Grandcourt Quarry
Update April 2022
Revised Proposals for Bridleway 1 and Footpath No.2 at East Winch during and after the period of quarrying at Grandcourt quarry -
Bridleway No 1 see here Footpath No.2 see here
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Update - March 2022
It is reported that NCC has delayed granting planning permission for Sibelco to start
excavating Min 40, because it considered that the provision offered for rerouting the right of way Public Footpath East Winch 2, wasn’t good enough.
The Ramblers’ Association and the NCC Public Rights of Way team had both objected.
Sibelco had therefore sidestepped NCC and appealed to the Secretary of State on the grounds of non-determination. NCC discussed the issue anyway, and informed the SoS that if they had been discussing the application it would have been refused on the grounds of loss of amenity.
It’s now in the hands of the SoS, and if he turns Sibelco’s application down, Sibelco will have to renegotiate their plan for the right of way with NCC. It’s the only issue outstanding.
Update. February 2022.
Sibelco's application to extend Grandcourt quarry.
The County Council planning department is opposing the planned exrension of Grandcourt quarry. The objection concerns the impact on footpaths which the department describes as unacceptable.
The Parish Council made no objection to the plan at the time of the original planning application.
County 'Rights of Way' officials have objected due to the possible impact on local footpaths/bridle ways; County planning officers concur with this view and Planning Officals have recommended that the Secretary of State be advised that the Planning Committee would be likely to refuse the application for this reason. However, Sibelco assert that the planned replacement route would not be inconvenient to users.
The final decision is to be made by the Secretary of State following the appeal by Sibelco to the Council's lack of a decision being made four years after the original application was made. The Council have said that the delay has been caused by continuing talks with Sibelco to resolve questions concerning rights of way and ground water drainage.
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UPDATE March 2021
Excavation at Grandcourt farm.
Sibelco chaired a liaison meeting on 18th March.
Two applications are ongoing: one to modify the conditions under which the existing pit is to be restored, and the other to extend the excavation up to the north end of the village.
The reason for the delay in starting the new dig is that NCC keeps coming up with new queries to be resolved.
he Sibelco representative said that if they were still unable to start in 3 months’ time, they’d probably appeal.
It therefore appears that 3 months will be a minimum, and it may be longer before excavation
begins.
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MARCH 2019 - UPDATE --- New communication from NCC Planning Department:
East Winch: Grandcourt Quarry,
Leziate Works, Station Road, Leziate, King's Lynn PE32 1EH:
NCC general enquiries: 03344 800 8020
Text relay no. O18001 0344 8OO 8O20
4 March 2019
My Ref: C/2/2018/2017
Tel No.: (01603) 222756
Email: mawp@norfolk.qov.uk
http://eplanning.norfolk.gov.uk/PlanAppDisp.aspx?AppNo=C/2/2018/2017
The additional information relates to 7 documents named under 'Additional lnfo' on pages 7 & 8 of the attachments screen
Alternatively you can view the application at the County Council Offices, County Hall Martineau Lane. Norwich or at your local District Council office.
Should you like to comment on the application you can do so in three different ways
i. Via the above hyperlink following the online instructions;
ii. Write to me at the address at the top of this letter and mark the envelope for the attention of the Planning Services Manager;
iii. Email your comments to mawp@norfolk.qov.uk
Please use the reference number C/2/2018/2017
East Winch: Grandcourt Quarry, Leziate Works, Station Road, Leziate, King's Lynn PE32 1EH:
Variation of conditions 2, 3, 8 & 9 of permission C/2/2004/2034 to amend the timing of phased working and restoration at Grandcourt Farm Quarry.: Sibelco UK Limited
Further to my consultation on the above planning application, I have received additional information which can be found on our web page
3.6 HISTORIC ENGLAND FEEDBACK
3.6.1 Following the preparation of the draft Revised Extension Restoration Plan, Sibelco provided a copy of the plan to Historic England for review and further comment.
3.6.2 A full copy of the email correspondence from Historic England received on the 27 th November 2018 is included at Annex 2B to this Addendum. The correspondence concludes that:
“The revised restoration scheme reduces the extent of the eastern lake and restores the eastern field immediately opposite All Saints Church to grassland.
The restoration to grassland of this field would be in keeping with the historic character and setting of the church. This revised scheme is in line with our advice and has reduced the harmful impact on the significance to the grade II* church.
While the extraction operation and restored quarry would still result in some harm to the significance of All Saints Church the revised scheme has gone some way reduced this harm to its immediate setting.
Should this proposed scheme come forward as a formal amendment Historic England would not object to the granting of consent and would advise the Council to weigh any public benefits of the development against the harm to significance.”
