NTS Grove ROMP v2 19 03 14 - IEMATHE APPLICATION SITE 2 Grove Quarry P a g e | 5 SLR Consulting...

GROVE QUARRY

ENVIRONMENT ACT ROMP REVIEW

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

DRAFT VOLUME 3

March 2014

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

VOLUME 3

ENVIRONMENT ACT ROMP REVIEW:

GROVE QUARRY

Client: Lafarge Tarmac Ltd Job no. 407.00088.00252

Document title: Non Technical Summary Volume 3 Status: V2

Date: 19 03 14

Ref: NTS

CONTENTS

Grove Quarry P a g e | i SLR Consulting Limited

CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1

1.1 Background ........................................................ 1

1.2 The Scope of the EIA ......................................... 1

1.3 The Cornelly Group of Quarries ES’s ........ Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.4 The NTS .............................................................. 1

1.5 Technical Studies ............................................... 2

1.6 Planning Conditions .......................................... 2

2.0 THE APPLICATION SITE ............................................... 5

2.1 Site Location ....................................................... 5

2.2 Landscape Context ............................................ 5

2.3 Ecology ............................................................... 5

2.4 Geology ............................................................... 6

2.5 Hydrology ................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.6 Hydrogeology .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.7 Access and Traffic ............................................. 7

2.8 Cultural Heritage ................................................ 7

3.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ................................ 9

3.1 Introduction ........................................................ 9

3.2 Grove Quarry: Current Circumstances ............. 9

3.3 Quarry Development Scheme .......................... 10

3.4 Processing Plant .............................................. 10

3.5 Hours of Operation ........................................... 11

3.6 Output and Traffic Movements ........................ 11

3.7 Water Management .......................................... 12

3.8 Restoration Strategy ........................................ 12

4.0 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ............. 20

4.1 Introduction ...................................................... 20

4.2 Landscape and Visual Effects ......................... 20

4.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology ......................... 23

4.4 Ecology ............................................................. 25

4.5 Noise ................................................................. 30

4.6 Blast Vibration .................................................. 30

4.7 Air Quality ........................................................ 32

4.8 Traffic ............................................................... 34

4.9 Cultural Heritage .............................................. 36

5.0 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................... 37

INTRODUCTION 1

Grove Quarry P a g e | 1 SLR Consulting Limited

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken in support of an application to update and modernise the planning conditions which control and regulate activities at Grove quarry. The application does not relate to proposals to extend the quarry into areas which do not currently enjoy the benefit of planning permission: it merely considers the environmental effects of continuing the existing permitted quarrying activities. The EIA and the results which are set out in an Environmetnal Statement (ES) provides a context for the drafting of updated planning conditions. Grove Quarry is a limestone quarry situated to the south of the village of South cornelly, some 0.5 km south of the M4 motorway, 2km south of Pyle, and some 2km north/northeast of Porthcawl. A plan illustrating the location of the quarry is produced as Figure 1.1. Grove Quarry lies to the west of Cornelly Quarry, and south of the village of South Cornelly. The permitted area of the quarry covers two main areas. Land to the east of the current excavation, is covered by an Interim Development Order (IDO) permission, granted in 1948. The permitted IDO area straddles the boundary between Grove Quarry and Cornelly quarry on its eastern side. Land in the western area of the quarry is covered by separate planning permissions granted in 1950 and 1956, and it is these permiters which form the subject of the application. Grove Quarry has been ‘mothballed’ since 2002 when operations were temporarily halted at Grove to allow quarrying to be concentrated at the adjoining Cornelly Quarry. However, there are no restrictions on a resumption of quarrying at Grove, and the pupose of this EIA / ES is to consider the environmental effects of such a lawful resumption of operations. This is not a conventional planning application, but an application to update the existing planning conditions which regulate operations at the

quarry, and to replace the existing conditions with modern controls. This extercise is referred to as a Review of Old Mineral Permissions, often termed a ‘ROMP Review’.

1.2 The Scope of the EIA

The application will be determined by the Welsh Government (WG) who have issued a “Scoping Direction” setting out the issues which should be addressed as part of the EIA. A copy of the Scoping Direction is produced as Appendix 1.2 to the ES (within ES Volume 2D).

Scoping Directions of the same date (4th September 2013) have been

issued in similar terms in relation to ROMP applications relating to Cornelly and Gaens Quarries, which will also be determined by the Welsh Government.

The Scoping Directions set out specific requirements under a series of environmental and amenity headings. The Applicants have ensured that each issue is fully addressed as part of the EIA and this ES and, for ease of reference, a detailed table has been prepared which identifies the issues raised in the Scoping Direction, the way in which the issues have been addressed as part of the EIA, and the reference within the ES (reference table 1.2).

1.3 The NTS

This document is a non technical summary (NTS) of the Grove Quarry ROMP ES, and presents the main findings of the EIA and ES in non technical language. The NTS, as the title suggests, provides only a brief summarised account of a large amount of technical data. However, it is intended to provide a sufficient overview of the ongoing development, and the environmental issues, and the way in which the EIA and ES have informed the preparation of an updated quarry development scheme and schedule of planning conditions.

The NTS comprises Volume 3 of a comprehensive submission which consists of:

INTRODUCTION 1


• Volume 1: Environmental Statement (ES);

• Volume 2: Technical Appendices (Volumes 2A – 2D);

• Volume 3: Non Technical Summary of the ES (this document); and

• Volume 4: Application Plans and Figures

1.4 Technical Studies

The content of the EIA and respective technical studies has been informed by the Scoping Direction referred to above. The Applicant has commissioned a number of specialist consultants to deal with the identified issues, namely:

• Landscape and Visual Impact and Restoration Design – Pleydell Smithyman;

• Hydrology and Hydrogeology – ESI Ltd;

• Ecology – Atmos Consulting Ltd;

• Noise – WBM;

• Blast Vibration – Vibrock;

• Air Quality - SLR Consulting Ltd.

• Traffic – Hurlstone Partnership;

• Cultural Heritage – Andrew Josephs Associates

In addition, technical inputs on geology, phased quarry development, working practices and operational mitigation measures have been prepared by in-house expertise available to the Applicant.

The EIA and preparation of the ES has been coordinated by SLR Consulting. SLR is a member of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management with an awarded ‘Quality Mark’, and has specialist capability in mineral planning.

1.5 Planning Conditions

The purpose of the Review is to formulate a schedule of updated planning conditions which reflect modern standards and controls, and which provide (i) detailed controls over on-going operations for the 15 year Review period; and (ii) a context for subsequent Periodic Reviews by confirming

the longer term intentions for the development of the Quarry, and the final restoration strategy.

The ROMP Review procedure places the initial onus on the Applicants to propose an updated schedule of planning conditions. A schedule of proposed planning conditions was submitted in 1997 with the original Grove Quarry ROMP application. The schedule was updated in 2008 at the time of submission of a voluntary ES, where the updated conditions were informed by the recommendations and conclusions of the 2008 ES. The schedule of conditions has been further updated, partly to reflect the passage of time, but also, to reflect the recommendation of the updated 2014 ES regarding measures which can minimise the environment effects of the quarrying operations (refered to as ‘mitigation measures’), and the way in which those mitigation measures can be translated into planning conditions.

The ES also includes a review of planning policy, noting that there have been substantial changes since the original application in 1997, and the analysis of planning policy set out in the voluntary 2008 ES. Particular reference has been paid to the way in which planning policy and advice can inform the drafting of up to date planning conditions.

The Welsh Ministers in relation to called in applications, are not obliged to accept the planning conditions proposed by the Applicant, and they are entitled to impose different conditions or additional conditions. However, where the Welsh Ministers determine conditions different from those submitted by the Applicant and the effect of the new conditions, other than restoration or aftercare, as compared with the effect of the exisitng conditions is to impose a restriction on working rights, then Applicants whose interests have been adversly effected by the restrictions will be entitled to claim compensation (reference Schedule 13, Paragraph 15 of the Environment Act 1995).

The updated conditions proposed by the Applicant are produced as Annexe 1 to the ES, and the rationale behind the conditions is summarised in Chapter 15.0 of the ES and in summary form in chapter 4.0 of the NTS. The updated conditions are considered to represent a positive and constructive approach to devising an environmental sensitive operation and to regulating the devleopment by modern, up to date planning

INTRODUCTION 1


controls. In those terms, as was the case with the 2008 ES, the exercise associated with the EIA has been of positive value in preparing specific conditions which reflect the conclusions and recommendations of the EIA.

INTRODUCTION 1


Figure 1-1 Site Location

THE APPLICATION SITE 2


2.0 THE APPLICATION SITE

2.1 Site Location

Grove Quarry is located approximately 1 kilometre south of the M4 motorway at Pyle (Junction 37). Cornelly Quarry lies to the east beyond the Grove IDO area. Pant Mawr quarry lies immediately to the north, separated from Grove Quarry by Heol y Splot, and to the north of Pant Mawr lies Gaens Quarry. The Porthcawl Road (A4229) runs north-south through South Cornelly and The Grove, some 300m to the west, linking the M4 motorway and settlements to Porthcawl. Heol y Splot lies on the northern boundary of the site, and gives access to Grove, Cornelly and Pant Mawr quarries from the A4229.

Porthcawl is the principal settlement, and is an important holiday resort 1.5-2 kilometres to the south of the site. The settlement of South Cornelly lies some 0.5 kilometres to the north-west, and South Cornelly Industrial Estate be immediately to the north. Other properties in the immediate vicinity are mainly scattered farms or small groups of houses. A recycling yard is located between Heol y Splott and the quarry boundary. Quarries are the dominant landuse to the north and east. Elsewhere, outside of settlements, the land is in agricultural use with blocks of woodland, and fields bounded mainly by hedgerows.

The quarry is located near the western end of an east-west ridge, which falls steeply to the west in a wooded scarp slope to the A4229 Porthcawl Road. At the quarry entrance, the land is at some 45m AOD, and the ridge rises to about 80m AOD to the east of the existing quarry void. From Porthcawl road, the coastal plain falls gently from a level of about 30m AOD towards the sea, about 3km away. The land rises from Heol y Splot to the north in a low vegetated ridge, to a high point of 87m AOD, 1 kilometre to the north-east.

