Environmental Impact Assessment Non-Technical Summary. June 2015

Transcription

1 Environmental Impact Assessment Non-Technical Summary June 2015

2 Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Site and Surrounding Area, Proposed Development and Policy 6 3. Summary of Topics 9 4. Further Information 27 June 2015

3 1. Introduction 1.1 This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) provides a summary of the Environmental Statement (ES). The Environmental Statement has been submitted to accompany the Hybrid Planning Application (part full and part outline) for the development of the new Midland Metropolitan hospital on the land at Grove Lane, Smethwick. 1.2 The ES reports on the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and sets out those areas where potentially significant environmental effects have been identified and the mitigation proposed to remedy predicted effects. It forms an important part of the planning application decision making process and should be read alongside the reports, plans and documents submitted in support of the planning application. 1.3 It is considered that the development falls within Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations. Such projects may require EIA if the overall area of the development exceeds 5 hectares and would lead to likely significant effects on the environment. In this case, the proposed development is greater than 5 hectares; and the size, nature and location of the proposed development is likely to result in cumulative environmental impacts. It is on this basis that the applicant has prepared an ES to accompany the planning application. 1.4 An EIA has been undertaken and the results are presented in volumes: Volume 1:Environmental Statement Volume 2:Technical Appendices Volume 3:Figures Volume 4:The Non-Technical Summary The Environmental Impact Assessment Process 1.5 The ES has been prepared pursuant to The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (as amended 2015). The ES has had regard to all aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the proposed development and includes an assessment of the likely extent and significance of the potential environmental effects. 1.6 The ES examines the effect of the proposals with respect to: Socio-Economics Townscape and Visual Assessment Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Noise and Vibration Ecology and Nature Conservation 3

4 Hydrology Soils, Geology and Contamination Transport and Traffic Air Quality Waste Management Climate Change 1.7 In order to carry out an assessment of the likely environmental effects of the proposed development, the existing or baseline conditions must first be defined. The likely extent of the environmental effects and their significance can then be assessed. As a starting point, the ES adopts the baseline potion as being the existing site conditions; in this instance, the site has been cleared of all buildings with ground clearance and remediation works carried out. The environmental effects to be assessed are therefore the difference in effect between the existing conditions and those of the proposed development. 1.8 The likely significant environmental effects are then considered against significance criteria, which is used throughout the ES, and adapted as necessary for each topic area (an example is provided in the following table). Magnitude of Effect Typical Descriptors Major Adverse Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements Beneficial Large scale or major improvement of resource quality; extensive restoration or enhancement; major improvement of attribute quality Moderate Adverse Substantial impact on the resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of / damage to key characteristics, features or elements Beneficial Benefit to, or addition of, key characteristics, features or elements; improvement of attribute quality Minor Adverse Some measurable change in attributes quality or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements Beneficial Minor benefit to, or addition of, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements; some beneficial impact on attribute or a reduced risk of negative impact occurring Negligible Adverse Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements Beneficial Very minor benefit to or positive addition of one or more characteristics, features or elements No Change No loss or alteration of characteristics, features or elements; no observable impact in either direction 4

5 1.9 Where the assessment procedure indicates that the proposed development is likely to have significant adverse effect, the ES identifies appropriate mitigation measures to prevent, reduce, or offset these effects and/or take advantage of opportunities for environmental enhancements. Such mitigation can potentially either be incorporated into the proposed design and operation of the proposed development, or through the introduction of particular safeguards or additional measures A cumulative assessment is also undertaken to considered effect interactions and in combination effects. Effect interactions are the combined or synergistic effects caused by the combination of a number of effects on a particular receptor which may collectively cause a more significant effect than individually. In-combination effects are the effects of the proposed development together with other committed developments. 5

6 2. Site and Surrounding Area, Proposed Development and Policy Site and surrounding area 2.1 The site is located on land at Grove Lane in Smethwick which is approximately 3.4 km west of Birmingham City Centre and 4.2 km south east of West Bromwich Town Centre. The site is located a short distance to the north of Cape Hill Centre which is formed along the Dudley Road and is the main hub of community and retail activity locally. Smethwick Centre is located approximately 2km to the north west. 2.2 The site is well connected by public transport to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Dudley Road (the A457) and Cape Hill (A4092) are to the south of the site and comprise a key transport route, served frequently by the bus routes 11, 82, 83, 87 and Smethwick Rolfe Street Railway Station is located approximately 2 km north west of the site with Smethwick Galton Bridge Railway Station approximately 2.9 km north west. Smethwick Rolfe Street is served by the Walsall to Wolverhampton line (via Birmingham New Street) and Smethwick Galton Bridge is served by the Birmingham to Worcester line, as well as being served by limited services to Liverpool Lime Street and Holyhead. 2.4 The Birmingham Union Canal lies to the north east of Cranford Street which provides canal towpath access between Birmingham City Centre and wider Sandwell (including Smethwick Galton Bridge). 2.5 The site falls within the jurisdiction of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, and is within close proximity of the boundary of Birmingham City Council, which is a short distance to the south east along Dudgate Street. 6