(One major change to the restoration plan is to return the land immdiately to the north of the Church to farmland/grassland and to also restore the Long Drove. The Revised Restoration Plan may be seen here
(This is explained in a document (66 page .pdf file)which may be seen here)
Extracted from the document see the Historic England feedback below:-
Location Plan.
Site Plan
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July 2018.
SIBELCO have submitted a planning application for the extension to Grandcourt Quarry.
Council reference::- C/2/2018/2016
All documentation for this application may be found on the County website page
Due to there being a great many documents associated with this application only a limited amount of information is provided here. See the link above to be taken to the County Council website where everything is available.
(Click on an image to see it enlarged)
Restoration Plan
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JUNE 2018.
Norfolk Minerals & Waste Local Plan Review; Initial Consultation.
A review of the current Local Plan is curently being conducted by the County Council.
The planned extension to Grandcourt Quarry is included in the Review.
At the Environment, Development and Transport (EDT) Committee meeting on 18 May 2018 it was agreed that a public consultation will be carried out on the first stage of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review, called the 'Initial Consultation'.
The public consultation will take place over six weeks from
29 June to 5pm on 13 August 2018.
See here for more information - or go directly to the County Council website and click through to the 'Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review' page
MARCH 2018
JANUARY 2018 update:-
It is understood that Sibelco are unable at present to proceed with a Planning Application for the extension of the quarry due to various issues, dating back to the 1940s, that have come to light.
MAY 2017 update:-
In mid May 2017 the expected planning application for the extension of Grandcourt quarry has yet to be submitted.
February 2017.
It is understood that Sibelco intend, shortly, to submit a Planning Application for the extension of Grandcourt quarry.
September 2016 - See the latest information from the County Council about THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH REGARD TO MINERAL EXTRACTION.
Included here is the current discussion about the situation regarding WEST BILNEY WOODS.
Click on item 5 in the adjacent Table of Contents.
See also Campaign Against Silica Extraction (CASE) - item 4 in the adjacent table.
NOTE: THE LATEST INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPOSALS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SAND DEPOSITS AT WEST BILNEY WOODS (AOS "D") IS HERE
Sibelco, Kings Lynn Quarry Community Liaison Committee.
Meeting held Thursday 15th December 2016 - see notes taken at this meeting
Mineral Extraction
October 2015.
Sibelco, a leading supplier of specialist minerals operating in Norfolk for many years, has identified high quality glass making sand it hopes to extract at Grandcourt Quarry near East Winch.
We are seeking an extension to our existing site, located between Middleton and East Winch, which opened in 2008. Grandcourt Quarry is the UK's premier source of sands for clear glass making, being used in windows, car windscreens, bottles and jars.
We directly employ 45 people locally with an additional 80 contractors and many more indirectly through our customers. Our Norfolk operations are vital to a number of regional businesses and we contribute at least £15 million annually into the local area economy.
The Chairman drew attention to the ongoing County Council 'Consultation exercise for the review of the minerals site specific allocation plan' .
Planning Officers have defined ten 'areas of search (AOS)', that is a wide area within which permission for silica sand extraction may be granted for a smaller part of that area. One of these areas of search extends from East Winch towards Shouldham, passing through West Bilney woods.
This six week consultation exercise is more fully described further down this page (scroll down to the October 2015 update); there you may see details about how to obtain various documents and to make known your views. All responses are to be made by 5pm. on 21. December 2015.
SIBELCO replies to queries raised at the November meeting.
(see above)
The following are the replies received from Sibelco to the queries raised, during the meeting held at the Village Hall, concerning the outline planning application for the extension of the current quarrying site adjacent to the village.
1. Would you please provide me with air quality reports for the site over the last two years?
Would you also supply a map of the location of the various monitoring sites and why those sites were selected?
The dust results will be part of the pending planning application. We have a dustfall gauge in the proposed extension area and a fine particulate monitor in East Winch. There was a dustfall gauge near Grandcourt Farm but this is now no longer in use as the workings have moved past this property.
2. Concerns were raised over the increased insect levels due to stagnant water. Would you please comment on same with any supporting factual information.
We do not consider there will be stagnant water. During operations it is proposed that the groundwater will be maintained at a lower level by pumping from a small sump area. The proposed final lake will no different from any other lake we have restored and there will be natural through flow of groundwater in the lake, reflecting the natural flow from south to north across the site.
3. Would you please give more detailed information regarding where and what type of tree screening you propose alongside the A47.
There is proposed to be a hedgerow thickening of the existing headline together with a new hedgerow & trees.
4. Can you confirm that there will be no stock piling of sand which is above the extraction level in the proximity of the village?
I can confirm this.
5. Are you prepared to discuss in detail extending the Public Rights of Way on the final rehabilitation of the site with the Parish Council before the planning application is submitted.
