Site WE8, The Pumping Station Site. Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement

Transcription

1 Site WE8, The Pumping Station Site Non-Technical Summary Environmental Statement URS Corporation Limited - February 2010

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3 1. Introduction 1.1 The Application Freysporne Limited (hereafter referred to as the Applicant ) is seeking full planning permission for the construction of a residential-led scheme comprising 161 residential units, along with commercial and retail space at the WE8 Pumping Station site (hereafter referred to as the proposed development ). The currently vacant brown-field site has an area of approximately hectares (ha) and is located within the London Borough of Newham (LBN). The site is situated to the northwest of Royal Victoria Dock and is bound by District Light Railway (DLR) services to the north, Tidal Basin Road to the west, Tidal Basin Road roundabout to the south and the ExCeL exhibition centre to the east. In addition, Canning Town is located further to the north, the River Thames is located approximately 450 metres (m) to the southwest, the Thameside Industrial Belt (designated employment site) further to the south and London City Airport (LCY) further to the southeast. Figure 1 shows the location of the site and Figure 2 illustrates the site plan and red line boundary. 1.2 The EIA Process URS Corporation Limited (URS) has been commissioned by the Applicant to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in line with the Town and Country (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (as amended 2008). The results of this process are presented within the Environmental Statement (ES) and accompanying technical appendices. This document, known as the Non-Technical Summary (NTS), provides an overview of the findings of the EIA. The NTS has been prepared for a general audience including parties potentially affected by the proposed development. The ES describes the potential impacts of the proposed development during the construction and operational phases of the proposed development. The ES has considered the likely impact of the proposed development on its neighbours, local environment, both the local and regional economy and the wider project area. Beneficial and adverse, short and long-term impacts have also been considered. Mitigation measures to either eliminate or reduce adverse impacts have been incorporated into the project design wherever possible. Figure 1: Site Location 1

4 Figure 2: Site Plan and Red Line Boundary N = = = = The ES describes the potential impacts of the project during: Initial site preparation works; Construction activities; and The operational phase. The ES has highlighted the residual impacts, which are those impacts that remain following the incorporation of any identified mitigation measures. The significance of residual impacts has been evaluated with reference to definitive standards, accepted criteria and legislation where available. Where it has not been possible to quantify impacts, qualitative assessments have been carried out based on professional experience and judgement. Impacts have been classified as being adverse, negligible or beneficial in significance and either minor, moderate or major in magnitude. Where possible, impacts have also been assigned a geographic scale; for example, Local, District or Regional. The ES also describes the consultation process undertaken to ensure that the views and concerns of interested parties, and statutory consultees, have been given due consideration in the design process. The ES comprises: ES Volume I - Environmental Statement: This document presents the findings of the EIA and is divided into a number of background and technical chapters supported with figures and tabular information for clarity of reading; ES Volume II - Townscape and Visual Assessment: This document comprises a standalone Townscape and Visual Assessment accompanied by a set of views and images; ES Volume III - Technical Appendices: The Technical Appendices provide detail on the assessments undertaken and information used to inform ES Volume I; and (NTS): This document. 2

