1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION

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1 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION RREEF (UK) Ltd in partnership with Sheffield City Council (SCC) is applying for planning permission for the construction of: a new indoor city centre market hall and indoor servicing yard; new retail units along The Moor; student accommodation above the markets and retail premises; together with a separate new multi-storey car park. The proposed development is part of the wider redevelopment and regeneration of The Moor, Sheffield and is referred to as Block 6. The proposed development comprises two separate planning applications, the first for the new multi-storey car park (MSCP) and the second for the main market, retail and student accommodation building. Jointly these applications are referred to as Block 6, The Moor. The potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed redevelopment have been assessed by way of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA is a procedure required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations, 1999 (known as the EIA Regulations). The findings of the EIA are described in the Environmental Statement (ES) that accompanies the planning application. The ES identifies and describes the significant beneficial and adverse effects that are likely to occur during the construction and operation of the development. Where appropriate, the ES identifies the measures, known as mitigation measures, which can avoid, reduce and compensate for the predicted significant adverse effects on the environment. This document is a Non-Technical Summary (NTS) of the ES. It summarises the proposed development, its significant environmental effects and the proposed mitigation measures which are reported in greater details in the ES. Details of where the full ES can be viewed or obtained are provided at the end of this document. I

2 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 SITE LOCATION The Moor refers to an area of approximately 8.5 hectares located to the south west of Sheffield city centre. Within this area, The Moor itself forms the central pedestrianised shopping street, aligned north-south from Furnival Gate (Moorhead) down to Fitzwilliam Gate (Moorfoot). In the surrounding area there is the Cultural Industries Quarter (CIQ) to the east and the Devonshire Quarter and New Retail Quarter (NRQ) to the west. The Moor area is bounded by four main roads which are Furnival Gate to the north, Eyre Street to the east (A621), Fitzwilliam Gate to the south (A61), and Charter Row to the west (A625). The site location and plan of the site is illustrated on Figure PAST The Moor and its surrounding area suffered substantial bomb damage during the Second World War. During the 1950 s and 1960 s the area was re-built and the current street layout and building blocks established. The area is typical of the effect of large scale post war redevelopment of industrial cities, with its large footprints defining blocks in the street grid. The Moor was designed primarily as a shopping centre, a tram line used to run the length of The Moor and later used for cars. It was pedestrianised in the late 1970 s, with external market stalls introduced along the central footway. 2.3 PRESENT The Moor is currently occupied by a range of high street shops with a number of warehouse/ industrial units, car parks, offices and external market stalls. A number of the shops, warehouse and industrial units are vacant. The majority of the retail premises are dated and do not meet the requirements of modern retailers, being too small or without the ability to trade over more than the ground floor. However, there are some major stores including Debenhams at Moorhead, Atkinsons, Woolworths, British Home Stores and Sainsbury s together with banks and building societies. Photographs of The Moor are presented in Figure FUTURE A Design and Development Framework for The Moor was drawn up in 2004 following Public Consultations, liaison with SCC and other key stakeholders. This provides a framework for future development across The Moor. In addition to the current Block 6 proposals, RREEF intend to submit a Planning Application for Block 1, located on the northwest part of The Moor, to the south of Charter Square. Block 1 will comprise new retail premises, some offices and city centre apartments, together with a replacement car park. Following the Block 6 and Block 1 developments, further planning applications will be submitted for other blocks with the intention of entirely redeveloping The Moor area over a year period. II

3 Crown Copyright All rights reserved. Licence number Plotted Scale - Not to Scale Warehouse Type Units Existing Retail Units Former Baldwin and Francis Ltd Eversure House Crown Copyright All Rights Reserved. OS Licence Number Not to Scale Figure 1 Block 6 - Site Location and Site Plan

4 View of retail units looking south along The Moor View south along Eyre Street showing Baldwin and Francis Ltd View from Cumberland Street looking north up The Moor Figure 2 Photographs of The Moor and Block 6

