Stancombe Quarry, Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 3QD. Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011. Request for a Regulation 13 Scoping Opinion for an Environmental Impact Assessment to accompany a planning application to extend Stancombe Quarry to the south into the Spinney. December 2011 Applicant: Agent: Tarmac Limited Quarryplan (GB) Limited Stancombe Quarry Redmays Stancombe Lane Cheddar Road Flax Bourton Wedmore Bristol Somerset BS48 3QD BS28 4EP
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Stancombe Quarry, Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 3QD. · 3.8 The extraction of stone within the Spinney would use the same techniques and equipment as currently employed at the quarry,
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7 Defining the Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment 13
8 Conclusion 19
Tables
Table 1 Scoping Schedule for Environmental Statement 18
Plans
Location Plan
Site Summary Plan
Aerial photograph
Stancombe/Spinney Working Areas
Stancombe/Spinney Final Quarry Face Development
Concept Restoration
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1 Executive Summary 1.1 Stancombe Quarry is operated by Tarmac Limited (Tarmac) and produces on average
one million tonnes of limestone per year for use in the construction industry as
aggregate, asphalt, concrete and concrete blocks. Over 270 people are employed at
Stancombe which is the largest quarry operation in North Somerset and the western
regional office for Tarmac.
1.2 A planning application is to be made by Tarmac during 2012 to extend Stancombe
Quarry in a southerly direction into an area known as the Spinney. This area is
identified for future quarrying as an extension to Stancombe in the adopted Avon
Mineral Plan.
1.3 Access to the majority of the permitted limestone reserves at Stancombe is restricted
and there is only four years of readily available stone remaining.
1.4 The Spinney would provide an additional nine million tonnes of limestone and by
extending the quarry into the Spinney the restrictions affecting the existing reserves
could be overcome and all the reserves would be recoverable.
1.5 The end date for operating the quarry would need to be extended from the current
end date of 2023 to 2043, in order to allow sufficient time to extract the existing
reserves and those within the Spinney.
1.6 There are no proposals to alter the method of working at the quarry, the depth of
extraction, the operational hours, the site access or the permitted level of output from
the site.
1.7 A formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required to accompany the
planning application because the site is greater than 25 hectares in extent and an EIA
is mandatory in such circumstances.
1.8 This document is a Scoping Request which sets out the background to the site,
identifies the detail of the proposals and considers the extent of the EIA.
1.9 The formal opinion of North Somerset Council is sought on the scope of the
assessment to be carried out within the EIA to accompany the planning application.
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2 Need for an Environmental Impact Assessment 2.1 The assessment of potential environmental effects arising from certain development is
to be carried out as required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental
Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. The Regulations require
that prior to the grant of development consent an Environmental Impact Assessment
is to be undertaken on large scale developments or those located in sensitive areas.
The responsibility for undertaking the assessment lies with the developer.
2.2 The proposed planning application to extend Stancombe Quarry is in excess of 25
hectares in extent and it is mandatory that an EIA is carried out for quarry proposals of
such size.
2.3 Before preparing an EIA a developer is able to obtain a formal Scoping Opinion from
the relevant planning authority on the environmental aspects to be assessed and the
planning authority must state in writing its opinion on the requirements of the
assessment.
2.4 This document seeks the formal Scoping Opinion of North Somerset Council on the
aspects that need to be assessed within the EIA to accompany the planning
application to extend Stancombe Quarry into the Spinney. Plans are included in order
to identify the land and the proposed development.
2.5 A description of the quarry and extension area is provided in section 3, the reasoning
behind the proposals is set out in section 4 and a description of the development is
contained in sections 5 and 6. The potential impacts on the environment are identified
in section 7 and in section 8 the Council is requested to confirm the scope of the EIA.
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3 Site Description 3.1 Tarmac has operated Stancombe Quarry since 1995 when the quarrying operations of
Wimpey Limited were merged with those of Tarmac. The quarry has been operational
since at least the 1940’s and has direct access to the A370 Bristol to Weston-super-
Mare road.
3.2 The quarry lies approximately 1.0 kilometre (km) to the south of the village of Flax
Bourton and 4.0 km to the south-east of Nailsea in the North Somerset Council area.