7 Proposed development 2.6 The formal description of the proposed development is: Hybrid application for the development of the Midland Metropolitan hospital to comprise: in full, erection of the hospital building (including car parking, ancillary retail uses, plant, radio antenna masts, receiver dishes, and chimneys), new and revised vehicular and pedestrian access, internal access roads and car parking, vehicular drop off/arrival areas, pedestrian and cycle routes, soft and hard landscaping, public art, CCTV, lighting, boundary treatments, underground services and sub-station, reprofiling and engineering works, SUDS, balancing pond, creation of new tow path and partial infilling of the Cape Arm Canal; in outline with all matters reserved, three development zones consisting of uses covering Class D1 (non-residential institutions), Class D2 (assembly and leisure), C2 (residential institutions), Class B1 (a) offices (b) research and development, car parking, access, pedestrian routes and landscaping (interim and permanent options). 2.7 The planning application is submitted in a hybrid format. Whilst this format is technically and legally an application for outline planning permission, there is a clear distinction between those parts of the site for which all matters of detail (layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access) will be specified for approval and those elements where all matters are reserved for subsequent approval (taken forward through future applications for reserved matters approval). Planning Policy Considerations and alternatives considered 2.8 The ES identifies the relevant national, regional and local planning policy and guidance as contained within the National Planning Policy Framework (Framework) and the statutory Development Plan (Local Plans and Local Development Framework) against which the planning application for the proposals will be considered. The assessment demonstrates that construction and operation of the proposed development would not be contrary to any relevant national, regional or local planning policy and guidance. 2.9 The site is located within the administrative area of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council where the Development Plan consists of the following: Black Country Joint Core Strategy (2011) Sandwell Site Allocation and Delivery Development Plan Document (2012) Smethwick Area Action Plan (2008) 2.10 The form of the proposed development has been influenced by a range of factors including location, surrounding uses, responses from statutory consultees and stakeholders, environmental constraints and policy considerations. This, as well as the operational requirements of the Trust, has resulted in the final proposed scheme. 7

8 2.11 The site is allocated under Policy Sme4 of the Smethwick Area Action Plan (2008) for Employment Use to accommodate new health and ancillary uses for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. This allocation is reflected within the Sandwell MBC s Site Allocations and Delivery Development Plan (2012) which identifies the site on the Policies Map as hospital Proposals as well as being referenced within the Black Country Core Strategy Outline planning permission was granted for a hospital on this site in 2008 and subsequently renewed in 2013 (which now expires in 2019) in accordance with the development plan and policy allocations On this basis it is considered that the location is suitable for the proposed development and alternative sites have therefore not been considered. 8

9 3. Summary of Topics Socio Economic 3.1 The Socio-economic Chapter assesses the potential effects of the proposed development on the local economy and population. It focuses on economic impacts as well as the provision of the green space. In assessing the likely significant effects, it finds a range of moderate to major likely beneficial significant effects covering the following positive impacts: Construction Construction cost: The proposed development will cost approximately to deliver. As part of their developer contributions, Carillion are committing to a supply chain and Employment Framework which sets out a commitment to spend 80% of the total construction cost within the East and West Midlands. Construction jobs: The proposed development will support 10,342 person weeks of additional employment on the scheme through Carillion s Supply Chain and Employment Framework commitment e.g. apprentice starts, work experience placements, s/nvq starts etc. Construction gross value added (GVA): The uplift in annual productivity measured in GVA in the district area economy as a result of construction of the hospital is estimated to be circa 39.7 million per annum, inclusive of 27 million per annum in the local impact areas. This effect increases to circa 72.4 million per annum when assessed across the regional impact area. Operation Operational Jobs supported: The Trust estimates that there will be 3,274 whole time equivalent jobs at the hospital. The total salaries supported will be equivalent to million. A total of 4,675 WTE/FTE positions will be supported by the hospital and associated retail floorspace across the region as a result of supply chain and employee expenditure effects. The operation of the outline development zones could support between gross full time equivalent positions on the site. Operational gross value added: The operation of the hospital could support million GVA per annum across the regional impact of the area of the West Midlands, inclusive of 400,000 GVA per annum supported by the two small hospital retail units. The operation of the development zones could generated between 7.2 million and 45.9 million net additional GVA per annum across the regional impact area of the West Midlands. Operational business rates: The proposed development will generate approximately 340,000 to 580,000 business rate revenue per annum, depending upon the final scheme details of the development zones and excluding the business rate revenue generated by the hospital development. Of this total revenue, under current arrangements 50% or 170,000 to 290,000 could be retained by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. 9

