FAQ_p0010

But I thought Norfolk had a minerals plan? They do. And this site is not identified in the plan. On that basis there is no justification for the Ditchingham application to proceed. That said, ENRAGED encourage all objectors to enquire of NCC why the are not resisting this application at its earliest stage. Indeed we would encourage objectors to enquire of NCC why have they allowed the application to proceed beyond the scoping opinion stage?

Ans_e0010

What is the planning process? How long does it take? The planning process is quite complex. Other pages on this web site will provide more detail. Click here for link. But in summary the key points are highlighted below.

The Planning Framework:

The Planning Application

• Lafarge has to file an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with the planning application. The EIA & application has to be advertised in the press. It is available in hard copy to the public (at a cost to cover printing or possibly free on the Internet).

• The planning application will then be considered 12 weeks following it being filed.

• If the application is approved the only remedy lies in judicial review by an application to the high court.

• If the application is refused then the applicants have right of appeal to the Secretary of State. If such an appeal is filed then public enquiry is convened at which all interested parties have a right of hearing.

• If the application is granted it would be granted subject to conditions. These would include notice designed to alleviate the impact to the environment, highways etc. They would also deal with the restoration of the site following extraction. If the conditions imposed were too onerous then it is possible that might make the site economically unviable as far as Lafarge are concerned. So far as the enforceability of such conditions are concerned this is a problem for local residents.

FAQ_p0030

Is the Estate permitted to use agricultural land for industrial purposes? Not without planning permission. We understand that the land is designated as best and most versatile for agriculture. The restored contours will prevent much of the land being returned to agricultural use. That apart, the proposed activity is totally alien in a rural setting and will clearly result in dust, noise and light pollution. These are issues the planners will have to consider.

Even if Lafarge were permitted to develop the site in accordance with their intentions (however configured) enforcement of planning conditions would be difficult. Should however Lafarge be successful in their application. ENRAGED will themselves monitor noise and dust levels, and would ensure that working hours conditions are maintained and that vehicular traffic is fully compliant (for example, wheel and road washing, noise & exhaust emissions). There are significant penalties for continued abuse of planning conditions.

Ans_e0030

FAQ_p0040

We don’t understand why Lafarge want to build a ReadyMix concrete plant? The inclusion of a ReadyMix concrete plant is considered an integral part of any modern sand and gravel quarry complex. Indeed the inclusion of such a plant significantly contributes to the sites economic viability. Hence, that Lafarge now identifies that it no longer wishes to promote this aspect of the scheme makes no economic sense and is real grounds for concern.

Even if the Readymix plant is not included in the initial application there is every likelihood that it could be reintroduced at a later stage once gravel extraction has commenced. Gravel operators are renowned for requesting ‘enhancements’ to schemes after initial commencement.

Ans_e0040

FAQ_p0050

But what about infill? The importing of inert landfill was an integral part of Lafarge’s initial proposal and was required to restore landform. That the landform will not be restored (to the extent of 1.25m tonnes of extracted material) means that the resulting contours will be steeper and less in keeping with the profile of the natural rolling countryside. The inclusion of landfill significantly contributes to the sites economic viability. Hence, that Lafarge now identifies that it no longer wishes to promote this aspect of the scheme makes no economic sense and is real grounds for concern.

Even if the importing of infill plant is not included in the initial application there is every likelihood that it could be reintroduced at a later stage once gravel extraction has commenced. Gravel operators are renowned for requesting ‘enhancements’ to schemes after initial commencement.

Ans_e0050

FAQ_p0060

But Lafarge indicated at the exhibition in Bungay that they were sure of success? Don't believe it! The exhibition in Bungay was largely a PR exercise. It was generic in content and included few specific details about Ditchingham. Lafarge omitted to inform the public that they had signed an option agreement with the Ditchingham Estate in February 2001 that identified 4 areas for mineral extraction. This is wholly disingenuous. While Lafarge included some ‘posters’ that mapped out the planning process, the facts are that this process exists to protect us… provided we understand it, and use it to our advantage. ENRAGED has commissioned a number of professional expert advisors to counter the application made by Lafarge. However we must first wait for the application to be lodged!

Don’t assume that a multinational organisation will succeed. We already have the full support of our MP, our County and District Councillors, and that of the Parish Council and other lobby groups. But most of all we need your support.

Ans_e0060

FAQ_p0070

How can I help get this scheme rejected. You can write to the various consultees. Other pages on this web site will provide more detail. But in summary, writing letters of objection will help reinforce the understanding of the enormous groundswell of objection that there is to this scheme. Your letter will be important! But until the application is submitted it will probably be best to limit enquiries to understanding policy and process, rather than objection! By registering with us we will be able to inform you when the application is lodged.

In order to ensure this application is refused, communications and dialogue is necessary with our elected representatives:

• Parish Council

• District Council

• County Council

• and lobbying your MP helps.

And other Statutory Consultees (these include conservation bodies etc.)

Ans_e0070

But the Minerals Plan is so thick!  Can you tell me what the policies relevant to Ditchingham are? We recognise that this is a large complex document. To assist our supporters we have extracted the relevant policies with regard to the Ditchingham scheme. Click here.

FAQ_t0010

What will the additional traffic mean? The B1332 is already a busy road. It is also a road that has a high accident rate, however many of these accidents are damage only and are not recorded as part of the official statistic. There are some 3600 vehicle movements daily in each direction of which around 15% are Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs). Although only a B road it is designated by Norfolk County Council as a primary distributor route, therefore NCC will argue that as such the road is of a standard that can carry the volumes and types of traffic anticipated. That said, NCC also acknowledge that the road is not of an adequate geometric standard. Depending on the scope and operational life of the proposed scheme the number of HCV movements will increase by anything from 10% - 25%.

