Norwich Research Park South Environmental Statement Non Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Norwich Research Park South Environmental Statement Non Technical Summary Bullen Developments Limited October 2012

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. What are the Proposals? 3 3. Who has been Involved? The Environmental Effects and how they will be Minimised Conclusions What Happens Next? 27

3 Introduction

4 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Norwich Research Park (NRP) is an important component of the East of England life sciences cluster and receives substantial funding for research and training from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). NRP is an attractive place to work and independent research indicates that with the right investment, it should generate a significant number of new jobs, in Greater Norwich. In recognition of this, the application site has been designated in the South Norfolk Local Plan for future expansion to facilitate this growth. 1.2 Before planning permission can be granted for the proposals, it was determined by South Norfolk Council that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has to be carried out which identifies the likely significant environmental effects of the project, both positive and negative. 1.3 An Environmental Statement (ES) is then prepared that explains the findings of the EIA process. This is to make sure that, before new development is allowed to go ahead, the Local Planning Authority has all the necessary environmental information before them and that the likely significant environmental effects have been assessed and that the mitigation measures envisaged can be controlled to remove, reduce or remedy the adverse effects identified before planning permission is granted. 1.4 The Environmental Statement contains the detailed environmental information which has been requested by both South Norfolk Council and its consultees, to assist them as the decision maker, in determining the planning application. 1.5 This document provides a summary, in nontechnical language, of the Environmental Statement submitted in support of the application for outline planning permission to develop land west of the existing Norwich Research Park (NRP) hereafter referred to as NRP South. 1.6 The application is submitted on behalf of Bullen Developments Ltd, referred hereafter as the applicants for the proposed development of Research and Development Facilities, Offices and Ancillary Uses. The application is submitted in outline, with all matters reserved, save for access, for subsequent approval. 1.7 A copy of the Environmental Statement and other application documents can be viewed at the offices of South Norfolk Council, at the address below, during their normal office hours: South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norfolk NR15 2XE 1.8 A paper copy of the Environmental Statement, together with its technical appendices can be purchased from Bidwells (address below) at a cost of Alternatively a CD containing the planning application submission (which includes the Environmental Statement) is also available to purchase at a cost of (prices are inclusive of VAT). Bidwells 16 Upper King Street Norwich Norfolk NR3 1HA 1

5 What are the proposals?

6 2 WHAT ARE THE PROPOSALS? Background to the Proposed Development Area 2.1 Established in 1967 the NRP is the oldest science park in the UK and today has a world renowned reputation for research in health, food and environmental sciences, computer and information systems and chemistry. The NRP is run by a partnership of four independent institutions, namely, the John Innes Centre, the Institute of Food Research, The Genome Analysis Centre, and the Sainsbury Laboratory alongside the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). 2.2 The NRP was first established following the John Innes Centre relocating to Norwich to facilitate a close working relationship with the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Soon after, the Institute of Food Research (IFR) came to the Park followed by a number of start-up companies in the fields of agrifoods and environmental sciences. In 1988 the Sainsbury Laboratory opened, focusing on research into plants and their interaction with microbes and viruses. Today, the NRP has become one of the largest single-site clusters of life-sciences research in Europe and currently covers 160ha, including the sites of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the University of East Anglia. 2.3 In 2011, the Government and the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) invested 26 million for commercial development of the NRP and future expansion. On top of this, a further 90 million of funding for The Genome Analysis Centre, the Institute of Food Research and the John Innes Centre was announced by Universities Minister David Willetts in May Currently NRP is home to over 11,000 staff, including nearly 3,000 scientists, and has approximately 1,000 post-graduate research science students. Analysis of the most highly cited scientists in the UK over the past 20 years shows Norwich to be ranked 4 th behind London, Cambridge and Oxford. 2.5 Currently there are proposals submitted on behalf of the NRP for the redevelopment of the John Innes Centre (JIC), Institute of Food Research (IFR) and University of East Anglia (UEA) triangle sites. These sites are known collectively as NRP North. The emerging vision for the NRP North development is to create a vibrant and dynamic campus environment that will encourage innovation and interaction within the core activities of research and development. The Site and its Setting 2.6 The Norwich Research Park (NRP) is located to the south-west of the city of Norwich, which is an important regional centre in the county of Norfolk in East Anglia. The site is located within the development limit of the village of Colney, and lies approximately 5km to the west of Norwich City Centre, positioned to the west and south of the existing 3

