Siemens Plc & London Development Agency Urban Sustainability Centre Environmental Statement

Transcription

1 Siemens Plc & London Development Agency Urban Sustainability Centre

2 Siemens Plc & London Development Agency Urban Sustainability Centre Non-Technical Summary July 2010 This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party 13 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 4BQ Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) Job number

3 Contents Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Site Context 2 3 Proposed Development 4 4 Approach to the Environmental Assessment 7 5 Air Quality 8 6 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 9 7 Ecology 11 8 Ground contamination 13 9 Noise and Vibration Socio-economics Townscape and Visual Effects Waste Management Water Resources Where to Find Out More 24 Figures Figure 1: location Figure 2: Red-line boundary Figure 3: Watersports Centre in the eastern extent of the Site. Figure 4: Grassland in the western extent of the Site Figure 5: Commercial and Residential Development around the Royal Victoria Dock. Figure 6: Schematic of Proposed Development from Silvertown Way Figure 7: Section of Proposed Exhibition Space Figure 8: Landscape Strategy for the Figure 9: Historical Building Plan for the Site Figure 10: Area of wildflower meadow in the west of the Site Figure 11: London planes along a redundant road entrance in the north-east corner of the site Figure 12: Activities at the Watersports Centre Figure 13: Example of community gardens similar to that proposed for the south of the Site. Figure 14: Flood risk map

4 1 Introduction This document is the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement that has been prepared by ( Arup ) to accompany an application for full planning permission for Siemens Plc & London Development Agency to develop the proposed at the western edge of the Royal Victoria Docks in the London Borough of Newham (see Figure 1). The Centre will be used as an to showcase sustainable technologies to visitors and to attract visitors, investment and jobs to the area Figure 1: location Details of the Site and proposed development are set out in Section 2 and 3. Section 4 sets out the approach to undertaking the environmental impact assessment. Sections 5 to 13 provide non-technical summaries of each of the environmental topic areas that have been assessed, set out in alphabetical order. Finally, Section 14 provides information on obtaining copies or viewing the full for the Urban Sustainability Centre. Urban Sustainability Centre Victoria Park DLR Station Royal Victoria Dock O2 Centre River Thames Page 1

5 2 Site Context The Site, known as the Landmark Site is located within the London Borough of Newham, north of the River Thames Woolwich Reach (see Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the red line boundary of the planning application and all references to the Site refer to the area within this red line. Figure 2: Red-line boundary Figure 3: Watersports Centre in the eastern extent of the Site. Tidal Basin Road Silvertown Way The western half of the Site, lies at a slightly lower level than the eastern half and is comprised of grassed open space (see Figure 4). A line of trees, on a sloped embankment separates the two halves of the Site. Figure 4: Grassland in the western extent of the Site The Site is bound by the Royal Victoria Dock to the east and Tidal Basin Road to the north. The raised dual carriageway, A1011 Silvertown Way, runs along the western and southern edges of the Site. The eastern half of the 2.5 hectare application Site, adjacent to the Royal Victoria Dock comprises mainly paved hard standing with a boatyard and watersports centre at the southern extent (Figure 3). Page 2

6 The area surrounding the Site comprises a mixture of derelict and operational industrial and commercial land with areas of residential development (see Figure 5). Figure 5: Commercial and Residential Development around the Royal Victoria Dock. Major Opportunity Zone, as identified in the London Borough of Newham s Unitary Development Plan proposals map (2001). London City Airport is located 2km east of the Site. There is a designated area termed a Public Safety Zone where development is strictly controlled. Public Safety Zones are areas of land at the end of runways, which contain certain planning restrictions. These aim to restrict the number of people at risk of injury in the event of an aircraft accident on take-off or landing. The western extremity of the Public Safety Zone for the airport currently terminates within the Royal Victoria Docks and does not extend onto the Site. However, there are plans to increase operational capacity at London City Airport. Subject to obtaining planning approval, the public safety zone would then extend in to the southern edge of the Site. Royal Victoria Dock station on the Docklands Light Railway is located approximately 150m to the north of the site. The north-eastern section of the Site is currently open to public access and is easily accessed from the public path that runs along the western edge of Royal Victoria Dock. Access to the western half of the Site is currently restricted with a palisade fence present along the dividing line between the eastern and western sections of the Site. There are no statutory or non-statutory Nature Conservation designations within the Site; however the Royal Docks are a protected Site of Nature Conservation Importance and the Site is located within an area defined by the Greater London Authority as an Area of Deficiency in Access to Nature. The Site lies within a Page 3