The total area of Grove Quarry that falls within the ROMP Review area is some 12.42 ha. although only some 9.5 ha. of this is disturbed. The IDO permission, which includes both parts of Grove and Cornelly quarries equates to some 47.69 ha. The proposed future eastern extraction area

that is currently undisturbed and which lies fully within the Grove area of the IDO boundary, equates to some 8.86 ha.

2.2 Landscape Context

The quarry is located on the edge of a broad upland plateau area, with levels ranging between 40m and 80m AOD. The eastern boundary of the wider site abuts the main Cornelly Quarry void after which the Newton Down plateau gently rises in a series of small undulations to the northeast to 108m AOD at Stormy Down. Further eastwards the landform remains at a similar level before falling gently away towards Lalestron / Trelales due east and Tythegston to the southeast as a series of small valley features. These valleys are occupied by both local and national road networks (A48 linking Bridgend with Pyle). As a consequence of the location of the quarry on the western edge of this upland plateau area, in conjunction with the surrounding topographical features, the quarry is generally well screened from view and enclosed by the existing landform and vegetation within the general landscape setting from receptors to the north, east and south. However the location of the valley feature associated with Heol y Splot road abutting the site to the north allows the back faces of Grove Quarry to become generally open to view, albeit restricted to a relatively narrow angle from due west to the northwest.

2.3 Ecology

There are no statutory designated nature conservation sites within the Grove ROMP Review area or wider survey area. Two internationally designated sites are within 2km, Kenfig Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Cefn Cribwr Grasslands SAC, 1.4km north. A further six nationally designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are present within the 2km radius (five including the component SSSIs of the above SACs) and the sixth, Stormy Down SSSI, 1km east.

Parts of the Kenfig SSSI and SAC are additionally designated as National Nature Reserves: the Kenfig Pool and Dunes located 1.7km to the west, and Merthyr Mawr Warren located 2.4km to the south.



There are twenty non-statutory designated Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) within approximately 2km of the Grove ROMP area. The closest ‘Cornelly Quarry’ SINC lies off-site within the wider survey area in the Cornelly ROMP area immediately to the north of Heol y Splot.

A wide range of specialist ecological surveys have been carried out of the Grove Quarry ROMP area and wider survey areas (boundaries as shown in Figure 8.3 in ES Volume 2D Appendix 8.2), both recently in 2013/14 and historically in 2008/09.

These have recorded a variety of habitats to be present within the Grove ROMP boundary and wider area, including woodlands – broadleaved semi-natural and mixed plantation, scrub dominanted by buddleja, grasslands – semi-improved neutral and calcareous, ephemeral (seasonal) plant communities, hedgerows, standing water and swamp and man-made habitats including quarry, bare ground and buildings. Immediately adjacent to the Grove ROMP area, arable farmland and agricultural grassland was extensive to the south and east, whilst Grove Woods was present to the west.

2.4 Geology

The quarries lie within an outcrop of limestone and mudstone known as the Triassic Mercia Mudstone and Carboniferous Limestone. The main limestones worked at the quarries comprise the Cornelly Oolite and Stormy Limestone (Cornelly and Grove).

The Carboniferous Limestone which is worked by the quarries forms a groundwater storage area (aquifer) in the area, and is classified as a Major Aquifer by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for the purposes of groundwater protection.

2.5 Surface Water (Hydrology)

Long term average rainfall at Margam is 1149 mm per annum, with 1996 being the driest year in the 22 year sequence (845 mm), and 2012 being the wettest (1655 mm). The very wet sequence of months from April 2012 onwards affects most of the recent water level records.

The main surface water flows of interest relate to the two large springs in the area.

The large, perennial springs at New Mill Farm have been identified as an important feature of the local hydrology and flow measurements have been made on numerous occasions over the last ten years. The spring complex comprises a main spring (20 – 70 litres per second, 1,700 to 6,000 cubic metres per day) sourced from underlying strata and numerous other smaller seeps and springs in this general area.

A second large spring rises in the middle of Merthyr Mawr dunes, known as the Burrows Well spring. The data shows that the spring does not flow constantly all year, with flows up to 350 litres per second (30,000 cubic metres per day), but more typically around 50 litres per second (4,300 cubic metres per day).

In addition to these flows, there is some surface water flow in the dunes at Kenfig during high groundwater level conditions. However, this all recharges to the sands to the west rather than flowing to the coast.

2.6 Ground Water (Hydrogeology)

Two types of aquifer are present in the study area: porous aquifers in which flow is distributed relatively evenly throughout the whole formation (e.g. the sand dune systems), and limestone aquifers in which flow occurs almost entirely through cracks and other features.

Groundwater levels have been monitored by the applicants, the NRW and staff at the Kenfig Nature Reserves at nearly 60 sites in the area over the last decade, with some sites having up to 16 years of data. This forms an exceptional baseline for the assessment of the impacts of the quarries.

The Cornelly Group of quarries (Cornelly, Grove and Gaens Quarries) work Carboniferous Limestone that forms part of a wider, inter-connected aquifer system extending over an area of around 25 km

2. This is bounded

by the River Kenfig to the north, the River Ogmore to the south, by various faults to the north east and by the coast to the south and west.



The Carboniferous Limestone forms the main aquifer in this area but is overlain by permeable, layered strata to the west and south. The sands at Kenfig and Merthyr Mawr form minor aquifers that have a degree of connection with the underlying limestone aquifers.

The main discharge point for groundwater in this area is to the ~10 km of coastline that forms the western and southern boundaries of the area (83%). Apart from these coastal discharges, groundwater also emerges:

• At the large springs at New Mill Farm.

• Within the Blown Sand dunes at Kenfig and in Kenfig Pool.

• At the large spring at Burrows Well which emerges from the Carboniferous Limestone in the middle of Merthyr Mawr and flows through some dune slacks, eventually soaking back into the sands before reaching the sea.

• Pumping from Cornelly Quarry (and occasionally from Grove and Gaens Quarries).

2.7 Access and Traffic

The M4 Motorway Junction 37 is a grade-separated interchange that provides entry and egress to/from the M4 for westbound and eastbound traffic.

The A4229 is classified as a Strategic Road and also a Principal Road in the local route hierarchy, and as such is effectively the preferred corridor for HGV traffic travelling to or from the area.

The site is accessed via Heol y Splot, which is now a cul-de-sac following a formal road closure in 2007 of a section of Heol y Splot to the east of the Cornelly Quarry site entrance.

The access to Grove Quarry is approximately 110m to the east of the junction between Heol y Splot, Porthcawl Road and the A4229, which is known as Smokey Cottage Roundabout.

2.8 Cultural Heritage

The nature of mineral extraction results in the total loss of the cultural heritage resource wherever extraction takes place, and the potential loss in other areas associated with infrastructure and landscaping. However, the entire footprint of the Site comprises already worked land associated with quarrying, and there are no surviving archaeological remains. There are however a number of features of cultural heritage interest in the general locality, and the assessment has described the potential for indirect effects on these features.



THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3


3.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Introduction In practice, Grove Quarry will be worked as a single operational unit within the defined overall ROMP and IDO boundaries. Thus, the quarry development scheme which accompanied the 2008 voluntary ES set out details of quarry development for the full quarry development scheme covering the western ROMP area and the eastern IDO area. A comprehensive quarry development scheme has thus been prepared, which has formed the basis of the impact assessment. The quarry development scheme for the ROMP area remains essentially unchanged from that submitted in February 2008, involving two phases of development to 0m AOD, and then a deepening to -15m AOD within the existing footprint of the quarry. As the ridgeline along the south western boundary of Grove Quarry provides a visual and noise attenuation barrier, and a feature of general landscape and ecological value, the Applicants are prepared to voluntarily relinquish that part of the permitted area within their landownership control. No quarrying could logically take place within the residual area of land abutting the land along the ridgeline on the western side of the Applicants landownership, notwithstanding the location of that area within the overall boundary of the permitted quarry area. An updated quarry development scheme was prepared for the IDO area, as part of the 2008 voluntary ES. This involves stripping the overburden and waste rock currently stored in a plateau on the IDO area, and placing that material into the void which would be created within the Grove Quarry ROMP area (at -15m AOD). The eastern faces of the ROMP quarry development scheme would then be progressed eastwards into the IDO area, working progressively down to a level of +15m AOD.

The scheme has been further updated for the purposes of this impact assessment, but with no change to the proposed depth of extraction, which remains at -15m AOD.

3.2 Grove Quarry: Current Circumstances

Quarrying operations at Grove were temporarily mothballed in 2002, with production currently concentrated at Cornelly Quarry. A decision on when operations will be resumed at Grove will be dependent upon a combination of operational requirements at Cornelly, the outcome of the Cornelly ROMP and IDO Periodic Review applications, and general market conditions and requirements. In those circumstances, no precise timescale for operations at Grove can be confirmed at this stage.

However, it has been assumed that quarrying will recommence within the current 15 year Review period. When quarrying recommences, it will take place within the main ROMP area, and it has been assumed, for the purposes of the EIA, that the limestone would be processed via mobile crushing and screening plant to be located within the quarry void at an appropriate distance from the working face.

At present, the offices and weighbridge/plant yard is at an average level 40m AOD, with the base of the quarry, on its south eastern side, at a minimum level at some 15 metres AOD. This compares with undisturbed levels to the southwest and southeast of between 60 and 70 metres AOD (ref Figure 3.1).

The main quarry void is occupied by a lake, to which water from the Cornelly Quarry void is pumped. The former processing plant area at the site frontage is currently used for inert waste recycling, with a large ‘industrial’ type building at the southern side of the surfaced area.

A separate recycling operation has been established within a former quarry void off Heol y Splot to the north east of the ROMP area. This land lies within the boundary of the IDO permitted area, but is not in the ownership of the applicants (Lafarge Tarmac), and the area is thus not included as part of the quarry development scheme.



3.3 Quarry Development Scheme

3.3.1 ROMP Stage A: 1 – 10 years

The initial stage will involve developing the upper faces towards their final positions along the northern and southern boundaries of the excavation area, and the development of a new access ramp along the northern boundary, to allow better access the 30m AOD level. Extraction of benches at 30m AOD, 15m AOD, and 0m AOD will continue via a series of benches, with interconnecting ramps situated along the northern edge of the site.