During the planning exhibition there were differing views on the provision of additional rights of way. Residents living close to the proposed extension did not necessarily wish to have rights of way near their properties. We will continue to liaise with the local community, the Parish Council and Norfolk County Council rights of way officers leading up to and after submission. We will take all formal representations into account to seek to deliver a solution which is best fit for the community and landowners.
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November 2015.
Over the weekend of 13/14 November Sibelco held 'Planning Exhibition' at the village hall; the purpose of the exhibition was to allow people to see maps and documents appertaining to the proposal to extend the Grandcourt quarry towards the village. Company representatives were present to discuss the proposals.
Below see the opening paragraphs of the leaflet, Proposal for an extension to Grandcourt Quarry, which describes the proposals for which the company hopes to obtain planning permission.
(The complete text may be viewed / downloaded (pdf file) - scroll to the foot of the page - see file 'Grandcourt Quarry proposal'
Similarly, see also also an impression of how the area will look after restoration of the site, when extraction of the sand has been completed (pdf file) )
Proposal for mineral extraction with progressive restoration
SIBELCO MINERAL EXTRACTION PLANS – GRANDCOURT QUARRY
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING.
The Parish Council held an open public meeting on Wednesday 25th. November 2015 at the village hall.
Present were 5 members of the Parish Council and 7 members of the public.
The purpose of the meeting was to allow open discussion on the plans to extract silica sand from an extension of the Grandcourt quarry which will bring it as close as 100 metres, in part, to some homes.
Sibelco, the quarry operators, recently held a ‘Planning Exhibition’ at the village hall to allow villagers to learn of the plans, inspect maps and to ask questions about the proposed works. It is expected that Sibelco will submit a planning application to the County Council in the New Year.
The Chairman welcomed those present and explained the purpose of the meeting.
Little response was forthcoming with regard to the Sibelco exhibition, though the Chairman said that she had found it interesting and useful.
Invited to ask questions about the plans brought forward a number of concerns.
In response to a question about, dust pollution, the dangers to public health and ways of mitigating the problem, the meeting was told that monitoring of particulates was an ongoing process and that Sibelco had been doing so for many years at a number of locations.
Sibelco had said that there was no danger to public health as the particles resulting from the quarrying were too large to penetrate human lungs. The evidence was that traffic on the A47 contributed in the main to the particulates found during the monitoring.
A parishioner thought that there should be independent monitoring and analysis and that perhaps the Parish Council should arrange this. However the Chairman thought that it was likely that this would cost far more than the Council could afford.
In response to the suggestion that water sprays onto the face of the quarry could reduce dust, the meeting was told that it was unlikely that this could be employed as a continuing process, though it might be expected that it could be carried out in particularly windy conditions. It would not be practical to operate continuously as it would be likely that the face of the quarry could collapse.
Another parishioner asked whether, following the restoration of the site when quarrying had ended, the water in the lakes would become stagnant and a possible breeding ground for insects. The meeting was told that the lakes at Bawsey were managed and that there didn’t seem to be a problem with insects there.
Screening of the site was also discussed with concerns that it was inadequate. Footpaths and bridleways were also matters for concern. Temporary diversions would be put in place and replacements provided as part of the restoration process.
A parishioner also thought that stock piles of material should be kept within the quarry and not be at surface level.
Following on from the discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would raise a number of matters with Sibelco. These would include questions about
· Monitoring Stations - notably about the siting of the stations and information about the evidence derived from the sites.
· The likelihood of the water in the lakes becoming stagnant.
· Screening of the site
· Stock piles to be stored within the quarry
· The possibility of Sibelco contributing to improving facilities within the village.
Sibelco's replies may be downloaded as a pdf file - see foot of the page and select the file.
Mineral Extraction: pending Sibelco planning application.
Several years ago, land to the north of the A47 and west of East Winch (Min 40) was earmarked as suitable for mineral extraction. Sibelco is preparing to make a planning application in the first quarter of 2016, at which point objections may be made.
February 2017: It is understood that Sibelco will shortly submit a planning application to the County Council.
This page will be updated as soon as the application becomes available.
The allocations plan and the policy for Min 40 can be seen / downloaded at the foot of this page - see Mineral Extraction Development Plan. Go to pages 51/52 of the document.
If planning permission is granted, Sibelco intends to divide extraction into 3 phases, starting with the area nearest Grandcourt Farm. The footpath will be diverted along Long Drove. After removal of topsoil and carstone, the pit will be 25-30 metres deep. The silica sand extracted will be taken back to Leziate across the worked area and will not go by road.
The final stage, nearest to the village, will bring extraction within 150-200 metres of the nearest houses, but 100 metres from Holland House. Restoration will consist of making sloping sides and creating lakes divided by a causeway along which the path will go. The lakes, about 12 metres deep, will be fenced.
Sibelco maintains that the sand quarried poses no risk to health as, at 30-50 microns it cannot be absorbed by the lungs, while finer particulates from diesel and other pollutants are much more dangerous. The noise level is not expected to exceed the noise from the A47.