The centre of Bristol is 12 km to the north east. The quarry location is shown on the
accompanying Location Plan reference S109/529. The Ordnance Survey grid
reference for the quarry is ST 503 683.
3.3 Stancombe Quarry contains a large aggregate processing plant, two asphalt plants, a
ready mixed concrete batching plant and a concrete block factory which all depend on
the quarry for the supply of raw materials. The quarry extends to 69 hectares in total
and supplies approximately one million tonnes of crushed rock aggregate each year
for local construction use including asphalt products for road surfacing, concrete
blocks and ready mixed concrete for construction works. The quarry is the largest
supplier of construction aggregates and materials within North Somerset.
3.4 The regional offices for Tarmac are also located at the quarry and over 270 people are
directly or indirectly employed by Tarmac at Stancombe.
3.5 The quarry is shown outlined in red on the accompanying Site Summary Plan
reference S109/574.
3.6 Tarmac intends to apply for planning permission during 2012 to extend Stancombe
Quarry into an area to the south known as the Spinney. The Spinney lies immediately
adjacent to the southern boundary of Stancombe Quarry and amounts to 12.4
hectares of land consisting of a relatively level area of 11 hectares of grassland, used
for cattle grazing, and a 1.4 hectare belt of trees.
3.7 The Spinney is bounded to the north by Stancombe Quarry, to the west by Backwell
Hill Road and a public bridleway, to the south by Long Lane and to the east by
woodland known as the Spinney, being part of the Bourton Coombe woodland. The
position of the Spinney relative to the existing quarry is shown on the Site Summary
Plan. An aerial photograph of the existing quarry and the Spinney is also included
within the plans section.
3.8 The extraction of stone within the Spinney would use the same techniques and
equipment as currently employed at the quarry, this involves drilling and blasting
limestone in benches 15 metres deep and transporting blasted stone by dump truck to
the existing fixed processing plant where it is crushed and screened into a variety of
aggregate sizes.
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3.9 There are no proposals to alter the method of extraction or processing, the depth of
extraction, the operational hours, the site access or the permitted level of output from
the quarry. Instead the application would simply allow limestone extraction from
within the Spinney area as a continuation of the existing quarry operations.
3.10 This Scoping Request explains the above proposals in more detail and provides
information on the potential environmental impacts arising from the development to
allow North Somerset Council to determine the extent of the Environmental Impact
Assessment to accompany the planning application.
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4 Development Background
4.1 At the end of December 2010 the consented reserves of limestone at Stancombe
Quarry amounted to 23.6 million tonnes. However, access to the majority of these
reserves is restricted and there is only four years of readily available stone remaining.
4.2 The Spinney would provide an additional 9.2 million tonnes of limestone and by
extending into the Spinney the restrictions affecting the existing reserves could be
overcome and all the reserves would be recoverable.
4.3 Of the 23.6 million tonnes of reserves a total of 19.6 million tonnes are constrained or
are only accessible at considerable cost and disruption. Only 4.0 million tonnes of
reserves are readily available, sufficient for four years output at average production
rates.
4.4 The various constraints which restrict the working of the 19.6 million tonnes (mt) can
be summarised as follows:
1.1 mt of conglomerate material.
5.4 mt of limestone is constrained by the conglomerate.
2.3 mt of limestone is constrained in geotechnical terms.
8.0 mt of limestone lies beneath the fixed processing plant and water table.
2.8 mt of limestone lies beneath the stockyard and water table.
4.5 These restrictions are explained in more detail below.
1.1 mt of conglomerate material
4.6 Although the conglomerate is notionally classified as mineral reserve it is only saleable
as a low grade fill because of its high mudstone content which restricts its end use as a
construction aggregate. It cannot be regarded as limestone reserve. Sales of
conglomerate are unpredictable and historically material has been sold very gradually
or to a few major construction projects which require large volumes of low cost
material.
4.7 Sales of conglomerate at the present time amount to only 50,000 tonnes per year and
there are no large contracts locally which would take greater volumes, however, it is
expected that large fill contracts can be secured over a prolonged period of time.
4.8 The alternative to selling the conglomerate would be to extract it and tip it either
within the quarry or outside the quarry.