7 3 Proposed Development A full planning application has been submitted for the proposed development which comprises an exhibition and conference centre and offices. The centre will be used as an Urban Sustainability Centre to showcase sustainable technologies to visitors and to attract visitors, investment and jobs to the area. It is anticipated to attract up to 100,000 visitors each year. The three equivalent storey building is formed of two interlocked blocks (parallelograms or diamonds) that are broken into a series of triangulated facades to form facets (Figure 6). These blocks, or crystals, will comprise an Exhibition Crystal and an Office Crystal. Figure 6: Schematic of Proposed Development from Silvertown Way proposals also include a three storey atrium housing a 300 seat auditorium for public and corporate lectures.. Figure 7 below provides a ground floor plan for the proposed development. Figure 7: Section of Proposed Exhibition Space The building comprises of Public Visitor Spaces (2722 sqm), office facilities (1550 sqm), conference space (947 sqm), a café/restaurant, a shop and ancillary facilities. Table 1 below outlines the proposed floorspace within the development. The Page 4

8 A public piazza will be created at the eastern end of the Site which can be used as an outside extension of the exhibition use. This area will offer links to the dock, as well as opportunities to enhance the public path running north-south. To the west of the building will be an entrance area with a vehicular traffic drop-off zone with provision for plugging in electric vehicles and a set of covered bicycle stands. Additional landscaped open space which could be used for external exhibition space will be provided in the north-west section of the Site, with the potential for interactive artefacts related to sustainability. To the south of the exhibition centre will be an area dedicated for the local community. This area is likely to incorporate community gardens (see Figure 8). Access Main access to the building and the Site for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be from Tidal Basin Road to the north. The principle pedestrian access points are at the north-east and southwest corners of the Site. Vehicular access to the Site will also be via the north of the Site, this will provide access by road for deliveries, coach parking and corporate electric car parking. Adjacent to this access road, and parallel to the public highway would be a car and taxi drop-off lay-by, which includes a series of electric car park bays. Opposite the drop off is a covered cycle storage area with space for more than 78 bicycles, with pedestrian connections to the Site. Landscaping Sustainable landscaping will form an integral part of the Site in both design terms and biodiversity. Measures will be taken to mitigate the impact of the development on the wider Site through the use of porous, self draining hard landscaping, storm water collecting ponds and extensive soft landscaping to maintain local wildlife habitats. This will take account of the proximity to London City Airport, with plant species selected that will avoid creating a risk for bird strike. Figure 8 below shows the community zone to the south of the building, the main plaza along the dockside to the east, and the location of the temporary exhibition zone to the north-west. Figure 8: Landscape Strategy for the Community Zone Renewable Energy Temporary Exhibition Zone Public Realm Renewable energy will be integral to the proposed development. It is proposed that the development will aim for 20% renewables, and a 44% CO 2 reduction on existing building regulations (2006). Renewable energy will take the form of 2400m 2 of photovoltaics (solar panels) on the roof of the development as well as heat supplied by a ground source heat pump which use pipes buried in the ground to extract heat from the ground. Provision will also be Page 5

9 made for connection to the London Thames Gateway Heat Network, district heating system in An energy strategy is submitted with the planning application. Construction Site mobilisation will start October 2010, with the establishment of the Site compound and the start of ground works activities, including Site clearance, demolition of existing structures, and the treatment of any contaminated land. Construction will commence with piling activities from November 2010 to February Construction of the above ground structures will commence in March 2011 and last through to July The development is scheduled to open in Spring Site access will be off the main roundabout on Tidal Basin Road. This junction is traffic light controlled. It is proposed to establish Site offices in the north-east corner of the Site, along the edge of the pathway that runs around the Royal Victoria Dock and outside of the Public Safety Zone for London City Airport. Site security will be established to protect against theft and vandalism. A Code of Construction Practice has been prepared for the Urban Sustainability Site. The Code of Construction Practice described the methodology and programme for the construction on the Urban Sustainability Centre. It also includes environmental controls that will be applied during the construction having particular regard to Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) on safeguarding London City Airport. The assessment that has been carried out for the assumes that the measures contained in the Code of Construction Practice are followed. Page 6