7 Figure 2.1: Local Context NRP. The development site covers an area of approximately 29.93ha. The site is bounded to the east by both the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and the John Innes Centre. The Institute of Food Research is located to the North East, while the University of East Anglia is located further east across the River Yare and the Yare Valley, as shown in Figure The application site (see Figure 2.2) is split into two areas, divided East to West by Hethersett Lane, which connects the village of Hethersett in the south to the Watton Road in the north. The site lies on either side of Hethersett Lane which runs in a north to south direction with the primary access points from two new junctions/roundabouts and from the B1108 to the west. The site is linked to Norwich by the B1108 (Watton Road) which runs between Norwich in the east and Watton in the west. The B1108 provides a connection to the A47, Norwich Southern Bypass, which runs in an east to west direction past the site, linking King s Lynn in the west with Great Yarmouth in the east. 2.8 The western half of the site is then again divided by the Milestone Plantation which separates the far western site into an area enclosed on three sides by dense but low value woodland, and on the fourth by mature hedgerow. 4

8 Description of the Proposals 2.9 The proposed development to the west, referred to as NRP South will provide for up to 99,166m 2 of research and development, health and health related uses, including: Hospital Expansion and health facilities; Laboratory and Office Development; Car Parks; Hotel; Research and Development Facilities; Education Facilities; and Ancillary Uses All the proposed uses comply with the allocated uses identified in the South Norfolk Local Plan 2003 and the NRP Development Framework which was adopted in April The proposed NRP South site layout will include new office, education and laboratory buildings which will be primarily for research and development with some ancillary uses achieved by creating a series of linked spaces, locating buildings into a network of courtyards, landscape walkways and cycleways. The outline concept for the NRP South site is included in Figure 2.3. Figure 2.2: Aerial Photograph of Application Site & Surroundings 5

9 Figure 2.3: Illustrative Masterplan 6

10 Site Development and Phasing 2.12 NRP South will comprise of principally three phases of development. Phase will see 22% of the total building area constructed along with 428 car parking places including disabled spaces. This phase abuts the hospital and allows access from the NNUH perimeter road network. Phase will see the completion of the land to the east of Hethersett Lane with the exception of 2500m 2 to be completed post 2021, This phase represents 54% of the total building area with 1015 parking spaces provided included disabled spaces. Access from Hethersett Lane will be constructed to facilitate Phase 2. Figure 2.4: Phase 1 Development Figure 2.5: Phase 2 Development 7

11 Phase will see the completion of the built phase to the west of Hethersett Lane with 1060 car parking spaces provided (including disabled) to the east of Hethersett Lane and 890 car parking spaces (inc disabled) to the west of Hethersett Lane. To facilitate Phase 3 a road connecting Hethersett Lane to Watton Road will be constructed. Figure 2.6: Phase 3 Development 8

12 Who has been involved 3?

13 3 WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED? 3.1 The following organisations have been engaged by either the Local Planning Authority or the applicant s project team to inform the EIA process and the preparation of the planning application: South Norfolk Council Officers: - Planning - Environmental Health/Protection (inc Flood Risk Officer) Ecology Norfolk County Council: - Highways Ecology Environment Agency Anglian Water English Heritage Historic Environment Service Natural England Norfolk Wildlife Trust Highways Agency 3.2 A full list of consultees are outlined within the Statement of Community Involvement submitted with the planning application. 10