4.9 Tipping material inside the quarry would either sterilise further limestone or incur
enormous costs and tipping outside the quarry is cost prohibitive.
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5.4 mt of limestone constrained by conglomerate
4.10 The conglomerate lies above limestone which is only accessible when the
conglomerate has been removed.
2.3 mt of limestone constrained in geotechnical terms
4.11 As a consequence of working the quarry in a north – south direction it has been found
necessary to provide increased bench widths in order to ensure a safe working
environment and compliance with quarrying regulations due to the dipping strata in
the southernmost quarry faces. By increasing bench widths limestone must be left un-
worked.
8.0 mt of limestone beneath the fixed processing plant and water table
4.12 The limestone beneath the fixed processing plant can only be extracted by developing
four more quarry benches below the level of the plant. The plant was designed in its
existing location to provide the maximum productivity in terms of processing stone
and loading vehicles. The processing plant is in good condition and will be able to
process stone effectively and efficiently for many more years. The two adjacent
asphalt plants would also need to be moved.
4.13 These plants are not mobile and would need to be dismantled and relocated or
replaced which would be unnecessary, costly and disruptive.
4.14 The existing plant site amounts to 4.0 hectares in extent and to replace the plant
would require at least the same amount of space. Such an area is simply not available
within the quarry.
4.15 Extraction of the lowest two quarry benches would be below the water table. The
quarry would need to be dewatered to allow the final reserves of stone to be worked.
The considerable volumes of water that would need to be discharged from site would
need to be managed before being pumped off site. There is insufficient space within
the quarry at the present time to develop a water management area.
2.8 mt of limestone beneath the stockyard and water table
4.16 The stockyard amounts to approximately 3.0 hectares in extent and similar issues exist
with the stone lying beneath the stockyard as occur with the stone beneath the
processing plant. There is limited space within the quarry to relocate the stockyard.
Any relocation would interfere with the continued extraction of stone.
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5 The Spinney Development - General 5.1 The Spinney is identified in the adopted Avon Minerals Plan as a Preferred Area for
extraction and the logical extension area for the development of Stancombe Quarry.
The Spinney forms the final part of the extension area at the quarry, the first part of
the extension area having been granted planning permission in 2000.
5.2 The Minerals Plan sets out a number of requirements for the development of the
Stancombe extension area (page 46) which are identified and commented on below:
(i) Phased southward extension of Stancombe Quarry to Long Lane with
perimeter landscaping and the retention of important topographic features
(eg the Spinney). The depth of extraction will depend on implications for
water resources;
Comment: perimeter landscaping is proposed and the Spinney woodland would be
retained (the Spinney woodland is the woodland along the eastern side of the
extension area outside the application boundary). All extraction in the Spinney is above
the water table and water issues would be fully addressed in the EIA.
(ii) Improvements to the A370 – Stancombe Lane junction;
Comment: the improvements to the A370 have been completed.
(iii) Relocation of the existing plant complex in Stancombe Quarry further inside
the quarry to maximise concealment;
Comment: the existing plant has been relocated further inside the quarry and is fully
concealed.
(iv) Tree planting on the vacated plant base to complement woodland in Bourton
Combe;
Comment: the tree planting on the plant base has been completed.
(v) Eventual removal of the plant complex followed by tree planting in the
excavation to form a woodland, gorge-like feature.
Comment: the removal of the plant complex and tree planting would be undertaken
during final restoration.
5.3 The proposed development of the Spinney is in accord with the Minerals Plan.
5.4 By working the Spinney a number of the constraints affecting the existing quarry,
which have been referred to above, can be reduced or overcome.
5.5 The Spinney contains 9.2 mt of limestone, sufficient for nine years production, and
1.35 mt of conglomerate. The quarry benches within the Spinney would be widely
Stancombe Quarry Scoping Request
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spaced due to the relatively shallow depth of the limestone and this allows the full
extent of the working to be developed relatively quickly. This in turn would provide
worked out areas of the quarry to tip conglomerate which would not sterilise any
underlying limestone.
5.6 The benefits of developing the Spinney include the following:
Improved geotechnical stability of all the quarry faces by working from the south to
north which is a safer way of working the quarry.
Allows the 2.3 mt of limestone with geotechnical constraints in the existing quarry
to be extracted.