5 2. Scoping and Consultation The design of the proposed development has evolved through continuous consultation with planning officers at LBN. This consultation process has served to focus the study on those issues of greatest significance and to maximise the knowledge pool for the development of mitigation measures. Consultation has also been undertaken with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and associated bodies due to the close proximity of the site to LCY. A number of significant changes have taken place to the scheme since the scheme was fist presented for pre-application advice in April Changes made include the addition of a first floor amenity deck, changes to the massing, changes to the façade designs and changes to the size and number of residential units within. These changes have taken place in consultation with LBN following pre-application meetings and presentations to the Newham Design Review Panel. The ES has been preceded by a preliminary scoping exercise to determine specific requirements for the EIA and to eliminate those areas for which no significant impacts are anticipated. The EIA Scoping Report was submitted to LBN on 3 December 2009 and a Scoping Opinion was received from LBN on 12 January Alternatives and Design Evolution Under the 1999 EIA Regulations (as amended 2008), an ES is required to provide an outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for [his] choice, taking into account the environmental effects. The alternatives analysis is a key part of the EIA process and serves to ensure that environmental considerations are built into the project design at the earliest possible stage. The EIA has considered the no development alternative, the use of alternative sites and design evolution in response to consultee concerns. The no development option has been ruled out by the Applicant due to the under utilisation of the current site in contrast to the ambitions of the Victoria Dock regeneration master plan; loss of opportunity to increase street activity and commercial space beneficial for local residents; and loss of opportunity to provide an urban landmark signifying the Royal Victoria Dock Regeneration Zone. Furthermore, the scheme has been designed as a direct response to the specific site s potential, therefore no alternative sites were considered as part of the proposals. Figure 3: Photograph of Existing Site (looking east) 3. Planning Policy Context The proposed development has been assessed against relevant national, regional and local planning policies, as well as other material considerations. Planning policy has been considered in each technical chapter of the ES as appropriate for the consideration of likely environmental impacts. Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compensation Act 2004 requires that development shall be in accordance with the Statutory Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Paragraph 10 of the Planning System: General Principles document advises that local planning authorities must determine planning applications in accordance with the Statutory Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. It adds that where development plans contain material policies or proposals, and there are no other material considerations, the application should be determined in accordance with the Development Plan. Each of these policy levels have been considered in the context of the proposed development which accords with relevant planning policies and guidance at national, regional and local levels. The site itself provides an unusual shape, being defined by the DLR to the north, the Tidal Basin Road roundabout to the south and a circular, unoccupied surface water pumping station immediately to the southeast. Noted as a good example of the architectural design and theory of it s time, the pumping station is designated as a Grade II listed building. The site lies at the eastern end of the Royal Victoria Docks and defines the edge of the Royal Victoria Dock Development Zone. To the south and east of the site lie several large-scale residential developments and converted Victorian warehouses. To the north and west the context is very different, being dominated by the DLR and road routes across the River Lea and surrounding industrial areas. 3

6 Over the course of each of the design stages, the scheme has developed through consultation and a progression of ideas that have led to its present scale and form. The preferred scheme has emerged as the development submitted for planning permission having taken into consideration sustainability objectives; floor plans and massing that best mitigated the sites difficulties and optimised potentials; wind, townscape and visual issues; and feedback from the Newham Design Review Panel. Three previous versions of the scheme have been submitted for discussion with LBN. Firstly in April 2005, secondly in January 2009 and again in July Figures 4-6 illustrate the design evolution. Figure 4: Initial Massing Model, April The Proposed Development The proposed development has been designed by Studio RHE Architects. The proposals involve the construction of a 24 storey residential-led scheme along with commercial and retail space. The residential accommodation comprises 161 apartments, consisting of one, two and three bed units, provided between levels 1 and 23 of the main building. The ground floor of the main tower building will provide 1,035 square metres (m 2 ) Net Internal Area (NIA) of flexible commercial/retail space and entrance lobbies to the residential accommodation above, with vehicular access to the basement below. A further 1,108m 2 of commercial floor space is proposed in a second low level building to the northeast of the pumping station, which also houses the energy centre/sub station. Additional details are given in Table 1. Table 1: Proposed Area Schedule by Use Use Net Internal Area (NIA) (m 2 ) Gross External Area (GEA) (m 2 ) Private Residential 12,067 17,808 Commercial 1,108 1,347 Commercial / Retail 1,035 - Figure 5: Initial Massing Render, April 2005 Servicing and Plant Total 14,561 22,256* Note: * Total Gross External Area (GEA) includes parking and other minor uses. There are a total of 39 car parking spaces (including five disabled spaces) and 18 motorcycle spaces located within the basement and at ground floor level. In addition, the proposal includes secure and sheltered storage for 200 bicycles within the basement and 50 bicycles at ground floor level. Figure 6: Massing Model, January 2009 All residential units will be accessed from a single entrance at street level, through a central lobby with concierge and via four lifts to all floors. Each unit will have its own external balcony space (refer to Figure 7) as well as access to a common amenity deck at first floor level. The amenity deck at first floor level will provide external landscaped space for the enjoyment of residential tenants and those employed in the commercial areas. The area will be planted with recommenced indigenous species to provide biodiversity on the site. An external children s play area will also be included on the amenity deck. 4

