BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works. Environmental Statement Volume 3. Planning Application June 2013 Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3 Planning Application June 2013 Non-Technical Summary

2

3 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary Contents Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Cultural heritage 5 3 Ecology and biodiversity 7 4 Ground conditions and contamination 9 5 Noise and vibration 11 6 Socio-economics 13 7 Traffic and transport 15 8 Waste 17 9 Water resources Further information 21 Figures Figure 1: The Environmental Impact Assessment process 1 Figure 2: Site location 3 Figure 3 Map extract showing key historical features from Figure 4: Noise measurement locations 11 Figure 5: Sky Studios building on the Sky campus 13 JUNE 2013

4

5 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 1 Introduction British Sky Broadcasting Limited has submitted an application for planning permission to the London Borough of Hounslow Council in Osterley. This proposed development is known as the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works This document forms the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement that has been prepared to accompany the planning application. 1.2 The Environmental Statement The Environmental Statement comprises: Volume 1, which contains an introduction to the Environmental Statement and the Environmental Impact Assessment process, and the environmental assessments Volume 2 which contains Appendix 15, the Ground Contamination Risk Assessment and Remediation Strategy this volume, Volume 3, the Non-Technical Summary. 1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been carried out in a series of stages. An outline of the process is included as Figure 1. Figure 1: The Environmental Impact Assessment process The Environmental Statement has been prepared by Ove Arup & Partners Ltd This Environmental Statement has been prepared in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Town and Country (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, and relevant guidance An informal scoping exercise was undertaken for the proposed development. A meeting was held on 23 May 2013 to discuss the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment. At this meeting the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment was discussed with the London Borough of Hounslow Consultation has been undertaken with a range of consultees regarding baseline data gathering, assessment methodologies and formulation of mitigation An understanding of the current environmental conditions on and surrounding the site has been obtained through the gathering of data from: site survey information collected between June 2011 and May 2013 photographs, plans and elevations of the existing Sky campus published documentary information on environmental designations and constraints in the vicinity of the site environmental data provided by consultees. JUNE

6 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary This has provided a thorough understanding of current environmental conditions, termed the baseline The likely significant environmental effects from the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works have been assessed using, where possible, standard methodologies and significance criteria. Where these do not exist, professional judgement and experience of similar projects have been used to assess the effects on the environment An assessment has also been made of the effects that would arise from the combination of the proposed development and other developments not yet constructed or currently under construction in the vicinity, termed the cumulative effects Where likely significant adverse effects have been identified during the assessment, measures have been proposed, where practicable, to avoid, reduce or remedy the adverse environmental effects as far as possible. These are termed mitigation measures The Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken as an iterative process with environmental specialists providing feedback to the design process. The proposed development reflects the final design solution, incorporating mitigation and enhancement measures Residual effects are those effects that would remain after mitigation and enhancement measures have been fully implemented. These have been assessed using the same methodologies used in the main assessment. 1.4 The site and surrounds The site occupies an area of approximately 3.7 hectares in the north-western corner of the BSkyB Campus in Osterley within the London Borough of Hounslow, 12 kilometres west of Central London, as shown in Figure The Harrods distribution warehouse that was previously onsite is currently being demolished. All above ground structures with the exception of the substation to the south of the site and the generator to the north of the site will be removed. Sky has obtained the prior approval of London Borough of Hounslow for these works The site is lower than the remainder of the surrounding BSkyB Campus and gently drops away towards the north The site is accessed from the A4 Great West Road, via the B454 Syon Lane, and then Grant Way, which runs through the BSkyB Campus. There is also access from Harlequin Avenue on the eastern side of the site The site is bounded to the west by Metropolitan Open Land that is in use as playing fields for the Grasshoppers Rugby Club. To the south, south-west and east lies the BSkyB Campus including the new Sky Meeting Centre that is currently under construction. To the north and north-east, the site is bounded by the Brentford Branch Line railway The buildings currently on the BSkyB Campus are: Sky 1 Sky 2 Sky 3 Sky 4 Sky 6 Sky 7 Sky 8 Athena Court the Sky Combined Cooling Heating and Power plant the wind turbine adjacent to Sky Studios Sky Studios the under construction Sky Meeting Centre The buildings accommodate studios and associated technical space, office space and storage space and range in height from one to three storeys, with the exception of the Sky Studios Areas of parking and landscaping areas are also located on the BSkyB Campus. The site lies within an area of mainly light industrial and office development, which is bounded on two sides by the M4 motorway and the A4 Great West Road respectively. As well as the BSkyB Campus, this area includes the office park known as New Horizons Court, industrial and warehouse units along Amalgamated Drive and Shield Drive and a waste transfer station accessed off Transport Avenue. The waste transfer station is separated from the site by a railhead which formed part of the Brentford Branch Line of the Great Western Line railway To the east of the waste transfer station lies the River Brent which in this stretch is part of the Grand Union Canal. There is a towpath on the west side of the canal to the south and the east side to the north. These are linked by a pedestrian bridge called Gallows Bridge On the other side of the Grand Union Canal, due east of the site, lies Boston Manor Park and the adjacent headquarters of GlaxoSmithKline. North of the site across the canal lies some playing fields and the residential area of Boston Manor. Boston Manor London Underground Station, on the Piccadilly Line, is in this neighbourhood To the west of the site is a large area of Metropolitan Open Land known as Osterley Park and Surrounding Areas To the west and south of the BSkyB Campus lie mainly suburban residential neighbourhoods. Closest to the site is the neighbourhood of Osterley Syon Lane mainline station, on the Waterloo to Hounslow line, is approximately 700m south of the site. Osterley Station, on the London Underground Piccadilly Line, is 1.8km to the west. Boston Manor Station, also on the Piccadilly Line, lies approximately 600m to the north of the site, but there is no direct connection from the site to this station Immediately south of the BSkyB Campus, off Syon Lane, is a Tesco superstore with surrounding areas of car parking. The stretch of the A4 Great West Road to the south and southeast of the site is known as the Golden Mile. Several factories of architectural merit were built along the road following its opening in Many examples of the Art Deco architecture remain, including the Grade II listed Gillette Building close to the site Further to the south of the site lies Syon Park, another area of Metropolitan Open Land The River Thames lies to the south-east of the site, approximately 2km distant Administratively, the boundary of the London Borough of Ealing is less than 530m to the north of the site, while the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames boundary is located approximately 2km to the south-east across the River Thames Heathrow Airport is located a little over 6km west of the site. 2 JUNE 2013

