Land at Doll Lane, Leyland Environmental Statement (Volume 1): Non-Technical Summary. October 2017

Transcription

1 Land at Doll Lane, Leyland Environmental Statement (Volume 1): Non-Technical Summary October 2017

2 Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. EIA Process and Methodology 5 3. Summary of Environmental Effects 7 Contact Mark Worcester mark.worcester@turley.co.uk 31 October 2017

3 1. Introduction 1.1 This document is the non-technical summary [NTS] of the Environmental Statement [ES] which has been submitted as part of a hybrid planning application to redevelop the former Leyland Test Track site and adjoining land at its margins ( the Site ), situated in the Midge Hall / Moss Side area of Leyland for residential led mixed use purposes [the Proposed Development]. 1.2 The purpose of this NTS is to summarise the principal findings of the ES in a clear and concise manner and to assist the public in understanding what the environmental effects of the Proposed Development are likely to be. 1.3 The full ES provides a detailed description of the Proposed Development and the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] process. The Purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment 1.4 The Proposed Development is of a scale which falls within Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended) [the EIA Regulations]. Not all development within Schedule 2 requires the completion of EIA. The completion of EIA and production of an ES has, in this case, been undertaken on a voluntary basis. 1.5 The purpose of the ES is to assess the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the environment during the construction and operational phases. The assessment of operational phase effects considers what the effect fully completed development would have on various receptors. 1.6 It describes the baseline environmental conditions, the options for development which have been considered and discounted and the design of the Proposed Development. 1.7 Where it has not been possible to design the Proposed Development so as to avoid the occurrence of likely significant environmental effects, the ES describes the additional mitigation measures which have been identified and incorporated into the scheme. About the Applicant Barratt David Wilson Trading (BDW) 1.8 BDW Trading is part of Barratt Developments PLC, the UK s largest house builder, and has a track record of working with local communities to deliver high quality development which benefit the local communities in which they are provided. In 2016, BDW Trading delivered 1,399 new homes in the North West, meeting local and general housing needs and providing new jobs and investment throughout the region. Property Capital 1.9 Property Capital are a private company based in Cheshire, which specialises in promoting brownfield land for residential and mixed use development. They have vast experience of dealing with large and complex sites across the country but particularly in the North West and Yorkshire. 1

4 The Proposed Development Site 1.10 The Proposed Development Site [PDS] is located within the borough of South Ribble. The PDS mainly comprises previously developed land which has been vacant / underutilised for over 15 years. It extends to c.53 hectares and is located in the Midge Hall / Moss Side area of Leyland, approximately 2.5km to the west of the town centre The site is surrounded by existing development on each side with a mix of residential and commercial uses, as follows: To the south, the PDS is bound by Paradise Park, beyond which is the residential area of Moss Side which principally comprises two storey detached and semidetached properties, including those on Greystones, Robin Hey, Ashfields, Nookfield and The Laund. To the west, the site is bound by Longmeanygate, a road which continues around the northern edge of the site. Properties on Longmeanygate include The Brambles School (a special educational needs facility) and several large detached residential properties with private driveways. Longmeanygate also forms the route of the current bus service to Leyland. To the north, also adjacent to Longmeanygate, are further large detached residential properties. The PDS is also bound to the north by a commercial / industrial facility operated by TNT. The area to the north-east mainly comprises the Moss Side Industrial Estate and is occupied by a mixture of large industrial and logistics businesses as well as a number of smaller business units, accessed off Aston Way. To the east, the application site is bound by Paradise Lane and Titan Way, which run broadly north south. Paradise Lane provides access to Moss Side Primary and joins Dunkirk Lane An aerial photograph on the following page shows the extent of the PDS. 2

