London Legacy Development Corporation Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 2013/14 Events Programme Environmental Statement Non- Technical Summary Volume I

Transcription

1 London Legacy Development Corporation Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 2013/14 Events Programme Environmental Statement Non- Technical Summary Volume I Final 26 April 2013 This report takes into account the particular instructions and requirements of our client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by any third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party. Job number Ove Arup & Partners Ltd 13 Fitzroy Street London W1T 4BQ United Kingdom

2 Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 Background 1 3 Site Context 2 4 Proposed Development 3 Page 4.1 Event Locations Temporary Structures Access 5 5 Approach and Methods Scoping Consultation Consideration of Alternatives 6 6 Findings Ecology Waste Noise and Vibration Transport 11 7 Where to find out more 13

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4 1 Introduction This document is the non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement (ES) that has been prepared to accompany a planning application by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for a programme of events within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (hereafter referred to as the Park ) from June 2013 April The proposals include periodic temporary use of open areas within the Park for live music performances, live broadcast of sport and live music events, interactive / mass participation sports zones, cultural and artistic performances, educational events and exhibitions, including the erection of event and operational temporary structures (including food and drink) and temporary ticketed and operational compounds (including blue badge car and coach parking) within the Sui Generis Use Class. As part of the submission, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken. This allows the environmental effects of the development to be assessed and where necessary, for changes to the proposal to be made before the planning application has been submitted, so that any negative effects on the environment can be reduced. This EIA has been prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 1824) as amended. As required under the regulations, a non-technical summary of the full ES has been prepared and forms this document. Details on the background and site context and are outlined in section 2 and 3. Section 4 provides an overview of the Olympic Park 2013/14 Events Programme (hereafter referred to as the Events Programme). The approach to EIA is outlined in section 5. 2 Background In October 2004 planning permissions were granted for the Olympic Games and the subsequent Post Games Transformation and Legacy proposals. In 2007 revised proposals for the Olympics, Paralympics and Legacy proposals having been subjected to an EIA were granted. This permission covered the Legacy Transformation Period of A robust slot-in/slot-out process was established by the LLDC Planning and Policy Decision Team (PPDT) so that elements of the 2007 Olympic Masterplan can be removed ( slotted out ) and new replacement pieces put in place ( slot in ) without the need for a completely new masterplan application. Other developments have been considered in the context as background for this EIA, including the Olympic Stadium Transformation, Hybrid Planning Application (LLDC, July 2012); the Legacy Communities Scheme (Olympic Park Legacy Company, September 2011), the ArcelorMittal Orbit Environmental Statement (Arup, June 2010), the South Park Landscape and Hub Application Page 1

5 (Arup, July, 2012) and Olympic Legacy Supplementary Planning Guidance (OLSPG) (GLA, July 2012). 3 Site Context The site within the Park is located in inner London, north of the Thames, and lies across the boundaries of the London Boroughs of Hackney to the north west, Tower Hamlets to the south east and Newham to the east. The site boundary adjoins, but does not include land within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The perimeter of the Park is delineated by transportation infrastructure, with the A12 to the north, the River Lee Navigation to the west, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and other railway infrastructure to south and east. The Park includes land owned by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Figure 1 shows the site location. Figure 1 Site Location Page 2