The blasted rock will be transported, via dump truck, to mobile processing plant by for further crushing and classification. The plant will produce a variety of single-size and all-in products to meet the applicable specifications, whilst minimizing waste through-out the process. Should any un-saleable material be encountered, it will be retained and use as restoration materials later in the development.

Working out of the existing western quarry area to 0m AOD will provide approximately 2,500,000 saleable tonnes.

3.3.2 ROMP Stage B: 10 – 12.5 years

Final development of the existing western ROMP quarry area will comprise one further sinking to -15m AOD, which will provide approximately 660,000 saleable tonnes.

3.3.3 IDO Stage C Intermediate: 12.5 – 30 years

The initial phase of this stage involves the stripping of overburden (comprising historically tipped quarry waste and clay contaminated ‘top-rock’) from the IDO area and placing it in the lowest sinking of the western ROMP quarry area. It is likely that there will be some overlap in time between the end of Stage B and the beginning of Stage C, to ensure the reserves are stripped and continuity of production is maintained. Approximately 720,000m³ of overburden will stripped throughout this development stage.

Following the uncovering of the reserves in the IDO eastern extension, a series of benches will be driven towards the east, with access maintained to each level via retention of wider benches to the north and east. The lowest level will be worked to 15m AOD, with subsequent levels above at 15m intervals.

The blasted rock will transported via dump truck to the mobile plant situated in the western quarry area.

Working out of the eastern extension to the position shown on figure 3.4 will provide approximately 4,000,000 saleable tonnes.

3.3.4 IDO Stage D Final: 30 - 50 years

The final stage of development at Grove quarry involves stripping the remaining overburden from the eastern extension, up to 460,000m³, and placing it in the western tipping area. This material will be tipped in a series of lifts up to the 30m AOD level, and formed into landform for restoration.

The faces along the north, south, and eastern extents of the quarry will be pushed back to their final positions.

The final stage of quarry development at Grove Quarry will provide approximately 5,000,000 saleable tonnes.

3.4 Processing Plant

The historic ‘fixed’ processing plant at Grove Quarry has been removed, and it has been assumed for the purposes of the EIA that future processing will be based upon the use of a mobile crushing and screening plant which will be located within the quarry void, in relative proximity to the operational quarry area.

The plant will be regulated by a ‘Permit’ which will impose detailed requirements relating to air quality emissions and the monitoring and mitigation of emissions. This may be addressed via an amendment to the exiting Cornelly Quarry Permit or as a new Permit for Grove Quarry. The



controls which will be imposed via the Permit have been assumed to be in place as part of the Air Quality study, and the noise emissions from a typical mobile crushing and screening plant have been assumed for the purposes of the noise study.

3.5 Hours of Operation

There are currently no hours of working restrictions for the ROMP area. However, the schedule of conditions associated with the IDO Initial Review imposed hours of working restrictions for the IDO area, with separate hours of working for Grove Quarry and Cornelly Quarry. The hours of operation relating to the Grove Quarry IDO area are:

(i) except in the case of emergency, quarrying operations shall take place within the area coloured yellow on Plan 53/93/135OA only between: 0700-1900 hours Monday-Friday, 0700-1300 hours on Saturdays. No working to take place on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or Statutory Public/Bank Holidays except for essential maintenance or otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.

(ii) Except in the case of emergency, the removal of tipped material in the area hatched green on plan 53/93/1350A (as referred to in Condition 4 above) shall only take place between 0700-1900 hours Monday to Friday and 0700-1300 hours on Saturdays. No working shall take place on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or Statutory Public/Bank Holidays unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.

NB: For the purposes of the condition, quarrying operations shall be defined as winning and working of stone from the quarry face, the haulage of stone from the face and the operations of the primary crusher/or other mechanical means of stone breakage.

The hours of operation proposed via the conditions submitted with the original 1997 ROMP application were generally consistent with the IDO conditions, namely:

(i) except in emergencies (see (iii) below), to maintain safe quarry working (which shall be notified to the MPA, or agreed otherwise in writing), the following shall apply:

(ii) no quarry operations, other than water pumping, the servicing/maintenance of plant and environmental monitoring, shall be carried out at the site except between the following times:

0700-1900 Hours (Monday to Friday,

0700-1300 Hours (Saturdays)

(iii) for the avoidance of doubt, emergencies shall be defined as instances where the operation has reasonable cause for preventing injury to persons or serious damage to property;

(iv) no quarry operations, other water pumping, the servicing/maintenance of plant and environmental monitoring, shall take place on Sundays or public/bank holidays.

The Applicants do not propose any alterations to these hours or working, as originally submitted for either the ROMP or IDO areas, and this is confirmed in the schedule of conditions produced as Annex 1 of the ES.

3.6 Output and Traffic Movements

Grove Quarry is not currently operational, and output is being concentrated at Cornelly Quarry. However, for the purposes of the ES, an assumption has been made that Grove Quarry, when re-activated, will operate at a rate consistent with historical rates of output of some 250,000 tonnes per annum. Based upon an average load size of 18 tonnes, and a notional 275 day working year, this would equate to 50 deliveries per day.

The Quarry enjoys ease of access to the strategic road network via the western end of Heol y Splot and the A4229 roundabout, and no difficulties are anticipated in terms of traffic movements along that well established A4229 corridor.



3.7 Water Management

Historically, water from the quarry void has been collected in a quarry sump and discharged to a sink hole in the adjoin Grove Railway cutting. These operations will continue when quarrying operations resume.

3.8 Restoration Strategy The concept for the restoration of the site is based on the anticipated physical form of the quarry upon reaching the final extent of quarrying as illustrated figures 3.6 and 3.7, together with mitigation and enhancement features. These include:

• Hedgerow creation and enhancement in the short term alongside Mount Pleasant Road;

• Hedgerow/woodland strengthening and enhancement in the short and medium terms along the northern and southern boundaries of the site;

• Creation of species rich calcareous grassland and agricultural fields in the medium and long term on quarry waste tips within the western quarry void;

• Revegetation of overburden slopes, quarry waste tips and faces/benches in the medium and long term;

• Retention of rocky outcrops and creation of scree slopes in the medium and long terms that could be advantageous for the creation of habitats suitable to encourage colonisation by protected species;

• Creation of wetland and marginal habitats in the long term around the edges of the flooded quarry void to encourage the establishment of habitats suitable to encourage colonisation by protected species; and

• Possible retention of flat areas in the long term adjacent to the future lake that could be utilised for the provision of infrastructure associated with possible future leisure and tourism (interim restoration to grassland).

These will be done a gradual (progressive) basis as the development continues to ensure that as much of the site as possible is restored as early as possible. The restoration strategy is illustrated on Figures 3-6 and 3-7.



Figure 3-1 Existing Quarry

RESTORATION STRATEGY 4


Figure 3-2 ROMP Stage A



Figure 3-3 ROMP Stage B



Figure 3-4 IDO Stage C



Figure 3-5 IDO Stage D



Figure 3-6 Concept Strategy Overview



Figure 3-7 Concept Restoration Strategy Grove ROMP and IDO areas.

SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 4


4.0 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

4.1 Introduction

The ES has assessed the effects of quarrying under a series of topic headings relating to environmental amenity issues. The exercise has identified a number of elements which require control and mitigation, and has highlighted up to date advice regarding standards and criteria.

As a summary of those issues, and by way of an introduction to schedule of upated planning conditions which will be prepared to accompany the final ES, the following key issues have emerged, which will be reflected in the schedule of conditions.

4.2 Landscape and Visual Effects

4.2.1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) Study

The purpose of the LVIA is to evaluate the landscape and visual impacts associated with the proposed development, determine the likely effects to the landscape and visual character of the area, and make recommendations for mitigation measures which can be translated into planning conditions as part of the ROMP Review. The LVIA covers the totality of the Grove Quarry development, and considers the effects of the full quarry development scheme, including extraction, processing, access, quarry waste disposal etc. It also includes an assessment of the potential for cumulative landscape and visual effects associated with quarrying activities associated with Cornelly and Gaens Quarries that abut the site. The assessment considers the sources of effects during the quarry operational and restoration stages, and the nature of effects ranging from neutral to very large. Consideration is then given to the type of effect in terms of both susceptibility to change and the value of the landscape, with

a scale of effect ranging from very low to very high. The effects are considered in terms of whether they are direct or indirect, and the timescale of the effects. The final element of the assessment is to consider the significance of the effects with a correlation between the nature / magnitude of effects against the sensitivity of the landscape / visual receptor, based upon a scale of neutral to substantial.

4.2.2 Landscape Impact The landscape appraisal concluded that within the confines of the site, the proposed future development will only cause Moderate adverse significance of effects to the landscape character before mitigation during the operational period, primarily due to loss of the eastern agricultural field and a percentage of the naturally regenerated or vegetated areas. The Landscape Assessment process also concluded that beyond the site perimeter, will at most cause Moderate adverse significance of effects to the landscape character during the operational period. The proposed mitigation measures include (i) the self imposed limits on the quarry development areas; (ii) action to remove the unauthorised recycling tip and early restoration of the area, including the upper faces/benches and overburden slope that acts as a bluff to future workings; (iii) the creation of a small perimeter screening bund; and (iv) beating up, infilling, widening and strengthening the existing woodland/hedgerow alongside the northern and southern boundaries. In combination with the proposed progressive working and restoration of the upper faces/benches, it has been assessed, due to the overall timescales of the operational period that these measures will help offset the predicted loss of the agricultural area and vegetation cover/habitats in both the short and longer terms within the confines of the site. This is partly due to the fact that the eastern extension is not expected to be worked for some 15 years (until the western void is fully extracted), as well as the progressive nature of soil stripping and overburden removal during the remainder of the operational period, which is enough time for the proposed peripheral planting and tip/bluff restoration to have reached some degree of maturity.