14 The environmental effects 4 and how they will be minimised

15 4 THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS AND HOW THEY WILL BE MINIMISED Legal Framework for the Environmental Impact Assessment 4.1 The Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations An assessment of the effects has been made and measures to reduce adverse effects recommended. Approach to Assessment 4.2 The approach taken to the EIA is to assess the likely significant direct and indirect effects of the proposed development on relevant receptors and environmental resources by evaluating changes to the baseline environment that are attributable to the proposed development. 4.3 In describing the significance of the effects identified in these assessments of environmental topics a seven-point scale is generally used: Major adverse; Moderate adverse; Minor adverse; /Neutral; Minor beneficial; Moderate beneficial; Major beneficial. 4.4 The likely significant environmental effects have been considered against a pre-development baseline (i.e. existing site conditions) and the effects are measured on the basis of the extent to which they deviate from this baseline, their significance and the potential for avoiding or ameliorating such effects. The mitigation measures have been identified and incorporated within the application proposals, taking account of the cumulative or interactive environmental effects arising from the proposed development together with other development projects. Scoping 4.5 In order to focus the Environmental Statement on those aspects of the development that have the potential to give rise to likely significant environmental effects, a scoping report was submitted to South Norfolk Council in April 2012 and their Scoping Opinion was adopted on 17 July As the project has developed, and the assessment work has been undertaken, the scope of the Environmental Statement has been refined. 4.6 The purpose of this scoping stage was to ensure that all relevant environmental issues were identified and assessed to provide the Local Planning Authority and its consultees with the opportunity to comment on the proposed content of the Environmental Statement and the assessment methodology/techniques to be used. 4.7 The advice received back from South Norfolk Council identified that the proposed development was likely to raise a number of issues that would need to be considered by the EIA process, and to assess the impacts of the proposed development upon the following aspects: Air Quality; Archaeology; Climate Change & Renewable Energy; Ecology; Flood Risk, Drainage & Water Resources; Landscape & Visual Impact; Noise; and Transport 4.8 Following the scoping process, the applicant volunteered to scope in an assessment of the likely significant socio-economic impacts of the proposed development. The reason for this is because we believe that the proposals will be a source of significant employment growth and opportunities within the Norwich Research Park area. It is therefore our view, that although the effects are likely to be positive, they are likely to be significant, and therefore should be considered as part of the Environmental Assessment. 4.9 For each of the environmental aspects identified above, the assessment of impacts considered the impacts arising during both the construction 12

16 and operational phases of the proposed development. The operational phase refers to the stage when the development is completed and occupied The following section provides a summary of the conclusions for each of the topics assessed, as part of the EIA process and reported within the Environmental Statement. Air Quality 4.11 There are no Air Quality Management Areas designated in the immediate vicinity of the Proposed Development. Background data for the Site and available monitoring data in the surrounding area suggests that the current nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and particulate matter (PM 10 ) concentrations are below the objectives set by the Air Quality Strategy An assessment of the likely significant environmental effects upon local air quality from construction and operational activities of the Proposed Development has been carried out A qualitative assessment of the likely significant effects upon local air quality from construction activities associated with the proposed development has also been carried out. This showed that during site activities releases of dust and PM 10 were likely to occur. The greatest potential for nuisance problems to occur will be within 350 metres of the construction site perimeter and 500m from the site access. However, through good site practice and the implementation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, the residual effect of dust and PM 10 releases will be reduced to acceptable levels (minor adverse significance for human receptors and negligible significance for ecological receptors), and will be of a temporary nature An air quality assessment of the likely significant environmental effects during the construction and operational phases was undertaken using ADMS Roads to predict the changes in NO 2 and PM 10 concentrations that would occur due to traffic flows associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Development. The results showed that the construction and operation of the Proposed Development would have an insignificant (negligible) effect on NO 2 and PM 10 pollutant concentrations In addition, the potential effects of fumes (including associated dusts and odours) from the proposed high-tech facilities were assessed qualitatively. Assuming appropriate filters will be fitted to exhaust ducts there will be no significant effects. Archaeology 4.16 An archaeological desk-based assessment within and around the application site was conducted in order to assess the likely significant effect of the proposed development on archaeological remains. Further assessment included a geophysical survey of the application site. Fieldwalking surveys have previously been undertaken in the eastern part of the application site There are no Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, other designated cultural heritage assets or known archaeological remains of national importance within the area of the proposed development. It is considered that buried archaeological remains of local to regional importance are likely to be present It is likely that there will be a need for a phased scheme of archaeological trial trenching prior to and during the proposed development. Archaeological investigation, such as trial trenching, strip, map and record excavation of later phases of the proposed development will be implemented via planning condition. The methodology of all phases of archaeological investigation will be agreed and approved by South Norfolk Council s archaeological advisors. Archaeological monitoring of the pre-construction and construction phases of the development should be implemented to ensure that all such measures are carried out Following the implementation of a programme of archaeological investigation, the Environmental Statement confirms that there will be a minor/ negligible impact upon the archaeological resource. There will be a neutral impact on 13