7 Figure 7: Proposed Planters within Balconies 6. Sustainability A sustainability assessment has been carried out on the proposed development, taking into consideration national, regional and local sustainability policies, along with guidelines that relate to the site. The assessment not only ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, but serves to incorporate a range of sustainable development issues into the design process, balancing social, economic and environmental factors, to minimise impacts and, where possible, enhance the local environment. The key aspects of the proposed scheme in relation to sustainability can be summarised as follows: The form of the main tower is a double curving tapered saillike form to the southwest with a vertical façade to the north and a series of tapering terraces to the east (refer to Figure 8). In general, the floor plates diminish in scale towards the top of the building. Figure 8: Proposed Development, Looking from the South Provision of a site that is accessible to all and promotes pedestrian and bicycle access including implementation of a Travel Plan and provision of safe, waterproof bicycle storage space (250 spaces in total); Provision of water efficient fittings and metering of water usage; Maximisation of recycling and implementation of the best practicable environmental options for nonrecyclable residual waste; Use of sustainable, energy efficient building techniques and incorporation of photovoltaics, ground sourced heat pumps and biomass boilers to reduce total carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by approximately 43%; Provision of ecological enhancements such as bird boxes, the planting of native trees and a green roof; Good practice environmental design, including good daylight, ventilation and acoustics; Provision of private balconies for the residences; and The form is a direct response to the shape of the site and the urban analysis of the immediate context. The façades facing the north and west provide a robust visual language against the busy and noisy environments of the roads and railway. In contrast, the eastern elevation provides a softer, open and organic façade that reacts to the quieter, pedestrian environment to the east (refer to Figure 9). Incorporation of Secured by Design principles in the design process. Furthermore, the Applicant is committed to achieving a Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Level 4 rating and a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of Very Good with aspiration towards Excellent. Figure 9: Building Form, looking from the South (left), Southwest (middle) and North (right) 5

8 7. Construction Programme The proposed development will involve the construction of a new residential-led development. The structural works are anticipated to take approximately 24 months and will comprise the following key stages: Enabling works; Sub-structure and basement works; Construction of the superstructure; Envelope and roof, shell and core; and Fit out and external works. The Applicant will develop and issue a Demolition and Construction Method Statement (DCMS) that will apply to all contractors, sub-contractors, trade and site management. The DCMS will place obligations on contractors to adopt best environmental practice, such as careful programming, resource conservation, adhering to health and safety regulations and quality procedures. The DCMS will include detailed working procedures for the control of emissions and environmental risk, and will also specify working hours and locations. Specifically, the DCMS will include measures for, among others: Neighbour and public relations, and provisions for complaints; Site hoarding, housekeeping and security; Traffic management and parking provisions; Road and utility diversions; Waste management and clean road management; Noise and vibration control; Protection of ecological, archaeological and water resources; and Energy and water usage. The measures to be employed to mitigate potential construction phase impacts on the environment and public health and safety will be detailed within an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and will be agreed with LBN prior to construction commencing. 8. Waste and Recycling The proposed development aims to be a sustainable building with high standards of environmental performance. As such, due consideration has and will continue to be given to the waste generated by the development during construction, operation and eventual demolition. Therefore, the waste strategy has the following aims: To contribute towards achieving current and long-term government, Greater London Authority (GLA) and LBN targets for waste minimisation, recycling and reuse; To ensure that all legal requirements for the handling and management of operational waste are complied with; and To provide tenants with convenient, clean and efficient waste management systems that enhance the operation of the buildings and promote high levels of recycling. A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be produced, with additional detail identifying the types and quantities of waste that will be produced during every stage of the project. The SWMP will highlight the opportunities to minimise and reduce waste generation. 9. Air Quality The EIA has included an assessment of both construction and operational impacts to air quality. The statutory review of local air quality within LBN resulted in the borough declaring an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) across all major roads, which includes those surrounding the site. Consequently, Air Quality Action Plans have been prepared for the borough, which have been taken into consideration in the assessment. Any impacts arising from the construction plant and associated dust generation are predicted to be minor adverse at the nearest sensitive receptors, lasting only for the duration of the construction phase, and a number of mitigation measures have been recommended to minimise these effects. Furthermore, impacts associated with construction road traffic are predicted to be extremely small in magnitude and of negligible significance. The potential impacts arising from road traffic associated with the completed development are anticipated to have a negligible impact, since nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and particulate matter (PM 10 ) concentrations are predicted to correspond to an extremely small magnitude of change. Furthermore, the heating plant is predicted to have a minor adverse impact on the local air quality due to small increases in NO 2 concentrations which are predicted to comply with the short-term NO 2 Air Quality Strategy objective. Nonetheless, the following industry best practice measures will therefore be adhered to: Appropriate design of the flues to ensure adequate dispersion of pollutants and selection of equipment regarded as Best Available Technology (BAT); 6