5 Figure 1.1 Proposed Development Site (Source: Google Earth) The Proposed Development 1.13 The planning application has been submitted in hybrid format as is described below: An application for full planning permission for site enabling works and the development of highway and drainage infrastructure for the full application site ( the PDS ) (Phase 1) and 197 new homes and associated internal access roads, public open space, green infrastructure and highway infrastructure (Phase 2); An application for outline planning permission for the remainder of the PDS for the development of up to 753 new homes, up to 5,000 sqm of Use Classes B1 accommodation; up to 15,000 sqm of Use Class B2 accommodation and up to 8,000 sqm of Use B8 accommodation, local centre comprising up to 3,000 sqm of accommodation for occupation within any combination of uses within Classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1 or D1 (including health centre / clinic) (which shall not exceed 2,500 sqm of main town centre uses), a Primary School and associated public open space and green infrastructure (Phases 3-5) The application for full planning permission is accompanied by detailed plans showing how the site will be re-graded to accommodate the proposed development, where existing trees and other vegetation will be removed / retained, the detailed layout of the road network within the site and the layout of the first phase of new housing. It also provides details of the various house types which the applicants propose to construct in the first phase of housing. 3

6 1.15 The application for outline planning permission is accompanied by a series of parameter plans which establish the framework for the preparation and submission of more detailed applications for Phases 3-5 of the Proposed Development at a future date. These parameters fix such matters as the maximum quantum of development, the mix of land uses, the location and quantum of green infrastructure and other factors such as the height of buildings A number of design features are embedded into the detailed proposals for Phases 1 and 2 and into the Development Parameters for Phases 3-5 so as to ensure that likely significant adverse effects to sensitive receptors are avoided in the first instance and, where this is not possible, effects are minimised. An example of this is the incorporation of a landscape mound and acoustic fence on the boundary between the site and the Moss Side Industrial Estate so as to protect the amenities of future residents It is anticipated that development would commence in 2018 to be completed in 2028, subject to market conditions. Consideration of Alternatives 1.18 There is no requirement under the law relating to EIA for an applicant to consider alternatives. However, where an applicant has considered alternatives the EIA Regulations require that the ES contains an outline of the main alternatives which have been considered by the applicant and an indication of the main reasons for the applicant s choice Property Capital and BDW Trading have given consideration to the proportion of the site which is to be the subject of the application for full planning permission and the proportion of the site which is to be the subject of the application for outline planning permission. They have also considered different configurations of development within Phase 2 particularly with regard to ensuring that future residents will not be unduly affected by noise emissions from the adjacent Moss Side Industrial Estate The iterative design process has been charted through the Design & Access Statement and is also documented in the ES. 4

7 2. EIA Process and Methodology 2.1 EIA is a process that identifies the likely significant environmental effects (both beneficial and adverse) of a proposed development and proposes mitigation to avoid, reduce or offset these occurring. 2.2 The ES has been prepared in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance on good practice including: TCPA EIA Regulations 2017 (as amended); National Planning Policy Guidance: Environmental Impact Assessment; Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment: The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. IEMA: The State of Environmental Impact Assessments in the UK: IEMA The EIA process involved a number of key stages as follows: Stage Description 1 Scoping An Environmental Statement Scoping Report [ESSO] was submitted to South Ribble Borough Council [SRBC] in August 2017, together with a request that they adopted a Scoping Opinion [SO]. The ESSO identified the topics to be assessed within the ES and the proposed method for doing so. SRBC issued their SO in September 2017, following consultation with a range of stakeholders. The ES is based upon the SRBC Scoping Opinion. 2 Baseline data Collection Various field and desk based surveys were undertaken to establish baseline environmental conditions against which the potential effects of the Proposed Development could be measured. 3. Iterative Design Initial development parameters were defined and the potential effects of the Proposed Development on baseline conditions tested. This allowed for further refinement of the design and incorporation of embedded mitigation measures. 4. Environmental Statement The results of the EIA process are reported in the ES in an objective and transparent way, to provide the information required to support the decision making process. 5

8 Environmental Statement Topics 2.4 Each environmental topic within the ES has been assessed by relevant specialists in their field. The key subject areas addressed within the ES are: Transport (ES Chapter 6 - SCP Transport); Ground Conditions (ES Chapter 7 - ALM Consult); Archaeology (ES Chapter 8 - CgMs); Water Environment (ES Chapter 9 - Betts Hydro); Noise (ES Chapter 10 - WSP); Air Quality (ES Chapter 11 - Wardell Armstrong); Ecology (ES Chapter 12 - ERAP); Landscape and Visual Amenity (ES Chapter 13 - PGLA); Climate Change (ES Chapter 14 - Turley) 6

