The Network Rail (Buxton Sidings) Order

Transcription

1 The (Buxton Sidings) Order EIA Scoping Report SEPTEMBER 2015

2 RSK GENERAL NOTES Project No.: Title: Client: Buckingham Group Date: 14 September 2015 Office: Manchester Status: Final Author EIA Project Team Technical reviewer Polly Bentham Date: 14/09/2015 Date: 14/09/2015 RSK (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested. No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared. Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work. This work has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK

3 CONTENTS PREFACE... 1 GLOSSARY... 4 ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTION The Scheme EIA and Purpose of Scoping SITE AND SCHEME DESCRIPTION Site Location and Description Surrounding Land Use Description of Works Scope of Scheme to be Assessed Mitigation SCOPING ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY EIA Team Baseline Collation Consultations Scoping LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology GROUND CONDITIONS AND CONTAMINATION Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK Baseline Information Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology AIR QUALITY Introduction Legislation and Policy Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts... 52

4 8.5 Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology NOISE AND VIBRATION Introduction Existing Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Proposed Assessment Scope and Methodology ECOLOGY Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Introduction Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment Proposed Assessment Methodology LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Scope of the Assessment SOCIO-ECONOMICS, RECREATION AND AMENITY Environmental Baseline Potential Environmental Impacts Proposed Assessment Scope and Methodology CUMULATIVE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Site location plan Site plan and environmental constraints Representative viewpoint location plan Ecological plan

5 PREFACE Infrastructure Limited ( ) is proposing to develop the Buxton Sidings Scheme (hereafter referred to as the Scheme ), as part of the Strategic Freight Network within the Peak Forest to London Freight Programme ( the Programme ). The site of the Scheme (hereafter referred to as the Site ) is located approximately 400m to the north east of Buxton in Derbyshire, adjacent to the Buxton Line and includes land that is both within and outside of s ownership. Currently rail freight routes from Hindlow and Buxton Up Relief Sidings to West Thurrock aggregate/ cement terminals and Bow East aggregate/ cement terminals are able to accommodate freight services up to 400m in length (1,750 tonnes capacity). The Scheme would extend the existing freight and track sidings in order to increase freight train capacity to a train length of 526.5m (2,600 tonnes), as required by freight operators. The Scheme would contribute to the long term economic viability of the Peak District quarries at Hindlow and Dowlow and help to limit the amount of quarry traffic using the local road network. The Site and Scheme are described in more detail in Section 2 of this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report. In order to obtain the necessary statutory powers to construct the Scheme, will submit an application to the Secretary of State for Transport (SoS) for an Order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA Act) (hereafter referred to as the TWAO). Following the introduction of the Highway and Railway (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) Order 2013 this is the standard procedure for obtaining statutory authority for railway improvement works. The procedures regulating to TWAO applications are set out in the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 ( Application Rules ). As the Scheme is considered to have potential for significant environmental effects, has taken the decision to voluntarily complete an EIA for the Scheme. The findings of the EIA will be reported to the SoS in an Environmental Statement (ES) to be submitted with the TWAO application. This EIA Scoping Report has been prepared by RSK Environment Ltd ( RSK ) on behalf of as the first step in that process. The report is submitted to the SoS under Rule 8 of the Application Rules in order to seek the opinion of the SoS as to the scope of the EIA and the methodologies to be used. It provides initial information on the Scheme to be assessed and identifies the key environmental issues that are considered to require detailed assessment as part of the EIA. It also sets out the rationale for scoping out certain issues from the EIA, where it has been concluded that significant environmental effects would not occur. A summary of the conclusions of the Scoping Report is provided in Table 1 below: 1

6 Table 1: Summary of the Scope of the EIA Environmental Topic Include in EIA Key Points Construction Operation Landscape and visual Yes Yes Likely effects will be assessed for the construction phase, the opening year of the Scheme and the design year (year 15) to allow for mitigation planting to mature. Seven viewpoints are proposed for the assessment. Ground conditions and contamination Yes Yes A detailed Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan will be developed as part of the Scheme to reduce / avoid effects to identified receptors i.e. human health, controlled waters, buildings and structures and ecosystems. The strategy will be agreed with HPBC and the Environment Agency (EA) as required and will consider waste minimisation and management, the details of which will be developed in a Materials Management Plan (MMP) following the EIA. The Remediation Strategy together with an outline Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) will inform the EIA. Potential contamination from asbestos will be considered in this chapter. Nuisance effects relating to dust and noise will be considered in the air quality and noise ES chapters. Drainage and flood risk No No Effects on controlled waters will be considered in the ground conditions and contamination chapter. A separate Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be prepared for the Scheme; this will be included as a supporting document to the ES and will inform the drainage design. The Remediation Strategy and CoCP will include detail on water management during the remediation and construction works. On this basis drainage and flood risk have been scoped out of the EIA. Traffic and Transport Yes No Once operational, there would not be a significant increase in road traffic and the numbers of freight paths would not change. Therefore, operational effects have been scoped out. Air Quality Yes No The number of vehicles associated with the operational Scheme would be very low (for maintenance only) and there would be no increase in the numbers of freight paths. Therefore, operational effects have been scoped out of the air quality assessment. Noise and Vibration Yes Yes The assessment will consider both construction and operational impacts of the Scheme on noise and vibration. Baseline monitoring is proposed at eight locations. The direct effects of operational noise will be assessed in accordance with the Calculation of Rail Noise (CRN). Ecology Yes Yes A number of baseline surveys have already been completed and further surveys are proposed to ensure baseline data is comprehensive. Direct and indirect effects of the Scheme will be considered in an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and 2

7 Environmental Topic Include in EIA Key Points Construction Operation ecological mitigation e.g. in relation to the Local Wildlife Site will be developed as appropriate through the EIA process. Historic Environment Yes No The construction phase assessment will only consider direct effects of the Scheme. The scoping exercise has concluded that any operational visual effects on the setting would not be significant and have therefore been scoped out of the EIA. Land Use and Agriculture Socio-Economics, Recreation Amenity and No No The agricultural land that would be lost is not of best and most versatile quality. Economic impacts relating to land use are addressed in the socio-economic chapter and any ecological mitigation required would be developed through the EcIA. This topic has therefore been scoped out. Yes Yes Visual impacts on users of local footpaths will be assessed as part of the LVIA. For the construction phase, the assessment will focus on existing recreational receptors, such as the users of the public rights of way network and local residents that informally use the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip site. For the operational phase, the assessment will consider the economic benefits of the Scheme to the existing quarries at Hindlow and Dowlow. The cumulative assessment will consider impacts on residential amenity during the construction works. Cumulative Yes Yes Two types of cumulative effects will be assessed: The combination of individual effects from the proposed Scheme e.g. noise and visual, on a sensitive receptor e.g. local residents; Effects of the proposed Scheme in combination with effects from other committed developments in the surrounding area. Confirmation of the other developments to be considered in the cumulative assessment is requested as part of the Scoping Opinion. 3

8 GLOSSARY Air Quality Management Areas Ancient Woodland Archaeological Walkover Survey Baseline Conditions Baseline Information Bedrock Geology Biodiversity Biodiversity Action Plan Buffer Zone Buxton Up Relief Sidings Code of Construction Practice Committed Development Conservation Area Controlled Waters Culvert Cutting Decommissioning Designated Heritage Assets Designated sites Desktop Studies Diffusion Tube Embankment A plan to improve air quality by a local authority in locations identified where air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved. Woodland in England dating back to 1600 or before as identified by the Forestry Commission. Used to consider the condition of identified heritage assets and to determine the potential for any previously unrecorded archaeological and cultural heritage assets. The environment as it appears (or would appear) immediately prior to the implementation of the Scheme together with any known or foreseeable future changes that will take place before completion of the project. Collection of background information on the economic, environmental and social settings of a proposed project, to be used to predict changes and compare and evaluate them in terms of importance. The formation of solid rock underlying the surface material. The variety of life forms, the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain and the eco-systems they form. Detailed plans for the conservation of the ecological resources of an area. A layer of protection to an area susceptible to the impacts arising from a project. The existing sidings within the Site A written scheme defining a code of construction including, preparation works, demolition of buildings and measures to deal with noise and vibration. Development projects that are either under construction or which have valid planning permissions/ consents. Land awarded protection status to prevent change to the natural features, cultural heritage and biodiversity of the area. Surface waters, ground waters and coastal waters to which UK pollution legislation applies. A pipe or box-type conduit through which water is carried underground or under a structure. Area where the railway corridor has been excavated through higher ground The period during which a development and its associated processes are removed from active operation. A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance due to its heritage interest. An area of land with statutory designation due to its nature conservation and landscape value. The gathering and analysis of existing data from the public domain, scientific and commercial databases, and available project sources, in order to identify environmental constraints and opportunities. A recognised methodology for monitoring local air quality. Raised land above surrounding area to carry the rail line 4

9 Emergence Surveys Environmental Impact Assessment Excavation Historic Environment Records In situ Listed Buildings Local Wildlife Site Magnitude Mitigation measures National Monuments records Non-designated Heritage Assets Nuisance Management Plan Phase 1 Habitat Survey Photomontage Pollution Prevention and Incident Control Plan Pollution Prevention Guidelines Principal Aquifer P-way Receptors Registered Parks and Gardens Residual Effects Schedule 2 Project Scheduled Monuments Secondary (A) Aquifer Recognised methodology to assess the species and amount of bats exiting a habitat. Method for identifying and evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of a proposed development. The exposure, processing and recoding of archaeological remains found in a development site. Details of both designated and non-designated heritage assets, previous archaeological events, secondary sources, and Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC). Findings left undisturbed, in their original position, having not been moved. A building with historical or artistic value granted official protection to protect it from change or being destroyed. A non-statutory area of ecological value. Defined by the severity of impacts based on whether they are reversible or irreversible and the rate of recovery for each environmental receptor. Magnitude is represented in terms of severity (i.e. major, moderate, slight or negligible). Magnitude is defined for each environmental topic within the EIA. Action taken to avoid, reduce or offset adverse economic, environmental and social impacts of a project. Details of designated and non-designated heritage assets, aerial photography, historic mapping and secondary sources. Buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes which are not formally designated heritage assets, but are identified by local planning authorities as having a degree of significance in planning decisions. Details the processes used to prevent nuisance associated with construction odours, oxides and particulate matter. Recognised methodology used for collating information on the habitat structure of a particular site. The superimposing of an image onto a photograph for the purpose of creating a realistic representation of proposed or potential changes to a view. A programme detailing the expectation of prevention and control of the development site. Guidelines to help manage environmental responsibilities to prevent and comply with the law. A layer of rock or drift deposits that usually provide a high level of water storage. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. Permanent way the track of a railway line, the ballast, sleepers and rails. Physical resource or user group that would experience an effect, either negative or positive, of the proposed project. A landscape of note which is a designated heritage asset subject to the planning policies of the NPPF. Impacts that would remain following the implementation of the mitigation measures. Plans or projects which are listed in Annex II of the EIA Directive, and Schedule 2 of the EIA Regulations. A naturally important archaeological site or historic building requiring Scheduled monument consent for works affecting it. A permeable layer of rock capable of supporting water supplies on a 5

10 Sensitivity Significance Sites of Special Scientific Interest Source Protection Zone Special Area of Conservation Special Protection Area Study Area Superficial Deposits The Scheme Transect Surveys Trenching Visual Amenity Visual Receptors Wildlife Corridor local rather scale, in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. The susceptibility of the receiving environment to the proposed project. This assessment considers the sensitivity or importance of the receptor (high, medium, low and negligible) and the magnitude/scale of change (large, medium, small and negligible) which is likely to occur in the receiving environment after mitigation. The combined effect of these creates a significance level which ranges from none, slight, moderate, significant and very significant. The main national conservation site protection measure in Britain designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Areas identified by the environmental agency to protect groundwater from development. International designation implemented under the Habitats Regulations for the protection of habitats and (non bird) species. Sites designated under EU Directive (79/409/EEC) for the conservation of wild birds. Areas surrounding and including the Scheme, where there is reasonable potential for economic, environmental and social impacts arising from the Scheme. Study areas are defined for each topic of the EIA. Geological sediment formations. Proposed siding extensions at the Buxton Up Relief Sidings, within the Site boundaries provided in Figure 1 Recognised methodology for collating information on the use of site by bats, including species, foraging areas and commuting routes. Method of archaeological evaluation used to estimate the archaeological potential of a site. The value of a particular view or area in terms of what is seen. Impacts of development on viewpoints of the proposed development site and the people who experience views from these viewpoints. Linear habitats/ landscape features such as hedgerows that may increase connectivity by acting as routes between habitat patches. 6

11 ABBREVIATIONS ALC Agricultural Land Classification AOD Above Ordnance Datum AQMA Air Quality Management Area BAP Biodiversity Action Plan bgl Below Ground Level BGS British Geological Society CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Associates CLEA Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment CLR Contaminated Land Report CO Carbon Monoxide CoCP Code of Construction Practice CoPA Control of Pollution Act 1974 CRN Calculation of Rail Noise db(a) Decibel (A-weighted) - A unit of noise measurement DBA Desk Based Assessment DEFRA Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges DWT Derbyshire Wildlife Trust GRIP Governance for Railway Investment Projects EA Environment Agency EcIA Ecological Impact Assessment EHO Environmental Health Officer EH English Heritage EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EPUK Environmental Protection UK EPS European Protected Species ES Environmental Statement EU European Union FRA Flood Risk Assessment GIS Geographic Information System GRIP Governance for Rail Investment Projects Ha Hectares HAP Habitat Action Plan HER Heritage Environment Record HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle HPBC High Peak Borough Council HLC Historic Landscape Characterisation IEEM Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management IEMA Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment IFA Institute of Field Archaeologists Km Kilometre KM 2 Kilometres squared LAQM Local Air Quality Management 7

12 LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan LI Landscape Institute LOAEL Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level LPA Local Planning Authority LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment LWS Local Wildlife Site MMP Materials Management Plan M Metres M 2 Metres Squared MAGIC Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside Mph Miles per hour NCA National Character Area NGR National Grid Reference NMR National Monuments Records NPPF National Planning Policy Framework NO 2 Nitrogen Dioxide NOx Nitrogen Oxides NMP Nuisance Management Plan NVC National Vegetation Classification OS Ordnance Survey PDNP Peak District National Park PDNPA Peak District National Park Authority PM 10 Particulate matter (with mean aerodynamic particle diameter of < 10 microns) PM 2.5 Fine Particulate Matter (with mean aerodynamic particulate diameter of 2.5 or less) PPG Pollution Prevention Guidelines PRoW Public Right of Way RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SI Statutory Instrument SM Scheduled Monument SOAEL Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level SoS Secretary of State SO 2 Sulphur Dioxide SPZ Source Protection Zone SRN Strategic Road Network SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SWMP Site Waste Management Plan TMP Traffic Management Plan TPO Tree Preservation Order TWA Transport and Works Act 1992 TWAO Transport and Works Act Order UK United Kingdom UK AIR UK Air-Information-Resource 8

13 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Scheme The Buxton Sidings Scheme ( the Scheme ) comprises extension of the Buxton Up Relief Sidings on the Peak Forest Line, adjacent to the east of the Buxton Line. The site of the proposed works (hereafter the Site ) is located in the Hogshaw area of Buxton, approximately 400m north east of the town centre within the administrative boundary of the High Peak Borough Council (HPBC). The approximate National Grid Reference (NGR) for the centre of the Site is , A site location plan is included as Figure 1 and a more detailed site description is provided in Section 2 of this Scoping Report Currently, rail freight routes from Hindlow and Buxton Up Relief Sidings to West Thurrock aggregate/ cement terminals and Bow East aggregate/ cement terminals, are able to accommodate freight services up to 400m in length (1,750 tonnes capacity). plan to extend the existing freight and track sidings by approximately 445m to the north on their current north-south alignment. This would increase freight train capacity to a train length of 526.5m (2,600 tonnes), in response to increased demand from the rail freight operators. This would allow quarry business operations to expand, with potential improved employment opportunities in the area, without increasing road vehicle movements to an already congested network. It may also result in a reduction in existing quarry vehicle movements by road Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP) is s management and control process for delivering projects on the operational railway. GRIP divides a project into eight distinct stages and covers the investment lifestyle from inception through to the post-implementation realisation of benefits. The design for the Scheme has reached the preferred options stage (GRIP 3) and will be subject to a further stage of refinement before a design freeze in late 2015/early Submission of the TWAO is currently planned for Spring EIA and Purpose of Scoping EIA is a method for identifying and evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of a proposed development. It can be used to inform the design development process, to reduce or avoid identified likely significant environmental effects. It aims to ensure that the predicted environmental effects are understood and fully considered as part of the decision making process Annex I of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU) ( EIA Directive ) identifies those projects where EIA is mandatory, which includes the construction of lines for long distance railway traffic. Annex II of the Directive outlines those types of projects that may require EIA, subject to a consideration of whether it is likely to have a significant effect on the environment by virtue of factors such as its size, 9