9 Selection of suitable combustion plant with low nitrogen oxide (NO X ) emissions technology and good thermal efficiency; and Regular inspection of the machinery and ensuring that equipment is well maintained. 10. Archaeology An archaeological assessment has been undertaken for the development site using methodologies conforming to the standards specified by the Institute of Field Archaeologists. The site does not contain any nationally or locally designated (protected) archaeological sites, but does fall within an Archaeological Priority Area as defined by the local authority. This designation reflects the area s location on alluvium, which fills the prehistoric floodplain of the River Thames. Therefore, there is high potential for prehistoric remains to be present at the site. The impact from the proposed development will result from the excavations for the proposed basement and the insertion of the piles. It is estimated that the basement will truncate the upper alluvial marsh deposits, but may not impact on the deeper peat layer. The alluvium is a homogeneous, widespread deposit, potentially only offering a low information retrieval level. The impact from the basement is therefore estimated to be minor adverse. The piles will impact upon the entire marsh sequence including the peat. The peat has a higher information retrieval level providing palaeo-environmental information and occasionally timber structures and rare artefacts. As a resource, the peat, like the alluvium, covers a wide area of the floodplain and is relatively homogeneous. The limited impact of the piles will therefore have only a minor adverse affect on the peat. The relatively rare occurrence of timber structures or artefacts within the peat suggests that it is unlikely that they would be affected by the small area of truncation resulting from the proposed piles. All short-term (construction phase) impacts may be addressed through management controls and the maintenance of an archaeological watching brief during the excavations for the basement. This will provide preservation by record as preservation in-situ is deemed unachievable and unnecessary. There should therefore be negligible residual impacts attendant on the construction of the proposed building. 11. Aviation The EIA has assessed the impact of the proposed development on aviation, and considers any potential impacts in relation to the safe operations of LCY; the key concern being it s potential to create a physical obstacle to existing operating procedures at the airport, specifically affecting the flight paths of aircraft taking-off and landing at selected runways. The temporary use of cranes during the construction phase will be the subject of consultation with LCY prior to the onset of the works. Based on assessment findings related to the proposed development, it is anticipated that the temporary use of cranes during construction will not alter the significance of effects on aviation and will therefore have a negligible impact on aviation procedures at LCY. Once operational, the vertical clearance of the proposed development is deemed acceptable on the grounds of safeguarding existing procedures at LCY. In summary, it is concluded that there will be negligible impacts upon the safeguarding and operation of procedures at LCY as a result of the proposed development. 12. Daylight, Sunlight, Overshadowing and Light Pollution The proposed development s potential impact upon daylight and sunlight availability to neighbouring properties, overshadowing and light pollution has been assessed against industry standards (Building Research Establishment (BRE) Guidelines). The analysis concludes that there will remain good levels of daylight and sunlight to the existing residential buildings, located north and east of the development site. Rooms at the lowest residential level will achieve daylight and sunlight levels that will meet and exceed current discretionary guidance as set out in the BRE Guidelines. As a result, any potential impacts to residential receptors are anticipated to be negligible. The modelled impacts of the proposed development s potential impact on itself with regard to sunlight and daylight conditions have also been assessed. There will be good sunlight potential to the proposed dwellings and all of the rooms tested within the residential building will have the potential to receive sunlight in excess of the discretionary percentage of annual probable hours stated in the BRE Guidelines. With regard to daylight levels, it can be seen that in each of the assessed cases, the discretionary guidance is met and exceeded. Therefore, there is good potential for daylight and sunlight at the proposed residential building, resulting in a negligible impact. With regard to overshadowing, the shadow path analysis demonstrates that there will be negligible shadowing over the existing residential properties and proposed amenity spaces, as a result of the proposed development. Furthermore, as the proposed development is located in a predominantly industrial area, the amount light spillage from the proposed buildings at night will not affect adjacent buildings. The existing residential buildings north of the site are some considerable distance away from the 7

