Objections 2023: Environment Agency

We object to this development because the information submitted with the application does not demonstrate that the risk of pollution to controlled waters is acceptable. We therefore recommend that planning permission is refused on this basis in line with paragraph   170   of   the   National   Planning   Policy   Framework.

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Following the original submission in 2021, the scheme has been revised and no longer proposes extraction below the water table or creation of ponds as part of the restoration plan. Furthermore, the documents above state specifically that there will be no active dewatering or discharges of water andrestoration will be achieved using purely site-won material (ie no landfill).

 

On this basis, and from consideration of the additional information provided in the revised Hydrogeological Impact Assessment (Hafren Water, February 2023) which addresses our previous concerns, we remove our objection subject to inclusion of the conditions detailed below in any permission granted.

 

Whilst the information and assessment provided in the Hydrogeological Impact Assessment (HIA) suggest the proposed minerals development will not lead to significant impacts on controlled waters, due tothe inherent nature of ground

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investigation and heterogeneity of the local geology, uncertainties remain in the conceptual site model that could lead to unforeseen impacts. In line with recommendations in the HIA, monitoring of groundwater levels will demonstrate that impacts are as expected and provide information to assess and, if necessary, mitigate any unforeseen impacts.

 

The site is to be worked dry with no active de-watering or excavation below the water  table  without  the  written  consent  of  the  local  planning  authority.

 

Reason

To ensure that the proposed minerals development does not harm groundwater resources and dependent surface waters in line with paragraph 174 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

There shall be no import of material to the site for use in restoration without the written consent of the local planning authority.

 

Reason

To ensure that the proposed minerals development does not harm groundwater resources and dependent surface waters in line with paragraph 174 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

The development hereby permitted may not commence until such time as a scheme for monitoring groundwater levels has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the local planning authority.

 

The scheme shall include the following:

• Plan of the monitoring locations

• Borehole logs

• Frequency of monitoring

• Duration of monitoring

• Arrangements for periodic review of the data and assessment of impacts on controlled waters receptors

• Details of mechanism to address any unforeseen impacts

• Programme for maintenance of the monitoring network

The scheme shall be fully implemented and subsequently maintained, in accordance with thearrangements embodied within the scheme, or any details as may subsequently be agreed, inwriting, by the local planning authority.

 

Reason

To ensure that the proposed development, including mineral extraction, does not harm the water environment in line with paragraph 174 of the National Planning Policy Framework.