14 nature or location. The construction of any smaller scale railway works falls within Annex II of the Directive Although the Scheme does not constitute a long distance railway project and therefore falls within Annex II of the Directive, the Scheme does have the potential to generate significant environmental effects. Therefore, has decided to undertake an EIA on a voluntary basis and an ES will be submitted with the TWAO application in accordance with Rule 7 of the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 (Application Rules) This EIA Scoping Report has been prepared by RSK and submitted to the SoS under Rule 8 of the Application Rules, in order to seek the opinion of the SoS on the scope of the EIA for the TWAO and the methodologies to be used. It provides initial information on the Scheme to be assessed, and identifies the key environmental issues that are considered to require detailed assessment as part of the EIA. It also sets out the rationale for scoping out a number of issues from the EIA, where it has been concluded that significant environmental effects would not occur. 10

15 2 SITE AND SCHEME DESCRIPTION 2.1 Site Location and Description Land Use The Site is approximately 11 hectares in area and comprises agricultural land, part of the former Hogshaw Refuse Tip, the existing sidings and railway land and access from Hogshaw Villas Road as shown on Figure 2. The Site includes both permanent land take and temporary land take required for construction. Further detail is provided in Section Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) for the Site as a whole is Grade 4 i.e. it is not classified as the best and most versatile agricultural land. An area of the disused tip together with the section of the Site to the south of the tip area have been designated as a Derbyshire Local Wildlife Site (LWS) (a local designation) the boundary of which is shown in Figure Nun Brook and an unnamed stream cross the northern edge of the Site, flowing generally southwards to converge to the east of the Site. The watercourses are understood to be fed by flushes within the Site Review of historic Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping shows that whilst field boundaries have altered over time land use generally remains unaltered since at least The tip is the only exception, which is first seen on 1967 mapping and therefore can be assumed to have been unlicensed. There is no detail on the Environment Agency (EA) website regarding specific dates of operation of the tip. (A ground investigation has recently been completed at the time of report writing and the results of the investigation will be considered in the EIA.) Current rail infrastructure within the Site consists of: Existing rail sidings approximately 320m in length (connecting to the Buxton Line at the southern extent), with associated lighting towers; and A footbridge at the southern boundary, comprising steel construction on blockwork piers; The existing rail sidings operate on a 24 hours basis and six to ten freight trains a day use the sidings. Land Ownership A significant amount of the total land required (both permanent and temporary) for the Scheme is already within the ownership of. However, HPBC own the Hogshaw Refuse Tip area and the agricultural fields and access route from Hogshaw Villas are under separate ownerships. The purchase of additional land will therefore be required to complete the Scheme. 11

16 Access The A6 is located adjacent to the east of the northern section of the Site. Vehicular access to the Site is available via Hogshaw Villas Road and an access track that runs adjacent to the existing sidings. A farm track also runs along the northern Site boundary, from the A There are two Public Rights of Way (PRoW) within the Site, one along the northern boundary ( Buxton FP 4 ) and one which follows a route from the railway footbridge along the southern boundary of the tip area to the northern edge of residential development on the eastern valley slope. PRoWs are shown on Figure 2. Topography The Site is located along the valley of the Nun Brook at approximately 305 metres Above Ordnance Datum (AOD); adjacent land slopes steeply up to the west towards Brown Edge Road (to approximately 350m AOD), with slightly gentler slopes to the east of the Site towards the A6 to around 325m AOD. 2.2 Surrounding Land Use A football pitch and playground is located adjacent to the south east corner of the Site. A number of residential properties are located in the vicinity of the Site, in the area of Hogshaw Villas Road / Lightwood Avenue / Lightwood Villas Road and Nunsfield Road to the south and east and along Brown Edge Road and Hogshaw Drive to the west. Hogshaw Wood is located to the west of Hogshaw Drive Individual farms and properties in the vicinity include: Nunsfield Farm; Brookhouse Farm; Brook House; The Barms Farm Buxton town centre is located to the south with the station approximately 400m to the south of the Site. Buxton Pavilion Gardens, a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden, is located within the town centre approximately 600m to the south of the Site. The Peak District National Park surrounds the Buxton area but does not include the town or the Site (the park boundaries are shown on Figure 2) Open fields of semi-improved pasture are located to the north and north east of the Site. Further to the east the Buxton and High Peak Golf Course and driving range is located between the A6 and Waterswallows Road The A6 provides a strategic link between towns in North Derbyshire and Greater Manchester and is a major route to the Peak District National Park. The A6 draws large volumes of traffic through the town, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) associated with the local quarrying industries. 12

17 2.3 Description of Works The Scheme involves land both within and outside of s operational boundary. All proposed works within land that is located within s operational boundary will be delivered under permitted development rights under Part 8 of Schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GPDO). All proposed works outside of s operational boundary will require consent through the TWAO. A detailed description of the Scheme to be assessed in the EIA, including the works within and outside Network Rail land will be included in the ES. A description of the proposed temporary and permanent works associated with the Scheme is provided below: Permanent Works plans to extend the existing twin tracked sidings by approximately 445m to the north on their current north-south alignment, to accommodate a 505 m train length plus an additional locomotive (21.5m) giving a total train length of 526.5m. Early design options tried to avoid extending the sidings through the former tip area and considered use of the existing passenger line but these were discounted due to logistics and timetable constraints Design options for the sidings are currently under consideration; these vary slightly in the alignment of the sidings, their proximity to the existing railway, associated land take and the length of cutting required. A single final design option will be selected for the TWAO submission and this option will be assessed in the EIA. The cutting is intended to comprise earthworks only; no stabilising / engineering solutions such as gabion walls are currently anticipated The cutting would generate a volume of excavated material; this would be re-used onsite to cover the contaminated material, or in landscaping, or would be disposed of offsite in accordance with current waste management and duty of care regulations. Using the findings of the ground investigation and the finalised scheme design, a cut and fill modelling exercise will be completed prior to submission of the TWAO, to minimise the volume of material to be disposed of off-site. The treatment of contaminated material on-site before off-site disposal will be explored as part of this exercise The siding extensions would include a new drainage system and siding lighting would be placed adjacent to the walking routes and in accordance with Railway Group Standard GI/GN7520. Lighting would be low level in order to minimise any light pollution to the residential properties adjacent to the walking routes. There would be no floodlighting. New stairs on the west cutting slope would provide an access point for track maintenance In addition to the new sidings (track) the existing footpath would be extended over the new siding by provision of a new footbridge or extension to the existing; the adopted design would be similar to the existing to maintain continuity. There is no lighting to the existing footbridge and no lighting is proposed for the bridge extension. Some minor demolition works may be required in relation to the existing footbridge to allow the 13

18 bridge to be extended. Due to the age and type of the signalling system used at Buxton only minimal alterations are proposed to the switches and crossings (S&C) Related infrastructure works are proposed at Hindlow and Dowlow quarries, comprising changes to the track alignment and improvements to the power supply. These do not form part of the Scheme to be assessed in the EIA but will be considered as part of the cumulative assessment. Refer to Chapter 14 for further details. Temporary Construction works Possible construction compound locations, construction access routes and materials delivery options (by rail or road) are currently under review. These will be finalised prior to completion of the EIA and submission of the TWAO. Wherever possible construction materials would be delivered by rail. Road haulage would be used where rail haulage is not feasible. The temporary works are likely to comprise: A main site compound located on the agricultural field at the northern end of the Site. This would have approximate dimensions of 80m x 40m and accommodate site offices, welfare facilities and areas to store materials and equipment; A haul road from the A6 to the main compound area. This would utilise the existing access track for part of its length, with a new access track created for the remaining distance to the compound; A satellite compound located in the southern end of the Site close to the existing vehicular access via Hogshaw Villas Road; and Various designated areas within the Site to store excavated materials Once the construction phase has been completed, it is expected that the temporary working areas would be fully restored through a programme of mitigation planting, with any restoration and planting plans required to be agreed and implemented through planning conditions for the TWAO, should it be granted approval A 12 to 15 month construction programme is anticipated, though construction dates would be dependent on the date of TWAO approval. Based on the current programme the Scheme is expected to be operational in Spring / Summer It is anticipated that standard construction working hours would be adopted, subject to agreement with HPBC i.e. Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, working hours may change subject to possession working requirements, which may involve night time hours. 2.4 Scope of Scheme to be Assessed Spatial Scope In accordance with good practice the ES will assess the finalised Scheme, which includes land both within and outside of s operational boundary. The current boundary for the EIA is included as Figure 2 but this is yet to be finalised and may be subject to changes prior to completion of the EIA and submission of the TWAO. 14

19 The EIA will assess a chosen design iteration rather than both iterations or a worst case design option according to topic The study area for each environmental discipline will vary depending on the baseline environment and the nature of the impact e.g. direct or indirect. For example, the historic environment assessment will only cover the land that has the potential to be directly affected by the Scheme i.e. that within the development footprint. However, the traffic and transport assessment will cover a much wider area, given the potential for traffic generated by the operational Scheme to affect the wider highway network. Temporal Scope The EIA will consider the construction and operation of the Scheme. For the construction phase, the impacts will be assessed against the 2015 baseline. Operational impacts will be assessed for the year when the Scheme is expected to be fully operational i.e In addition, for some of the technical disciplines e.g. landscape, there is a requirement to assess the period 15 years after the project becomes operational i.e The 15 th year has been chosen as it represents a time when proposed mitigation such as landscape planting will have fully matured The EIA will not cover decommissioning as it has been assumed that the Scheme would remain operational indefinitely. New infrastructure (including any bridge works) would have a design life of 125 years and would be maintained and upgraded as required, in accordance with routine maintenance and asset surveys. In the event that use of the sidings ceased, the sidings would remain in situ and there would be no removal of the infrastructure, reprofiling or restoration etc. 2.5 Mitigation For the Scheme there are effectively three levels of mitigation: Incorporated design elements: This level of mitigation comprises design decisions taken into account for environmental constraints and issues identified during the development process. For the Scheme this will include the Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan for the Site (the strategy will focus on the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip but will cover the Site as a while) and the outline drainage design, to date. The ES will be supported by the Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan and the Scheme Description in the ES will contain detail on the remediation and drainage engineering works proposed. As further information becomes available during the EIA process the design may be altered prior to a scheme fix for the purposes of assessment; Incorporated mitigation: Along with the design, these mitigation elements comprise standard good practice for construction works and would be implemented by Network Rail and their selected contractor Buckingham Group. The ES will be supported by a draft Code of Construction Practice (CoCP), which will incorporate the means to mitigate the construction impacts that have been identified. This is likely to contain the following plans and programmes: A Pollution Prevention and Incident Control Plan; 15

20 A Waste Management Plan (including Materials Management Plan); A Traffic Management Plan and a Travel Plan; A Nuisance Management Plan concerning dust, wheel washing measures, air pollution and temporary lighting; and A Noise and Vibration Management Plan including a construction methodology assessment Project specific mitigation: This mitigation is over and above those elements covered above and would be developed as part of the EIA, should likely significant effects be identified. For example, landscape and ecological restoration and enhancement. 16

21 3 SCOPING ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 3.1 EIA Team The team responsible for the preparation of this EIA scoping report (and completion of the EIA and ES) is as follows: Table 3.1 EIA Team Organisation Arup Buckingham Group Eversheds NLG Ecology Ltd Roundhay Environmental Consulting Ltd RSK Ruth Jackson Planning EIA inputs Design engineers (including drainage) Client Legal review Ecology Ground conditions and contamination EIA co-ordination, Landscape and visual assessment, flood risk assessment, traffic and transport, air quality, noise and vibration, historic environment, socio-economics, recreation and amenity Planning review 3.2 Baseline Collation Baseline information has been gathered through desktop studies, site visits, surveys and initial consultations with key stakeholders. Studies completed to date have informed this scoping report. 3.3 Consultations Consultation with relevant stakeholders has begun with initial requests for baseline data, and will continue throughout the EIA process to inform the scheme design, agree assessment methodology details, discuss key issues, assessment findings and proposed mitigation options. Consultation will be undertaken with both statutory organisations and non-statutory bodies with an environmental remit together with public consultation prior to submission of the TWAO. 3.4 Scoping Potential environmental effects have been identified for individual environmental topics, using the baseline information collated and assessment completed to date, together with the professional judgement and experience of similar projects within the EIA project team A conclusion has then been drawn for each topic as to whether there is potential for likely significant effects during the construction and operational phases of the Scheme that require further assessment, or whether the topic can be scoped out of the EIA, or 17

22 the scope confined to a particular phase or phases of the works e.g. construction phase only For those topics proposed to be included in the EIA an assessment methodology is then provided. For all topics to be assessed, the significance of likely effects will be determined by considering the magnitude of the likely impacts against the sensitivity of the identified baseline and receptors Preliminary consideration of mitigation measures is provided for topics where considered appropriate Scoping is the process of determining the content and extent of an EIA. Under European Union Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (EIA Directive) a formal scoping process may be completed, to ensure the scope and level of detail required in the ES are clearly defined. 18

23 4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will consider the potential effects of the Scheme upon: Individual landscape features and elements; Landscape character; and Visual amenity and the people who view the landscape. 4.2 Environmental Baseline Landscape Features and Elements The Site is located within a shallow valley adjacent to the existing Buxton to Manchester railway line, on the northern edge of Buxton The northern Site boundary coincides with a PRoW that connects Brown Edge Road in the west and the A6 in the east. The northern Site boundary is open across the valley floor but coincident with a mature tree line along the northern edge of Buxton and High Peak Golf Course. The eastern Site boundary is also open where it extends across agricultural fields on the valley floor to the west of Nun Brook. Within the extents of the disused tip area the eastern Site boundary passes to the west of an area of mature trees within a wider massing of shrubby vegetation. The southern Site boundary coincides in part with the route of an informal access track within an area of vegetation cover adjacent to the existing Buxton sidings, but touches on the edge of a football field/recreational area where it extends through to Hogshaw Villas Road at its southernmost limits. The western Site boundary coincides with the alignment of the existing Buxton Line The northern extents of the Site comprise an undulating area of damp, rough grazing agricultural grassland. An offshoot of the main site area extends eastwards up the valley side, broadly following the route of a farm access track, PRoW extending to the A6. The mid extents of the Site comprise an area of made ground associated with the former Hogshaw Refuse Tip with scrub and mature trees and includes remnant evidence of buildings and access roads. A PRoW connecting Brown Edge Road with the opposite valley extents of settlement on the northern edge of Buxton passes through the Site on the southern edge of the former tip and includes a footbridge crossing point over the existing railway line. The southernmost extents of the Site coincide with an area of mature vegetation established on an area of former railway sidings, next to an area of allotments and sheds located outside the Site boundary To the north of the Site the valley extends through an agricultural landscape, becoming more open beyond the settlement limits of Buxton. To the east of the Site grazing fields bounded by dry stone walls extend up the valley sides to a plateau occupied by the golf course. To the west of the Site, beyond the existing railway line, is a prominent elevated 19

24 line of residential properties along Brown Edge Road. To the south of the Site a railway junction provides access to the local quarry lines and beyond that lies the wider extents of Buxton town centre. Landscape Character Landscape character is a composite of physical and cultural elements. Landform, hydrology, vegetation, land cover, land use, landscape pattern and cultural features / associations combine to create a common sense of place that can be used to categorise the landscape into definable units known as character areas or types The following published landscape character assessments at a national and local level will be relevant to inform an understanding of the baseline setting of the Scheme Natural England s National Character Areas (NCA) provide a national framework of published landscape character studies to inform landscape character assessment. The Site sits close to the eastern extent of NCA 52: White Peak which is adjoined by NCA 53: South West Peak. As noted by Natural England in most instances, the NCA boundary is not precisely mapped and should be considered as a zone of transition between NCA s so the site is likely to share characteristics of each NCA National Character Areas (NCA) - Defining England's Natural Boundaries; Natural England (2013); NCA 52: White Peak key characteristics: Elevated gently undulating limestone plateau with occasional knolls and crags, dissected by steeply cut dales and gorges with rock outcrops, screes and caves; Clear rivers, streams and springs in some dales; Steep dale sides with mosaic of flower-rich limestone grassland, ash woodland and wildlife-rich scrub; Improved grassland for dairy and livestock farming on plateau, with narrow shelterbelts of broadleaved trees and small patches of rough grassland, meadow and heath; Grassland enclosed by limestone walls, small narrow strip field with larger rectangular fields away from villages; Nucleated villages and small towns connect by crest and valley roads; Mix of limestone and gritstone buildings; and Remnants of early industry and dramatic 18 th century mills and lime kilns National Character Areas (NCA) - Defining England's Natural Boundaries; Natural England (2013); NCA 53: South West Peak key characteristics: Moorland core with a mosaic of landform, vegetation and wooded Cloughs; Enclosed farmed landscape with a pastoral character created by semi-improved grassland, hay meadows, rushy pastures which are also marshy with springs and flushes, more productive farmland and small woodlands; 20

