DraFt EnvironmEntal StatEmEnt

Transcription

1 PHASE ONE DraFt EnvironmEntal StatEmEnt Community Forum Area Report 17 Offchurch and Cubbington

2 HS2 London-West Midlands May 2013 ENGINE FOR GROWTH

3 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Community Forum Area Report 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington

4 High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2nd Floor, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU Telephone General enquiries: Website: Crown copyright, 2013, except where otherwise stated Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with the Crown. You may re-use this information (not including logos or third-party material) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or Where we have identified any third-party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. To order further copies contact: DfT Publications Tel: Web: Product code: ES/28 Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre.

5 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents Contents Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 5 Part A: Introduction 6 1 Introduction Introduction to HS Purpose of this report Structure of this report 9 Part B: Offchurch and Cubbington overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme 10 2 Offchurch and Cubbington Overview of the area Description of the Proposed Scheme Construction of the Proposed Scheme Operation of the Proposed Scheme Community forum engagement Route section alternatives Proposals for further consideration 28 Part C: Environmental topic assessments 30 3 Agriculture, forestry and soils Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 36 1

6 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents 4 Air quality Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 40 5 Community Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 45 6 Cultural heritage Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 50 7 Ecology Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 58 8 Land quality Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation 64 2

7 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents 9 Landscape and visual assessment Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation Socio-economics Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation Sound, noise and vibration Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation Traffic and transport Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation Water resources and flood risk assessment Introduction Policy framework Assessment scope and key assumptions Environmental baseline Construction Operation References 95 3

8 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents List of figures Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas 8 Figure 2: Area context map 12 Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area 26 Figure 4: Business Sector and Composition in Warwick and West Midlands 78 List of tables Table 1: Location of construction site compounds 19 Table 2: Location of temporary worker accommodation sites 20 Table 3: Watercourse diversions 21 Table 4: Highway and road diversions 22 Table 5: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions 23 Table 6: Restricted access diversions 23 Table 7: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges 24 Table 8: Holdings affected by the Proposed Scheme 33 Table 9: Preliminary evaluation of likely status and value of protected and/or notable species occurring within the study area 55 Table 10: Significant residual construction effects on ecological receptors within the study area 58 Table 11: Significant residual operational effects on ecological receptors within this area 59 Table 12: Significant landscape effects during construction 68 Table 13: Significant visual effects during construction 69 Table 14: Significant landscape effects during operation year 1 (2026) 73 Table 15: Significant visual effects during operation year 1 (2026) 74 Table 16: Compound and satellite compound by size, number, workforce number, average duration of use and peak hour trips 86 4

9 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 Structure of the HS2 draft Environmental Statement The draft ES documentation for the purpose of this consultation comprises: A non-technical summary (NTS) providing a summary of the Proposed Scheme, the likely significant effects of the Proposed Scheme, both beneficial and adverse, and the means to avoid or reduce the adverse effects; A main report consisting of two volumes: ȃȃ ȃȃ Volume 1: Introduction to the Environmental Statement and Proposed Scheme which provides an introduction to HS2, an overview of the hybrid bill process and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodology, an introduction to consultation and engagement, the main strategic and route-wide alternatives considered; and Volume 2: Includes 26 Community Forum Area (CFA) reports, each with a separate corresponding set of drawings, which together provide the assessment of local environmental effects. An assessment of the effects of the Proposed Scheme on a route-wide basis is presented in Report 27. HS2 Ltd set up 26 community forums along the line of route of the Proposed Scheme, as a regular way of engaging with local communities 1. Volume 2 of this draft ES supports this engagement strategy by providing a draft ES report for each CFA. This is a report for the Offchurch and Cubbington area, CFA 17. The draft ES has been written in a clear and accessible manner, however, on occasion it has been necessary to use technical terms. Given this, a glossary of terms and list of abbreviations for all draft ES documentation is provided. 1 Details of these community forums are provided on the HS2 website at Accessed 25 April

10 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Contents Part A: Introduction 6