7 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary Figure 2: Site location The proposed development Demolition of the former Harrods distribution warehouse is being undertaken using permitted development rights. In order to make the site fit for receiving future development, further works are required. These future works have not been defined and the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works are generic to any future development. These works compromise: erection of site hoardings construction of a temporary access road breaking up of hardstanding on the site cut and fill works to level the site construction of a new retaining wall on the southern boundary of the site decontamination removal of redundant utilities; construction of a rainwater harvesting tank to serve the adjacent Meeting Centre Site hoardings are currently in place for the demolition of the former Harrods distribution warehouse. These would be retained and upgraded or replaced as required to secure the site A temporary one-way haul road would be constructed from the site access point off Harlequin Avenue at the north of the site. This road would loop around the site and head back to an exit point adjacent to the site entrance The site contains extensive areas of impermeable, hardstanding adjacent to the former Harrods distribution warehouse. This hardstanding would be broken up as part of the proposed development. It is intended to recycle and reuse the material on-site to provide a level surface on the site suitable for future development At the southern boundary of the site there is a two metre difference in site level. Therefore a retaining wall would be constructed running from east to west close to the southern boundary of the site Cut and fill works would be undertaken in order to re-grade the site and accommodate the retaining wall. I 1 Since this aerial photograph was taken in 2011, the former Harrods distribution warehouse and Sky 5 (to the south-east of the site) have been demolished. The under construction Meeting Centre is also not visible in the photograph Decontamination would be carried out as the hardstanding is removed and ground below becomes exposed. It is proposed to take place on-site to reduce transport of the material Redundant utilities that previously served the former Harrods distribution warehouse would be removed. This would involve capping-off, removal or diversion of redundant utilities. JUNE