25 Extensive livestock farming; Intricate and distinctive field boundary patterns, gritstone walls at higher elevations and hedgerows at lower elevations; Robust architectural style built predominantly of local stone; Dispersed settlement; Dramatic series of exposed gritstone edges and tors; Remote moorlands; Remains of former stone quarries and coal mining activities; and Long uninterrupted views At a more local level, The Landscape Character of Derbyshire; Derbyshire County Council (2013, 4th edition) identifies the Site as coinciding with the Dark Peak, Character Type: Moorland Fringe with the following key characteristics: Moderate to steep upland slopes fringing the open moors; Exposed rock and scree slopes associated with gritstone edges; Shallow peaty soils; Moorland slopes grazed by sheep; Extensive semi-natural habitat of heather with rushes in damp hollows; Distinct absence of trees; and Open, exposed landscape with expansive views. Landscape Designations The north west corner of the Fairfield Conservation Area extends across the temporary access route to the A6 in the north of the Site (as indicated on Figure 2). The enhanced value of views and visual setting associated with Conservation Area status has the potential to locally increase receptor sensitivity to visual change within the Conservation Area A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) HPTPO 157 covers land between Brooklands and Nunsfield Road, Buxton. HPBC has confirmed the TPO does not extend onto the Site The Peak District National Park lies approximately 2km to the east of the Site at its nearest point, however there is no notable inter-visibility due to the containment of the proposed Scheme within the valley bottom and the screening afforded by the intervening ridgeline of Brown Edge at approximately 400m AOD. Visual Context and Visual Receptors Views from the north of the Site include potential open views from scattered farm properties looking across open agricultural fields along the line of the valley towards the Site. 21

26 Views from the east are typically limited by landform and vegetation to those from the western edge of Buxton and High Peak Golf Course, which look down into the valley, but more directly look across to residential properties along Brown Edge Road on the opposite valley slope Views from the south are locally screened by mature trees on the former tip site and by tree cover extending more widely across the valley floor. Views from the valley floor are then typically limited by the buildings and railway viaducts on the northern edge of Buxton, though with potential for views towards the Site from properties elevated on valley sides. Solomon s Temple, as a landmark viewpoint location to the south, affords distant views of the proposed Scheme within a wider landscape context Views from the west, primarily experienced from residential properties on Brown Edge Road, look beyond the existing railway line on the valley floor towards the golf course on the skyline of the opposite valley slopes. The properties on Brown Edge Road themselves limit views from areas further west where the land plateaus. Further west the prominent ridgeline of Brown Edge screens views from the Peak District National Park Visual receptors with potential views of the Scheme include: Residential properties along Brown Edge Road and PRoW to the west; Residential properties along Ladycroft and Hogshaw Drive to the south west; Residential properties along Nunsfield Road, Barms Way, Glenmoor Road and St Peter s Road to the south east; PRoW, Nunsfield Farm and Buxton and High Peak Golf Course to the east; PRoW and farms to the north; and Solomon s Temple as a local landmark viewpoint to the south The assessment will additionally consider the potential visual effects of the Scheme on land to the west of the Site (High Peak Local Plan submission map land allocation site B3). The allocation site will be noted as a future visual receptor and the potential nature and significance of visual effects will be acknowledged in the assessment Following a desk-based review of OS mapping and a site walkover, seven preliminary viewpoints have been selected to represent the range of sensitivities and potential views of the Scheme. These are set out in Table 4.1 below, with viewpoint locations illustrated in Figure 3. 22

27 Table 4.1 Proposed viewpoint locations VP Ref Viewpoint Location / Receptors 1 PRoW (Buxton FP1) and residential properties on Brown Edge Road and Ladycroft 2 PRoW (Buxton FP4), residential properties on Brown Edge Road and Turner Lodge Farm 3 PRoW (Buxton FP4) and farm properties north of the site 4 View from PRoW (Buxton FP2) and Buxton and High Peak Golf Course 5 PRoW (Buxton FP2) and residential properties on St Peter s Road, Glenmoor Rd, Barms Way and Nunsfield Road 6 Residential properties on Hogshaw Drive Distance from Site Boundary 65m Potential Views Close range view of the footbridge and Scheme alignment passing through the former Hogshaw Refuse Tip. 150m Close range view of the Scheme alignment extending across agricultural fields from an elevated valley side vantage point 120m Close range view of the Scheme alignment extending across agricultural fields and through the disused tip viewed along the valley floor 320m 300m 200m Medium range elevated view of Scheme alignment running through agricultural fields Medium range view of Scheme alignment extending across agricultural fields and passing through the disused tip and the footbridge Medium range view of the footbridge and southernmost limits of the Scheme alignment 7 Solomon s Temple 2.5km Long range view from landmark viewpoint location with extensive visual setting but including the extents of the proposed Scheme 4.3 Potential Environmental Impacts During the construction and operational stages of the Scheme there is potential for significant landscape and visual effects on: The landscape fabric and features of the Site such as localised topography, trees and farmland; The prevailing landscape character of the Site; Key visual receptors, including residents, recreational users such as visitors to the Buxton and High Peak Golf Club and course, users of way marked PRoW, walkers, cyclists and road users. Construction During the construction period there is potential for landscape effects due to loss of landscape features, such as trees and grazing land to allow for construction of the Scheme and associated features such as temporary access routes and construction compounds In addition there is potential for visual effects due to: 23

28 Visibility of construction equipment; Erection of a new footbridge structure including cranes; Active construction work sites and the associated compounds in the north and south of the Site. Operation Once the Scheme is complete there is potential for permanent landscape effects due to: Widening and extension of the rail corridor, which would involve permanent loss of existing vegetation and grazing land across open agricultural fields; The creation of new landform features i.e. soil nailing, cutting and infilling to achieve grade for the sidings; Introduction of a new footbridge structure There is potential for permanent visual change due to: The widening and extension of the existing rail corridor; Creation of an additional/ larger footbridge structure; The new cutting and embankments required for the siding extensions; Introduction of new lighting along the sidings; and Vegetation clearance to facilitate construction and new planting as part of the Scheme. 4.4 Scope of the Assessment The Scheme could give rise to some significant landscape and visual effects on local sensitive landscape and visual receptors, and therefore a LVIA is proposed to be undertaken as part of the EIA. The LVIA will address both the construction and operation of the Scheme The likely effects of the Scheme on identified landscape and visual receptors will be assessed during its construction phase and the opening year of the Scheme (Year 1) and the design year of the Scheme (Year 15) i.e. the residual effects (note the design year of the Scheme is considered to be the point at which any proposed mitigation planting would have reached a height at which it can be considered to achieve the mitigation objectives). 4.5 Proposed Assessment Methodology Process LVIA is a tool used to identify and describe the likely landscape and visual effects of the proposed Scheme and to determine whether or not they would be significant. 24

29 4.5.2 The LVIA considers the effects of the Scheme on both the landscape as an environmental resource and on people's visual amenity. The intended use of this environmental information is to inform stakeholders and to assist decision making An LVIA is undertaken in a sequence of iterative stages: Identification of aspects of the Scheme that may give rise to significant effects on the landscape resource or on visual amenity; Description of baseline landscape and visual conditions: for the landscape assessment this provides an understanding of the character and value of the landscape resource and for the visual assessment this identifies the people in specific locations that may be visually affected; Identification of the landscape and visual receptors that may be affected by the proposed Scheme and an initial assessment of the likely significant effects upon them; Identification of mitigation measures appropriate to the proposed Scheme and its landscape context (initial assessment of the likely significant effects of the proposed Scheme and identification of mitigation opportunities to inform the evolution of the design of the proposed Scheme); and Assessment of the residual landscape and visual effects of the proposed Scheme incorporating mitigation and categorisation of their significance to decision makers. Guidance The assessment will be undertaken in accordance with the methods outlined in the following best practice guidance: Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Third Edition), published by the Landscape Institute (LI) and the IEMA (2013) (GLVIA3); Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland, published by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Agency (2002); An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment, published by Natural England (2014); and LI Advice Note 01/2011: Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual assessment. Study Area Subject to agreement with the landscape officer it is proposed that the study area for the assessment, including identification of key receptors and the selection of representative viewpoints, would be limited to within a 1km radius from the boundaries of the Site. This study area assumption is based on the findings of a preliminary desk assessment and field visit, whereby it is considered that due to the nature and form of the works and the screening effect of the surrounding landform, vegetation and buildings that any changes due to the proposed Scheme would not be readily perceptible beyond this distance. 25

30 4.5.6 The one noted exception to this principle is the proposed inclusion of Solomon s Temple (a tower located on the highest point on Grin Low Hill) as a representative viewpoint 2.5km south of the Site, in acknowledgement of its prominence as a local landmark viewpoint. Baseline The landscape and visual baseline study would record and analyse the existing landscape fabric, landscape character and visual context associated with the study area. The baseline study would be informed by a combination of desk based and field based appraisal techniques, and professional judgement The baseline study would draw on information provided by statutory consultees, published landscape assessments and guidelines, current landscape planning policies and other relevant published documentation, visibility analysis and fieldwork observations. Landscape Assessment The landscape assessment of likely effects of the Scheme on identified receptors will be assessed using professional judgement. This professional judgement may take into account a number of different considerations including the susceptibility of different landscape receptors to the likely changes that would be associated with the Scheme; the value or importance that is attached to them; and the degree, geographical extent, duration and reversibility of the change to the landscape that is likely to arise. The relevance and weighting of these many considerations will vary depending on the type of landscape receptor being assessed. For example, susceptibility may carry more weight in the assessment of effects on landscape character areas and designated resources whereas extent may or carry more weight in the assessment of removal of landscape elements. Landscape sensitivity criteria The sensitivity of the landscape (whether a character area or designated landscape resource) will be assessed by combining the susceptibility of its key characteristics to the type of landscape changes likely to be associated with the Scheme with the value or importance understood to be attached to the landscape The susceptibility of the landscape refers to its ability to accommodate the changes likely to be brought about by the Scheme without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline situation. The susceptibility of the landscape is categorised as High, Medium or Low using professional judgement The assessment of the susceptibility of the landscape based on its key characteristics may subsequently be modified by consideration of any special value or importance attributed to it. The value of a landscape may reflect communal perception at a local, regional, national or international scale and may be informed by a number of factors including scenic beauty, tranquillity, wildness, cultural associations or other conservation or recreation interests. A landscape with characteristics that suggest relatively low susceptibility to change may therefore be judged to be more sensitive 26

31 because of special values attached to it. Although landscape value or importance is usually determined by reference to statutory or local planning policy designations, an absence of such designation does not automatically imply a lack of value as other factors, such as scarcity, may be considered relevant. The degree to which landscape character susceptibility is modified (usually increased) by landscape value or importance is therefore a matter for reasoned professional judgement. Significance of landscape effects The significance of landscape effects is categorised as highly significant, significant or not significant. Significance is assessed by combining all of the considerations and criteria set out previously. The relative weight attributed to each consideration is a matter of professional judgement and will vary depending on the specific landscape receptor being assessed. Where possible to do so with a reasonable level of professional objectivity the effects of the Scheme on the landscape are identified as likely to be generally considered positive (beneficial), neutral or negative (adverse). Visual Assessment The significance of the likely visual effects of the Scheme on identified receptors will also be assessed using professional judgement. This professional judgement may take into account a range of considerations including the susceptibility of people in different contexts to the likely visual changes that would be associated with the Scheme; the value or importance that they are considered likely to attach to the existing view; and the degree, geographical extent, duration and reversibility of the visual change that is likely to arise. Visual sensitivity criteria People s overall visual sensitivity will be assessed by combining consideration of their visual susceptibility with the value or importance that they are likely to attribute (or not) to their available views People s susceptibility to visual change varies depending on their purpose for being in a particular location (principally whether for residence, recreation, travel or employment) Assessment of the sensitivity of visual receptors may be modified (either up or down) by consideration of whether any particular value or importance is likely to be attributed by people to their available views. For example, travellers on a highway may be considered likely to be more sensitive due to its scenic context or residents of a particular property may be considered likely to be less sensitive due to its degraded visual setting. Significance of visual effects The significance of visual effects is categorised as highly significant, significant or not significant. Significance is assessed by combining all of the considerations and criteria set out previously. The relative weight attributed to each consideration is a matter of professional judgement and will vary depending on the specific visual receptor being assessed. For example, the geographical extent of visual change is more relevant to an area or route than to a fixed viewpoint and short term reversible visual effects may 27

32 still be judged to be highly significant to decision makers. Where possible to do so with a reasonable level of professional objectivity the visual effects of the Scheme are identified as likely to be generally considered positive (beneficial), neutral or negative (adverse). Photomontage Visualisations In order to illustrate the potential effects of the Scheme and to enable interested parties to gain an appreciation of the potential scale and appearance of the Scheme within the landscape, a series of computer generated photomontage images would be prepared for up to seven viewpoints to be agreed with the relevant planning authorities. Suggested viewpoints are included in Table 4.1 above The photomontage images would be prepared to illustrate the appearance of the unmitigated Scheme (as it would appear in the year of opening). These images would also be used in the assessment to assist with the identification and prediction of landscape and visual effects It should be stressed that whilst any photomontage visualisations would be prepared following best practice guidance, visualisations provide a tool for assessment designed to assist all interested parties to understand how the change proposed would affect views at particular viewpoints A comprehensive photographic study will be undertaken with 360-degree high resolution digital photography taken at each agreed viewpoint. The photography will then be stitched and used as a basis upon which to present a rendered 3D computer model of the development proposals. Mitigation An outline framework landscape proposals drawing (incorporating ecological mitigation principles) will be prepared as part of the landscape mitigation strategy for the Scheme, and will be agreed with HPBC / DCC. The nature of landscape treatment will take account of the Landscape Character Assessments mentioned previously in Section The landscape mitigation strategy will have the aim of integrating the Scheme into the existing landscape, being sympathetic to the prevailing local landscape character, and will aim to screen the development from nearby sensitive visual receptors where appropriate The landscape mitigation strategy will include the location and indicative species mixes of any proposed planting and areas to be seeded. Proposed Assessment Summary The Scheme could potentially give rise to significant landscape and visual effects on local landscape and visual receptors, and therefore the following scope for the LVIA is proposed: The LVIA will follow best practice guidance and will be tailored to respond to the local context; 28

33 The proposed study area for assessment will be concentrated within a 1km extent around the Site; Landscape mitigation will form an inherent part of the design process and will be accommodated within the final design layout; The effect of the Scheme on the identified landscape and visual receptors will be assessed at its: construction phase; opening year (Year 1); and design year (Year 15); A maximum of seven photomontages will be produced. These will correspond with the final list of 7 viewpoints agreed as the basis for visual assessment (a suggested list to be agreed is in Table 4.1 above). 29

34 5 GROUND CONDITIONS AND CONTAMINATION 5.1 Environmental Baseline Topography The siding extensions would be on the west side of the valley of Nun Brook at an elevation of approximately 302m AOD. The land rises steeply to Brown Edge Road at approximately 350m AOD 200m to the west and falls to Nun Brook at around 300m AOD 100m to the east. On the east side of Nun Brook the land rises more gently than on the west to around 325m at a distance of 200m from the valley bottom. Nun Brook flows towards the south The siding extensions would be sited close to the existing railway line on the eastern downhill side. The railway is at an approximate elevation of 308m AOD near the southern end of the siding extension and 315m AOD near the northern end. Thus the siding would be on sidelong ground subparallel to the existing railway and at a lower level. The southern part of the new construction would form a cutting through the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip and the northern part would be on natural ground. Geology The British Geological Survey (BGS) map 1: Series sheet 99 Chapel-en-le-Frith and sheet 111 Buxton show the Site to be underlain by mudstone of the Millstone Grit Series lying below the Kinderscout Grit. The strata dip to the east, with dips of 15º and 22º shown on the BGS map. The BGS website ( names the mudstone as the Bowland Shale Formation. The Bowland Shale unconformably overlies the Eyam Limestone of the Carboniferous Limestone Series. The interface between the two horizons may be undulating and irregular due to the unconformity and the nature of knoll reefs in the limestone On the west side of the valley, to the west of the Site, Millstone Grit sandstones and mudstones form the scarp slope and high ground. On the east side of the valley the underlying Carboniferous limestones also dip east but at a more gentle angle of around 10º and form the dip slope Desk studies and ground investigations have been carried out to find the nature of the soils and tip materials below the Site. The results are presented in the following reports. In addition results of an investigation started in July 2015 are being compiled: Soil Mechanics Hogshaw Tips and Sidings Ground Investigation for Derbyshire Consulting Engineers, report no /1 to 3, dated June 2000 rev 0; Derbyshire Consulting Engineers Hogshaw Tips and Sidings Site Investigation Interpretative Report for Derbyshire County Council, dated 15 June 2001 draft version; 30