17 archaeological remains during the operational phase. Climate Change & Renewables 4.20 The proposed development will impact on climate change primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases during the manufacture of materials, construction and occupation. The emissions, primarily carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, have been calculated for all activities associated with the proposed development including the transport of materials to site and the transport movements associated with occupation The development is replacing agricultural land and as a result there is an increase in emissions associated with the construction, transportation and occupation of the buildings and infrastructure. The total carbon emissions from the proposed development following mitigation are estimated to represent % of UK emissions. In the context of regional figures, it is considered to be of minor adverse significance, and negligible within the national/international context. The mitigation measures proposed result in an 5.7% reduction in emissions when compared to development constructed to current building regulations and that 10% of the energy demand will be provided by renewable sources. Ecology 4.22 Ecological surveys were undertaken between February and September 2012 encompassing all the major groups for which the site is likely to be important, namely Phase 1 habitats and botany, bats, wintering and breeding birds, reptiles and invertebrates. There are no designated sites nearby, the nearest being associated with the River Yare at least 600m distant The existing site is largely arable cropland with hedgerows (some of which had mature trees); a block of mature, mixed plantation woodland; a small block of young, broadleaved plantation woodland; trees; grassland along field margins; ephemeral herb vegetation along the sides of tracks and paths; and tall ruderal vegetation along the side of a small track. Two habitats qualify as UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats: the Hedgerows and the Arable Field Margin along the western edge of the mixed plantation woodland. One section of hedgerow also qualifies as an Important Hedgerow There were no water bodies on-site and surveys of ponds on neighbouring land (by others) did not find great crested newts Triturus cristatus. Grass snake Natrix natrix was the only reptiles recorded, with a single individual identified from three visits Bat surveys recorded six species: pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle P. pygmaeus, barbastelle Barbastellus barbastella, noctule Nyctalus noctula, brown long-eared Plecotus auritus and a Myotis presumed to be Natterer s Myotis natteri. The principal areas of bat activity were west of Hethersett Lane, associated with the plantation woodland, hedgerows and margins. There was relatively little activity along the eastern boundary of the site against the existing Norwich Research Park and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital boundaries The breeding bird surveys recorded three UK BAP priority species, namely skylark Alauda arvensis (six pairs), song thrush Turdus philomelos (one pair) and dunnock Prunella modularis (three pairs); whitethroat Sylvia communis were also present (two pairs) and although not a UK BAP species it is of conservation concern and Amber listed. A pair of hobby Falco subbuteo was also present, and although not of conservation concern it is a Schedule 1 species with special penalties for disturbance of nests. The six pairs of breeding skylark represents a relatively high density for farmland as compared to literature accounts. The wintering bird surveys recorded thirty-seven species including three UK BAP priority species, but there were few large flocks associated with the site The invertebrate surveys recorded several species with UK BAP priority species status, primarily species of woodland edge and grassland The majority of the on-site features of value are evaluated as being of local value, although the 14