10 development and beyond the DLR. The residential building east of the site will also not be adversely impacted by the proposed development. Therefore, light spillage from the proposed development will be negligible with regard to the surrounding residential receptors. In addition, the completed developments potential impact on itself with regard to light spillage will also be negligible. 13. Ecology The existing site is situated within an area with few ecological receptors and is not subject to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation designations. The site consists of amenity grassland, scrub and planted introduced shrubs, fencing and immature and semi-mature standard trees. In order to identify impacts likely to have an adverse impact on the site s ecological value and provide appropriate mitigation, the ecological impact assessment comprised the collection and compilation of existing historical ecological data; an ecological site walkover survey, carried out on 2 December 2009; and an assessment of the site s ecological importance including an analysis of the potential of the site to support protected species, or species of conservation significance. Construction of the site has the potential to adversely impact the ecology of the Royal Docks Site of Borough Importance (located 100m southeast of the site). Measures to prevent associated pollution risks will be fully outlined in accordance with current guidance within the DCMS. As a result, any potential ecological impacts are expected to be negligible. As mentioned there is scrub, areas of amenity grassland and ephemeral vegetation with scattered trees on-site. All of which will be lost as a result of the proposed development. Although not of great ecological value, they are still a foraging and nesting resource important in the context of the site. Therefore, the loss of the habitats onsite is considered to be a minor adverse impact at the site level. In the long-term, the proposed provision of trees and landscape planting, as well as additional bird nesting boxes, as described in the landscaping strategy (Figure 10), will ensure that any impacts to on-site vegetation are expected to be of negligible significance. Furthermore, it is considered that the landscaping strategy across the site will result in a minor beneficial impact to the local ecology replacing those habitats that will be lost. The potential for black redstarts to inhabit the site during the construction phase is minimal. If black redstarts are found on-site then appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented. Furthermore, it is recommended that site works commence outside of the black redstart breeding and dependency period, which falls between February and mid-august, in order to ensure that negligible impacts will occur. If site works are carried out between the breeding season, a series of additional black redstart surveys will be carried out. Additionally, given the precautionary approach adopted, the potential impacts to bats, nesting birds and mammals are also negligible. It is recommended that all clearance works commence outside of the bird-breeding season, which falls between March and August. If this is not practical, then appropriate surveys will be undertaken by an experienced ornithologist, prior to site clearance. Figure 10: Proposed Landscape Plan 8