9 3. Summary of Environmental Effects 3.1 The ES records how the Proposed Development has been the subject of an iterative design process drawing upon the expertise of Property Capital s and BDW Trading s appointed advisors, Council Officers and the views of other stakeholders including the local community. 3.2 This, together with the sensitive approach to design with incorporation of embedded mitigation measures means that the occurrence of likely significant environmental effects has been avoided in many instances. Where this has not been possible additional mitigation measures are identified to reduce likely effects to non-significant levels. 3.3 The subsequent paragraphs present a non-technical summary of the key environmental effects in each topic area, as follows: Transport Ground Conditions Archaeology Water Environment Noise Air Quality Ecology Landscape and Visual Amenity Climate Change 3.4 Further in-depth information is presented within the ES. 7

10 Transport 3.5 The ES Chapter 6 assesses the likely effects of the Proposed Development on the environment with respect to transport. 3.6 Assessments of the effects were undertaken during both the construction and operational stages of the Proposed Development using a study area agreed with Lancashire County Council (as the local highway authority) on the following: Driver delay Public transport users Pedestrian delay Pedestrian amenity Fear and intimidation Severance and; Accidents and road safety Construction Phase 3.7 The transport related effects of the Proposed Development during the construction phase are below the level requiring formal assessment and would, in any event, be lower than the effects of the operational phase. 3.8 A Construction Environmental Management Plan has been prepared to ensure that the site access arrangements during the construction phase will be carefully designed and agreed with LCC prior to development commencing to avoid presenting a danger to highway safety. Designated traffic routes have been identified. These will be communicated to contractors and suppliers to instruct traffic associated with the construction of the Proposed Development to use the most appropriate routes. 3.9 Facilities within the site will be provided for construction workers including car parking and designated areas for the loading and unloading of plant and associated construction materials. A wheel wash area will be provided at a position to be agreed with the Local Authority to reduce the incidence of transfer of mud or loose materials onto the public highway. Operational Phase 3.10 The adverse effects on transport during the operational phase (i.e. once the development is fully completed) will be no more than minor, whilst there will be major beneficial effects to drivers and users of public transport users with respect to reduced levels of delay following the implementation of the mitigation measures summarised as follows: Implementation of proposed Traffic Calming On Longmeanygate and Midge Hall Lane 8

11 Implementation of Traffic Regulation orders on Longmeanygate and Midge Hall Lane The provision of an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Titan Way The provision of an additional section of footway on Comet Road The implementation of capacity and safety improvements to the Comet Road / Longmeanygate / Flensburg Way / Schleswig Way Roundabout The implementation of capacity improvements to the Schleswig Way / Dunkirk Lane Signal Controlled Junction The implementation of capacity improvements to the Longmeanygate / Golden Hill Lane / Leyland Lane Signal Controlled Junction The provision of financial contribution to the Council s improvement scheme at the Flensburg Way / Croston Road / Farington Road double roundabouts These improvements can be secured by SRBC through legal agreement with the applicants. 9

12 Ground Conditions 3.11 An assessment of the likely significant environmental impacts with respect to ground conditions at the PDS for the construction and operational stages of the Proposed Development has been carried out The assessment of ground conditions has followed a phased approach. In the first instance, a Preliminary Risk Assessment (a Phase 1 Desk Study) was undertaken in April-May 2015, after which Phase 2 Intrusive Ground Investigations were performed in May 2015 and June The findings of both the Preliminary Risk Assessment and subsequent Phase 2 Intrusive Investigations have been used to inform the ES and develop potential mitigation (remediation) measures, if/ where required The full findings of both the Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment and Phase 2 Intrusive Ground Investigations are presented in Chapter 7 of the ES and the associated appendices The desk-based study has shown that Paradise Park and adjoining fields and woodland areas in north and west of the Proposed Development Site have remained largely unchanged and can be considered Greenfield in nature. The history of use and development at the Vehicle Test Track Area indicated that the likelihood of any significant or extensive contamination being present is considered to be very low The intrusive ground investigations found that made ground (man-made) materials present within the site substantially comprise uncontaminated re-worked natural strata or virgin quarry products, with the exception of a very small historical infilled pond feature and some localised demolition materials in the vicinity of a former farm building complex. This localised contamination can easily be removed and appropriately disposed off site prior to the construction of the Proposed Development to completely remove any potential adverse effects to future site users or the environment.. All other made ground and natural soils at the site are considered to present no risk to future site users or the environment and can be reused as part of the Proposed Development Groundwater and surface water quality at the Proposed Development Site has been observed to be good. Gas monitoring has determined that ground gases are not present at any significant concentrations and do not present a risk The ground conditions identified will enable proposed new houses and commercial buildings to typically utilise conventional shallow foundations. Pre-existing surface materials and other existing features within the Test Track Area will be cleared and ground levels subtly altered to accommodate a sustainable gravity fed surface water drainage system. Any localised organic deposits will also need to be removed prior to development, as these are not suitable for founding structures upon The natural and made ground materials present on site are considered suitable for reuse following the clearance works presenting no significant adverse impacts to the environment. The quality and quantity of the materials present on site will mean that no significant quantities of soils or aggregates will be required to be imported to, or exported from, the Proposed Development Site during the site preparation works. 10