10 Townscape and Visual Assessment 3.2 A Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment (TVIA) was undertaken in accordance with accepted guidelines. The methodology and representative viewpoints were agreed with the local authority. 3.3 The extent of the study area for the townscape assessment is based upon a review of the character areas in the locality and is limited to those immediate and adjacent areas which are likely to be directly or indirectly affected by the development. 3.4 The extent of the study area for the assessment of Visual Impacts is based upon a review of the zone of theoretical visibility within a 4km radius of the site, in combination with analysis of the surrounding built form and vegetation and verification within the field. The extent of the visual assessment is largely limited by the extent of built form surrounding the site and relates an area within 500m of the site. Baseline 3.5 Key planning policies relevant to the TVIA relate to proposed development providing high quality development and landmark buildings and a high quality public realm which responds to the local context. 3.6 The townscape baseline established the site is a brownfield site which has been cleared for redevelopment. It is located within a mixed commercial/ industrial area within a wider urban context of varied residential and commercial townscape character. The Birmingham Canal was also identified as a local receptor, with the Cape Arm of the canal adjacent to the site. 3.7 The visual baseline established a range of visual receptors including residential, commercial and road users within the local area, as well as recreational users of the Birmingham Canal. 3.8 Key receptors comprise residential properties in close proximity to the site. Assessment of Effects 3.9 Overall townscape sensitivity to the construction is judged to be low. The construction effects whilst of high magnitude with a level of effect moderate (adverse) are judged to be not significant The proposed development is considered to accord with the Framework guidance on Requiring good design and the Grove Lane SPD objectives The townscape effects will relate principally to the direct, permanent impacts to the site which forms a substantial part of a local townscape character area with a low sensitivity to the proposed change The development will transform the current local townscape and be a positive addition to the locality. This is judged to be a high magnitude of change, with an overall moderate/ high (beneficial) level of effect to the receptor. This effect is considered to be significant Other townscape effects are judged as not significant. 10

11 3.14 The visual effects of the proposed development will be experienced by a wide range of receptors generally within 500m of the site. These primarily comprise residents and users of public highway and the canal. Beyond this distance views of the proposals will be substantially curtailed by a combination of intervening built form and landform The sensitivity of the receptors varies between low - high dependent upon the distance from the site; the nature of view and the susceptibility of receptors to change The overall levels of effect vary between negligible to substantial and comprise both beneficial and adverse types of effect. Beneficial effects are judged where the high quality of the proposed development including the enhancements to the public realm are clearly apparent and have some effect to the visual amenity The likely key visual effects will relate to a relatively few residents within 200m of the site that have views directly toward the proposed development. These are located within the residential area to the west of the site, immediately west of Grove Lane along roads including Unett Street, Woodlands Street, Rosedale Avenue, Ashley Road and Curtis Close These receptors have a high sensitivity to the proposed change, both during construction and operation due primarily to their close proximity of the site and the type of the receptor (residents). The magnitude of effect will be high because of the large scale of proposed built form of the hospital and its close proximity to the receptor. The overall level of effects is judged to be substantial (adverse) and significant 3.19 Such impacts cannot be mitigated since the effects relate to the overall scale of the built form and the close proximity to the receptor The majority of judged overall visual effects are however not significant. This is due to a combination of the extant view character of non-designated urban townscape which comprises a range of development types, including large scale buildings and the brownfield condition of the site. In addition whilst the proposals will result in considerable alteration to some views the overall character and amenity of the view will not change. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 3.21 The historic environment has been considered under the following two subtopics : Archaeological Remains: These may be buried traces of human activities, sites visible above ground, or moveable artefacts and include buildings, structures, earthworks and landscapes, human, animal or plant remains; and Historic Buildings: these also include structures that have no aesthetic appeal or structures not usually thought of as buildings, such as milestones or bridges; 3.22 An archaeological desk-based assessment of the site and two study areas (extending 200m and 500m beyond the footprint of the proposed development) was undertaken during May and June The aim of the assessment was to collate and assess existing information about the cultural heritage of the study areas and set this information out in its regional context. In line with the NPPF, the desk-based 11

