We are writing on behalf of mineral operator Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd. in relation to site MIN 64 and in response to the consultation on the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review "Initial Consultation" in summer 2018.

The Council has come to the initial conclusion that the site is considered to be suitable for allocation and Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd. strongly supports the Council's conclusion that site MIN 64 is suitable for development. The site offers a number of benefits in terms of its locational aspects, including:
* Being extremely well-related to the transport network and able to use the existing quarry access onto the B1354;
* Being located close to the major growth area, the Norwich Growth Triangle, as well as the market towns of Aylsham and North Walsham where further housing and employment growth is allocated;
* Being remote from any international, national or local biodiversity designations;
* Not jeopardising any of the best and most versatile agricultural lands;
* Being relatively far from sensate residential receptors, limiting any amenity impacts;
* Being outside of any landscape designations; and
* Its location outside of any flood risk zones and able to be worked dry above the water table.

In line with the Council's recommendations resulting from the Site Assessment of MIN 64, the Company can confirm that it will, when submitting a planning application for minerals development on this site, provide:
* a detailed screening scheme which will include mitigation of views from nearby properties, and surrounding roads;
* noise and dust assessments and a programme of mitigation measures to deal appropriately with any amenity impacts;
* a Heritage Statement to identify heritage assets and their settings, which will assess the potential for impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures (if needed);
* a proportionate archaeological assessment in consultation with Norfolk County Council, to determine whether any mitigation measures are needed;
* a hydrogeological assessment to inform the maximum depth of working above the water table; and
* a detailed restoration scheme, which will include any opportunities identified during working for geodiversity assets to be studied and an open face to be included for future scientific study and arable land with margins to allow for long-term screening and biodiversity gains.

Site MIN 64 appears to be fully compliant with national planning policy as well as the policies proposed in the Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review: Initial Consultation, as well as the recently revised National Planning Policy Framework (July 2018). On this basis and with consideration for the above, the Company encourages the Council to allocate the site for minerals development within the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.