8 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary A rainwater harvesting tank would be constructed in the south-eastern corner of the site as part of the proposed development. The rainwater harvesting tank would serve the Meeting Centre which is currently under construction close to the site Following the works, the majority of the site would be flat, with a proposed site level of 17.85m above ordnance datum over the footprint of the former Harrods distribution warehouse and some of the surrounding area The general downward slope towards the north would be reflected outside of the flat area. On the northern side of the site there would be a downward slope towards the site boundary The southern end of the site would be two metres higher than the rest of the site, sitting above the retaining wall The proposed development does not include any landscaping. The site would be left in a condition ready to receive future development The existing surface water drainage network discharges runoff unattenuated to a sewer at the north west of the site. Therefore a temporary drainage network is not required for the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works It is anticipated that the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would commence in October 2013 and would be completed in February It is proposed that construction vehicles travelling to and from the site would use Harlequin Avenue in line with the current strategy in place for other projects taking place on the BSkyB Campus. This has been previously accepted by the London Borough of Hounslow, but would be agreed with the Borough in due course Construction traffic would be segregated from regular traffic to the BSkyB Campus as a result of the diversion of construction traffic via Harlequin Avenue whilst other vehicles would use Grant Way to access the BSkyB Campus There would be no road closures as part of the proposed development On-site parking for construction would only be made available for those personnel who need to carry heavy equipment or materials to the site. There would be no car parking within the confines of the site A Logistics and Neighbourhood Liaison Manager would be appointed to manage site logistics and maintain regular contact with local residents. The manager would log the details and responses to any complaints received from neighbours or any other affected third parties The proposed hours of work would be agreed with the London Borough of Hounslow. However guidelines dictate that the following hours should be adhered to: 8:00-18:00 hours (Monday to Friday) 8:00 13:00 hours (Saturday) By advance agreement these hours may be subject to variation but only by prior approval of the London Borough of Hounslow Whilst night working would not normally be undertaken, certain deliveries and key operations may be required to take place at night. Where this is necessary this would only occur with approval of London Borough of Hounslow The works would be undertaken in accordance with the Considerate Constructor Scheme with targets set for minimum performance for contractors As part of the works, a number of trees are to be removed. The trees that remain are to be carefully protected All works would employ the Best Practicable Means to minimise noise and vibration levels The contractor would be required to investigate opportunities to minimise and reduce use of energy and water. The energy and water consumption of the project would be monitored, either through sub-metering or reading utility bills, to allow comparison against best practice benchmarks and improvements to be made. 1.6 Consideration of alternatives No alternative sites were considered for the proposed development. The site is within the ownership of BSkyB, who have aspirations to bring the site within their Campus as part of future development The No Development alternative considers leaving the site in its current state of vacancy. By not developing the site, the land would remain vacant without the potential for future development. The site would remain with extensive hardstanding and unsuitable levels for future development 4 JUNE 2013

9 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 2 Cultural heritage 2.1 Introduction Figure 3 Map extract showing key historical features from The assessment of the likely significant effects of the proposed development considers the effect of BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works on cultural heritage assets. Cultural heritage assets are defined as both known and potential below-ground archaeological deposits and remains, built heritage (e.g. listed buildings) and historic landscapes. 2.2 Assessment The methodology for the assessment of cultural heritage consists of the following components: desk-based assessment of documentary, cartographic and archaeological data sources consultation with the relevant statutory consultees to obtain cultural heritage data for the study area an archaeological walkover survey from publicly accessible land and Sky property The techniques employed throughout the assessment are based on standard guidance supplemented by professional judgement. 2.3 Existing conditions The site has a long history of human occupation. The area is rich in evidence of human presence in the prehistoric period in the form of flint tools and animal remains Settlements in the area began to grow and expand during the medieval period with the establishment of the nearby historic landscapes of Osterley House and Park and Syon Abbey and Park The area underwent significant change during the industrial and modern periods with the construction of the Grand Union Canal and the many railways of the region. The modern period marked the introduction of a number of large scale industries into the area, with many of the early factory and industrial buildings now listed for their architectural and historical significance Centaurs Business Park was constructed on the site between 1983 and Sky Television was launched in 1989 from building Sky 8 on the BSkyB Campus and Sky continued to acquire other buildings to convert to their use over the following two decades The site lies within an Archaeological Priority Area of the London Borough of Hounslow. There are no Scheduled Monuments or listed buildings within the site area 2.4 Likely effects on the environment Earthworks for the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would not impact deposits of potential archaeological or geo-archaeological interest. A large scale watching brief of 22 trial pits across the site did not uncover any evidence of archaeology. The resultant effect upon the potential below ground archaeological assets is assessed as being negligible. 2.5 Mitigation and residual effects No mitigation measures relating to effects of the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works are proposed as the analysis of previous archaeological investigation on the site has illustrated no potential for archaeology to be located on the site The residual effect of the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works are assessed to be negligible. JUNE

