Biodiversity Statement. Land at Londoneast-uk Business & Technical Park Presented to NTT Communications Corporation

Transcription

1 Delta-Simons Project Number Biodiversity Statement Presented to NTT Communications Corporation Issued: January 2018 Delta-Simons Project No

2 Delta-Simons Project Number Report Details Client Report Title Site Address NTT Communications Corporation Biodiversity Statement, Yewtree Avenue, Dagenham, RM10 7XS Project No Delta-Simons Contact Jennifer Britt Quality Assurance Issue No. Status Issue Date Comments Author Technical Review Authorised 03 Final 18/01/2018 Jennifer Britt Senior Ecologist Charlotte Sanderson- Lewis Associate and Ecology Team Leader Charlotte Sanderson- Lewis Associate and Ecology Team Leader About us Delta-Simons is a trusted, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy, focused on delivering the best possible project outcomes for customers. Specialising in Environment, Health & Safety and Sustainability, Delta-Simons provide support and advice within the property development, asset management, corporate and industrial markets. Operating from nine locations - Lincoln, Birmingham, Dublin, Durham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Norwich and Nottingham, - we employ over 70 environmental professionals, bringing experience from across the private consultancy and public sector markets. Delta-Simons is proud to be a founder member of the Inogen Environmental Alliance, enabling us to efficiently deliver customer projects worldwide by calling upon over 4,330 resources in our global network of consultants, each committed to providing superior EH&S and sustainability consulting expertise to our customers. Inogen Environmental Alliance offers its clients more consultants, with more services in more countries than the traditional multinational consultancy.

3 Delta-Simons Project Number Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION Appointment Context & Purpose Limitations PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING REQUIREMENTS Proposed Development Planning Background CURRENT SITE STATUS Findings of Preliminary Ecological Appraisal BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENTS CONCLUSION... 5 Figures Figure 1 Site Location Map Appendices Appendix A Limitations

4 Delta-Simons Project Number Page Introduction 1.1 Appointment Delta-Simons Environmental Consultants Limited ( Delta-Simons ) was instructed by NTT Communications Corporation (the Client ) to prepare a statement regarding the biodiversity benefits of the proposed landscaping scheme of a plot of land forming part of the former Sanofi Works in Dagenham, East London which is proposed for redevelopment as a Data Centre (hereafter referred to as the Site ). The location of the Site is shown on Figure Context & Purpose The Site comprises an area of land formerly occupied by chemical manufacturing facilities (agrochemical and pharmaceutical) and landfill. Now it is non-operational, with all buildings demolished. The Site is predominantly gravel with vehicular access from the west, whilst hardstanding is located centrally, with temporary Site offices and car parking. A water filled concrete depression is situated at the eastern extent of the Site. The Site is acknowledged to have been highly contaminated in its past and, therefore, due to its location near an aquifer and controlled waters, is the subject of significant remediation works already (refer to the Preliminary Risk Assessment Report, Delta-Simons, dated January 2018). 1.3 Limitations The standard limitations associated with this assessment are presented in Appendix A.

