Environmental Statement Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary November 2010

Transcription

1 Volume 3: November 2010

2 Newlands Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Statement Volume 3

3 NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY Introduction Background Grainger plc (hereafter referred to as Grainger ) proposes the development of land to the west of Waterlooville. They have commissioned Savills to co-ordinate a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) including the preparation of an Environmental Statement (ES) and Non-Technical Summary (NTS) to support their planning application, part of which is submitted with full details and part is in outline only. The planning application proposes the development of a new neighbourhood of 2,550 dwellings, land for employment uses, and a mix of other community uses including land for two primary schools, land for allotments, land for a cemetery, open space, associated infrastructure and access arrangements. The application site is referred to as Newlands. This application supersedes a previous application in outline only for a smaller area of land within the current Newlands site. That application was known as Newlands Common. In conjunction with a further development to the north by Taylor Wimpey, which is currently under construction, these schemes of Newlands and the Taylor Wimpey site make up what is known as the West of Waterlooville Major Development Area (MDA). Purpose and Structure of the Environmental Statement EIA is a process through which the likely significant environmental effects of a development proposal can be identified, assessed and, wherever possible, avoided or mitigated (reduced). This process and its outcomes are then reported in the ES to decision makers, the Council and its advisors, and the public. The NTS is provided to allow a wider public understanding of the environmental effects of the project. The ES is set out in a structured manner to allow easier navigation: Volume 1 comprises the Main Environmental Statement Volume 2 comprises the Appendices, including technical supporting reports Volume 3 (this volume) comprises the (NTS) Opportunity for Public Consultation Should interested parties wish to make comment on the content of this ES, they should be made in writing to the application co-ordinator, Jacky Wilson at Winchester City Council, Development Control, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LJ. The ES is available for purchase from Savills (L&P) Limited, Brunswick House, Brunswick Place, Southampton SO15 2AP. Table 1 sets out the costs related to the various volumes of the ES available. NTS - 1

4 Table 1: Environmental Statement Costs Volume Hard Copy CD-Rom Volume 1 Main ES Statement 250 Volume 2 Appendices Please enquire at above address 5 Volume 3 20 Requests should be made in writing to the above address. Cheques should be made payable to Savills (L&P) Limited. The Assessment Team The assessment team comprises the following organisations: Savills has managed the EIA process and team, and has undertaken the socio-economic and community impact assessment and landscape and visual impact assessment. Savills is also the master planner and has produced the overall design and urban design approach. ADAM Architecture is the architect who has produced the full detailed plans for Phase 1. Fabrik Landscape Architects have provided the detailed landscape strategy and works. Mayer Brown has provided technical assessment of baseline conditions and environmental effects with regard to ground conditions, hydrology and hydrogeology, traffic and transport, air quality, noise and vibration, waste disposal and recycling, and service supplies. Biodiversity by Design has undertaken the impact assessments with regard to biodiversity. They have also informed the design with regard to landscape. CgMs Consulting has provided impact assessments with regard to archaeology and cultural heritage. Inbuilt has provided advice on sustainability including Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM, energy and allotments. NEP Lighting Consultancy has undertaken a lighting assessment. Green Issues has provided community relations advice and led the organisation and review of public consultation events. Two Blue Communications has provided public relations advice. Capita Symonds has undertaken the project management work for the application preparation. What is Environmental Assessment? EIA is a statutory process that is governed by UK and European law. On 3 March 1997 the Council of the European Union amended Directive 85/337/EEC through Council Directive 97/11/EC, which was given legal effect in England and Wales through the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 insofar as it relates to development under the Town and Country Planning Act These Regulations came into effect on 14 March NTS - 2

