... a world-class motor sport destination and leading business, education, leisure and entertainment venue with a brand that is synonymous with

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1 ... a world-class motor sport destination and leading business, education, leisure and entertainment venue with a brand that is synonymous with excellence and innovation Non-technical summary 2011

2 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 2011 Terence O Rourke Ltd Document designed by Terence O Rourke Ltd. All figures (unless otherwise stated) Terence O Rourke Ltd Based upon the 2011 Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty s Stationery Office Crown Copyright Terence O Rourke Ltd Licence number AL Planning Design Environment maildesk@torltd.co.uk Everdene House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth BH7 7DU

3 CONTENTS Introduction THE SITE THE PROPOSALS COMPLIANCE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT BRIEF EIA ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS CONCLUSION

4 Northampton INTRODUCTION NTS1 Silverstone Holdings Limited (SHL) is applying jointly to Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) for outline planning permission to implement the development contained within the Silverstone Circuit Masterplan Approved Development Brief (February 2009). The location of the circuit is shown on figure NTS1. NTS2 An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for the proposed masterplan development, in accordance with schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, as amended, because of the potential for significant environmental effects. An environmental statement (ES) has been prepared to report the findings and its key elements are summarised in this non-technical summary. Towcester M1 Silverstone village A43 Silverstone Circuit Milton Keynes Brackley Figure NTS1: Site location 6 3

5 N The site NTS3 Silverstone Circuit is located to the southwest of Northampton and north-west of Milton Keynes in an area of predominately rural character between the historic market towns of Brackley and Towcester. The nearest settlement is Silverstone village, which lies approximately one kilometre to the north of the circuit, with the smaller settlements of Whittlebury and Dadford two kilometres to the north-east and three kilometres to the south respectively. NTS4 The circuit lies approximately thirteen kilometres south of the M1 and 24 kilometres north-east of the M40 motorway, providing good access to the major conurbations of London, Birmingham and Oxford. Principal access to Silverstone is via the A43 to the north of the circuit, which provides a link between the M40 and M1 motorways and a regional link to Northampton and Milton Keynes. NTS5 Principal access to the site from the A43 is from a junction to the west of Silverstone village and then south along the C18 (Dadford Road), entering the site via one of two roundabout junctions. There is also access from the south using Dadford Road and, during major events, via Winterhills Road (unmade). NTS6 The entire Silverstone Estate, owned by the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), covers approximately 314 hectares and the circuit occupies the highest point of a broadly domed plateau rising from the surrounding agricultural land. The site is characterised by a combination of motor racing tracks, temporary and permanent grandstands, areas of hard surfacing, low-rise buildings and expanses of grassland interspersed with sections of hedgerow, limited blocks of woodland and earth banks. Figure NTS2 is an aerial photograph of the site, which illustrates the geographical context and current distribution of facilities at the circuit during the 2010 Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend. Figure NTS2: Aerial photograph of the site 4 5

6 NTS7 The surface of the site is relatively flat and while the site slopes away from a central dome, the gradients are generally shallow. The difference in ground level between the highest point, which is inside the north-eastern corner of the racing circuit, and lowest point, near the south-western corner of the racing circuit is approximately 13 metres. The general direction of slope is from the north-east to the south-west. NTS8 The racing circuits, grandstands and new pit and paddock area are currently the dominant features of the Silverstone site. There are several racing circuits at Silverstone that are used for different classes of motor sport including Formula 1, Touring cars, Formula 3000, MotoGP and Superbikes. The Grand Prix circuit is the longest of the track configurations and the other circuits link into various sections of this main circuit. NTS9 There are several grandstands at the circuit, some temporary and others permanent and the current seating capacity is 72,281 spectators. There are also a series of spectator banks around most of the circuit, to cater for those spectators not accommodated within the grandstands. These earth embankments offer good vantage points and also assist in attenuating noise. NTS11 The land outside the racing circuits, but within the Silverstone Estate, is put to a variety of uses. The main entrance, circuit offices and car parks are located on the western side of the circuit and an Advanced Technology Park is located to the north and north west of the circuit. This area accommodates a number of high technology and motor-related businesses including small workshop units and incubator accommodation for motor sports related industry. NTS12 The land to the west of Dadford Road comprises cleared level land that is used for overspill parking during the Grand Prix weekend and other large-scale events (see figure NTS2). It is surrounded on its three boundaries by significant landscape screening but is open to Dadford Road. NTS13 Land to the north of the A43 is included within the planning application boundary and comprises open fields separated by hedgerows and mature trees. Built development within the planning application boundary to the north of the A43 comprises Bleak Hall Farm in the west, and a contractors yard and commercial properties in the east. The application boundary also includes sections of the A43, its northern and southern grassed embankments and slip roads. NTS10 The land in the centre of the circuit comprises a combination of hard surfaces and grass areas. Tarmac surfacing is used for sections of track that cross the centre of the circuit, the airstrip and the areas used for racing schools. The two pit and paddock complexes occupy a large area of hard surfacing on the inside of the Grand Prix circuit. The centre section of the circuit also includes the current heliport. Other notable built features at the circuit include the medical centre, access roads, bridges and the Porsche Experience, the latter of which is situated to the east of the Grand Prix circuit. 6 7

