OUR DESIGN APPROACH TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT JANUARY 2018

Transcription

1 OUR DESIGN APPROACH TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT JANUARY 2018

2 Contents Contents Page 1. Introduction Purpose and structure of the document Natural environment policy context Overview National policy Regional policy Local policy Natural environment design considerations Biodiversity Landscape and visual amenity Water environment Design response to the natural environment What is our overarching vision for the natural environment? What is envisioned for the natural environment as part of the Heathrow Expansion Project? Proposed approach to green infrastructure What is our overarching approach to delivering the vision? The process Biodiversity Landscape and visual amenity Water environment How does our approach relate to the All London Green Grid and Colne Valley Regional Park? Next steps Page 2 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

3 Our vision is to create a positive legacy of better, well connected green infrastructure, which uses land efficiently to achieve multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Page 3 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

4 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose and structure of the document The Heathrow Expansion Project (the Project) will have an impact on the existing natural environment but also presents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver high quality mitigation for green infrastructure in the local area, including the Colne Valley Regional Park. Around Heathrow, green infrastructure (a term used to describe the networks of green space in and around cities) is recognised through the All London Green Grid (ALGG), which includes the Colne Valley Regional Park. A major project like the expansion of Heathrow, delivering nationally significant infrastructure, brings with it the chance to address areas of poor quality natural environment. By delivering an enhanced network of green infrastructure the Project offers the opportunity for positive changes in relation to the natural environment and local communities In this document we set out our vision and design approach to realise positive changes for the natural environment, wherever possible. As part of the plans for expanding the airport we would like to take opportunities to improve wildlife habitats, maintain rivers at or close to their natural courses, and deliver wider, multi-functional green infrastructure enhancements for local communities and wildlife The purpose of this document is to explain the background context and proposed design approach regarding natural environment considerations, principally comprising biodiversity, landscape and visual amenity and the water environment associated with the expansion of Heathrow. The scheme development is at an early design stage and as such our approach does not describe or set out the natural environment design in detail This document forms part of a suite of materials produced for our Stage 1 preapplication consultation and should be read in conjunction with The Scheme Development Report and Our Emerging Plans document prepared in support of the consultation The remainder of this document is structured as follows: Policy context: Natural environment aspects of the relevant government policy relating to the Project are outlined Design considerations: Natural environment design considerations are identified in relation to the Project Design response: Our likely proposed design response, in relation to key natural environment design considerations, is discussed Have your say We would like to know your views on our approach to the natural environment for the expansion of Heathrow, in particular; 1 Please tell us what you think about our approach to natural environment issues? 2 Are there any opportunities that the expansion of Heathrow could provide to enhance the natural environment? Page 4 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

5 2 Natural environment policy context 2.1 Overview Government policy in relation to a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) is set out in a National Policy Statement (NPS). The revised draft Airports National Policy Statement 1 (ANPS) was published in October, 2017 and is due to be designated in the first half of 2018 (subject to any amendments). 2.2 National policy As highlighted in the revised draft ANPS, Government policy for the natural environment is set out in the White Paper entitled The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature 2, (the Natural Environment White Paper). This sets out a vision for moving progressively from net biodiversity loss to net gain, by supporting healthy, well-functioning ecosystems and establishing more coherent ecological networks The revised draft ANPS emphasises that Heathrow will need to satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Directive 3, relating to protection of natural habitats and a wide range of animal and plant species, and that it is a requirement of the EU Water Framework Directive 4 to protect and enhance biodiversity associated with the water environment. With respect to the water environment, more widely, the revised draft ANPS also highlights the need for protection of rivers, reservoirs and groundwaters through compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive The revised draft ANPS advises that reference should be made to the National Planning Policy Framework 5 (NPPF), which sets out requirements in relation to managing flood risk and the contribution that the planning system should make to enhancing the natural environment, including establishing coherent ecological networks. The revised draft ANPS points to the NPPF as stating that pursuit of sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of the natural and built environment, as well as in people s quality of life The revised draft ANPS establishes that a proposed airport scheme should provide many opportunities for building in beneficial biodiversity as part of good design, particularly in respect of establishing and enhancing green infrastructure, and that the decision-making process for a proposed scheme will give consideration of whether the scheme has been designed carefully to avoid or minimise adverse effects in relation to the landscape. The revised draft ANPS advises that where networks of green infrastructure have been identified in development plans, they should normally be protected from development and, where possible, strengthened by or integrated within it. 1 Department for Transport, Airports National Policy Statement 2 HM Government, The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature 3 European Commission, Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. 4 European Commission, 2000 Council Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. 5 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), National Planning Policy Framework. Figure 2.1: Example of the existing natural environment within the vicinity of Heathrow Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 5