11 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction to HS2 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Introduction HS2 is planned to be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, linked by high speed trains running at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour (kph) (225 miles per hour (mph)) HS2 is proposed to be built in two phases. Phase One (the Proposed Scheme), the subject of this draft ES, would involve the construction of a new railway line of approximately 230km (143 miles) between London and Birmingham that would become operational by 2026; with a connection to the West Coast Main Line (WCML) near Lichfield and to the existing HS1 line in London. The Phase One route and the 26 CFAs are shown in Figure On opening, Phase One would run up to 14 trains per hour (tph). HS2 trains would be up to 400 metres (m) long with 1,100 seats during peak hours. Beyond the dedicated high speed track, these high speed trains would connect with and run on the existing WCML to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network. A connection to HS1 would also allow some services to run to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel Phase Two would involve the construction of lines from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester; with construction commencing around 2027, and planned to be operational by After Phase Two opens, it is expected that the frequency of train services on this part of the Phase One route could increase up to 18tph The Government believes that the HS2 network should link to Heathrow and its preferred option is for this to be built as part of Phase Two. However, the Government has since taken the decision to pause work on the Heathrow link until after 2015 when it expects the Airports Commission to publish its final report on recommended options for maintaining the country s status as an international aviation hub. 1.2 Purpose of this report This report presents the likely significant environmental effects as a result of the construction and operation of Phase One (the Proposed Scheme) that have been identified to date within the area of Offchurch and Cubbington (CFA 17). It provides a summary of the likely environmental issues and proposed mitigation measures that are being addressed during the design development process within the Offchurch and Cubbington area The final details of the Proposed Scheme and assessment of its environmental impacts and effects will be presented in the formal ES submitted in accordance with the requirements of Parliamentary Standing Order 27A (SO27A) 2. 2 Standing Order 27A of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons relating to private business (environmental assessment), House of Commons. 7

12 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Introduction Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas 8

13 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Introduction 1.3 Structure of this report This report is divided into three parts: Part A an introduction to HS2 and the purpose of this report; Part B overview of the area, description of the Proposed Scheme within Offchurch and Cubbington and its construction, community forum engagement, and a description of the main local alternatives; and Part C environmental topic assessments overview of the policy framework, the environmental baseline within the area, an assessment of construction and operational effects, the proposed mitigation measures, and significant residual effects for the following environmental topics: ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ ȃȃ Agriculture, forestry and soils; Air quality; Community; Cultural heritage; Ecology; Land quality; Landscape and visual assessment; Socio-economics; Sound, noise and vibration; Traffic and transport; and Water resources and flood risk The maps relevant to Offchurch and Cubbington CFA are provided in a separate corresponding document entitled Volume 2: CFA 17 Map Book, which should be read in conjunction with this report In addition to the environmental topics covered in Part C of this report, Report 27 also addresses climate, electromagnetic interference and waste and material resources on a route wide basis. 9

14 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Introduction Part B: Offchurch and Cubbington overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme 10

15 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington 2 Offchurch and Cubbington 2.1 Overview of the area The Offchurch and Cubbington CFA covers a 7.2km section of the Proposed Scheme in Warwick District, where it passes to the east of Royal Leamington Spa. It extends from the Grand Union Canal in the south to the boundary between Weston-under-Wetherley and Stoneleigh parishes in the north. The area includes land within the parishes of Offchurch, Cubbington and Weston-under-Wetherley The area sits between the adjacent CFAs of Ladbroke and Southam (CFA 16) to the south and Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green (CFA 18) to the north, as shown in Figure 2. Settlement, land use and topography The area is predominantly rural in character, with agriculture being the main land use, interspersed with small villages and a scattering of isolated dwellings and farmsteads. The edge of Leamington Spa lies approximately 2km to the west of the Proposed Scheme. The village of Offchurch is approximately 800m west of the Proposed Scheme. Cubbington is the largest village in the area and is approximately 600m west of the Proposed Scheme Hunningham village, approximately 1.5km to the east of the Proposed Scheme, comprises a group of farmsteads around a historic core, with some dispersed development towards the River Leam. Weston-under-Wetherley lies to the north and just over 1km from the Proposed Scheme, and stretches along the B4453 Rugby Road, with an area of more recent development on its southern edge on the site of a former hospital The River Leam flows from north to south through the centre of the area. The Grand Union Canal lies to the south of Offchurch and defines the southern boundary of the CFA. North Cubbington Wood (map CT 01-46, D6/7) and South Cubbington Wood (map CT 01-46, F5) straddle the B4453 Rugby Road approximately 1km east of Cubbington village. Key transport infrastructure The B4455 Fosse Way (map CT ) in the south and the B4453 Rugby Road (map CT ) in the north are the principal highways through the area. These are busy cross country routes which head in a north-easterly direction towards Rugby and Coventry. Welsh Road (map CT ) is the main north-south route through the area, connecting Offchurch with Cubbington to the north and Southam to the south. The existing Banbury to Leamington Spa Line runs approximately 4.2km to the west of the Proposed Scheme. 11

16 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Figure 2: Area context map 12