7 Application boundary Local Authority Boundary Blue Line land The wider environment NTS14 The environment in the vicinity of the circuit comprises a mix of mainly woodland and agricultural uses, interspersed with scattered settlements. There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways in the local area and a range of recreational facilities including golf courses, sports facilities and picnic sites. NTS15 The A43 bypass follows a ridgeline and forms a physical barrier to the northern edge of the site, separating it from Silverstone village. Land lying to the north-east of the site is open and elevated in character, with an undulating landscape. The nearby village of Whittlebury is located on high ground, at a similar level to the circuit, and has views of the site area. NTS16 Land lying to the south-east is undulating rural agricultural land punctuated by small copses that allow distant views into the site from as far afield as Milton Keynes in the east. Land to the south-west has a strong small-scale rural character with a remote character. There is an aerodrome at Turweston, approximately six kilometres to the south-west of the circuit. NTS17 To the south, the site is contained by substantial estate woodlands associated with Stowe School and the Grade 1 Registered Park and Garden, the latter of which is owned by the National Trust, and extends up to the perimeter of the Silverstone Estate. NTS18 The planning application boundary is shown in figure NTS3. Figure NTS3: The planning application boundary 8 9

8 The masterplan proposals NTS19 Outline planning permission is sought for a mixed-use development to diversify the Silverstone Circuit business in line with the vision and objectives set out in the approved development brief (February 2009). The proposed development comprises: Woodland C1: Outdoor pursuits Tech Park - built Tech Park Outside BRDC ownership Hotel / conference, boulevard and serviced apartments Technical support services zone Business Park The Silverstone Hub and Welcome Centre with Grandstands Manufacturer Test Centre Existing car parking Existing 4 wheel drive / Country leisure pursuit area Country leisure pursuit area Exhibition and conference zone / F1 paddock area New Grandstands and Hospitality New corporate Hospitality Education Campus Sport and Leisure Complexes Existing BRDC areas New pit and paddock New pit and paddock location Showroom manufacture display zone Renewable Energy Area LPA boundaries development brief Boundary Offices, workshops and distribution facilities Education campus including on site student accommodation Three hotels Supporting retail and spectator facilities, including a Welcome Centre and Musuem of Motorsport with non-retail manufacturer display facilities Leisure and event spaces including outdoor activity areas and permanent outdoor stage Reconfiguration of existing and provision of additional, temporary and permanent grandstands Areas of hard surfacing for the temporary siting of hospitality units during scheduled major events Revised parking and access arrangements including a new access off the A43 and improvements to the existing A43/Dadford Road junction Supporting infrastructure including foul and surface water drainage Demolition of existing structures Associated landscape works. NTS20 The proposed development will provide a total of up to 451,850 sqm of new floor space across a range of uses. The masterplan proposals are illustrated in figures NTS4 and NTS5, and are summarised below. Figure NTS4: Development zones within the masterplan 10 11

9 B1: Business B1 / B2: Business / Industrial B1 / B2 / B3: Business / Industrial / Storage B8: Storage or Distribution B1 / Sui Generis: Business / Display C1: Hotels D1; Academic D2: Grandstands NON-TECHNICAL / Hospitality SUMMARY / Leisure D2: Leisure D2: Motorsport D2: Grandstand / Motorsport A1 / A3: Retail Figure NTS5: Land use plan 12 13