6 2.3 Regional policy The current London Plan 6 sets out policies relating to development and the natural environment, at a regional level. The current London Plan identifies strategic objectives and priorities for green infrastructure across London, including the All London Green Grid (ALGG), and states that development proposals should incorporate appropriate elements of green infrastructure that are integrated into the wider network. In the context of Heathrow this network includes the Colne Valley Regional Park. 2.4 Local policy Local authorities at and near Heathrow have also set out local planning policies relating to the natural environment, together with protection and enhancement of green infrastructure All relevant policy is being considered as part of the design approach to the natural environment In November 2017, the Greater London Authority published a draft London Plan 7 for public consultation which advises that London s network of green spaces and green features should be protected, planned, designed and managed as integrated features of green infrastructure. This draft document states that boroughs should prepare green infrastructure strategies that integrate objectives relating to open space provision, biodiversity conservation, flood management, health and wellbeing, sport and recreation. It is also identified that the Mayor will review and update existing Supplementary Planning Guidance regarding the ALGG. Heathrow 6 Greater London Authority, The London Plan 7 Greater London Authority, The London Plan - The Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London - Draft for public consultation Figure 2.2: All London Green Grid Strategic Plan Page 6 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

7 3 Natural environment design considerations 3.1 Biodiversity Biodiversity is a collective term that describes all species of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms as well as the places in which they live (i.e. habitats) and the natural systems that support them. In addition to highlighting the requirements of the Habitats Directive (outlined on page 5 of this document), the revised draft ANPS refers to the Natural Environment White Paper which sets out a vision to ensure that a halt to overall biodiversity loss is achieved by 2020, to support healthy well-functioning ecosystems, to establish coherent ecological networks and ensure more and better places for nature are provided for the benefit of people and wildlife This ambition is supported by us and is at the heart of the approach to the natural environment. However, we are aiming to go further and hope to deliver an overall gain in biodiversity. Although the Project will result in the loss of some semi-natural habitats and others of value to wildlife, opportunities to enhance, establish and improve ecological connectivity and areas of wildlife habitat will be identified in discussion with nature conservation stakeholders. 3.2 Landscape and visual amenity Landscape is defined in the European Landscape Convention 8 as: an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. Visual amenity considerations relate specifically to views of the landscape afforded to people The revised draft ANPS advises that the decision-making process for a proposed scheme will give consideration to whether the scheme has been designed carefully to avoid or minimise adverse effects in relation to the landscape and whether the visual effects on sensitive receptors, such as local residents, outweigh the benefits of the scheme. These separate but related issues will be considered in the design and assessment process as the proposals for the Project develop. 8 Council of Europe, European Landscape Convention Figure 3.1: Example of local biodiversity habitat Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 7

8 3.3 Water environment The water environment around Heathrow encompasses the surface water catchments of the River Colne, River Wraysbury, Duke of Northumberland s River, Longford River, Horton Brook and River Crane. This includes all surface water channels, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and groundwaters as well as any associated abstractions and discharges and dependant ecology. As guided by the revised draft ANPS, the interaction of the Project with the water environment lies at the heart of the design process, and is underpinned by a focus on compliance with the NPPF (with respect to flood risk) and the Water Framework Directive, as well as all other relevant policy and legislation The development of river and flood storage options has focused on ensuring that there is no increase in flood risk as a result of the development, and that rivers and their associated vegetated corridors are protected in order to prevent deterioration of their current ecological condition. This design process has been further supported by the development of a suite of options for the treatment of site runoff as well as consideration of the use of water efficiency measures to minimise the water footprint of the development and the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS) to minimise overall site runoff. These measures will mature as we refine the scheme design, and further details will be made available during our second consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment. Figure 3.2: Example of a diverse water environment Page 8 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

9 4 Design response to the natural environment 4.1 What is our overarching vision for the natural environment? The Project represents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver high quality mitigation for green infrastructure around Heathrow. By delivering an enhanced network of green infrastructure the Project offers the potential for positive changes in relation to the natural environment together with improving the quality of life for local people Our vision is consistent with Heathrow 2.0 our sustainability leadership plan which sets out how we are pursuing sustainable growth at Heathrow whilst making the area a great place to live In line with our vision, the proposed natural environment design aims are to bring about green infrastructure that is: Our vision is to create a positive legacy of better, well connected green infrastructure, which uses land efficiently to achieve multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. 1 High Quality 2 Connected 3 Integrated 4 Multifunctional Each of these is outlined on the following pages. Figure 4.1: Examples of well connected green infrastructure Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 9