10 4 Approach to the Environmental Assessment This environmental impact assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, as amended.relevant Guidance has also been followed 1. Environmental impact assessment is required for the Urban Sustainability Centre due to the size of the development Site and that an unmitigated scheme may have significant environmental effects. The main stages in the assessment process have been: Preparing a Scoping Report and agreeing the scope of the assessment with the London Borough of Newham; gathering information about existing environmental conditions; assessing the likely effects of the proposed development on the environment; recommending measures to prevent, reduce or offset adverse environmental effects; reporting on the above stages with an Environmental Statement; and summarising the in a Non- Technical Summary. The assessment considers effects during construction and also once the development opens and becomes operational. In addition, effects that could arise from the together 1 Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Procedures; Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment Note on Environmental Impact Assessment Directive for Local Planning Authorities; and Circular 02/99 - Environmental Impact Assessment. with other development under construction or with a valid planning permission, termed cumulative effects, are also considered. An Environmental Scoping Report was produced and submitted to the London Borough of Newham in May The purpose of this report was to seek agreement with the local planning authority and other consultees such as the Environment Agency and English Heritage on the scope of the environmental impact assessment. A response was received on the 7 th July As a result of the scoping exercise, the following assessment topics were scoped in to the environmental impact assessment on the basis that they may lead to significant environmental effects air quality; cultural heritage and archaeology ecology; ground conditions; noise and vibration; socio-economic; townscape and visual; waste; and water resources. Summaries of the assessments for these topics are included in Sections 5 to 13 of this Non-Technical Summary. The following environmental topics were considered, but on the basis that they were not likely to generate significant environmental effects, it was agreed with Newham that these could be scoped out of the environmental impact assessment: daylight/sunlight; and wind. Page 7

11 5 Air Quality Introduction An assessment has been made of the likely significant effects of the on air quality encompassing potential emissions from construction, vehicles and the on-site plant, during construction and operation. Assessment The assessment reviews the existing legislative air quality policy relevant to the proposed development and the current air quality situation in the area around the proposed development Site. A qualitative assessment is made of the effects of construction, vehicular emissions and plant emissions on air quality. The construction assessment uses the Greater London Authority Guidance risk based approach for dust nuisance. To assess the effects of operation the estimated number of vehicle trips generated was screened to see if it was a significant number according to the National Society for Clean Air and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. The effect of on-site plant emissions were qualitatively assessed based on the heating load requirement and fuel type using professional judgement. The overall effect of operation was assessed using the London Councils Air Quality and Planning Guidance. It was agreed with the London Borough of Newham that based on the low levels of traffic likely to be generated by the proposed Urban Sustainability Centre, detailed air quality modelling would not be necessary. Existing Conditions The western extent of the Site lies within the London Borough of Newham Air Quality Management Area indicating breaches of the statutory limits for nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. The existing buildings and publicly accessible areas on Site, however, do not lie within the Air Quality Management Area. Nitrogen dioxide monitoring at nearby roadside sites show that concentrations exceed the annual mean statutory limit. Likely Effects on the Environment Construction activities at the Site have been classified as high risk. This means that there is potential to generate a temporary dust nuisance without any mitigation measures being taken. Once open, traffic generation resulting from the Urban Sustainability Centre would be negligible and would not cause an adverse effect on air quality. The on-site plant would be a small scale plant with negligible effect on local air quality. It is planned that the Site would be connected to the district heating scheme when made available in approximately 2013/14, and at that time the planned on-site plant will be used for backup purposes. Mitigation and Residual Effects Measures to reduce effects from construction including dust generation and exhausts from construction vehicles and plant are included in the Code of Construction Practice. These are classified under site planning, construction traffic and site activities. Correct implementation of these measure will results in minor residual effects. Since effects on air quality are negligible once the Centre opens, mitigation measures are not required. The development makes provision for electric vehicles and bicycle spaces. To mitigate against possible adverse effects from plant exhaust, ventilation intakes to the building should be situated to avoid emissions from the boiler flue. Overall, likely significant effects from operation would remain negligible. Page 8

12 6 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Introduction This cultural heritage and archaeology section assesses the effects of the proposed ground and surface works on known and predicted archaeological remains, of all ages and heritage values. The objective has been to identify acceptable measures to preserve significant remains in situ and off-set adverse construction effects by mitigation including site and laboratory research. Assessment The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with industry standards. A desk study of existing data sources, including the Greater London Historic Environment Record and published documents has been undertaken to determine and evaluate the archaeological baseline conditions of the Site. Consultation has also been undertaken with the Greater London Archaeology Advisory Service. The value and sensitivity of the heritage resource has then been determined. The likely significant effects of the proposed works on the heritage resource during construction and operation are then identified to evaluate the scale of the effects. The process also considers cumulative effects of other developments in close proximity to the Site. Mitigation measures, in accordance with policy and good practice are outlined. The aim has been to ensure residual adverse effects are reduced to negligible, and that the archaeological works positively contribute to the and the cultural and educational objectives of the Borough and Greater London. Existing Conditions Existing evidence has been used to predict the likely heritage assets, including their value and condition. The main heritage resource relates to the historic rural landscape spanning from early prehistoric times to the mid 19th century. This includes natural soils from post glacial times onwards, and finds related to ad hoc hunting and fishing activities in prehistoric times, and potentially with some habitation on the drier gravel islands in the floodplain. Other features of heritage significance relate to the construction of the Royal Victoria Dock, which was built in It was the first dock to have a dedicated railway connection and the first to have hydraulic power systems. The dock was built with a tidal basin and was half dug into the soft soils and the top half surrounded with the deposited spoil raising the surrounding ground level. Originally, at the Urban Sustainability Centre site there were two jetties backed with a single-track railway and with three large sheds. To the west of the property the land dropped away to the original rural land level and was partly built on with terrace housing and some small commercial properties. By 1894 the Site was reconfigured and the old sheds replaced by a major 'Goods and Coal Depot' of the Midland Railway. This was part of a vast railway landscape on the north side of the dock and fronting the Thames to the west. In 1933 Silvertown Way flyover was constructed, replacing a railway route on the west side of Dock Road. The flyover and Tidal Basin Road to the north of the Site were constructed in reinforced concrete and the flyover is now a structure of local heritage interest. The scheme resulted in the substantial demolition of the terraced houses. Despite WWII bombing, the character of the dockside industrial landscape survived until recent times. To the north of the Site lies Tidal Page 9

