Here we explore the ongoing issues at Oxcroft Screens.
What was planned to become a restoration project 10 years ago, continues to be questioned by our community – it has been a long battle to preserve this shrinking site.
An inciteful collection of extracts from the Planning and Environmental Statement (75 pages, documented Nov 2017), government issued permits to site various holders and an inventory of photographs taken before work started in 2018 through to current state of the site.
Here is the actual letter of representation from a Stanfree community group about the proposed infill project for Oxcroft Screens in 2017. It was submitted to the County Council on the application of planning.
“The planning proposal submitted has taken into consideration a number of apprehensions our community group have raised, so we appreciate the hard work and time taken by Harworth Estates (CW) to engage and cooperate with our community group and other interested parties. Over the last couple of years, we have spent hours undertaking desktop studies and site visits in order to gain knowledge of the site and weigh up the effects and benefits of planned work.
The initial response to infill with inert wastes, with obvious concern is becoming more bearable as a foundation strategy to enhance the site for public use with a view of becoming a Nature and Recreational venue. We understand the infill phase as a business opportunity for the landowner and in turn, will play a major role in site accessibly and enhancement. Furthermore, this will lead to future outdoor and eco-tourism, linking other sites to the master plan such as cycle and public footpaths.
Whilst it is damaging to the site that we are losing semi mature trees and associated vegetation on the flanks of the proposed infill area; we are in agreement with the landowner to protect the higher parts of the screens and mixed wooded field opposite. We have an interest and duty to the site for butterfly, invertebrate, bird and mammal preservation. We pride the site for having such qualities. The niche and untouched ecosystem (the last of the virgin tip sites) on the higher terrain provides an outstanding area of biodiversity, it therefore opens unique research opportunities to interested parties such as Derby University.
In respect to the post infill trees, we profoundly approve that UK grown Oak, Mountain ash, Hawthorn and native species take priority as part of the replanting scheme towards the next stage as indicated.
The proposed timing to avoid sensitive periods such as breeding and resting seasons is welcomed, particularly that rarer species are included in the Screens habitat inventory. Our concerns with regards the flanks is that the infilling will directly impact wildlife inhabiting the slopes. It is noted that these mammals (field voles) or reptilians that have no means of escape, so could I ask if there is a mitigation plan or the potential to capture and release individuals. The ethical responsibility to me personally is do we bury these creatures, or can we do something practical about it? Can steps be taken to avoid loss of species?
One other aspect that has come under attention is the historic chalybeate or Shuttlewood Spa (1800s) which lies underneath the Screens site (SK 469 742). We believe that the proposed works should not impact on its location, perhaps at some stage, it may be of interest to secure some physical archaeological data on the ruins? This would make another excellent value to the site if tangible evidence were to be uncovered during works.
The visual effects share no parallel with generation of dust and other health impacting factors. Initial PM10 records may illustrate good air quality currently, however, the monitoring of air quality (emissions and particulate) and olfactory assessment should be carried out by external parties to ensure levels are checked and maintained throughout the 2-year process. Particularly in the case where aspects of the site have caused prior concerns, for example the unknown orange coloured heap deposited circa 2010.
Traffic congestion (HGV use) and noise may also be a concern raised by the community. So similarly, it is important that the wider public are aware of the proposed developments – now there is a clear vision, it might be a good idea to open a public meeting to engage the community once more, also make them aware with regards site access during the 2 years as quite a few people use the site for recreationally such as dog walking”.
More in Part 2. Click here to view.
Stanfree Valley Preservation Group 