10

11 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 3 Ecology and biodiversity 3.1 Introduction The assessment of likely significant effects of the proposed development on ecological receptors encompasses protected and notable species such as bats, birds and invertebrates, statutory and non-statutory designated sites and general biodiversity both on the site and surrounding areas. 3.2 Assessment This assessment has been undertaken using the following baseline date collection methodology: desk study within 2 kilometres of the site utilising online research tools and data from Green Space Information for Greater London site surveys involving habitat surveys and bat and reptile surveys; all surveys were undertaken using recognised guidance and methodologies The assessment methodology follows guidelines developed by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. 3.3 Existing conditions The majority of the site comprises hardstanding, with the large warehouse and office building (currently being demolished) located centrally in the site. There are also a few small buildings, also being demolished, to the north of the site. There are areas of amenity grassland along three of the boundaries of the site. In addition, there is a line of coniferous and poplar trees (Poplar sp.) along the northern boundary and a band of introduced shrub on the southern boundary with a small area opposite the former entrance to the office portion of the warehouse building. Surveys have shown that bats are not roosting within any buildings on site but may occasionally pass through the site. Reptiles are also likely to be absent although there is potential that they may colonise the site in future. A range of common bird species are likely to be using the site and immediate surrounds for nesting, shelter and foraging. 3.4 Likely effects on the environment Site clearance would result in the loss of an area of trees and scrub and small areas of amenity grassland. This habitat loss is small relative to the extent of similar habitat in the wider area however the habitat is considered to be significant at the site level. Therefore, this habitat loss is considered to be a significant negative effect at the site level This loss would also result in the reduction of habitat for foraging bats and sheltering birds. However, the loss is small relative to the wider availability of similar habitat and this loss is unlikely to result in the decline of populations of bats and birds. There would be no significant effect on birds and bats Birds are likely to be disturbed by noise and lighting, which would result in displacement from habitats in close proximity to the site. Birds may also be aware of the noise within the Wyke Green Golf Course SBI to the west of the site. Birds habituate to noise and the overall displacement of birds due to both noise and lighting is unlikely to significantly affect the populations of common bird species. Therefore, the effect of disturbance on birds is not significant Bats are unlikely to be affected by noise as works would be undertaken during the day, while bats come out at night to forage. Therefore, it is unlikely that bats would be affected by noise. However, lighting may displace the occasional passage of bats through the site. Works are to be undertaken between October and February. During this period, bats would only be active during October. Therefore displacement would only occur for a short period of time. This is unlikely to affect bat populations and therefore the effect is considered to be not significant There would be no significant effects on bats, birds, reptiles or local designated sites as a result of any of the currently proposed site clearance, or disturbance from light and noise. 3.5 Mitigation and residual effects There are no plans for replacement planting associated with the proposed development. However, it is likely that habitat creation will form part of any future development on the site. The planting may include native species to maximise the benefits of the planting for nature conservation. However, as no planting is currently proposed, the residual impact on habitats would be significant at the site level The residual impact of habitat loss on birds and bats would be not significant Lighting would be capped, cowled and directional to minimise light spill. This would minimise disturbance to birds and bats on and adjacent to the site. The residual impact of lighting on birds and bats would be not significant No significant impacts from noise disturbance were identified and no mitigation has been proposed Legislative compliance would be maintained by briefing of site personnel so that they are aware of what reptiles look like. In the unlikely event that a reptile is observed during works then works would cease until the advice of an ecologist has been sought. The residual impact on reptiles would remain not significant Vegetation clearance would be undertaken outside of the bird breeding period of March to August inclusive. Vegetation would be checked for sheltering birds prior to removal. The residual impact on birds would remain not significant. JUNE