13th and 14th Nov 2015Public meetings (see above)Jan-March 2016Planning Application and response from public.Mid – late 2017
Planning consent may be granted.
Early 2018
Work starts on Phase 1.
ApproximateTimetable.
Grandcourt quarry extension - Planning Application
Sibelco plan to make the application in Jan 2017, this will be accompanied by a leaflet drop to houses in the village.
If consented, quarrying will take 4 years to complete with restoration of the area being completed in 6 years.
This timetable is of course no longer appropriate. However, it may give an idea of the future course of events following the planning application being submitted in January 2017 - just add a year to the dates indicated!
2022Extraction finishes. 2023Restoration finishes. The allocations plan and the policy for Min 40 can be seen / downloaded at the foot of this page; see the second and third from last of the documents listed.
Go to pages 51/52 of the document.
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CASE
(Campaign against Silica Extraction)
A group of concerned parishioners has been formed to campaign against Mineral Extraction Quarrying at East Winch and West Bilney. Read about CASE here
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County Council CONSULTATION EXERCISE 2015/2016
(Minerals Site Specific Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) - Single Issue Silica Sand Review).
NOTE: THIS CONCERNS THE ONGOING PROPOSALS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SAND DEPOSITS AT
WEST BILNEY WOODS (AOS "D")
DECEMBER 2016 UPDATE
Single Issue Silica Sand Review of the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD
Notification of Submission and availability of documents for inspection.
In line with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, I am writing to inform you that Norfolk County Council formally submitted the Single Issue Silica Sand Review of the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD to the Planning Inspectorate (on behalf of the Secretary of State), on 8 December 2016, for independent examination.
The Single Issue Silica Sand Review is needed to address the predicted shortfall, of 2.6 million tonnes, in the quantity of silica sand extraction sites allocated in the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD. It is predicted that an average of 750,000 tonnes of silica sand will be extracted from Norfolk every year up to the end of 2026. The silica sand resource in Norfolk occurs entirely within the administrative boundary of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
The Silica Sand Review allocates one specific site and five areas of search for future silica sand extraction to meet the apportionment figures in the adopted Minerals and Waste Core Strategy. Developers wanting to extract mineral from specific sites or land within an area of search allocated in the Silica Sand Review will still need to apply for and be granted planning permission before mineral extraction can take place.
The submitted Silica Sand Review consists of the Pre-Submission version together with the Addendum of Modifications. The representations submitted consist of all the representations received during the Pre-Submission representations period (held during May and June 2016) and those received during the Modifications representations period (held during September and October 2016).
Information on the examination process, the appointed Planning Inspector and the Programme Officer can be found online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf, and then click on the Silica Sand Review page.
A requirement of the Regulations is that a number of documents should be made available for viewing by the public following submission.
A copy of the main submission documents will be available for public inspection, during normal opening hours, at all public libraries in Norfolk, and the main Local Planning Authority offices in Norfolk from 4 January 2017. These documents are:
All documents published at the Pre-Submission publication stage and ‘Pre-Submission Addendum: Modifications’ stage
Minor modifications to the Single Issue Silica Sand Review
Statement of Consultation (Part 2) detailing the representations received in response to the ‘Pre-Submission’ publication and the ‘Pre-Submission Addendum: Modifications’
Revised Policies Map (Sept 2016) (illustrates the policies contained within the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan)
The Local Planning Authority offices where the documents can be inspected are:
Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH
Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, East Dereham, NR19 1EE
Broadland District Council, Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU
Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Town Hall, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2QF
Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1EX
North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9EN
Norwich City Council, City Hall, Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NH
South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE
The Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY
The submission documents and the full examination library are available for inspection at
· Norfolk County Council’s website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf, click on the ‘Silica Sand Review’ page
· Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH, from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays.
The representations received at all stages of the production of the Single Issue Silica Sand Review are available to view on Norfolk County Council’s website at: http://norfolk.jdi-consult.net/localplan/
SEPTEMBER 2016 UPDATE
Modifications have been proposed to the Minerals Site Specific Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) - Single Issue Silica Sand Review.
These Modifications have been published for representations to be made, on the modifications only, from 14 September to 27 October 2016, prior to submission of the document to the Secretary of State.
Now CLOSED to further representations.
Update 22 October 2016
PARISH COUNCIL RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE. OCTOBER 2016.
In response to the 'Consultation' being conducted by the County Council, the Parish Council has written to the County Council detailing the concerns of Parishioners that were expressed at the Parish Council meeting on 10th. October.
The wide ranging letter covers aspects such as the movement of the sand along the local roads after extraction, the dangers involved with many heavy vehicles entering and leaving the A47, the effects on the wildlife of the area, damage to the local infrastructure, health concerns and the effect on property values.