17 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington A well-established network of public footpaths, byways and bridleways provide connections between the villages in the area. The Offchurch Greenway is a popular local route to the south and east of Offchurch village. Dedicated car parks for Offchurch Greenway have been provided off the B4455 Fosse Way and off Welsh Road. The Centenary Way runs along the southern boundary of the area, following the Grand Union Canal towards Leamington Spa. The Lias Line, which runs from Warwick to Rugby, crosses the area to the south of Offchurch. Demographic profile The population for the Cubbington area, including the outer edge of Leamington Spa, totals approximately 2,900 people. This figure is likely to rise by 2029 should proposed housing developments to the west of Cubbington go ahead. At present 34% of the population is aged 60 and over. Couples aged 65 and over account for about 33% of all households in the area There are low levels of ethnic diversity in the population, compared with both regional and national averages 4. Similarly, there are low levels of deprivation 5. Most of the housing stock in the area is owner-occupied (82%), with levels of ownership exceeding regional and national averages. The area has a higher than regional and national averages proportion of one family households (67%) and a lower than regional and national averages proportion of single person households. Notable community facilities The villages of Offchurch, Hunningham and Weston-under-Wetherley share a limited range of facilities, comprising a church, a public house, a village hall and some areas of public open space. Cubbington has a wider range of services, including a small high street with a number of convenience shops, together with a primary school, two nurseries, a number of meeting halls, public open spaces and play areas. Many residents in the area are dependent upon travelling to the larger village of Cubbington, or to other main centres outside the area for access to day-to-day services. Leamington Spa is the nearest main centre for health care, libraries and has a wide range of shopping and leisure facilities. The area also falls within the catchment area for the North Leamington School at Leamington Spa, which provides secondary education for 11 to 18 year olds. Of the community facilities, the Oakdene Day Nursery at Coventry Road is the closest to the Proposed Scheme, being approximately 410m to the west. Recreation, leisure and open space Leamington Spa is also the main destination for leisure activities in the area. Public houses and community halls provide a focus for social gatherings and for some village events. The Proposed Scheme passes approximately 680m south of the Offchurch Sports Club, which has approximately 170 members drawn from the Offchurch, Hunningham and surrounding areas. The club has facilities for cricket, netball and tennis and provides a base for approximately 10 sports teams. The Waverley Equestrian Training Centre just north of Cubbington, about 300m west of the Proposed Scheme, provides facilities for riding lessons and trekking holidays and also serves as a base for the Stoneleigh Park Polo School. Offchurch Bury Park, which is 1.3km to the west of the Proposed Scheme, is home to the Offchurch Bury Polo Club There are a number of public open spaces in the area, mostly in and around Cubbington. These comprise a mix of public recreation grounds, play areas and allotments. The allotments at Coventry Road are the closest to the Proposed Scheme, being approximately 370m away. 3 Office of National Statistics, Neighbourhood Statistics, Area Selected: Warwick (Non-Metropolitan District); Accessed: 7 February Office of National Statistics (2011). 5 Department for Communities and Local Government (2010), Indices of Deprivation. 13

18 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington There is also a recreation ground at Offchurch, which is approximately 900m west of the Proposed Scheme. The Shakespeare s Avon Way and the Millennium Way public footpaths, which run through South Cubbington Wood, are popular local walking routes as well as forming part of a long distance trail. Planning context and key designations Volume 1 sets out the national policies under which HS2 has been developed. Given that the Proposed Scheme has been developed on a national basis and to meet a national need it is not included or referred to in many local plans. Nevertheless, in seeking to consider the Proposed Scheme in the local context, relevant local plan documents and policies have been taken into account in relation to environmental topics The development plan for the area comprises the saved policies of the Warwickshire Structure Plan ; and the saved policies of the Warwick District Council (WDC) Local Plan 6,7. Emerging planning policy is contained in the WDC New Local Plan Preferred Options (WDC Local Plan Preferred Options), which was published for consultation in May With regards to planning designations, much of the countryside within the area is designated as green belt. WDC s emerging Local Plan Preferred Options proposes some further growth on the edge of Leamington Spa 9. Whilst the emerging Local Plan has yet to be adopted, it envisages development in the order of 1,400 houses together with associated infrastructure, taking place on two sites to the north-west and south-west of Cubbington approximately 2km from the Proposed Scheme. The remaining areas of countryside, outside of the green belt are also subject to rural area polices, where development is limited to that necessary to support the rural economy, tourism or the vitality of rural communities The centres of Offchurch and Cubbington villages are designated as conservation areas and there are a number of listed buildings within the villages and in the surrounding countryside. North and South Cubbington Wood are designated as ancient woodland, along with Weston Wood (map CT 01-46, C8) which lies to the north Relevant policies from these documents have been taken into account in relation to the technical assessments reported in Sections 3 to Description of the Proposed Scheme The general design of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume 1. The following section describes the main features of the Proposed Scheme in the Offchurch and Cubbington area, including the main environmental mitigation measures. Overview The Proposed Scheme through this area would enter in the south by crossing the Grand Union Canal to the north of Ufton, then proceed north-westwards, passing over Welsh Road, and under the B4455 Fosse Way, the Offchurch Greenway and Hunningham Road to the north-east of Offchurch. Crossing over the River Leam it would proceed north-westwards through the southern edge of South Cubbington Wood, to the east of Cubbington. Further north it would then pass beneath the B4453 Rugby Road and Coventry Road just west of Furzen Hill Farm (map CT 01-46, B7). 6 Warwickshire County Council (2001), Warwickshire Structure Plan Warwick District Council (2007), Warwick District Local Plan Warwick District Council (2012), Warwick District Council Draft New Local Plan Preferred Options (May 2012). 9 Warwick District Council (2012), Warwick District Council New Local Plan Preferred Options (Appendix 1). 14