35 Scott Wilson Hogshaw Tips & Sidings, Buxton, Derbyshire Geo-Environmental Report on Site Conditions for Derbyshire County Council, reference DOMADCK/2 Issue 2, dated September 2003; Corus Peak Forest to London Freight Train Lengthening Factual Report for Buxton Refuge Sidings for Infrastructure Limited, reference B70222-REP-GEO0002 version P01, dated March 2010; Tata Steel Projects Buxton Hindlow (Peak Forest) Buxton Up Refuge Sidings: Factual and Interpretative Report for, reference B80101-REP- GEO0001 P01, dated April 2012; and Envirocheck Report from Landmark Information Services for Peak Forest, Buxton reference PF1, dated 7 April Natural ground is exposed at the surface in the field to the north of the former Hogshaw Refuse Tip. The ground is marshy and is likely to include some landslipped material. It is currently used as pasture for sheep and cattle. Ground investigations have shown that generally the upper 1.2m to 1.5m of soil is very soft slightly sandy clay. Below is soft clay with relict mudstone features or extremely weak mudstone. The extremely weak mudstone was found at various depths with a minimum depth of 1.20m. Remains of mudstone structures were mostly present at 2.50m and deeper. Beyond the northern end of the proposed siding a mudstone thickness of 4.80m has been proved In the 200m length of the sidings crossing the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip, tip material directly overlies natural ground. The mudstone and overlying weathered mudstone below the tip has been proved to a depth of 11.55m with a maximum thickness of 6.8m penetrated. The base was not found. Further information on the tip is presented in paragraphs to 19. Hydrogeology The Millstone Grit Series is designated a Secondary Aquifer A. The Millstone Grit Series is a sequence of alternating sandstones and mudstones and it is the sandstones which carry water in useable quantities and provide baseflow to rivers whereas the mudstones have very low permeability and transmit little water. Springs issue from the sandstones to the north and west of the Site and there are seepages in the field and on the north side of the tip which are likely to originate from the sandstones and from landslipped ground on the valley side Mudstones of the Bowland Shale Formation have been proved below the tip materials and in the field. Whilst these mudstones may carry water in the slightly weathered horizon where mudstone fragments predominate, they have low vertical permeability. Slightly higher horizontal permeability is unlikely to persist over significant distances The Carboniferous Limestone Series on the east side of the Nun Brook valley is designated a Principal Aquifer. Limestones may yield significant quantities of water suitable for potable water supplies. There is a Zone 1 Source Protection Zone (SPZ) for a limestone groundwater source 800m south of the Site extending southwards. 31

36 The Envirocheck Report shows that there are no licensed groundwater abstractions in the vicinity of the Site. The closest licensed groundwater abstractions are at Lightwood, 1km to the west, where there are public water supply abstractions and Nestle Waters UK Ltd is authorised to take water for bottling. There are also groundwater abstractions licensed to HPBC for private water supply at The Crescent, Buxton 1.2km to the south. These supplies are from the Carboniferous Limestone and give rise to the SPZ The alignment of the proposed sidings would be entirely on the Bowland Shale mudstone. The underlying limestone is protected from activities at the surface by the Bowland Shale mudstone. From ground investigation data it can be inferred that 5m or more of mudstone is likely to be present. Hydrology Nun Brook flows from north to south approximately 150m east of the proposed siding extensions. The brook flows under the eastern side of the disused tip in a culvert. Downstream of the Site Nun Brook flows past public access land, gardens, recreation areas and through the centre of Buxton. The quality of Nun Brook is therefore environmentally sensitive In the field there are stock grazing and surface water is accessible for drinking. Water on the west and east sides of the tip is discoloured and odorous and is likely to contain contaminants leached from the made ground materials. Site History From historical OS maps it is evident that the railway was present from 1879 or earlier and the current sidings from at least The sidings reached maximum development in 1967 with an engine shed, turntable and coal hoppers. The ground level appears to have been lowered on the west side and was raised considerately on the east side to accommodate the sidings. By 1977 most of the sidings had been cleared with only the lines closest to the railway remaining. From logs in the Soil Mechanics report it is known that the fill below the former sidings includes ash, clinker, brick, mudstone, siltstone, limestone, sand and cobbles and boulders of limestone. Hydrocarbon contamination is recorded at several locations in the west Hogshaw Refuse Tip is shown on OS maps as an open field until at least 1955 and then as a refuse tip in 1967 and By 1977 it is no longer shown as a tip and it is assumed that deposition of waste had ceased. The Control of Pollution Act 1974 introduced waste disposal licensing which was enforced in stages through the mid to late 1970s. Thus Hogshaw Refuse Tip pre-dates the requirement for licensing and the requirements for environmental controls that ensue from licensing. As a result the Environment Agency and HPBC have limited records of the materials placed in the tip. Hogshaw Refuse Tip Made Ground Materials The refuse tip has been formed mainly by land raising on the side of the Nun Brook valley. Made ground has been found in boreholes to a maximum depth of 7.3m below ground level (bgl). The known level of the base along the line of the Site is 32

37 approximately 300.0m AOD at the northern end of the tip and 302.6m AOD near the southern end The materials described on the logs include clay and ash with glass, clinker, porcelain, brick, plastic, wood, shoe remnants, paper, cardboard and textiles. In places organic odours and oil sheens were described. Brake shoe liners or brake shoe material cutoffs known to contain asbestos are commonly present. In addition there are a number of descriptions of fibrous asbestos and asbestos sheeting. There are also newspapers dated 1965 and 1967, car bodies, axles, batteries and tyres, metal from domestic appliances, tins, carpet, rubber, household plastic containers and occasionally chemical containers and drums. In 2015 measurements of landfill gas were made and concentrations of methane between undetectable and 8% were recorded The waste components described are typical of decomposed waste from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The absence of methane and the low concentrations of carbon dioxide at many locations indicate that much of the biodegradable waste has already decomposed and that future degradation will be on a small scale. At some locations, however, degradation is still active. Site Conceptual Model Construction work and the operational phase of the sidings have potential to give rise to impact on environmental receptors. The main potential receptors during construction and permanently are: On site: Off site: Construction workers and railway workers; Construction materials in the sidings and footbridge foundations; Groundwater in the primary and secondary aquifers during construction and permanently; and Flora and fauna. Railway workers and passengers on the existing railway; Surface water in Nun Brook; People using informal open space, playing fields, children s playground, allotments; and Flora and fauna. The following section considers environmental impacts on these receptors. 5.2 Potential Environmental Impacts Impacts are considered in relation to the three main areas of the Site: the existing railway land, the tip area and the agricultural fields in the north. 33

38 Construction Existing Sidings and Footbridge During construction through the existing sidings there would be little ground disturbance. Realignment of the sidings to meet the new line through the disused tip area would involve some relaying of the track but no major earthworks are proposed. The environmental impact of construction resulting from or on ground conditions is expected to be minimal Extension of the footbridge would require some excavation for foundations. The more southerly foundation on the eastern side of the sidings would be taken through the fill material that was below the former siding and engine shed. Hydrocarbon contamination has been recorded in this fill and there is potential for impact of the hydrocarbons on construction materials and of mobilisation during ground disturbance resulting in environmental impact. Contamination affects a small area and will be dealt with in accordance with the Remediation Strategy Subject to implementation of the Remediation Strategy and CoCP as part of the Scheme, the environmental impact of construction on or resulting from ground conditions in this area is expected to be minimal and therefore this area will not be considered in the EIA. Hogshaw Refuse Tip Materials would be excavated to provide a cutting through the tip. The cutting would be 3m to 4m deep and would have side slopes of 1 in 2.5 to 1 in 3, making a total width of 25m to 30m. Excavated materials would be treated under a mobile plant permit and used for various purposes including formation of bunds and production of aggregate for use in construction. Excavated materials would be moved to a new location adjacent to the cutting in accordance with a Materials Management Plan (MMP), with major deleterious material removed from Site During the construction phase there is potential for environmental impact due to: Odours and dust, including asbestos, arising from excavation and transport of materials; Mobilisation of contaminated water from the base of the material to surface water or groundwater; Diversion of flowing water; Release of landfill gases previously trapped within the material; Nuisance from material movement; and Nuisance from transport off site of unsuitable materials The proposed method of working and the controls imposed would mitigate risks of environmental impact. The potential impacts will be assessed in the EIA During construction surface water would be diverted from the working area and discharged to Nun Brook after settlement of suspended solids if needed. The impact 34

39 downstream would be minimal as water that previously discharged to the brook would continue to discharge. By intercepting the water the amount flowing through the made ground materials would be reduced and the risk of environmental impact from poor water quality in the former tip would be reduced There is potential for impact of uncontrolled run-off from the working areas. A CoCP would be prepared specifying the controls that would be in place to control water from rainfall or works processes. These may include bunds, settlement areas, netting and sumps in accordance with good site practice. A draft CoCP will be included in the ES. Agricultural Fields There would be some excavation of soft materials below the line of the siding and there would be a cutting at the northern end. The cutting would be a maximum of 4.5m deep with a total width of 40m. Through most of the field the depth of the cutting would be 2m or less and the width 20m or less. The materials to be excavated are uncontaminated natural soils. They would be used to provide cover to materials exposed in the slopes of the cutting in the disused tip area and potentially on the surface of the disused tip It is proposed that a temporary access route for construction traffic would run from the A6 across agricultural land to the site compound on the field. Preparation of the route and compound would mainly involve scraping off topsoil for later reuse and placement of hard surface material to provide a firm base. The crossings of Nun Brook and a tributary would be on temporary strengthened bridges During the construction phase there is limited potential for environmental impact. The potential impacts are: Diversion of flowing water; and Nuisance from excavation and transport operations including dust and noise (refer to Chapters 8 and 9) Nun Brook and the tributary are potential receptors to impact by run-off from the site access road and compound. Control of run-off from these areas would be managed through good practice as detailed in the CoCP Control of water and proposed new drainage would be an integral part of the design of the sidings. Nearby sensitive receptors to nuisance are staff and passengers of the existing railway line, grazing animals and residents on Brown Edge Road at a distance of around 150m. There is one dwelling named Low Croft, however, which is within 50m. The proposed method of working would include standard methods of environmental nuisance controls to ensure that there is not an unacceptable impact on the receptors Subject to implementation of the CoCP the environmental impact of construction on or resulting from ground conditions in this area is expected to be minimal and therefore this area will not be considered in the EIA. 35

40 Operation Existing Sidings and Footbridge Area The realigned sidings would have minimal environmental impact as the permanent situation would be similar to the current situation Once the foundations for the new footbridge have been completed, as the foundations would be in strata that do not transmit significant volumes of water, there would be no detectable environmental impact related to ground conditions. Hogshaw Refuse Tip Area The sidings through the tip would be in an environment where there would be need for controls and management of environmental impacts related to ground conditions. The controls would relate to: Construction of side slopes that would provide landfill gas venting and a growing medium for vegetation; Construction of side slopes that would be stable without the need for regular maintenance; Capture of water adjacent to the railway to prevent uncontrolled passage through made ground materials and allow discharge to Nun Brook as at present; Track drainage; Uncontaminated cover to materials to protect people, flora and fauna on public access land; All the above aspects will be considered in environmental risk assessments with the conclusions and consequent actions presented in the Remediation Strategy and details incorporated into the Scheme design The amount of water flowing through the made ground materials would be reduced due to interception of water on the up hill side and collection of rainfall on the track by the track drainage. With the proposed new soil cover to the made ground materials much of the rainfall on the ground surface would be taken up by vegetation and some would run off without infiltrating therefore the potential for leachate production would be reduced. There is therefore a potential positive impact on water quality. Agricultural Fields In the field area there would be aspects related to ground conditions that would be dealt with through appropriate design. These include: Construction of side slopes that would be stable without the need for regular maintenance; Cover to the slopes that would provide a suitable growing medium for vegetation; 36

41 Capture and diversion of water to enable discharge to Nun Brook; With the use of appropriate design in the Scheme the above aspects do not present a significant risk of adverse environmental impact. 5.3 Scope of the Assessment The made ground materials in the Hogshaw Refuse Tip area have potential for environmental impact and issues relating to them will be included in the EIA. (Based on the potential environmental impacts identified above, construction and operational impacts in the area of the existing sidings and footbridge and agricultural fields are proposed to be scoped out.) The aspects that will be assessed include: Potential impact on the Secondary and Principal Aquifers during construction and permanently; Potential production of unacceptable leachate and method of prevention and control; Potential for landfill gas generation, migration to the cutting and method of control; Potential for nuisance from construction phase activities; Provision of cover to made ground materials for protection of people, flora and fauna, controlled waters and structures and services; and Proposed remediation and consequent potential positive impact on ground conditions. 5.4 Proposed Assessment Methodology The assessment will make use of all data available from earlier ground investigations, information from the 2015 ground investigation, information from regulators, information from local sources and observations of the project geo-environmental specialist Before the start of works a Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan will be produced for the Site. The strategy will include a methodology for remediation of the part of the Hogshaw Refuse Tip that would be excavated for the cutting. Initial contact has been made with the Environment Agency Contaminated Land Officer and HPBC Environmental Protection Officer. Further discussions will be held before the strategy is completed. Aquifers and Leachate The potential for impact on the Principal and Secondary Aquifers will be assessed through standard risk assessment procedures. The overarching guidance document is the Environment Agency s Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination, CLR11 (Contaminated Land Report 11), July Site specific data on leachate, groundwater quality and levels collected during ground investigations and published BGS information will form the basis of a qualitative assessment. If needed a 37

42 quantitative assessment will be carried out but unless unexpected ground conditions are found the qualitative assessment is likely to provide the required level of confidence The results of the qualitative assessment will be one of the guides to the remediation methods and targets which will be presented in the Remediation Strategy for the Site and in the EIA. Water Quality to Nun Brook Site specific data will be collected through monitoring during the pre construction period. Information already available from ground investigations will also be used. A quantitative risk assessment taking account of pre construction quality and flows will be completed. The design of the cover to the made ground materials will be taken into account in the assessment of the operational phase impact. The assessment method will include reference to the Environment Agency s CLR11 and Remedial Targets Methodology: Hydrogeological Risk Assessment for Land Contamination main report, The assessment of the impact of the Scheme on surface water quality will contribute to the remediation design. The Remediation Strategy and Implementation Plan for the Site will include measures for managing the impact on surface water quality both in the construction phase and in the permanent operational phase. The assessment of water quality and the Remediation Strategy will form part of the EIA. Landfill Gas The potential impacts of landfill gas will be assessed using guidance in CIRIA C665D Assessing risks posed by hazardous ground gases to buildings (2007) and BS8485:2015 Code of practice for the design of protective measures for methane and carbon dioxide ground gases for new buildings. Whilst the guidance targets protection of buildings the methods of assessment of risk are also useful guidance for other settings During the period 2015 to 2016 ground gas monitoring will be carried out in the tipped material and the results will be used to design gas control measures. A report on the monitoring results, gas risk assessment and proposed control methods will be included in the Remediation Strategy and will be presented in the EIA. Nuisance from Construction Activities in the Hogshaw Refuse Tip Environmental impacts such as dust, noise, odours and contaminated run-off would be controlled by methods presented in the draft CoCP and the Pollution Prevention and Incident Control Plan within the CoCP. This will include reference to the EA s Pollution Prevention Guidelines in addition to current best practice and staff training required. Management and Control of Materials including Final Cover Materials in the former tip have potential to present risks to human health and the environment. The risks from the materials will be assessed in accordance with CRL11 and in accordance with standard contaminated land guidance for protection of human 38

43 health such as CLEA (Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment) and Category 4 Screening Levels The results of the assessment will be presented in a report which will be included in the Remediation Strategy. The method of dealing with the materials is likely to include the removal of bulk deleterious material such as old cars and cookers. The proposed methods of dealing with the materials during the construction phase and permanently will be presented in the Remediation Strategy A Materials Management Plan (MMP) will be produced to form the basis of materials handling and movement in accordance with the Remediation Strategy. The MMP will not be prepared until the design and remediation method is fixed and submission is therefore likely to be after completion of the EIA. The Remediation Strategy will refer to the use of an MMP. The Remediation Strategy will form part of the EIA. ES Chapter The findings of the ground investigations, subsequent risk assessment and Remediation Strategy will form the basis of the ES chapter. The risk assessment will cover the Site as a whole although, unless unexpected issues arise, the main focus will be in the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip area. The significance of likely effects will be categorised on a qualitative scale using assessment of the impacts and sensitivity of the receptor on a scale of major, moderate, minor or negligible and consequent significance. 39