13 3.19 The natural glacial boulder clay deposits that underlie the Proposed Development Site possess a low permeability that does not make them suitable for soakaway drainage. As such, the ground conditions have, in part, determined an alternative system of sustainable surface water management as part of the Proposed Development. This will be a gravity fed system that will use open surface water channels ( swales ) and the existing ponds will be re-shaped to accommodate and attenuate design water flows. These will combine to have a beneficial impact in the creation of green spaces and ecological corridors within the Proposed Development In summary, the former use(s) of the site have not led to any any significant or widespread contamination to soils or groundwater that could cause any significant adverse effects to future site users or the environment, and the physical nature of the Baseline ground conditions are such that they present no significant geotechnical constraints to the Proposed Development. Where localised or potentially unsuitable materials have locally been identified to be present, any potential adverse effects to relevant receptors can easily be mitigated by validated source removal works or the adoption of validated soil cover layers prior to or during the Construction Phase. 11

14 Archaeology 3.21 The archaeology chapter, Chapter 8, addresses the likely effects of the Proposed Development on the historic environment resource referred to as heritage assets in the chapter and in national planning policy. A desk-based study of archaeological and historic environment features within the PDS and the surrounding search area has been undertaken to inform the chapter The desk-based study has established that the PDS does not contain any protected heritage assets, known as designated heritage assets. The study has identified a single non-designated heritage asset within the PDS, the location of the former Paradise Farm. Any surviving archaeological remains associated with this asset are considered to be of limited interest. The desk-based study also considers that there is low potential for any currently unknown archaeological remains to be present within the PDS The Proposed Development could potentially damage or destroy any surviving archaeological remains associated with Paradise Farm or any currently unknown archaeological remains located within the PDS. However, following mitigation, this would not be a significant effect. No potential adverse impacts to any identified heritage assets outside of the Proposed Development Site have been identified. 12

15 Water Environment 3.24 Chapter 9 considers the flood risk and drainage both to and resulting from the Proposed Development. This assessment and the supporting Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Management Strategy Report (Appendix 9.1) have been prepared in consultation with the relevant interested parties and incorporate their comments where possible. The assessment is commensurate with the scale and nature of the development proposals and in summary, the development can be considered appropriate in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and supporting Planning Policy Guidance The FRA & DMS has considered the potential flood risks and cumulative effects from a variety of sources including fluvial, tidal, surface water, groundwater and flooding from artificial sources The PDS is located within Flood Zone 1 and is therefore at very low risk of flooding. No historical flooding onsite has been identified. Consultation with various interested parties similarly failed to identify any onsite historical flooding; with the exception of some surface water flooding issues within the highway to the north-west of site. Consultations with Lancashire County Council have identified that alleviation works have since been undertaken to reduce the likelihood of future flooding (although no specific alleviation works information has been provided) Given that the PDS and Proposed Development are at very low flood risk from a variety of sources, the principle focus of the assessment has been on the potential flood risk from surface water sources, and has focused on detailing the mitigation measures required to safeguard the Proposed Development and to ensure that it does not increase flood risk elsewhere To safeguard the Proposed Development it has been proposed that finished floor levels of dwellings are raised above the external levels (following any regrade) To ensure no increased flood risk to others will result from the proposals, effective and sustainable management of surface water generated by the development proposals has also been considered. Based on the ground conditions identified by the online datasets, infiltration would unlikely offer a viable drainage solution for surface water management In accordance with the drainage hierarchy discharge to watercourse should be the next outfall option however there is not a practical location for a direct connection to the main river network near to the PDS. The proposals therefore are to mimic the predevelopment situation and discharge surface water run-off to the public surface water sewer network utilising the existing drainage systems for conveyance and connection (subject to detailed drainage and engineering design along with formal consents and agreements) The existing onsite development connects to the public sewer network via a series of land drainage, pond features and below ground drainage infrastructure. The existing surface water connections from site have an overall capacity of 230l/s. The Proposed Development will deliver betterment on this existing rate of discharge in the form of 30%; meaning a proposed discharge rate of 161l/s has been identified within the 13

