Tubney Woods Preservation Group And Oxfordshire County Council Friday 16th April 

(The case officer for Tubney Woods Quarry is James Irvine who can be contacted on 01865 816526 and james.irvine@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Notes of a meeting that took place between James Irvine and Graham Rose (chairman of the Tubney Wood Preservation Group) at Speedwell Street Offices of OCC.

NB: This note follows the items as described in the email of 12 April 2010 by Graham Rose.

1. Current dates of the end of sand extraction and whether there have been any formal approaches to extend the dates.
2. Current dates of the restoration programme and what the current status of restoration is.
3. Confirmation on the ground levels of restoration
4. Confirmation of the varieties of wood to be planted
5. Views on what footpaths there will be in the area following the restoration
6. Confirmation of the restoration management and the timetable for this management.
7. Responsibilities for the restoration programme – the roles of Hills/ Magdalen (or agent Savills)

Item 1 - End Dates

• Mineral extraction - 31/12/2011
• Landfill operations - 31/01/2012
• Site restoration - 31/12/2012
• After care (5 years) - 31/12/2017
• Long term management (20 years secured by legal agreement) -31/12/2037

No approaches have been made to the County Council to extend the working life of the quarry. At the quarry liaison meeting in January 2010, it was noted that production has reduced due to economic pressures, but it is not yet possible to say whether this will affect the life of the quarry.

Item 2 – Restoration

Restoration is to be undertaken in a progressive manner (i.e., with extraction). The Western block is now fully restored and topsoil is being spread. Infill is progressing within the second extension area moving eastwards.

All landfill of inert materials must be completed by 31/01/2012 and final restoration materials (topsoil, planting etc) to be deposited by 31/12/2012.

Final approved restoration master plan attached for your records. Any deviation from this restoration scheme would require a new planning application.

The possibility of revising the scheme has been suggested by Hills for sometime but this has not come to fruition. It is now planned that restoration will proceed as approved.

Item 3 - Ground levels

Restored levels are to match those that existed prior to extraction, subject to some variations. They will tie in with surrounding ground levels. Please see attached plan.

Item 4 - Varieties of Woodland

As approved in the restoration scheme. Aftercare scheme (approved 11/2/2009) states:

• 60% Ash
• 40% Oak

This mix and species may be vary through further discussion during the aftercare programme and may be dependent on the nature of the soils that are imported to the site.

Item 5 – Footpaths

One foot path (Footpath 2), which runs from Tubney Manor Farm eastwards to the A420, is currently diverted around the eastern extension area. This is due to be reinstated in its original position by 31 December 2012.

Item 6 - Restoration Management

Restoration is to be managed by Hills and monitored by Oxfordshire County Council. Items 1 and 2 outline the timeframes for this.

Item 7 - Restoration Responsibility

Aftercare and long term management are the responsibility of Hills as the operator & Magdalen College as the landowner. Both are parties in the legal agreement covering long term management of the site. Regular meetings take place with Oxfordshire County Council during aftercare to determine that it is progressing in accordance with the approved scheme. At these meetings, minor modifications may be made due to the circumstances at the time.

Item 8 - Compliance Monitoring

The last compliance monitoring visit was carried out in July 2009 and the next compliance monitoring visit is due shortly.

James Irvine 16th April 2010.