5 3 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 EXISTING SITUATION The main site comprises the area between The Moor to the west, Eyre Street to the east, Cumberland Street to the south and Earl Street to the north. It is divided into two parts by Cumberland Way which is aligned north-south between Earl Street and Cumberland Street. Between Cumberland Street and Eyre Street are a vacant office building (Eversure House) and the disused former Baldwin and Francis electrical factory. Between Cumberland Way and The Moor, offices occupied by HSBC, the Pump Tavern and a number of retail units. The car park site comprises the land to the north of Earl Street, Earl Way to the west and Eyre Street to the east. It is also divided into two parts, split by Union Lane. The northern boundary of the site is formed by the yard area to the rear of properties on Matilda Street. The western part of the site is currently occupied by a vacant warehouse and the eastern part by vacant former business/warehouse properties. The area to the east of Cumberland Way and Earl Way has previously been granted planning permission for the demolition of all existing structures and the provision of a temporary car park. 3.2 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED In developing the proposals for Block 6 there has been ongoing liaison with SCC to ensure that the proposed uses meet their aims for the city centre and The Moor area. The opportunity to relocate the existing Castle Market to a location on The Moor evolved over time as alternative options including refurbishment of the existing building were gradually discounted. The relocation of the Markets to The Moor represents the best option in terms of transport linkages, pedestrian accessibility and townscape enhancements. Alternative layouts and designs have been proposed and discussed with SCC. Overall, the final proposals have been designed to ensure maximum use of the floor trading area, a pleasant indoor and outdoor environment and to provide modern facilities for shoppers, market traders and city centre student accomodation. 3.3 DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The Block 6 proposals are for a number of different elements. Detailed description of the scheme is presented in Chapter 4 of the Environmental Statement, with further information contained in a Design and Access Statement and the Planning Application Drawings. Indoor Market: The indoor market will consist of a ground level market hall together with a mezzanine level at first floor. There will be a total capacity of approximately 250 stalls, including storage and office areas, an indoor servicing yard and plant areas. A food court area will be provided on the mezzanine level. III

6 Retail Units: Seven shop units are proposed along The Moor. The ground floor will provide high quality retail space with additional retail space, storage and offices provided above. Leisure Unit and Shop Mobility Unit: A single unit to be used for leisure purposes will be provided and accessed from Eyre Street. Space for a Shop Mobility facility will be provided on Earl Street opposite the multi-storey car park, from where there will be direct access to the indoor market. Student Accommodation: Above the market and retail areas will be a podium level. This will comprise an open green roof including relaxation and study areas in a well-planted environment. Situated on the podium level will be 8 blocks of up to 7 storeys in height, providing approximately 1100 student bedrooms. The accommodation will largely comprise cluster flats of 5 study bedrooms each with their own communal kitchen and living space. The main entrance to the student accommodation will be on the corner of Eyre Street and Cumberland Street at ground level, with stairs, escalators and lifts up to the accommodation areas. Emergency exits will also be provided on Eyre Street and Earl Street. In the ground floor of the building will be secure internal cycle storage for students with a capacity for over 220 cycles. Multi-Storey Car Park: The proposed multi-storey car park will provide approximately 650 spaces, including approximately 40 spaces for people with mobility impairment. The car park will be designed to Secure by Design standards including CCTV and security lighting. The car park entrance will be from Eyre Street (both directions) with the exit onto Earl Way leading onto Matilda Street and back onto Eyre Street. The main pedestrian entrance will be on the corner of Earl Street and Earl Way with lifts and stairs to the other floors. Additional entrances will be provided on the corner of Earl Street and Eyre Street, Eyre Street and Earl Way. A pedestrian bridge link will be provided across Cumberland Street directly onto the mezzanine level of the markets building to enable covered access to the markets. At the ground floor this will also link directly to the Shop Mobility facility. The lower ground floor will provide spaces for over 30 market traders vehicles. There will also be dedicated motorcycle spaces and cycle stands provided. Public Realm and Highways: Linked with the Block 6 proposals are extensive improvements to pedestrian areas (referred to as the public realm) across The Moor and associated side streets. This includes resurfacing, tree planting, lighting, security, information kiosks and Connect Sheffield information units. There will also be some minor changes to some of the surrounding roads including the introduction of a new taxi rank on Cumberland Street and re-arranged bus stops on Eyre Street. IV

7 Cumberland Way between Cumberland Street and Earl Street will be permanently closed together with Union Lane. The existing cycle lane along Cumberland Way will be directed onto Eyre Street via Cumberland Street and Earl Street. Illustrative images of the development are presented in Figure CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE The demolition and site preparation phases of construction could commence on parts of the site in November 2006 with other areas commencing in February or March The projected date for occupation of the main markets building in mid-2009, but the multi storey car park would be completed and in use by October V