16 assessment. Restricting the rate of discharge further will result in a requirement for additional onsite attenuation The proposals are to implement multiple Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) techniques within the development to minimise surface water run-off and aid in surface water conveyance and attenuation. These SuDS methods include green corridors and Public Open Space areas where swale features and balancing ponds can be incorporated to provide benefits not only in terms of surface water management but also water quality and ecology. The proposed drainage systems onsite will be designed collectively, to cater for the stormwater storage requirements up to and including the 1 in 100 year storm event with allowance for climate change. The development proposals will therefore not increase flooding elsewhere and will be acceptable in accordance with local and national policy. 14

17 Noise 3.33 The effects noise and vibration during the construction and operational phases have been assessed and are covered in Chapter 10 of the ES The assessment has demonstrated that the noise and vibration effects from road traffic during the construction phase are unlikely to be to be significant in EIA terms and, as such, have been scoped out of the assessment The assessment has also demonstrated that that all receptors except the dwellings west of Longmeanygate, north of site may, from time to time, be exposed to a significant noise effect during construction, prior to the implementation of mitigation measures As a means of mitigation, a number of good practice measures are proposed to be adopted and these will be confirmed within a Construction Environment Management Plan which will be prepared for the approval of SRBC prior to development commencing. In addition, localised noise barriers will surround any generators, vibratory plates, vibratory compactors and other low-level fixed location / area plant. A set-back distance of minimum 25 metres is to be adopted for any site works With the adoption of these mitigation measures, on-site noise effects during construction would not be significant in EIA terms The effects from vibration generated during the site preparation, earthworks and construction phase has been assessed. It has been demonstrated that for all receptors except the existing residential area south of site and dwellings west of Longmeanygate, north of site, a significant effect may occur from time to time during the construction phase, without the implementation of mitigation measures Through the utilisation of plant producing low levels of vibration, and a system of early warning and communication with surrounding sensitive receptors, there would be no significant adverse effects The Proposed Development would, once completed and operational, result in increased vehicular activity on the local road network. The impact of these additional journeys, in terms of noise, on receptors located on the surrounding road network has been assessed and found not to be significant in terms of the EIA regulations Additionally, the potential effect of noise from fixed plant and from the proposed industrial/commercial uses on existing and future residents has been assessed Maximum noise emission limits have been identified and, subject to future operations within the employment / local centre areas adhering to these limits there would be no significant effects to either existing residents or future residents of the Proposed Development. To ensure compliance with the identified limits, a range of additional mitigation measures have been identified including: locating plant and air vents away from noise-sensitive receptors; 15

18 ensuring that all service yards are enclosed with sufficiently high walls and imperforate gates, where required The suitability of the site for the proposed uses has also been considered. In respect of exposure to road traffic noise, the assessment determined that no significant effects are likely for the majority of future dwellings and for the proposed school. The only exception would be the dwellings closest to Titon Way and the northern and western extents of Phases 3 to 5, where mitigation is proposed to reduce effects to none significant levels In respect of potential exposure to noise from neighbouring industrial uses, a 4.5 metre high acoustic barrier and judicious site layout to ensure gardens are screened from any prevailing industrial sound comprise embedded mitigation. In addition, a range of additional mitigation measures have been specified including: the incorporation of acoustically rated glazing and trickle vents to dwellings on the peripheral boundary of the Proposed Development; and the incorporation of up-rated acoustic glazing and mechanical ventilation for dwellings potentially exposed to industrial or commercial sound With these mitigation measures in place there would be no likely significant residual effects to future residents of the Proposed Development. 16