12

13 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 4 Ground conditions and contamination 4.1 Introduction This section describes the likely significant effects of the proposed BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works arising from any existing ground contamination. Effects of this type during implementation and on completion of the works principally concern human health and safety, groundwater and surface waters, designated ecological receptors, plant growth and construction materials. 4.2 Assessment The assessment methodology has been developed in accordance with the legislative framework for assessing contaminated land as set out in contaminated land statutory guidance Baseline information has been obtained from a 2012 ground investigation and ground contamination assessment carried out by Arup and environmental reconnaissance. Desk-based information reviewed for the site comprised an Envirocheck report and information provided by the London Borough of Hounslow and Environment Agency dating from The 2011 data was supplemented by a review of the Environment Agency website and London Borough of Hounslow planning portal The 2012 ground investigation covered the entire site. Representative samples of soil were analysed for a range of chemicals. Groundwater and gas monitoring was also carried out Arup s assessment of the ground investigation data was undertaken in accordance with the Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment framework for human health risks, assuming a generic commercial end use, and Environment Agency guidance on assessing risks to controlled waters Where potential risks were identified, the likely significant effects associated with the proposed BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works have been assessed. The significance criteria consider water resources along with human, ecological and property receptors. These criteria also take account of the magnitude and consequences of the hazard that may occur. 4.3 Existing conditions Only limited development has occurred on the site over its history, with the existing Harrods distribution warehouse comprising the first phase of development in Potential on-site sources of contamination were identified during the site walkover include: two above ground fuel storage tanks, an electrical substation (dating from 1991) and activities and infrastructure associated with the road haulage/ distribution use. It is believed that the tanks on the site contain diesel, although no further details are known A range of industrial uses such as factories and works have historically been located in the vicinity of the site. A historic landfill and operational waste transfer station is located 10m to the north of the site Unexploded ordnance dating from World War II have been identified on an adjacent site The 2012 ground investigation identified a layer of Made Ground of varying thickness covering the site. This was interpreted as historic fill comprising reworked clay The Made Ground was underlain by a thin layer of River Terrace Deposits classified as a principal aquifer by the Environment Agency. This was underlain by London Clay, anticipated to be in excess of 80m thick, and classified as unproductive strata by the EA Groundwater data from the neighbouring land to the south east of the site showed groundwater levels within the River Terrace Deposits to be approximately 0.6 to 1.7 metres below ground level. A definitive groundwater flow direction was not identified on-site All of the soil samples analysed from site recorded concentrations of chemicals that were below the criteria for a human health assessment, assuming a commercial site use Numerous fragments of asbestos containing materials were identified in the Made Ground, including: asbestos cement, bitumen lagging and insulating board as well as free fibres Elevated levels of lead, chromium, nickel and arsenic were identified in the Made Ground, It was considered that the thin layer of on-site Made Ground had not significantly impacted groundwater to date, based on the typically low concentrations of contaminants in the soil, and the typically low concentrations of contaminants in groundwater Ground gas monitoring to the south east of the site identified low concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane. The Made Ground on the site was considered to have low gas generation potential. 4.4 Likely effects on the environment It is assessed that there may be a direct short-term minor adverse effect on the health of construction workers, site visitors, site neighbours (including BSkyB employees) and general public during works from exposure to contamination during the works It is assessed that there may be a direct short-term minor adverse effect on the quality of groundwater in the shallow principal aquifer and potentially the surface waters contained in the Grand Union Canal from exposure to contamination during the works No designated ecological receptors have been identified in the vicinity of the site and therefore the effects to this receptor would be negligible It is assessed that there is likely to be a minor adverse effect on proposed building materials (the retaining wall) when in contact with low concentrations of contaminants It is assessed that there may be a major adverse effect on the health of construction workers, site visitors and site neighbours (including Sky employees) in the event that significant asbestos or unexploded ordnance is encountered during the works and not controlled adequately. 4.5 Mitigation and residual effects It would be necessary to implement mitigation measures prior to and during implementation of the works and upon their completion to address the adverse effects identified in the previous section. These include the following: The contractor would develop a Construction Environmental Management Plan to include appropriate personal protective equipment, hygiene facilities and dust prevention measures. Specific precautions would be taken to reduce potential exposure to asbestos in accordance with the principle of as low as reasonably practicable. A foundation works risk assessment would be undertaken in accordance with the advice provided by the Environment Agency for the foundations of the retaining wall. A detailed watching brief for unexpected contamination would be maintained on-site during the works. Further risk assessment would be carried out in the event of any unanticipated contamination being identified on site during the works. Any supplementary risk assessment would inform the details of remediation to be undertaken as part of the proposed development. Investigations, watching briefs and assessments for unexploded ordnance would be undertaken It is assessed that the residual effects would be negligible following the implementation of these mitigation measures. The watching brief would inform the need for future risk assessment and the details of remediation to be undertaken as part of the proposed development. JUNE