(The full text of the letter is available below - You may simply read the letter or download it as you wish. - at the foot of the page see the .pdf file - (1) AOS 'D' Parish Council response)
Henry Bellingham MP, in a message to the Parish Council, has stated that he is totally opposed to the loss of habitat and woodland and the extra traffic that would be generated on both the A47 and Common Road should there be quarrying at West Bilney.
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Mid September 2016.
Update/corrections to the documents issued in early September:
The County Council, as part of its work on the Single Issue Silica Sand Review of the adopted Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD, has updated the 'Pre-Submission Addendum: Modifications' document that will be subject to a formal representations period starting on 14th September.
The updated text contained within the 'Pre-Submission Addendum: Modifications' can be summarised as follows:-
Additional text has been added to the Modifications document on page 27.
Changes made to the Sustainability Appraisal Report regarding the reasons
for the non-allocation of Area of Search A, had not been included in the
version of the Modifications document previously issued.
Note that the dates between which representation may be made to the County Council with reference to the proposals are unchanged - 14 September to 27 October. NOW CLOSED
The complete (revised) documents may be seen/downloaded directly from this page - see the .pdf files at the foot of ths page. Files (A) and (B) are the revised versions at 14 September 2016.
The southern boundary of the area has been moved northwards into the wooded area. Clicking on the map will show an enlarged copy.
An interactive map of the revised area may be seen on the County Council website - here
You are invited to make representations to the Council on this matter. Note that representations made be made only with regard to the new modifications: See below for details about how to do this.
(Webmasters note: It is understood that though the statement that representations may only be made about the revised documents, the County Council is prepared to accept further representations about the whole of the Development Plan - NOTE THE DEADLINE HOWEVER - 27 OCTOBER!).
Representations which are duly made will be submitted alongside the published Silica Sand Review document and the Modifications. The Silica Sand Review and Modifications will then be examined by a Planning Inspector.
Earlier information about this Consultation Exercise may be seen below and should be read in conjunction with this new information.
Following the end of the representations period, the 'Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD - Single Issue Silica Sand Review', and the 'Pre-Submission Addendum: Modifications', along with relevant background documents and the representations received will be submitted to the Secretary of State later in 2016, for public examination by a Planning Inspector.
Relevant County Council links
A map showing the area of the silica sand resource is available here
Information on the examination process, the appointed Planning Inspector and the Programme Officer can be found online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf, and then click on the Silica Sand Review page.
Links to the County Council website are:-
Silica Sand Review The Modifications document
A map showing the area of the silica sand resource is available here
How to respond:-
Where possible the County Council would prefer representations to be made directly to www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf
However responses by post, fax and email will also be accepted.
Closing date is 27 October - 5pm.
(It is understood, subsequent to the event, that a meeting was held at West Bilney on Wednesday 19 October to discuss this matter as it might affect West Bilney wood. The meeting was attended by local parishioners and County, Borough and Parish Councillors. Discussions centered around the course of action to be followed. See Facebook page).
Note that Area of Search A - Snettisham - has been removed from the original documents; the amended document, as far as it concerns AOD A, reads as follows -
AOS A – Due to its proximity to the Norfolk Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the potential for views of AOS from within the AONB, it is considered that there is the potential for silica sand extraction within AOS A to affect the setting of the AONB and the landscape character of the area. Therefore AOS A is not allocated.
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INFORMATION FROM THE COUNTY COUNCIL CONCERNING THE SITUATION WITH REGARD MINERAL EXTRACTION HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
The associated documents are updated versions of those that were published for discussion in April/May and November/December 2015' see 'Consultation Exercise 2015' below.
Representations concerning the latest proposals may be made from 16 May to 27 June 2016.
Two associated documents concerning this have been received.
Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan - a pdf file
Local Plan Pre-submission document - a Word file which includes procedures to followed for making a representation.
Both may be viewed/downloaded - see the foot of this page.
Norfolk Minerals Site Specific Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD): Single Issue Silica Sand Review - Pre-Submission Document:
Invitation to make representations
I am writing to inform you that the County Council has published the Pre-Submission version of the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD - Single Issue Silica Sand Review. This document has been published to allow representations on the soundness and legal compliance of the document to be made, over a six week period, between 9am on 16 May and 5pm on 27 June 2016 (inclusive).
The silica sand resource in Norfolk occurs entirely within the administrative boundary of the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.
The Single Issue Silica Sand Review is needed to address the predicted shortfall,of 2.6 million tonnes, in the quantity of silica sand extraction sites allocated in the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD. It is predicted that around 750,000 tonnes of silica sand will be extracted from Norfolk every year.
The Silica Sand Review has been through the following stages: an Initial Consultation during March and April 2015, a 'call for sites' in June 2015, and a Preferred Options Consultation during November and December 2015.