All extraction in the Spinney is above the water table so no water management area
or off site dewatering is required.
Provides an extra nine years of limestone production during which time additional
conglomerate can be sold.
If substantial sales of conglomerate do not arise over the next 9 years the Spinney
provides sufficient space to tip the conglomerate without sterilising any stone or
requiring multiple movements of material.
Avoids any impacts of moving conglomerate into Hyatts Wood Quarry.
Delays the disruption and costs of relocating the fixed plant and stockyard areas.
Provides additional area to address the water balancing/compensation pond issues.
5.7 The end date for quarrying at the site would need to be extended from the current
date of 2023. This date was determined assuming an annual output of 1.5 million
tonnes per year however output has averaged only 1.0 million tonnes and therefore
additional time is required to extract the remaining reserves along with the Spinney
material. An end date of 2043 would be sufficient to extract all the stone at a rate of
1.0 million tonnes per year.
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6 The Spinney Development - Detail 6.1 The proposed development would include the following main elements:
Extending the quarry into the Spinney.
Revised direction of quarry working from south to north.
Revised ramping proposals for the quarry.
Development into the Spinney whilst continuing to quarry within the main area.
Extraction of 9 million tonnes of limestone from the Spinney.
Extended end date for the quarry operations to 2042 (currently 2023).
Accommodating all surplus conglomerate material within the site.
Potential inclusion of on-site balancing / groundwater compensation lake for
managing water.
Bridleway diversion and the provision of an alternative route.
Landscaping proposals relating to views from Tyntesfield Estate.
Restoration proposals with more emphasis on biodiversity habitats and less
emphasis on tree planting.
6.2 The development of the Spinney is shown on the accompanying Stancombe/Spinney
Working Areas plan reference S109/572.
6.3 The extraction of stone within the Spinney would use the same techniques and
equipment as currently employed at the quarry, this involves drilling and blasting
limestone in benches 15 metres deep and transporting blasted stone by dump truck to
the existing fixed processing plant where it is crushed and screened into a variety of
aggregate sizes.
6.4 It is proposed to develop the Spinney generally from the south in a northerly direction.
The existing quarry is developed from north to south however as the limestone strata
dip to the north there are geotechnical stability issues when working the quarry faces
in this direction.
6.5 The Spinney would be developed in three broad areas as shown on the plan. The first
area would involve extracting one bench of stone along the eastern boundary of the
Spinney, initially in a southerly direction, until the southern extremity of the Spinney
was reached. From the southern boundary extraction would then progress in a
northerly direction from Area 1 into Areas 2 and 3 as shown on the plan and link into
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the existing quarry. Lower quarry benches would be developed in each area as the
depth of limestone increased.
6.6 The depth of limestone in the Spinney is relatively shallow and increases from south to
north. A maximum of four benches would be extracted in Area 3. The limestone within
the existing quarry is much deeper and would require at least 11 benches to reach the
base of the quarry. The shallower limestone allows the base of extraction to be
reached quickly and once an area has been worked out it can then be used for infilling
with conglomerate.
6.7 The increased overall quarry area would also allow greater flexibility when addressing
the potential future requirement for water balancing and solutions for dewatering the
final quarry benches.
6.8 Extraction from the Spinney would constitute 50% of the overall production from the
site (approximately 500,000 tonnes per year) with the remainder coming from the
existing quarry area (Area 4). By splitting production a number of working faces can be
maintained and would represent best quarry practice.
6.9 By undertaking half the extraction in the Spinney the access ramps within the existing
quarry could be reconfigured into final positions to allow improved access around the
quarry.
6.10 The existing bridleway which crosses the southern boundary of the existing quarry
(northern boundary of the Spinney) would be diverted around the eastern boundary
of the Spinney.
6.11 The details of the diversion are shown on the Stancombe/Spinney Working Areas
plan with the bridleway between points A and D being replaced with a route via A, B, C
and D, although a new bridleway would only need to be constructed between C and D
(the route between A and B is an existing bridleway and the route between B and C
would be along Long Lane).