12 assessment was also prepared to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected by the proposed development A total of 58 cultural heritage assets were identified within the 500m study area. These comprised: 21 Archaeological Remains (one asset assessed to be of high value, 11 assets assessed to be of medium value, six assets assessed to be of low value and three assets assessed to be of negligible value); and 37 Historic Buildings (two assets assessed to be of high value, 29 assets assessed to be of medium value, five assets assessed to be of low value and one asset assessed to be of negligible value). Mitigation 3.24 The site has been subject to extensive levelling and disturbance and it is predicted that the potential for archaeological remains is low. The cellaring of the site during the 19th century AD will have removed any buried archaeological remains within the footprint of the proposed development area. As there is no potential for the presence of archaeological remains, no mitigation is required to mitigate the impact. However, should archaeological remains be found during the ground preparation works then an appropriate programme of archaeological monitoring is recommended to mitigate identified impacts. Assessment of Effects 3.25 The assessment has determined that there are a number of designated and nondesignated heritage assets that would be either directly (through the disturbance of removal of ground through construction) or indirectly (through the visual presence of the proposed development s construction or operational buildings) affected by the proposed development. The following residual impacts and likely significant effects have been established: During the construction phase: potential residual impacts on the setting of 38 assets were identified (these include 4 Archaeological Remains and 34 Historic Buildings). The magnitude of impact was found to be either negligible or minor for all but one of the assets and the level of likely significant effect was found to be neutral adverse or slight adverse. The exception was for Asset 20 which is a local designated area of potential archaeological Importance where major magnitude of construction impact was found and a moderate adverse level of effect was found (therefore, EIA Significant). During the operation of the hospital: The proposed development has the potential to have an impact on the setting of 36 assets. These include three Archaeological Remains and 33 Historic Buildings. The magnitude of impact was established as either negligible or minor for all of the assets identified, with the level of likely significant effects found to be neutral adverse or slight adverse. 12

13 Noise and Vibration Introduction 3.26 The assessment has considered the potential noise and vibration effects of the proposed development may have on noise sensitive receptors (NSRs) in the vicinity during its construction and operation. Assessment of Effects 3.27 During the construction phase, there is the potential for moderate to substantial adverse effects on the closest NSRs, especially during the building construction works. negligible effects have been predicted due to vibration during the construction works Without any mitigation or careful design there is potential for substantial adverse effects due to building services and plant noise Negligible noise effects have been predicted due to delivery activities within the service yard of the proposed development The proposed development will generate additional traffic on the local road network, however the effects of the increase in traffic on surrounding NSRs along Grove Lane near the development site is slight adverse in the short term (i.e. opening year) and is negligible on other local roads in the vicinity Noise from car parking activities at the proposed development is predicted to have a neutral significance of effect The external noise environment will also affect the internal ambient noise levels of the proposed hospital and buildings in the three development zones. Mitigation 3.33 Best Practicable Means (BPM) are proposed for construction working which will be employed to mitigate construction noise and vibration levels as far as practicable Based on the results of the baseline noise surveys, operational noise limits for building services and plant have been recommended which are in line with SMBC requirements. Through the use of appropriate noise control measures, to be identified at the detail design stage (such as use of screening, attenuation packages, selection of quieter units, louvres and enclosures as required) Plant will be designed to achieve suitable operational noise limits and being mounted in a way as to minimise structure-borne vibration to occupants will help to limit noise and vibration impacts No specific mitigation is required for noise from the service yard, however good practice and management will help to keep noise to a minimum No mitigation is required for car parking activities and additional road on the local road network. Residual Effects 3.37 As with any large scale construction programme in an urban context, there will be temporary impacts on local noise sensitive receptors from construction activities. With 13

