/11/2013.ar 60 Proposed Extension to Yennadon Quarry