13 Basin Tavern, now a decaying shell, but also a building of local heritage interest. Figure 9: Historical Building Plan for the Site Likely Effects on the Environment A strategy of piling from the present ground level would effectively preserve archaeological remains, given their small sizes and broad distribution. Thus only minor adverse effects are predicted on the deeper heritage assets, of local and regional value. Local areas of ground reduction for sumps and infrastructure routes would likely have a minor to moderate effect on already disturbed industrial dock remains. The proposed extensive hard and soft landscaping would have a beneficial effect through continuing to provide a protection to the more valuable deeper buried archaeological remains. Mitigation and Residual Effects No significant adverse effects are identified during the operational phase and landscape management will effectively provide a long term protection mechanism. Any programme of archaeological work, if required, would most likely focus on collecting and interpreting artefact and soils data from prehistoric to medieval times, including any palaeo-environmental resources. However, the Urban Sustainability Centre scheme effectively provides a strategy of in situ preservation. Page 10

14 7 Ecology Introduction The assessment examines the likely significant effects of the proposed development on the ecological resource, namely all elements of ecosystems, habitats and species. Ecological considerations have been taken into account from the early stages of the project development in order to influence the design such as retention of sections of the wildflower meadow for their habitat value across the western aspect of the site. Assessment An understanding of the ecological resource currently on the Site has been obtained from desk-based data gathering and site surveys. Surveys undertaken have included mapping of habitats and targeted surveys for reptiles and bats. In accordance with the standard approach to ecological impact assessment 2, existing conditions on the Site have then been evaluated and the likely significant effects on the ecological resource assessed. Existing Conditions No statutory sites designated for their nature conservation interest occur within the Site boundary. The adjacent Royal Victoria Dock is a site of borough interest with a local, non-statutory designation for nature conservation. The western section of the Site comprises an area of natural wildflower meadow (see Figure 10) and the centre of the Site is marked by a linear strip of fenced scrub and mature trees; this area is affected by stands of Japanese knotweed, which is an invasive species and will require sensitive management. The eastern area is entirely concrete and the Royal Victoria Dock Watersports Centre is located in this area. Figure 10: Area of wildflower meadow in the west of the Site London plane are planted in an avenue along a redundant entrance ramp to the north (see Figure 11). Surveys to assess the presence or absence of bats, birds, reptiles and invasive plants are currently being undertaken and the existing baseline will be updated to reflect the results of these. Likely Effects on the Environment The construction phase of the proposed works will result in the loss of approximately 6,500m 2 of wildflower meadow and the permanent loss of the scrub from the centre of the site. The loss of the scrub will create a temporary impact to bats as a loss of an ecological corridor and to birds in a decrease in nesting habitat within the area. 2 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK Page 11

15 An assessment of the likely effects on ecology will be completed once the existing baseline has been established, following the completion of the surveys outlined above. Mitigation and Residual Effects Ecological construction mitigation measures (such as fencing trees to protect their roots from damage by construction vehicles) would be applied throughout construction. In addition, vegetation clearing during the breeding bird season would be avoided. The loss of grassland and scrub vegetation will be mitigated by the translocation of 1,000m 2 of wildflower meadow and the retention of an existing 2,500m 2 of Wildflower meadow in the north west of the site. Tree and shrub planting along the western boundary of the site will provide habitat continuation for bats and other species. Further mitigation and an assessment of any residual effects will be completed following the results of the outstanding surveys. Figure 11: London planes along a redundant road entrance in the north-east corner of the site Page 12