14 the implementation of Best Practicable Means and careful management it is expected that construction noise effects can be limited to minor adverse significance and construction vibration effects limited to negligible significance Through the use of appropriate noise control measures in order to achieve suitable operational noise limits, it is considered that noise and vibration effects of operational building services and plant noise can be limited to an effect of slight adverse during the daytime and negligible during the night time As no mitigation measures are required for car parking activities, operation of the service yard and operational traffic the residual predicted effects will be the same as predicted as part of this assessment The hospital buildings will be fully mechanically ventilated with the result that no acoustically sensitive rooms on external facades will need to open windows to provide ventilation to the space. Therefore with appropriate glazing specifications and façade insulation it will be possible to achieve the internal noise levels set out in relevant technical guidance In conclusion, with appropriate mitigation measures in place the proposed development will not have a significant adverse effect on existing and future NRSs in the vicinity of the development. Ecology and Nature Conservation 3.42 The development has the potential to have an impact upon ecological resources on the site and in the near vicinity. An assessment has been completed to quantify the effects and identify any necessary mitigation measures An extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the site and close surroundings was undertaken in May 2015, by suitably qualified ecologists employing standard methods. The objective was to identify the main habitat types present and to note any specific features of ecological interest. The following day, a specific survey was undertaken in the early morning to investigate the potential presence of Black Redstart, an important bird species known to occur locally The Habitat Survey indicated that the main habitat types within the site are areas of bare ground, hardstanding and spoil, with small areas of ruderal vegetation, amenity grassland, introduced shrub and scattered trees, standing water (the Cape Arm Canal spur) and emergent vegetation. Site clearance and earthworks were on-going at the time of the survey, under an existing planning consent. Once these works have been completed, the existing trees and the majority of other vegetation on site will have been removed. The baseline condition of the site for this planning application will not, therefore, include these features. Canals are a Local Priority Habitat and the Cape Arm Canal is a wildlife corridor, as such it is considered to be of local value. All other habitats are considered to be of less than local value No evidence of breeding or foraging black redstart on site was recorded during the May 2015 survey. The walls of the Cape Arm Canal contain crevices that offer limited potential as nesting sites and there are numerous abandoned industrial buildings and 14

15 associated structures in the immediate vicinity of the site which would offer more suitable nesting opportunities likely to be preferred by the species. However, the site and adjacent areas contained habitats that are considered to be suitable for foraging black redstart The application site is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory designation for wildlife and conservation. Two non-statutory nature conservation sites have been identified to be within the zone of influence of the Scheme given their hydrological links to the site. These are the Old Line and Birmingham Canals Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC) and Galton Valley Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC). Assessment of Effects 3.47 Given the urban location and built up nature of the application site and the extent of ground clearance and remediation work undertaken as part of previous and on-going development activities covered by other planning consents, the potential for valuable habitats and protected wildlife to be present is considered to be extremely limited The development will include a number of measures which have the potential to enhance the ecological value of the site, including for example: Improvements to the Cape Arm Canal Extensive planting to create a variety of habitats, including green roofs, terraced gardens, transient water storage features, trees and shrubs Building features offering roosting opportunities for bats In conclusion, given the generally low ecological quality of the existing site, and general lack of connectivity to other ecological corridors and sites, the impacts of the proposed development are generally minor to neutral. In the case of bats, with the development in place, there would be a positive residual impact given the provision of additional roosting opportunities as part of the new buildings proposed Due to the relatively low ecological value of the site, and the proposed mitigation / enhancements to be incorporated in the development, the proposals do not conflict with the relevant legislation and planning policy. Hydrology 3.51 The proposed development has the potential to have an effect on surface and groundwater resources, in terms of both water quality and the physical dynamics of water flows in the vicinity of the site An assessment has been completed and reported in the Environmental Statement, which considers the potential effects of the construction and operation of the proposed development on surface water and groundwater, and outlines mitigation measures required to control any predicted effects of the proposals. The chapter is primarily concerned with the application site and land which is hydraulically connected to it. 15

16 3.53 The flood risk assessment states that the site is located within Flood Zone 1 (low risk flood zone) and that the main area of the site is shown on EA surface water flood mapping to be at low risk from surface water flooding. The assessment concludes that the risk to the development proposals associated with all flood risk sources and mechanisms is low The drainage strategy for the development provides a high level of protection against future peak rainfall events, including assumed increases due to climate change, to deliver an annual probability of less than 1% in relation to rainfall exceeding the design capacity. The design also achieves a reduction of approximately 30% in peak run-off rates compared with the previous development of the site The design incorporates Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) measures to control water flows through the site and to attenuate potential pollution such as silt and oils. Assessment of Effects 3.56 Potential impacts during the construction phase include: Run-off of silty water and pollution from contaminated land Changes to surface and groundwater flows, including changes due to dewatering of excavations Cement, fuels and other pollutants entering surface or groundwater Physical alterations to surface water features Canal and Brooks These will be minimised through excellent construction management practices, to be formalised in the Construction Method Statement (CMS), Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and associated documentation Potential impacts during operation include: Changes to flows and likelihood of flooding Sediment, oils and other substances entering watercourses via drains Thermal impact on groundwater from closed loop ground source heat pump 3.59 These will be minimised through the drainage design and good operational practices The potential effects of the scheme have been reviewed based on implementation of mitigation measures as outlined above. This assessment has found that, following implementation of the mitigation measures, there should be no significant residual effects and, as such, no further mitigation is required With the adoption of the mitigation measures outlined, the development is considered to be consistent with national and local policies and guidance in respect of hydrology. 16