5 EIA follows an iterative process in the following stages: Screening is the first stage of the EIA process where the relevant authorities (local authorities or the Secretary of State) decide if EIA is required. Once it has been agreed that EIA is required, scoping is undertaken to define what should be assessed as part of the EIA and reported in the ES. This is done in partnership between the applicant and the local authority. With the scope set, relevant information on the environmental baseline conditions is collected. This information is then used initially to understand the potential environmental effects and inform the design of the proposed development to minimise the potential for significant adverse impacts. The formal assessment process is then undertaken of the proposed scheme parameters to define the significant impacts of the proposed development. Any significant adverse impacts that are identified during the formal assessment process are then reviewed against the design to consider whether alterations could be made to minimise the impact. Should this occur the formal assessment process is run again. Where significant adverse impacts cannot be minimised through alterations to the design itself, mitigation or reduction measures are considered. Monitoring may also be considered to measure the actual significance of the impact during and post-construction to allow management of mitigation where appropriate. Once the EIA is completed, the ES is submitted to the local planning authority for consideration with the planning application. NTS - 3

6 The Proposed Development The Site and Surroundings The proposal covers an area of about 209 hectares to the west of Waterlooville, situated 13 kilometres to the north of Portsmouth in Hampshire. The site is predominantly located within the administrative area of Winchester City Council with eastern parts located within the administrative area of Havant Borough Council. For the purposes of the application process, the site is referred to as Newlands. The site is currently arable farmland and woodland. Fields within the site are medium and large in scale with some hedgerows and trees. There are five Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) within or abutting the site and five areas of woodland within the central and southern parts of the site, some with protected trees. Two watercourses cross the northern part of the site. The St John s Conservation Area at Purbrook adjoins the southeastern boundary of the site with a Grade II Listed farmhouse situated in the central eastern part of the site. Vehicular access to the site is through Milk Lane off London Road which runs along the eastern boundary of the site. The Proposed Development The proposed development will create a new neighbourhood on the western edge of Waterlooville, comprising a mix of uses incorporating: 2,550 dwellings (2,650 assessed in the EIA to ensure a maximum figure is tested) Mix of dwelling tenure, type and height, with up to 40% affordable housing Access and infrastructure including two new junctions from the eastern boundary of the site (Milk Lane and Ladybridge roundabout) along with the completion of access off Maurepas Way roundabout A local centre and mixed use areas comprising a convenience store, residential, a restaurant/ takeaway, a public house, community uses and land for healthcare uses Leisure and residential uses at Plant Farm, potentially including a public house Integration and links with Waterlooville town centre and to other surrounding areas including the countryside to the west Approximately 30ha of employment land including a mix of uses that generate jobs Land for two primary schools Land for allotments Other infrastructure including public open space and landscaping Land for a cemetery NTS - 4

7 The development has been designed strategically in order to design out crime, anti-social behaviour and achieve community safety. Infrastructure, such as electricity, gas and water will be installed as required to serve the proposed development. Surface water and flood risk will be managed through sustainable drainage techniques such as open water features to control and manage surface water run-off, as well as the restoration of the River Wallington to a natural state, which currently runs within a man-made channel. The development will be phased over a period commencing in 2011/12, with first completions in 2012 and final completion by 2021/2022 resulting in a 10 year build programme. Main Alternatives Throughout the design of the scheme, many different alternatives have been examined. These have included reviewing the need for the residential and employment development and other locations for the development. In addition to these alternatives, the layout of the scheme and the detailed design have undergone revisions, which have been through various forms of consultation. The consideration of environmental issues has also informed the proposed layout. The main elements that have been reviewed include the location of the school, the local centre, cemetery and the main routes through the site as well as the proposed built form. Preparing the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy has been an iterative process with all consultants and the wider stakeholders involved. NTS - 5