14

15 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 5 Noise and vibration 5.1 Introduction This section describes the likely significant effects of noise and vibration from the proposed BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works. 5.2 Assessment A survey has been conducted to obtain baseline noise survey data to quantify the existing conditions surrounding the site. Measurements were taken at five representative noise sensitive locations around the site perimeter, covering areas and time periods agreed with the London Borough of Hounslow. During the survey, existing noise sources and noise sensitive receivers were identified A plan showing the locations of the noise survey positions is included below as Figure 4. Figure 4: Noise measurement locations Measurement locations are: Location 1 MacFarlane Lanes Location 2 Syon Lane Location 3 Transport Avenue Location 4 Harlequin Avenue Location 5 Great West Road Locations 1, 2 and 3 represent the nearest residential noise sensitive receivers. Locations 4 and 5 represent the nearest commercial noise sensitive receptors The effect of construction noise and vibration has been assessed in accordance with the British Standard on noise and vibration from construction Noise and vibration effects at residential receptors from construction activities have been assessed quantitatively using a likely worst-case scenario. The calculations have assumed that all processes, for each stage of BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works, take place at the closest point of the construction site to each receptor Noise levels at 1m from the facade of the nearest noise sensitive receptors have been calculated for each phase of the works including vehicular movements. For dwellings, effects have been assessed using significance criteria established by the Department of Environment and the British Standards Institute. These criteria have been discussed and agreed with the London Borough of Hounslow Significance for non-residential receptors has been identified using professional judgement based on the following: receptor use the times of use magnitude of the impact ambient noise levels Vibration from BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works activities has been calculated in accordance with methodologies provided in the British Standard on noise and vibration from construction for activities likely to result in high vibration levels. The only relevant activity identified is vibratory compaction The vibration effects have been assessed quantitatively in accordance with the following standards: Effects on structures have been assessed in accordance with the British Standard for vibration in buildings. Effects on humans have been assessed in accordance with the British Standard on noise and vibration from construction. 5.3 Existing conditions Noise or vibration effects would be greatest at positions immediately surrounding the site perimeter. The nearest residences are on Syon Lane and Oaklands Avenue. The Grand Union Canal (which has long-term moorings for canal boats) is to the east and north-east of the site The study therefore concentrated on residences immediately to the north, south and west of the site. In addition, measurements were taken at commercial premises close to the development. The main existing noise sources in the area are: road traffic noise (A4 Great West Road, Syon Lane and M4) aircraft using Heathrow Airport building services plant noise from existing Sky buildings and other commercial premises. 5.4 Likely effects on the environment Effects from the proposed BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would be temporary The assessment has indicated that residential receptors on MacFarlane Lanes would experience significant temporary adverse effects from construction noise The assessment has indicated that no residential receptors would experience significant temporary adverse effects arising from vibration. 5.5 Mitigation and residual effects Proposed mitigation for construction activities includes: screening at eastern, southern and western boundaries of the site appropriate selection of plant, in particular, use of non-vibratory compaction plant where appropriate application of best practicable means to control noise and vibration establishing a communication and consultation strategy to inform the public of construction works and their effects The application of the mitigation above would ensure that there would be no residual significant noise effects to residential noise receptors. JUNE

16

17 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 6 Socio-economics 6.1 Introduction This section presents an assessment of the likely employment effects of the proposed development on the socio-economic baseline of the local area Given the remit of the proposed works, the scope of this socio-economic assessment has been limited to the only aspect likely to be significantly affected, namely construction employment 6.2 Assessment Baseline information was gathered from published data sources such as census data and local community information for Hounslow Likely construction employment has been calculated based on the capital cost of the proposed development and a measure of the contribution to the economy per construction job. Figure 5: Sky Studios building on the Sky campus 6.5 Mitigation and residual effects Young people in Hounslow have been particularly affected by unemployment and it would therefore be beneficial if the proposed development was able to employ local young people in construction. Initiatives would be introduced to improve employment opportunities and training. These would include: ensuring positions are advertised at local job centres and in local newspapers identifying skills gaps and training requirements and communicating these to LBH, local job centres and colleges It may also be possible to involve some Hounslow employment and training schemes such as Hounslow Education Business Partnership or HOPE (Hounslow s Outreach Project for Employment) Although the number of jobs likely to arise from the proposed development is not significant, employment initiatives would enhance the benefit to the local community. 6.3 Existing conditions The 2011 estimate of the population of Hounslow is almost 254,000, of which 75% are of economically active age There is a high proportion of graduates in the Borough. The level of unemployment in Hounslow is lower than the Greater London average and almost equal to the national average Sky currently employs approximately 8,500 people in the Hounslow. In addition, Sky also undertakes community contributions through community investment, commercial initiatives and charitable gifts contributing to the Hounslow area. 6.4 Likely effects on the environment It is estimated that six construction jobs would be created in relation to the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works. There would also be indirect employment created eight jobs as a result of construction workers spending money in the local area, for example The employment generation has been assessed as a negligible effect of the proposed development. JUNE

