Response to issues and options consultation

As the member for the Collingham Division I believe the primary issues to be as outlined below which I present in response to the questions posed in the consultation documentation provided:
1.The inclusion of issues relating to extraordinary traffic congestion in the area of the Collingham Division should be included because the A17 / A46 / A1, A1133 and A614 all converge in the Division. Of the quarries identified - Coddington sits on the A17 and Flash Farm on the A614; both these quarries if developed would generate significant, additional traffic congestion in an area which already suffers considerable congestion issues. Until these issues are resolved these two quarries should not be considered for development. Additionally, congestion in the area is already impacting the economy of Newark on Trent.
2.The 'Our Vision' section of the consultation document does not demonstrate sufficiently that you have considered use of minerals in house building, roads and infrastructure in the future. Much research and innovation investment is being directed towards the development of environmentally friendly materials and materials which enable the development of homes in shorter timeframes and are less likely to be traditional minerals. It does not appear that this has been considered in the vision or future forecasts.
3.In respect of the Strategic Issues identified I suggest that consideration be given to the priority of the issues as presented. I believe that the most important issue for consideration is how we minimise impact upon communities and the second most important issue is the biodiversity led restoration of worked out quarries. In my Division we already have significant flooding issues which impact upon the villages bordering the River Trent and River Fleet. Additionally, I recommend we consider involving Academic Institutions and their students in developing innovative ideas and options for the restoration of worked out quarries which does not involve water and provides much needed flood relief.
4.See comments above in response to Question 2.
5.See comments above in response to Question 2.
6.It makes sense to extend existing permitted quarries which should be prioritised over new greenfield quarries providing that consideration is given to communities surrounding the sites and any impacts that these extensions might have e.g. traffic related issues in areas of changing traffic/congestion circumstances.
7.See comment above in response to Question 6.
8.9. and 10. Where possible it makes sense to remove transportation of minerals from road placing them on river barges. However, a full evaluation in collaboration with Operators will be required.