17 Soils, Geology and Contamination 3.62 The interaction of the development with soils, geology and ground contamination has the potential to give rise to impacts; from the development upon ground conditions and other receptors; and upon the development as a result of unfavourable ground conditions. An assessment has been completed to identify the impacts and any necessary mitigation measures The baseline conditions for the development will be a post-remediation (i.e. cleaned up ) site, following the completion and verification of the advanced works by the Trust under a separate planning permission. The following will have been removed from the made ground: Former underground fuel storage tanks and any surrounding soil contaminated by hydrocarbons Pits and chambers containing liquid contaminants, e.g. solvents A portion of shallow made ground containing asbestos fibres at potentially hazardous concentrations Hazardous voids such as former basements, air raid shelters, redundant culverts Various floor slabs and sub-surface structures that will have been excavated, crushed and stockpiled for re-use as granular fill in the proposed development It is not possible to be certain what the precise baseline topography of the site will be at the time of handover, following the advanced works currently underway by the Trust. The end state of those advanced works will be dictated by the findings of investigations into ground conditions and the method of managing the materials encountered, including both on-site stockpiling and off-site disposal. Assessment of Effects 3.65 The main potential impacts identified include: Ground contamination exposed or remobilised during earthworks, impacting upon groundwater, surface water and people Ground or groundwater contamination which is aggressive to building materials installed as part of the development Ground instability associated with underground voids and site level changes Appropriate mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce risks associated with these impacts will be implemented as part of the development design. Appropriate mitigation measures to control risks during construction will be implemented by following best practice methods of working The current remediation of the site, the design and mitigation measures to be implemented through the development, and the return of an industrial brownfield site to valuable use, are all consistent with local and national planning policy and guidance. 17

18 Transport and Traffic 3.68 The assessment considered the transport and environmental effects of the proposed development on the road network and on all road users during the construction and operational stages. The assessment followed the methodology set out in the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (1994). Further reference on the approach was made to the Department for Transport s Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), particularly Volume 11. A transport Assessment which assessed the technical aspects of Transport and Traffic has also been prepared to accompany the planning application. Assessment of Effects 3.69 During construction there will be traffic flow, particularly heavy goods vehicles, associated with general plant and material deliveries and the removal of waste from the site. To effectively manage this, a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be developed and implemented. This will be agreed with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and will include measures such as the use of agreed appropriate routes to and from site for construction vehicles and restricting the largest vehicles to arriving and departing from the site during off-peak times of the day Appropriate signage will be implemented around the site as well as communication methods for keeping the Authorities and local residents informed of activities. Any effects from this phase of the development are likely to be direct, temporary, short term on all travellers of negligible adverse significance 3.71 Overall, once the development is completed and occupied, it is predicted to result in insignificant increases in traffic flows on the local road network. Notwithstanding this, the development will include for a designated car share parking space and it is further proposed that a car sharing scheme is organised for the employees of the development, by registering on a local car sharing website. Some minor changes to the road infrastructure will be made to ensure that any effects from road-borne traffic to/from the development will be mitigated For Non-Motorised Users of the development there is likely to be: A direct, temporary, short term effect of negligible adverse significance in terms of changes in journey time A direct, permanent, long-term on the changes in amenity of small beneficial significance For Motorised Users of the development there is likely to be: A direct, permanent, long-term effect on users of the road network of negligible significance in Driver Stress terms A direct, permanent, long-term effect on users of the road network of negligible significance in terms of congestion and delay. 18