18

19 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 7 Traffic and transport 7.1 Introduction The BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would be a source of traffic and has the potential to affect local transport networks. This assessment covers the direct and indirect effects of the traffic generated by the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works. Cumulative effects of nearby committed developments have also been considered. 7.2 Assessment The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the methodologies outlined in the Transport for London Transport Assessment Best Practice Guidance document Baseline (existing) transport conditions have been established using traffic survey data collected in April and May traffic on Syon Lane, Grant Way and Harlequin Avenue. Given the importance of the Great West Road as an east-west connection through Greater London, the effect of the additional traffic associated with the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would be of moderate adverse significance. 7.5 Mitigation and residual effects A Traffic Management Plan would be implemented and would include measures to minimise disruption to road users and reduce construction traffic effects. A Logistics and Neighbourhood Liaison Manager would be appointed to manage access into the site and liaise with stakeholders to keep them informed of progress on the site The effect of the traffic generated by the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would, however, not be eradicated completely. Consequently, there would be some localised and temporary minor adverse residual effects remaining during the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works The assessment has estimated the number of vehicle trips, by type, that the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works would generate and the probable routes the vehicles would take. This has been assessed against baseline traffic flows to calculate the uplift in traffic as a result of the works and the effect the additional trios would have on the network Guidance provided by the Department for Transport has been consulted in order to identify significance criteria applicable to the assessment. 7.3 Existing conditions Harlequin Avenue would be the main site access. It runs along the eastern boundary of the BSkyB Campus and connects to the A4 Great West Road. The Great West Road / Harlequin Avenue junction has recently been upgraded to a signalised junction as a result of the Section 106 agreement for the 2007 BSkyB Masterplan The main vehicular access into the BSkyB Campus is from Grant Way via Syon Lane to the south of the site. Syon Lane connects to the A4 Great West Road at a four-arm signalised junction at a location known as Gillette Corner The A4 Great West Road runs east-west to the south of the site and is part of the TfL road network. 7.4 Likely effects on the environment During the BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works 20 movements of heavy goods vehicles per day are forecast. The traffic would have a temporary adverse effect of minor significance on the local road network including an increase in JUNE