8 Summary of Impacts Socio-Economic and Community Impacts The 2,650 households assessed for the proposed development will result in an increase in population for the area of approximately 6,360 people when completed. As a result of these dwellings the population of Winchester District will increase by around 4% and approximately 0.9% for Havant Borough. The tenure and size of dwellings proposed is reflective of both market demand and affordable housing need in both Winchester District and Havant Borough. The increase in population would likely have a substantial impact on local services and facilities in the surrounding area if appropriate mitigation was not provided as part of the development. The Newlands development therefore proposes to provide a range of social infrastructure that will not only ensure the emerging population will have appropriate access to services and facilities, but will also likely improve overall provision for the local neighbourhood. Land for two new primary schools will be provided on-site, alongside land for a new health centre, a community building within a local centre and an employment hub that will provide jobs for the new and existing community. The development will promote employment in the area through the provision of a mix of offices, warehouses and general industrial use, storage provision, retail, cafés, restaurants and drinking establishments, along with other employment generating uses. An extensive range of formal and informal open space features will be provided on-site to meet need. This provision will be in accordance with the standards set by both local authorities. A Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Strategy also form a substantial part of the application, which all contributes to the overall sustainability of the site. Green links will be created across the site east-west that will enhance existing biodiversity and connect the site to the countryside. In terms of secondary school provision, the development will not generate enough pupils to require a new secondary school. Using Hampshire County Council s methodology, there is sufficient forecasted capacity at nearby secondary schools to accommodate children generated from the proposal and therefore no contributions will be required for secondary school provision. This strategy has been discussed with Hampshire County Council. The overall strategy for Newlands will ensure that the development will assist with having a positive impact on the local neighbourhood and will not result in an adverse effect on local facilities and services. The development offers the chance to enhance the character of the area, whilst the increase in open space, community facilities and leisure activities will help create a sustainable community for the long term. Ground Conditions, Hydrology and Hydrogeology There is no evidence of existing contamination on the site and as such it is concluded that with no mitigation the overall impacts of the development are likely to be negligible, based on available data. The site has however been the subject of several studies and investigations, which have identified the following issues that require mitigation to provide further enhancement and protection as part of the site development strategy: Restoration of a section of the River Wallington to the south of Brambles Business Park including softening the channel by removing the concrete and creating a more natural form. Incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to enhance water quality by removing pollutants associated with urban development and slow down rainfall run-off and assist in soaking back into the ground. NTS - 6

9 There is a potential risk of discovering unexploded bombs due to the use of the area for training prior to D-Day in 1944 which must be addressed. Potential for contamination of land and controlled waters from site plant and activities during the works need to be minimised and will be addressed through the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Plant Farm, a Grade II Listed farmhouse, lies within the site. The farmhouse and associated farm buildings at Plant Farm have been the subject of a programme of building recording. As part of the proposed development, the farmhouse and the Tithe barn will be retained, repaired and re-used. There are no other designated Heritage Assets within the site. As a result of detailed desk and field studies, it is known that parts of the site contain sub-surface features evidencing localised Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age activity and more extensive Iron Age and Romano-British settlement. Mitigation measures in the form of archaeological excavation and recording have already taken place on six areas containing archaeological remains within the site. Given the nature, condition, character and significance of the remaining assets involved, it is proposed that where any potential adverse impacts are identified, these will be mitigated by archaeological investigation and recording ahead of development. Following the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will be no significant residual or cumulative adverse effects on heritage assets. The excavation, analysis and recording of archaeological remains within the site will enhance the regional understanding of the prehistoric and Roman evolution of the landscape. Following the repair and restoration of Plant Farm, a moderate beneficial impact is identified both from the repair of an unused listed building and for the focus and sense of place that this historic building can create within the development. Biodiversity The site has been subject to detailed ecological surveys which have identified a range of species and habitats. The habitats identified are typically known to support a number of protected species, identified through field surveys, including badgers, reptiles, Barn Owl, Otter and roosting bat species. The habitat of greatest ecological interest within the site is the woodland which covers over 6% of the Site. Most of this woodland is Ancient in origin and is SINC designated, though nearly all is below favourable conservation status due to lack of suitable management for many years. Much of the rest of the site is intensively farmed and of limited ecological interest, although the network of ditches and hedgerows that bound these fields are of ecological value. Two streams traverse the site - the River Wallington and Old Park Farm Stream. Ten ponds are distributed across the Site with two field ponds being of greatest interest in terms of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Portsmouth Harbour and Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Areas (SPA) are within 4km of the site. These harbours also include components of Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Solent and Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC. The key interests of these sites are the Brent Geese and wider assemblage of waterfowl, and the various inter-tidal and other wetland habitat types. Although small numbers of Brent Geese from the SPAs have been recorded intermittently grazing at Newlands, none have been recorded in the last four years despite intensive monitoring. NTS - 7