16 8 Ground contamination Introduction The assessment examines the likely significant environmental effects of the on ground conditions, which encompass the site s geology, groundwater conditions, and contamination of the soils and groundwater of the Urban Sustainability Centre Site. Assessment The assessment has considered water resources and the human, ecological and property receptors listed in Table A of Annex 3 (Statutory Guidance) of the DEFRA Circular 01/2006 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part 2A Contaminated Land The baseline conditions have been established by desk study data gathering and interpretation of existing ground investigation data. The potential for contaminated ground has been identified on the basis of past and present site uses, complemented by an assessment of results from a ground investigation comprising twenty locations and over 70 soil samples. The risk-based assessment of the effects of constructing the Urban Sustainability Centre on the underlying ground conditions has considered the following: proposed earthworks and construction activities; current UK legislation; the anticipated degree of disturbance of the ground; the final form of the development; and the likelihood of pollution during the construction phase. The risk-based assessment of the operational effects addresses activities that may disturb the ground during the operational phase of the Urban Sustainability centre, activities that could contaminate the ground beneath or activities at the proposed development which may be effected by the current ground conditions, including landscaped areas and open space. The assessment of effects during operation also considers the effects of gas and vapour from the ground on future users of the development. Existing Conditions A review of the geological maps and previous investigations indicates that the Site is underlain by Made Ground, Alluvium, River Terrace Deposits and London Clay, respectively. The London Clay Formation is underlain by Lower Mottled Beds (of the Lambeth Group), Thanet Sand and then Chalk. The River Terrace Deposits beneath the Site is classified by the Environment Agency as a Secondary (Undifferentiated) drift deposit aquifer. The Chalk beneath the Site is classified by the Environment Agency as a Principal aquifer. The Site does not lie within a groundwater source protection zone. It is adjacent to the Royal Victoria Docks; the River Thames is located approximately 170m south west of the Site at its closest point. The potential for ground contamination is directly related to the past and present uses of the Site. Historic potentially contaminative land uses on the Site include a goods and coal depot, railway sidings, a paint works, warehouse and a transport depot. In addition, the has identified that the Site was probably bombed during WW2. Current land uses on the Site comprise the Watersports Centre and hardstanding in the east of the Site and open land in the west of the Site. A historical inert landfill (containing inactive material) is located to the south and outside the Site (off-site). Likely Effects on the Environment For the construction phase, the likely environmental effects arising from the disturbance of any existing ground contamination through Page 13

17 excavation for foundations, site re-grading, piling and the installation of a ground source energy scheme have been considered. The likely effects on human health (construction workers, site visitors and neighbours) and controlled waters (Royal Victoria Dock and Chalk aquifer) arising from ground conditions during construction activities has been assessed to be negligible due to control measures such as appropriate handling of excavation arisings and control of airborne dust emissions, provided in the Code of Construction Practice. The likely effects on the quality of the controlled waters (groundwater in the underlying River Terrace Deposits) during construction activities have been assessed to be minor adverse due to disturbance of potentially contaminated soils and water during construction. For the operational phase, the environmental effects considered include those arising from the disturbance of existing ground contamination during intrusive maintenance works, contaminated soils within, or capillary rise of contaminants from underlying soil to, the soft landscaped areas (including the community gardens and orchard), infiltration in areas of new soft landscaping, gas or vapour migration into enclosed spaces and the operation of the proposed ground source energy scheme. The likely effects on human health (site employees, maintenance workers and regular visitors) during the operational phase due to gas and vapour inhalation from the soils and ingestion (including soils and fruit and vegetable grown in the Communal Zone), inhalation and dermal contact have assessed to be minor adverse. The likely effects on the underlying River Terrace Deposit aquifer and River Thames due to increased infiltration with the new areas of soft landscaping and permeable hard landscaping are assessed as minor adverse. Furthermore, the likely effect on ecology (landscaping, community gardens and orchards) through potential plant uptake of compounds which are harmful to plant growth is assessed to be minor adverse. The likely effect of the ground conditions on building and services is assessed to be negligible as ground investigation data will be used in the specification of building materials at the Site. In addition, the likely effect of the ground source energy scheme has been assessed to be negligible as thermal interface with other schemes will be included in the design of the USC scheme... Mitigation and Residual Effects A detailed ground investigation is recommended to supplement and validate existing ground investigation data. The ground investigation will be undertaken prior to construction activities commencing at the Site and has been designed to assess areas which were not previously investigated and to collect additional chemical information on a wider range of potential contaminants not previously tested and associated with the historic use of the Site. The results of the ground investigation will be used to inform the Site conceptual model and update the assessment of effects to human health, controlled waters and ecological receptors. A remediation strategy will be developed and implemented to remove any unacceptable risks to human health or the environment from the proposed development. The remediation strategy will include recommendations for the landscape design, gas protection measures for the building or excavation and treatment of soils, for example. With the implementation of these mitigation measures, the residual effects will be either minor beneficial (to groundwater and the River Thames) or negligible 3 (to all other receptors). 3 Negligible infers no appreciable impact on humans. Page 14