19 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Since the January 2012 scheme was announced by the Secretary of State, route development work has continued, and the Proposed Scheme now differs in some respects. These changes are discussed in more detail in Section 2.6, Route section main alternatives For information on noise barriers within the Offchurch and Cubbington CFA, please refer to Section 11 of this report and the SV-01 map series. Proposed scheme section by section The route would enter the area in the south (map CT ) on Longhole viaduct across the Grand Union Canal, and pass onto embankment up to just north east of Welsh Road Farm (map CT ). Key features of this section would include: The 110m long Longhole viaduct over the Grand Union Canal; and An 850m long embankment reducing in height from a maximum of 9.5m, with raised earthworks on both sides of the railway to provide screening In addition, as shown on map CT , Welsh Road would be diverted to pass under the rail line approximately 200m south of its current location, and footpaths and tracks would be diverted under Longhole viaduct to provide continued access to agricultural land and the public footpath network, including footpath E2994. The route would cross over diverted gas mains. Planting would be undertaken on both sides of the rail line to provide visual screening, landscape integration, and habitat connectivity, also incorporating a railway drainage pond to the east Continuing to the north-west, the route would pass into cutting, to just east of Offchurch, passing to the east of Springhill Cottages (map CT 01-45, H4) and Highfield (map CT 01-45, G4). Key features of this next section of the route (from map CT , C5; to CT , H4) would include: A 2.1km long cutting with a maximum depth of 19m. From a point approximately 250m south of Hunningham Road, going north, raised earthworks would be provided on both sides to provide noise and visual screening of the railway to the length of shallower cutting; and An auto-transformer station on the west side of the rail line immediately to the north of Hunningham Road (Offchurch auto-transformer station) (map CT , H4) In addition, as shown on map CT , the B4455 Fosse Way would be moved approximately 60m west and cross the rail line on a new bridge. A section of Long Itchington Road would be permanently closed where it crosses the Proposed Scheme creating a cul de sac to retain access to existing properties adjacent to the Offchurch Greenway (map CT , D3). Offchurch Greenway would pass over the rail line on a new bridge at its current location, with footpath W192 diverted approximately 30m to the south to use the same bridge. Hunningham Road would be diverted approximately 50m south of its current location, including a diversion of footpath W128, and raised approximately 6m above current ground level to pass over the rail line as it comes out of cutting and onto embankment (map CT , H4 and H5) A railway drainage pond would be required in this section immediately adjacent to the new Offchurch auto-transformer station (map CT , G4 and H4). Planting would be undertaken on both sides of the rail line to provide visual screening, landscape integration and habitat connectivity, comprising hedgerow along the top of the cutting and small blocks of broad-leaved woodland. 15

20 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Continuing to the north-west, the route would pass on to a short, low embankment and through a shallow cutting followed by a length of embankment. The route would pass over Ash Beds Brook and the River Leam and its floodplain before returning into cutting towards South Cubbington Wood. Key features of this next section of the route (from map CT , H4; to CT , F5) would include: A 200m long embankment with a maximum height of 1m with raised earthworks on both sides of the rail line to provide visual and noise screening; A new culvert carrying the diverted Ash Beds Brook beneath the railway (map CT , G4 and G5); A 50m long shallow cutting less than 0.5m deep with raised earthworks on both sides of the rail line to provide visual and noise screening; A 900m long embankment with a typical height of 1.5m over the first 600m, then increasing in height towards the River Leam floodplain, with raised earthworks on both sides of the rail line to provide visual and noise screening; A 110m long viaduct over the River Leam (map CT , A5 and B5); and A 700m long embankment with a maximum height of 10m, reducing towards South Cubbington Wood, with raised earthworks on both sides to provide visual and noise screening In addition, as shown on map CT , footpath W129y would be diverted past Fields Farm and Fields Farm Cottages on the east side of the rail line to join Hunningham Road and cross over the rail line on the new Hunningham Road bridge to re-join on the west side at Manor Farm. Two railway drainage ponds would be required in this section, one on the east side of the rail line just south of the River Leam crossing (map CT , C5), and a second on the west side near Lower Grange (map CT , H4). Planting would be undertaken on both sides of the rail line to provide visual screening, landscape integration, and habitat connectivity, comprising hedgerow along the top of the raised embankments, and small blocks of broad-leaved woodland Continuing to the north-west the route would enter a short cutting just to the south of South Cubbington Wood before entering a retained cutting where walls would be used to reduce the loss of ancient woodland in South Cubbington Wood. Coming out of retained cutting just north of Rugby Road, the route would continue in cutting to the end of the area, just north of Coventry Road. Key features of this next section of the route (from map CT , F5; to CT , C5) would include: A 150m long cutting increasing in depth to 12m at the start of the retained section (map CT , E5); An 800m length of cutting from approximately 9m to 12m deep, the east side of the cutting would be retained by a wall over the full length. The west side would change from a wall to open cutting once north of the woodland. The double retaining wall would be propped over the top of the railway. The single east side wall l is likely to require ground anchors buried behind the wall to maintain its stability; and A 1.1km long cutting with a maximum depth of 11m, with raised earthworks on both sides to the length of shallower cutting north of Coventry Road, to provide visual and noise screening In addition, as shown on maps CT and CT , a number of footpath diversions would be required in this area. A new bridge would carry a diverted Mill Lane and footpath W129d over the retained cutting at the southern edge of South Cubbington Wood (map 16

