Dewatering pipeline and outfall at Ballidon Quarry Ballidon

The site and surroundings

The route crosses an unnamed road and agricultural fields to the brook, near protected groundwater, flood-risk land, heritage assets and a wildlife site.

“The route of the pipeline will run from the settlement lagoons on the quarry floor along the unnamed road that connects Ballidon village to the Parwich Road. It will then continue to travel south through a series of agricultural fields until it reaches the Bletch Brook. The area surrounding the site is generally undeveloped agricultural land, with gradually undulating topography.”

“The portion of the route closest to the Quarry and to Ballidon village is located within an Inner Zone Environment Agency Source Protection Zone, which is a designation designed to protect groundwater sources from contamination. A portion of the last field the pipeline is proposed to travel through is in Flood Zone 3, which is the highest risk level for flood events.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Specialist consultees generally raised no objection, while recommended controls covered highways, drainage, biodiversity, archaeology and construction impacts.

“Derbyshire County Council Lead Local Flood Authority – No objection in principle. Conditions recommended to be included with a consent are: No development to take place until a detailed design and associated management and maintenance plan of the surface water drainage for the site is submitted and approved; No development to take place until a detailed assessment to demonstrate that the proposed destination for surface water accords with the drainage hierarchy set out…”

“The LLFA also provided comments in response to concerns raised by members of the public for the safety and conservation of Listed Buildings downstream of the proposed outfall. The LLFA agreed with the conclusion of the Hydrological Assessment provided by the applicant that the velocity of the watercourse would not be increased as a result of the proposals and so therefore there will not be an enhanced risk of river bank erosion.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Parish councils, residents and fishing organisations objected over flooding, water quality, ecology, erosion, heritage, highways, tourism and the ford.

“Water quality. Concern is raised that water discharged from the quarry will be contaminated and will have a detrimental impact on river habitats and the Bradbourne Meadows Mill SSSI.”

“Representations were also received from Fish Legal and Leek and District Fly Fishing Association. Both organisations object to the proposed development, citing the harmful impact that contaminated water and increased water flows could have on ecological receptors downstream of the proposed. Key species including Wild Brown Trout, Grayling, Otters, Water Voles and White Clawed Crayfish are listed as being at threat as a result of the proposals.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Minerals Planner presented the proposal, followed by four objectors, an objector representing a fishing association and the applicant.

What members discussed

Members considered specialist flood and water-quality advice, monitoring, enforcement and flow-rate data before discussing predicted brook capacity and increases.

“The specialist advice had been received by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) which is Derbyshire County Council and also the Environment Agency (EA). • Objections raised regarding flood risk had been relayed to the LLFA and assessed and considered by them. • The proposed monitoring and mitigation schemes have also been seen, assessed and considered by the LLFA.”

“The Minerals Planner, using data from the applicants consultants hydrological impact assessment, explained the medium flow rates in the brook and the predicted increase in capacity.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members approved the application with a Section 106 agreement and an additional requirement for downstream real-time water-level monitoring and data loggers.

“A motion to approve the application, with the extra condition regarding the requirement for additional down stream real time water level monitoring to be agreed and implemented was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

“Minerals Planner to agree additional down stream water level monitoring ovation and subsequent installation and operation of additional data loggers.”

Minutes