18 9 Noise and Vibration Introduction This assessment considers the effects of changes in noise and vibration associated with the proposed development on the surrounding area. Assessment The proposed development would potentially affect the noise climate of the area by: noise generated during the construction work; altering traffic patterns; and introducing new buildings plant machinery. A survey of baseline noise levels was conducted around the Site during the daytime, evening and night-time. A prediction exercise was carried out to determine likely construction and operational noise levels at surrounding sensitive receivers relative to background noise levels. The need for mitigation was considered based on the assessment. Existing Conditions The existing noise sources include: traffic noise from surrounding local roads and more distant roads; noise from general buildings plant machinery in the vicinity; noise from planes taking off or landing at London City Airport and in the approach phase toward London Heathrow Airport. Likely Effects on the Environment All the stages of the construction works have been predicted to be not significant in terms of noise effects at surrounding sensitive locations. This is because the predicted noise levels at the surrounding receivers would not exceed the significance criterion for construction noise. The construction work of two other developments (Tidal Basin and We8 projects) could potentially occur during the same period as construction work for the. If the construction of these developments were to occur simultaneously, the cumulative noise levels could exceed the noise level threshold which would be rated as a significant effect. However, if the appropriate mitigation measures for these other development were put in place (as proposed in their respective Environmental Impact Assessments), then noise levels are estimated to be below the significance threshold and to be not significant. Vibration effects from construction works and operational activities are considered to be not significant given the distance from the site to the closest residential receivers. The changes in traffic on all roads (resulting directly from the proposed development) would give rise to noise level changes of less than 1dB. Changes in road traffic noise are therefore rated as not significant. Mitigation and Residual Effects Best Practice noise control measures have been defined to minimise construction noise. Control of noise from buildings plant machinery would be achieved by setting appropriate noise limits (relative to the existing background noise) which must be achieved at surrounding sensitive receivers. Page 15

19 10 Socio-economics Introduction An assessment has been made of the likely significant effects of the proposed development on socio-economic conditions, namely employment, economic conditions and regeneration, crime and safety, and community facilities and amenity of the local Canning Town and Royal Docks area, and in the context of the wider Newham Borough. Assessment The socio-economic baseline has been established based on information obtained from existing data sources and documents, information gained from consultation and a site visit. Likely employment generation during construction and operation have both been calculated, with consideration given as to whether the employment is likely to fall to people living within or outside the local area. Employment generated through supply linkages and increased spend in the area has also been considered. A qualitative assessment has been made of the effects that the proposed development could achieve in terms of the broader economy and regeneration. The effects on communities, community facilities, and open space have also been assessed. Existing Conditions Newham is undergoing an unprecedented level of regeneration and population growth, and the local economy is growing with businesses and commercial enterprises moving in to the area. Further new residential and commercial developments are also planned in the local area including the 2012 Olympic Games. The Royal Victoria Docks Watersports Centre is the only enterprise located within the proposed redevelopment site. This centre is used by schools and community groups and the Sea Cadets (see Figure 12. Figure 12: Activities at the Watersports Centre According to the 2007 Index of Deprivation, Newham was ranked as the 6th most deprived borough in the country. Crime statistics rank the local area as being one of the areas most affected by crime in England. However, recent figures show crime in Newham has been reducing. Within the local area, despite the young population, there is high unemployment and a low level of skills and qualifications. However, of those in employment, many are employed within trades directly relevant to the proposed development; namely: restaurants, administration and construction. A number of initiatives are currently active in the local area to provide training and skills that are required for the high levels of construction work in the area, predominantly associated with the London Olympics in Page 16

20 Likely Effects on the Environment There is no anticipated loss of jobs at the Site as the existing Watersports Centre is planned to be relocated to a nearby site. Approximately 56 full time construction jobs would be expected to be created for the proposed development, of which 37 of these would be expected to be available to local people within Greater London. There would also be indirect employment as a result of construction workers spending money in the local area. Following completion of the development, the operation of the Urban Sustainability Centre would be expected to create a total of 180 full time jobs, of which 156 would be expected to be available to local people within Greater London. The employment opportunities and increased local spend would contribute to the economic wellbeing of the area and may potentially contribute to alleviating deprivation and increasing wage levels in the Borough. The proposed development would improve the image of the area, improving the public space along the dock front and making it a more attractive place for people to live and work. It will provide a recreational and entertainment venue that is intended to be open in the daytime and evening. The will showcase sustainable and new technologies, promoting education and knowledge relating to science, engineering and sustainability. Universities and schools will benefit through knowledge gained and by the use of its auditorium facilities. The Community Zone (located to the south of the Site) includes community gardens, providing significant benefits for the local community. Mitigation and Residual Effects Mitigation measures would include an employment and training strategy to ensure that as many local people as possible have the opportunity to gain training and skills in both construction trades and the other trades associated with the operation of the development. Further measures include a communications and consultation strategy to ensure the local community is informed in advance of planned works and disruption from the development of the scheme. Overall, there will be a significant benefit from increased employment and economic input to the local and wider regional area. Figure 13: Example of community gardens similar to that proposed for the south of the Site. Page 17