44 6 DRAINAGE AND FLOOD RISK 6.1 Baseline Information Baseline environmental information was obtained from a site visit together with a deskbased review of publicly available information and previous reports for the Site and Scheme: Corus for, 2010, Peak Forest to London Freight Train Lengthening, Ecological Walkover Survey Report PMJ/GSM1 Buxton Up Sidings; Corus for Infrastructure Ltd, 2010, Peak Forest to London Freight Train Lengthening, Factual Report for Up Buxton Sidings; Tata for, 2012, Buxton Hindlow (Peak Forest), Buxton Up Refuge Sidings Factual and Interpretative Report; Tata for, 2011, Peak Forest GRIP Stage 3 Report. Geology, Hydrogeology and Hydrology A detailed description of the geology, hydrogeology and hydrology of the Site and local area is provided in Chapter 5. A summary is provided below The solid geology at the Site is mudstone (Bowland Shale) of the Millstone Grit Series, with Kinderscout Grit sandstones and mudstones forming the scarp slope and high ground to the west of the Site and Eyam Limestone to the east. The limestone is classified as a Principal Aquifer and the Millstone Grit series form a Secondary aquifer. The Site is not located in a SPZ; the nearest SPZ is located 800m to the south The Nun Brook flows in a southerly direction to the east of the Site, towards the centre of Buxton. The brook is culverted beneath the disused Hogshaw Refuse Tip. Hogshaw Brook flows in an easterly direction to the south west of the Site and is culverted under Brown Edge Road and the existing railway. Hogshaw Brook is categorised as a Main River by the EA. A smaller unnamed watercourse is located to the north of the Site and converges with Nun Brook to the east of the Site. It is thought that the sources of these watercourses are influenced by the local water features such as the flashes around Dove Holes and Peak Dale The Tata factual and interpretative ground investigation report noted a high amount of groundwater / surface water run-off from the slope to the west of the Site, showing issues of poor drainage in the local area. During more recent visits to the Site standing water has been noted between the tip area and the railway and can be seen flowing into Nun Brook near the eastern edge of the tip. In the fields in the north of the Site the ground is very soft and in places water issues from the ground and may flow east for a few metres before sinking back into the ground. 40

45 Flood Risk According to the latest EA Flood Zone map the Site is located outside of the fluvial flood plain, however two very small sections of the Site are located within areas of High and Medium risk from surface water flooding. Fluvial Flooding Based on the EA flood zone maps, the Site is not at risk of fluvial flooding. According to the flood map for river flooding, there is one main river in the vicinity of the Site (Hogshaw Brook) however this does not pose a risk of flooding to the Scheme or the immediate environs. Flooding from Artificial Waterbodies Based on the EA flood maps for reservoirs, there are no reservoirs in the vicinity of the Site and therefore it is not at risk of reservoir flooding. Groundwater Flooding Groundwater flooding of land can occur when groundwater levels rise close to or above ground levels. Groundwater flooding is most likely to occur in low-lying areas underlain by permeable rocks (aquifers). The localised vegetation and site observations indicate that high groundwater may be an issue in the local area. 6.2 Potential Environmental Impacts Construction The potential for adverse direct and indirect effects on the surface water environment would occur primarily during the construction phase of the Scheme. Potential effects from the construction works include temporary changes to drainage patterns and overland (pluvial) flow routes due to earthworks, culvert works, construction of new temporary compounds and access roads, with possible indirect flooding effects on adjacent landowners. Operation The surface water runoff and drainage design for the completed operational Scheme will need to be assessed against current EA design criteria and climate change effects, to ensure any impacts on the surface water environment and increase in flood risk are avoided. Climate change and sustainable drainage techniques may not have been considered in the design of the existing drainage system. 6.3 Scope of the Assessment Water quality and potential impacts in relation to pollution risks associated with the Scheme will be addressed in the Ground Conditions and Contamination Chapter. The Remediation Strategy will include water management practices to be implemented during these works. The outline CoCP will include details on water and drainage 41

46 management practices and procedures to be implemented during the construction works A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be produced to support the ES and will assess the flood risk to and from the Scheme Drainage design: the FRA will inform the drainage design. Baseline information including water monitoring data from the ground investigations will be used to determine overland flow routes and areas that might be suitable for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Principles for discharge of surface water from the Scheme will be established as based on latest guidance in NPPF and potential surface outfalls will be agreed with the relevant authorities prior to submission of the TWAO A drainage layout with key level information will be produced prior to submission of the TWAO and this would be developed and agreed prior to commencement of the Scheme in accordance with DEFRA (2015) non-statutory technical standards for sustainable drainage systems. Consent applications would be made for any new outfalls as appropriate As potential impacts on drainage and flood risk will be addressed through the Scheme, it is proposed to scope this topic out of the EIA. 6.4 Proposed Assessment Methodology The FRA of the Scheme will be undertaken in accordance with the NPPF, BS Assessing and managing flood risk in development Code of practice and the Interim Code of Practice for Sustainable Drainage. The FRA will consider flooding from all sources including fluvial, pluvial (surface water and overland flow routing), groundwater and flooding from artificial sources. Given the inland location of the Site the FRA does not need to consider tidal flooding. The assessment will include: A review of the existing drainage within and around the Site; Review groundwater vulnerability maps; A review of previous relevant studies including geotechnical, hydrological and drainage assessments; Review existing and proposed flood flow paths for overland flows and the potential impacts on the Site and its neighbours; Determine the flood levels relevant to the Site, if applicable; Analysis of flood record data for the area; A climate change impact analysis for 60 years time; Consultation with and review of designs made by the project planners and engineers; Determine the drainage constraints that may be imposed by regulators that are in addition to the those already in place; Review and report on impacts and required mitigation and outline drainage strategy; 42

47 A sequential analysis is required under NPPF to establish any alternative less flood vulnerable site locations. This will need to be reviewed in conjunction with the project planners and engineers Information on surface water, flood risk and ground conditions within the study area will be collected from the following sources: BGS 1:50,000 scale geological mapping; Information from the EA and local authorities on abstractions and discharges to watercourses; Hydrogeological maps; Groundwater vulnerability maps; Soil survey maps; EA water quality and discharge records; Highway drainage records; Publications including, but not limited to, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments (PFRA) and the Catchment Management Plan (CMP) The EA, Severn Trent Water, High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council will be consulted as part of the FRA A Site walkover reconnaissance survey will also be undertaken to establish flood related features and other relevant information on existing drainage including crossing points. This is necessary to obtain a sufficient level of detail of land, soils, watercourse crossings and potential surface water flow pathways The completed FRA will be presented as a supporting document to the ES and be used to inform the detailed drainage design for the Scheme. 43

48 7 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT 7.1 Environmental Baseline Baseline information was obtained through completion of a site visit and desktop assessment. Highways and Access Buxton is located at the intersection of five A classified roads with the key primary routes being the A6 (north and east), A515 (south-east), A53 (south), A54 (west) and A5004 (north west). The A6 connects to the other primary routes via a series of roundabout and mini roundabout junctions through Buxton town centre. Due to Buxton s location in relation to the strategic motorway network, traffic to the Site can arrive from the M60 to the north and via the A6 (north), from the M1 to the east via the A6 (east), or from the M6 to the west via the A The A6 is known to be heavily trafficked. Through the built up area of Buxton it provides direct access to residential and commercial properties and connects to other minor residential roads in the Hogshaw and Fairfield areas of the town. These sections provide footways along both sides of the carriageway and are well used by pedestrians On the edge of the built up area, adjacent to Fairfield Common, the A6 connects with Waterswallows Road, which provides access to a limestone quarry at Tunstead Works. Waterswallows Road provides a footway along the southern side of the carriageway and is lightly trafficked by pedestrians. North of Waterswallows Road, the A6 continues north with mostly undeveloped land to either side and continues to Doveholes and beyond to Chapel-en-le-Frith. This section of the A6 only provides a narrow footway along the eastern side of the carriageway, separated by a grassed verge, and is very lightly trafficked by pedestrians Approximately 100m to the south of the Site Lightwood Road connects the A6 with Brown Edge Road, a residential street located some 200m to the west of the Site. Lightwood Road provides access to residential and commercial properties and a school, west of the railway. The road passes under three railway bridges with a maximum height of 11 feet (3.35m). Lightwood Road meets A6 Buxton Road at a priority junction at an acute angle. Lightwood Road provides footways on both sides of the carriageway and is well used by pedestrians, providing a connecting link to residential areas and a primary school Hogshaw Villas Road is a short cul-de-sac serving residential properties with limited offstreet parking. The road connects to Lightwood Road via a priority junction. An access track at the northern end of Hogshaw Villas Road currently provides access to the Site via a narrow bridge over Hogshaw Brook. Only small numbers of maintenance vehicles are likely to use this route at present. Beyond the bridge a roughly surfaced access track provides access to a children s play area, allotments and garages. Hogshaw Villas Road provides footways along both sides of the carriageway and is lightly 44

49 trafficked by pedestrians, while no segregated footways are provided along the access track beyond the bridge An existing farm track provides access to the northern end of the site from the A6. The track currently provides access to Brook House Farm and neighbouring fields. The farm track is also used as a PRoW, though very lightly trafficked by pedestrians. Rail The existing railway runs approximately in a north-south direction parallel to the A6, some 600m to the east, and Brown Edge Road, which is some 200m to the west. This is used for passenger and freight services. Northern Rail operate passenger services on an hourly basis in each direction between Buxton and Manchester Piccadilly rail stations (between 6am and 11pm) The existing rail sidings operate on a 24 hour basis. Currently there are circa 55 train paths to and from the Hindlow and Dowlow quarries and utilisation of these paths is dependent on demand by the quarries. Between six to ten freight trains a day presently use the sidings. Sensitive Receptors There are a number of potentially sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the Site, as follows: St Annes Catholic Primary School on Lightwood Road; Doveholes School on the A6; Buxton town centre junctions are also considered to be sensitive receptors due to the levels of congestion experienced; and Access track at the end of Hogshaw Villas Road, which does not provide segregated pedestrian facilities. 7.2 Potential Environmental Impacts The Scheme has the potential to impact local sensitive receptors during both construction and operation. Construction During construction, the impacts are likely to arise from an increase in traffic resulting from deliveries of construction materials and movement of workers on a daily basis. Temporary closures and/or diversions of PRoW are also likely to be required. Whilst the intention is to maximise delivery of materials to the Site by rail, which would reduce the potential volume of construction traffic, there would inevitably still be some roadbased movements. Such movements could impact the roads immediately adjacent to the Site and the wider local network. 45

50 Operation During operation, the increased siding capacity would accommodate the anticipated growth in the quarry business by rail, rather than road-based transport. There would be negligible road-based traffic resulting from occasional maintenance of the sidings, though as this already occurs with the existing sidings, there would be no significant change in traffic movements. 7.3 Scope of the Assessment The IEMA Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (1993) identify that the following environmental effects be considered when assessing the traffic related to the Scheme: Accidents and safety; Air pollution; Driver delay; Dust and dirt: Hazardous loads; Noise; Pedestrian amenity; Pedestrian delay; Severance (of communities); Heritage and conservation; Visual effects; Ecological effects; and Vibration Of the above effects, the following effects are considered within other ES chapters: Air pollution and dust (refer to Chapter 8); Noise and vibration (refer to Chapter 9); Heritage and conservation (refer to Chapter 11); Visual effects (refer to Chapter 4); and Ecological effects (refer to Chapter 10); Based on the potential environmental impacts identified above, it is proposed to scope out the operational impacts of the Scheme relating to traffic and transport. The traffic and transport assessment will therefore focus on the construction phase of the Scheme, considering accidents and safety, driver delay, hazardous loads, pedestrian amenity and delay and severance. 46

51 7.4 Proposed Assessment Methodology Study Area The road network to be included in the assessment has been determined on the basis of the potential effect of a change in traffic flows associated with the construction of the Scheme on identified sensitive receptors The study area is proposed to be defined as comprising the A6 from the roundabout with the A623 (north of Doveholes), through the roundabout with the A53, to the roundabout with the B5059. It will also include Lightwood Road from its junction with the A6 through to its junction with Brown Edge Road and Hogshaw Villas Road. The extent of the study area will be agreed with DCC as highways authority Beyond this study area, construction traffic is likely to be sufficiently dispersed without causing any significant delay or effects. Methodology The methodology proposed has been developed from guidance given in the Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic, by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA, 1993) Following consultation with local quarries and and agreeing the scope of assessment with DCC, the traffic impact of the roads within the study area will be assessed utilising the following approach: Relevant transport policies will be reviewed to establish any local or regional HGV or freight access strategies; The road sections likely to be affected by the traffic associated with the Scheme will be identified; The existing character of the road network will be determined; Existing traffic levels on the road network will be determined; The change in traffic volumes resulting from each stage of the Scheme will be estimated; The effect of the change in traffic volumes will be assessed, including the use of junction capacity modelling software (ARCADY / PICADY), if necessary; and An appropriate mitigation strategy will be prepared, where necessary, to ensure that any identified likely traffic effects are minimised. Significance Criteria The IEMA Guidelines suggest that two broad rules be used as a screening process for the assessment of impacts, as follows: Rule 1 Include highway links where traffic flows will increase by more than 30% (or the number of heavy goods vehicles will increase by more than 30%); and 47

52 Rule 2 Include any other specifically sensitive areas where traffic flows will increase by 10% or more For the purposes of this assessment, both Rule 1 and Rule 2 will be applied i.e. highway links where total traffic flows have increased by 10% or more and / or the number of heavy vehicles will increase by more than 30% Where the screening tests outlined above identify that there are links on which transport impacts have the potential to be more than negligible, the effect of changes in road traffic on these links is considered in more detail in order to assess the significance of effect. Limitations and Uncertainties Until supply contracts have been placed for the construction materials needed on site, details of the origin of materials, the method of transport to be used and, if by road, the route they will take will not be known for certain. In order to account for this, robust assumptions will be made regarding the method of transport and appropriate routing to the Site. 48

53 8 AIR QUALITY 8.1 Introduction This chapter considers likely effects on air quality associated with the Scheme. It describes baseline conditions using information obtained to date and provides preliminary conclusions regarding potential effects of the Scheme. Where potential effects are identified, the methods proposed to be used to assess the impacts and to mitigate any impacts identified are outlined. 8.2 Legislation and Policy UK air quality policy is published under the umbrella of the Environment Act 1995, Part IV and specifically Section 80, the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS). The latest Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Working Together for Clean Air, published in July 2007, sets Air Quality Standards and Objectives for ten key air pollutants, to be achieved between 2003 and If exceedances of the objectives are measured or predicted, the Local Authority must declare an Air Quality Management area (AQMA) and produce an Air Quality Action Plan to outline how air quality should be improved The EU Air Quality Framework Directive (1996) established a framework under which the EU could set limit or target values for specified pollutants. The Directive identified several pollutants for which limit or target values have been, or will be set in subsequent daughter Directives. The framework and daughter Directives were consolidated by Directive 2008/50/EC on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe, which retains the existing air quality standards and introduces new objectives for fine particulates (PM 2.5 ) The air quality standards in the United Kingdom are derived from European Commission (EC) Directives and are adopted into English law via the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000 and Air Quality (England) Amendment Regulations The Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 and subsequent amendments implement the EU Air Quality Framework Directive into English Law. Directive 2008/50/EC was transposed into UK law in 2010 via the Air Quality Standards Regulations The relevant objectives for England and Wales are summarised in Table 8.1. Table 8.1: Air Quality Objectives Relevant to the Scheme Substance Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) Fine particles (PM 10 ) Averaging period Exceedances allowed per year 1 calendar year hour calendar year hours Ground level concentration limit (µg/m 3 ) 49

