NEW BENEFITS
In response to feedback received during consultation on the planning application, we have amended our proposal to maximise benefits to the surrounding area and minimise disruption during the extraction phases. The main drivers for this are:
Further reduce the potential for dust, noise, and visual amenity associated with extraction and processing activities on the surrounding area, including the closest residential properties, by providing more robust, clear, and detailed management and mitigation measures to control any potential impacts; and
Minimise impacts on the Sutton and Lound Gravel Pits SSSI, including avoidance of direct impacts, and to seek further improvements to the proposed restoration scheme to deliver greater benefits. Importantly, the small area of embankment with the SSSI designation that sits within the RCEP Site will be permanently retained, avoiding any direct impacts on the SSSI.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
There would be around 20-30 new jobs on the RCEP site itself as well as an estimated 60 further jobs associated with the local supply chain, including local hauliers, contractors, and manufacturers.
The large number of jobs has been confirmed by letters of support from local businesses, including a local haulage company representative who mentioned that 45 jobs could be created and a local conveyor belt manufacturer who mentioned that up to 12 new jobs could be created; both businesses are located within two miles of the RCEP Site.
In response to individuals and businesses local to the RCEP Site expressing an interest in servicing all aspects of the RCEP, we are proposing a ‘jobs for local people’ initiative that would seek to fill apprenticeships and full-time jobs through local workers.
We are also setting up a community benefit fund which could be shared between local parish councils to put towards environmental and educational purposes in response to feedback received from residents and parish councils.
To register you interest for jobs and opportunities as part of the project, please email us here info@retfordcep.co.uk
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We are working with local universities, including The University of Nottingham, The University of Bradford and The University of York. Professors from these universities have submitted letters of support for the project.
Supporting the sustainable growth and diversity of mineral extraction in Nottinghamshire by maximising the use of its secondary mineral resource, which is supported by local planning policy.
Providing a significant long-term supply of PFA, a mineral resource of national importance that is recognised as such by the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework. The RCEP alone could provide a substantial contribution to UK supply.
Making a positive contribution towards the decarbonisation of the cement and concrete industry in the East Midlands and nationally to aid the transition to a low carbon economy.
An investment of £30 million into the local area and beyond.
Construction and operational workers/employees are likely to spend a proportion of their salaries in local shops, hospitality venues (including public houses) and on local accommodation. We have received very positive feedback from local hotels, who are very supportive of the increase business this could provide.
100 new jobs, Community benefit fund, £30 million investment, boost to local economy
RESTORATION SCHEME
Following comments received from the local community and a workshop attended by key stakeholders, including NCC and the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, we have made very positive changes that follow these design principles:
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Greater emphasis on biodiversity with more wet grassland and reedbeds, and a reduction in pasture.
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The complete retention of the SSSI embankment located within the RCEP Site.
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The provision of increased public access and links to the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, through the addition of new permissive byways and footpaths through the site, and proposals for a bird watching hide.
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No importation of dedicated fill material from off-site.
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Progressive restoration and landscape management.
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The minimisation of vehicle movements over the restored landscape through use of covered conveyors.
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The replacement of large open water bodies with more shallows and clusters of ponds to encourage amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, using on site restoration materials to raise levels.
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Fewer but larger woodland blocks to maximise and improve woodland habitats.
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A commitment to manage the land for 30 years after restoration is complete.
The improved restoration scheme includes reinstatement of some of the existing farming activities, such as grazing parts of the land to provide for habitat management, rather than using machines. Wet grassland, for example, depends on grazing management to ensure it is of the highest value.
The revised scheme includes the key changes listed below, all of which significantly increase the value of the restored land for biodiversity:
Reduced areas of open standing water at the eastern end of the RCEP Site, with more scalloped edges and shallower depths;
Reduced areas of native tree planting in the western edge of the RCEP Site and increased woodland / scrub planting along the southern edge;
Increased and broader areas of wet grassland, and reduced areas of pasture;
Scrapes included amongst the wet grassland that would be beneficial to amphibians, insects and other invertebrates;
Areas of wet scrub along the southern edge of the RCEP Site; and
Increased areas of species rich grassland at the western end of the Site.
Indicative section plan (click here to open and download).
Restoration layout (click here to open and download).
SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN
As well as providing more locally valued habitats, and increased public access, a considerable improvement in Biodiversity Net Gain has been achieved, with the draft Biodiversity Plan indicating an achievable gain of over 40%. This is significantly in excess of the mandatory 10%.
The 30-year aftercare period would include formation of a steering group, made up of Hive, the landowner, project ecologists, restoration contractor, Nottinghamshire County Council and others.
The adjacent Idle Valley Nature Reserve, including the SSSI, was largely created because of mineral extraction. This serves as a real example to demonstrate what can be achieved.