6 4 Proposed Development The Events Programme aims to animate the Park between June 2013 and April As part of this Events Programme, the LLDC is planning a series of events to mark the opening of the Park to the public in Summer The indicative events are outlined in Table 1. Table 1: Indicative Events Programme Date Stadium Capacity & Timings (per day) North Park/Chobham 29/06/13 Hard Rock Calling Kasabian 30/06/13 Hard Rock Calling Bruce Springsteen 05/07/13 06/07/13 Stand-alone concert Mumford & Sons 07/07/13 12/07/13 Wireless Justin Timberlake 13/07/13 Wireless Jay Z Capacity & Timings (per day) 59,999 12:00-23:00hrs Sunday curfew TBC 59,999 12:00-23:00hrs 59,000 12:00-23:00hrs Sunday curfew TBC 14/07/13 Wireless Jay Z/JT Legends of Summer 19/07/13 Join In Volunteer Event 59,999 13:00 20:00hrs TBC 20/07/13 Electric Daisy Carnival Tiesto, AVECCI, Steve Angelo 59,999 12:00 23:00hrs Sunday curfew TBC 21/07/13 National Lottery Anniversary Run 10,000 runners 20,000 spectators 09:30-15:00hrs 26/07/13 London Anniversary Games - Diamond League Athletics 27/07/13 London Anniversary Games - Diamond League Up to 59,999 17:00 22:00hrs Up to 59,999 12:00 17:00hrs EAST (North Park Opening Event) 29,999 14:00 22:00hrs Page 3

7 Date Stadium Capacity & Timings (per day) Athletics North Park/Chobham Capacity & Timings (per day) 28/07/13 London Anniversary Games - Paralympics Up to 59,999 13:30 17:30hrs EAST (North Park Opening Event) 04/08/13 Ride London 100 & Classic Races 29,999 14:00 22:00hrs 20-25,000 4:00 12:00hrs 16/08/13 Lollibop Up to 15,000 10:00 18:00hrs 17/08/13 Lollibop Up to 15,000 10:00 18:00hrs 18/08/13 Lollibop Up to 15,000 10:00 18:00hrs 31/08/13 Benefit Concert 65,000 12:00 23:00hrs 07/09/13 Festival of Disability Sport (NPD title tbc) Free to access event Timings TBC 08/09/13 MAJOR EVENTS PROGRAMME CLOSED TO ALLOW TRANSFORMATION AND REINSTATEMENT WORKS 4.1 Event Locations The areas identified to hold the Events Programme are: Chobham Manor (PDZ 6); North Park Hub and North East Lawns (PDZ 6a); North West Lawns (PDZ 5); Sweetwater (PDZ 4); Stadium (PDZ 3); and South Lawn (PDZ 2) Newham fun run event only. 4.2 Temporary Structures A number of temporary structures will be brought in for the duration of events, including stages, structures for front of house (FoH), medical/welfare, ticket check and collection points; portakabins for dressing rooms and production, concession stands for food and beverage temporary toilet facilities (portaloos) and back of house requirements. As many of the events will finish after dark, temporary lighting facilities will be installed across the site, lighting key areas such as exit gates, the site perimeter, back of house working areas and similar. Page 4

8 The perimeter of the events area will be secured through the use of steelshield fencing. The Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP) in the northwest of the site will be used to provide a set down / pick up area and parking for coaches and in addition provide overflow provision for blue badge parking. Furthermore, development platform 5.5 could be utilised for additional coach parking, blue badge parking and temporary cycle parking. During the events periods, no spectator car parking is provided within the site with exception of blue badge provision. 4.3 Access Access for the Events Programme will be provided primarily through sustainable modes including public transport, coaches and walking and cycling. There are good rail connections for access to the Park directly from all areas of central and outer London via the mainline services. London Buses provide a network of bus services and links to the park accessed via Stratford International and Stratford City (Westfield). The local highway network provides good connections for buses, coaches and private cars. The footways and cycleways offer good connections to the wider networks and adjoining neighbourhoods and communities surrounding the Park. 5 Approach and Methods This EIA has been prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 1824) as amended. The Events Programme is not of a type described in Schedule 1. However it can be described as an urban development project under paragraph 10(b) of Schedule 2, and at 71.1ha exceeds the threshold for EIA of development greater than 0.5 hectares. The PPDT s environmental advisors have advised that as the proposed development is of a significant size and has the potential for significant effects both on its own and in combination with other developments in the area, particularly the legacy stadium and associated events, then an EIA is required to accompany a planning application for the Park. The main stages in EIA process and preparation of this ES include: EIA scoping; Baseline data gathering and consultation; Impact assessment; Identification of mitigation measures; Residual impact assessment; Cumulative impact assessment; and Page 5