10 NTS21 The employment floor space will include an extension to the existing Silverstone Technology Park (Zone G2), to the north of the circuit. It will also include an area to the west of Dadford Road, which will form a new business park with a variety of employment uses (Zone K) and an education campus (Zone U). NTS22 Three new hotels (Zones H1, H2 and H3) providing a total of 460 beds will cater for both business users and visitors to race events. One of these new hotels will be a new feature hotel that will be located directly opposite the recently completed Silverstone Wing pit and paddock facility. The hotel will also incorporate premium grandstand seating with views of the newly relocated start / finish straight. NTS23 The leisure facilities will include a new Silverstone Hub and Welcome Centre (Zone L) adjacent to the new Arena section created by the recent track realignment. The buildings within Zone L will be multipurpose and will include ticket offices, customer service units, a museum, merchandising and catering facilities. This area of the site will also include the public transport hub, which will enable visitors to the site by public transport easy access to all facilities. Adjacent to Zone L will be manufacturer display facilities for specific prestige motoring marques (Zone E1). These facilities will not be commercial car dealerships but rather an opportunity for potential clients of these marques and motoring enthusiasts to view and compare cars. NTS24 In the central part of the site is the BRDC Farm and other land uses (Zone X). There is no masterplan development proposed for this zone and the existing uses shall continue as at present. Adjacent to Zone X are masterplan Zones W and W1, which will be collectively referred to as the Silverstone Arena. This area of the site will provide an indoor and outdoor exhibition space that will incorporate an arena for the Formula 1 Village during the Grand Prix weekend, open air events, concerts, corporate launches, banqueting and shows. The only permanent structure proposed for these zones is a curved grandstand of three storeys in height that will be referred to as The Events Podium. This will include additional viewing facilities, a performance stage facing into the Arena and corporate hospitality areas. NTS25 The area formerly used as the Formula 1 paddock, which is now referred to as the Heritage Pit and Paddock (Zone R1), will be used for indoor and outdoor exhibition space. This will incorporate an arena for open-air events, concerts, corporate launches, banqueting, shows and other uses that are complementary to the leisure industry. Adjacent to this area is Zone V, which will be a new corporate hospitality facility, which will be contained within an existing building, with no supporting development required. NTS26 Around the circuit there will also be three new spectator hubs (north-west, east and south) to provide amenities and a focus for spectators. These hubs will supplement the visitor centre on event days and will include catering outlets, merchandise, toilets, entertainment, a cycle hub, internal transit stops, large parasols and seating. The hubs will also include a section of grandstand seating. NTS27 Two new circuits are proposed. Zone W/ W1/P will comprise an Experiential Circuit, which will be a driver experience area, comprising a well-contained circuit, the principal purpose of which is to enable manufacturers from Zone E1 to demonstrate cars to potential clients. The landscaping proposals for this circuit are based on substantial planting with blocks of native tree species and have sought to replicate the former planting patterns of the adjacent designed Stowe Park landscape. NTS28 A new karting circuit is proposed in Zone W/W1/R1, which will be 5.2 kilometres in length. To comply with international standards for karting, the circuit will have a start-finish straight of 200 metres in length. Supporting infrastructure for the karting circuit will include an area of hardstanding, which will be used for parking vehicles and trailers during karting events. NTS29 An area for technical support services, including driver experience arena and an advanced road riding skills facility (e.g. police training) comprises Zone J, which is located to the east of the new Pit and Paddock complex. No new buildings are proposed in this zone. NTS30 Zone N and O will be used for surfaced car parking, as at present, with accesses from a roundabout junction on Dadford Road. NTS31 An area of land at the eastern boundary (Zone REW1) will be used primarily for landscape planting with native species, biodiversity enhancement and ecological study areas. This additional area of trees is also intended to assist in offsetting a proportion of the additional carbon emissions resulting from the masterplan development. Changes to grandstands NTS32 At present there are permanent fixed grandstands and temporary demountable grandstands around the Grand Prix circuit with a capacity of 72,281 seats. The proposed development will increase the seating capacity of grandstands by 30,960 seats to provide a total of 103,241 seats. Three existing grandstands are proposed for relation to the new positions. Where new temporary grandstands are proposed, concrete hardstanding pads will be laid and these will be approximately 15% larger than the footprint of the grandstand. Figure NTS6 shows grandstands that are to be removed retained or relocated. Proposed access strategy Access off the strategic highway network NTS33 The proposed masterplan development will be progressed in seven phases (see paragraph NTS47). For the first six phases of development (35% of the total development), the principal road access to the site will be via the A43 and Dadford Road, as at present. The remaining development proposed beyond the end of phase 6 will result in trip generation in excess of the capacity of Dadford Road and as such a new junction will be required to connect the circuit to the A43. The proposed highway works are summarised in table NTS1 below. Phase Phases 1 and 2 ( ) Phases 3 to 6 ( ) Phase 7 ( ) Proposed highway works Table NTS1: Access phasing The addition of a dedicated right-hand turn lane on the Dadford Road bridge for vehicles travelling east along the A43 Increase in the length/width of the A43 eastbound off-slip road and to alter the junction priority on Dadford Road to the west of Silverstone village Installation of traffic signals at the first roundabout junction to the site Creation of new junction between Dadford Road over bridge and Zone G2 Access points from Dadford Road Development traffic accommodated 23% 12% (35% cumulative total) 65% (remaining) NTS34 Dadford Road will remain as a dual carriageway from the A43 road bridge to the southernmost existing roundabout. There will be no additional access points into the site from Dadford Road and there will be a total of six vehicular access points, four from the east of Dadford Road and two from the west. These are described below: i. ii. iii. iv. Of the four access points to the east of the road, the most northerly will predominantly provide access to Zones H1 and G2. The second access point will link to the semicircular boulevard that will provide access to Zones E1, L, H3, W1, W and X. The third, which is an existing roundabout will provide the principal access to the visitor car parks in Zones N and O, and will also provide the first point of access from Dadford Road into Zone K to the west of the road. The fourth, and most southerly of the access points from Dadford Road will link to the southern end of the semicircular boulevard adjacent to Zone H3 and will also provide access to Zone U to the west of the road

11 Grandstand name Grandstand seating (existing, proposed and relocated) Additional Grandstand in line with proposed masterplan +42.8% Figure NTS6: Grandstand seating plan 16 17

