CPRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRANCH Policy Statement Stone Quarrying and Extraction of Other Minerals

Background

Gloucestershire is regionally important as a source of crushed rock and sand and gravel. It is a source of dimension stone and roofing flags, both limestone and sandstone, which are evident in the many stone buildings, especially in the Cotswolds. Brick clay is locally worked. Coal was a major product from the Forest of Dean, but production has almost ceased and the only likely future extraction, if allowed, would be by opencasting.

There is a Minerals Local Plan (MLP), adopted in 2003, covering the period to 2016. Work is starting on a review, using the new Local Development Framework process. Policies in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) will affect future mineral planning in the county, in particular in terms of the county’s future “share” of regional aggregate production.

Environmental issue

Almost all of the rock suitable for crushing to aggregate or for use as building stone lies within or adjacent to land designated as AONB – the Jurassic limestone of the Cotswolds and the Carboniferous limestone and various sandstones of the Forest of Dean.

These landscape issues were recognised and led to the Minerals Local Plan being adopted with a potential “shortfall” of 7 million tonnes of crushed rock due to environmental constraints. They also led directly to the adoption of a crushed rock “landbank” requirement of 7 years as against the 10 – 15 years adopted in most MLPs.

Sand and gravel production is concentrated in the Upper Thames valley where there are special settlement protection policies in the Cotswold Water Park and the county’s only current Mineral Consultation Area (MCA) - within which district planning authorities should consult the County Council on proposed development which could “sterilise” mineral deposits (ie. could make it impractical ever to extract the mineral). Sand and gravel also occurs in the lower Severn valley and in other drift deposits.

Apart from the major landscape issue, other environmental constraints which are locally significant to mineral working include effect on hydrology, archaeology, biodiversity and loss of high quality agricultural land. Generation of HGV traffic on unsuitable country roads can severely affect tranquillity as well as pose new safety hazards.

Issues for the future

The South West Region faces the prospect of major growth in population and built development over the next 20 years, which is likely to affect the demand for aggregates. There is wide acceptance, in principle, of planning for the “best environmental options” to meet the region’s mineral needs, but not yet a mechanism for so doing. For example, Gloucestershire has a “sub regional apportionment” for aggregate production up to 2016 which is c.8 mt above identified resources whereas South Gloucestershire and Somerset have actual landbanks much longer than their apportionments.

We cannot say simply that adjacent authorities should “bail out Gloucestershire”, but there is a case to press, initially via the RSS, that mechanisms should be explored to seek the best environmental options to meet the region’s real needs, including maximising efficient use of secondary and recycled aggregates.

Policies in respect of mineral working in Gloucestershire

1. CPRE will oppose new and significant extensions to existing aggregate quarries where that would aversely affect existing AONBs in the county or the prospective designation in the Forest of Dean (this accords with Government guidance that quarrying in National Parks and AONBs should be the exception).
2. CPRE will seek to ensure that good practice is adhered to in the Cotswold Water Park and that settlements and environmental assets continue to be fully protected during the phased extraction of sand and gravel.
3. CPRE recognises the importance of local sources of building, roofing and walling stone in maintaining the distinctive character and quality of the county’s built environment and landscape. Working of these resources will be supported where the scale is consistent with local need and there are not substantial adverse environmental consequences. We shall seek to ensure that where there are such proposals any production of aggregate is genuinely secondary and necessary for operational purposes.
4. CPRE will oppose opencast coal working in the Forest of Dean which it considers to merit designation as an AONB (proposals for opencasting coal in the Forest are unlikely in the foreseeable future, but c.12 mt have been estimated to be potentially recoverable).
5. In respect of all mineral working proposals CPRE will seek to ensure that the potential effects on landscape, rural settlements, hydrology, archaeology, biodiversity and best and most versatile agricultural land are fully evaluated before planning consent is given. Transport consequences, for tranquillity as well for road safety, will be examined thoroughly. Where appropriate we shall seek to work with other relevant organisations to oppose environmentally damaging proposals.
6. Where we do not oppose mineral extraction, or cannot prevent it, we shall press for detailed and credible restoration proposals which maximise environmental benefit. Where feasible we shall seek progressive restoration as work proceeds.

Implementation of policies

CPRE Gloucestershire will make representations as necessary to the review of the Minerals Local Plan and will input to CPRE South West representations on minerals policies in the RSS. We may seek to influence CPRE National Office responses to minerals related issues. The Minerals Officer will lead on this work, consulting Districts to ensure all views are taken into account, normally via our County Minerals Network.

CPRE Districts will take the lead in respect of mineral extraction proposals within their bounds, keeping the Minerals Officer informed and seeking input where appropriate.

November 2006