Meeting documents

Planning & Regulation Committee
Monday, 24 February 2003

 

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ITEM PN7 - Annex 2 (to the February 2003 report)

PLANNING & REGULATION COMMITTEE –
24 FEBRUARY 2003

APPLICATION FOR INTEGRATED WORKING AND RESTORATION SCHEME FOR LIMESTONE EXTRACTION FOR AGGREGATE PRODUCTION AND RECONSTITUTED STONE PRODUCTS AT BURFORD QUARRY (FORMERLY BECKSTONES) - APPLICATION NO. W2002/1726

Consultation Responses

West Oxfordshire District Council - Planning

Objects to the application as:

  • applicants have not demonstrated a need for more reserves or a speedier extraction rate;

  • there are implications for neighbours in terms of noise, dust, nuisance and traffic;

  • there are historic problems and these have implications on localised flooding and dewatering that have not been addressed;

  • the development will severely impact on the rural amenity and use of the adjacent right of way network;

  • increase in highway danger through turning movements on the A40 and increased use of rural road. Existing routeing agreement appears to be disregarded;

  • archaeological importance of the site has not been fully investigated; and

  • the application proposes relocation of plant to an area of the quarry subject to flooding.

West Oxfordshire District Council – EHO

As a greater tonnage proposed it will intensify stone crushing, milling and other quarry operations which will impact on noise and dust on neighbours. Relocation of plant away from dwellings should reduce potential for noise and dust pollution.

Do not support operating plant outside normal working hours as it would be even more intrusive for neighbours. Dust emissions and blasting can be controlled by conditions. Recommends conditions to control noise, dust and blasting.

Environment Agency

Conditions should be attached to say that there shall only be dewatering on the southern end of the site to protect domestic boreholes to the north and that surface water drainage works shall be agreed.

Highways Agency

A condition should be attached to permission to ensure junction improvements on the A40 with the Burford Road prior to an increase in output from the quarry.

Thames Water

No comments.

Director of Cultural Services - Archaeology

No objection.

Rights of Way

Suitable provision and notices should be provided for bridleway users at the site access point.

Carterton Town Council

The Council is concerned that the proposal would result in a four-fold increase in traffic output from the quarry. It is also concerned that waste would be brought to the site which could have an adverse impact on the water boreholes used by residents in Stonelands.

Brize Norton Parish Council

The Council is concerned that the pumping out of water from the quarry will cause flooding in Brize Norton particularly along Kilkenny Lane and the lower part of the recreation area. Concerned about the increase in traffic along Burford Road. All HGVs should use the A40 and not turn right along the Burford Road towards Brize. A40 junction and approach road are inadequate.

Shilton Parish Council

  • No need for products;

  • cannot refuse Worsham but approve Burford as it exhibits commercial favouritism;

  • application should not be considered in advance of appeal decision;

  • omissions on HGV operators licence;

  • applicants only consulting immediate neighbours and a new development nearby has been ignored;

  • operators have disregarded community for 50 years;

  • no remedial action to mend past misdemeanours;

  • there are no environmental benefits;

  • excess noise and noise data inadequate;

  • causes flooding;

  • dust will be worse;

  • traffic levels intolerable;

  • no information on traffic through Brize Norton;

  • no safeguards against waste disposal; and

  • no plans for funds for restoration.

Other detailed objections on sections of the ES/application.

Defence Estates

No objection to the operational phase.

However concerns over the wetland element of the restoration have not been addressed.

Woodland planting plans have been omitted which will reduce bird species. Planting berry bearing bushes will give a landscape as found adjacent to the quarry and will not significantly increase potential bird strike risk. The wetland and meadow will attract waterfowl and these can pose a threat to air safety if flight lines develop. Therefore Ministry of Defence objects on wet restoration element of proposal.

There are no third party representations.

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