18 bats are considered to be of district value The project masterplan retains many of the structural habitat features of the site, retaining the hedgerows and the mixed plantation woodland, except for breaches where access roads are required. A substantial area of landscaping is allocated to ecological enhancement and this will be allocated to open grassland suitable for locally important plants such as hoary mullein Verbascum pulverulentum and common cudweed Filago vulgaris and invertebrates. This provision of new grassland is also likely to represent a net increase in high quality foraging habitat for bats relative to the loss of low quality arable cropland, with site lighting designed to minimise displacement of light-sensitive bats and to continue to allow the existing foraging areas to be utilised. For skylarks in particular, the loss of open fields cannot be mitigated onsite, thus off-site provision will be provided with skylark plots and the creation of high quality field margin habitat Overall it is considered that as a conservative assessment the impacts on foraging and commuting bats will be minor adverse but for some species the impacts will be negligible. It is proposed that for the other groups the landscaping within the masterplan, combined with other on-site and off-site measures will result in negligible or beneficial impacts. Flood Risk, Drainage and Water Resources 4.31 The assessment considered the effect the proposed development will have on surface water drainage, foul drainage and water supply in the vicinity of the application site. Existing Site 4.32 The application site is currently mainly in agricultural use with a small area of woodland plantation. Currently the site does not have any drainage network serving it and there are no water supplies within the site boundary A Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken for the application site which identified there is no existing flood issues and surface water arising from rainfall will naturally discharge by infiltration due to the permeable nature of the soils. Proposed Development 4.34 The proposed development of the site will introduce impermeable surfaces which will alter the surface water runoff characteristics of the site which could potentially impact on flood risk The introduction of human activity in the form of employees and visitors will necessitate the need for foul drainage and water supply. Both these elements are managed by Anglian Water and will affect the demand for water abstraction and the discharge of sewerage effluent During the operation of the proposed development, vehicles will access the site which presents an on-going potential for contaminants to be deposited. These contaminants could be conveyed by rainwater through the permeable soils into the underlying aquifers which are an important source of water in the region. Flood Risk 4.37 The assessment has identified that although impermeable areas have been introduced to the site the provision of sustainable drainage features will mitigate any potential increase in flood risk. The resultant impact on Flood Risk is therefore considered as none. Surface Water 4.38 The surface water drainage strategy has identified that sustainable drainage features can be used on the site which will discharge surface water arising from rainfall events by infiltration into the ground. This strategy closely mimics the existing drainage pattern of the site and will minimise any effect from the proposed development The resultant impact of the development on surface water is considered as none. Foul Drainage 4.40 The foul drainage strategy has identified that it is feasible to provide an onsite foul network to serve the proposed development discharging 15