12 Site boundary Location of Velib cycle hubs Location of transport hubs Location of cycle stands and storage Pedestrian & cycle movement routes Upgrade to shared footway / cycleway On-site transport hub Access within the site NTS35 Proposed access within the masterplan site is illustrated on figure NTS7. Sections of the existing perimeter road around the Grand Prix circuit will remain as at present, and some sections will be upgraded. There will be two new crossing points of the Grand Prix circuit constructed to facilitate vehicular access to northern and southern infield sections of the track and these will be either underpasses or bridges. The northern underpass will cross the track just west of Copse corner adjacent to the existing underpass (which will be retained for pedestrian use) and will emerge adjacent to Zone W/W1/R1. This underpass will provide access to the northern section of the infield including the proposed karting circuit, Zones R1 and V and the Heritage Pit and Paddock. NTS36 The southern underpass will cross under the Hangar Straight close to Stowe Corner to access the southern infield area including Zone J and the new pit and paddock complex. NTS37 There will be a network of identified cycle and pedestrian routes within the masterplan area and movement by cycle within the site will be supported by a network of cycle hubs located at strategic locations. At each of the hubs there will be dedicated cycle racks for the permanent circuit cycles, which will enable cycle journeys to start and finish at a range of locations within the site. The cycle routes will follow the route of the perimeter road. Figure NTS7: Proposed access within the masterplan site NTS38 A transport hub will be located adjacent to the main car parks (Zones N and O) and the Welcome Centre (Zone L) on the semicircular boulevard. This hub will include a bus terminus and taxi stops that will facilitate access for visitors using these modes of transport to the heart of the Silverstone site and to the other hubs located around the perimeter of the site. There will also be a cycle hub at this point, which will enable visitors to access the remainder of the site using non-car modes of transport, and there will be pick up points for the Silverstone internal transportation system; a system of mini-buses and buggies that will transport visitors around the site

13 Strategic approach to the landscape masterplan NTS39 The landscape masterplan for this application (figure NTS8) has been developed in response to the existing landscape character on site and its wider setting. The scale of new planting will complement the existing character with large blocks of new woodland used to anchor large spaces, with hedgerow, swales and standard trees giving the masterplan structure. Species will be selected to respond to location creating distinct areas of character, while blurring the edges of the Circuit with the wider rural setting. Infrastructure improvements Surface water drainage NTS40 The principle of the drainage strategy for the masterplan site is to maintain the existing pattern of drainage, using a combination of watercourses and balancing ponds, but with the addition of storage / conveyance capacity through sustainable drainage systems (e.g. permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, trapped gullies for roads, swales and attenuation ponds) and piped infrastructure to manage the additional surface water flows from the proposed development. Foul drainage Figure NTS8 Landscape masterplan NTS41 The northern section of the site will be served by the existing gravity main system and balancing tanks and the eastern side of the site will continue to use the pumped rising main, which connects to the northern gravity system. New foul rising mains and pumping stations will be installed to serve the southern section of the site, Zone K, Zone U and the Silverstone Arena. These will convey foul flows to the northern gravity system and from there to the public sewerage system. Individual buildings in the vicinity of the new foul pumping stations will drain to the pumping stations by gravity sewers. The provision of the new foul rising main from the southern section of the site, along the route of the semicircular boulevard will enable the decommissioning and removal of a section of existing rising and gravity main that runs approximately south to north across the main car parks and Zone G