19 Air Quality 3.45 Chapter 11 of the ES considers air quality. The air quality assessment has considered the potential air pollution and dust effects associated with the Proposed Development. In summary, the assessment has considered (i) dust arising from construction of the development and (ii) air quality effects as a result of additional traffic generated by the development. Dust and Particulate Matter Arising from Construction of the Proposed Development 3.46 An assessment has been carried out to determine the risk of potential dust soiling and effects on human health of nearby residents. The risk for dust soiling effects is considered to be high for construction activities (i.e. earthworks, construction and trackout from vehicles). The risk for human health effects is considered to be medium to low These results indicate that site specific mitigation measures will be required. The implementation of such measures will substantially reduce the potential for unacceptable quantities of dust and particulate matter to be generated. Relevant mitigation measures are identified within the ES and include a commitment to the preparation and submission of a Construction Environment Management Plan prior to development commencing. Air Quality Effects as a Result of Additional Traffic 3.48 An assessment has been carried out, which also considers relevant other developments in the local area, to determine the effect of traffic generated by the Proposed Development on nearby residents. When a wholly robust approach is considered, which assumes no improvement in background pollution levels or vehicle exhaust emissions, it is predicted that the Proposed Development will have a significant adverse effect at a number of residential roadside locations within Leyland. Therefore, mitigation measures are required. The implementation of effective mitigation measures will assist in reducing potential effects of the development at roadside residential locations situated throughout Leyland. The Potential Pollution Levels for Future Occupiers of the Site 3.49 An assessment has been carried out to predict future pollution levels for potential occupiers of the PDS. Even when a wholly robust approach is considered, which assumes no improvement in background pollution levels or vehicle exhaust emissions, air quality within the PDS itself is deemed to be acceptable for potential future residents. 17

20 Ecology 3.50 ES Chapter 12 considers the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on ecology, identifies mitigation measures and assesses the residual impacts. The comprehensive assessment has been informed by a desktop study, Phase 1 Habitat Survey and surveys for relevant protected species Ecological receptors considered to be both important at the local level or above, and sensitive to potential effects of the Proposed Development were taken forward for impact assessment. Ecological guidance has been provided to inform the Masterplan and achieve a sympathetic scheme which avoids significant effects, where possible, and seeks to minimise effects where avoidance is not possible The PDS is 6.1 kilometres (km) to the south-east of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar. There are five other SSSIs and seven Local Nature Reserves (LNR) within a 10km radius of the site, and three non-statutory sites (Biological Heritage Sites (BHS)) within 2km of the PDS; direct and indirect effects of the Proposed Development on designated sites for nature conservation have been reasonably discounted The Test Track Area of the PDS is a mosaic of mature trees, scrub, semi-improved grassland, tall-herb vegetation, hard-standing and a network of six ponds and drainage ditches. A perimeter belt of varying width of planted trees and shrubs extends from the northern site boundary along the western margin then parallel to Paradise Park towards Titan Way to the east. The northern area of the PDS is agriculturally managed land with hedgerows (c.7.45ha). Paradise Park, an area (c.9.71ha) of amenity grassland with mature woodland is present to the south. Four Priority Habitats (five ponds, two hedgerows, broad-leaved woodland (5.2ha) and species-rich grassland (0.95ha)) are evaluated to be of local to district value Significant effects on woodland habitats and the wildlife connectivity function as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation impacts are identified. In the presence of the sensitive design that includes embedded mitigation to retain and protect areas of established woodland habitat and connecting corridors, the specification of a diverse and highquality landscape and habitat scheme and the establishment and long-term management for biodiversity of 9.61ha of contiguous Green Infrastructure around and through the site, the residual effects are reduced and are not significant at the appropriate geographical scale In the presence and implementation of a long-term Landscape and Habitat Management Plan, potentially significant operational phase effects resulting from disturbance on retained habitats (i.e. ponds, woodland, ditches) and created habitats (i.e. wildflower grassland, swales and wetland) are reduced to not significant residual effects on conservation status Comprehensive surveys and assessment have not identified use of the site by badger, water vole, nesting or roosting barn owl, roosting bats, great crested newt, reptile species and wintering birds. Adverse effects on these protected species are reasonably discounted. 18