8 Figure 3a Proposed Elevation from The Moor Computer Generated Image of The Moor elevation - indicative only

9 Figure 3b Proposed Eyre Street and Earl Street Elevations

10 4 APPROACH TO THE EIA 4.1 PURPOSE OF THE EIA The purpose of the EIA is to identify and evaluate the environmental impacts likely to be significant during construction and operation phases. In line with the EIA Regulations, the scope of the EIA for Block 6 has been determined in consultation with SCC and focuses on two significant issues only: Transport and accessibility; Air quality These issues have been included in the EIA due to the potential for the multi storey car park to significantly affect traffic and air quality. Sheffield city centre is designated as an Air Quality Action Zone which requires that appropriate measures are taken to monitor and reduce air pollutants within this zone. 4.2 ISSUES SCOPED OUT OF THE EIA Socio Economics Noise and vibration Biodiversity Ground Conditions Water Resources Archaeology Townscape and Visual There will be no significant net loss or gain of employment, housing or retail facilities. A socio economic assessment has been undertaken for The Moor regeneration which predicts overall positive effects in terms of employment, economic growth and regeneration. There are no noise sensitive noise receptors in close proximity to the proposed development. Potential noise and vibration during demolition and construction will be mitigated through best practice. The acoustic report identifies that the student bedrooms should be fitted with appropriate acoustic rated glazing which will reduce traffic noise from Eyre Street to an acceptable level. The site currently has limited value for biodiversity and no protected species have been recorded on the site or in the vicinity. There is potential for minor enhancement of biodiversity through improved landscaping including tree planting and green roofs. An environmental audit of the site indicates that the current and former land use of the site does not present a significant risk to human health therefore. A separate site investigation report has been prepared which reports no significant impacts hence this is not required to be included as part of the EIA. In line with standing advice from the Environment Agency a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has been undertaken. This has shown that the car park is not at risk from flooding and floor levels of the main building can be built to a suitable level to ensure there is no risk from flooding. There will be no significant impacts to water resources. There are no Listed Buildings on site and the nearest Conservation Area is located in the Cultural Industries Quarter (CIQ). West Yorkshire Archaeological Service (WYAS) have undertaken a desk based assessment of the site and trial excavations and identified that there will not be significant impacts to archaeological resources. The Moor is a pedestrian street with limited visual interest. The redevelopment of the area offers great potential for improvement, notably through the introduction of an improved public realm and modern buildings. In the context of the site and surrounding area, this is not considered to be significant. VI

11 4.3 CONSULTATIONS The proposals for Block 6 have been subject to an extensive period of consultation with SCC planning and technical officers. These have included a series of Design Team and Technical meetings to discuss various issues and concerns in relation to the proposals. Other statutory consultees, specifically the Environment Agency have also been included in formal consultations. There have been a series of public consultations held in relation to the overall redevelopment of The Moor, and but also in respect of the proposed new markets and student accommodation. This has included a series of public exhibitions, DVD, newsletters and regular updates in the press. A marketing and informative website for The Moor has been set up and can viewed at In addition a Community Information Phoneline has been set up. These provide all the latest information relating to the proposals. Details on how the Block 6 planning applications can be viewed are presented at the end of this document. VII

12 5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 5.1 INTRODUCTION The EIA has addressed the topics of transport and accessibility and air quality. This is because the proposed Block 6 development has potential to significantly affect traffic and air quality in Sheffield city centre. Impacts to air quality occur directly as a result of changes to traffic flows or increases. Concentrations of traffic related air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter) in particular are linked to changes in traffic. Environmental impacts of a particular project cannot be considered in isolation if there are other known developments occurring in close proximity. In relation to the proposed Block 6 development, there are two other developments which must also be assessed in order to assess the cumulative (i.e. in combination) environmental impacts: Block 1 proposals are being prepared by RREEF for a new development at the north western end of The Moor next to the existing Debenhams department store which will comprise: 10 shops, 250 apartments, office accommodation and car parking. The NRQ proposals prepared by Hammersons were submitted to SCC in November 2005 which comprise the redevelopment of approximately 7 hectares of land to the north of Pinstone Street to provide a new flag ship store for John Lewis, high quality shops, apartments, fitness and leisure and car parking. The location of Block 1 and the NRQ in relation to Block 6 is illustrated on Figure IMPACTS OF BLOCK 6 The following table presents a concise summary of the traffic and air quality impacts which are predicted to occur as a result of the Block 6 proposals. Table 5.1 Environmental Impacts of Block 6 Receptor Mitigation Measures Impact Assessment Transport and Accessibility Highway Application of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to facilitate road Network closures. Markets will have an enclosed servicing yard with turning area. Travel Plan Framework has been prepared to promote walking and cycling to and from the proposed development. Overall impacts to the highway network around the city centre are negligible to minor adverse /beneficial. Public Transport Existing northbound bus lay-by on Eyre Street will need to be relocated. A taxi rank will be provided on the north side of Cumberland Street. Kiosk / information points will be provided along The Moor and key routes defined. Travel Plan Framework identifies measures to promote the use of public transport. A minor beneficial impact to public transport is expected in the long term. VIII