21 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington CT , E5). A length of hedgerow along the existing footpath has been identified for translocation. Approximately 400m to the north a new bridge would carry the diverted Shakespeare s Avon Way (footpath W130) over the retained cutting (map CT , C5). Footpath W130b would be diverted on the west side of the rail line along Rugby Road with a new path along the west edge of North Cubbington Wood Two new highway bridges would be required in this section. Rugby Road would be diverted approximately 30m north of its current location and would be raised approximately 6m above current ground level to pass over the cutting (map CT , I5). Coventry Road would be diverted approximately 50m to the south on a raised alignment approximately 6m above current ground level to pass over the rail line on a new bridge (map CT , E5) Planting areas would be provided on the east and west sides, adjacent to the railway and associated earthworks, to mitigate for loss of ancient woodland and associated habitats, visual screening, landscape integration, and habitat connectivity. This includes a large area of potential woodland planting immediately to the east of South Cubbington Wood (map CT , D7). An area has been identified for the translocation of ancient woodland soils and woodland creation. The area has been chosen to provide a woodland link between North Cubbington Wood and Weston Wood (map CT , F9 and G10), mitigating for loss of ancient woodland habitat in South Cubbington Wood The route would then continue into the Stoneleigh, Kenilworth and Burton Green area (CFA 18) in cutting. Land required for the Proposed Scheme The Proposed Scheme would require land on both a temporary and permanent basis. The land required for construction is shown on the construction maps series CT 05 and will be subject to review as the engineering design and formal ES is prepared. The final permanent and temporary land requirements will be set out in the formal ES. 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme This section sets out the key construction activities that are envisaged to build the Proposed Scheme in the Offchurch and Cubbington area and the control measures that are proposed to manage the works. General descriptions of construction works that are relevant to the whole of the Proposed Scheme are provided in Volume 1. Environmental management and Code of Construction Practice All contractors would be required to comply with the environmental management regime for the Proposed Scheme, which would include: Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) 10 ; and Local environmental management plans (LEMPs), which would apply within each CFA The CoCP, in conjunction with the LEMPs, would be the means of controlling the construction works associated with the Proposed Scheme to ensure that the effects of the works upon people and the natural environment are kept to a practicable minimum. The CoCP will contain generic control measures and standards to be implemented throughout the construction process A draft CoCP has been prepared and is published alongside this document. It will be kept under review as the design of the Proposed Scheme develops and further engagement with stakeholders is undertaken. 10 Arup/URS (2013) Phase One: Draft Code of Construction Practice, HS2 Ltd, London. 17

22 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Construction site operation Working hours Core working hours would be from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. There would not normally be any construction activity on a Sunday. Site specific variations to core hours and/or additional hours likely to be required would be included within LEMP following consultation with the relevant local authority. To maximise productivity within the core hours, HS2 Ltd s contractors would require a period of up to one hour before and up to one hour after normal working hours for start-up and close down of activities Work within existing stations, track laying activities and work requiring possession of major transport infrastructure (e.g. highways) may be undertaken during night-time, Saturday afternoon, Sunday and/or bank holidays for reasons of safety or operational necessity and would often involve work over consecutive nights, including over weekend possessions. Construction site compounds Main site compounds would be used for core project management (engineering, planning and construction delivery), commercial, and administrative staff. They may also service local construction worksites instead of providing an additional satellite site Satellite site compounds would generally be smaller in size, providing office accommodation for limited numbers of staff. The satellite site compound would provide local storage for plant and materials and limited car parking would be provided for staff and site operatives. Limited welfare facilities would be provided at each site The location of all site compounds along with their duration of use and a broad current estimate of the number of workers likely to work at the construction sites is set out in Table 1 and shown in maps CT to CT All construction staff would be required to comply with codes of behaviour set out by the CoCP. 18