21 3.57 Five ponds support breeding common toad, a Priority Species, which is of value at the district level. In the presence of a Common Toad Reasonable Avoidance Measures Method Statement and Habitat Enhancement Strategy, significant construction phase effects on toad are reduced to not significant Habitats, particularly trees and scrub, are used by nesting passerine birds including six Priority Species, which is of local value. No bat roosts have been recorded, although three trees have been identified to support potential roost features of high or moderate suitability. Bat activity surveys have recorded three species of foraging bat which is of value at the local level. In the presence of appropriate mitigation, no significant residual effects on conservation status of these fauna will occur Overall, the Proposed Development will conserve and create opportunities for wildlife and will achieve a net gain for biodiversity including Priority Species. In combination with the sustainable drainage system, the areas of habitat creation are a positive, permanent residual effect that contribute to the provision of essential ecosystem services to achieve a sustainable approach to flood control whilst maximising opportunities for biodiversity and habitat connectivity at the site. These actions will ensure the PD meets the requirements of the relevant planning policy. 19

22 Landscape and Visual Amenity 3.60 The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) process stated within ES chapter 13 has been carried out using established methodologies and practices contained in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition (2013) (GLVIA 3) produced by the Landscape Institute (LI) and IEMA Landscape and visual receptors are considered to be both important at the local level or above, and sensitive to potential effects arising from the Proposed Development. These have been identified as part of the baseline study and were taken forward for impact assessment The LVIA process has demonstrated where there are likely to be constraints in terms of the landscape and visual matters and the masterplan has been developed to reflect these constraints and incorporate proposed mitigation measures to reduce identified overall adverse effects. This assessment has looked in detail at the existing landscape fabric and character within the vicinity of the Proposed Development and concludes that the existing landscape and visual amenity has a Medium to Medium/High sensitivity to change due to the landscape characteristics and the proximity to residential properties nearby. The study area for the LVIA is 7.5km from the centre of the site. Summary of Landscape Effects 3.63 The PDS is located within Urban Landscape Type: Suburban and is described in the Landscape Strategy for Lancashire- Landscape Character Area document published by Lancashire County Council. The assessment has considered the effects of the Proposed Development on the broad context at nationwide and local levels as well as the setting of the site and within the site boundary Generally, it is considered that the physical effects of the Proposed Development on the landscape fabric and character within the National Character Area Profile 32: Lancashire and Amounderness Plain prepared by Natural England will not be significant. The likely effects on the local Landscape Character area of Urban Landscape Type: Suburban Landscape Character Area are also considered to be minor and not significant The PDS contains landscape elements such as trees, hedges grasslands and water bodies. These will undergo major change as a result of the Proposed Development. The former vehicle test track will be replaced by a mixed use development made up of residential areas as well a school, local centre and employment area. This will all be set within a robust and substantial landscape scheme that will integrate the development into the site and surrounding locality. The long term effects arising from this change is not considered to significant as the adverse effects will have been balanced and mitigated by the beneficial effects provided by the landscape planting Paradise Park is within the site boundary but will undergo very little change and insignificant change. It will continue to be maintained throughout the construction period There will be some losses to the existing boundary vegetation primarily in the location of the northern and western access points but the landscape proposals that will be 20