54 Guidance It is proposed that the air quality impacts of the Scheme would be assessed with reference to the relevant guidance as briefly described in Table 8.2 below. Table 8.2: Key Air Quality Guidance Guidance EPUK & IAQM Planning for Air Quality Summary The guidance produced by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) Land-Use Planning & Development Control: Planning For Air Quality (Update 2015) provides a framework for air quality considerations within local development control processes, promoting a consistent approach to the treatment of air quality issues within development control decisions. As part of the impact of the Scheme on the local area, a two-staged assessment is recommended as per guidance. Stage 1: Determines whether an air quality assessment is required. Requires any of the criteria under (A) coupled with any of the criteria under (B) below to apply to be required to proceed to Stage 2. If any of the following apply: 10 or more residential units of a site area of more than 0.5ha More than 1,000m 2 of floor space for all other uses or a site area greater than 1ha Coupled with any of the following: The development has more than 10 parking spaces The development will have a centralised energy facility or other centralised combustion process Stage 2: Where an assessment is deemed to be required, this may take the form of a Simple Assessment or a Detailed Assessment, taking reference to further criteria detailed in the guidance. IAQM Construction Dust Guidance DEFRA Technical Guidance LAQM TG(09) The IAQM s (2014) Guidance on the assessment of dust from decommissioning and construction has been used to assess the requirement for a construction dust risk assessment. This technical guidance document is intended to support Local Authorities in carrying out their duties under the Environment Act 1995 and subsequent Regulations. 8.3 Environmental Baseline Existing or baseline air quality refers to the existing concentrations of relevant substances present in ambient air. These substances may be emitted by various sources, including road traffic, industrial, domestic, agricultural and natural sources The baseline air quality conditions at the Site should help to characterise whether air quality is likely to be a concern once the Scheme is complete and operational. Current air quality in the area and air quality under the do-nothing scenario in appropriate future year(s) has been characterised using publicly available data, using the following sources: Data from local (council run) air quality monitoring programmes; 50

55 Data from national (DEFRA) air monitoring networks; and Data from background air quality maps on a 1 x 1 km grid, sponsored by DEFRA The Site is located within the administrative area of HPBC. There are no declared air quality management areas (AQMAs) in HPBC s jurisdiction for exceedance of any of the Air Quality Objectives HPBC undertakes air quality monitoring at fifteen locations within their local authority boundaries, of which three nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) diffusion tubes are within 2kms of the Site. These monitoring locations are positioned in either urban background or roadside locations which are likely to be reasonably representative of concentrations at the Site and at the majority of sensitive human receptors located in the surrounding area Table 8.3 shows that, during 2012, there were no exceedances of any of the annual mean NO 2 objectives as defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010, at any of the abovementioned monitoring locations. Table 8.3: Annual Average of Measured NO 2 Concentrations in 2012 Site Name Fairfield Road Spring Gardens (next to Buxton train station) Granby Road Type/ Classification Diffusion tube Roadside Diffusion tube Roadside Diffusion tube Urban Background Approximate distance and direction from Scheme, km Annual Average NO 2 Concentrations (µg/m 3 ) 0.7km southeast km south km southeast 15 Air Quality Objective As the only monitoring sites within a reasonable distance from the Site were NO 2 diffusion tube locations, PM 10 concentrations could not be characterised using measured air quality monitoring data. Therefore, in order to characterise the PM 10 concentrations in the area, background data available from DEFRA has been used The estimated background air quality data can be obtained from the UK-AIR (UK Atmospheric Information Resource) website operated by DEFRA. The website provides estimated annual average background concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO x ), NO 2 PM 10 and PM 2.5 on a 1 km 2 grid basis. Table 8.4 below identifies the estimated annual average background concentrations of these pollutants for the 1km 2 grids containing the Site for 2015, 2016 and

56 Table 8.4: UK-AIR Estimated Annual Average NO x, NO 2 and PM 10 Concentrations at Proposed Development Site ( ) Assessment Year Estimated Annual Average Pollutant Concentrations Derived from the LAQM Website Annual Average NO X (µg/m 3 ) Annual Average NO 2 (µg/m 3 ) Annual Average PM 10 (µg/m 3 ) Air Quality Objective 30^ Note: Presented concentrations for 1 km 2 grid centred on , ; approximate centre of development site is , ; ^air quality objective designated for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems only The urban location of the Site and existence of congested roads (such as A6 to the east) are likely to result in noticeable air quality impacts at some residential receptors. However, data in Table 8.5 shows that there are no exceedances of any AQSs predicted for any parameter, with all concentrations being well below the relevant annual average objective limits The proposed sidings would be constructed through the former Hogshaw Refuse Tip which is understood to include asbestos-containing materials. The proposed Scheme once operational is not expected to result in a substantial increase of rail or road vehicle movements. 8.4 Potential Environmental Impacts Construction Potential impacts on air quality resulting from construction of the Scheme are: Dust emissions to air during the construction activities; and Emissions to air for key pollutants, NO 2 and particulate matter PM 10 from construction traffic The potential may exist for fugitive emissions from the earthworks and construction associated with extending the railway sidings, installing a drainage network, extending the pedestrian footbridge, providing a drivers walkway (where required) and other facilities. The most common activities associated with the Scheme and with a potential to generate dust are demolition, construction and earthworks. Dust impacts are also expected due to trackout which occurs as goods vehicles delivering building materials and removing waste products move to and from site. These construction activities and associated dust generation may affect the sensitive receptors in close proximity to the Site. 52

57 Operation Potential impacts on air quality resulting from operation of the Scheme are: Emissions to air of key pollutants, SO 2 and NO 2 from the movement of diesel trains associated with the Scheme; and Emissions to air of key pollutants, NO 2 and particulate matter PM 10 from the increased road traffic on access roads to the Site. 8.5 Scope of the Assessment Sensitive human receptors (residential properties) and one potential ecological receptor have been identified close to the Site, based on the current red line. Due to the existence of sensitive receptors close to the Site, the assessment of the effects of construction dust has been scoped in. A detailed receptor sensitivity analysis will be undertaken during the construction dust assessment There would be no increase in the number of operational freight rail movements and therefore no impact on local air quality. Regarding the road vehicle movements during the operational phase, the Scheme does not exceed the thresholds specified in the EPUK guidance for proceeding to a Simple or Detailed Air Quality Assessment. Furthermore the baseline data indicates that the concentrations of NO 2 and PM 10 in the area of the Site are well below the air quality objective and it is concluded that the Scheme is unlikely to increase the exposure levels at these receptor locations. It is therefore proposed to scope out the operational phase assessment of air quality from the EIA. 8.6 Proposed Assessment Methodology The construction dust assessment will be undertaken in accordance with the IAQM 2014 Guidance Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction. The assessment results will be detailed in the relevant section of the ES, which will make specific reference to any hazardous materials (such as asbestos containing materials) associated with the former tip The IAQM guidance indicates that the risk of dust arising to cause annoyance or health or ecological impacts should be determined using three risk categories: low, medium and high risk. The risk category should be assessed for each of four construction activity types (demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout), determined on the magnitude of impact and the sensitivity of the surrounding area The sensitivity is determined by assessing the number and sensitivity of human and ecological receptors within progressively greater distances from the site, or in the case of trackout, greater distances from the roads likely to be used by the aforementioned goods vehicles. The risk classifications are used to define the appropriate level of mitigation required relating to general construction phase activities and regarding each of the four construction activity types. 53

58 8.6.4 The risk levels will be summarised in the ES and any associated mitigation measures required will be provided in the draft CoCP for the Scheme. 54

59 9 NOISE AND VIBRATION 9.1 Introduction This chapter sets out the approach to assessing the likely noise and vibration effects associated with the construction and operation of the proposed Scheme. Prior to the commencement of works the proposed monitoring and assessment methodology will be confirmed through consultation with HPBC. 9.2 Existing Baseline The Site is located on a combination of privately owned land, a HPBC owned former refuse tip and existing railway land. In terms of potential noise sensitive receptors, these are identified as residential receptors along the western Site boundary (Williamson Avenue, Ladycroft and Brown Edge Road) and to the southern extent of the Site boundary (Nunsfield Road, Barms Way, Glenmoor Road and Hogshaw Villas Road). To the north are spread individual receptors at Brook House, Brookhouse Farm and Turner Lodge Farm. In terms of non-residential receptors, none have been identified in proximity to be affected Based on a review of aerial mapping and a site visit, the current noise environment across the Site and local area consists predominantly of transport noise sources, with occasional agricultural noise. Those receptors closest to the Site would most likely be exposed to noise emissions generated by vehicle movements along Lightwood Road and the A6, and existing train movements in/out of Buxton Station and the nearby branch line. Current train movements are considered to be few (1-2 passenger trains per hour between 07:00 and 00:00, and approximately six to ten freight trains per day. Freight trains usually remain at the sidings for 20 to 30 minutes, though occasionally for longer periods if technical or network problems arise). Where freight train movements coincide with passenger train movements there is also the potential for noise to be generated from trains idling within the existing sidings Baseline noise levels at noise sensitive receptors will be established quantitatively during the impact assessment (see Section 9.5) In terms of baseline vibration, possible sources are likely to be restricted to train movements and localised road vehicle movements. However these are likely to be of negligible and imperceptible levels at the closest receptors to the Site boundary, due to the relatively large separation distances involved between existing sources and receptors. 9.3 Potential Environmental Impacts Construction It is considered that noise during both the construction of the new sidings, operation of construction compound, and operation/construction of the new haul road (if this option 55

60 is progressed) would have the potential to change the existing noise environment in the area, particularly at those receptors along Ladycroft, Nunsfield Road and at the individual dwellings to the north Construction works are likely to comprise of the footbridge extension, ground clearance, haul road construction, compound construction, earthworks, track installation, points and signalling and reinstatement of ground Construction noise impacts would be likely to be restricted to standard construction hours (Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00, Sat 08:00-13:00) for the majority of the works. However, certain works may be required to be undertaken at night and/or weekends when, for workforce safety reasons, trains would not be running Given that the main works would be restricted to daytime periods, and the separation distance between work areas and receptors is relatively large, construction noise impacts are unlikely to be significant. However, noise from each construction phase will be calculated and assessed as part of the EIA. Operation It is understood that the siding works would allow the size of freight trains along the train line to be increased. The number of train movements is not intended to increase but with the installation of infrastructure to facilitate longer trains, a greater freight capacity can be provided. Although unlikely to have a significant impact, the increase in train length and the possibility of double ended trains has the potential to change the noise environment through the braking systems on the increased number of wagons and the increase in noise duration from the change in length The greater potential for noise impacts is as a result of the extension of the sidings and the corresponding change in location of the standing trains, rather than any capacity increase. This would change the noise environment in the surrounding areas and would be likely to increase current noise levels at some receptors, by moving idling trains closer, and reducing the noise at others by increasing the distance between idling trains and receptors Operational noise will be quantified and assessed as part of the EIA, see scope of assessment below. 9.4 Proposed Assessment Scope and Methodology Baseline Noise Survey The existing noise environment on and around the Site will be evaluated using a combination of short term (1-2 hours) and longer term measurements (minimum 48 hours) at those receptors at closest distance of approach from the proposals. An indication of proposed monitoring locations is presented below in Table 9.1, alongside proposed monitoring periods. The locations and durations would be confirmed in consultation with HPBC prior to the monitoring exercise. 56

61 Table 9.1: Noise Monitoring Locations (proposed) ID Name Type Primary Purpose Proposed Monitoring Period MP1 MP2 25 Hogshaw Villas Road 8 Williamson Avenue (minimum) Residential Construction Daytime attended 3 x 20 minutes Residential Operational and Construction MP3 16 Ladycroft Residential Operational and Construction MP4 MP5 116 Brown Edge Road Brookhouse Farm/Brook House Residential Operational and Construction Daytime and evening attended 3 x 1 hour 48 hours unattended 48 hours unattended Residential Construction Daytime attended 3 x 20 minutes MP6 Nunsfield Farm Residential Operational and Construction MP7 MP8 105 Nunsfield Road 36 Nunsfield Road Residential Operational and Construction Daytime and evening attended 3 x 1 hour 48 hours unattended Residential Construction Daytime attended 3 x 20 minutes Measurements will be undertaken in accordance with British Standard (BS) :2003 Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities and procedures with instruments meeting the requirements of BS EN 61672: 2013 Electroacoustics. Sound level meters specifications. Measurements will comprise of broadband indices to include; L Aeq, L A10, L Amax and L A90. Baseline Vibration Monitoring It is not considered appropriate to undertake baseline vibration monitoring given the separation distances involved. Construction Noise Assessment A quantitative assessment of construction noise will be undertaken with reference to BS : A1: 2014 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on open sites. This exercise will predict and assess the noise associated with siding construction (static plant, mobile plant and rail deliveries), compound construction, haul road construction and haul road use (workers access and road deliveries). Construction Vibration Assessment Dependent on the type of machinery required to construct the new sidings, it is considered that construction vibration may have a noticeable effect on existing receptors in the area. Using approved formula, a quantitative assessment of construction vibration will be undertaken with reference to BS : 2009 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on open sites. 57

62 Rail Noise Assessment A rail traffic assessment will be undertaken to look at the impacts of the Scheme on the surrounding area. Predictions will utilise the methodology within Calculation of Rail Noise (CRN) and utilise baseline, do minimum and do something rail data to be supplied by the project team for those properties closest to the rail lines. Computer Noise Modelling A computer noise model will be generated to predict noise levels at nearby receptors resulting from project construction, existing rail noise and the proposed rail activity at the Site (moving and idling trains) Modelling will be undertaken using nationally recognised modelling software (CADNA or SoundPlan 7.3) and to widely accepted modelling algorithms (CRTN for traffic, ISO9613 for industrial, CRN for rail and BS5228 for construction). The computer noise model will take into account existing and future terrain data (cuttings), existing and proposed mitigation schemes (bunds and barriers), and existing and proposed structures (existing buildings and the existing/proposed footbridge). The output of noise modelling will be detailed predictions of impacts at existing receptors and site wide noise contour plots to determine suitability of the site for development, and to assist with identification of mitigation The output of the noise modelling exercise will be used to determine the suitability and impact of the project in noise terms. This will feed into an investigation of necessary mitigation measures, if required. The level of mitigation required will be specified and measures that could be used to achieve the required level will be suggested, in accordance with the relevant British standards or equivalent British guidance. Assessment Criteria The approach to assessment criteria will be agreed with the appropriate Environmental Health Officer at HPBC and will take into account the following: A consideration of the significance of effect, which takes into account the sensitivity of receptor and magnitude of change, the latter relating to a relative difference in noise between a baseline level and development level; Levels of Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) and Significant Observed Adverse Effect Level (SOAEL) as per the Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE), which takes into account toxicological definition of noise and relate to set absolute noise levels; and Mitigation requirements from the various guidance documents and legislation, such as sound insulation trigger levels within BS 5228 and the Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations Mitigation will be applied to the effects where the impact and sensitivity of receptor indicates a moderate or major significant effect. An effect will also be deemed significant where it exceeds the SOAEL for the various aspects of the noise and vibration assessment. Mitigation will be considered for impacts which are between LOAEL and SOAEL as per the second aim within the NPSE. The LOAEL and SOAEL for each aspect of the assessment will be based on relevant guidance documents and 58

63 example criteria from recent and similar infrastructure projects. A suggested approach is presented in Table 9.2. Table 9.2: Classification of LOAEL and SOAEL Level Construction Noise Operational Train Noise Construction Construction Daytime Night-time Traffic Noise Vibration Daytime Night-time LOAEL 50dB L Aeq,16hour 40dB L Aeq,8hour 50dB L Aeq,16hour 0.14mm/s 50dB L Aeq,18hour 40dB L Aeq,6hour SOAEL 75 db L Aeq,T, 12 hour 55dB L Aeq,T, 1 hour 75dB L Aeq,T 1.0 mm/s or more for 1 hour or more 68 db L Aeq18hour (facade level) 55dB L Aeq,6hours 59

64 10 ECOLOGY 10.1 Environmental Baseline Data Searches and Previous Reports Consultation with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) was undertaken on the 5th May 2015 to request biological data up to 2km from the Site boundary. This data has been further supplemented with internet searches to provide ecological context of the Site prior to field survey. Findings from this data search are presented on Figure Where applicable to this scoping report, reference is made to an initial Ecological Walkover Survey of Buxton Sidings, undertaken by Corus Railway Infrastructure Services in December Designations Review of MAGIC ( shows there to be no statutory designated sites within or immediately adjacent to the proposed Scheme. Within the 2km search area there are three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Waterswallows Quarry SSSI, located 1km to the east at OS grid reference SK The site is designated for geological exposed rock face; Poole s Cavern & Grin Low Wood SSSI, located 2km to the south at OS grid reference SK The site is designated for its geology and biological features, including broadleaved woodland and species rich meadows within the woodland complex; and, Wye Valley SSSI, located 1.5km to the east at OS grid reference SK The site is designated for supporting a mosaic of habitats upon carboniferous limestone It is considered highly unlikely that any hydrological connections exist between the Site and the designated sites DWT highlighted eleven LWS within the 2km search area. Of particular note is Railway Land Hogshaw (former sidings, ref: HP062), which falls within the Site The remaining LWS range from 0.5-1km from the Site and are separated by road infrastructure and development. Biodiversity There are two areas of UK BAP Priority broadleaved woodland within the Site: woodland attributed with Railway Land Hogshaw LWS and a second area of birch (Betula spp) dominated woodland As part of the EIA the Local BAP for Derbyshire will be reviewed to determine the potential presence of locally important habitats. 60