9 Preparation of ES and Non-Technical Summary (NTS). 5.1 Scoping An Environmental Scoping Report, together with a request for formal scoping opinion (under the terms of the EIA Regulations) was submitted to LLDC PPDT in February The purpose was to identify relevant environmental issues, to establish the extent of baseline information available to determine the appropriate approach to the EIA. The topics that were identified to be included in the ES were: Ecology; Transport; Noise and Vibration; and Waste. The Transport Statement is provided as a stand-alone document as part of the Planning Application and also is included in the ES Appendices Volume III. The following environmental topics were considered, but on the basis that they were not likely to generate significant environmental effects it was assessed that these could be scoped out of the EIA: Air Quality; Cultural Heritage; Daylight, sunlight and overshadowing; Environmental wind; Ground conditions and contamination; Socio-economics; Townscape and visual impact; and Water resources. 5.2 Consultation Consultation has been undertaken with the LLDC s PPDT team and through the scoping process with the Statutory Bodies. 5.3 Consideration of Alternatives A series of events types have been considered for the Events Programme in the Olympic Park, ranging from Mega to Small events. Consideration was given to the scale of the events that could be accommodated within the park. The locations of the various events was considered and determined to be limited to a number of development platforms available within the park. A do nothing options was also considered, however this was considered not to be an options, as it would not fulfil the commitments made as part of the Legacy of the Olympic Games. Page 6

10 6 Findings 6.1 Ecology An ecology assessment was undertaken to determine the likely significant effects of the proposed Events Programme on the ecology of the study area Approach A desk study and survey were undertaken to establish the ecological baseline conditions for the site. The desk study included a review of relevant planning documents and the Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan (OPBAP) and Annual Monitoring Reports. An ecological impact assessment was undertaken in accordance with current guidelines, to identify the potential impacts of the proposed Events Programme. The assessment was then repeated, taking into consideration any mitigation measures that are required to alleviate any significant impacts and ensure that the proposed Events Programme proceeds in accordance with wildlife legislation Baseline Conditions A range of non-statutory designated sites have been recorded within the site and surrounding area. Those that were considered to be potentially impacted are: Lea Valley Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation (SMINC); and London s Canals, Bully Point Nature Reserve, Bow Back Rivers, The Greenway and Old Ford Nature Reserve, Lea Junction Railway Triangle and The Greenway in Tower Hamlets Sites of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation (SBINCs). The site was dominated by bare ground, with some recently landscaped areas, including reedbeds, ponds, species-rich grassland and trees. A strip of retained woodland was recorded in the South Park. The River Lea, Bow Back and Waterworks Rivers flow south through the site. There are priority habitats within the site, under the Olympic Park, local, London and former UK Biodiversity Action Plans. Bat and bird boxes have been installed on bridges, buildings and trees within the site, including within the woodland strip. Two artificial otters holts have been installed along the River Lea, as well as artificial nest banks for kingfisher and sand martin Assessment The site supports or has a potential to support notable and protected species, specifically bats, otter, water vole, breeding birds, including the specially protected kingfisher and black redstart, common amphibians and reptiles and terrestrial invertebrates. There is a potential for these species/species groups, as well as the Olympic Park priority habitats and the designated sites identified previously to be impacted, due to habitat loss associated with the covering over and/or removal of newly landscaped areas and disturbance associated with noise, lighting and activity. Page 7