23 introduced will soften the impacts caused by the introduction of the new roundabouts and road junctions and therefore the effects are not deemed to be significant. Summary of Visual Effects 3.68 A variable degree of visual effects are likely to be experienced by receptors identified within the local area. The visual impact assessment identifies a zone of visible influence within which views of the development may be experienced and this tends to be at its highest within the site and the western boundaries and eastern boundaries. Views of the site are experienced by receptors along footpaths within the site and roads and footpaths immediately adjacent to the western, northern and eastern boundaries of the site. Generally, there is limited visibility of the site from the west due to trees and hedges and buildings within the countryside. The site is barely visible from the north east and south due to the extensive built form of the housing and industrial areas in the locality In terms of visual effects on the residential amenity it has been established that dwellings to the north and west of the site on Longmeanygate will experience some degree of visibility of the Proposed Development, especially those opposite the northern and western access points. These views will be from some principal rooms that face the development. The visual assessment demonstrates that the visual amenity from these properties will undergo moderate change and the adverse effects caused by the introduction of the road layout will be mitigated by the substantial landscape that will be planted to soften the impacts Residential receptors to the existing housing to the south of Paradise will undergo little to no change and therefore the effects on these will not be considered significant The public footpaths within the site will undergo a major change initially due to the introduction of the housing in the vicinity of the paths but access to Longmeanygate will be available through the Proposed Development via the footpaths and bridleway as illustrated on the Masterplan and detail drawings. The long term effects on these are not considered to be significant The effects on public rights of way and footpath network to the west of the development have been assessed and these will undergo little change as the Proposed Development will be barely visible due to the vegetation within the existing countryside Roads and footpaths have also been considered as part of the assessment and viewpoints on Longmeanygate, Titan Way and Paradise Lane demonstrate that there are a range of effects experienced by these transport receptors due to the effect of the proposed development. Visibility of the site is generally from fleeting and glimpsed views of the development. None of the long term effects are considered to be significant The LVIA has concluded that the likely effects will be reduced as time proceeds due to the effective screening properties of the trees and building materials that are integral to the design. The Proposed Development will become totally integrated into the landscape and provide no long term effects that can be considered as significant. 21

24 Climate Change 3.75 ES Chapter 14 considers the potential effects of future climate change upon the proposed development (Climate Change Adaptation) and the generation of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) which contribute to climate change (Climate Change Mitigation) The chapter assesses the potential effects and identifies the need for any potential mitigation with a subsequent assessment of residual impacts The assessment has been broadly based upon relevant guidance from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) in combination with professional judgement. Climate Change Adaptation 3.78 In accordance with relevant guidance, the projected future climatic conditions for the Proposed Development site were obtained from the UCP09 Data set. This information provided an indication of the change in future climate for the period of 2020 and During the development of the masterplan and scheme designs the potential impacts from climate change were considered for issues such as flood risk and drainage whereby a drainage strategy was developed that included an allowance for increased rainfall from climate change. Further embedded mitigation was identified which included the consideration of higher temperatures during the design of all residential and nonresidential buildings The construction and operational phases of the Proposed Development were assessed against the projected future changes in climate to identify any significant environmental impacts and the need for any mitigation During the construction stage significant effects associated with warmer, drier summer temperatures and a wetter winter period were identified. Suitable mitigation will be integrated into the Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to mitigate all significant impacts During the operational stage, significant effects were identified upon the green infrastructure and biodiversity as result of warmer drier summers. With the selection of species able to tolerate such conditions the impacts are reduced to a negligible level Following assessment of the future impacts of climate change upon the Proposed Development it can be concluded that the proposals have a high degree of resilience to future climate change. Climate Change Mitigation 3.84 As stated in Chapter 14, there is no officially approved methodology for the assessment of GHG emissions within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and therefore this assessment has been based on recent guidance in combination with professional judgement to develop a methodology that is proportionate to the Proposed Development. 22

25 3.85 In the context of calculating GHG emissions and assessing the potential impact upon climate change it is important to note that all new development (with the exception of renewable energy infrastructure) will emit GHG emissions. As a result the Government are implementing a number of national initiatives to reduce carbon emissions such as a commitment to a low carbon energy generating network To determine the Proposed Developments potential impact upon climate change, a GHG assessment was undertaken to calculate the potential carbon emissions from the construction and operational phases of the proposals This assessment recognised the requirement for all buildings within the Proposed Development to be constructed to the current Building Regulations which requires the construction of energy efficient buildings Once the GHG emissions had been calculated these emissions were compared with the most recent annual carbon emissions within the South Ribble District to determine the scale of significance based upon professional judgement For context, the potential future impact of the use of lower carbon electricity was also undertaken which identified that there would be further reductions in GHG emissions during the operational phase The assessment concluded that the Proposed Development would result in a minor adverse impact upon future climate change which is not considered significant. 23

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