Tubney Woods Liaison Committee

Minutes of Meeting Held on 26th January 2010 at Appleton Village Hall

Present:-

Adrian Carey (AC) Resident: Mick Chivers (MC) Hills Quarry Products Ltd: Will Cumber (WC) Marcham PC :Robert Ford (RF) Resident/Tubney Wood Preservation Grpup: James Irvine (JI) [from 4:30 ] Oxfordshire CC: Alan Mackenzie (AMcK) Hills Quarry Products Ltd: Margaret Reading (MR) Appleton with Eaton PC: Claire Salmon (CS) Appleton with Eaton PC and John Watts (JW) Fyfield & Tubney PC

1 Apologies:- Douglas Mackellar Savills John Salmon Land & Mineral Management Ltd

With the initial absence of Oxfordshire CC, who traditionally have chaired the meetings, AMcK lead the proceedings with an update of the quarry workings. JW took the minutes.

2 Matters Arising

The Minutes of the last meeting were confirmed.

3 Quarry and Restoration Update AMcK gave the current situation.

i) Present extraction area is from the Eastern block of the 3rd extension.

ii) Infilling is progressing within the 2nd extension area - working in an easterly direction away from the western block.

iii) In the original quarry, the corner bounding the A420 and Besselsleigh School, has been restored with planting due to commence February/March 2010.

iv) Western block (part of the 2nd extension) - extraction and backfilling completed - topsoil currently being spread as conditions permit.

v) Footpath 2 had been diverted.

vi) JW queried the item from the minutes of May 2008 minutes that had stated:- “The permitted restoration scheme is for woodland, farmland and an arable weed strip but it is considered that the restoration scheme can be considerably improved. AMck/JS will consult with the landowner (through DMcK) and the County Council and will prepare a new restoration plan for circulation and for discussion at the next meeting.” This had not happened and the plan currently is for the restoration to proceed as per the planning consent.

vii) Completion dates are:-

31st December 2011 - for all quarrying, recycling and infilling and

31st December 2012 - all restoration.

However AMcK thought it possible that, with the considerable downturn in the economy which has severely depressed the construction and building markets for sand and subsequent infilling, he may be forced to seek a further extension of time for completion. Normal planning procedures would have to be followed, but AMcK would not be in a position to confirm the need until the spring of next year (2011). He hoped (as did everyone else) that he would not have to seek the extension, but would in any event call for another liaison meeting before formally making a further application.

4 Landscaping and Tree Planting

Some 1,800 - 2,000 trees were due to be planted within the next few weeks in the first restored area.

5 Other Planning Matters

The transfer of plant and resources to Upwood Park is still planned and the initial setting up of offices and topsoil strip will overlap with the completion of Tubney Woods.

6 Any Other Business

AC enquired about the availability of landfill taxes for community projects. Such monies are available and a donation to the church has previously been made.

7 Date of Next Meeting

January/February 2011 or earlier if extension of time is thought to be needed.