13 Table 5.1 Environmental Impacts of Block 6 Receptor Mitigation Measures Impact Assessment Cyclists and Pedestrians Kiosks, signage and information points will be provided along The Moor advising people of routes around the city centre. Provision of alternate cycle route following closure of Cumberland Way. Substantial improvements to the public realm and provision for the mobility impaired. Provision of external cycle racks and indoor cycle parking in the MSCP and student accommodation. Pedestrians and cyclists are expected to experience moderate long term beneficial impacts. Car Parking Access and egress arrangements require a number of highways alterations. Allocation of 70% short stay shopper car parking spaces and approximately 40 mobility impaired spaces. Secure, well designed car park to modern standards. Air Quality Local air quality and shoppers / buildings on The Moor Construction Standard practice in relation to dust and pollution control measures will be employed during demolition and construction. Operation Measures set out in Travel Plan Framework (TPF) to promote sustainable travel and assist in meeting relevant air quality objectives. The Block 6 car park will provide a substantial long term beneficial impact for shoppers and visitors to Sheffield city centre. Nearby receptors may experience short term minor adverse impacts from dust nuisance Negligible to minor adverse impacts on local air quality 5.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS The traffic and air quality assessments have been undertaken using modelled data which can include additional developments. For the purposes of this assessment, the net additional traffic (i.e. traffic generated by the developments) has been input based upon the net increase in car parking spaces. Table 5.2 summarises the cumulative impacts of the proposed development in combination with Block 1 and the NRQ (phase 1). With Block 1 alone, the traffic generated by the developments will have negligible to minor impacts. In the context of the site, this is not considered to be significant. Due to the limited effects of traffic impacts, changes to air quality are also considered to be negligible. The addition of traffic generated by phase 1 of the NRQ creates a number of moderate and substantial adverse impacts on the selected modelled highway routes. This is a direct impact of the net additional increase in car parking for the NRQ and the effect this has on traffic movements around the city centre. The cumulative air quality impacts of Block 6, Block 1 and the NRQ are larger than those associated with Block 6 alone. At some locations slight improvements are predicted as a direct result of traffic management. However, majority of receptor locations are predicted to experience negligible impacts and consequently no significant adverse effects are expected to occur. IX

14 NRQ (indicative boundary) Block 1 Block 6 Crown Copyright All rights reserved. Licence number Plotted Scale - 1:7500 Figure 4 Cumulative Developments

15 Table 5.2 Cumulative Impacts Receptor Block 6 + Block 1 Block 6 + Block 1 + NRQ Highway network Air Quality Overall there will be negligible to minor adverse impacts on the highway network. Cumulative air quality impacts will be negligible. Overall there will be a moderate adverse impact on the highway network as a result of the cumulative impacts. Cumulative air quality impacts are expected to be negligible. 5.4 SUMMARY The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has identified and assessed the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed Block 6 development alone and in combination with other known developments in close proximity. The assessment has shown that Block 6 and Block 1 will not result in significant effects to traffic or air quality. In combination with the NRQ however, moderate adverse highway impacts are predicted due to the increases in traffic associated with car parking at the NRQ. The earliest date at which cumulative impacts will be expected to occur is 2012 this represents the date when all the assessed developments will be complete and operational. X

16 6 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT AVAILABILITY AND COMMENTS Copies of the full Environmental Statement will be made available for inspection at the following location: Sheffield City Council - First Point Service Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2HH Comments of the ES should be addressed to: Peter Latham Development Control Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2HH Copies of the Non Technical Summary are free of charge. Copies of the full ES will be charged at 50 per hard copy or 10 for a copy on CD. For copies of the NTS or ES, please contact Robert White at NJL Consulting: Robert White NJL Consulting Adamson House Towers Business Park Manchester M20 2YY XI

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