Ans_t0010

FAQ_t0020

How much additional traffic can we expect? This is difficult to predict as it is based on a number of factors. For example, we know that the scoping opinion that Lafarge filed with NCC identified importing inert landfill and a ReadyMix concrete plant. As such these activities would increase the level of traffic over and above that required for the exporting of aggregate from the site. Lets do some simple arithmetic. The quarry plans assume 1.25m tonnes of aggregate extracted over a period of around 10 years. We also know that the the industry assumes 18 tonnes of extracted per lorry.

The industry use vehicle movements as a measure of traffic volumes. A roundtrip for a aggregate lorry would equate to 2 vehicle movements. Roughly translated, based on an extraction rate of 125’000 tonnes per annum, with equivalent transport for inert landfill, this might equate to some 90 additional operational vehicle movements per day. More if Readymix was part of the scheme. Such additional movements would increase the current levels of movement of HCVs (Heavy Commercial Vehicles) in excess of some 20%. To this it would be necessary to add movements for staff vehicles, say 40 per day and for 'off-site' sales (eg small builders with trailers). Assume also 40 per day.

These estimates would of course require profiling for peak periods, etc. They also vary according to the 'shape' of the current scheme configuration (or for that matter, how it might be revised in the future!)

Ans_t0020

FAQ_t0030

How big will the lorries be? They could be 'any' size, but the industry assumes 18 tonne loads of unprocessed aggregate as an average. ReadyMix concrete lorries typically transport 6.5m³ . That's about 12 tonnes of aggregate. Typically most lorries on the road are about 2.5m- 2.6m  (8' 3"- 8' 6") wide (excluding wing mirrors). We can expect Lafarge branded aggregate lorries to be better maintained, but there will also be 3rd party operators whose vehicles are less well maintained. Lorries importing any inert landfill will typically be heavier, more noisy, and likely less well maintained.

Ans_t0030

FAQ_t0040

What direction will the traffic travel? We don't know! Lafarge couldn't tell us. At the exhibition it seemed like that we got different answers from different consultants!  However the truth is the lorries will travel to and from the source of consumption (aggregate or Readymix) or supply (inert landfill). The facts are that at any time, all, or some, of the traffic could travel south towards Chicken Roundabout and on to the A143, or north down the B1332 towards Norwich and potentially on to the A47. We just don't know.

Ans_t0040

FAQ_t0050

How will the site entrance impact traffic on the B1332? The current plans identify ripping out the existing hedgerow opposite the gates to Ditchingham Hall (see the new planting behind the existing hedge) to improve the site lines for the entrance to the site. It is possible that this will also include a ghost island (3^rd lane) for right turning traffic and street lighting. While this will make for a good access to the site it will have the disadvantage of encouraging more overtaking thereby delivering faster moving traffic into the Belsey Bridge bends and into Hedenham.

Ans_t0050

FAQ_e0010

FAQ_e0020

FAQ_a0010

FAQ_a0020

FAQ_c0010

FAQ_c0020

FAQ_h0010

What evidence is there that gravel pits impact health? Dust created from mineral extraction or that carried along the road may effect health conditions such as asthma.

FAQ_j0010

FAQ_j0020

FAQ_v0010

FAQ_v0020

FAQ_o0010

What will the operational hours of the site be? It is usual for working hours to be 07:00 through 17:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday morning 07:00 through 13:00. 

FAQ_o0020

Will the site allow small builders to collect gravel? Yes.

FAQ_o0030

What operational activities will be conducted on the the site? We don't really know. Lafarge has not published any hard plans. Lafarge originally indicated that they wished to import inert landfill (to make good the land profile) and for a ReadyMix concrete batching plant. There will also be a stone crushing plant. Subsequent to Lafarge's  original scoping indication and the public exhibition in Bungay, Lafarge are now suggesting that the inert landfill and ReadyMix batching plant will no longer be 'promoted' as part of the scheme. (Readymix and inert landfill contribute to the economic viability of any modern gravel scheme). However there is significant evidence of initial scheme applications being revised. (ie By engineering a 'low-key' application initially and then revising the application to 'full' status subsequently...) perhaps after a big hole in the ground has been dug!

FAQ_o0040

How long will the quarry be operational? We don't know. Lafarge has provided no finite time indications. For example, if the extraction rates were reduced, or the extraction area increased, the likely duration of the workings, and hence potential impairment of amenity and associated nuisance would be prolonged.

Lafarge has indicated an extraction period of between 10 and 13 years… the enabling and reinstatement period also needs to be included. But this refers only to the site currently being promoted. If Lafarge were to exploit the other 3 sites currently identified in the option agreement it is likely the whole area would be a site of industrial activity for twice that time. Potentially 30 years! Alternatively Lafarge could accelerate the extraction rate, but that would increase the operational nuisance (traffic, noise, dust, loss of amenity etc).

How much land is impacted? The Ditchingham Estate has sold Lafarge an option on land both sides of Fen Lane. The Estate has also agreed with Lafarge 'first refusal' to exploit aggregate extraction on land by Ditchingham cemetery (almost opposite All Hallows convent). They have  also indicated that they wish to dig a pit (and to create a lake) in land behind Hedenham Hall. In other words, and in reality we are talking four sites, ie potentially a lot of land is impacted for likely some considerable time in the future.