Therefore in landscape terms, following mitigation, within the confines or in close proximity to the site, the proposed future development, when proposed mitigation measures are taken into account, will partly offset the adverse effects to the landscape character during the operational period. It is expected that this mitigation measure will reduce the maximum adverse effects from Moderate to Slight adverse. The level of landscape effects to the west and northwest following mitigation (tip removal and face restoration), will reduce the overall impact of these faces as either a prominent or skyline feature, but is not capable of being completely mitigated due to the nature of the effects. It is expected that this mitigation measure will reduce the maximum adverse effects from Moderate to Very Slight adverse. As the extent of progressive vegetation increases and a significant proportion of the vegetation reaches maturity over the predicted life of the development, the level of beneficial effects will progressively increase to be generally Very Slight beneficial increasing to Slight beneficial once the processing plant has been removed and the quarry void infills with water to an equilibrium level and other nature conservation and/or leisure activities potentially replace one industrial in nature.

4.2.3 Visual Impact The visual appraisal concluded that receptors associated with dwellings, leisure facilities and the surrounding road and footpath network, including Mount Pleasant Road along the southern boundary, but in particular those located to the west and northwest of the site, experienced up to Moderate and Notable adverse significance of effects before mitigation during the operational period, primarily due to the relatively openness of the operational area to view from these locations, in particular active tips and inactive and proposed future active faces. The proposed mitigation measures (as described above) will reduce the overall impact of these faces as either a prominent or skyline feature, but is not capable of being completely mitigated due to the nature of the effects.

It is expected that this mitigation measure will reduce the maximum adverse effects from Moderate and Notable adverse to Slight adverse. Again as a significant proportion of the proposed planting and natural regeneration reaches maturity over the predicted circa 40 year life of the development, the level of beneficial effects will progressively increase until the significance of effect becomes generally beneficial in nature. As relatively unnatural faces will always be visible, but their prominence and naturalist appearance set within a well wooded structure has been assessed as being Very Slight beneficial once vegetation matures and the quarry void infills with water and other nature conservation and/or leisure activities potentially replace one industrial in nature.

4.2.4 Cumulative Effects

In addition to the landscape and visual appraisals associated with Grove Quarry, a cumulative landscape and visual impact assessment has also been undertaken, to assess the cumulative effects the development may give rise to in light of other ongoing and/or future quarrying activities within the locality.

The cumulative impact assessment has therefore considered the existing and proposed development at Grove Quarry in the light of the existing and likely future developments at Cornelly Quarry, and Gaens Quarry. These developments are all located within 1km of the site, effectively abutting the boundary of Grove/Cornelly Quarry and therefore have the ability to increase the levels of the overall landscape and visual effects when assessed as a whole.

For Grove Quarry in isolation, and in the absence of mitigation measures, the findings of the landscape and visual assessment process gives rise to Moderate levels of adverse landscape effects and Notable levels of adverse visual effects to the west. In conjunction with the cumulative landscape and visual assessment for Cornelly and Gaens Quarries, the overall landscape and visual assessment process found that the Grove development, without mitigation, and in conjunction with developments at the other quarries gives rise to significant levels of adverse visual effects in



the short and longer terms to the more highly sensitive receptors to the west.

However, allowing for mitigation associated with all three developments, these levels reduce to Slight to Moderate adverse levels of effect in the medium to long term, prior to the removal/relocation of the Cornelly processing plant,and Slight adverse thereafter for both landscape and visual receptors, reducing still further as vegetation matures.

In proximity to the site, especially along the southern boundary, the findings of the landscape and visual assessment for Grove Quarry found that without mitigation the development gives rise to Moderate to Notable adverse levels of effects. However, these levels were capable of being fully mitigated in both the short and longer terms by the construction of a perimeter bund and associated tree and hedge planting

4.2.5 Landscape Mitigation measures

The existing quarry void is located on the edge of a broad upland plateau area. The eastern boundary is formed by the un-worked edge of the upland plateau, the western and south western boundaries formed by a wooded scarp slope that falls away from the top of the previously worked faces, and the northern boundary by a generally wooded slope dropping into the central valley feature associated with Heol y Splot road. As a consequence the existing footprint of Grove Quarry is generally well screened and enclosed by the existing landform and vegetation within the general landscape setting.

The future eastern extension into the IDO area is bounded by to the south by Mount Pleasant Road and the proximity of the quarry faces will allow relatively open, if somewhat intermittent views into the future quarry void as well as potentially opening up views into the western void and processing area that is currently below the visual ridgeline formed by the eastern boundary of the existing site.

In addition, the eastern and southern faces rise steeply from the existing western quarry void to form a prominent skyline feature from the west and northwest. The existing unauthorised recycling tip, located on the northern slopes of the eastern bluff (accessed via a separate entrance off Heol y

Splot road) also form a distinctive and highly visible feature on the lower slopes of these faces.

4.2.6 Planning Conditions

The following mitigation measures proposed therefore take these factors into account, which can be translated into planning conditions.

• Defining the limits of quarrying within the ROMP area which avoids extraction beyond the existing western boundary of the quarry void which, if worked, would remove part the western ridge fronting the A4229, significantly affecting local landscape character and opening up short and distant views into the quarry from the west.

• Retaining a ‘bluff’ of rock on the north east / eastern side of the ROMP area to assist in screening the future extraction operations within the IDO area.

• Retaining the lower sections of the wooded northern flank of the IDO area along the Heol y Splot corridor to assist in screening the future extraction operations within the IDO area from the road itself, as well as from the adjacent footpath.

• Construction of a 2.0m high screening bund along the southern boundary of the site to tie in with any existing or proposed mounds within Cornelly Quarry. The bund to have an outer gradient of no steeper than 1:2 (v/h) and grass seeded and planted with native trees and shrubs to provide a vegetated visual barrier to views both in the short and long terms.

• Beating up and infilling the existing hedgerow alongside Mount Pleasant Road to both provide an additional visual barrier as well as provide an intact hedge to act as a wildlife corridor to link together isolated tree clumps and vegetation blocks around and/or adjacent to the quarry as well as in the wider context of Cornelly and Stormy Down Quarries.

• Infill, widening and strengthening of the woodland belt along northern boundary of the quarry void (adjacent to Heol y Splot road) to help provide a strong visual barrier to views of the



tip/eastern/southern faces from receptors to the north / northwest as well as to provide a wildlife corridor to link together isolated tree clumps and vegetation blocks around and/or adjacent to the quarry as well as in the wider context of Cornelly and Gaens Quarries.

• Progressive working and restoration of the upper faces/benches both within the existing western void as well as the future eastern extension as they reach final position by blasting / overtipping / natural re-colonisation to create a more naturalistic landform and allow these areas to mature as early within the development as possible and minimise landscape and visual effects from receptors to the west and northwest.

In addition, it is recommended that action to be taken to ensure the removal and early restoration of the current unauthorised recycling tip area that infringes on the Applicant’s landholding. This will allow restoration works to the upper faces/benches and overburden slope that acts as a bluff to future workings within the eastern extension by re-grading to create a more naturalistic landform. Tree and shrub planting would allow these areas to mature as early within the development as possible and provide a visual barrier to future development within the eastern plateau area and minimise landscape and visual effects from receptors to the west and northwest.

4.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

4.3.1 Hydrology and Hydrogeology Study

The study reflects the results of a major programme of investigation, monitoring and analysis undertaken over the last 12 years, and updates and refines studies undertaken as part of previous voluntary ES’s for the Cornelly, Grove and IDO areas.

The study is based upon a phased programme of work and extensive consultations and discussions with the Environment Agency (EA), Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and latterly NRW. A key element of the study is the conceptual model which was originally developed in

support of the first voluntary ES for the Cornelly Quarry (2004), and refined for the Grove voluntary ES (2008), but which has now been updated in the light of subsequent further consultations and the large amount of data collected since that time.

At the start of the current investigation in 2001 a number of key uncertainties were identified which could constrain the ability to accurately predict the potential impacts of deepening the quarries. These uncertainties have been reduced as far as possible by a phased approach of investigation (including over 12 years of baseline monitoring), followed by very detailed modelling and associated sensitivity analysis. This has reduced the level of uncertainty in the assessment to a point at which any residual uncertainties can be appropriately addressed by means of an adaptive management strategy (ref Water Management Plan).

The assessment approach has considered the source of the potential impact (dewatering associated with further working of Cornelly and Grove Quarries); the pathways (the groundwater flow pathways or hydrogeological linkages identified in the conceptual model); and the receptors (the key water features identified in the water features survey). The groundwater flow simulation which has been developed to assist in the prediction of groundwater level impact, has, as required by the Scoping Direction, specifically considered the possible effects of interception during quarrying of a ‘highly permeable feature’. This might allow groundwater to flow out of or towards the quarry at a faster rate than at present.

The study has considered potential effects on four groups of receptors in terms of:

1. Groundwater levels and flows (A); 2. Water levels in the dune sands at Kenfig SAC / Kenfig Pool

and Dunes SSSI and the Merthyr Mawr SSSI (B); 3. Water levels and flows at other receptors (C); and 4. Other potential impacts, including leachate migration

(groundwater pollution from historic landfill sites in the location), ground stability and saline intrusion (sea water) (D).



The effects have been considered for both the operational and decommissioning stages, based upon Grove Quarry working in isolation (at the 15 year ROMP period and at the end of the circa 42 year life of the development), and in combination with quarrying and decommissioning at Cornelly and Gaens Quarries based upon the same time periods. The modelling has included a series of sensitivity runs to define the likely error margin for the respective predictions.

In relation to the Grove only model runs, in the absence of mitigation, the impacts are assessed as:

(i) Negligable impact on groundwater levels and flows (A); (ii) Negligable impact on water levels in the SAC / SSSI dune

systems (C); (but see also the indirect ecological impact assessment);

(iii) Moderateeffects on water levels at Grove Golf Club and minor adverse effects on ponds at Wolderness and Pwll y Waun, and negligible at other receptors (C); and

(iv) No significant risk of other impacts is predicted (D).

In the cumulative assessment development runs, again in the absence of mitigation, the impacts are assessed as:

(i) Negligable impact on groundwater levels and flows (A); (ii) Negligable impact on water levels in the SAC / SSSI dune

systems (C); (but see also the indirect ecological impact assessment);

(iii) The impact of development of Cornelly quarry alone as a result of change in water level or flow on Grove Golf Club (Loc. 40) is judged to be Moderate adverse; at all springs except New Mill Farm Springs (Negligible) it is judged to be Minor adverse; at other receptors it is judged to be Negligible (C).