14 Electricity supply NTS42 The Silverstone Circuit and a number of surrounding facilities take their electricity supply from the Silverstone Primary Substation, which is located adjacent to the northern boundary of Zone K. The Silverstone Circuit has a total of 20 no. substations. Additional capacity is required to serve the masterplan development and new distribution high voltage cable networks and local substations will also be required within the new development area. These elements cannot be assessed at this stage and will need to be considered within a separate, but linked assessment once the feasibility study has been completed. Gas supply NTS43 The Silverstone Circuit has no supply of natural gas and a supply will need to be connected to the site. New distribution medium / low-pressure pipeline networks with pressure reduction systems and metering will be required within the new development areas. As with the electricity supply, details of required works cannot be assessed at this point and a separate but linked assessment will be required for the eventual gas supply improvements. Water supply NTS44 The Silverstone Circuit currently has a single water supply serving a partial ring main via a pumped supply with tank storage. Upgraded facilities will be required, which will increase the flow rate of water supply and require new infrastructure distribution ring main(s) to serve the development areas. Any upgrades considered necessary would require separate but linked assessment. Compliance with the development brief NTS45 The proposed masterplan has sought to follow the scale and nature of development provided by the approved Development brief (2009). The proposed range and distribution of land uses across the site is very close to that set out in the approved brief and where there are differences between the current masterplan and the development brief, these have either been to improve the proposed layout, ameliorate potential environmental impacts or respond to prevailing economic and market conditions. The masterplan design has also responded to other developments and immediate occupier requirements at the circuit (including the track reconfiguration and new pits and paddock), which have overtaken the implementation of the development brief. NTS46 The timeframe for implementation of the development brief was intended to be a 20-year period and a slightly shorter timescale (2013 to 2031) has been assumed for the masterplan. This is a long period and there is potential for a number of variables such as planning policy, infrastructure requirements and economic climate to change within the life of the masterplan. The masterplan therefore needs to retain sufficient flexibility to enable adaptation to change, whilst ensuring that the environmental impacts of the key parameters of the total proposed development can be presented in this ES and considered by determining authorities and consultees. These requirements of the masterplan and the timescale for implementation of the masterplan are the reason that this application is being submitted in outline. Phasing strategy NTS47 The proposed masterplan development will be progressed in seven phases, as summarised in table NTS2. Phase Timeframe 1 1st quarter st quarter rd quarter nd quarter st quarter st quarter st quarter nd quarter st quarter nd quarter rd quarter 2019 end of st quarter 2024 end of 2027 Table NTS2: Phasing timeframe NTS48 A summary of the phasing of development for each of the masterplan zones is provided in table NTS3 below, which excludes zones G1, M, P and X, where development is either already operational or there is no development proposed. Zone Zone description Masterplan phase(s) K Business Park 1, 2, 6 G2 Technology Park 1, 4, 5 and 6 U Education Campus 1, 3 and 5 J Silverstone Drive (Stowe) 1 R1 Heritage Paddock 1 V Corporate Hospitality 1 Q Country Leisure Pursuit 1 C1 Woodlands 1 L Silverstone Hub, Welcome Centre, Experience Centre, Heritage Centre 2 and 6 W/W1/P Experiential Circuit 2 W and W1 Arena Area 6 W/W1/R1 Karting Centre 2 E1 Showroom Manufacturer Display 1, 2 and 3 H1 Hotel 4 H2 Hotel 1 H3 Hotel 1 S New Grandstands 1 Table NTS3: Summary of masterplan development phasing by zone EIA assessment methodology NTS49 The various specialist assessments undertaken as part of the EIA all have their own specific methodologies but within the ES, all topics follow the same general approach. Baseline desk and / or field studies were undertaken to establish the existing situation. The effects of the proposed development have then been evaluated using a method that compares the sensitivity or importance of receptors with the likely magnitude of change to establish the significance of potential environmental effects. NTS50 The level of significance determines the resources that should be put in place to avoid or reduce (mitigate) an adverse effect or identifies the value of a beneficial effect. The environmental effects for each topic are summarised below and set out in more detail in the environmental statement. Assessment of environmental effects Air quality NTS51 Principal air quality issues associated with the masterplan development are the generation of dust emissions and vehicle emissions during the construction phase and road traffic emissions during the post-construction phase of the development. Hyder Consulting has undertaken an assessment of air quality impact and this has considered existing and predicted future concentrations of key pollutants on and in the vicinity of the masterplan site. Road traffic emissions are the most influential source of existing air quality and therefore future road traffic flows have been taken into account when predicting the future baseline concentrations. NTS52 Construction processes and the movement of construction plant and machinery will result in increased dust emissions but the extent of potential for significant impact is limited to a zone of approximately 200 metres of areas of construction works. A range of proven dust mitigation measures has been proposed within the assessment and when these are applied during the construction process, no significant dust emissions are envisaged. NTS53 The assessment of potential worst-case construction traffic emissions has demonstrated that there will be increased concentrations of emissions on all of the roads assessed but that out of a total of 16 residential receptors, significant effects (slight significance) were only predicted for four locations on or close to the A43. These effects will be temporary and at the four locations, increases in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide will be between 3.15% and 5.77% of the future 22 23