10 A U N A RAL CE L RA TU AT N A I- N S P SE M EE N GR GREEN/GREY GREEN STOCKS FLOWS VALUE 1 High quality green infrastructure 2 Connected green infrastructure 3 Integrated green infrastructure Alongside the expanded airport we want to create attractive places close to where people live and work, and for people to visit. We want to create better green spaces that make a positive contribution to improving the quality of the environment, for people and wildlife. Green infrastructure is most effective when it forms a connected network that allows the free movement of people and wildlife across green spaces and along green corridors. A key driver will be maximising this connectivity, wherever possible. We propose to enhance connectivity within the airport surrounds using the landscape as a connector between places. We intend to improve access to green spaces for local people, and provide better pedestrian and cycle connections along green corridors. We are committed to better integrating the airport with its surroundings and landscape design will be key to this process by allowing considerations such as built form, wildlife habitats, watercourses, and recreational routes to be considered in conjunction with each other. The airport boundary will be carefully designed in response to its surrounding context. Natural capital Ecosystem and abiotic services Benefits to business and society Page 10 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

11 4 Multifunctional green infrastructure We want to achieve as much environmental and community benefit as possible within the land available by taking a holistic and multifunctional approach, rather than considering each element in isolation. In this way, green infrastructure can achieve more within less space, with the combined benefits becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Accessibility Wildlife habitats Example of multiple benefits 6 1 Outdoor play 2 Exercise with health benefits Recreation and social interaction 4 Agriculture and food production 5 Wildlife habitat diversity 6 Setting for built heritage features Built heritage 7 Contact with nature 8 Reduced runoff, sustainable drainage and climate change resilience Multiple benefits 9 Educational value 10 Sustainable transport with reduced pollution 11 Attractive green links with pedestrian and cycle routes 12 Multi-use water bodies 13 Rivers with ecological connectivity 14 Varied and engaging landscapes 15 Buildings integrated with the natural environment River corridors and sustainable drainage Figure 4.2: Example of multiple benefits achieved from a multi-functional design approach Recreation Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 11

12 4.2 What is envisioned for the natural environment as part of the Heathrow Expansion Project? Our aim is to provide a place that: is a high-quality travel gateway, that integrates the airport with its context and the built environment with the natural environment; retains beneficial wildlife habitats, landscapes and river networks, where possible; has been remediated appropriately and is suitable for positive future land uses, bringing enhancement to areas that are degraded or in decline; provides an extensive network of new or improved connected green spaces that reflect their contextual environment, and bring multifunctional benefits to people and wildlife; and facilitates the development of healthy and sustainable water environments, which contribute to biodiversity and mitigate flood risk. Figure 4.3: Examples of high quality, connected and multi-functional green infrastructure Page 12 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

13 4.3 Proposed approach to green infrastructure We are in the process of identifying areas that could contribute to a high quality, well-connected and multi-functional green infrastructure network which has the potential to help integrate the expanded airport with its surroundings. Key things to consider Do you have any views on our proposed approach to green infrastructure? Figure 4.4: Proposed approach to green infrastructure Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 13

14 4.4 What is our overarching approach to delivering the vision? We are working closely with Natural England who are the government agency responsible for the natural environment in England, helping to protect England s nature and landscapes for people to enjoy and for services they provide. We have a formal agreement in place which ensures we are able to work collaboratively with this important government agency ensuring that their teams can adequately engage with the project and guide as appropriate We will use a Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services approach to measure the overarching impacts of the Project on the natural environment in the context of supporting Natural England s request to include a Natural Capital assessment as part of the Project. This will show the overall benefits of multifunctional design, particularly in the context of green space as shown in the Natural Capital account for public green space in London report produced for the Greater London Authority. A Natural Capital approach is expected to be a core part of Defra s new 25-year Environment Plan and has the potential to bring economic and accounting methods for public and private assets together along with environmental understanding. 9. Natural Capital Coalition Natural Capital Protocol As outlined by the Natural Capital Coalition 9, in 2016, the Natural Capital concept encompasses all the world s natural resources, including water, air, geology, soils, plants and animals. The benefits society gain from the natural resources are known as Ecosystem Services, and vary from direct use of green spaces for recreational purposes or growing food, through to regulatory services such as provision of flood storage and supporting services such as habitats. The Natural Capital concept provides an approach to assigning value to the natural resources and the benefits they provide to people and the environment Proposals for habitat creation, community benefit and river diversions will be carefully integrated with measures to manage flood risk and surface water runoff to create extensive areas of new publicly accessible biodiverse open space, with new recreational features The green infrastructure and its associated vegetation will perform a range of important environmental functions including providing habitat for wildlife, reducing the risk of flooding, absorbing and trapping airborne pollutants. It will also help in improving health and well-being for local people, by providing a range of opportunities for people to walk, cycle, or participate in other recreational activities, within an attractive network of connected green space A Natural Capital approach will incorporate these benefits to illustrate their value, supporting the provision of multifunctional spaces and the wide variety of Ecosystem Services they provide, whilst also recognising the value of connected areas of natural habitat. The approach promotes the maintenance of the underlying stock of natural resources in order to ensure that the benefits from Ecosystem Services are sustainable and can continue to provide benefit in to the future. Figure 4.5: Natural Capital flow diagram Page 14 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