23 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Compound type Location Typical use Estimated duration of use 11 Estimated number of workers Average work day Peak period work day Main site Satellite site Fosse Way Main Compound (map CT , D9) Longhole Viaduct (north) (map CT , G5) Main area administration and support. 60 months Construction of online Offchurch Greenway PRoW overbridge. 4 months Construction of canal viaduct. 12 months Satellite site Welsh Road underbridge (map CT , D4) Offline road realignment and construction of road underbridge. 9 months Satellite site B4455 Fosse Way overbridge (map CT , E6) Construction of offline road overbridge. 12 months Satellite site Hunningham Road overbridge (map CT , H3) Construction of offline Road overbridge. 9 months Satellite site Satellite site River Leam viaduct (map CT , C5) Cubbington retained cutting (map CT , A6) Construction of river viaduct. 12 months Construction of retained cutting. 40 months Construction of Mill Lane PRoW bridge over retained cutting. 4 months Construction of Shakespeare s Avon Way PRoW bridge over retained cutting. Construction of Rugby Road bridge over retained cutting. 4 months months Satellite site Coventry Road overbridge (map CT , E3) Construction of offline road overbridge. 9 months Table 1: Location of construction site compounds All main site compounds would contain space for the storage of bulk materials (aggregates, structural steel, steel reinforcement), an area for the fabrication of temporary works equipment and finished goods, fuel storage, plant and equipment storage and necessary operational parking. Buildings would be generally temporary modular units and layout would maximise construction space and limit land required. In urban areas it may be necessary to stack these units due to space restrictions. Hard standing areas would be installed at all site compounds The Fosse Way site compound would be accessed directly off Fosse Way and would provide the main site office and welfare facilities. The compound would provide administration and support facilities for the majority of the Proposed Scheme in the area The adjacent areas would be used for the temporary storage of any topsoil stripped as part of the works. A material reprocessing facility would also be located within the construction site compounds for recycling demolition materials and aggregates for reuse (crushing, screening and grading plants). 11 The duration for each site compound is currently based on a draft programme, which will be refined for the formal ES. 19

24 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Fencing and lighting Security fencing would be provided on the perimeter of each site compound. Individual site compounds for offices, welfare and storage would generally be demarcated and secured with fences and gates. Fence type and construction would be appropriate to the level of security required, likelihood of intruders, level of danger, and visual impact to the environment Lighting of site compounds during hours of darkness would seek to reduce light pollution to the surrounding area, in accordance with the requirements of the CoCP. Temporary worker accommodation sites One temporary worker accommodation site would be located within this section of the Proposed Scheme as detailed in Table 2. Temporary worker accommodation sites will adhere to the requirements of the CoCP. Location Site description Facilities provided Estimated duration of use Estimated number of workers Offchurch (east of HS2 route) (Map CT , D9) Fosse Way temporary workers accommodation Living accommodation, welfare facilities, car parking 60 months 30 Table 2: Location of temporary worker accommodation sites Construction traffic and access The following lorry routes are currently proposed to access each of the site compounds For the main compound at Fosse Way, traffic would travel south-west to the B4455 (Fosse Way)/A425 (Southam Road), then south-east along the A425 to its junction with the A423 at the south of Southam. Traffic would travel southbound on the A423 Ladbroke By-Pass continuing to the A423 Banbury Road/Glebe Farm Access junction, then travel southwards along the A423 passing through the following junctions before joining the M40 at the A422/ M40/A361 junction: A423 (Hardwick Hill/Southam Road)/Dukes Meadow Drive/Noral Way; A423 (Southam Road)/A422 (Ruscote Avenue/Hennef Way); A422 (Hennef Way)/A4260 (Concord Avenue); and A422 (Hennef Way)/(Wildmere Road/Ermont Way) Satellite construction site compounds would generally be more remote and operational for shorter durations, accessible either via internal site access routes and A, B or minor unclassified roads (shown on maps CT to CT ) including: The proposed lorry route for Longhole viaducts and Welsh Road underbridge construction site is Welsh Road, continuing onto B4455 Fosse Way; The proposed lorry route for B4455 Fosse Way overbridge construction site is B4455 Fosse Way; The proposed lorry route for Hunningham Road overbridge construction site is Welsh Road, continuing onto B4455 Fosse Way; The proposed lorry route for Cubbington retained cutting construction site is B4453 Rugby Road/Kenilworth Road, continuing onto A445; and 20