15 baseline level in No significant impacts were predicted for particulates (PM10) emissions from construction vehicles. NTS54 The assessment of post-construction impact has been based on projected traffic flows set out in the Transport Assessment and because there is considerable uncertainty about how background air quality and emissions from vehicles may change when projected into the future, the assessment has modelled two scenarios, one being an optimistic case and the other being a pessimistic case for future emissions. Professional judgement has indicated that the most realistic results would be between the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios and this assessment has demonstrated that for the majority of highways links within the study area, increases in traffic flow will not lead to an increase in emissions of nitrogen dioxide or particulates approaching the UKAQS objectives. Out of the 16 receptor locations, impacts of slight significance are only predicted for the same four locations along the A43 as for the assessment of construction traffic. Cultural heritage NTS55 The nature of the masterplan proposals are such that there is potential for interaction with known archaeology, hitherto unknown archaeology, listed buildings, monuments and other features of historic interest. NTS56 Hyder Consulting has undertaken an assessment of potential impact to the cultural heritage resource. This assessment is predominantly desk-based using mapping, published and unpublished sources of information, but also includes site visits and consultation with relevant organisations including the County Archaeologists of Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, and the National Trust. NTS57 The baseline assessment confirms the potential for archaeological remains within the proposed masterplan area, ranging from prehistoric through to modern periods, and identifies five listed buildings and eight buildings of historic importance (not formally listed) within the study area. The assessment also confirms the importance of the Stowe historic park and garden to the south of the circuit. NTS58 Regarding archaeology, there will be no development within Zone X, which has been identified through consultation as an area of particular potential archaeological interest. The assessment concludes that the value or sensitivity of the archaeological resource on the masterplan site is low and that although the proposed development has potential to modify buried archaeological materials, it is unlikely to result in a significant impact. NTS59 Regarding built heritage, the assessment of potential impact on listed buildings confirms that all five would either be screened from the proposed development or have no views of the site. No significant impacts on listed buildings are predicted nor will there be any significant impacts on nearby non-listed buildings or their setting. NTS60 The designated historic landscape of Stowe is recognised as being the most important receptor in the context of the cultural heritage assessment. There will be no development within the designated area, which overlaps the planning application boundary and it is considered that the existing infrastructure of the circuit is such a dominant feature in the landscape that the proposed masterplan development will have a negligible additional effect on the setting of the historic Stowe landscape. In conclusion, there are no significant adverse effects predicted to the cultural heritage resource. Economic and community NTS61 A key objective of the masterplan proposals is to create a wide range of employment, leisure and recreational opportunities and a socioeconomic assessment has been undertaken as part of the EIA to present the predicted effects of the proposed development in the context of existing baseline economic and employment conditions. The socio-economic assessment has been prepared by specialist consultants SQW and has involved a desk-based review of existing economic and employment information and statistics. This has presented baseline information at local authority, regional and national level such that respective indicators can be compared. NTS62 The baseline assessment has determined that the economies of Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire are performing well against regional and national averages, with relatively high levels of employment. Both local authorities do however have policy objectives focussed on reducing levels of their working populations that work outside their respective areas. NTS63 The predicted effects of the masterplan development have been presented qualitatively and quantitatively for both the construction and operational phases of the development. During the construction phase, the nature of employment will be more permanent than on many construction projects because of the 20-year timescale for masterplan development. It is predicted that an average of approximately 550 construction jobs will be created per annum on the masterplan site. NTS64 Once the masterplan is implemented and occupied, the full development is predicted to generate a net figure of approximately 4,800 new jobs directly and add approximately 210 million per annum to the economies of Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire. This is also predicted to increase the Gross Value Added per head of population because there will be more high-value jobs retained within the local authority areas. NTS65 The proposed masterplan development will have a beneficial effect on the provision of opportunities for leisure and recreation at a local level and the construction of three high-capacity hotels on the site will provide assistance to the tourism industries of Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire. Ecology and nature conservation NTS66 An assessment has been undertaken by Ecology Solutions, which has included review of published sources and previous reports undertaken on the site, site visits, consultations and specific surveys. Surveys undertaken as part of the EIA have included habitat surveys, hedgerow assessments and protected species surveys for bats, badger, dormice, reptiles, amphibians and birds. All surveys have been undertaken within relevant seasonal periods and in accordance with best-practice guidance. NTS67 While the Silverstone Circuit has areas of substantial built development and infrastructure, the overall masterplan area includes a number of fields, hedgerows, blocks of woodland, and watercourses with potential for ecological and nature conservation interest. NTS68 There are no European or nationally designated nature conservation sites on or in the vicinity of the masterplan site but there are three woodland sites within the masterplan area that have non-statutory designations. The habitat assessments confirmed that the majority of the habitats on the site were of low value but that some of the ponds, woodlands and hedgerows were of some habitat value. The protected species surveys identified use of areas of the masterplan area by the following species: Badger although no setts were recorded Bats Myotis and Pipistrelle species, with two building roosts identified Dormice five nests on the south-western boundary of the site Birds a range of breeding bird species were identified Amphibians great crested newts were found in 14 of the 15 ponds on the site Reptiles low populations of slow worm and grass snake Invertebrates common species are expected to be present NTS69 The impact assessment confirmed that there would be no adverse effects on European or nationally designated sites. An extensive biodiversity strategy has been proposed for the masterplan site and this will ensure that impacts to the majority of habitats on the site are either of negligible adverse significance or are beneficial