The Pre-Submission version of the Silica Sand Review allocates one specific site for silica sand extraction and six Areas of Search (AoS) which have been defined by planning officers. Areas of search are large areas within which permission for silica sand extraction may be granted on a smaller area of land. Developers wanting to extract mineral from specific sites or land within an area of search allocated in the Silica Sand Review will still need to apply for and be granted planning permission before mineral extraction can take place.
The areas of search and site allocated in the Silica Sand Review Pre-Submission document are located in the following parishes: Bawsey, Dersingham, East Winch, Ingoldisthorpe, Marham, Pentney, Runcton Holme, Shouldham, Shouldham Thorpe, Snettisham, Stow Bardolph, Tottenhill, Wormegay. The Silica Sand Review Pre-Submission document is attached to this email.
In addition to the Pre-Submission document, the following documents which provide information to support the policies in the Silica Sand Review have also been published:
· Revised Policies Map (illustrates the policies contained in the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan)
· Sustainability Appraisal Report (Parts A and B) (shows social, environmental and economic impacts of the Silica Sand Review)
· Sustainability Appraisal non-technical summary (summary of above)
· Habitats Regulations Assessment (of impacts on European-designated nature conservation sites)
· Pre-Submission Statement of Consultation (details consultees and their responses)
· Equality Impact Assessment (how different people will be affected by the Silica Sand Review process and policies)
· Flood Risk Sequential Test (demonstrates compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 100-101 of the National Planning Policy Framework)
These documents are available for public inspection, free of charge, within normal opening hours up to and including 27 June 2016, at all public libraries in Norfolk, and at:
· Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH
· Breckland District Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, East Dereham, NR19 1EE
· Broadland District Council, Thorpe Lodge, Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU
· Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Town Hall, Great Yarmouth,NR30 2QF
· Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, King's Court, Chapel Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1EX
· North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, NR27 9EL
· Norwich City Council, City Hall, Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NH
· South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Swan Lane, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE
· The Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY
All documents are also available on Norfolk County Council's website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf on the Silica Sand Review webpage, from 16 May 2016 when the representations period starts.
Where possible the County Council would prefer representations to be made directly to https://norfolk.jdi-consult.net/localplan/. However, responses by post, fax and email will also be accepted:
Post to: Planning Services, CES Department, Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH
Fax: 01603 223219 - marked for the attention of Planning Services
Email: LDF@norfolk.gov.uk
A downloadable and printable representation form is attached and includes the Statement of Representations procedure.
All representations, using whatever method, must be made by 5pm on27 June 2016.
Representations may be accompanied by a request to be notified, at a specified address, of any of the following:
· that the Silica Sand Review has been submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector
· the publication of recommendations of the Planning Inspector appointed to carry out the independent examination of the Silica Sand Review
· the adoption of the Silica Sand Review
Following the end of the representations period, the Pre-Submission version of the Silica Sand Review, relevant background documents and the representations received will be submitted to the Secretary of State later in 2016, for public examination by a Planning Inspector.
Yours faithfully
Caroline Jeffery
Principal Planner (Minerals and Waste Policy)
Planning Services
Environment and Planning
Community and Environmental Services Department
Direct dial telephone number: 01603 222193
E-mail: caroline.jeffery@norfolk.gov.uk
Norfolk County Council
General enquiries: 0344 800 8020 or information@norfolk.gov.uk
www.norfolk.gov.uk
OCTOBER 2015
County Council CONSULTATION EXERCISE 2015
THE COUNTY COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY ISSUED INFORMATION CONCERNING A CONSULTATION EXERCISE FOR THE REVIEW OF THE MINERALS 'SITE SPECIFIC ALLOCATION PLAN'.
(The following are extracts from the recently issued information. The full text may be seen/downloaded - scroll to bottom of the page and click on the file)
The Preferred Options Consultation on the Single Issue Silica Sand Review of the Norfolk Minerals Site Specific Allocations Plan will take place over a six week period from 6 November to 21 December 2015 (inclusive), and I would welcome your comments.
The Minerals Site Specific Allocations Plan (adopted by full Council on 28/10/2013) contains a requirement for a Silica Sand Review of the Plan to be completed by 2016. The review is needed to address the predicted shortfall, of 2.5 million tonnes, in the quantity of silica sand extraction sites allocated in the Plan.
It is predicted that around 750,000 tonnes of silica sand will be extracted from Norfolk per annum. It is expected that no more than one or two additional specific sites will need to be allocated over the plan period (to 2026) to meet the shortfall.
The silica sand resource in Norfolk occurs entirely within the administrative boundary of the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.
Plannning Officers have defined ten 'areas of search (AOS)' - a wide area within which permission for silica sand extraction may be granted for a smaller part of that area.