(iv) No significant risk of other impacts is predicted (D). The effects of quarry decommissioning have been assessed for the same groups of receptors, again without mitigation, with the conclusions of:

(i) Negligable impact on groundwater levels and flows (A);

(ii) Without mitigation the impact of development of all quarries

combined on the Blown Sand aquifers at Kenfig is judged to be Negligible in hydrogeological terms but requires further ecological assessment due to short term exceedence of the screening threshold of a 10 cm change in water level as the lower limit of detectability to a modelled 12 cm change over a short period (a few years). With mitigation it does not exceed the screening threshold and the impact is judged to be Negligible. At Merthyr Mawr it is judged to be Negligible both without and with mitigation (D).

(v) In the absence of mitigation / residual pumping, the impact of recovery of the quarries as a result of change in water level or flow on Grove Golf Club (Loc. 40) is judged to be Moderate adverse; at Parc Newydd Spring the impact is Minor adverse; all other springs it is judged to be Negligible; at the remaining receptors listed above the impact is judged to be Minor adverse; and at other receptors it is judged to be Negligible. With mitigation / residual pumping the effects are generally reduced although not enough to change the impact categorisation from the unmitigated case (C).

(vi) No significant risk of other impacts is predicted (D).

Following application of the mitigation measures residual effects are expected to be not more than Minor in hydrogeological terms.

4.3.2 Hydrology and Hydrogeology Mitigation Measures: Water Management Plan (WMP)

The impacts identified on the water environment from the proposed development of Grove Quarry are, in general, minor. The Scoping Direction requires that risks from residual uncertainties such as the chances of encountering a highly permeable feature at depth are considered. This potential has been considered and modelled, but the risk of intercepting a highly permeable feature is considered to be extremely low. Notwithstanding this, the simulated effects are minor and would take between 5 and 10 years to manifest themselves.



The potential and residual risks (i.e. risks after importation of mitigation measures) have been addressed by means of a monitor and mitigate strategy embedded a Water Management Plan (WMP) for the site (Appendix 7.5). This sets out how the quarry abstraction and discharges will be managed and includes recommendations for associated monitoring, triggers levels and responses to triggers being breached.

The WMP has previously been subject to extensive consultation with the regulators (EA, CCW and NRW). The WMP has now been updated for this ES in response to comments made on previous versions and in light of the results of the current assessment.

Currently there is only a single disposal option for the discharge of water pumped from Grove quarry sump, to the railway cutting.

The revised WMP includes a process for triggering Contingency Measures for eventualities which are outside the range of conditions that are considered to be realistic in this study.

The predictions of average dewatering rates are made on the basis of the most recent revision of the conceptual model described in Appendix 7.1. The conceptual model was based on a comprehensive review of all the data available, including a detailed review of the limestone faces in the quarry and in deep boreholes in the limestone. This indicated that there are unlikely to be any significant active fissures at depth below the quarry.

If this conceptual groundwater model is inaccurate and a ‘highly permeable feature’ were to be encountered, then the rates of inflow would be greater than predicted above. Whilst this is considered to be unlikely, the revised WMP includes a proposed procedure whereby the observed pumping rate at the quarry could be compared to the anticipated pumping rates, and any potentially significant change detected. Detection of such a change in pumping rate would trigger appropriate contingency measures, as set out in the WMP.

A potential threat to groundwater quality relates to increased rates of landfill leachate migration as a result of modified patterns of groundwater

flow. The risk from this is judged to be small. However, the Water Management Plan contains an outline groundwater quality monitoring programme to identify any such pollution should it occur. It is anticipated that in future any discharges from the quarries will need to comply with appropriate water quality standards


The key planning condition requires the implementation of the WMP and the obligations which it sets out for continual monitoring, assessment and mitigation measures if required.

A number of additional and conventional planning conditions would be appropriate to enshrine the fuel handling protocol to minimise the risk of ground and surface water contamination.

4.4 Ecology

4.4.1 Ecology Study

A wide range of specialist ecological surveys have been carried out of the Grove Quarry ROMP area and wider survey areas, both recently in 2013/14 and historically in 2003 and 2008/09. These are as follows:

• Extended Phase I habitat

• Bat roost assessment and activity survey

• Protected mammal survey including badger and dormouse

• Great crested newt habitat assessment and survey

• Reptile habitat assessment and survey

• Breeding bird survey

The area referred to as the ‘site’ relates to the Grove Quarry ROMP area as shown in Figure 8.3 (within ES Volume 2D Appendix 8.2). This is set within a wider area over which the surveys were carried out, which is referred to as the ‘survey area’ and shown also in Figure 8.3.



In addition to surveys, existing ecological data was obtained from South East Wales Biological Records Centre (SEWBReC). Reference was also made to existing studies and published documents for further context, including plants and animals listed in the Bridgend Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), as Species of Principal Importance (SPI) in Wales (listed in Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act, 2006) and consideration of the criteria provided in the Guidelines for the Selection of Wildlife Sites in South East Wales.

Seven Phase I habitat types were recorded within the site as follows:

• Broadleaved semi-natural woodland - narrow strips of young woodland present along tracks and steep banks around quarry margins, dominated by ash. A more extensive area of broadleaved woodland, Grove Woods, is present partly on-site and in the west of the survey area, which was more species diverse;

• Dense continuous and scattered scrub - extensive on site and in wider survey area, dominated by non-native buddleja;

• Ephemeral/short perennial - developing mosses and plant species on areas of less disturbed bare ground on site and in the west of Pant Mawr Quarry in the wider survey area;

• Standing water (and swamp off-site) - six waterbodies were recorded within the survey area - two on-site within Grove Quarry ROMP area and four within the wider survey area. These included man-made standing water in quarry voids, silted lagoons, washing ponds and a seasonal pond;

• Quarry - excavated rock faces were present throughout the survey area, with less disturbed faces on-site in Grove Quarry, and an active quarry face within Cornelly Quarry;

• Bare rock and scree - excavated rock faces, bare rock and scree were present throughout the survey area; and

• Buildings and bare ground - plant buildings and associated areas of disturbed bare ground

In addition, four further habitat types were recorded off-site in the wider survey area:

• Mixed plantation woodland - along Heol y Splot off-site in Pant Mawr Quarry;

• Semi-improved calcareous grassland – located off-site north of Pant Mawr Quarry, species-rich pockets of limestione grassland affected by scrub encroachment;

• Semi-improved neutral grassland – large sheep-grazed agricultural fields off-site between Cornelly and Grove quarries; and

• Species-poor defunct hedgerows - located in wider survey area around Cornelly Quarry on artificial bunds and contained hawthorn, sycamore, hazel and gorse.

A range of plant species were recorded within the habitats listed above, particularly in the ephemeral (seasonal) areas and calcareous grasslands that were considered to be of comparatively greater nature conservation interest in the context of the site and survey area.

The surveys assessed the habitats present within the site and survey area for their potential to support roosting and foraging bats. Potential roosting habitat included the cliff faces and mature broadleaved trees in Grove Woods and Pant Mawr. The mosaic of habitats within the site and survey area were likely to provide suitable foraging habitat for bats, with bats recorded along the quarry margins and over Pant Mawr Quarry waterbody, off-site.

Otter and water vole are not considered to be present, based upon the lack of suitable habitats and connecting watercourses. Dormouse are similarly not considered to be present as no signs of evidence were recorded during surveys and the woodland pockets are relatively isolated with somewhat limited food sources.There were no badger setts within the site or survey area, but peripheral areas were found to be used for foraging.

There was no evidence of the presence of great crested newts in the waterbodies on site, which were found to be generally unsuitable for this species. However, palmate newt and common toad were present.

Two species of reptile have been confirmed present within the site and survey area – slow worm and common lizard.



A range of invertebrates have been recorded on site and in the wider survey area including butterflies bee and hoverfly species. The extensive scrub, rough ground and bund habitats were considered to provide ideal habitat for a range of terrestrial invertebrates, with the buddleja scrub providing nectar sources for butterflies and bees.

The freshwater fish common rudd appears to have been introduced to some of the waterbodies on site and in the survey area. No existing records of fish species of conservation interest at a national (such as eel or Atlantic salmon) or regional (South Wales) level were provided,

The habitats present within the site and wider survey area supported a wide range of birds during the breeding season, some of which are widespread and others concentrated in specific habitat types. The species diversity present was considered to be of interest, and is likely associated with the range of habitats present. These included Welsh SPI and one protected species (protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 as amended).

4.4.2 Direct Ecological Effects

No statutory nature conservation sites are located within the Grove Quarry ROMP boundary or wider survey area. Nine are located within a 2km radius – two internationally designated sites Kenfig Dunes SAC and Cefn Cribwr Grasslands SAC – and seven nationally designated sites – Cefn Cribwr Grasslands SSSI (x4), Kenfig SSSI (and NNR) and Merthyr Mawr SSSI (and NNR) and Stormy Down SSSI. No impacts of significance are predicted on any statutory designated sites either directly through habitat loss, fragmentation and disturbance, or indirectly through hydrological change or dust deposition,

No non-statutory nature conservation sites are located within the Grove Quarry ROMP boundary, but 20 are within a 2km radius. Limited indirect effects due to disturbance and dust were predicted to be of no significance.

As a result of the quarry operation during the ROMP period, no impacts greater than minor were predicted on the habitats present. However,

mitigation and enhancement measures have been recommended to maximise the biodiversity value of the Grove Quarry site and wider survey area.

With reference to the fauna species recorded on site or in the wider survey area (common reptiles and amphibians, foraging bats, badger, invertebrates and breeding birds), the effects of the quarry expansion were concluded to be of no greater than minor significance on all species in the absence of mitigation. Mitigation, together with enhancement measures, have been set out to reduce these impacts further and to maximise the biodiversity value of the site and wider area during the operational period. Following the cessation of operation, a Restoration Strategy will be implemented, as summarised in Section 3.8.

4.4.3 Indirect Ecological Effects: Kenfig SAC

The potential for indirect impacts arising from changes to groundwater on the features of Kenfig SAC have been considered as part of the assessment.