11 14. Electromagnetic Field Analysis The EIA has included an assessment of potential impacts in relation to electromagnetic fields (EMF) due to the presence of overhead powerlines adjacent to one side of the development site. A 400 Kilovolt (Kv) double circuit powerline that runs east to west is approximately 17.5m to the immediate north of the development site boundary. EMF strength measurements were measured at a height of 1m from ground level at regular intervals around the site perimeter (approximately the same locations as the proposed development perimeter). The recorded power frequency EMF s were then mathematically adjusted (increased) to reflect the highest likely field strengths. The predicted maximum field strengths incident at/within the proposed development were well below European and ICNIRP limits for both people at home and in the workplace. Additionally, the highest likely EMF s within the proposed development will be sufficiently low to allow the reliable operation of any IT/communications and general home/office technology electronic equipment. Therefore, no adverse impacts are anticipated in relation to EMF s. 15. Electronic Interference The EIA has also included an assessment of the potential impacts to analogue, digital and satellite television (TV) reception associated with the proposed development. Consideration has also been given to the potential impact of the proposed development on radio reception and mobile telephone signals, wireless networks and emergency service communications. In order to assess whether the proposed development will cause interference to broadcast reception, a combination of desk-based calculations and an on-site inspection of domestic aerial installations have been undertaken. Prior to mitigation, it is predicted that there will be long-term minor adverse impacts to the reception of TV services (both terrestrial and satellite) for up to 83 existing aerial installations. However, suitable mitigation measures are available in all cases, which include upgrading the existing aerials by increasing their height and/or gain or providing a non-subscription satellite service which is supplied by either the BBC and ITV (which is called Freesat ) or Sky for a one-off cost. Therefore, following mitigation, impacts to TV reception are considered to be of negligible significance. 16. Ground Conditions The assessment of ground conditions at the site has involved the review and collation of readily available information pertaining to the current condition of the soils and groundwater on-site. The information has been reviewed in the context of the proposed development to evaluate the short, medium and long-term, direct and indirect impacts. Consideration of impacts associated with potentially contaminated soils and groundwater is made in the context of existing site conditions, construction works and site operations. The evaluation of ground conditions has also included a general geotechnical assessment of the potential for soil movement and comment on the potential for unexploded ordnance and underground structures onsite. Following mitigation measures, negligible impacts to the ground conditions are expected to occur throughout the construction phase of the proposed development. Should remediation be required during the redevelopment with respect to any identified contaminated soils associated with historical land use at the site, the remediation will result in a moderate beneficial residual impact to the local environment. 17. Noise and Vibration An assessment was undertaken of potential noise and vibration impacts associated with the proposed development during the construction and operational stages. In particular, the assessment considers potential impacts on identified receptors, in terms of: Predicted noise and vibration levels from construction; Noise and vibration from the building services plant; Noise associated with entertainment and leisure activities (e.g. from the shops, restaurant and bars); and Any increases to road traffic attributed to the proposed development. The introduction of the EMP, DCMS and the specific requirements of LBN will reduce excessive construction noise and vibration levels, and ensure that the residual impact is reduced to no impact/negligible (short-term) significance. Furthermore, the increase in noise due to construction traffic is also considered to have no impact. During the operational phase, relative increases in traffic noise are predicted to be less than 1 db(a), which will have no impact on noise levels. The building service plant will be designed and installed to be 10 decibels (dba) below the background noise level; therefore, negligible impacts are expected. Noise from the retail outlets and food and beverage units will be controlled according to tenant conditions, thus again resulting in a negligible impacts. 9