21 11 Townscape and Visual Effects Introduction A Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential effects of the proposed Urban Sustainability Centre, on the existing townscape and six principal viewpoints from within the Royal Docks and the surrounding area selected in consultation with the London Borough of Newham. Assessment The likely nature and magnitude of changes to individual landscape elements and characteristics have been assessed together with the consequential effect on landscape character. The magnitude or scale of visual change on views and on visual amenity of the identified receptors has been assessed. This assessment was undertaken in accordance with published best practice 4. The existing townscape and visual baseline conditions have been identified from desktop studies, site survey and a review of relevant planning documentation, publications and maps to evaluate the townscape and visual effects of the proposed development. Existing Conditions The Site is immediately adjacent to the Royal Victoria Dock which is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The Site itself appears as a vacant plot in the townscape when viewed adjacent to the large scale north and south Dockside residential and business developments. The Watersports Centre and mature plane trees are the prominent features within the site. The Silvertown Flyover dominates the townscape character and forms a backdrop to the Site. The Site is not situated in or adjacent to a conservation area. The nearest listed buildings/structures are all Grade II listed and include the Stothert & Pitt Cranes on the Dockside, Warehouses W 4 The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition and K and The Pumping Station on the north side of the Royal Victoria Dock and east of the Site. Views towards the Site are screened from the majority of the surrounding townscape by the dense built urban and industrial environment. From the north and north-east, views are restricted by the infrastructure of the Docklands Light Railway and high rise development on the north side of the Royal Victoria Dock. Views from the south are limited by five storey and high-rise residential buildings and from the south and south-west by the Docklands Light Railway and Silvertown Way infrastructure, and the large scale industrial buildings associated with the Thames wharves. Views of the Site are most apparent from the east across the open water expanse of the Royal Victoria Dock by recreational, residential and commercial receptors in certain areas of The Royal Docks. Likely Effects on the Environment Construction activities can result in negative visual intrusion although generally over a relatively short period. These visual effects are typically associated with hoardings, traffic, cranes, steelwork, and stockpiles of material. The majority of townscape character areas identified would experience neutral effects during construction as the Site will generally be screened by the existing built environment. Residential and recreational receptors adjacent to the Dockside footpaths would experience Low Adverse effects during construction arising from the localised presence of site equipment temporarily affecting the townscape setting of the local area. Temporary effects on the townscape character would be minimised as far as practicable through good site management. The completed development would have both Neutral and Beneficial effects from the local Townscape Character Areas and viewpoints identified through the baseline studies, due to the low magnitude of change and limited sensitivity of the Townscape Character Areas. Major Beneficial effects are anticipated within the Royal Victoria Page 18

22 Dock area, whilst Moderate Beneficial effects would be experienced from the Thames Wharf and Limmo Industrial Area west of the Site. Views from the Dockside Footpath at the far south east corner of the Royal Victoria Dock the Thames Path at O2 in North Greenwich and the Millennium Mills site south of Victoria Dock would experience Neutral effects when viewed in context with the surrounding built environment and long distance views of the development. Canning Town and River Thames Townscape Character Areas would experience Neutral effects due to the considerable screening of the from existing high-rise and industrial structures surrounding the Site. It is clear that the proposed would have a prominent visual effect on the townscape, this is consistent with London Borough of Newham s Major Opportunity Zone 8 aspirations for a spectacular built and natural environment. The development would remove a neglected plot and complete the overall development on the south west side of the Royal Victoria Dock. Overall, the will have beneficial effects on the townscape character and views of the Site. Mitigation and Residual Effects In terms of townscape and visual assessment, there are no significant adverse effects identified therefore mitigation measures have not needed to be proposed. The design has incorporated measures to ensure the scheme is in accordance with local policy and aspirations for the local area. Page 19