The degree of connection between the Kenfig SAC and the limestone aquifers in which the quarries are located has been the focus of major investigations by the Applicants over the last 12 years. These phased investigations and associated extensive monitoring, which have been carried out in close consultation with the relevant regulators, have shed important insights into the behaviour of these systems. This conceptual understanding has allowed the development of a calibrated groundwater model which has been used as a tool for determining the likely degree of effect of the proposed developments on the hydrology of the SAC.

The hydrogeological conditions at the Kenfig Dunes part of the SAC differ from those at the Merthyr Mawr part of the SAC. As a result, each is discussed separately in relation to effects during the quarry operation (during the 15-year ROMP period and beyond until cessation of operations circa 2055) and thereafter during restoration.



Kenfig Dunes

The groundwater system that supports the humid dune slacks is almost entirely driven by direct rainfall over the site with a very small amount of runoff/overflow from minor aquifers to the east. There is also some downwards leakage from the sand to the underlying sand and gravel. Section 7.4.5 of the ES describes the hydrogeological relationship between the Kenfig dune system and the underlying sands and gravels. It demonstrates that water levels in the underlying sand and gravel deposits show a distinctly different behaviour to those in the dunes, indicating that the dunes are not well connected to the underlying groundwater system due to the presence of an intervening layer of estuatine clay which separates the dune sand system from the sand and gravel deposits.

In turn, the sand and gravel deposits are not well connected to the underlying limestone ‘solid geology’ groundwater flow system around the south of the Pool, but are in closer connection to the north east.

However, the clay layer that largely separates the dune system from the underlying groundwater system is not completely impermeable, and some linkage therefore exists between the two. It therefore follows that any change in the groundwater system in the underlying geology could have an effect on the almost “perched” aquifer that supports the vegetation communities within the dune system. However, it has been established that the groundwater regime of the underlying solid geology plays only a very minor role in the functioning of the dune slack vegetation communities within the dune system.

Research of studies into the groundwater conditions which support habitats within dune systems confirm that the plant communities form in a range of water table depths below ground level of between 50cm and 200cm.

Section 7.6.2 of the ES describes the simulated results of modelling of the proposed operations at Grove Quarry alone, which show that at the Kenfig part of the SAC, there would be a decrease relative to baseline (current conditions) in simulated five year mean water levels of not more than 2 mm and maximum change in water levels during the entire run period of 3 mm.

A change in groundwater levels of this predicted magnitude would be insufficient to shift any of the dune slack habitats within the Kenfig dunes system from one of the habitat sub-categories to another. On this basis, is concluded that there would be no effect on the dune slack habitats at Kenfig Dunes during the quarry operation, resulting in an impact of no significance.

On decommissioning of the quarry, dewatering will cease. This will result in temporary effects on the surrounding groundwater as natural levels are re-instated. Once stabilised, the additional storage represented by the re-filled quarry voids will have the positive effect of giving the local groundwater system additional tolerance to droughts (Section 7.8 of the ES).

The effects of this temporary recovery period have been carefully modelled and the results are set out in Chapter 7 of the ES. A very conservative scenario has been adopted in which dewatering of all three quarries at their maximum extent ceases instantaneously and simultaneously and no residual pumping is retained.

Without mitigation, it is predicted that there would be a short term lowering of groundwater levels in the dunes to the west of Kenfig Pool of up to 12 cm relative to baseline, although only during drought conditions. Elsewhere, in the dunes to the north and north west of Kenfig Pool, the maximum change over the modelled period is 3.5 cm (again in the absence of mitigation). As is the case with the operational stage, these changes are unlikely to result in the summer maximum water table conditions that support the various dune slack habitats falling outside the ranges of natural tolerance. In the light of this, and their temporary nature (the largest changes are only simulated to occur for a few years), changes to the vegetation communities within the slack habitats and in Kenfig Pool are not predicted to arise as a result of the quarrying recovery period, and thus there is no effect on the habitats resulting in an impact of no significance.

Notwithstanding this conclusion, it would be possible to impose a condition on the ROMP schedule of conditions that required residual pumping to take place after decommissioning. This option is described in section 7.8.2 of the ES, and would reduce the simulated short-term effects on the water



tables at Kenfig Dunes to a maximum of 8cm, while increasing the recovery period.

Merthyr Mawr

Conditions at Merthyr Mawr differ from those at Kenfig, as parts of the the dune slack habitats are entirely dependent upon flows from Burrows Well. Section 7.6.2 of Chapter 7 of this ES highlights this, and notes that, when Burrows Well stops flowing each year, water levels fall by at least 3m. Therefore, for the area of the SAC that is affected by overflow from Burrows Well, hydrological effects are assessed by consideration of the simulated change in flows at the spring.

To the east and west of Burrows Well, a limited range of primarily rain-fed dune slacks occur separately from those that are dependent upon groundwater arising from Burrows Well. In these areas, hydrological effects are assessed by direct simulation of changes in groundwater levels.

Section 7.6.2 of the ES describes the simulated results of modelling of the proposed operations at Grove Quarry alone, which show that at the Merthyr Mawr part of the SAC, there would be a decrease in simulated five year mean water levels of not more than 1mm and maximum change in water levels during the entire run period of 2 mm.

Modelled changes in flow rates at Burrows Well show that flows would reduce by up to 3.5%, but on average would change by just over 1% over the 42 year period.

Compared with an inter-annual variation in the order of metres, this amount of variation is negligible and would have no effect on the dune slack habitats at Merthyr Mawr resulting in an impact of no significance.

During the restoration phase, and groundwater recovery in the quarry, in the absence of mitigation, groundwater levels within the dune slacks at Merthyr Mawr are predicted to decline initially by up to 10 cm, but to increase above baseline by just over 5cm by the end of the recovery

period. This is as a result of the “natural” baseline condition of the water table at Merthyr Mawr being slightly higher than at present.

Similarly, in the absence of mitigation, there is predicted to be an initial decline in flow rates from Burows Well of less than 4%, while during the final five years of the simulated recovery period, flows are predicted to be 6% above current baseline.

Change of this magnitude would be insufficient to lead to summer maximum water table conditions altering to a point where the dune slack habitats they support would be affected. Consequently, no effect is predicted on the habitats resulting in an impact of no significance.

4.4.4 Indirect Ecological Effects: Cefn Cribwr Grasslands SAC

The key features of interest within the Cefn Cribwr Grassland SAC are wetland habitats and the species supported, including marsh fritillary butterfly.

Due to the distance of this internationally designated site from the quarrying operations (1.4km north at its closest point), only indirect hydrological effects due to changes in the groundwater from dewatering and subsequent recovery could be possible,

In this context, detailed hydro-geological studies, have concluded that no parts of the Cefn Cribwr Grasslands SAC are dependent upon groundwater systems that could be affected by the dewatering of Cornelly Quarry. In the light of this, it is assessed that there would be no effect on this site of international nature conservation value, such that the quarry proposals are likely to have no significant effect upon this SAC.

4.4.5 Cumulative and Residual Effects

In the absence of mitigation, there are no significant ecological impacts (i.e. greater than minor significance) as a result of the extraction of Grove Quarry during the ROMP period. The nature and significance of residual



impacts i.e. impacts following mitigation are likewise of no significance, with many minor impacts reduced to no impact with mitigation.

No significant cumulative effects are predicted from the combined operation of Grove, Cornelly and Gaens quarries in terms of habitats or fauna.

The combined operation and recovery of Grove, Cornelly and Gaens quarries has been assumed as a worst case for the potential indirect effects on the SAC. The combined operations are considered to have no effect on the dune slack habitats.


A series of mitigation and enhancement measures have been recommended relating to:

• Generic mitigation measures aimed at applying best practice to protect habitats and species; and

• A specific Ecological Mitigation Strategy which would include all work to prevent or reduce potentially adverse effects on ecological receptors, to include measures relating to breeding birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and other species (ref ES Section 8.7).

These issues are reflected in the updated schedule of proposed planning conditions.

4.5 Noise

4.5.1 Noise Study

Noise surveys were conducted in November 2013 to provide up to date measurements of the noise environment around Grove Quarry. The noise surveys indicate that distant and local road traffic is the dominant noise source throughout the area with individual locations also being affected by other sources.

The study updates noise surveys and assessments of site noise undertaken in 2003, 2004 and 2008 as part of the Cornelly and Grove ROMP Review EIA’s, and the Cornelly / Grove IDO Periodic Review EIA.

A review of suggested noise limits based on current Welsh Government advice, has been conducted, with regard to daytime.

The extraction and processing plant, and associated operations, have been described and set out in terms of the equipment proposed to be used and typical Sound Power Levels of the plant.

4.5.2 Noise Mitigation Measures

Comparison of the calculated site noise levels for daytime periods with the corresponding noise limit criteria indicates that operations on site should comply with the noise criteria suggested without the need for further mitigation.

In order to ensure complaince with the criteria, the use of the rock drill and pecker is not recommended outside the normal daytime working hours (07:00 to 19:00) unless operating one bench down.


Planning conditions would be appropriate to enshrine the suggested noise limits for temporary and normal operations, with a requirement to monitor adherence to the noise limits which have been set.

4.6 Blast Vibration

4.6.1 Blast Vibration Study Ground vibration is calculated in terms of ‘peak particle velocity’ (PPV), and is measured in millimetres per second (mms). Detailed research has determined that vibration levels well in excess of 50 mms are necessary to produce structural damage to residential type properties. For human perception, government advice is that levels should be set in the range of 6-12 mms as discussed further below.



Vibration is also generated within the atmosphere where the term ‘air over pressure’ is used to encompass both its audible and sub audible frequency components.

It is important to realise that for any given blast it is very much in the operators interest to always reduce vibration, both ground and air borne to the minimum possible in that this substantially increases the efficiency and hence the economy of blasting operations.

Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (MTAN1) published by the Welsh Government in March 2004, sets out detailed advice on suitable planning conditions to control the environmental impact of blasting operations at quarries. This includes controls on the days and times of blasts and restrictions on ground vibration where MTAN1 suggests that ground vibration as a result of blasting operations should not exceed a peak particle velocity of 6 mms

-1 PPV in 95% of all blasts measured over

any 6 month period, and no individual blast should exceed a peak particle velocity of 10 mms

-1 PPV.