12 Suitable façade insulation, including glazing and ventilation noise control, will be provided within the proposed development during the detailed design phase, to meet the internal noise criteria from BS8233. Therefore, ambient noise is predicted to have a negligible impact for the completed development. 18. Socio-economics The assessment of socio-economic impacts has considered the extent to which the proposed development conforms to relevant socio-economic planning policy at appropriate spatial levels. The key areas of potential impact that have been assessed as part of this study comprise the following: An economic impact assessment, including employment impact on the labour market and additional local spending; and A review of other relevant socio-economic impacts, including the demand on existing social infrastructure such as primary healthcare and open space. In summary, it is considered that the proposed development would have an overall beneficial socioeconomic impact on the local and regional economy, through the provision of employment and through associated leakage and multiplier effects. The proposed development will represent a positive step towards meeting the new build housing targets of the borough and Greater London and the demand for high quality residential accommodation in Greater London. The proposed development also has a number of positive effects on the surrounding neighbourhoods, including minor beneficial impacts associated with employment creation during construction and operation, increased local spending and market housing. Elements of the proposed development that will require financial mitigation to reduce impacts to negligible include affordable housing, education and health. 19. Transportation and Access In consultation with LBN s Highways Department and the TfL Land Use Planning Team, the EIA has identified the expected number of person trips, by mode, which will be generated by the proposed development. In doing so, a full assessment of the impact of the proposed development on surrounding pedestrian routes, cycle infrastructure capacity, public transport and the surrounding road network, has been undertaken. A Transport Assessment has been prepared for the proposed development in consultation with LBN s Highways Department, to demonstrate that; overall, the proposed development accords with the objectives set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 Transport (PPG13), and complies with the LBN s adopted Unitary Development Plan (UDP), the London Plan and the Mayor s Transport Strategy. In summary, the impact of construction traffic on the capacity of the local highway network is negligible and would have no material affect. Once operational, it is considered that the proposed development will not result in a material increase in vehicular trips and is therefore unlikely to give rise to any concerns with respect to highway safety or capacity. Moreover, the highly sustainable location of the site is such that travel by means other than the private car is a realistic proposition. As such, any impact is likely to predominantly affect the local public transport network and pedestrian routes; however this impact is anticipated to be negligible. 20. Water Resources and Flood Risk The impact of the proposed development on the hydrological and hydro-geological environment has been assessed through identification of the baseline environmental quality of these resources and an assessment of the potential sources, magnitudes and significance of any impacts. The assessment has been based on professional judgement and a review of baseline data including historical site data, along with the review of relevant literature, policies and legislation. The assessment indicates that the incorporation of mitigation measures that form part of standard practice operational guidelines, and which apply control at the source or along the pathway of the pollution, means that the overall impact on the water environment during both the construction phase and the operation of the proposed development will be negligible. However, it is anticipated that during the construction phase, additional water demand and wastewater generation will be of minor adverse significance, albeit of a temporary duration. Thus, the worst-case long-term impact during the operational phase would also be minor adverse if Thames Water did not improve the local drainage network. The site is currently located in Flood Zone 3, as defined by the Environment Agency s (EA s) indicative Flood Zone Map, and is therefore identified as being an area at high risk of flooding. However, the Thames Barrier and flood defences along the banks of the River Thames protect the site against flooding events up to and including the 0.1% Annual Exceedence Probability (AEP) event. Therefore, the actual risk posed to the site is low, and surface water management measures will provide a permanent, minor beneficial impact locally by reducing surface water runoff rates from the site and by providing storage. 10

13 21. Wind Microclimate The EIA has also included an assessment of the likely impact the proposed development will have on the local wind microclimate, both within and around the site. Wind tunnel testing has been carried out and conditions are described according to the Lawson Comfort Criteria. The Criteria describe wind conditions according to the pedestrian activities that each various conditions are suitable for (e.g. sitting, leisure walking, standing/entrance use, etc). Figure 11: Model in the Wind Tunnel leisure walking classification during the worst-case season; and Additional screening is advised for southwest facing balconies in the residential building in order to achieve the desired standing/entrance classification during the worst-case season. With the above mentioned mitigation measures in place, the residual impacts at all locations range from negligible to minor beneficial. 22. Townscape and Visual Assessment Volume II of the ES, prepared by Studio RHE Architects, provides the Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the proposed development. The report concentrates on the local and wider townscape and visual amenity, and key considerations are the effect of the proposals on significant and local views. A total of 6 views have been assessed in order to consider their potential interaction with the proposed scheme. The viewpoints have been agreed in consultation with LBN. The views were carefully chosen to cover a representative range of views from different distances, different points of the compass and different types of townscape setting, so as to allow the reader to interpolate between and extrapolate from the range of views illustrated. The baseline conditions show that presently the site has a relatively windy microclimate during the worst-case season (winter). Most locations are suitable for leisure walking or standing/entrance use during the windiest season, with the windiest conditions towards the north, northeast and the southwest edges of the site. During the summer season the wind microclimate is generally calmer and the conditions are suitable for standing/entrance use or better. In the presence of the proposed scheme, the wind microclimate within and around the development site experiences a range of conditions suitable for sitting, standing/entrance use, leisure walking, business walking and car park/roadway use. The impact is considered to be negligible around much of the site perimeter, but there are particular locations where the impact is considered to be adverse and therefore the following mitigation measures are proposed: Vertical side screening or recessing to the south entrance of the residential building to help in reducing the impact of the acceleration of prevailing winds; In terms of planning policy for visual impact, the proposal adheres to both national and regional guidelines. The proposal offers a building of high design quality that has been carefully developed and refined over a long period of consideration. The resulting building offers a refreshing new architectural statement that stands apart from the more mundane buildings that have marked the development of the Royal Victoria Dock to date. At close quarters, the building reveals a unique and distinct cladding system that emphasises its organic form and curved façades. On its eastern façade, it offers a series of green and natural terraces that again provide a beneficial contrast to existing elevations. From further afield, the building provides a distinct silhouette in the sky-line that punctuates the existing ridge of tall buildings providing a visual marker and symbol for the Royal Victoria Dock regeneration area. In conclusion, the proposal is considered to be beneficial to the townscape and results in no adverse visual impact. Planting and/or screening to benefit the wind conditions within the thoroughfares located south, southeast and northwest of the residential building. A combination of one or both may achieve the desired 11

