We can only source sand from specific areas where it naturally occurs and are not constrained through environmental factors or existing built development. A significant reserve has been identified under the site.

This site has been nominated and is under consideration for allocation in the Oxfordshire Mineral & Waste Local Plan.

The life of Tubworth is estimated to be 18 years including preparation and restoration.

There will be no increase in local traffic as Tubworth Quarry will be replacing the existing sand quarry at Upwood. The A420 shall be widened by approximately 3m along a length of approximately 250m (including the relocation of a layby) to accommodate a ghost-island right-turn lane and a new site access shall be constructed.

The Government has set out specific guidance on noise associated with mineral extraction and restoration. This forms the basis for the noise assessment. The noise assessment builds a computer model of noise levels through the full operation from soil stripping, bund building, mineral extraction and restoration.

A site specific noise management plan will form part of the planning submission and operation of the quarry extension.

As with noise, the first step is to identify sensitive receptors. The approach to the assessment will be agreed with an Environmental Health officer at Oxfordshire Council before commencing. As well as properties, the assessment also includes ecologically important sites.

Dust from all aspects of the operations on site is considered. Mitigation measures are helped by the the naturally damp nature of a sand quarry. The assessment concludes that, with measures in place, dust can be adequately controlled. A site-specific dust management plan (DMP) will form part of the application.

The assessment has looked at groundwater, surface water and the potential for flooding both during and after the operational life of the extension site.  Information on groundwater from boreholes around the site has been collated and the presence of other mineral working in the area considered. The site lies outside identified flood zones.

Most of the site currently comprises arable fields, which offer limited opportunity for diverse habitats. The restoration proposed will introduce a wide range of new habitats giving a substantial gain to the wider environment. Extensive fieldwork has been ongoing, looking at the land in terms of both flora and fauna, and an arboriculture survey has been carried out. Working practices are designed to avoid impacts to wildlife e.g. soil stripping or removal of vegetation at appropriate times of the year. Site restoration will improve the diversity of habitats and ecological monitoring will form part of the post restoration work ensuring habitats are managed appropriately.

Substantial background information has been collected with reviews of existing information sources, geophysical investigations and extensive field evaluation work.
The assessment work identifies there is potential for a range of finds but nothing has been identified that is considered significant enough prevent mineral extraction.
Archaeology associated with mineral extraction has provided considerable insight into the archaeological history of the UK and this land has the same potential. The exact measures will be agreed with the County Archaeologist but it is expected that an archaeologist will be on site as soil stripping takes place in areas identified as being of specific interest and should anything of significance be found, further investigation undertaken.

Restoration has been considered at length within the constraints of the materials that will be available after mineral extraction, the level of groundwater within the site and the interests of the landowner when the land is returned post extraction.

The majority of the site will be returned to agricultural production through infilling the extracted void using inert waste. This consists of clean, uncontaminated surplus soils from other developments that require removal. This is required due to the high groundwater levels beneath the site meaning, without infill, the site would be left as a single large waterbody.

Additionally, the habitats that will be created, include:

• Pond with marginal reeds and planting;
• Species rich grassland;
• Central Riparian corridor
• Scrub and woodland planting (to be undertaken upon commencement)
• 980m of new species rich hedgerow (and tree) planting and 350m of hedgerow improvements.

Hills HGVs and mobile plant, including loading shovels and excavators, operate to the latest Euro 6 European standards in terms of emissions. Use of specialist vehicle management software for real-time tracking of vehicles will reduce wasted journeys and ensure efficient routing for HGVs. Green energy is being considered as an alternative energy source for the plant site and offices.