Thank you for consulting DIO Safeguarding on the Norfolk Minerals and Waste preferred options consultation paper. This office previously commented on the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan in December 2018.

The sites identified as part of the Norfolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan occupy the statutory birdstrike safeguarding consultation zone surrounding RAF Marham. The MODs main concern regarding mineral schemes is the phased working, proposed restoration and aftercare of the site. As the creation of open water bodies in this area has the potential to increase birdstrike risk to aircraft operations.
The preferred options paper identifies sites deemed viable for sand and gravel extraction. Please note each planning application is assessed on their individual merits at present there is limited information for a full detailed assessment to be carried out. The MODs original representation dated the 10th December remains extant:

MIN 40 - Land East of Grandcourt Farm, East Winch
The MOD commented on this application and the proposed extension to Grandcourt Farm at planning stages. There is an existing BMP in place which includes the extension site. Therefore, the MOD stated no objection subject to the BMP being implemented as part of planning consent.

MIN 6 - Land East of Winch Road,Mill Drove Middleton
This site occupies the statutory birdstrike safeguarding consultation zone surrounding RAF Marham. The proposed restoration for this site is low level heathland. The MOD has no safeguarding objection to this site being used subject to dry restoration.

SIL 01 Land at Mintlyn South, Bawsey
This site is approximately 12.4km north by north west from RAF Marham, any proposed water bodies would need to be designed to the following principles:
* No islands- as they provide safe predator free environment for roosting and nesting birds
* The bank margins are planted with dense goose proof barrier of emergent vegetation (common reed) or fenced to prevent easy access between open water and nearby short grass areas.
* A BHMP to remove or treat any feral goose nests and eggs to prevent feral geese successfully breeding on site
The above is based on the information available at present.

AOS E Land north of Shouldham
The sites use is already constrained by Historic England. Therefore, the land to the south, east and west of AOS E is being identified for mineral extraction.
The area of search is approximately 6km west from the centre of the main runway at RAF Marham. It is difficult to determine the risk of wet restoration in this location without any plans illustrating the extent and design of open water bodies.
The MOD have safeguarding concerns to the wet working and restoration of this site due to its potential to attract and support hazardous waterfowl closer within critical airspace. Therefore, further information would be required before a definitive response can be made.

AOS J Land east of Tottenhill
In line with my comments above wet working and restoration at this location would have the potential to attract and support hazardous waterfowl. The MOD is unable to determine the extent of our concerns without knowing the restoration scheme.

AOS F Land to the North of Stow Bardolph
In line with my comments above wet working and restoration at this location would have the potential to attract and support hazardous waterfowl. The MOD is unable to determine the extent of our concerns without knowing the restoration scheme.

AOS I Land to the East of South Runcton
In line with my comments above wet working and restoration at this location would have the potential to attract and support hazardous waterfowl. The MOD is unable to determine the extent of our concerns without knowing the restoration scheme.

The MOD note site SIL 02 Land at Shouldham and Marham has been deemed to be an unviable site option. This site is approximately 4.8km north west from RAF Marham. The proposed extraction is a considerable area which is planned to be restored with large areas of open water.

A development of this nature in such proximity to the aerodrome is of great concern to aircraft safety.

Even if the site were to be reduced in scale this would be of serious concern to the MOD. Therefore, we support the removal of this site based on current restoration plans.

In summary, MIN 40 and MIN 6 the MOD has no safeguarding concerns subject to the implementation of a robust Bird Hazard Management Plan approved by the MOD as part of any planning permission granted.

With regards to SIL 01 at present this site is of concern to the MOD. However, due to its location depending on the nature and scale of the restoration should be manageable with the right restoration and a BHMP in place.

AOS E, F, J and I the MOD has concerns and would require further information to determine whether the sites could be managed with design principles and a BMP. This is supported by policy NP13 'if a planning application were to be submitted for these sites the applicant must submit a bird hazard management plan and bird hazard assessment.'

I trust this is clear however should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.