11 Temporary disturbance to wildlife within and adjacent to the site is expected, but the impacts are not considered to be significant, considering the implementation of the mitigation measures. The cumulative assessment has considered that the Events Programme would not give rise to likely cumulative impacts Mitigation The reinstatement of habitats will alleviate the impacts associated with habitat loss. The results of surveys undertaken to inform future OP BAP Annual Monitoring Reports will inform requirements for mitigation with respect to potential impacts on otter, water vole, black redstart and kingfisher. In addition, a 3m buffer zone will be employed around the ponds and along the waterways, to avoid disturbance to water voles that may occupy burrows in these areas. Appropriate checks will be undertaken prior to clearance to ensure works proceed in accordance with wildlife legislation. The extent of clearance will be minimised to avoid disturbance and allow the habitats to mature. Appropriate lighting mitigation will be employed during the operation of events to minimise the impacts of lighting during the operation of the events, which will include directing lighting away from the waterways, retained woodland and wetland areas. 6.2 Waste The waste assessment considers the likely significant environmental effects of solid waste generation associated with the operation of the Events Programme. Construction waste was scoped out of the assessment but that this will be managed through a waste management strategy Approach There is no recognised methodology or waste significance criteria to assess the likely significant environmental effects of solid waste generation. The assessment measures the impact on the environment with respect to changing waste generation as a result of the Events Programme and the magnitude of this impact according to the amount of waste that would require off-site disposal to landfill, which is a finite and least preferred waste management option. It has been assumed that 70% of the commercial and industrial (C&I) waste that will be generated during 2013 (from the start of operation) would be diverted from landfill via recycling and composting, based on the waste management targets set out in Your Sustainability Guide to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Although this guide sets a target of 70% recycling or composting of commercial waste by 2015, it has been assumed this will be achieved from the initial operation of the Proposed Development. It has been assumed that the remaining 30% of C&I waste generated would require off-site disposal to landfill. As no detailed events schedule is available for the period after September 2013 it has been assumed that all waste will be generated and managed in The London Legacy Development Corporation (2012) Your Sustainability Guide to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Page 8

12 6.2.2 Baseline The baseline for operational waste from the site has been assumed to be zero due to its current low volume use. The quantity of C&I waste predicted to be generated in the local area in 2013 is as follows: 107,000 tonnes in the London Borough of Hackney; 123,000 tonnes in the London Borough of Newham; 268,000 tonnes in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets; and 6,466,000 tonnes in the Greater London area. Based upon projections of landfill disposal capacity for 2013 there will be almost 2.5 million tonnes of non-hazardous landfill capacity in East London and over 6 million tonnes of capacity in Greater London Assessment It has been estimated that the Events Programme would generate a total quantity of 582 tonnes of operational waste in 2013, of which 175 tonnes would require disposal to landfill. In accordance with the significance criteria established, the likely significant environmental effects of operational waste requiring landfill disposal would be permanent (due to the permanent loss of landfill capacity) and negligible Mitigation Since there are no significant effects with regards to waste for the Events Programme, no specific mitigation has been recommended. However, a waste management strategy is proposed with in the Event Management Plan to deal with any waste arising s. 6.3 Noise and Vibration The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has engaged Atkins Acoustics, Noise & Vibration to undertake a noise assessment for a number of live concerts planned from June 2013 to April These will take place in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford ( the Park ). The assessment has considered the effects of noise from proposed live music events, construction activities and construction traffic, crowd movements relating to the events and mechanical services in support of the events Approach Acoustic models have been developed to provide noise mapping of live music, based upon the various optional stage positions around the site, including the North Park and Stadium. The results of these models have been compared with the Licence Conditions agreed with local authorities. It has been shown that the Page 9

