Environmental Considerations
The planning application will assess the possible environmental effects of the restoration and set out how they would be avoided, reduced and monitored. The main considerations are summarised below.
Groundwater and Water Protection
Imported material and changes within the quarry could affect groundwater quality, movement and storage. Only verified, suitable non-hazardous material would be accepted. Groundwater investigations, monitoring and a drainage strategy would guide the phased restoration, with works reviewed or adjusted if unexpected changes occur.
Ecology
Restoration activity could temporarily disturb bats and other wildlife or affect habitats around the quarry edges. Surveys will identify the measures needed to protect species and retained habitats, control lighting, dust and runoff, and avoid sensitive periods. The completed scheme will also seek to create and improve habitats through planting and long-term management.
Landscape
Plant, vehicle movements, stockpiles and exposed fill would temporarily change the appearance of the quarry during the works. These activities would largely remain within the existing quarry void. The final landform would be designed to fit with surrounding levels, retain woodland screening and deliver a longer-term landscape improvement.
Heritage
The works could cause temporary changes to views and activity within the wider setting of nearby listed buildings and Backwell Conservation Area. A heritage assessment will consider these effects. Existing woodland, careful siting of temporary facilities and a sensitively designed final landform would help protect the area’s historic character.
Traffic
Importing the restoration material would temporarily increase HGV traffic, with the assessment based on approximately 30 – 45 no. HGV movements per working day. The Transport Statement will consider the site access, vehicle routing, road safety and interactions with residents, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
A Traffic Management and Road Maintenance Plan would control delivery times and routes, vehicle scheduling, wheel washing, road sweeping and access arrangements. Road conditions would be monitored, with a process for addressing any damage caused by restoration traffic.
Noise, Dust and Vibration
Plant, earthmoving and HGV activity could create temporary noise, dust and vibration. A construction management plan would set working hours and controls for plant, haul routes, stockpiles, dust suppression and road cleanliness. Monitoring and complaint procedures would allow any problems to be addressed promptly.