10 The development has been carefully designed to minimise loss of important wildlife habitat and maximise biodiversity gain wherever feasible. There will be a loss of woodland and hedgerow habitat, existing ditches and open arable habitat, which has the potential to lead to habitat fragmentation. Contextual change may also occur to the remaining habitats. The creation of a rich array of locally appropriate habitats is proposed, less by way of mitigation and enhancement for the sake of species and habitats in their own right, but rather as integral to wider scheme aims of societal benefit and enhancement of the urban setting. Key in provision of green infrastructure that is both biodiverse and multifunctional will be the creation of two substantial nonstatutory Community Nature Reserves, as well as the retention and restoration of the site s five SINCs, all of which will be interconnected by various biodiverse green corridors. The two new reserves will be: Newlands Farm Community Nature Reserve encompassing the newly created zone of green infrastructure, including woodland copses, wildflower meadows, and various water features, positioned adjacent to the western fringe of the built development. River Wallington Community Nature Reserve encompassing the new alignment of the ecologically/morphologically restored River Wallington and adjoining habitat. This reserve would also include the Old Park Farm Stream corridor and a newly created wet woodland - Wallington Wood. The creation of these large attractive biodiverse reserves will also play a significant role in linking the site s various habitats to the wider countryside, and in deflecting recreational pressure away from local ecologically sensitive habitats such the site s Ancient Woodland and the local coastline. The creation of an extensive SuDS network would perform both pollution and flood prevention functions and create a new wetland resource of notable ecological and amenity value. Additional mitigation is proposed to ensure the integrity and conservation status of habitats and species are not adversely affected. Measures will include: Establishing works exclusion zones in sensitive areas. Installing habitat protection and species exclusion fencing. Installing wildlife tunnels beneath new roads. Timing of works to avoid sensitive life stages of protected species. Species displacement from working zones via vegetative management. Provision of alternative refugia where necessary for displaced species. Undertaking repeat survey checks for species prior to works commencing. Wildlife-friendly lighting design. Production of a Land Management Plan setting out the current status of the natural resources in the area to be managed, the desired future conditions and the management practices to achieve those conditions. The preparation and implementation of an effective and systematic monitoring programme to serve as an early warning system to detect man-induced threats to biodiversity and natural processes and NTS - 8