5 Delta-Simons Project Number Page Proposed Development and Planning Requirements 2.1 Proposed Development The proposed development comprises the erection of two data centre buildings (B8 Use Class), with ancillary plant, offices, gatehouse, electrical sub-stations, fuel storage, car parking, site fencing, landscaping and other associated works. 2.2 Planning Background Outline planning permission (11/01044/OUT) on the wider site was granted by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham in March 2012 for: Permission for Mixed use redevelopment comprising erection of up to 30,000 m 2 of buildings (Use classes B1(c), B2, B8, D1), retention and re-use of 41,637 m 2 of buildings (Use classes B1, B2, B8, D1) including up to 3,500 m 2 healthcare building (Use class D1), erection of 9,816 m 2 training centre (Use class D1), 9,276 m 2 supermarket including petrol station, 80 bed hotel and restaurant (Use class C1) and 2 floodlit synthetic turf football pitches with associated landscaping and parking. In February 2015, a replacement planning permission was issued as a result of a s73 planning application to vary Conditions 5 (Approved Parameter Plans) and 24 (Car Parking) (14/00959/OUT) which relocated the position of the hotel element and increased the total number of car parking spaces accessible from Rainham Road South from 700 spaces to 763. A further adjustment to the consent (Conditions 5 and 24) was made in July 2015 which updated the Parameter Plans to reflect an amended site layout, size of buildings and to increase the allowable building heights on Areas 3, 4a & 4b from 12m to 15m. Condition 24 was amended to increase the amount of car parking spaces in areas 3, 4a and 4b from 120 to 147. An application for the Approval of Reserved Matters (Appearance, Scale, Layout, Access & Landscaping) for the Erection of Units A, B, C, D1, D2, D3 & the Medical Centre within Areas 4a & 4b was approved on 10 October The approval of the relevant outline conditions was submitted to and approved by the Council on 22 November The approved development was partially implemented on 10 April 2017 with Units A & C constructed to shell level, with the platform for Unit B completed. Development has paused on these buildings pending discussions with the Council regarding the potential re-purposing of these buildings for film studio use. Elsewhere on the former Sanofi site further planning permissions have been granted for a public house (constructed), a hotel (under construction), a supermarket (now lapsed), the delivery of the ELUTEC school (constructed) and the delivery of a costa coffee house (pending). In this context the application site to which this scheme relates currently benefits from a combination of an outline and partially discharged reserved matters and conditions for three warehouses, a medical centre and a training centre for the London Fire Brigade with ancillary parking, roads and landscaping. These elements will not now be implemented and instead this eastern extremity of the wider former Sanofi site is proposed to deliver two data centre buildings with ancillary infrastructure.

6 Delta-Simons Project Number Page Current Site Status 3.1 Findings of Preliminary Ecological Appraisal In order to assess the current Site status, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and an Arboricultural Survey were completed by Delta-Simons in October and December 2017, respectively (refer to the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, and Arboricultural Assessment reports, Delta-Simons, dated January 2018). The Site was considered to be of limited ecological value, comprising large expanses of bare ground and hardstanding habitat, limited vegetation and floral diversity. The small number of scattered trees, defunct species-poor hedgerow, and scattered scrub habitats provide limited opportunities for nesting birds, whilst the bare ground created through the clearance of the previous development from the Site, if left undisturbed, provides suitable habitat for a limited number of ground nesting bird species. The standing water which had gathered within a concrete lined depression was considered sub-optimal to support Great Crested Newts (GCNs) and, whilst this species has been recorded within the local area, an environmental-dna (e-dna) test in spring 2017 confirmed this species to be absent. It is understood that as part of the wider decontamination / enabling works (not part of this application) the waterbodies are to be drained and filled, therefore, removing the risk of potential for GCNs at the Site. There was no roosting potential for bats on the Site, and potential foraging and commuting corridors were limited. There was no evidence of other protected species, or habitats that could support them, on the Site.

