Stoney Mountain Quarry Proposals

Section 5 Proposals For Continued Operation Of Stoney Mountain Quarry Including Preparation Of A Masterplan

5.1 Continued operation of quarry for a further 5 years

The Department of Transport wish to continue operating Stoney Mountain Quarry within the existing boundaries, in order to meet the Island's resource requirements, for a further 5 years.

No changes to the current planning conditions are requested. Within the current boundaries an Operational Plan has been developed which identifies the uses of certain areas within the site for the next 5 years. The areas include:-

• Area of extraction
• Working Area
• Office and weighbridge area
• Previous placement of overburden to form screening bunds
• Area for the placement of overburden
• Wildlife areas

Commitments have been given to DAFF to survey and erect a fence to delineate the proposed wildlife area to the south of the operational area of the quarry. An area has been identified for placement of overburden. Within this area existing trees, especially those which shield the quarry from visual intrusion, will be maintained. It is further proposed that all overburden areas when optimum levels are reached, i.e. no higher than surrounding bunds, will be left in a condition suitable to the development of a heathland habitat.

Any existing substantial ledges on that part of the quarry face which has reached its current limit will be covered with overburden in order to soften the current impact of the quarry from the distance.

The long term visual impact and mitigation will be considered in the long-term Masterplan when the direction of future workings has been ascertained.

5.2 Preparation of a long term Masterplan

Manx National Heritage have advised that a long-term Masterplan should be developed if pressure requires the extension of the quarry outside the existing boundaries.

Current UK guidelines for the management and operation of quarries requires the creation of a Masterplan for development and after use of the whole quarry site, including consideration of placement and use of

overburden, which under the conditions of the previous planning approval, must not leave the site.

Such a plan should include provision for wildlife conservation and restoration, and take account of protected species which may be present in the area.

Proposals to soften the long term impact of the quarry in the landscape, would be included, although there may be a case for preserving some faces for the geological interest and for wildlife habitats.

Within the next 5 years the Department will undertake the following studies and prepare a Masterplan for the longterm operation of Stone y Mountain quarry in order that it will be prepared to meet its own obligations in respect of highways, harbours and drainage requirements and the Island's future needs for the construction industry, in an environmentally acceptable way.

Within the next 5 years the Department of Transport will :-

1. Undertake a geological survey including bore holes, within the quarry site and in the adjacent area in order to identify where the best resources lie for the future.
2. Consult with DAFF, Manx National Heritage, Malew Parish Commissioners, Manx Wildlife Trust and other relevant stakeholders regarding proposals for the long term operation and management of the quarry.
3. Undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed quarrying area.
4. Propose ways to minimise the visual impact of the quarry on the wider community.
5. Consider the restoration, after use and after care of the quarry.
6. Prepare a planning submission for the long-term operation of the quarry.