19 to the public sewer system operated by Anglian Water Anglian Water have confirmed that there is sufficient capacity in the treatment works at Whitlingham to accept flows from the site within its existing discharge license and water quality criteria. Anglian Water have stated that there is limited capacity in the transmission sewers between the site and the treatment works and an upgrading scheme will need to be implemented to serve all the anticipated development within the area of the site. In isolation sufficient capacity exists to service the application site The proposed development will increase the discharge from the treatment works, which effects water quality, however Anglian Water have confirmed the application site can be accommodated within the agreed discharge criteria and the resultant impact from foul drainage is therefore considered negligible. Water Supply 4.43 Anglian Water has confirmed that they can provide a suitable water supply to the site without the need for offsite improvements Anglian Water has produced a Water Resources Management Plan to assess water demand over the next 25 years and identify measures to meet the demand. The plan considers both changes from existing users and that arising from the proposed and anticipated development in the region The proposed development will increase water demand and will require additional abstraction, but by the use of water efficiency devices, the increased demand will be minimised. In addition Anglian Water will manage the demand to minimise any impact from abstraction The resultant impact from water supply in therefore considered negligible. Landscape & Visual Impact 4.47 An assessment has been undertaken into the local landscape in and around the proposal site at Norwich Research Park South to ascertain the likely significant landscape and visual impacts on the site and its surroundings. The Study Area 4.48 The study area for this assessment has been largely determined by the proposed development s Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI), defined as the extent of visibility of the proposed development. The ZVI is essentially the area contained by the urban edge of south west Norwich with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research lying to each side of Colney Lane to the east of the application site, the A47 to the south and west and the B1108 Watton Road to the north. The ZVI is very restricted because of the large institutional buildings to the east, infrastructure to the north and west and significant tree belts The topography of the site is rolling in character, although the views across the river valley to Bowthorpe are notable in some locations. Otherwise the landscape around the site is relatively contained with few long views. Some listed buildings near the site have been taken into account including some to the north of Watton Road. A cluster of Grade II buildings lies opposite the junction of Hethersett Lane and Watton Road. The Grade II* listed church of St Andrew lies opposite the junction of Colney Lane and Watton Road. Colney Hall lies further west to the north of the B1108 Watton Road. Landscape Impacts 4.50 The proposal site is currently in use for arable cultivation. There are substantial woodland blocks and Oak trees within the local area The masterplan proposes to retain and enhance many of the landscape features within the application site, and provide a new contemporary landscape to help create overall benefit to the landscape The most significant landscape impact is on the application site itself but this largely predicts the change of use and could be expected for a change in any greenfield site to a developed site. 16

20 Visual Impacts 4.53 The undulating nature of the local landscape and the frequent occurrence of trees, plantations and woodland mean that the visual envelope of the proposed development is constrained to views in close proximity to the edge of the application site Substantial vegetated buffers are proposed to the south of the application site to help mitigate any potentially adverse effects A substantial green area is proposed within the application site to mitigate any residual impacts over time as the vegetation grows on to maturity. Night time Impacts 4.56 The impacts upon the night-time views will be primarily limited to those views from which the proposed development is directly visible. It is considered that it may still be possible to see some glow from more distant views but that this is likely to be set within the context of the existing urban edge of Norwich Overall it is considered that careful building design and the green infrastructure proposals will ensure that the proposed development will sit sensitively into the surrounding landscape and reinforce local character. Noise 4.58 A baseline noise study was carried out to determine the current noise environment. The potential noise emissions resulting from the proposed development were calculated using details of the type of plant and equipment likely to be installed and the potential for increased traffic flow The noise assessment has taken account of these points, and considers the potential noise related issues associated with the construction phase of the development and the long-term operation of the proposed development The assessment indicates that the noise impact of the proposed development will be very low following completion but there is the potential for some impact from fixed plant and equipment which cannot be quantified at this outline stage This may be addressed by the inclusion of boundary noise limit conditions on the proposed development, if the local authority considers this to be necessary. Socio Economic 4.62 The proposals will result in a range of economic and regeneration benefits which will each contribute towards meeting a range of economic policy related objectives for the District. In summary these are: Provision of 200 Full Time Equivalent temporary construction jobs; Upto 2,707 Full Time Equivalent additional permanent jobs on site; The proposals will indirectly support the creation of a further 785 jobs within the wider community; Inward investment of circa 228 million which will help attract new businesses to the area creating a range of new jobs Overall the proposed development is expected to make a significant positive contribution to the economy of Greater Norwich, providing additional employment opportunities, including a range of deliverable economic regeneration benefits. These benefits will make a significant and positive contribution to the economic development within the area and act as a catalyst for further investment on other sites within the Greater Norwich area. Transport 4.64 The area is well served by public transport at present supporting the existing employment centres, although facilities for passengers at the existing bus stops serving NRP are of a poor quality The development of the NRP South site will increase levels of movement via all modes of transport and, enhancement of existing facilities is proposed to ensure that high levels of accessibility are provided. The assessment of the transport impacts of the NRP South proposals has been undertaken as part of the cumulative assessment of the impacts of 17