25 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington The proposed lorry route for Coventry Road overbridge construction site is Coventry Road/ B4453 Rugby Road/Kenilworth Road, continuing onto A The above list of satellite compounds is indicative and subject to any subsequent revisions in the design of the Proposed Scheme. Any revisions to locations of satellite compounds will be reported in the formal ES. Preparatory and enabling works Demolition works The Proposed Scheme would require no demolition of structures and buildings in this area. Drainage and culverts It is anticipated that drainage ponds would be required for both railway track and highway drainage. Watercourse diversions The route of the Proposed Scheme and associated highway works requires diversions of watercourses as detailed in Table 3. Location Watercourse (status) Reason for diversion Diversion length and map reference North of D2246 Hunningham Road Unnamed watercourse (ordinary) To realign unnamed watercourse to new culvert 80m (map CT , G4) Table 3: Watercourse diversions Utility diversions There are a number of major items of utility infrastructure in proximity to the Proposed Scheme, including: high pressure gas mains; large diameter water mains; large diameter sewers; fibre optic/signal cabling; and high and low voltage electricity lines. In summary, the main proposed utility diversions required in the area would be: Diversion of National Grid high pressure 900mm and 600mm diameter gas mains near Welsh Road for approximately six months; Diversion of National Grid high pressure 600mm diameter gas main north of Offchurch Greenway for approximately six months; Diversion of Severn Trent Water 700mm diameter water main north of Hunningham Road for approximately six months; Diversions of overhead Western Power Distribution electricity lines near Offchurch Greenway for approximately three months; and Diversion of a number of elements of utility infrastructure as part of highway realignments at Welsh Road, Fosse Way, Hunningham Road, Rugby Road and Coventry Road The diversion of major electricity and gas works is primarily to address those locations where overhead electricity clearance cannot be amended to accommodate the height of the Proposed Scheme works or where connection to gas infrastructure, for example, could be compromised. 21

26 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington The utility construction zones are included on maps CT to CT to provide an initial consideration of these diversions. Proposed diversions and an assessment of the effects of the major utility diversions will be provided in the formal ES Discussions with utility providers are underway to confirm whether plant and/or apparatus would need to be realigned away from the area of work; protected from the works by means of a concrete slab or similar; or have sufficient clearance from the work that they would not be affected Wherever practicable, temporary connections for construction site compounds would be made to local existing utility services (i.e. electricity, water, data, sewerage and surface water drainage), to reduce the need for generators, storage tanks and associated traffic movements for fuel tankers. Highway and road diversions Proposed highway and road diversions are shown on maps CT to CT and shown in Table 4. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes will be kept to as short a duration as possible. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES. Name Location Diversion route Approximate length of diversions Approximate change in route length of diversions Duration E2994 (Ridgeway Lane) Map CT , G4 and G5 Diversion under Longhole viaduct m Permanent Welsh Road Map CT Divert to new underbridge. 730m 60m Permanent B4455 Fosse Way Map CT , F5 Permanent realignment. New offline overbridge. 1.1km 0m Permanent Long Itchington Road Map CT , E5 Closure. Divert to new B4455 Fosse Way overbridge. 1.3km 390m Permanent Hunningham Road Map CT , H4 New overbridge. Permanent realignment. 380m -20m Permanent B4453 Rugby Road Map CT , I5 New overbridge. Permanent realignment. 550m 0m Permanent Coventry Road Map CT , E5 New overbridge. Permanent realignment. 940m 10m Permanent Table 4: Highway and road diversions Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions Proposed footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions are shown on map CT to CT and shown in Table 5. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes will be kept to as short a duration as possible. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will detailed in the formal ES. 22

27 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Name Location Diversion route Approximate length of diversions Approximate change in route length of diversions Duration Offchurch Greenway Footpath W192 Map CT New online overbridge (shared with Offchurch Greenway). 160m 35m Permanent Footpath W128 Map CT Divert to Hunningham Road overbridge. 720m 360m Permanent Fields Farm (footpath W129y) Map CT Divert to Hunningham Road overbridge. 1.9km 1.7km Permanent Mill Lane (footpath W129d) Map CT 01-46, G5 Divert to Mill Lane (footpath W129d) overbridge. Temporary scaffold overbridge for four months. 255m 65m Permanent Footpath Map CT Divert to Mill Lane (Footpath W129d) overbridge. Temporary scaffold overbridge for four months. 250m 50m Permanent Shakespeare s Avon Way (footpath W130) Map CT Minor diversion with temporary scaffold overbridge during construction of permanent overbridge for four months. 35m -15m Permanent Footpath W130b Map CT Divert to B4453 Rugby Road overbridge. 910m 200m Permanent Table 5: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions Restricted accesses A proposed restricted access diversion is shown on maps CT to CT and shown in Table 6. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes will be kept to as short a duration as possible. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES. Name Location Diversion route Approximate length of diversions Approximate change in route length of diversions Duration Burnt Heath Farm Access from Welsh Road. Map CT Permanent realignment. Welsh Road underbridge. 1.7km 1.4km Permanent Table 6: Restricted access diversions Main construction works Earthworks Earthworks Major earthworks in the area would include: Grand Union embankment; Offchurch cutting; Lower Grange embankment; Cubbington retaining wall; and 23

