OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

REGULATION 24(I)(C) STATEMENT

This sets out the main reasons and considerations, on which the decision is based, as well as a description, where necessary, of measures to avoid, reduce and offset any major adverse effects of the development having taken into account the findings of the Environmental Statement received April 2014 when determining the application for planning permission for:

Proposed northern and eastern extension to Duns Tew Quarry (east) to extract approximately 415,000 tonnes of saleable sand and the continuation of importation of aggregate for blending and merchanting/onward sale for 16/17 years with restoration to a mix of woodland, geo-diversity benefits and nature conservation

At: Duns Tew Quarry (East), Horsehay Farm, Duns Tew Road, Middle Barton, OX7 7DQ Reference: MW.0036/14 - Planning permission numbers: 14/00625/CM & 14/0526/P/CM

in accordance with Regulation 24 (1) (a) and (b)

Oxfordshire County Council has informed the Secretary of State of the decision in writing and the public have been informed through publication ofthe decision notice on the County Council's planning applications website and by this advertisement.

Regulation 24 (I) (c) (i) - the content of the decision and any conditions attached to it

The decision notice, including conditions have been placed on the planning register and can also be found by following this link using reference MW0036/I4: http://myeplanning.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Regulation 24 (I) (c) (ii) - the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based including, ifrelevant, information about the participation of the public.

The main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based are set out in the report to and the printed minutes of the meeting of the County Council's Planning and Regulation Committee on 30th November 2015 which can be found by following this link: http://mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId= II8&MId=437I&Ver=4 The development is generally in accordance with development plan policy and other material considerations, including the policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework on a range of issues including biodiversity, highways, dust and air quality The application was advertised by site notice, local newspaper advertisement and there were two periods of consultation with the public. Following the first consultation period the applicant was asked to submit further information about the proposals.This information was the subject of the second consultation period before going to the council s Planning and Regulation Committee for determination. Third party representations from members of the public were received and considered in the determination ofthe application.

Regulation 24 (I) (c) (iii) - a description, where necessary, of the main measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, offset the major adverse effects ofthe development.

The Environmental Impact Assessment details the potential impacts on the environment and the main mitigation measures that would be used to avoid, reduce and, ifpossible,offset the major adverse effects ofthe development. The full Environmental Impact Assessment including the further information can be found on the eplanning website using reference MW.0036/14: http://myeplanning.oxfordshire.gov.uk The main mitigation measures include:

Landscape andVisual Impact:Visual impacts from a number of viewpoints were assessed and mitigation considered. Overall the report concludes that the development would not cause significant adverse effects on either landscape character or visual amenity with advance planting and soil bunds to be provided.

Biodiversity:The impact on identified species and habitats was assessed and in general the development, including the restoration proposals was found to have a beneficial impact. Surveys and schemes to provide for the protection and management of biodiversity interest are required to be provided.

Noise: Blue Barn Farm, Glebe Farm and Horsehay Farm were identified as potentially affected noise sensitive receptors. Maximum noise levels have been identified to these properties which must not be exceeded. Results of noise monitoring were reported and the assessment indicated that noise limits would not normally be exceeded. Further noise monitoring is required to be carried out within 3 months of commencement and then at regular intervals to ensure that noise levels remain within acceptable limits should further mitigation measures be identified as necessary The access roads should be kept in good condition and speed limits enforced as noise from empty vehicles on the haul roads also has the potential to cause disturbance. A soil bund is required to be erected on the eastern and northern boundaries of the site to assist noise mitigation at appropriate times in the site s working life. Dust: Dust was monitored during operation of the existing quarry. It was found that if there were no mitigation dust impacts could be observed up to I50 metres from the quarry boundary when winds were high. A Dust Management Plan including mitigation measures is provided. An area on the eastern side of the quarry has also been excluded from any sand extraction.

Air Quality: Mitigation measures are as set out in the Dust Management Plan along with the area on the eastern side of the quarry which has also been excluded from any sand extraction.

Transport: It is concluded that there would be no material adverse impact on the free flow and safety of traffic.The annual and quinquennial tonnage of material is limited by conditions.A routeing agreement has been provided.

Soils resources and agricultural land use: Just over half (51%) of the 9.6 hectare area of agricultural land is grade 3a and therefore classified as best and most versatile agricultural land. The remaining 49% is grade 3b. Soil resources from the three soil types present are to be stored separately and handled to minimise any damage. Hydrological, surface water and flood risk assessment: The site is within flood zone I and has no risk of flooding. The development would be above the water table and not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.A surface water management scheme is to be implemented to ensure any surface water run-off is directed away from adjacent land. Groundwater monitoring is required with any necessary mitigation measures identified to be provided.

Archaeology: The site contains a linear feature, a banjo enclosure (a type of archaeological feature of the British Middle Iron Age, so named because in plan it consists of a small round area with a long entrance track leading inward from one direction) and possibly further surviving features. An archaeological written scheme of investigation and a staged programme of archaeological evaluation and mitigation are to be provided.

Geology: The site contains the Horsehay Quarries geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) some of which would be lost to the development. New faces would be exposed and as part of the site's restoration it is proposed to retain exposed faces for study A Site Management Plan for the SSSI including maintenance ofclifffaces and details of public access is to be provided along with the opportunity for easier access to them.

Regulation 24 (I) (c) (iv) - information regarding the right to challenge the validity ofthe decision.

The decision to grant planning permission can be challenged bywayofbringing a claim for judicial review proceedings. In most instances any person wishing to do so must bring a claim within six weeks of the decision. The decision date was 5th May 20I7.