11 inform necessary changes in management. The monitoring programme will be clearly set out in the Land Management Plan. The proposed development will protect and enhance the site s ecological resources and provide longer term benefits for residents and wildlife alike. Landscape and Visual Impact The potential landscape and visual impacts from the proposed development for the new neighbourhood have been assessed. The assessments have concluded that the site does not have any adverse landscape or visual effects on any Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, the Denmead-Waterlooville Gap or the South Downs National Park. Whilst the development would result in a change in the character of the landscape, from rural to urban, this would be focussed on the eastern side, which is already influenced by urban built form. The proposed development provides the opportunity to create a high quality extension to Waterlooville. In particular this could enhance the townscape of the A3 corridor as well as providing large areas of public open space and new pedestrian/cycle routes between Waterlooville and the countryside to the west. The scheme will retain the existing farm ponds as well as introducing new ponds and the restoration of the corridor of the River Wallington. As such, the scheme will have a beneficial effect on water bodies. The majority of trees on the site are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Whilst the scheme will result in the loss of some hedgerows, it has been designed to retain as many as possible and respect the structure of the existing field pattern and landform. All important areas of woodland such as Plant Row will be retained and managed more positively and large areas of new trees and shrub planting will be planted throughout the site. Whilst a small number of trees would be lost to facilitate the improvements to the London Road junction and Purbrook Heath Road junction, these would be more than compensated for by a comprehensive planting programme throughout the proposed open spaces and streets. As such, the scheme will have a beneficial effect on vegetation and neutral effect on landform. The agricultural land on the site is classified by the government as Grade 4 (poor) and is therefore not considered to be of high value. Movement and access to the site is currently via a number of public rights of way. The new scheme will amend these paths, introducing a balanced network of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways. These will benefit from street lighting and will therefore improve access within the area both geographically and after dark. Given the location of the site on the edge of Waterlooville, the scheme will also have the benefit of enhancing access to the countryside to the west for existing residents in the area. Visually, the site is relatively well concealed, both by existing mature vegetation to the south and west and within the site, the existing buildings of Waterlooville and Purbrook to the east and the general rolling landform of the area. There are no viewpoints which show the site in its entirety. To the west and east, there are very limited views of the site, with glimpses generally restricted to the Newlands Lane area to the west and London Road corridor to the east. To the north, views extend to the Closewood Road area, whilst to the south there are some distant views of small parts of the site from Portsdown Hill and a short stretch of the Purbrook Heath Road. Some of the current visual receptors that would be most affected by the proposals will be users of the public rights of way that cross the site. The paths that will remain will see a change in the character of their views, from rural, to more urban. In general then, this network will be amended though the new footpaths which will be created will have new views. NTS - 9

12 A lighting assessment of the site shows that the main effects will be on those directly adjacent to the site boundary as its topography and existing vegetation will screen most if not all of its lighting from further away. Due to the existing lighting on the A3 corridor, effects on most residents in Waterlooville and Purbrook will be limited. The main effects would be on those working on the edges of the business parks in Waterlooville. There would be a negligible impact on views from Denmead, or on sky glow generally. Traffic and Transport A Transport Assessment has been prepared and included with the application. A review and assessment of the current and proposed transport arrangements for cars, public transport, pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists, as well as car parking and servicing has been completed. It is proposed that the development will take vehicular access from four junctions the main Maurepas Way access, the southern access at Ladybridge Roundabout, the Milk Lane access and a northern access via Old Park Farm. Primary routes accommodating bus services and cyclists would connect each element of the site to the local centres at Hambledon Parade and Purbrook Village, Waterlooville town centre and beyond. Strategic links for pedestrians and cyclists offer the potential to integrate the development with the existing urban environment and provide a connection to the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) route. The link between the existing town centre and the main access corridor is of strategic importance as is the link that heads north towards Old Park Farm, providing access to the proposed employment areas. A comprehensive bus strategy for Newlands is proposed. A contribution towards subsidising the proposed bus services in the early years of the development will be provided. Measures to encourage bus use would include high quality bus shelters with real time information, discounted bus fares for new residents, a package of public transport information for Newlands residents and employees and touch screen information systems fitted at local facilities. A network of pedestrian and cycle routes is proposed and would be made up of new infrastructure supplemented by existing rights of way routes that would either be retained or improved to provide comprehensive connectivity between development plots. The scheme would incorporate a multi-function greenway running along the western side of the development, connecting Purbrook in the south to Hambledon Parade in the north and linking into Newlands at various points. Pedestrian and cycle linkages along the A3 corridor would also be provided. Further offsite improvements are proposed as part of a Safer Routes to Schools scheme between the site, Crookhorn College of Technology and South Downs College. Marketing measures will be implemented to encourage residents and employees to travel by non-car means, including information on discount travel, community website, travel plan, travel posters, car club and access to secure cycle parking. The consented scheme included improvements to the Hulbert Road/Tempest Avenue roundabout and the A3(M) Junction 3 roundabout as part of the mitigation strategy for the 2,000 dwelling scheme. This strategy also included converting the Purbrook Way/ Stakes Hill Road roundabout and the Purbrook Way/ College Road priority junction to signal controlled junctions to deliver improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists on the Safer Routes to Schools route, whilst not encouraging car use through demand management along the corridor between the southern access and the A3(M) Junction 4. Traffic impact assessment of the enlarged scheme indicates that the junction improvements proposed for the consented scheme are sufficient to accommodate the traffic impact of the larger Newlands scheme as well. In conclusion the promotion and implementation of comprehensive sustainable transport measures aim to reduce the impact of increased vehicular activity, which would be demand managed through the NTS - 10