Included is: AOS D East Winch, Pentney
Copies of the Preferred Options Consultation Document, the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (Parts A and B) and the Habitats Regulations Assessment (Task 1), will be available for public inspection, free of charge, within normal opening hours from 6 November up to and including 21 December 2015, at all public libraries in Norfolk, and at:
Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, King's Court, Chapel Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1EX
After the current consultation period finishes, the next stage in the preparation of the Silica Sand Single Issue Review will be the publication of the Pre-Submission document, which is planned to take place in spring 2016.
All documents are also available on Norfolk County Council's website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf
Where possible the County Council would prefer representations to be made directly to www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf
However responses by post, fax and email will also be accepted
All comments, in whatever form, should be made by 5pm on 21 December 2015.
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INFORMATION ABOUT PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS AND CONSULTATION, DATING FROM 2011/2012, CONCERNING MINERAL EXTRACTION FOLLOWS BELOW. WHILST THIS IS NO LONGER UNDER DISCUSSION IT IS RETAINED HERE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES.
Note to the following item: The matter described below will be discussed at a planning meeting of the Parish Council on THURSDAY 18th. OCTOBER 2012 AT THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7PM.
Update: August 2012
The County Council, as part of its work on the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD and the Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD, has prepared Focused Changes to these documents.
The Focused Changes, including associated changes to supporting documents, are now published to allow representations on the soundness of the documents to be made, over a six week period, between 1 October and 5pm on 12 November 2012.
Any representations on the Focused Changes must be received during the representations period; late responses will not be accepted.
The Focused Changes can be summarised as follows:
1) As a result of the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in March 2012, a policy covering the presumption in favour of sustainable development is proposed to be added to both of the Site Specific Allocations DPDs. The policy wording proposed is that suggested by the Planning Inspectorate as a 'model policy' to cover this area.
2) In the Mineral Site Specific Allocations DPD, site MIN 41 (located in the parishes of Congham, Roydon and Castle Rising) is no longer allocated and therefore paragraphs 41.1 - 41.10 and policy MIN 41 are proposed to be deleted from the document.
No replacement sites are proposed to be allocated. MIN 41 was allocated for the extraction of silica sand, but this site is no longer to be allocated because of concerns raised by Natural England in response to the recent representations period on the
Pre-Submission version of the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD. Due to the proximity of the site to Roydon Common SSSI (part of Roydon Common and Dersingham Bog SAC), Natural England stated that "there will be Likely Significant Effects [on Roydon Common], the impact of which are either adverse or uncertain and that we consider that mitigation would not be possible". Further information is provided in the Focused Changes document.
Representations are being sought on the soundness and legal compliance of these two focused changes only. It is these matters only which are subject to this representations period, so any representations on other sites/matters will not be accepted. Any previously made representations on site/policy MIN 41 do not need to be repeated if they are unchanged.
Subject to the representations received, the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD, the Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD, the Focused Changes, their supporting documents and a summary of the representations will be submitted to the Secretary of State later in 2012, for public examination by an Inspector.
The Focused Changes document and the standard response form can be viewed on the County Council website where direct online consultation comments can be made. The documents are also available for inspection at libraries, Council Information Centres, County Hall in Norwich and at the main office of each of the District/Borough Councils in Norfolk, during office hours.
Representations can be sent by email, post or fax, usingthe standard response form, to the following address:
Post: Norfolk County Council, FREEPOST NC22093/8, Planning and
Submit any representations that you may have by 5pm on 12 November 2012.
Transportation Department, Planning Services, Norwich NR1 2BRE-mail: LDF@norfolk.gov.ukFax: 01603 223219 (marked for the attention of Planning Services)
Update: 19 June 2012
Note that the current public consultation about the planned mineral extraction sites is due to end on 29th. June - see below.
It is understood that a total of eight sites in West Norfolk have been marked for mineral extraction - including that proposed at East Winch.
A report to West Norfolk Borough Council suggests that one site, at Roydon, should be removed from the scheme, though all the proposed sites have been described as 'unsound'. However, all but the Roydon site could still be included in the scheme after changes are made to the policy wording.
it is expected that final decisions, about which sites will be permitted, will be taken by a Government Inspector later this year.
Update: 01 May 2012
The County Council has published the:-
Pre-Submission Mineral Site Specific Allocations DPD
Submit any representations that you may have by 5pm on 12 November 2012.
and thePre-Submission Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD.
They have been published to allow representations on the soundness of the documents to be made, over an eight week period, between 4 May and 29 June 2012.
The Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD and the Waste Site Specific
Allocations DPD are two of the three Development Plan Documents (DPDs) which the County Council is producing as part of the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework. The first document was the 'Core Strategy and Minerals and Waste Development Management Policies DPD', which was adopted by Norfolk County Council in September 2011.