65 There are no areas of ancient woodland within or adjacent to the Site. Surveys Ecology surveys undertaken at the Site to date adhere to standard methodologies with a summary of the findings presented below. The Assessment Methodology identifies the requirement for outstanding surveys: Phase 1 Habitat Survey A Phase 1 Habitat survey was undertaken on the 22 nd April 2015 and comprised of mapping and describing the broad habitat types within the footprint of the Scheme and also extended to a wider area to provide a visual representation of habitats surrounding the Site The survey identified an area of birch woodland (UK BAP), a large swathe of semiimproved grassland and tall ruderal vegetation, mature trees and scattered scrub. The invasive plant species Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is prolific across the Site, as highlighted in Figure 4. Vegetation on the railway embankments includes both coarse and loosely structure grassland and developing birch scrub. Overall the vegetation communities are unmanaged, with plant assemblages reflective of neutral to acidic soils Nun brook flows in a north to south direction to the east of the Site, having a shallow depth and silty substrate. To the north within grazed pasture the brook is fringed with soft-rush (Juncus effuses) and then diverts underground before opening out into Railway Land Hogshaw LWS There are no hedgerows within the Site. National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey An NVC survey was undertaken in July The survey was applied to notable habitats (i.e. BAP habitats) identified from the Phase 1 Habitat survey and / or which would be affected by the Scheme. The findings of the NVC survey are being written up at the time of Scoping submission and the survey report will help inform proposed reinstatement of habitats post construction. Protected and Notable Species Table 10.1 summarises biological data supplied by DWT. There are no species records for the Site itself. The biological data will be analysed in more detail for the ES and relative to the field survey findings. 61

66 Table 10.1: Summary of Desk Study Data Species Bats Badger Riparian mammal Breeding Birds Amphibians Reptiles Other notable species Relevance to proposals All bat records relates to the residential areas of Buxton, with the main species recorded being pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). The proposal site may offer commuting and foraging opportunities for bats roosting in adjacent urban areas. The nearest record for a badger sett is at 200m to the north near Nun Brook. Based on the status of the sett, badgers may forage within the Site. There are two records for water vole (Arvicola amphibious) attributed to watercourse within Buxton. Hydrological barriers exist between the records and the proposal site. Where water voles are present in the upland fringes to the north, there are good hydrological connections to the proposal site. Notable bird species were highlighted within the 2km search area, the data is to be analysed against the breeding bird survey findings. There is a single great crested (Triturus critatus) newt record 0.6km to the west of the proposal site. The nearest record for reptiles is at 1.4km to the west, located on the upland fringe areas. There are good habitat connections between the proposal site and habitats tot eh north. There are three records relating to Biodiversity Action Plan mammal species, the closest record is at 1km to the north east. The records appear to relate to open fields and may relate to brown hare (Lepus europaeus). Bats An inspection of the Site s (trees and structures) potential to accommodate roosting bats was undertaken on the 22 nd April The inspection identified all trees on site to be of low to negligible value for roosting bats and a steel fabricated foot bridge leading over the railway line also has negligible roost potential. Badgers A badger survey of the Site was undertaken on the 22 nd April No badger setts or associated field activity was identified within the Scheme footprint. Riparian mammals A riparian mammal survey of Nun Brook was undertaken on the 22nd April 2015, within the Site and the wider area where the main site access road leads from the A6. No field evidence attributed to water vole (Arvicola amphibious) or otter (Lutra lutra) was identified within the brook or within the adjacent areas of soft-rush. Breeding Birds Four breeding bird surveys have been completed, on the 30 th April, 12 th May, 10 th and 29 th June The findings will be tabulated and analysed in a Breeding Bird Survey report to inform the ES. As an overview, the findings reflect a bird assemblage attributed to scrub communities. Of particular note is the abundant presence of willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), which is an Amber listed species of Conservation Concern 3 (Eaton et al, 2009). This species was recorded on each survey visit, where a 62

67 number of territories appear to be held and confirmed breeding was observed on each survey visit Potential Environmental Impacts Ecological impacts compromise direct or indirect physical changes to habitats or to the species of animals or plants within them. Potential impacts during construction and the operational phase of the Scheme could include: Construction Loss of habitats or vegetation resulting from land take, to include Priority UK BAP habitats; Habitat fragmentation or severance of wildlife corridors due to de-vegetation, preventing the movement of species; Potential spread of the invasive plant species Japanese knotweed; Habitat and/or species disturbance resulting from noise, vibration and light emissions during construction; Direct mortality, for example, mammals may become trapped in excavations, killing or injury of reptiles and damage to bird nest sites; General construction impacts (including noise, dust and pollution) which may affect adjacent habitats; and, Harm to habitat and/or species due to changes in water quality of Nun Brook through contamination from dust and spillages or contaminated run off. Operation Impacts on habitats and faunal species resulting from change of land use, to include potential colonisation of non-desirable species, changes to ancient woodland plant composition, wind throw of woodland edge habitat; Reduced habitat to exploit for faunal species, reducing opportunity for breeding success and population expansion; Establishment of newly created habitats and their associated success rates; Habitat management works damaging or disturbing bird nest sites and other key receptors; Habitat and/or species disturbance resulting from noise, vibration and light emissions during operation; and, Non-direct disturbance to species e.g. bird disturbance due to the presence of maintenance workers and new trains Scope of the Assessment The Scheme has the potential to give rise to significant adverse ecological effects on notable site features such as Railway Land Hogshaw LWS and BAP woodland habitat. 63

68 The effect on faunal species is subject to findings from field surveys. The EIA will therefore include an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), to consider both the construction and operational phases of the Scheme. The SoS s opinion is requested on the scope of outstanding surveys and assessment methodology for the EcIA as defined in this chapter Proposed Assessment Methodology Study Area The study area for the different receptors has varied, although in each case surveys have extended beyond the proposal footprint. Designated Sites Within the exception of Railway Land Hogshaw LWS, all other LWS and SSSI sites would not be directly or indirectly affected by the Scheme. This is due to their distance from the Site and the presence of barriers within the landscape including road infrastructure and developed land. As such it is proposed these LWS and SSSI s are scoped out of the EcIA. Data Sources and Further Surveys The habitats are to be drawn up on a plan and will be presented within the ES ecology chapter. Target Notes will be used to describe notable features of interest In addition to ongoing field survey and desk study analysis, it is intended to participate in consultation with local conservation bodies. This consultation will help inform mitigation for the proposals and any habitat reinstatement measures that would help achieve biodiversity gain in line with planning policy and conservation strategies set out in the UK and local BAP. To inform of ecological constraints and opportunities with regards to Railway Land Hogshaw LWS, the citation and other supporting data will be requested from DWT There are no hedgerows on site so there is no requirement for a detailed assessment for this habitat type Analysis of OS maps and aerial photographs show there to be a pond 245m to the east of the Site, which is separated by road infrastructure and residential housing. Due to these barriers, the requirement for amphibian surveys is scoped out Outstanding survey requirements for the Site include the following: Bats: To determine the Site s potential for bat commuting and foraging two transect surveys are proposed, the findings of which will be reported in the ES. A dawn survey will also be carried out within areas of high bat activity, as determined from the transect surveys; Badgers: It is proposed to extend the badger survey to the wider area, to incorporate an area of land previous identified by Corus (December 2010) as supporting a main badger sett. This area of land is located to the north on an 64

69 embankment of Nun Brook (as also identified in the desk study) and will require access permissions to third party land; Reptiles: Grassland habitat of vary structure combined with localised rubble areas and open ground give rise to potentially good habitat for reptile species. This habitat value is further enhanced by direct habitat connections with the wider landscape, via the railway embankments and rough grazed rush pasture. A reptile survey comprising of nine separate visits will commence in September 2015, during favourable weather conditions. One hundred reptile tins will be placed across the range of habitats to optimise basking opportunities for reptiles; Other notable fauna: the ecological survey will identify the presence of other notable faunal species, including brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus); and Tree Survey: whilst it is not within the ecology scope to undertake a tree survey, a survey will be completed as part of the EIA and the findings will be reviewed by the ecologists to help place the ecological survey findings into context. This particularly relates to bats and over mature trees of conservation value. Impact assessment and ES chapter Impacts will be assessed in accordance with the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK (IEEM, 2006) (note the guidelines are currently under review; the most current version of the guidance will be used for the EIA) and other relevant guidance Impacts will be evaluated in the context of the level of confidence associated with the prediction, their extent and complexity, magnitude, duration, reversibility, timing and frequency, and their potential cumulative effects. Mitigation It is considered that mitigation measures will be required for the Scheme and the precise measures to prevent, reduce and offset significant adverse effects will be determined through the EIA process. This will take the form of in built mitigation to ensure the Scheme design is an iterative process that seeks to avoid and reduce effects on ecology. It is likely that mitigation will be set out in an Ecological Management Plan, as a condition of the Scheme. Designated sites and habitats Mitigation will seek to minimise land take of designated areas and adjacent habitats, including ancient woodland. Where effects occur on designated sites and UK BAP habitat, compensation measures proposed would be likely to include a combination of the following: Replanting broadleaved woodland and scrub communities using native species of local provenance; 65

70 Re-seeded grassland communities using native flora of local provenance; Creation of new replacement habitats to help achieve objectives set out in local conservation strategies (i.e. Biodiversity Action Plans); Preservation, appropriate management and translocation of soils and ground flora; Protection of habitats using exclusion fencing to prevent accidental disturbance to remaining habitats; Protection of tree root protection areas as defined by arboricultural surveys; Design and manage habitats in an ecologically sensitive manner, so that once they have become established they would enhance the nature conservation value of the area; Integrate the creation of habitat piles; Integration of a long term management plan to include habitat monitoring to NVC level; and Implementation of a long-term strategy for the management and eradication of Japanese knotweed. Protected species General mitigation for protected species could include the following measures, although specific measures will be determined within the ES. In general the following mitigation will be considered: Adopting best practice measures to minimise disturbance to protected species, such as buffer zones and seasonal restrictions; Applying for relevant development licences where required; and, To ensure habitat creation is designed to benefit key species, i.e. creation of basking opportunities for reptiles and erection of bat and bird boxes. 66

71 11 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT 11.1 Introduction An ES chapter is to be prepared assessing the likely environmental effects of the Scheme upon the historic environment (archaeology and cultural heritage), including above and below ground heritage assets To date no consultations have been undertaken with respect to the Scheme and the historic environment. For an initial assessment of archaeological potential, data from local heritage registers has been gathered for a 500m study area measured from the Site boundary. The study area excludes many built heritage assets in Buxton which have little relevance to an assessment of archaeological potential of the Site Groundworks during the construction phase of the Scheme have the potential for significant impacts on the historic environment (both known assets and previously unknown archaeological and cultural heritage remains). However, given the nature of the Scheme and the existing baseline environment, it is proposed that assessment of visual impacts to the historic environment is scoped out of the EIA The historic environment is considered unlikely to be a significant constraint in relation to the Scheme, but some impacts on the historic environment are likely to require assessment and mitigation. Standards and Guidance Scheduled Monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, March 2012) forms a material consideration in planning decisions, requiring applicants to describe the significance of heritage assets potentially affected by development, including any contribution made by their setting RSK Group plc is a Registered Organisation (RO) with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and will undertake the proposed work in accordance with CIfA Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessments (2014) and Code of Conduct (2014) Environmental Baseline Data has been obtained from Historic England s National Heritage List for England (NHLE) and Derbyshire County Council s Historic Environment Record (DCC HER). In addition a review of the historic OS mapping sequence has been made. 67

72 Designated Heritage Assets There are no world heritage sites, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, or historic battlefields within the 500m study area There are 14 grade II listed buildings within the 500m study area; the nearest listed building, the Church of St Peter, is located 230m east of the Site Within the 500m study area there are four conservation areas: Fairfield Conservation Area Fairfield Conservation Area is the only designated heritage asset located partially within the Site boundary. The north west corner of the Fairfield Conservation Area extends across the potential temporary northern Site access route from the A The conservation area primarily comprises the Buxton and High Peak Golf Club, as well as the Church of St Peter, and properties fronting on to Waterswallows Road, and also those on to St Peters Road The conservation area contains seven listed buildings within the 500m study area. It is also bound by a non-designated heritage assets, a possible Roman road to the west and contains further non-designated assets including a cross shaft and the findspot of a Roman horseshoe. Buxton The Park Conservation Area The northern boundary of Buxton The Park Conservation Area lies 460m south of the Site. It is residential and contains the Park The conservation area contains no heritage assets within the 500m study area. Buxton Hardwick Conservation Area The northern boundary of the Buxton Hardwick Conservation Area lies 240m south of the Site. The designated area includes the town high street (former turnpike road), and is otherwise residential Within the 500m study area the conservation area contains three listed buildings and the non-designated Hogshaw Lane viaduct (which carries the railway northwards and alongside the Site boundary). Buxton Central Conservation Area The eastern boundary of Buxton Central Conservation Area lies 390m south west of the Site. It comprises Buxton Pavilion Gardens and the Crescent The conservation area contains three listed buildings which lie within the 500m study area. 68

73 Non-designated Heritage Assets The DCC HER records 20 known non-designated heritage assets within the 500m study area, all of which date to one of either the Roman or post-medieval period. Of these, only one heritage asset located within the Site boundary: the route of the Buxton to Melandra Roman road is thought to pass through the proposed temporary Site access route to the A The HER records seven previous archaeological events having taken place within the 500m study area. Of these, the HER records two previous archaeological events having taken place within the Site boundary: In 1960 the Buxton Field Club excavated two trenches across the Buxton to Melandra Roman road, one of which was located directly on the Site boundary. No details of results are given in the HER event record, although presumably evidence for the road was interpreted as positive, resulting in the road being labelled Roman on 1973 OS mapping; A watching brief over a mineral water pipeline from Buxton Crescent to Waterswallows, by Wessex Archaeology in 2011/2012 revealed no evidence of pre-modern activity. The pipeline trench crossed the postulated line of the Buxton to Melandra Roman road at one point and a 20m by 2.5m trench was excavated across this line prior to the start of the pipeline groundworks; however no evidence for the road was identified Historic mapping indicates the former presence of an engine shed with associated railway lines and a turntable, a pumping station (Fairfield UDC waterworks), a number of signal boxes / signal points and other small buildings within the Site boundary, and a quarry within the proposed northern haul road access route Between a previously green field in the central area of the Site began to be used as the Hogshaw Refuse Tip. It is likely that this activity will have disturbed and reduced the archaeological potential of this area Within the study area, archaeological potential, as determined through assessment of both historic and current mapping, is predominantly industrial in character, with many quarries and a lime kiln shown in the vicinity Potential Environmental Impacts Direct Effects Works capable of physical impact to buried or upstanding archaeological and cultural heritage resources would occur during the construction phase. Such groundworks may comprise both temporary and permanent works, including the excavation of the new cutting, together with excavations for footings, service trenches and drainage and construction of new access roads. 69

74 Effects to Setting Impacts to setting are defined as any perceived change or effect of the Scheme on a protected heritage asset or its setting e.g. visual or sensory change perceived of a designated heritage asset, or change within its setting with the potential to affect the ability to understand or appreciate significance of the protected asset itself, where this distracts from the context, integrity or appreciation of the monument or monuments affected Scope of the Assessment Direct Effects Construction of the Scheme has the potential to give rise to direct effects to buried archaeological remains, and therefore it is proposed to include a historic environment EIA chapter within the ES. The assessment will be limited to focus only on the potential for direct effects. The Site boundary will be used as a likely worst case scenario for direct impacts within the assessment. Effects to Setting The majority of the proposed works for the Scheme will be below-ground, comprising sidings placed within a cutting; however, the Scheme also includes an extension of the existing footbridge over the new sidings Given the nature (scale and massing) of the proposed Scheme, the 500m study area has been considered for the scoping of visual effects. This approach is considered appropriate as visibility of the Scheme beyond 500m would not be sufficient to cause significant change within the setting of a heritage asset All designated heritage assets within 500m have therefore been screened in terms of the contribution made by setting to heritage significance, as well as any likely impact on historically significant sightlines, views to and from protected assets and/or any impact on the intervisibility between assets, or on designed vistas from assets, and also in recognition of prominence and previously unaltered cultural landscapes Any Site access works through the Fairfield Conservation Area would be temporary and reversible in nature and would leave no permanent effect on the character of the conservation area Regarding visual effects to designated heritage assets and their settings, their location in relation to existing topography and intervening screening, the low-lying and nonintrusive nature of the Scheme, the baseline conditions which include an existing footbridge and railway sidings and the fact that the railway over Hogshaw Lane viaduct is included within, and is a positive contributor to the character of the Buxton Hardwick Conservation Area, have all been considered in this scoping assessment In accordance with guidance The Setting of Heritage Assets (Historic England, Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3, March 2015), based on an initial appraisal of the Scheme in relation to the contribution made by setting to the significance of heritage assets within the study area, it is anticipated that any likely 70