13 introduction of off-site junction improvements that would assist to accommodate this traffic and ensure that road safety is not compromised. Air Quality The potential air quality impacts of the Newlands development during construction and operation have been assessed. The traffic assessment collated the proposed traffic modelling data for the existing without development and proposed with development scenarios and modelled worst case scenarios, in order to establish the likely traffic related air quality levels of pollutants. The findings were that development related traffic posed no significant impacts in relation to pollutants. A number of potential climatic influences were assessed. These were the impact of the climate on the development, the impact of the development on climate change and the impact of the development on the local climate. Baseline climatic conditions were assessed in a report produced by the MET office and this found that whilst there may be a higher incidence of fog and frost in the employment area, this was typical for low lying areas at this location and was not considered significant. It was also concluded that the Newlands development was not of a size or nature that could influence global or local climate. The northwest corner of the site is traversed by 132kv pylon lines. An assessment was, therefore, undertaken to establish if these could potentially affect receptors on the site. Baseline readings were taken from directly beneath the pylons at a number of locations to establish the strength of the magnetic fields. These readings were compared to both international guidelines and the most recent UK independent guidance and were found to be well within advised levels. Odour was investigated in relation to the potential for odours associated with the proposed new pumping station, which is to be sited to the west of the proposed employment area and the two temporary pumping stations near the main access and local centre, respectively. The initial study undertaken did not identify any significant odour issues associated with the existing gas valve compound pressure reducing station. However, further studies will seek to confirm this finding. Finally, in relation to construction, all potential construction air quality impacts will be controlled within the Construction Environmental Management Plan, which will specify working procedures to minimise air quality impacts, including dust. Noise and Vibration A noise and vibration assessment of the proposed development has been undertaken comparing it to the existing environment. Due to construction activities there is the potential for elevated noise levels and vibration. All potential construction noise and vibration impact will be controlled within the Construction Environmental Management Plan, which will set out noise and vibration limits and specify working procedures to minimise impacts. Traffic data for the existing without development and proposed with development scenarios was then collated and modelled in worst case scenarios, in order to establish the traffic related noise levels that existing and proposed receptors were likely to be exposed to. NTS - 11