20

21 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 8 Waste 8.1 Introduction The principal objectives of sustainable resource and waste management are to use material resources more efficiently, reduce waste at source and reduce the quantity of waste requiring final disposal to landfill Where waste is generated and cannot be re-used it should be managed in accordance with the waste hierarchy. This advocates the use of landfill disposal only as a last resort due to the range of potential adverse effects associated with its use, such as resource depletion, methane production and nuisance effects (e.g. dust and odour) The purpose of the assessment, therefore, is to establish the likely significant environmental effects of solid waste generation associated with the construction of the proposed development. This is in relation to the types and quantities of solid waste that would be generated and the resultant effect upon the available capacity of waste management infrastructure in the local and regional area Solid waste generation during operation is not relevant to the proposed development and hence is not considered further within the assessment. 8.2 Assessment Information published by the Greater London Authority and the Environment Agency has been used to identify current and projected waste arisings, waste management methods and waste infrastructure capacity for the London Borough of Hounslow and Greater London The amount of solid waste projected to be generated during construction has been quantified based on scheme information for the proposed development The quantity of solid waste likely to be generated has then been compared to projected waste arisings at the site and in the local (London Borough of Hounslow) and regional (Greater London) areas. The purpose of this is to establish the change (i.e. increase or decrease) in solid waste arisings as a result of the proposed development Assumptions regarding the quantity of solid waste that would require off-site disposal to landfill have been made on the basis of best practice (published by the Waste and Resources Action Programme) and landfill diversion performance achieved by the Sky Studios project, which was completed in These assumptions are: 50% diversion from landfill of surplus excavated materials requiring off-site management (applicable to earthworks and excavation activities on-site) 97% diversion from landfill of construction waste (applicable to construction and installation activities on-site) The amount of solid waste requiring landfill disposal has then been assessed in relation to the projected quantity of landfill capacity that would be available in the London Borough of Hounslow, Greater London and the South East of England. The latter is considered in relation to the wider regional area in which solid waste generated by the proposed development may be disposed to landfill Cumulative environmental effects of solid waste generation have been assessed qualitatively, based on professional judgement, for the proposed development and other significant projects identified within the London Borough of Hounslow. 8.3 Existing conditions The baseline in terms of the quantity of solid construction, demolition and excavation waste generated at the site is considered to be zero It has been assumed that the nature of the existing site (in terms of land use and operational activities) would remain unchanged should the proposed development not proceed Construction, demolition and excavation waste arisings in the London Borough of Hounslow are projected to rise from 0.3 million tonnes in 2013 to million tonnes in Similarly, construction, demolition and excavation waste arisings in Greater London are expected to increase from million tonnes in 2013 to million tonnes in Whilst there is a shortage of all classes of landfill capacity in West London, sufficient inert, hazardous and non-hazardous landfill exists within Greater London and the South East of England. This situation would remain in 2014 with the exception of inert landfill capacity, which is projected to be available only within the wider regional area (i.e. the South East of England). 8.4 Likely effects on the environment It has been estimated that the proposed development would generate tonnes of surplus excavated material and minor amounts of construction waste (associated with construction and installation activities) for off-site management Assuming 50% diversion from landfill of surplus excavated material and 97% diversion from landfill of construction waste, the quantity of solid waste requiring disposal to landfill is unlikely to cause significant further draw down of existing landfill capacity in the regional and wider regional area The likely significant environmental effects of solid waste generation associated with the proposed development would be negligible. Cumulative environmental effects would also be negligible. 8.5 Mitigation and residual effects No mitigation measures have been proposed other than implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (to help manage waste generation and management on-site) and a Site Waste Management Plan (a statutory requirement for all construction projects in England over the value of 300,000) The residual environmental effects of solid waste generation and management would be negligible. JUNE

22

23 BSkyB Site Levelling and Remediation Works Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary 9 Water resources 9.1 Introduction This section presents an assessment of the likely significant effects of the proposed development on the environment with respect to water resources and flood risk. 9.2 Assessment The assessment includes the following key issues regarding ground water conditions, water supply, flood risk and surface and foul water drainage issues, both on and off-site: changes to the surface water quality during construction changes in discharge rates of surface water run-off during construction and operation flood risk following completion of the works The proposed development would significantly decrease the amount of impermeable area on the site and so reduce the run-off rate from the site. Reducing the run-off would have a minor beneficial effect The risk from overland flow flooding has been assessed as negligible. 9.5 Mitigation and residual effects Mitigation measures during construction include: a Construction Environmental Management Plan put in place to ensure protection of the on-site and downstream sewers site controls to ensure that sediment is not washed into the surface water drainage during rainfall water that may have come into contact with contaminated materials would be disposed of in accordance with relevant legislation No standard criteria for the assessment of water resources are available but criteria have been compiled from a number of sources and are in part based on previous experience The assessment is based on a combination of the sensitivity of the water resource and the magnitude of the change or impact upon it With these measures in place, effects on water resources from operation of the proposed development would be negligible, except in the case of surface water discharge, where a beneficial effect would arise due to the reduced run-off rate To establish current conditions, a review of existing data was undertaken including sewerage plans and maps. A site visit was undertaken and a flood risk assessment was produced. 9.3 Existing conditions Sensitivity to change of the water resources on and around the site has been assessed as minor. This includes sensitivity of the existing surface water network and water supply Overland flow paths from neighbouring sites to the site are interrupted by kerb lines and physical features and therefore the sensitivity to flooding has been determined as negligible. 9.4 Likely effects on the environment There is the potential for polluted surface water to be washed into gullies and sewers. The effect on water quality has been assessed to be minor adverse It is unlikely that construction of the proposed development would introduce significant additional areas of temporary hardstanding. It is therefore unlikely that the discharge rate from the site would increase during construction and so the effects downstream would be negligible. JUNE