A reply from Norfolk County Council re restoration of lake areas:
"Concerning your recent enquiry, I would respond that:-
1. A large part of the older historical workings continued in accordance with an old planning permission given in 1947 (MW1), known as an 'Interim Development Order'. Subsequent legislation in 1991 (the Planning and Compensation Act), required these old permissions to be registered, or they ceased to have effect. The operating company failed to do this, rendering the old permission of 'no effect'. The advantage to the Council was that no further extraction was allowed in those areas, but the down side was that restoration was un-enforceable. Since that time however, the Council have considered any opportunity to provide for wider site restoration where this has been possible. The operating company are generally committed to providing for high standards of site restoration.
2. The sands in the area are rich in iron pyrite. On exposure to air it oxidises to produce sulphuric acid. The waters have a very high concentration of sulphate such that constant liming will not have a permanent effect, because the high sulphate values will eventually return the pH to the original low values. The areas adjacent to the old lake areas are colonised by acid loving grasses and associated plant life. I understand that swimming may be possible in such waters, but subject to all site notices and safety arrangements in place etc. The operating company do carry out regular water testing in the area, and are aware or the difficulties that stem from naturally low pH values in these waters.
I trust this information is of assistance."
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