14 Figures 12 to 14 provide examples of the visually verified montages used in the assessment. Figure 12: Riverside Walk at Millennium Dome Figure 13: Lower Lea Crossing Figure 14: Quayside, Southwest Corner of Royal Victoria Dock 12

15 23. Cumulative Impact Assessment The assessment of cumulative effects has been based upon the information available at the time of writing and currently available assessment techniques. A list of development schemes submitted for planning, consented/with a resolution to grant consent or currently under construction, that have been included within the cumulative impact assessment is provided below: Tidal Basin Road; Site WE4B, Western Gateway; Leamouth Peninsula; Canning Town Regeneration Project (Area 3); Rathbone Market Development; Excel 'Phase 2' Extension; Excel Hotel Extension; Silvertown Quays; Minoco Wharf; and Barrier Park East. The locations of these schemes are illustrated in Figure 15 below. Figure 15: Location of the Cumulative Schemes For the cumulative assessment, two types of impact have been considered: The combined effect of individual impacts; for example noise, airborne dust or traffic on a single receptor; and The combined impacts of several development schemes which may, on an individual basis be insignificant but, cumulatively, have a significant impact. The cumulative impacts of the proposed development together with other surrounding schemes have been assessed during the construction and operational phases of the project. Potential impact interactions are largely related to noise, vibration, dust, waste and traffic. Interactions will take place during the construction phase, and noise, vibration and traffic impacts will predominantly occur during the piling phase. Overall, it is anticipated that there will be temporary minor adverse impact interactions during this phase. When considering the combined effects with the proposals detailed above during operation, it is considered that potential beneficial cumulative impacts largely relate to improvements to the public realm and local ecology; improvements to the local wind microclimate; a reduction in the stock of contaminated land in the borough; improved surface run-off management; the provision of additional residential units; and the provision of additional employment opportunities. Thereafter, overall it is anticipated that there will be negligible impact interactions during the operational phase. 24. Residual Impacts and Conclusions Residual impacts are defined as those impacts that remain following the implementation of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures relate to any of the three key phases of the proposed development (i.e. design, construction and operation) and are discussed in full within the relevant technical chapter of ES Volume I. In addition, each technical chapter also contains detailed consideration of both positive and negative residual impacts arising. Throughout the construction programme, temporary minor adverse impacts are anticipated, especially in relation to air quality (dust). However, the overall conclusion of the EIA is that the proposed development will have an overriding beneficial impact on the Borough. In particular, it will lead to the provision of high quality residential and commercial accommodation, together with improved public realm. The proposed development will redevelop the presently underused site and provide economic benefit through additional local spending and job creation during the construction and operational phases. Furthermore, the Applicant is committed to achieving a CSH Level 4 rating and a BREEAM rating of Very Good with aspiration towards Excellent. The proposed development accords with the overall objectives of planning policies at national, regional and local levels, and is considered to be in accordance with the government s objectives for sustainable development. 13

16 Contacts and Availability of the ES The ES is available for viewing by the public during normal office hours at the Planning Department of LBN. Comments on the planning application should be forwarded to LBN at the following address: Planning Department London Borough of Newham Town Hall Annexe Barking Road East Ham London E6 2RT Additional copies of the Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge in electronic form, while copies of the full ES is available at cost from: Studio RHE Architects Featherstone Street London EC1Y 8QZ Volume I Environmental Statement and Volume III Technical Appendices of the ES can be purchased from URS for 160 and 180, respectively. Volume II Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment of the ES can be purchased from Studio RHE Architects. 14