75 effects on setting as a result of the Scheme would not be significant, and it is therefore proposed that further detailed assessment with regards to the setting of heritage assets (construction and operation) is scoped out of the EIA Proposed Assessment Methodology Assessment Aims The aims of EIA would be: To present, using documentary sources and information gathered from a walkover survey, the known heritage assets within the Site and surrounding area (500m study area); To assess, from existing sources, the potential for the presence of previously unknown heritage assets within the Site; To assess the significance of the Scheme impacts on known and potential heritage assets; and To make recommendations on the need for and scope of any archaeological mitigation to minimise the Scheme impacts. Study Area and Data Gathering Relevant data for known heritage assets within a 500m study area will be presented from the following sources: The DCC HER - details of designated and non-designated heritage assets including an assessment of their significance, previous archaeological events, and Historic Landscape Character assessment within the study area; The local studies library - historical mapping and plans, any available aerial photography, and background sources; HPBC - information on conservation areas; and BGS - geological mapping An archaeological walkover survey of greenfield land take and publicly accessible land and a vantage point survey for the operational sidings area will be undertaken to consider the condition of identified heritage assets and to determine the potential for any previously unrecorded archaeological and cultural heritage assets. Environmental Statement A technical report will include baseline data, a gazetteer and discussion of the known and potential archaeological/cultural heritage assets within the study area, in order to inform design stages Appropriately detailed maps will be produced detailing the location of known heritage assets, cross-referenced to the gazetteer. 71

76 Baseline data will be used to inform an assessment of archaeological potential. Accordingly, the ES will identify likely effects to known and potential archaeological remains. Importance The relative importance of each heritage asset is determined to provide a framework for comparison. The categories of importance do not reflect a definitive level of importance or value of a heritage asset, but a provisional one based on archaeological, architectural, historical and artistic heritage values (in line with NPPF). Consideration combining the four value sets offers representation of the importance of a given resource and provides an analytical tool that can inform later stages of archaeological assessment and the development of appropriate mitigation. Impact Magnitude The magnitude of impact from the Scheme to the identified baseline considers the scale, extent of change, nature and duration of the impact. Impacts may be major, for example, where physical impact destroys a heritage asset during construction. Grading through moderate, minor and negligible to no change occurs on a sliding scale. Physical Impacts The likely physical effect of construction of the Scheme is assessed by comparing the land-take needed against the location of the known heritage assets. Significance of Effects Where a potential effect is identified measures can be devised to mitigate the probability or magnitude of those effects, resulting in residual effects. The design process is therefore iterative in that effects are predicted and the design modified accordingly to maximise beneficial effects and reduce detrimental ones The results of the assessment will determine whether further evaluation and mitigation is required. Mitigation The options for mitigation measures, if required, could be: Preservation in situ: the preservation in situ of sensitive archaeological remains. In this case it is anticipated that this can be achieved through minor variations in the construction design (e.g. the building up of a roadway surface to protect remains beneath, rather than cut and fill); or Excavation: where preservation in situ is not feasible or desirable an alternative mitigation is archaeological excavation. This consists of a detailed programme of archaeological fieldwork to preserve, by record, the archaeological value of the heritage asset prior to disturbance by construction activities. 72

77 If required, the mitigation strategy would be designed in consultation with statutory consultees and undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Standard and Guidance documents and Code of Conduct. 73

78 12 LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE 12.1 Environmental Baseline Baseline environmental information has been obtained from consultation with the project team together with a desk-based review of publicly available information and previous reports for the Site and Scheme, as follows: High Peak Borough Council, April 2014, High Peak Local Plan submission version; High Peak Borough Council, 2005, Adopted Local Plan; Agricultural Land Classification mapping (via MAGIC.gov.uk); Corus for, 2010, Peak Forest to London Freight Train Lengthening, Ecological Walkover Survey Report PMJ/GSM1 Buxton Up Sidings The Site is currently under the ownership of several landowners including, HPBC and private landowners The southern section of the Site (extending to the northern boundary of the tip) is designated for housing development within both the adopted local plan and more recently submitted local plan. The tip comprises a historical source of contamination and the submitted plan notes the tip area is unsuitable for residential development and should be retained for recreation and amenity use. Part of the tip and land to the south is also designated as a Derbyshire LWS. The wildlife site and tip area are publicly accessible and contain an informal network of footpaths / cycle paths. However, there is no land designated as open space The agricultural land to the north is currently used as pasture. The Site as a whole is designated as ALC Grade 4 i.e. it is not classified as best and most versatile agricultural land Potential Environmental Impacts Land would be acquired by, which would include part of the Derbyshire LWS and ALC Grade 4 agricultural land. Ecological compensation may be required for any land lost from the LWS. The remediation of the Hogshaw Refuse Tip area within the Site (as proposed in Chapter 5) has the potential to improve ground conditions on a local basis Scope of the Assessment The farmland that would be lost is not of the best or most versatile agricultural grade a detailed EcIA will assess and address any ecological mitigation required. Any improvement to local ground conditions due to the remediation works would be a 74

79 beneficial effect. On this basis it is proposed that Land Use and Agriculture is scoped out of the EIA. 75

80 13 SOCIO-ECONOMICS, RECREATION AND AMENITY 13.1 Environmental Baseline RSK has obtained baseline environmental information from consultation with the client team together with a site visit and desk-based review of publicly available information and previous reports for the Site and Scheme, including: High Peak Borough Council, April 2014, High Peak Local Plan submission version; High Peak Borough Council, 2005, Adopted Local Plan; Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and Peak District National Park, 2014, Local Aggregate Assessment; Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Derbyshire Economic Strategy Statement; OS maps and Google Earth satellite imagery; Sustrans, HPBC, Peak District National Park and Office for National Statistics websites. Local Economy Mineral Industries Land based industries are important to the local economy. The 2014 Local Aggregates assessment indicates the limestone from this area is a resource of national significance, which is used as a high grade primary aggregate for roadstone and concrete production and also used in industrial processes. The most significant local limestone resources are found in the Buxton area, with seven limestone producing sites all located within 9km of Buxton: Dove Holes, Ashwood Dale, Tunstead and Old Moor, Topley Pike, Brierlow and Dowlow). All these sites are forecast to continue production until at least (Hindlow is listed in the report as not being in active production.) Given Government aims to stimulate economic growth and proposed major infrastructure projects such as HS2, the demand for limestone materials is considered likely to be maintained and may increase. Tourism Tourism is very important to both the local and regional economy. Lying just outside the Peak District National Park boundary and acting as a gateway to the national park, Buxton is a popular tourist destination with 1.46 million visitors in The town hosts over 100 events throughout the year including auctions, festivals and an ale trail and a range of tourist accommodation including Bed and Breakfasts, hotels and self catering is present in the town and local area. 76

81 Recreation and Public Rights of Way (PRoW) In addition to the LWS within the Site, Hogshaw Woods are located to the west of the Site; both provide informal recreational space close to the town. The Hogshaw playing fields and play area (owned and managed by HPBC) are located adjacent to the south east of the Site. The playing fields have no changing or parking facilities Within the LWS and adjacent to the south east boundary of the Site is the Nunsfield Road Allotment. This site is managed by Allotment Associations on behalf of HPBC and has 25 plots. A number of pigeon lofts and chicken sheds are also located near the south east boundary of the Site To the east of the Site is the Buxton and High Peak Golf Club. This opened in 1887 and is the oldest club in Derbyshire; the Fairfield Conservation Area encompasses the club and grounds. Towards the northern extent of the golf club is the Peak Practice Golf Driving Range Given the location of the Site and its proximity to the Peak District National Park, the surrounding area includes a network of public footpaths, two of which cross the Site, at the southern boundary of the disused tip area and the northern boundary of the Site. Regional routes in the vicinity of the Site include the Pennine Bridleway and the Midshires Way. The Pennine Cycleway (Sustrans Route 68) also runs through Buxton town centre on the A5004. Residential Amenity The Site is located on the northern edge of Buxton town centre. Residential properties in proximity to the Site are largely located around the southern half of the Site, with local residential streets including Brown Edge Road, Hogshaw Drive, Ladycroft, Nunsfield Road, Barms Way, Glenmoor Road and St Peter s Road. Brown Edge Road extends north on the upper valley slope to the west of the Site and a number of individual farm properties are also located to the north and north east of the Site. Local community facilities are available, as described in the previous section Potential Environmental Impacts Construction The construction works would require temporary closure / diversion of the southern footpath over the Buxton Line to allow extension of the footbridge. Sections of the PRoW along the northern boundary of the Site may also be affected The active construction site, construction compounds (particularly the satellite compound in the southern section of the Site) and use of the access routes could result in temporary visual and amenity impacts on local residential properties and recreational and community facilities e.g. the playing fields, allotments and sheds, remaining areas of the LWS, the golf club and the wider network of public footpaths and bridleways. 77

82 There would be a loss of farmland which may have an impact on the existing farm business The construction works would create a number of temporary jobs, which may be sourced locally; however, the number of jobs created would be unlikely to be significant. Given the location, nature and duration of the construction works no significant impacts on tourism are predicted. Operation The operational Scheme is not anticipated to have any significant effect on local recreational, community or tourist facilities. However, there is potential for the siding extensions to provide beneficial economic impacts associated with an increase in the productivity of the local quarries. Local residential receptors may be subject to both visual and noise impacts (operational traffic and transport impacts have been scoped out of the EIA, as described in Chapter 7) Proposed Assessment Scope and Methodology The ES will include a qualitative assessment of the effects of the construction of the Scheme on local facilities and amenity and effects of the completed operational Scheme on the local economy. Visual impacts to local footpaths and the golf club will be addressed in the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment but the assessment will be used to inform this chapter Operational effects on residential amenity through the combination of visual and noise effects will be considered in the cumulative assessment, which is discussed further in Chapter Prior to submission of the TWAO consultation will be undertaken with relevant local statutory authorities and non-statutory groups and organisations, in order to ensure local concerns are properly addressed. The findings from the public consultation will be used in the EIA and further consultation will be undertaken as appropriate to inform the socio-economic, recreation and amenity ES chapter. 78

83 14 CUMULATIVE ASSESSMENT The ES will include a cumulative assessment. Two types of cumulative effect will be assessed: The combination of individual impacts of the Scheme (construction and operation) on a particular receptor e.g. a combination of noise and visual impacts on recreational and residential amenity receptors; and Impacts of the Scheme in combination with impacts from other committed developments. This will include any proposed developments which are currently the subject of an outstanding planning application, or any relevant project where an extant planning permission exists, but construction is yet to start The cumulative assessment will consider potential impacts from the associated infrastructure works proposed at Hindlow and Dowlow quarries, and whether there would be any significant effects from these works in combination with the Scheme It is requested that the Scoping Opinion confirm both committed developments and any reasonably foreseeable development proposals that should be included within the scope of the cumulative assessment. This will be reconfirmed during the EIA process with a search of planning applications for committed developments (and those in the planning process) in the vicinity of the Site and further consultation with HPBC Saved adopted site allocations (as shown on the Proposals Map of the Adopted Local Plan (2005)) on and in proximity of the Site, and hence may be relevant to the cumulative assessment, are as follows: H4f Land at Hogshaw of policy H4 Housing in Buxton states that Development will be phased to give priority to the development of the previously developed land and Vehicular access will be via a new road from Fairfield Common; emergency, bus, cycle and pedestrian access shall be provided to connect the south of the site with the town centre. In addition the existing playing fields shall be replaced with 0.4ha open space and additional upgraded facilities relocated on the contaminated land to the north of the site. Within the wider area of the site adjacent to the west of Brown Edge Road there is a parcel of land applicable to Policy H4a, where planning permission will be granted for residential development subject to having regard to the existing streetscene and adjacent countryside. In an envelope of land to the east is an allocation for Policy H4g Housing Reserve land at Hogshaw (2ha) where residential development will be deemed acceptable in principle if it can be shown that its development is necessary in order to secure the remediation and development of the contaminated land at Hogshaw Development Plan Documents (DPD) are being prepared to establish site allocations throughout the High Peak area and reflect changes in the planning system. Currently the High Peak Council has no adopted DPDs as work within the Council changed focus 79

84 to the preparation of a Core Strategy. However the HPBC is no longer preparing a Core Strategy, opting instead to prepare a new Local Plan The new High Peak Local Plan is currently under examination after being submitted to the Secretary of State on 28 th August The Local Plan will include details of specific sites identified for future development or protection. 80

85 15 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS In this EIA Scoping Report, RSK, on behalf of, has provided an overview of the Site and Scheme. The scoping report provides baseline information and preliminary assessment of environmental impacts and has identified a number of factors and receptors that can be scoped out of the EIA, as they are not likely to be result in significant environmental effects. This is in keeping with good EIA practice where only those aspects of the proposed development should be subject to as full EIA Having considered the characteristics of the Scheme and the likelihood of significant environmental effects, it is proposed to undertake the following assessments in the EIA, and to report the findings in the ES, which would accompany the application for a TWAO: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (construction and operation); Ground Conditions and Contamination (construction and operation); Traffic and Transport (construction only); Air Quality (construction only); Noise and Vibration (construction and operation); Ecology (construction and operation); Historic Environment (construction only); Socio-Economics, Recreation and Amenity (construction and operation) As part of the EIA, a cumulative assessment would also be completed, which would consider the potential for combined effects on sensitive receptors, and, potential cumulative effects with other significant (foreseeable) proposals and committed developments The following topics are proposed to be scoped out of the EIA: Drainage and Flood Risk; and Land Use and Agriculture A FRA will be completed for the Scheme and this will be provided as a supporting document to the ES. Drainage design will also be considered as part of the TWAO In accordance with Rule 8 of the Application Rules, requests a Scoping Opinion from the SoS and relevant consultees in order to undertake the EIA. It is requested that the Scoping Opinion: Confirms agreement on those topics proposed to be scoped into the EIA; Advises on the assessment methodologies as described in the preceding sections; Confirms agreement to the topics proposed to be scoped out of the EIA; 81

86 Should a different EIA scope be proposed to that in this scoping report, the rationale for the amended scope; and Advises on the developments to be included in the scope of the cumulative assessment. 82

87 FIGURES 83

88 Coordinate S ystem: British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: OSGB 1936 Units: Meter Legend: Site Boundary 00 25/08/2015 First Draft Rev Date Description Buxton Sidings WF PB XX Drn Chk App Source: Global Land Cover Facility, TITLE: 0 Figure 1: Site Location Plan 0.7 Kilometres SCALE: 1:35,000 A4 / REV 00 Document Path: P:\ EA Man\ Buxton Sidings\06. Graphics\01 - GIS\Fig 1 - Site Location Plan - A mxd Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GE BCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, ME TI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

89 The Park Hardwick Buxton Central Coordinate S ystem: British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: OSGB 1936 Units: Meter Legend: Site Boundary Historic Landfill Site (Hogshaw Refuse Tip) Hogshaw Tip Local Wildlife Site Listed Building Grade I Grade II Grade II* Conservation Area PRoW Roman Road National Park Boundary Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Parks and Gardens Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Ancient Woodland 00 24/08/2015 First Draft Rev Date Description WF PB XX Drn Chk App Buxton Sidings Source: Global Land Cover Facility, TITLE: 0 Figure 2:Site Plan and Environmental Constraints 0.4 Kilometres SCALE: 1:20,000 A4 / REV 00 Document Path: P:\ EA Man\ Buxton Sidings\06. Graphics\01 - GIS\Fig 2 - Site Plan & Environmental Constraints - A mxd Fairfield Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GE BCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, ME TI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

90 Coordinate S ystem: British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: OSGB 1936 Units: Meter Legend: Viewpoint Site Boundary 00 25/08/2015 First Draft Rev Date Description Buxton Sidings WF PB XX Drn Chk App Source: Global Land Cover Facility, TITLE: 0 Figure 3: Representative Viewpoint Location Plan 0.4 Kilometres SCALE: 1:20,000 A4 / REV 00 Document Path: P:\ EA Man\ Buxton Sidings\06. Graphics\01 - GIS\Fig 3 - Representative Viewpoint Location Plan A mxd Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GE BCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, ME TI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

91 Legend: Site Boundary Hogshaw Tip Local Wildlife Site Japanese Knotweed UK Priority Habitat for Broadleaved Deciduous Woodland Nun Brook Coordinate System: British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: OSGB 1936 Units: Meter 00 Rev Date Description Drn Chk App Buxton Sidings Source: Global Land Cover Facility, TITLE: 25/08/2015 First Draft WF PB XX Figure 4: Ecology Plan Kilometres / SCALE: A4 REV 00 Crown copyright, All rights reserved License number Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Document Path: P:\ EA Man\ Buxton Sidings\06. Graphics\01 - GIS\Fig 4 - Ecology Plan - A mxd