19 3.74 A Travel Plan has also been developed and has been submitted with the detailed planning application. This sets out a framework for the delivery of new transport initiatives and measures for staff and visitors that will travel to and from the development on a regular basis, with the aim of reducing reliance on private car usage and encouraging travel by modes of transport that are more sustainable than the private car. All proposed parking for staff and visitors will be provided within the development site Prior to the occupation of the development, a Servicing Management Plan will be prepared which will aim to ensure that servicing and deliveries to the development can take place efficiently without significant impact on the local highway network. This will be secured by planning condition The development is predicted to generate additional walking and cycle trips on the local network surrounding the site. The development does, however, provide for new pedestrian routes through the site and some enhancement of existing routes close to the site on Grove Lane and Grove Street. It is also proposed to provide new secure cycle parking facilities for staff and visitors at convenient locations within the site With regard to the increased public transport opportunity to the site, some existing bus routes local to the development will divert to enter the site and encourage use of that mode. Air Quality 3.78 An assessment has been completed of the potential impacts on air quality associated with the development. The following main sources of emissions to air have been identified: Dust emissions during construction Exhaust emissions from motor vehicles during operation Combustion products from on-site energy plant during operation Assessment of Effects 3.79 The construction works have the potential to create dust. During construction it will be necessary to apply a package of good practice mitigation measures to minimise dust emission. With these measures in place, it is expected that any residual effects will be not significant. However, guidance recognises that, even with a rigorous dust management plan in place, it is not possible to guarantee that the dust mitigation measures will be effective all of the time, for instance under adverse weather conditions. The local community may therefore experience occasional, short-term dust annoyance. The scale of this would not normally be considered sufficient to change the conclusion that the effects will not be significant The additional traffic generated by the proposed development will affect air quality at existing properties along the local road network. The assessment has demonstrated that there will be an increase of up to 1 % in concentrations of fine particles (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) at relevant locations. The impacts will all be negligible. In the case of nitrogen dioxide, 19

20 the percentage increases are predicted to range from 0 % to 5 %, and the impacts will range from negligible to moderate adverse The proposed energy and generator plant within the development will lead to an increase in annual mean and short-term nitrogen dioxide and PM 10 concentrations. Total annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and PM 10 are 12.3 % and 0.1 % of the relevant objectives, respectively, at the worst-case receptor location. Combining these impacts with the modelled road and background concentrations indicates that proposed plant will have a negligible impact on local air quality. In terms of the short term (99.79 th percentile of 1-hour) nitrogen dioxide concentrations, the results of the statistical analysis undertaken in this assessment demonstrate that, at the worst-case receptor location, there is a risk of exceedance of the objective, however the risk is below 0.5%, i.e. it may be expected that the objective would be exceeded less than once in every 200 years of operation. This level of risk is judged to be insignificant The overall operational air quality impacts of the development are judged to be not significant. This conclusion, which takes account of the uncertainties in future projections, in particular for nitrogen dioxide, is based on the concentrations being below the objective for nitrogen dioxide at the majority of receptor locations, and where exceedances are identified, that the development is not causing these exceedances. Furthermore, the overall judgement takes into account the mitigation measures incorporated within the design, the investment costs of which are well in excess of the sum of 120,307 derived from the Damage Costs Calculation method requested by SMBC The air quality impacts of the development and their management, based on the assessment and mitigation presented here, are consistent with relevant local and national policy and guidelines. Waste Management 3.84 The proposed development will generate construction (including excavation) and operational waste that will need to be reused, recycled or disposed of The proposed development will adhere to the relevant waste management legislation and policies, including implementing the waste hierarchy for all waste types, minimising the reliance on landfill by maximising reuse/recovery/recycling and, where this is not possible, using high temperature disposal with energy recovery Measures will be implemented to ensure that, where possible, construction waste will be reused and recycled on site. Where this is not possible, it will be taken off site for reuse or recycling. Good working practices will be employed on-site in relation to the storage and disposal of waste materials including segregation and secure storage of all waste. Wherever possible, suppliers will be required to provide take-back services for unused construction materials, so that they can be reused or recycled rather than entering waste streams. Assessment of Effects 3.87 The proposed development will generate typical operational waste arisings for a hospital and associated facilities (including clinical, recycling and black bag type wastes), which 20