6.12 Soils and overburden materials removed from above the limestone would be used to
create a landscaped bank alongside Backwell Hill Road, as an extension of the existing
boundary bank, approximately 6 metres in height, to provide screening to adjacent
residential properties and users of the road and bridleway. The bank would be sown
with grass and planted with trees. A smaller bank, approximately 3 metre high, would
be constructed along the southern boundary adjacent to Long Lane and sown with
grass.
6.13 The full extent of the quarry workings is shown on the accompanying
Stancombe/Spinney Final Quarry Face Development plan reference S109/571.
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6.14 The proposed restoration of the Spinney would continue the theme of nature
conservation established in the Stancombe restoration proposals. There would be an
increased emphasis on creating biodiversity habitats with a reduction in the extent of
tree planting. By tipping conglomerate in the shallow areas of extraction in the south a
large part of the Spinney could be restored to calcareous grassland. The proposed
restoration is shown on the accompanying Restoration Concept plan reference
S109/573.
6.15 A variety of habitats would be created including calcareous grassland, mixed
broadleaved woodland and scree slopes.
6.16 The restoration would be designed to provide a number of local and national
biodiversity action plan target habitats. The restoration would complement the
adjacent wooded slopes of Bourton Combe.
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7 Defining the Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment 7.1 Defining the scope of an EIA is a fundamental part of the development process. A
range of environmental issues have been identified for detailed assessment based
upon a thorough knowledge and understanding of the site and of the development
proposals. The environmental issues are set out below and are also summarised in
Table 1.
7.2 As well as considering environmental issues the ES will also describe the proposed
development, consider alternatives and examine the proposals in the context of the
development plan.
Geology
7.3 Stancombe quarry extracts Clifton Down Limestone and Goblin Coombe Oolite
(limestone). Both these limestones are used for high quality construction aggregates
and are present in the Spinney extension. Overlying part of the quarry and part of the
Spinney is low grade Dolomitic Conglomerate material which is sold as a fill material or
tipped within the site.
7.4 The limestone strata dip to the north and there are stability issues when extracting in
a southerly direction.
7.5 Stancombe Quarry is designated as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS).
Proposal
7.6 The quarry design would need to address the removal of conglomerate to avoid
sterilisation and ensure the most efficient extraction of limestone. In addition there
would need to be a geotechnical assessment to ensure that the working faces were
stable and fully complied with the requirements of current health and safety
legislation.
7.7 The impact of the development on the RIGS would also need to be considered.
Soils and Agriculture
7.8 The Spinney contains 11 hectares of agricultural land and is used primarily for grazing
cattle. The land forms part of the farm holding of Hyatts Wood Farm.
7.9 The land would be taken out of agricultural use whilst quarrying was carried out. Some
of the land would be restored as calcareous grassland with a greater level of nature
conservation interest. Grazing would be possible following restoration.
7.10 The soils would be removed to allow extraction to be carried out. The soils and any
overburden material lying above the limestone would be used to create landscaped
screen banks along the western and southern boundaries and for subsequent
restoration of the site. There is potential to damage or lose soils.
Stancombe Quarry Scoping Request
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Proposal
7.11 An assessment would be carried out to determine the land quality together with the
quality and quantity of soils present. The impact on the farm business of losing the
grazing land would also be considered.
7.12 The quarry design and restoration proposals would need to address the removal,
storage and reuse of soils to ensure there was no unnecessary impact on the soil
resources.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
7.13 There is the potential for archaeological remains to exist within the undisturbed
agricultural land in the Spinney. Any archaeological features would be destroyed
during the quarrying process.
7.14 There are conservation areas within 1 km of the site at Farleigh to the north and
Backwell (Church Town) to the west. In addition Barrow Court is a registered historic
park and garden site 1 km to the west and Backwell House is an unregistered site 0.5
km to the north.
7.15 There is a Scheduled Ancient Monument within 1 km of the site, namely a churchyard
cross in St Andrews Churchyard in Backwell.
7.16 There are distant views of the existing quarry and of the Spinney from the National
Trust’s Tyntesfield Estate to the north.
Proposal
7.17 An assessment would be carried out to determine the presence and potential direct
impact on archaeological features within the site and the indirect impact on the
setting of recognised features beyond the site.