16 The biodiversity strategy will also ensure that there are no significant adverse effects to protected species, and in some cases, there may be beneficial effects to population levels. Ground conditions NTS70 Since its use as an airfield in World War 2, Silverstone has had a history of development which has been focussed on motorsport and aviation uses. Whilst many parts of the masterplan area are predominantly undeveloped, and at low risk of contamination, other areas that have had more intensive historical use present potential for contamination of soils and groundwater. NTS71 A predominantly desk-based assessment has been undertaken by Hyder Consulting to investigate the historical development of the site, the prevailing geology and hydrogeology and the potential for soils and groundwater to be contaminated. The desk-based assessment has utilised available mapping, published sources of information and results of previous site investigations. The assessment has also been informed by site visits. NTS72 The geology of the site is dominated by clay with some deposits of sand and gravel. Previous intrusive investigations on the site have confirmed the published geological conditions and have not identified any significant sources of contamination. A conceptual model developed for the site has indicated that many areas are considered to be a low to medium risk of contamination, with discreet areas of the site considered to be at high risk of potential contamination. The greatest potential for contamination is considered to be associated with the site petrol station, the pit and paddock areas, fuel tanker stands and vehicle maintenance areas. NTS73 The construction phase of the masterplan is considered to present potential for dust generation, mobilisation of existing contaminants, construction workers to come into contact with contaminants in the soil or groundwater, and for accidental spillage of contaminative materials. Proposed mitigation includes dust suppression measures, requirements for Personal Protective Equipment for site personnel and the implementation of best-practice site management measures through a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). NTS74 The only predicted significant residual effect with respect to ground conditions is associated with the potential for end users of the site to come into contact with contamination in the soils. A targeted site investigation will be undertaken in areas of the site considered to have potential for contamination and where remediation is shown to be required, a remediation statement will be prepared. Hydrology, water quality and flood risk NTS75 Hyder Consulting has undertaken an assessment of the potential effects of the masterplan proposals on the surface water environment and groundwater. The potential for surface water to be a source of flood risk for the proposed development to increase flood risk elsewhere has also been assessed through a formal Flood Risk Assessment. The baseline conditions have been established by undertaking a desk study, including a review of water quality and drainage information received from the Environment Agency. A conceptual drainage and flood risk assessment has been completed to provide a preliminary assessment of the surface water run off rates from the site. NTS76 The site lies on a ridge of land at the source of a number of watercourses. The watercourses generally source either at the site boundary or just outside of it. The watercourses drain into two catchments: to the River Tove to the north and the River Ouse to the south. These rivers are located approximately 10 kilometres and 8 kilometres from the site respectively. Because of the distance from the site, these rivers have not been included as part of the assessment. NTS77 There are 15 ponds on the site, many of which are used as attenuation ponds. The existing racing circuit and old runways drain to adjacent land/filter drainage trenches. There are no known functional issues with the existing drainage features and it is considered that the drainage system operates effectively. The water quality of surface water features is generally good and no pollution incidents on the site have been recorded. NTS78 The site is located within a flood plain, which has a low probability of fluvial flooding (annual probability of < 0.1 %). Groundwater flooding has also been assessed as low and there is no tidal flood risk at the site. The masterplan area is not considered to be particularly susceptible to flooding from surface water and artificial sources. NTS79 The potential impacts, without mitigation, on water quality during the construction phase will arise from normal construction activity and the particular hazards of construction on an exposed site. Mitigation for these potential impacts will be provided in the method statement and the CEMP will detail how these potential environmental risks will be managed (see chapter 16 of the ES for further information). NTS80 As a result of the development and the associated increase in impermeable area, flood risk is likely to increase unless surface water managed appropriately. The principle of the proposed drainage strategy is to maintain the existing pattern of drainage but with the addition of storage and conveyance capacity through sustainable drainage systems (e.g. permeable paving, rainwater harvesting, trapped gullies for roads, swales and attenuation ponds) and piped infrastructure to manage the additional surface water flows from the proposed development. With this drainage strategy, flood risk will not be increased on site, or to third parties. NTS81 During the post-construction phase, surface water falling on the site could be contaminated by spills and leaks of oil and fuel, and by other materials deposited on the drained surfaces and contaminated runoff could be released into the surface water environment. Mitigation for the potential operational impacts will be provided by implementing a surface water drainage design, which utilises sustainable drainage systems, highlighted above, as a means of restricting discharge rates and runoff volumes, as well as improving water quality, and providing biodiversity opportunities and amenity value. With the proposed mitigation it is considered that the development will have no significant impact on water quality. NTS82 Overall, the proposed development will not result in a significant impact on hydrology, water quality or flood risk. Landscape and visual effects NTS83 Macgregor Smith Landscape Consultants has undertaken a landscape and visual impact assessment for the proposed development. The assessment includes an analysis of the existing landscape features of the site, the landscape character of the site and its surroundings and the existing visibility of the site from identified viewpoints. The predicted changes resulting from the construction and post-construction phases of the development have been assessed, which identifies a number of mitigation measures that are designed to reduce the significance of the impacts identified. NTS84 The site is located on high ground contained by woodland on the eastern and western sides. Silverstone village is set in a sheltered spot slightly lower than the site. With the topography and woodland, the site is relatively well visually contained from the wider countryside. The woodlands contribute to the character of the local landscape and are an important part of the local history of the area. On the southern boundary of the site, the existing woodland forms part of the planned landscape of Stowe, which is one of the largest and most important 18th century parklands in the UK. NTS85 The motor racing circuit was established on a former World War II Royal Air Force bomber station, RAF Silverstone. Prior to the creation of the airfield the designed landscape of Stowe extended up into the southern part of the main site area and a major ride extended up to the edge of the village of Silverstone. Other aspects of the historic landscape include the Luffield Abbey and the WWII airfield