7 Delta-Simons Project Number Page Biodiversity Enhancements A landscaping scheme has been prepared for the Site with an aim to enhancing the biodiversity and ecological opportunities (refer to Landscape Master Plan, Barry Chinn Associates, dated January 2018). The landscaping will include native species, or those of known value to wildlife, including beech Fagus sylvatica, bird cherry Prunus padus, field maple Acer campestre, oak Quercus sp., rowan Sorbus aucuparia and silver birch Betula pendula within scattered tree planting, and a hedgerow mix of blackthorn Prunus spinosa, field maple, guelder rose Viburnum opulus, hawthorn, hazel Corylus avellana, honeysuckle Lonicera sp., holly Ilex aquifolium and wild privet Ligustrum vulgare. The single species hedgerows at the Site are to comprise hornbeam Carpinus betulus, which will keep its leaves all year round, providing shelter, roosting, nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and small mammals, and is a host to caterpillars of several notable moth species. Tits, finches and small mammals eat the seeds in autumn. A wildflower grassland seed mix is proposed along the southern Site boundary along with a scattered thicket supporting blackthorn, elder, field maple, guelder rose, hawthorn and hazel. This landscape design will provide habitat for a range of faunal species, with nesting and foraging potential for birds, foraging opportunities for bats, and valuable pollen resources for invertebrate species. The proposed landscaping will increase the diversity of plant species, microhabitats and structural mosaic at the Site, which stands as brownfield land supporting a large expanse of open bare ground habitat. Prior to its clearance, it is understood to have supported industrial buildings with limited landscaping. Furthermore, the proposed landscaping will provide connectivity for a range of faunal species, both across the Site and to the surrounding landscape. To further enhance the Site, a variety of bird nest boxes and bat boxes are proposed to be installed within the southern boundary landscape corridor. These are to be installed with appropriate protection from human disturbance, artificial light and predation, and within proximity to vegetation for shelter, dispersal and foraging. It is, therefore, proposed to install a total of four bird boxes: Two suitable to support black redstart, wagtail, robin and wren; and two-hole fronted boxes suitable to support great tit and blue tit, along with two Schwegler 2F bat boxes. The bird boxes are to be installed on the fencing within the southern boundary corridor which is to be at a height of m, whilst the bat boxes are to be installed on a pole erected within the southern boundary corridor. The above landscape and ecological enhancement principles are in line with Policy 7.19 of the existing London Plan (adopted 2016), which states: Development Proposals should: a. wherever possible, make a positive contribution to the protection, enhancement, creation and management of biodiversity In particular, the landscape corridor along the southern extent of the Site also contributes to Policy G5 of the emerging London Plan, which relates to urban greening, by providing a green corridor linking existing ecological features and enhancing the local area for biodiversity. Furthermore, in accordance with the Barking and Dagenham Local Plan and the associated Biodiversity: Supplementary Planning Document; All development proposals are required by Borough Wide Development Policy BR3 Greening the urban environment to enhance and create features of nature conservation wherever possible. It is considered that the proposed landscaping and enhancement measures for the Site will provide opportunities for a range of fauna, including England Biodiversity Priority (EBP) species and Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Species, such as bat species, house sparrows, starlings, and a range of invertebrates.

8 Delta-Simons Project Number Page Conclusion Currently the Site is considered to be of limited ecological value, comprising predominantly bare ground and hard standing, and has been subject to major remediation works due to the significant levels of ground contamination that have resulted from its past use. It is considered that the proposed landscaping and enhancement measures for the Site will provide opportunities for a range of fauna, including England Biodiversity Priority (EBP) species and Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Species, such as bat species, house sparrows, starlings, and a range of invertebrates.

9 Figure 1 Site Location Map

10 Site Location Scale: 1 / A4 LEGEND Site Boundary Scale: 1 / A4 Contains OS data, Crown Copyright and Database Right (2016/2017) TITLE: DRAWN BY: Site Location Map NTT Communications Data Centre London East Business and Technical Park, Dagenham DATE: SCALE: EN CHECKED BY: JB PROJECT NO: To Scale@A4 REVISION: 1 17 January FIGURE NO: 1

11 Appendix A - Limitations

12 Limitations The recommendations contained in this Report represent Delta-Simons professional opinions, based upon the information listed in the Report, exercising the duty of care required of an experienced Environmental Consultant. Delta-Simons does not warrant or guarantee that the Site is free of hazardous or potentially hazardous materials or conditions. Delta-Simons obtained, reviewed and evaluated information in preparing this Report from the Client and others. Delta-Simons conclusions, opinions and recommendations has been determined using this information. Delta- Simons does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided to it and will not be responsible for any opinions which Delta-Simons has expressed, or conclusions which it has reached in reliance upon information which is subsequently proven to be inaccurate. This Report was prepared by Delta-Simons for the sole and exclusive use of the Client and for the specific purpose for which Delta-Simons was instructed. Nothing contained in this Report shall be construed to give any rights or benefits to anyone other than the Client and Delta-Simons, and all duties and responsibilities undertaken are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Client and not for the benefit of any other party. In particular, Delta-Simons does not intend, without its written consent, for this Report to be disseminated to anyone other than the Client or to be used or relied upon by anyone other than the Client. Use of the Report by any other person is unauthorised and such use is at the sole risk of the user. Anyone using or relying upon this Report, other than the Client, agrees by virtue of its use to indemnify and hold harmless Delta-Simons from and against all claims, losses and damages (of whatsoever nature and howsoever or whensoever arising), arising out of or resulting from the performance of the work by the Consultant.