All blasts were routinely monitored at Grove Quarry when it was operational, and all blasts are currently monitored at Cornelly, where detailed records are maintained of the location and design of the blast, the maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) – i.e. maximum weight of explosive per delay interval in kilograms, and the recorded ground vibration and air over pressure.

The most recent blast vibration records in Cornelly Quarry for 2012 and 2013 confirm that blasting took place in a range of locations within the quarry, and at a range of elevations from the top bench in the Pant Mawr area to the quarry floor in the main Cornelly void. All blasts are monitored at Ballas Farm, deemed by the applicants to be representative of the nearest blast vibration sensitive residential property. For the majority of the blast events, the vibration levels at Ballas Farm were so low that the vibrograph, which measures ground vibration, did not trigger. The recorded ground vibration from blasts in 2012 ranged from 0.6 to 4.7mms PPV. There were similar results in 2013 with the majority of blasts not triggering the vibrograph, but with a recorded range of ground vibration of

between 1.49 and 4.57 mms PPV. All blasts were below the 6mms PPV threshold, which confirms that with attention to blast design it is feasible to ensure that ground vibration from blasting can continue to accord with limits suggested in MTAN1. This provides a positive context for the drafting of updated planning conditions at Grove Quarry where experience at the adjoining quarry demonstares the ability of blast design to comply with MTAN1 blasting criteria.

4.6.2 Blast Vibration Mitigation Measures

In terms of mitigation and planning conditions, the key requirement is to impose updated conditions which reflect the up to date advice set out in MTAN 1.

In this context, it is an established principle that specific aspects of blast design such as the number of boreholes or the amount of explosives used should not be included in the blasting conditions. Blasting design criteria must always be the direct responsibility of the site operator as defined by the Quarries Regulations 1999. Thus, conditions should state the desired objectives rather than the methods by which the objectives are to be achieved. In this case therefore the key issue is to set a limit on ground vibration, which will then require the Operators to design blasts to ensure adherence to the limits.

It follows that no specific prescriptive additional mitigation measures are considered to be necessary, since planning conditions are capable of regulating blasting in terms of timing, ground vibration limits etc. It is also important to recognise that blasting at Grove quarry will be undertaken by qualified and experienced personnel where, in addition to planning controls, the operations are regulated by the Mines and Quarries Inspectorate.

Similar advice is set out in the DETR publication on the Environmental Effects of Production Blasting from Surface Mineral Workings, to the effect that planning conditions should focus on days and times for blasting operations; allowable ground vibration limits; a scheme for air over pressure control in preference to limit values, and a scheme of monitoring.



The opportunity is thus available via the ROMP Review application to impose updated conditions regulating blast vibration, which accord with modern standards and the advice set out in MTAN1.

4.6.3 Planning Conditions. It is recommended that a ground vibration limit is chosen that not only is perfectly safe for the integrity of structures, but also takes into account the opperating effects on adjacent neighbours. As such a vibration limit of 6 mms

-1 peak particle velocity at for 95% of blasts is recommended with no

individual blast to exceed an absolute maximum of 10 mms-1

at inhabited property. This is in line with the current practice at Cornelly Quarry, is successful current practice at numerous similar quarries within the United Kingdom, and is consistent with the advice set out in MTAN1 and the relevant British Standard 6472-2: 2008. It is impracticable to set a maximum air overpressure limit, with or without an appropriate percentile of exceedances being allowed, simply because of the significant and unpredictable effect of variable weather conditions. This point is clearly recognised by MTAN1, which recommends that the operator should submit methods to minimise air overpressure to the Mineral Planning Authority. They do not recommend an air overpressure limit. With a sensible ground vibration limitation the economics of safe and efficient blasting will automatically ensure that air overpressures are kept to reasonable levels.

4.7 Air Quality

4.7.1 Air Quality Study The assessment has considered the potential impacts of a resumption of operations within the Grove ROMP review area. This assessment has considered the relevant legislation, baseline conditions, activities associated with the site including haulage, excavation activities, storage and processing of material and restoration of the site.

The potential impacts of the development have been assessed in terms of potential emissions of particulates (dust). Two assessments have been undertaken; the first to assess the fine dust fraction, refered to as PM10 for which Air Quality Standards exist, and the second to assess the coarse fraction dust which is typically associated with amenity issues (dust soiling). An assessment of PM10 was completed following established guidance which considers background PM10 levels and distance to receptors. Background levels were found to be ‘well below’ natural air quality limits for P M10. Therefore, it is assessed that the risk that operations will cause an exceedance of the AQS objective is low.

An assessment of deposited dust (dust soiling) was undertaken which identified the potential sources of dust on site. Receptors were ranked in terms of the risk of dust impact which is dependent on the distance from the site boundary, the frequency of wind direction and rainfall patterns. Using this method which is based upon ‘worst case’ circumstances which considers distances between the receptors and the site boundary, rather than distances to the dust generating activities, six receptors are assessed at a higher risk of dust impact. three receptors are assessed at a higher risk of dust impact, . The implementation of dust control measures as part of routine good management and the permit are considered to be effective and therefore impacts are considered to be insignificant or acceptable.

The potential for dust impacts on the surrounding ecological sites has been assessed as insignificant.

All potential dust impacts from the proposed development are considered to be reversible i.e. the risk of impact will cease on completion of the extraction and restoration activities at the site. The impacts from the quarries are considered to be medium to long term with no significant impacts on local air quality on the completion of the development.



4.7.2 Air Quality Mitigation Measures

The historical planning permissions for quarrying within the ROMP area of Grove Quarry, which forms the subject of the ROMP Review, do not include conditions relating to dust controls. However, the IDO Initial Review includes generalised conditions relating to the control of dust (ref conditions 9, and 10 of IDO schedule of conditions ref 53/93/1350), and these controls provide a general context for the control of dust at the quarry.

The conditions include requirements to:

• dampen down haul roads when necessary to reduce dust emissions;

• load vehicles in a way which minimises airborne dust;

• fit dust suppression equipment to drilling equipment;

• operate the processing plant in accordance with requirements of other statutory regimes (PPC Permit);

• monitor operations likely to give rise to dust emissions on a daily basis, and to take and record any remedial action;

• plant soil storage mounds with grass at the earliest opportunity to prevent wind generated dust;

• sheet lorries before leaving the site; and

• provide wheel cleaning facilities.

These measures represent conventional dust control practice, and can form the basis for drafting up dated planning conditions. Mitigation measures employed by the Applicants at Cornelly Quarry provide a further template for similar controls which would be introduced at Grove Quarry upon a resumption of operations, namely:

• soils and overburden is not handled during extreme dry conditions unless the working areas are dampened down with water bowsers;

• drilling of shot holes for blasting is undertaken by an air flushed drilling rig, fitted with a dust collection system;

• site roads within the quarry are dampened down, as appropriate, using a water bowser;

• all lorries, once loaded, pass through the vehicle wheel wash adjacent to the site weighbridge, before exiting onto the public highway; and

• all aggregate vehicles leaving the site are sheeted (with the exception of those carrying +75mm size stone).


The advice set out in MPG14, MPPW and MTAN1 is that planning conditions should not duplicate controls which are available and in place via other regulatory regimes. In the case of Grove Quarry, when quarrying and processing operations recommence, a separate Permit will be in place which will control dust emissions associated with the crushing and screening plant, related stockpiling, the loading of HGV’s, off site distribution of aggregate, use of wheel cleaning equipment, and maintenance and cleanliness of site roads.

In these circumstances of the availability of separate regulatory controls, supplemented by established good practice dust control management measures at Cornelly Quarry (which would be introduced at Grove Quarry), no recommendations are deemed to be necessary for additional dust control mitigation measures over and above those which will be in place via a Permit, and which will be introduced as routine good management measures.

Notwithstanding the above context, it is recognised that Grove Quarry is currently mothballed, and that in the absence of current quarrying operations, the good management measures referred to and the related Permit are not currently in place. In these circumstances it would be appropriate to include conditions on the ROMP Review which set out general dust control measures as a ‘dust control protocol’ which draws upon the key elements of dust mitigation, and which, at the appropriate time, will be reinforced by the requirements of a PPC Permit.



This approach is reflected in the schedule of updated planning conditions which accompanies the Review application.

4.8 Traffic

4.8.1 Traffic Study

The site is accessed via Heol y Splot, which is now a cul-de-sac following a formal road closure in 2007 of a section of Heol y Splot to the east of the Cornelly Quarry site entrance.

The access to Grove Quarry is approximately 110m to the east of the junction between Heol y Splot, Porthcawl Road and the A4229, which is known as Smokey Cottage Roundabout.

Heol y Splot generally rises gradually along its length from the roundabout to the west and follows a series of gentle bends.

The remaining 1.25km long section of Hoel y Splot between its eastern end and the roundabout was subject to a comprehensive scheme of improvements, including localised widening, realignment, resurfacing and the provision of passing bays in 1997.

The activities at Grove Quarry are predicted to attract in the order of 102 HGV movements per average day on the local highway network, based upon a notional output of 250,000 tonnes per annum (which reflects previous / historic outputs).

The existing site access, which has an excellent safety record, would be used to serve the site for the remainder of its active life, in accordance with the existing planning permission.

The types of HGVs serving the site would be consistent with current and historic operations, which have been safely accommodated on the local highway network, noting that highway improvements in 1997 have enhanced the local highway network.

The majority of HGVs except for the occasional vehicle making a local delivery to satisfy demand in the immediate vicinity of the site would travel along the A4229 South Cornelly bypass to/from Junction 37 of the M4 Motorway, in accordance with existing movements to/from the site.

The operating hours would remain in accordance with the existing planning permission.

In effect, a resumption of operations at Grove Quarry would result in an additional 102 HGV movements (51 in / 51 out) per day when compared with the existing traffic environment, but this would be similar to historic movements at Grove Quarry, noting also that there are no restrictions on output from the quarry, and thus no restrictions on vehicle movements.