21 will be segregated on-site and stored appropriately in the correct waste containers, then collected by an authorised waste contractor and treated / disposed of appropriately Overall, no significant adverse effects would be anticipated to arise from the management of waste associated with the project. All waste arising will be re-used, recycled or safely disposed of. Climate Change 3.89 An assessment has been completed to examine the impact of the proposed development in relation to climate change. This relates primarily to the release of greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation. It also considers the implications of climate change by providing a qualitative assessment of the buildings resilience and potential for adaptation to climate change In contrast to other environmental assessment topics, there are no specific receptors to be considered regarding the carbon emissions associated with energy use. The contribution to potential climate change from the emission of carbon is well documented and the policy and legislation being implemented is designed to reduce current levels and minimise the impact from new developments The development of the new hospital will improve facilities, energy efficiency and uptake of renewables in comparison with the services provided on the existing sites, but is likely to result in a net increase in carbon emissions due to scale. However, consistent with requirements under local policy ENV7, the development will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions against an appropriate design baseline The combination of passive solar design, optimised building envelope and efficient systems results in an energy design baseline equivalent to an energy consumption of 42 GJ/100m 3 /year, which is the Trust target for the project and represents best practice within the health sector, compared to the current good practice energy consumption of between 45 and 55 GJ/100m 3 /year. Details of the breakdown in energy use and the assumptions used on the development of the baseline are provided in the Sustainability Statement Through the development of a robust and challenging energy strategy, the energy demand of the building has been minimised and the use of low carbon and renewable energy technology, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Ground Source Heating and Cooling systems, has further reduced carbon emissions. Consequently, the carbon emissions from the development are estimated to be about 1,254 tco 2 lower than the design baseline based on conventional energy supply The design has been developed to fully accommodate extremes of temperature and rainfall that may be expected to occur in the future as a result of climate change, resulting in a resilient and future-proofed development The net increase in carbon emissions resulting from the proposed development represents a significant negative environmental effect. However, the effect will be minimised through best practice design, construction and operational measures. 21

22 3.96 The projects comprehensive approach to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and resilience to climate change risks in the design, is consistent with national and local policy in respect of energy and climate change. Cumulative considerations 3.97 Cumulative effects are those that arise from incremental changes caused by other past, present or reasonably foreseeable actions together with the project Interactive effects are the reactions between impacts, whether between impacts of just one project or between the impacts of other projects in the area The EIA assesses the effects of the development, cumulatively with other committed developments (i.e. those that have already begun or partially been constructed or those that have not been commenced but have an extant planning permission), where there are likely to be significant effects Two types of cumulative effects have been assessed: Type 1 Effects: The combination of individual effects (for example noise, dust and visual effects) from the development on a particular receptor Type 2 Effects: Effects from several developments, which individually might be insignificant, but when considered together could create a significant cumulative effect The type 2 effects have considered the following projects: Atlas House, Cranford Street, Smethwick Land at Watt Street, Messenger Road, Smethwick Site of Windmill Shopping Centre, Windmill Precinct, Smethwick Site of Former Hamilton House, Grove Lane, Smethwick Site of French Walls, Poplar Street The cumulative effects of both construction activity and the operational development have been considered. It should be noted that whilst the programme may be subject to change, this is not anticipated to materially impact upon the findings of this assessment Whilst a number of interactive effects are anticipated to take place during the construction period, with appropriate mitigation, and given their relatively short term and intermittent nature, these are considered to be of only minor significance. It is anticipated that the implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) with associated best practice techniques will address all relevant environmental issues (such as noise, dust, traffic and pollution). Socio economics When considered alongside the other development schemes, the proposed development will have the following likely cumulative type 2 effects on the local economy and population: 22

23 Positively respond to increased pressures on the provision of open space as a result of additional residents in the area; Be one of a number of schemes generating construction and operational employment; and Be one of a number of schemes generating GVA through construction and operational activities. Townscape and visual impact Cumulative landscape impacts The type 2 cumulative landscape effects will relate to; The additional construction effects related to the various developments The additional completed redevelopment of the existing urban, built up townscape in the local vicinity The sensitivity to such cumulative effects is low given the extant urban character of the area, the lack of the designated landscapes, and the strategic regeneration being undertaken in the locality The nature of the cumulative effect will comprise an increase in construction activity over the next 5-10 years and an increase in overall built form, however such effects are in keeping with the broad pattern of local townscape and built environment. The proposals will result in general enhancements to the urban fabric through new built form and associated public realm Four of the development sites are located within the mixed use/ residential character areas to the west. The development (A) will introduce a residential character within the commercial/ industrial character area in close proximity to the site. In combination with the proposed development this will increase the diversity of the built form within the local townscape area The magnitude of the cumulative landscape effect of the new developments on the local townscape character will be moderate, which primarily relates to site itself The overall level of cumulative landscape effect will be slight/ moderate (beneficial). This primarily relates to the positive regeneration and the overall enhancement to the area. The main element of this will relate to the proposed hospital development on site. Such effects are considered to be not significant. Cumulative visual impacts The type cumulative visual effects will relate to; Views from along Grove Street where the proposed development will variously be seen in combination, in succession and in sequence with three other developments (A, D and E) 23