13 licence conditions are met at the majority of defined noise sensitive residential properties around the site. An assessment of construction noise has been made with reference to guidance set out in BS5228: 2009: Code of Practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. It has been concluded that noise levels will not significantly exceed the specified noise Thresholds at the nearest affected properties, with the exception of the former Athletes Village. General guidelines for the mitigation of construction noise are offered in order to minimise the impact of the expected noise levels Assessment An assessment of traffic noise relating to construction activities has been undertaken and no impacts are predicted. An assessment of traffic noise generated by the events has also been undertaken. Impacts above existing ambient noise levels are predicted at both North and South access routes. Options for mitigation are outlined within this report. Maximum mechanical services noise limits are specified for future reference. Further studies are recommended to be undertaken by the Events Promoter at a later stage in order to ensure that the guidelines set out in British Standard BS4142 are satisfied. An assessment of crowd noise has been made based on the crowd dispersion data provided. This has indicated that there is only expected to be a slight increase in noise levels in the Leyton Road area at the end of the event when people exit the site. The noise from crowds during the concerts is considered to be insignificant compared with the music noise levels Mitigation A number of mitigation measures are proposed to deal with construction noise including use of low noise construction equipment, avoiding simultaneous use of construction equipment, shielding for high noise emitting activities and work to be carried out during daytime hours only. Construction traffic should also be managed appropriately. It is recommended that a Noise Management Plan be put in place for all of the proposed Major concerts, in order to monitor and control noise levels, as well as to deal with any possible complaints. An acoustic consultant should be appointed to assist with monitoring noise levels during the event. Mitigation in the form of sound system is proposed for the design optimisation. Best Practicable Means (BPM) should be employed to reduce noise related impacts as far as is practical. Page 10

14 6.4 Transport A transport statement was undertaken for the Events Programme covering a period from June 2013 through to April 2014 prior to the South Park being formally opened Approach In order to assess the effects of the proposed events programme, a baseline has been developed that captures the likely operation of the transport system prior to the commencement of events. The transport assessment includes a review of the following aspects: Crowd impact and management Public transport impact Rail connectivity Highway impact Coach impact Taxis and Private Hire impact Cycling impact Freight/servicing and Back of House Blue badge parking and inclusive access Workforce access Three operational phases of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (the Park) over this period are considered: Phase 1 relates to the use of the site for events between 29th June 2013 and 27th July 2013, prior to the official anniversary opening of the Park, and the opening of the North Park and the Copper Box. During this phase, the Park is not open to the general public but will only be open on event days to ticketed spectators. Phase 2 relates to the use of the site after the official anniversary opening of Park and the Copper Box, but prior to the opening of Eton Manor and the VeloPark, between 28th July 2013 and December During this phase, the North Park will be open to the general public but the South Park will remain close. It is however assumed that on event days, the Park will be closed to the general public and swept prior to the setting up and commencement of any event. Phase3 relates to the use of the site from December 2013 through to April 2014, prior to the opening of the South Park. During this phase, the Parklands and all retained venues in the North Park is anticipated to be open for public use. A series of events scenarios have been determined through discussion with TfL and PPDT based on the anticipated range of events that could occur over the Page 11

15 assessment period. Their transport impacts have been assessed against the baseline Assessment Each event will require an Event Management Plan that will govern the detailed operation of the event in order to ensure there are no significant effects. In relation to crowd movements, some temporary partial and full road closures maybe required in order to facilitate crowd movements during events. Managed pedestrian crossings will be required to ensure spectators can safely pass across roads. Temporary cycle and coach parking provisions will need to be provided for the expected demand and there are a number of locations within the site that can facilitate this Mitigation There are a number of mitigation options in relation to the deficit in rail capacity during event dispersion. This includes the provision of additional rail services. Initial discussions have indicated that the likely additional capacity that can be provided will not facilitate 23:00 finish times for mega events and as such further mitigation will be necessary. This will be either through reducing the event size or through earlier finish times. The detail of these will be agreed with transport providers closer to the commencement of the development. Page 12

16 7 Where to find out more All of the planning submission material including the environmental statement for the Events Programme is available for inspection online at: Copies of the environmental statement and other documents that accompany the planning submission for this proposed development are available by contacting the London Legacy Development Corporation's Planning Policy and Decisions Team (PPDT) as follows: London Legacy Development Corporation's (LLDC) Planning Policy and Decisions Team (PPDT). Level 10 1 Stratford Place Montfichet Road London E20 1EJ A reasonable charge will be made for printing and distribution costs. Please note that copies of the non-technical summary are free of charge. Electronic copies of the environmental statement on a DVD are free of charge. Page 13