4.8.2 Highway Capacity

The existing Grove quarry is permitted to operate until February 2042 and has operated for many years at or around the current levels of output, and the associated HGV movements have been and continue to be accommodated on the local highway network without difficulty.

The maximum flow recorded on Heol y Splot in any hour was 184 movements. This may be compared with the hourly capacity of single track roads with passing places of up to 300 vehicles per hour established during a study undertaken by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL), which is now known as TRL.

The single carriageway section of the A4229 South Cornelly bypass has a design capacity of 2650 vehicles per hour. This design capacity may be compared with the peak hourly flow of 1513 recorded on the A4229 to the northwest of Smokey Cottage roundabout, and 1579 on the A4229 to the south of the junction.

Taking the higher of the two flows as the baseline, it is apparent that the A4229 retains a reserve capacity of 1071 movements during the peak hour of demand, which equates to almost 41% of the available capacity of the route. Adding the additional 10 vehicles associated with activities at Grove Quarry, it is apparent that the A4229 retains a reserve capacity of 1061



movements during the peak hour of demand, which equates to 40% of the available capacity of the route.

The capacity of the Smokey Cottage roundabout was also assessed in accordance with the Scoping Direction requirements of the WG. The results confirm that under the peak traffic conditions considered, the Smokey Cottage roundabout operates efficiently, with no significant queues or delays forming on any of the approaches to the roundabout during the peak hour periods.

As a result, highway capacity is not considered to be a constraint to a resumption of quarryingat Grove, where the resumption of extraction at Grove Quarry would fall within existing day to day variations along both Heol y Splot and the wider highway network.

4.8.3 Highway Safety

In order to assess the safety performance of the local highway network, collision data was obtained from the Highway Authority covering the most recent 5 year period available (01 July 2008 to 30 June 2013).

Within the study area a total of 11 accidents have been recorded over the 5 year period. However, it was found that none of the incidents involved HGVs and none of them occurred along Heol y Splot.

In the event there is a particular feature of the highway network that results in compromised safety, it is common to find a number of collisions in the same location that share similar characteristics. In this case, where more than one collision has occurred (i.e. at the two roundabouts), the details of the recorded collisions were analysed. It was found that each incident was distinctly different from the other in terms of the manoeuvres being undertaken and the causes of the incidents. It is therefore concluded that there are no features of the existing highway network that inherently compromise safety to an unacceptable level.

In the absence of any recorded collisions involving HGVs on the local roads within the last five years, on a network that routinely accommodates

HGV traffic, the assessment indicates that the existing road network can safely accommodate the HGV traffic associated with the existing activities at Cornelly Quarry and other businesses which attract such vehicles.

4.8.4 Traffic Mitigation Measures

The existing road network currently accommodates the traffic associated with the activities at Cornelly Quarry and other HGV attracting operations, which are predicted to continue as existing for the period covered by the 15 year ROMP application period.

As has been established, the existing road network retains sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional traffic associated with Grove Quarry traffic, and has a good safety record.

In general terms, the highway network is therefore considered to be acceptable and no improvements are required to accommodate the potential resumption of activities at Grove Quarry beyond routine maintenance of verge areas to ensure that the existing signage is clear to oncoming drivers and that visibility splays at the site access are maintained.


The existing planning permission has no highway-related conditions imposed upon it within the existing planning permission. The proposed development will not increase HGV activity on the road network to an unacceptable level or a magnitude beyond the extant planning permission. As a result, no planning conditions are considered to be necessary or are recommended at this time.



4.9 Cultural Heritage

4.9.1 Cultural Heritage Study

A search was made of the CADW Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings databases and the Register of Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales databases for a study area of up to 2km from the site. This was considered an appropriate area of search, based upon the extent of existing and historic quarrying, topography and built development to allow consideration of any effects upon the setting of designated assets. The local Historic Environment Record was searched for a distance of 1km from the site to add detail to its cultural heritage context.

No designated assets of cultural heritage importance lie within the site.

Three scheduled monuments lie within 2km of the site’s boundary.

There are no Listed Buildings within the boundaries of the site, but there are six listed buildings within 2km of the site’s boundary.

There are no World Heritage Sites, Heritage Coasts, Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest or Registered Battlefields within 2km of the site.

The nature of mineral extraction results in the total loss of the cultural heritage resource wherever extraction takes place and the potential loss in other areas associated with infrastructure and landscaping.

The entire footprint of the site comprises already worked land associated with quarrying, and no direct impacts can result.

Indirect impacts are those that do not physically affect a cultural heritage feature or landscape, but that alter the context or setting. Of the designated cultural heritage assets that lie within 2km of the site, ‘Ty Maen’, a Grade II mid 19th century house and garden walls, is the closest receptor at a distance of 160m.

However, the immediate context of ‘Ty Maen’ is significantly affected by an industrial development that lies between it and Grove Quarry. Future quarrying would not adversely affect its current setting.

Based upon a combination of intervening development and distance, future quarrying would not change the current situation in respect of the setting of cultural heritage assets.

Any indirect impacts are therefore not considered significant.

4.9.2 Cultural Heritage Mitigation measures

There are no predicted adverse effects as a result of the continued quarry operations, and no specific mitigation measures are therefore required.


No cultural heritage planning conditions are deemed to be necessary.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 5


5.0 SUIMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The Environment Act 1995 introduced a process of Periodic Reviews of mineral permissions at 15 year intervals. This is designed to ensure that planning conditions do not become outdated with the passage of time, and to more generally ensure that conditions reflect up to date standards and requirements. This process of a ‘Review of Old Mining Permissions’ is commonly referred to by the term ‘ROMP Review’.

A ROMP Review application for Grove Quarry was submitted to Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) in June 1997, accompanied by a statement in support of the application, and a schedule of proposed updated planning conditions.

By letter dated 29th July 1998, the Grove ROMP Review application was

‘called-in’ by the Welsh Office (now Welsh Government (WG)) for their determination.

A voluntary ES in support of the Grove ROMP application was submitted to the Welsh Assembly (now Welsh Government) in February 2008 accompanied by a detailed hydrogeological assessment and a Water Management Plan (WMP). The ES was accompanied by a schedule of further updated planning conditions which had been informed by the results of the EIA/ES.

Discussions on the content of the Grove ES continued, and a substantial measure of agreement emerged regarding the technical issues. However, prior to the final resolution of the outstanding issues, the Welsh Government introduced new regulations relating to ROMP applications which, for varying reasons, had become “stalled”.

The ES has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of those Regulations (the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Mineral Permissions and Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2009), which came into force on 8

th January 2010.

The Regulations introduce a requirement for EIAs to be undertaken in relation to ‘stalled reviews’, where such EIAs and ES’s would update and replace any voluntary ES’s which had been submitted. The Regulations also introduce a formal timetable for the completion and submission of the formal ES’s which is designed to bring closure to the ‘stalled’ process.

The 2009 Regulations require the Welsh Government, in cases which have been called in by the Welsh Ministers, to issue a “Scoping Direction” setting out the issues which should be addressed as part of an EIA, and confirming the timescale in which the EIA should be undertaking and a draft ES submitted.

A formal Scoping Direction was issued on 4th March 2013. The Applicants

have ensured that each issue is fully addressed as part of the EIA and this ES and, for ease of reference, a detailed table has been prepared which identifies the issues raised in the Scoping Direction, the way in which the issues have been addressed as part of the EIA, and the reference within the ES (reference table 1.2).

The Scoping Direction requires a draft ES to be submitted to the Welsh Ministers by 31

st March 2014, and this ES has been prepared and

submitted in accordance with that requirement.

The approach to undertaking the EIA and preparing the ES has recognised the inter-relationships between Cornelly and Grove Quarries in terms of historical planning permission boundaries, and the potential cumulative/in-combination environmental effects arising from the concurrent operation of the quarries. In particular, the scope of the assessment has recognised that it would be inappropriate and artificial to attempt to isolate individual IDO and ROMP permitted areas from the overall quarries, particularly in the context of the need for EIA’s to consider the totality of a project.

The Grove Quarry ROMP Review ES thus considers the environmental effects of the full extent of the Grove Quarry development area, comprising the ROMP permitted areas in the western part of the quarry, and the subsequent quarrying operations which will take place in the Grove part of the IDO permitted area to the east. It also considers the cumulative/in-

CONCLUSIONS 5


combination effects of operating Grove Quarry in conjunction with Coprnelly and Gaens Quarries.

The primary purpose of the ES is to assist in identifying environmental effects, and to use that information to devise measures to minimise the environmental effects through an updated design of the quarry development scheme and / or via specific mitigation measureswhich can be translated into planning conditions which regulate ongoing quarrying in a way which is reflective of the EIA.

The purpose of the ROMP Review is to formulate a schedule of updated planning conditions which reflect modern standards and controls, and which provide (i) detailed controls over on-going operations for the 15 year Review period; and (ii) a context for subsequent Periodic Reviews by confirming the longer term intentions for the development of the Quarry, and the final restoration strategy.

The ROMP Review procedures place the initial onus on the Applicants to propose an updated schedule of planning conditions. A schedule of proposed planning conditions was duly submitted in 1997 with the original GroveQuarry ROMP application. The schedule was updated in 2008 at the time of submission of the voluntary ES, where the updated conditions were informed by the recommendations and conclusions of the 2008 ES. The schedule of conditions has been further updated, partly to reflect the passage of time, but also reflect the recommendation of the updated 2014 ES regarding mitigation measures, and the way in which those mitigation measures can be translated into planning conditions.

The ES also includes a review of planning policy, noting that there have been substantial changes since the original application in 1997, and the analysis of planning policy set out in the voluntary 2008 ES. Particular reference has been paid to the way in which planning policy and advice can inform the drafting of up to date planning conditions.

The updated conditions proposed by the Applicant are produced as Annexe 1 to the ES, and the rationale behind the conditions is summarised in Chapter 15.0 of the ES and in summary form in Chapter 4.0 of the NTS. The updated conditions are considered to represent a positive and constructive approach to devising an environmental sensitive operation

and to regulating the devleopment by modern, up to date planning controls. In those terms, as was the case with the 2008 ES, the exercise associated with the EIA has been of positive value in preparing specific conditions which reflect the conclusions and recommendations of the EIA.

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