23 12 Waste Management Introduction An assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of solid waste generation associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Development upon the Site and surrounding area has been undertaken. The assessment has considered the existing waste generation from the Site, the potential arisings during construction, and the forecast arisings from the development during the operational phase. Assessment Construction, demolition and excavation waste arisings from building related activities have been forecast using typical waste generation rates, such as those developed by the Building Research Establishment. The significance of environmental effects have been assessed against the total quantity of waste likely to be generated, its potential for reuse and recycling and the existing local and regional waste treatment capacity. Mitigation measures have been developed which can be later fed in to the Site Waste Management Plan for the development. Operational waste arisings have been forecast using a number of key development indicators such as net floor areas for each land use, expected numbers of visitors and expected numbers of site occupants including staff and facilities management. Waste arisings have been calculated using waste generation rates specific to each land use. The significance of environmental effects have been assessed against the quantity of waste likely to be generated and existing waste treatment capacity for commercial waste and its potential for reuse and recycling in the local area. Existing Conditions The only function of the existing site usage which produces solid waste is the boatyard and Watersports Centre. This facility has a number of small single storey wooden and brick-built buildings for storage and changing. The centre is estimated to have the equivalent of seven full-time employees and a total of 12,000 visitors per annum. The quantity of operational waste estimated to be generated is 19 tonnes per annum. The waste currently generated on site is segregated at source and collected by London Borough of Newham and is therefore classified as municipal solid waste. Small quantities of waste oil are produced from engine maintenance which is classified as hazardous waste. It is understood that the boatyard and Watersports Centre are scheduled to move from the current Site regardless of the forthcoming development. It is also understood that no other development is proposed for the Site. Likely Effects on the Environment It has been assessed that 10,519 tonnes of waste will be produced from the excavation and piling works and 229 tonnes from the construction works. No estimate of demolition waste has been undertaken, but due to the nature of the development currently occupying the Site the amount of waste likely to be produced has been assessed to be small. It is estimated that approximately 9,136 tonnes will be recycled (85%) and 1,612 tonnes (15%) would be disposed to landfill. It is assumed this would be disposed of to non-hazardous or inert landfill and would represent 0.015% of capacity within Greater London. Due to the high levels of recycling that is achieved in Construction, demolition and excavation waste arisings in London, the likely significant environmental effects of this waste have been assessed to be negligible. Page 20

24 The waste forecast indicates that the total waste generated during the operational phase of the development is approximately 383 tonnes per annum. This may be classified as municipal solid waste or commercial and industrial waste. In either case this would represent less than 0.01% of the treatment and disposal capacity in Greater London. The likely significant environmental effects of waste generated by the operation of the development have been assessed as negligible. Mitigation and Residual Effects An extensive suite of mitigation measures have been identified which should be implemented through the development of a Waste Management Plan for the Proposed Development. This includes recommendations for designing out waste, materials specification, construction logistics and waste management. Mitigation measures to reduce the environmental impact of operational waste include the implementation of a Waste Management and Servicing Strategy, which would provide a strategy for the storage of segregated waste, waste management in public areas and increasing awareness of waste issues. Recommendations have been made for possible enhancements measures, including the on-site treatment of organic waste. Page 21

25 13 Water Resources Introduction An assessment of the likely significant effects of the scheme on existing surface water resources during both the construction and operational phases of the development has been undertaken. The assessment considers the surface water management strategy for the proposed development, the potential for pollution of surface waters and the likely increase in flood risk on- or off- Site due to loss of flood plain storage/conveyance. Issues relating to groundwater are considered as part of Section 8 Ground Contamination. Assessment The assessment is based on the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges 'Road Drainage and the Water Environment methodology. All surface water bodies potentially affected by the proposals have been graded, based on their attributes (e.g. Royal Victoria Docks captures surface water runoff and is a watersports facility) and quality (e.g. the dock hosts national watersports events and is therefore an important water recreation facility). Possible sources of pollution during construction and operation have been identified and their potential magnitude of effects assessed. The overall likely significance of the effects have been determined by comparing the grading of the water body with the magnitude of effect. A Flood Risk Assessment for the development has been used to assess the significance of the effects of the development on flooding. Existing Conditions There are no water bodies within the Site. Surfaces consist of impermeable hard standing that drain via surface water drains to the River Thames and soft landscaping areas that drain naturally to ground. Royal Victoria Dock is immediately adjacent to the east and the River Thames is approximately 250m to the south west of the Site. The Site is located within the 1 in 100 year flood plain (area that could be flooded by a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of occurring in a year), however the EA have identified that the Site is protected by flood defences on the River Thames and on the River Lee/Lea, which provide protection for floods in excess of the 1 in 1000 year flood event (area that could be flooded by a flood that has up to a 0.1% chance of occurring each year). The risk from groundwater flooding at the Site is considered to be very low. Figure 14: Flood risk map The water quality of the docks generally complies with bathing water standards, with the exception of high alkalinity and turbidity at times. The River Thames in the reach adjacent to the Site fails the chemical water quality standards for estuarine waters but has a moderate ecological water quality status. There are no abstractions or discharges to the docks, with the exception of clean surface water. Page 22