Landscape and Visual Impact
7.18 The quarry and extension area lies within the Bristol and Bath Green Belt which covers
an extensive area of amounting to the eastern most third of North Somerset.
7.19 The Community Forest of Avon designation which covers the majority of North
Somerset also covers the site.
7.20 There are no other landscape designations which affect the site.
7.21 There are several residential properties to the immediate west of the Spinney as well
as isolated properties some 0.5 km distant at Hyatts Wood Farm and Water Catch
Farm to the south and east respectively.
7.22 The C class public highway from Backwell to Lulsgate Bottom (Backwell Hill Road) is
located along the western boundary of the Spinney together with a bridleway. A
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public footpath between Backwell Hill Road and Bourton Combe is located along the
southern boundary of the Spinney between the existing quarry and the Spinney.
7.23 The existing quarry is well screened from close viewpoints by the existing landform,
screen banks and adjacent woodland. The Spinney is partly screened by landform and
woodland. A continuation of the existing screen bank along Backwell Hill Road would
further reduce views into the Spinney.
7.24 There are more distant views of the existing quarry and of the Spinney from the north
at Wraxall and Tyntesfield including views from the National Trust’s Tyntesfield Estate.
7.25 The extension proposals have the potential to impact upon the landscape of the area
and cause visual intrusion at particular viewpoints.
Proposal
7.26 A detailed landscape and visual impact assessment would be carried out to determine
the level of impact from the development on the landscape and on viewpoints from
properties and rights of way.
Ecology
7.27 The quarry and extension area are not located within any ecological designations nor
do any statutory ecological designations lie within 1km of the site.
7.28 There are a number of woodland sites in the immediate area which have non-
statutory designations (Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)) such as
Bourton Combe to the east, Cheston Combe and Backwell Hill to the west and Hyatts
Wood to the south. These woodlands are also identified in the National Inventory of
Woodland and Trees and some parts are ancient or semi natural woodland.
7.29 The quarry lies within an extensive area identified as suitable habitat for Greater
Horseshoe Bats as part of the North Somerset and Mendip bat habitat area.
7.30 Quarry development would destroy any habitat within the agricultural land and part
of the woodland along the southern Spinney boundary (not part of the SNCI or
National Inventory). It could also disturb adjacent habitat.
7.31 The restoration proposals for the site would provide new habitats and would create a
benefit in nature conservation terms.
Proposal
7.32 An extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey would be carried out to provide initial baseline
data. Further species surveys would be undertaken as appropriate and these are likely
to include assessments of bats and badgers.
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Water Regime
7.33 The quarry and extension area are not located within the floodplain or within areas at
risk of flooding. Both areas however are within a major aquifer which is classed by the
Environment Agency as highly vulnerable and they also lie within a groundwater
protection zone (outer zone).
7.34 As a consequence of disturbing the land surface and extracting limestone the
development has the potential to impact on both surface and groundwater flows in
terms of quantity and quality. Local water abstractions could be affected and pollution
from the operations is also possible.
7.35 Extraction of the lowest two benches within the existing quarry would require
dewatering by lowering the water table and discharging water off site.
Proposal
7.36 A detailed assessment of the existing water regime in and around the site would be
undertaken to determine the level of impact from the development. The implications
of dewatering including the requirements for water storage and discharge would be
fully examined.
Blasting Vibration
7.37 The extraction of stone involves blasting with explosives to break stone from the
quarry face. Blasting creates vibration which can cause disturbance and damage to
property if not controlled.
7.38 The closest vibration sensitive properties to the proposed extraction within the
Spinney are the houses to the west of Backwell Hill Road.
Proposal
7.39 An assessment of vibration levels would be carried out at adjacent properties to
determine the potential for disturbance or damage.
Noise
7.40 The extension area would be developed using the same conventional working
methods as are currently employed within the existing quarry. Noise would be
generated from soil and overburden removal, drilling and blasting and the transport of
stone to the processing plant.
7.41 There are a number of residential properties to the immediate west of the extension
area as well as more distant properties to the south and east. Rights of way in the
vicinity of the extension include bridleways and footpaths. There are also a number of
ecological habitats in the area.