21 both this application, and that submitted for development to the north referred to as NRP north. The transport mitigation measures have been identified as a package to support the NRP proposals as a whole (NRP North and NRP South), thereby delivering a more cohesive mitigation strategy The development proposals include a restricted level of parking provision to encourage more sustainable transport movement. The proposed limitations on parking provision associated with the development proposals is expected to increase the proportion of trips undertaken by foot, cycle and public transport to and from the NRP. Accordingly, improved connections to existing sustainable transport facilities have been proposed It is expected that the increase in employment at the NRP and the increase in housing stock in the local area planned for in the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) will result in a higher demand for walking and cycling in the vicinity of the NRP South site. Walking and cycling to the site will be encouraged by improving the facilities in the vicinity of the site and to provide additional access points along the major desire lines between the site and existing and proposed residential developments. A number of additional off-site cycle and pedestrian routes are planned to connect the site to the local area, including: New pedestrian/cycle route along the north west side of Hethersett Lane, from B1108 Watton Road to the bridge over the A47; New pedestrian/cycle route along the north west side of the proposed link road, providing access to the west site and providing a connection to the proposed bus stop on B1108 Watton Road; Incorporate pedestrian crossing facilities into the signalised B1108 Watton Road / Hethersett Lane junction and the proposed B1108 Watton Road / Link Road / Colney Hall Access junction; A new toucan crossing and pedestrian and cycle access on the B1108 Watton Road serving the UEA Triangle site and the existing bus stops, which provides access to the internal pedestrian / cycle route network with connections to the NRP South site; New pedestrian / cycle route along the north side of B1108 Watton Road, from the new toucan crossing at the B1108 Watton Road / Old Watton Road junction; New pedestrian/cycle route along the south east side of Hethersett Lane, from B1108 Watton Road to the NRP North access junction; and, Improved signage of existing pedestrian / cycle routes The internal layout will include new pedestrian and cycle links through the site that will not only encourage the use of walking and cycling to the site, but will also make the site more permeable It is proposed to encourage the use of the bus services to travel to and from the site by improving the facilities at relevant bus stops, provision of additional bus stops in the area, improving connections to bus stops and in some instances to alter bus service routes to increase site coverage and make travel by bus more attractive. Bus penetration of the NRP South site has been designed for in the proposed layout of the development and it is proposed to provide a new internal bus stop on the NRP South east site and a second new bus stop is proposed to the north of the west site on the B1108 Watton Road. Further peak hour services may be required on certain routes to cater for the additional demand and this is something to be addressed with the bus operators as the development comes forward The development is expected to generate significant additional extra trips on the highway network in the vicinity of the site, however, trips will be minimised by restricting the proposed parking provision on the site to 1951 spaces. The NRP South site will use the existing Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital roundabout and the internal road network to access the development site via Colney Lane. The site will 18

22 also be accessible from Hethersett Lane via two new four arm roundabouts providing access to both the east and west sites. In addition, the site will be accessible via the proposed signal controlled staggered crossroads junction connecting the B1108 Watton Road / Colney Hall and the proposed Link Road through the NRP South west site A number of existing junctions are expected to struggle to cope with the additional development traffic and thus junction improvements have been identified to achieve nil detriment on the highway network at peak times. Improvements have been identified for the following junctions: A47/B1108 Interchange; B1108 Watton Road/Hethersett Lane; B1108 Watton Road/Colney Lane; B1108 Watton Road/Old Watton Road; Colney Lane/JIC/IFR Access; and, Colney Lane/Hospital Access All transport improvements are intended to be implemented on a phased basis to ensure that the highway network in the vicinity of the site operates at acceptable levels throughout the construction period. 19