28 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Cubbington cutting Works would be carried out in a sequence, designed to reduce road and footpath closures, maintain flows within watercourses, and reduce vehicle movements by road During design development consideration has been given to the movement of materials. Wherever possible excavated material would be moved directly from the area of excavation to areas of the works where fill material is required. Some processing and temporary stockpiling of fill material may be necessary if direct placement into the permanent works is not possible. Some material may require crushing and/or screening to render it acceptable for use elsewhere. Main construction works Structures The construction methodology for all structures is subject to further design and development, and will therefore be finalised nearer to the time construction will commence. However, based on the current design detail, simplified construction sequences for the various structures in the area are described below. Bridges and viaducts Viaducts and road bridges under and over the route of the Proposed Scheme would generally be of concrete construction. Structures over the Proposed Scheme would provide a minimum clearance of 7.15m. Structures under the railway would allow for the clearances required by other modes (e.g. typically 5.7m for highways) A simplified construction sequence for a typical viaduct is provided in Volume Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges are detailed in Table 7. Location Element description Length (m) Longhole viaduct over Grand Union Canal (map CT , G5) Welsh Road (map CT , E5) B4455 Fosse Way (map CT , F5) Offchurch Greenway (footpath W192) (map CT , D5) D2246 Hunningham Road (map CT , H4) River Leam (map CT , B5) Mill Lane (footpath W129d) (map CT , E5) Shakespeare s Avon Way (footpath W130) footbridge (map CT , C5) B4453 Rugby Road (map CT , A5) Coventry Road (map CT , E5) Table 7: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges Viaduct Underbridge Overbridge Overbridge Overbridge Viaduct Overbridge Overbridge Overbridge Overbridge 110m 40m 80m 70m 25m 110m 25m 25m 40m 25m 24

29 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Retaining wall construction A simplified construction sequence for retaining walls would be as follows: Phase 1: Enabling works would be carried out in advance of the main construction works. These would include site investigation works, archaeological investigation, installing monitoring equipment, and statutory utility diversions (all as required); Phase 2: Establishment of a satellite construction site compound and perimeter fencing. Haul roads would be constructed, which would allow plant on site to undertake site clearance activities. Establishment of traffic management and realignment of roads and footpaths, as required; Phase 3: For pile wall construction, a piling rig would install a line of either bored or driven piles. A capping beam would be constructed connecting the tops of the piles. For diaphragm walls (constructed as discrete panels rather than piles), a trench would be excavated to the required depth. It would be necessary to stabilise the trench by filling the trench with supporting fluid prior to the placement of steel reinforcement and concrete; Phase 4: Once the secant or diaphragm wall reaches the required strength, the material in front of the wall would be excavated; and Phase 5: Temporary works would then be removed, including removal of any road and footpath temporary diversions. Rail infrastructure fit out The principal elements of rail infrastructure to be constructed are track, overhead line equipment, communications equipment and power supply. The installation of track in open areas would be of standard ballasted track configuration, comprising principally of ballast, rail and sleepers. Further details are set out in Volume 1. Power supply HS2 trains would draw power from overhead line equipment, requiring feeder stations and connections to the 275kV or 400kV National Grid network. There are no feeder stations within the local area. In addition to feeder stations, smaller auto-transformer stations would be required at more frequent intervals. The anticipated location of the proposed autotransformer station, required in this area is shown on map CT , H4, located immediately north of Hunningham Road on the west side of the rail line. Landscaping and permanent fencing Landscaping (i.e. earthworks and seeding and planting) would be provided to address visual and noise impacts, as well as to provide screening for intrinsically important ecological habitats and heritage features. Where appropriate, the engineering embankments and/or cuttings would be reshaped to integrate the alignment sympathetically into the character of the surrounding landscape. The planting would reflect tree and shrub species native to the Offchurch and Cubbington landscape. Opportunities for ecological habitat creation would be considered Permanent fencing would be erected and will be shown on plans to accompany the formal ES. Construction programme A construction programme that illustrates indicative periods for each core construction activity in this area is provided in Figure 3. 25

30 CFA Report Offchurch and Cubbington/No 17 I Offchurch and Cubbington Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area Commissioning Commissioning is the process of testing the infrastructure to ensure that it operates as expected. This would take place in the year prior to opening. Further details are provided in Volume Operation of the Proposed Scheme The operation of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume Up to 11 trains per hour (tph) would travel each direction in this area on day one of operation of the Proposed Scheme, which is Phase One of the proposed high speed rail network. This could increase to a maximum of 18tph when Phase Two of the high speed rail network becomes fully operational. The trains would travel at speeds up to 360kph The trains would be either 200m (one-unit train) or 400m (two-unit train) long. They would run between the hours of 05:00 and 24:00 (Monday to Saturday) and between 08:00 and 24:00 (Sunday). When required, maintenance would be conducted outside those operating hours. 26