14 Overall it was found that the development posed no significant impact on existing or proposed receptors. However, it was found that in the south of the development, the provision of the southern access road could bring traffic noise to some areas, which previously were subject to very low background noise. Where potential for impacts may occur at existing boundary locations, appropriate boundary treatment will be an issue for the detailed design progression and noise attenuation features will be designed at the appropriate stage, to reduce the impacts at these properties to acceptable levels. Any other potential impacts from the operational phase of the development will be minimised by the selection of plant in accordance with the appropriate guidelines, with the design criteria that noise levels from building services will not exceed the baseline background night time noise level at any residential receptor. The assessment found that significant vibration impacts were not anticipated from the operational phase of development. Waste Disposal and Recycling The construction and demolition process has the potential to generate large quantities of waste, the disposal of which should be considered in the environmental context. Removal of unsuitable or excess earthworks material has the potential to become a large waste disposal issue. Mitigation is proposed to reduce the off-site disposal of earthworks to zero. Methods used will include chemically improving the strength of the subsoil, reducing the foundation depth of roads and hardstanding and raising some landscaped areas to dispose of the reminder. Existing farm building will be re-used where practical to minimise demolition. Designs of new buildings will aim to minimise wastage by incorporating construction elements of standard dimensions, to reduce cutting in situ. A site waste management plan will detail how the contractors will deal with waste, including segregation of materials for recycling. Measures will be introduced to minimise the effect of littering, including the provision of temporary litter and recycling bins for the workforce and covering skips and lorries in transit. With the proposed mitigation, the construction and demolition operations will have no significant environmental impacts outside the development site, and on-site earthworks and soil stabilisation impacts will be of medium impact and temporary in nature. The assessment made a subjective appraisal of the impact made by additional household waste generation. Impacts considered included those on the proposed residents, existing facilities and the surrounding area. The existing arrangements of Winchester City Council, Havant Borough Council (as Waste Collection Authorities) and Hampshire County Council (as Waste Disposal Authority) were appraised. Measures will be introduced into the design of the buildings to ensure that two full sized wheelie bins, plus additional space for green waste can be accommodated in suitable areas. In addition the buildings will be designed to accommodate segregated bins at the point of use to further aid recycling. In addition education of the residents will be via the welcome pack and through information on the community website. Although not located within the site, the proposed relocation of the Hambledon Road HWRC will benefit the new residents, providing a very local facility to recycle materials not collected by the Authorities, and dispose of bulky items. In addition the Waste Collection Authority will be consulted on whether they would wish to manage additional bin sites at strategic locations, such as the proposed Local Centre. NTS - 12

15 Using existing waste generation figures, the proposed development is anticipated to increase waste generation in Hampshire by 0.3%, and require an additional 3 to 4 vehicle days per week for collections. These increases will be over a number of years, and the minor increases in service capacity can be planned for and implemented. With the proposed mitigation, the municipal waste (and recycling) operations will have no significant environmental impacts associated with collection or disposal. The assessment made a subjective appraisal of the impact made by additional sewage sludge. Impacts considered included those on the proposed residents, existing facilities and the surrounding area. The sewage from the development will be collected in an adopted foul sewer system and conveyed to Budds Farm Sewage Treatment Works for processing. A new on-site pumping station will be required due to the topography. If sewage is allowed to reside at the pumping station, or in the outgoing rising main for too long, there is a risk of it becoming septic. This is the term used to describe the multiplication of odour generating bacteria. To reduce the likelihood of this it is proposed to serve initial development phases via a smaller temporary pumping station, discharging via controlled storage, to the Hambledon Road sewer. Budds Farm is a relatively modern facility, and is large enough to accommodate the full development. The sludge component of the sewage is dewatered, dried to 90% dry solids (extracting methane used to run the plant), granulated and sold to the farming industry as a low odour fertiliser. This process is acknowledged by UK Government to be the most sustainable disposal route for treated biosolids. With the proposed mitigation, the transport and disposal of sewage sludge will have no significant associated environmental impacts. Service supplies There is a well developed existing water network of trunk and distribution mains in and around the proposed development site. No off-site reinforcement is considered necessary. The water for Waterlooville is sourced primarily from the River Itchen at Gater s Mill. There is a system of link mains and boosters linking the various water sources to maintain security of supply. The proposed dwellings on the development will be designed to consume water at a much lower rate than the average existing dwelling. Portsmouth Water has a large reserve in their supply ( headroom ) and has proposed a number of initiatives to reduce existing waste to make more efficient use of the existing supply and increase overall capacity to accommodate development forecasts (which include Newlands). With the proposed mitigation, the developments impact on security of water supply and peak daily abstractions will be negligible. With some minor upgrades to an existing pumping station, Southern Water has confirmed that there is sufficient sewerage capacity in its existing infrastructure from a connection point at the southern end of the site. Due to the topography of the site, this will require a new on-site pumping station to make the connection. For the initial phases of housing of approximately 400 dwellings, temporary connection to sewers in Hambledon Road will be made. This will incorporate some storage prior to discharge to ensure that the sewer capacity is not exceeded. When sufficient housing is completed to provide a sufficient flow rate, the proposed permanent pumping station will be constructed. This approach will reduce the residency time of the sewage in the pumping station and pipework, and reduce the potential for septicity (bad smells) to occur. The sewage is treated at the Budds Farm works near Portsmouth. These works were refurbished several years ago and have adequate capacity to serve the proposed development. The 2009 figures supplied NTS - 13

