Environmental assessments

The site is not located within a nationally designated landscape. Its western and north eastern boundaries do, however, abut the Peak District National Park and areas of the National Park have intervisibility with the site. We carried out a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for the proposed development. This assessment found that the proposed development is considered to be acceptable and appropriate in Landscape and Visual terms, and in accordance with the identified landscape orientated designations and policies. 

We used both desk and field study techniques to assess the impacts of the proposed quarrying operations. Whilst there are four nationally designated sites within 2km of the site, it was concluded that none of these statutory sites will be impacted upon by our operations and that any impact within the site itself would be negligible. The studies identified ways to protect various species of flora and fauna identified within the site boundary. It was also noted that the restoration of the quarry will bring about nature conservation benefits in the long-term.  

Our desk-based assessment identified 19 known archaeological remains or findspots within the ROMP area and a further 22 features were identified from a map regression and walkover survey.  We have proposed a number of mitigation measures, including a detailed walkover survey before each phase of soil stripping is undertaken. Following the mitigation measures outlined and the implementation of the suggested condition of a Written Scheme of Investigation, it was found that the proposed development is acceptable in terms of its impacts on archaeology and cultural heritage.

We carried out an Air Quality Assessment to consider both the potential sources of dust on site as well as the sensitive receptors that could be affected by any dust generated. It was found that, by following best practice measures, dust generation will be suppressed and the impact on air quality minimised. It was also concluded that it is unlikely that there will be any significant decrease in local air quality as a result of the continuation of operations and that none of the potential dust receptors will face more than a low risk / slight adverse effect.

A Blast Management and Monitoring Protocol was approved in July 2017. There are a number of potentially sensitive residential properties which lie on the periphery of the existing quarry. Overall, it was found that the proposed measures included in the Protocol to control the impacts of ground borne vibration and air overpressure will provide adequate mitigation for these properties. It was also found that, if these mitigation measures are adopted, the proposed next phase of development could be carried out in accordance with the current limits set out on the existing Initial Review Planning Permission and that there will be no unacceptable effects as a consequence of ground vibration attributable to quarry blasting.

We completed a Noise Assessment to understand the impacts of noise upon the sensitive receptors in the area: East Sterndale and Sterndale Moor. It was found that the ‘predicted worst case scenario’ at both locations was far below the extant permitted limit. Annual monitoring at both will ensure noise levels remain below the permitted level and the assessment concluded that noise from the existing quarry boundaries will not cause an unacceptable impact.

Both a Hydrogeological Impact Assessment (HIA) and Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) have been prepared. Overall, they found that the consented extraction and processing at Hindlow Quarry is not considered likely to cause any wider impact on the water resource around the site.

Initially, quarry sinking will establish a deepened quarry floor. These areas may be periodically below the water table during periods of high rainfall in the winter due to elevated groundwater levels. Extraction will be managed in a way that means dewatering is not required. Additional quarry sinking will take place in the west of the site reaching a level of 295m. This level is expected to be below the water table for extended periods during the winter months and dewatering will be required. Permits to allow dewatering shall be obtained prior to commencing extraction of this level.

Regarding flood risk associated with the site, it is determined that the mineral void will contain all surface water run-off and the water will filter through the limestone bedrock. Post restoration north of the rail line, we will return the site to existing conditions. Overall, the working scheme satisfies the flood risk requirements.

Rail transport plays a key role in the reduction of emissions associated with the site and its operations and the predominant transport of mineral from site will continue to be from the rail line. It is predicted that there will be no significant increase to the current number of hourly two-way HGV movements. This is due to the huge reliance on rail transport. No significant or unacceptable negative transport impacts are anticipated so additional mitigation measures are not considered necessary.

Development of the northern half of Hindlow Quarry requires the diversion of two Public Rights of Way (PROW). It is also necessary to divert another PROW south of the rail line. The northern footpaths would be diverted along the north eastern boundary of the site with the A515, then along the north western boundary of site where another PROW runs above the rail line. The new PROW we are creating will become permanent due to the proposed phasing programme. Taking account of the proposed diversion, restoration scheme and potential mitigation measures, the consented development can be worked without posing unacceptable harm to the PROW.

As a large portion of undisturbed land within the site is still within agricultural use, a Soils and Agricultural Report was conducted in order to assess what impact development will have on the land resources. As operations progress, land in agricultural use will decrease until all land is removed. The Soil Management Plan we have produced will facilitate the protection of all soil resources on site and mitigate the potential impacts of the proposed quarry and subsequent development to be negligible. The protected soils will be utilised in restoration.

The effects of climate change and the vulnerability of the proposals to these changes has been considered as part of the preparation of the Environmental Statement. It is evident that the proposed development represents an appropriate use of the site while avoiding the climate impacts associated with the development of a completely new greenfield site. Tarmac are committed to operating its business in a sustainable manner, seeking to protect the environment, prevent pollution, and mitigate our environmental impacts on surrounding communities. We are fully committed to supporting the UK ambition of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.