The document allocates 26 sites for sand and gravel extraction, three sites for silica sand extraction and one site for carstone extraction to meet the apportionment figures in the adopted Minerals and Waste Core Strategy.
All sites allocated in this document will still need to be the subject of a planning application and be granted planning permission before they would be able to operate.
Subject to the representations received, the Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD, the
Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD and their supporting documents and a summary of the representations will be submitted to the Secretary of State later in 2012, for public examination by an Inspector.
The documents are available to view at libraries, Council Information Centres and
District/Borough Council offices in Norfolk, and online
The County Council would prefer representations to be made directly online
However, responses by post, fax and email will also be accepted.
Post to: Norfolk County Council, FREEPOST NC22093/8, Planning and
Transportation Department, Planning Services, NORWICH, NR1 2BR
Email: LDF@norfolk.gov.uk
Fax: 01603 223219 (marked for the attention of Planning Services)
All representations, in whatever form, must be made by 5pm on 29 June 2012.
Update: 23 September 2011.
The responses made to the County Council consultation regarding the Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework are now available to view on the County Council website
The information is grouped in regional areas - scroll down the page to the King's Lynn and West Norfolk group.
The information with regard to the larger East Winch site, MIN40 is here
For other sites in the local area select from the listing Min5, Min17, Min31, Min58, Min93 and Min119.
The individual responses made, and a map of the site in question, can be seen by selecting the one of the icons beside the site reference number.
The background to this is outlined below....
For some time discussions have been ongoing about the long term development of mineral extraction and waste management within Norfolk.
Included in the discussions are the possible inclusion of further quarrying in the local area. Silica sand, important to many industries, is quarried in this area - one of the few places in the UK where it is available. One such site included in the discussions is known as MIN 40 - land to the east of Grandcourt Farm.
The East Winch Action Group (EWAG) was set up to fight the proposal. The original plans showed the eastern boundary of the proposed site being immediately adjacent to houses at Town Close - though the boundary line has since been revised to maintain a larger gap between the houses and the proposed quarry. The main objections of EWAG were based on environmental and health issues.
For some information about the Action Group - and to hear a radio interview with Neil Paddock - click here. There are many links from the site to other sources of information.
EAST WINCH ACTION GROUP. A meeting was held at the Village Hall on Tuesday, 5th July. to discuss the latest situation with regard to the plans for MIN 40 and MIN 119.
.Note: The following “new” site, put forward since the consultation in 2009, is included in the current consultation document :- MIN 119 - East Winch - Sand extraction
To see details of MIN 119 click here and look for pages 9 AND 10 of the document
For information about the Norfolk County Council Minerals and Waste Management Plan for 2010 - 2026 see here. The County Council site has a large number of related documents available to be viewed and downloaded.
The County Council conducted a further round of consultation with regard to plans for mineral extraction - including MIN 40 and MIN 119, both at East Winch.
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ENDED ON 15TH. AUGUST
News Update: 25 May 2011
Norfolk County Council is undertaking a further round of consultation, for a period of eight weeks, on the “Revised Further Issues and Options” of the Minerals Site Specific Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and the Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD. The consultation will run from 20 June to 15 August 2011 (inclusive); your comments would be welcome - see below
The Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD, which will run until the end of 2026, contains the site specific allocations mineral extraction in Norfolk. A total of 25 sand & gravel sites, one carstone site and two silica sand sites are proposed to be allocated. 66 proposed mineral extraction sites are considered unsuitable or unnecessary for allocation. The document also contains maps of safeguarded mineral extraction sites, mineral infrastructure (railheads and wharfage), Mineral Safeguarding Areas and Mineral Consultation Areas.
The Minerals Site Specific Allocations DPD and the Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD have been through two stages of consultation: the “Issues and Options” in 2008 and the “Further Issues and Options (Preferred Options)” in 2009.
The documents are available to view at libraries, Council Information Centres and District/Borough Council offices in Norfolk, and online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf.
Where possible the County Council would prefer representations to be made directly to www.norfolk.gov.uk/nmwdf; however responses by post, fax and email (ldf@norfolk.gov.uk) will also be accepted.
All comments, in whatever form, had to be made by 5pm on 15 August 2011 when the consultation period closed.
After the current consultation period ends, the next stage in the preparation of the Mineral Site Specific Allocations DPD, and the Waste Site Specific Allocations DPD, will be the publication of the Pre-Submissions documents. This is planned to take place in the autumn of 2011.
This information has now been published - see above the update dated 23 September.
Note: The following “new” site, put forward since the consultation in 2009, is included in the current consultation document :- MIN 119 - East Winch - Sand extraction
To see details of MIN 119 click here and look for pages 9 AND 10 of the document
(Note. eastwinchandwestbilney.co.uk are not in any way responsible for the content, or views expressed, of the EWAG website, nor for the County Council site. We provide the links here solely to enable you to find information)