16 by Southern Water suggested a 12% reserve capacity of dry weather flow in relation to the Environment Agency discharge consent. In addition, the Integrated Water Management Strategy prepared by PUSH suggested that with the total predicted regional growth, including the Newlands development, Budds Farm would have spare capacity up to and beyond The discharge of partially treated sewage into Langstone Harbour during heavy rainfall is a particular issue of environmental concern. The proposed development will not discharge any surface water to the foul water sewers, and although unrelated to the development, Southern Water has plans to reduce the total volume of these discharges by disconnecting surface water in the Portsmouth catchment. With the proposed mitigation, the impacts of bad smells local to the site from the pumping station and of the increase in dry weather flows at the treatment works are of overall negligible significance. There is a well developed existing network of medium and low pressure gas mains in and around the proposed development site, in addition to large diameter high pressure mains serving a gas valve compound within the site. No off-site reinforcement is considered necessary. Sourcing of natural gas is considered on a national basis, with distribution via a national grid. The development is calculated to represent % of the UK annual consumption (2008 figures) before mitigation, based on existing local consumption. The proposed development will incorporate highly efficient boilers and high levels of insulation to meet the relevant requirements of the Code For Sustainable Homes. Compared with existing local housing stock, an average dwelling constructed to Level 4 of this code would be expected to consume 65% less gas. With the proposed mitigation, the generation of additional CO 2 associated with burning natural gas will be of overall negligible significance. Reinforcement of the existing high voltage network will be required to serve electricity to the proposed development. This will require the provision of an additional 33kV service from Fort Widley to Waterlooville. The upgrades at either end have already been carried out. This will result in some disruption during cable laying, which will be reduced by routing the cable though the development site for some of its length rather than along existing roads. This reinforcement will provide additional electricity capacity to the wider Waterlooville area. Sourcing of electricity is considered on a national basis, with distribution via a national grid. The development is calculated to represent % of the UK annual consumption (2008 figures) before mitigation, based on existing local consumption. The proposed development will use electricity efficiently. Electricity will not be used as a direct source of space heating, or as the primary source of water heating. Compared with existing local housing stock, an average dwelling constructed to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes would be expected to consume 50% less electricity. With the proposed mitigation, the generation of additional CO 2 associated with burning natural gas will be of overall negligible significance. There is a well developed network of underground telecommunications plant in close proximity to the site. No significant off-site improvements are foreseen. Similarly, all the mobile telecommunications networks have adequate coverage of the site, and additional masts to serve the development are not anticipated. There are no adverse residual effects relating to telecommunications. NTS - 14

17 Cumulative Impacts The Environmental Impact Assessment has also considered the impacts that the proposed development might have on the environment alongside other developments proposed. This has been undertaken throughout the EIA process by considering other developments that are likely to be constructed and/or become operational during the same period as the proposals. It has been concluded that there are no significant adverse cumulative impacts expected, although it is recommended that required tree loss along Purbrook Heath Road is minimised wherever possible in the cumulative schemes. There would, however, be some beneficial cumulative impacts, in particular related to transport and waste as a result of the proposed development in association with the cumulative schemes. NTS - 15

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