7.42 Noise from the development could potentially affect all of these receptors.
Stancombe Quarry Scoping Request
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Proposal
7.43 A full assessment of the existing noise climate would be carried out to determine the
baseline conditions. Sophisticated modelling of the noise levels to be created during
all aspects of the development would be undertaken to identify potential impacts.
Air Quality
7.44 Similar comments can be made for air quality as have been made for noise above. The
same conventional working methods would be used as are currently employed within
the existing quarry. Dust would be generated from soil and overburden removal,
drilling and blasting and the transport of stone to the processing plant. Air emissions
from vehicle engines would also occur.
7.45 There are a number of sensitive receptors in the area, primarily residential properties
but also rights of way and ecological habitats.
7.46 Dust and air emissions created from the development could potentially affect all of
these receptors.
Proposal
7.47 A full assessment of the existing air quality would be carried out to determine baseline
conditions. Modelling of dust generation and air emissions during all aspects of the
development would be carried out to identify the potential impacts.
Highways and Public Rights of Way
7.48 Stone extracted from the Spinney would be processed within the existing processing
plant in the quarry and despatched via the existing access onto the A370. There are no
proposals to alter the access or increase output above approved levels.
7.49 Bridleways and footpaths exist in the immediate vicinity of the extension area. The
footpath between Backwell Hill Road and Bourton Combe would need to be diverted
around the extension area to allow the quarry to progress in a southerly direction. The
development would impact on some of the existing rights of way.
Proposal
7.50 It is not proposed to assess the highway impact of vehicles using the A370 as this has
previously been considered and improvements carried out at the A370 junction. An
assessment would be undertaken of the impacts on the rights of way in the vicinity of
the extension area.
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Table 1 Scoping Schedule for Environmental Statement
Topic Potential Impact Comments Geology Stability of quarry workings
and restoration. Maximising stone extraction.
A geotechnical assessment would advise on the safest method of working and the overall quarry development. The quarry design would seek to recover the optimum amount of limestone.
Soils and Agriculture
Loss of agricultural land. Loss or damage to soil resource. Effect on farming unit.
The land quality and soil resources would be determined. Proposals for removal, storage and reuse of soils would be assessed. Farm business would be considered.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Loss or damage to buried archaeology. Impact on historic buildings and settings.
A full desk study would be carried out to determine the archaeological value of the extension area. Historic and listed buildings would be considered. Further phases of assessment would be carried out as appropriate.
Landscape and Visual Impact
Disturbance to landscape character and quality. Disturbance to visual amenity.
A landscape study would assess the significance of impacts on the landscape. Viewpoint analysis would determine the level of impacts from individual locations.
Ecology Loss or damage to habitat. Loss or damage to species. Benefits of restoration.
An extended phase 1 survey of the site and adjacent area would be undertaken to identify habitats and species that required further study.
Water Regime Disturbance to surface and groundwater quality and quantity. Change to flood regime. Benefits of restoration.
The existing water regime would be assessed together with potential impacts arising from the development.
Blasting Vibration
Disturbance to local amenity. Damage to property.
Assessment of blasting vibration levels at adjacent properties would be undertaken. Consideration would be given to the impact on amenity.
Noise Disturbance to local residents. Effect on amenity. Effect on ecology.
Survey would determine existing noise levels and predicted noise levels from the development at the closest noise sensitive receptors.
Air Quality Disturbance to local residents. Effect on amenity. Effect on ecology.
Assessment would establish existing air quality and predicted emission levels at the closest sensitive receptors.
Highways and Public Rights of Way
Impact on local road network. Impact on public rights of way.
The highways implications of vehicles using the A370 have previously been determined. Impacts on footpaths and bridleways would be assessed.
Stancombe Quarry Scoping Request
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8 Conclusion 8.1 This document is a Scoping Request relating to the proposed extension of Stancombe
Quarry into the Spinney. The document sets out the background to the site, identifies
the detail of the proposals and considers the extent of the EIA required to accompany
the planning application.
8.2 The formal opinion of North Somerset Council is sought on the scope of the
assessment to be carried out within the EIA to accompany the planning application.
8.3 In accordance with Regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental
Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 North Somerset Council are requested to
provide a Scoping Opinion on the contents of an Environmental Statement to
accompany the planning application to extend Stancombe Quarry into the Spinney.