23 Conclusions 5

24 5. CONCLUSIONS Table 5.1: Residual Environmental Effects 5.1 In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, the Environmental Statement has assessed the likely significant environmental effects impacts for the proposed NRP South development. 5.2 The assessment has been based on a range of detailed technical reports and assessments, with the Environmental Statement reporting the likelihood of significant environmental effects occurring during the construction and operational phases of the development. Appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures have been recommended and the residual impacts, i.e. impacts following mitigation, assessed and outlined in Table 5.1. It is anticipated that the mitigation measures identified will be implemented either through appropriate planning conditions or legal agreement. Environmental Aspect Description of Effects Significance of Residual Effects Air Quality Construction Increase in dust and nuisance to existing and proposed sensitive receptors Increase in PM 10 and potential health related effects to existing and proposed sensitive receptors Increase in exhaust emissions (NO 2 and PM 10 ) and potential health related effects to existing and proposed sensitive receptors Operational: Increase in exhaust emissions (NO 2 and PM 10 ) and potential health related effects to existing and proposed sensitive receptors Increase in odour and nuisance (associated with extractions) to existing and proposed sensitive receptors Minor Adverse Minor Adverse Archaeology & Cultural Heritage Construction: Operational: 21

25 Environmental Aspect Description of Effects Significance of Residual Effects Climate Change & Renewable Energy Construction: CO2 emissions from the manufacture of materials, transportation to site and plant operations contributing to global climate change NOx emissions associated with manufacture of materials, transportation to site and operations on site contributing to global climate change. Operational: CO2 emissions associated with heating, hot water, electrical appliances etc during occupation contributing to global climate change NOx emissions associated with boiler operations for heating/cooling and hot water contributing to global climate change CO2 emissions associated with transport movements associated with the proposed development contributing to global climate change Rising temperatures as a result of climate change resulting in work places too hot to work in without the requirement for energy hungry air conditioning units 22

26 Environmental Aspect Description of Effects Significance of Residual Effects Ecology Bats Habitat Loss Bats Lighting Birds Habitat Loss Invertebrates - Habitat Loss Minor Adverse Minor Beneficial Minor Adverse Flood Risk, Drainage & Water Resources Construction: Increased Risk of Flooding during construction and operational phase by the introduction of impermeable areas to the application site. Contamination of underlying aquifer from construction activities and materials conveyed by rainwater. Foul discharge during the construction phase from welfare facilities and construction activities None None None Operational: Contamination of underlying aquifer from operation activity conveyed by rainwater None 23

27 Environmental Aspect Description of Effects Significance of Residual Effects Landscape & Visual Impact Impact on National Character Area Impact on County Character Area Impact on local landscape Impact on the site Impact on Rights of Way Impacts on trees, etc Impact on Listed Buildings/ Structures Impact on Norwich Southern Bypass Protection Zone Minor Adverse Moderate Adverse None Moderate Adverse Neutral Noise Construction: Construction Noise & Traffic Minor Adverse Operational: Noise from development generated road traffic noise Noise from fixed plant & equipment Minor Adverse Minor Adverse Socio Economic Construction: Direct Employment Indirect Employment Minor Beneficial Minor Beneficial Operational: Direct Employment Indirect Employment Major Benficial Moderate Beneficial 24

28 Environmental Aspect Description of Effects Significance of Residual Effects Transport Construction: Increase in Construction Traffic Flows Construction traffic effect on pedestrian amenity Operational: Impact of Development Traffic on Highway network Impact of Additional Traffic on Bus Journey Times and Reliability Increased Demand and crowding at bus stops Increased Demand for bus services Increased crowding on existing pedestrian and cycle desire lines Increased traffic deteriorating effect on pedestrian and cycle environment 25

29 6 What Happens Next?

30 6 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 6.1 Following the submission of the planning application, including the Environmental Statement in October 2012, there will be an opportunity for any interested parties to make their views clear to South Norfolk Council, who will take them into consideration when the application is determined in due course. The full Environmental Statement containing the detailed results of the Environmental Impact Assessment, and a set of documents supporting the planning application, will be available to view by prior appointment at South Norfolk Council offices during normal office hours. 27