17 NTS86 The design of the masterplan has taken the identified baseline conditions and historic landscape character into account and is intended to create a more positive landscape character within the site and a better relationship with the surrounding rural landscape. The proposed development will improve the environment of the site as a national venue for motor sports, and with it the appearance and function of the site as a recreational resource. NTS87 During the construction phase, construction activity and the emergence of new development along the most public frontage of Dadford Road will be visible. A long overall construction period has been included within the assessment, as the project is likely to be phased over a 20-year period. However, the majority of construction activity will be concentrated in discrete areas at any one time. NTS88 An arboricultural survey has been undertaken on the site and this has estimated that 305 trees will be lost during the construction phase. The impact of this tree loss will be offset by the provision of extensive new areas of planting and individual trees as part of the comprehensive landscape masterplan. With the length of construction programme proposed, the scale of replacement landscape planting will be noticeable at time of the final phases of development. The scale of reparation proposed offers a substantial net gain in tree cover and will result in a slight beneficial impact. NTS89 The rationalisation of built development on the masterplan site is assessed to have a beneficial effect on man-made landscape features by removing aspects of built development that detracted from the landscape. Construction activities on the site will have a temporary adverse effect on landscape character but once development is complete and the landscaping strategy implemented, a beneficial effect on local landscape character compared to the baseline conditions. NTS90 The construction and post-construction phases will change views of the site and the assessment concludes that these impacts from local properties on and the wider countryside will be adverse during the construction phase but beneficial once development is complete and the landscaping strategy implemented. Noise and vibration NTS91 Alan Saunders Associates, a specialist consultant in acoustics, noise control and vibration, has prepared the noise and vibration assessment. The noise and vibration impacts likely to result from the masterplan development have been assessed in accordance with appropriate standards and guidance, using comparisons of absolute levels, changes in levels and contextual comparisons with the ambient noise climate and soundscape of the area. The assessment methodology was agreed with the local planning authorities. NTS92 Noise associated with daytime traffic and circuit activities are the key existing sources of noise. Noise emissions from circuit activities vary on a day-to-day basis, ranging from international competitions and national championships (e.g. Formula 1 British Ground Prix, British Touring Cars), club meetings, track day events, retail and corporate experience to filming and PR events. NTS93 Construction, over an extended phased programme, will include infrastructure and services provision as well as highways works, civil engineering, including a new A43 overbridge, and the construction of the proposed buildings in the various zones. For the most part, the implementation of the masterplan will have little potential for direct impact from noise and vibration to existing receptors due to the considerable distances involved. There is potential for shortterm noise and vibration impacts associated with structural piling work and construction of the new A43 overbridge. Standard mitigation techniques will be used to minimise impacts through implementation of the CEMP. NTS94 Regarding the operational phase, the noise climate of the site and the surrounding area will change as a result of the proposed development. Some of the new built form will change the way that circuit noise propagates within and away from the site, road traffic noise patterns will alter, and there will be some impact from the additional activities proposed. NTS95 Circuit activity noise levels will be reduced slightly in some areas, and increased slightly in others. The additional built form of the masterplan development is generally predicted to have a slight positive effect on noise propagation from circuit activity to north, east and west of the circuit. Increases in noise are predicted from the proposed new karting and experiential circuits and additional screening improvements have been proposed, which will provide additional noise reduction for these circuits and assist in offsetting the impact of these activities. When considered on a like for like basis, there would be a slight adverse impact at some locations and a slight positive impact at others. NTS96 Road traffic noise levels are predicted to increase slightly due to the predicted postconstruction development flows at all locations, but the impact is assessed to be slight, tending towards none. NTS97 When compared to the existing numbers of musical events that take place at the circuit, the changes to built development form are predicted to reduce noise levels at local receptors, however the potential increase in the numbers of events per year will increase the overall noise impact from events in the proposed Arena. Noise from musical events within the proposed Arena will be controlled by the Community Liaison Forum and Local Authority licensing system. Traffic and transport NTS98 The site is accessed from Dadford Road, which connects to the A43. The A43 is a major trunk road, linking Brackley with Towcester and Northampton. The A43 also serves as a link for traffic between the M40 and M1 motorways. NTS99 In order to improve the operation of the junction between the A43 and Dadford Road during major events at the circuit, previous applications have focused upon improving the capacity of the junction, including the dualling of Dadford Road. During large events at the circuit, including the British Grand Prix, special agreed traffic management measures are put in place to deal with the exceptionally high number of traffic movements over a short time. These measures will continue to be used for the large events, which will be essentially unchanged from the current situation. NTS100 While these measures allow the road network to cope with the high levels of traffic associated with events over short periods, they are not suitable for use on a daily basis, because they involve the closure of the A43 in one direction. The transport assessment undertaken for this planning application by Peter Brett Associates provides detailed consideration of the likely impact of the masterplan proposals and the required mitigation measures. NTS101 The assessment shows that the first two phases of development, representing around a quarter of the total development quantum, will generally have a relatively low traffic impact. Except for Dadford Road, itself adjacent to the site (in respect of which mitigation is proposed), traffic flow increases in the first two phases of development are not predicted to be significant and can be accommodated on the local highway network. Although there will be a limited increase in traffic in the local area, such as within Silverstone, Towcester and Whittlebury, most of this would be in the short-term until the completion of the proposed Towcester bypass between the A5 and the A43. In the meantime, any impact will be managed through monitoring, appropriate route signage and increased staff awareness. NTS102 The assessment shows that the full Silverstone Masterplan development would be likely to have substantial traffic flow increases in certain areas, particularly on Dadford Road adjacent to the site, but also on the A43 itself and the A5. The major flow increase will be mitigated as part of wider 28 29