15 4.5 The process Understanding the natural environment It is crucial that we understand the baseline conditions at Heathrow, so we are now undertaking a thorough phase of survey and analysis to identify and respond to key natural environment issues, as part of the DCO application process. This is summarised in the diagram adjacent. Biodiversity Landscape and visual amenity Water environment The Environment Agency and Natural England will provide a range of advisory services. Throughout the iterative design and assessment process these statutory bodies will continue to perform their statutory duties and will work closely with us to help develop optimum solutions. Proposals will also be developed through engagement with local authorities, the public and other stakeholders, including the Colne Valley Regional Park Community Interest Company. Con 1* Early 2018 Con 2* Early 2019 Stakeholder engagement Understand relevant legislation / policy Surveys and data collection Identify opportunities for the natural environment Evaluation of options Develop integrated environmental design and assessment to inform multi-functional green infrastructure Iterative design Late 2019 Environmental Masterplan and Environment Statement * Stage 1 pre-application Consultation and Stage 2 Consultation Figure 4.6: Design approach process diagram Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 15

16 4.6 Biodiversity To ensure we appropriately compensate for loss of biodiversity, a methodology for offsetting will be agreed with Natural England. The quantum of compensation will be determined by the offsetting calculation, with the same process used to value any proposed enhancements In order to demonstrate no net loss (i.e. the basis of Government policy) and value any biodiversity enhancements, we are working with Natural England towards the use of a biodiversity offsetting metric that can value both losses and gains to biodiversity. We are proposing to focus on creating multi-functional green spaces (i.e. of value to people and wildlife) which reflect the current and historical habitats associated with the area. These will be designed to provide improved opportunities for the species currently present and provide opportunities for other species to expand their distribution in to this area Although we are proposing to deliver tangible benefits to biodiversity, it is recognised that there are other options that some stakeholders may consider to be more favourable for a range of reasons The three broad options for biodiversity offsetting are; the provision of measures to ensure net gain to biodiversity; the provision of measures to ensure no net loss only (i.e. maintain current levels); and to acknowledge and accept biodiversity losses without providing any compensation (this latter option being contrary to Government policy and not viable) The habitats around Heathrow consist of areas of grassland, scrub, farmland, woodland, lakes/reservoirs and rivers/streams. These areas currently receive widely different levels of management input and support a range of species including bats (at least nine species), otters (using the rivers within the Colne Valley Regional Park), reptiles and birds (including migratory birds of international importance wintering on the reservoirs and flooded gravel pits in the area). Biodiversity Offsetting Figure 4.7: Example of local species rich grassland Biodiversity offsets are nature conservation measures that are provided to compensate for the losses associated with economic development in a way that is both transparent and measurable. The process values both the losses of biodiversity due to a given project and the gains made in its design and any mitigation or compensation measures put forward. The Heathrow Expansion Project biodiversity offsetting metric will be aligned closely to guidance from The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) ( and developed in discussion with Natural England. This will allow the losses and gains associated with all aspects of the Project to be valued and compared in a completely transparent process. Page 16 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

17 4.6.6 Historic information suggests that habitats that are now no longer present include traditional orchards, heathland and grazing marsh. The current and historic habitats of the area and the species known to use the variety of habitats surrounding Heathrow will provide the basis for the design of green spaces, both those associated directly with any built infrastructure and those in the wider surrounds. By focusing on these current and historic habitats and species positive biodiversity outcomes (i.e. biodiversity net gains) can be promoted by aiming to maximise the value of the ecological features already present. towards responsible designs that can be maintained in the long term It is our aim to provide biodiversity offsets within the general vicinity of the airport to ensure that the populations of animals and plants present can be maintained. However, due to the scale of the project and potential limits on local land availability, the strategic biodiversity measures may need to be delivered further afield. Offsets may be delivered directly by us or through partnerships with locally based nature conservation organisations The type of habitats that will be created or species provided for, will be driven both by survey results and the aims of national and local nature conservation stakeholders such as Natural England, local planning authorities, Wildlife Trusts and Colne Valley Regional Park Community Interest Company. Within this framework, specific measures dealing with mitigation and/or compensation for designated sites and legally protected species will be determined Management of wildlife strike risk (particularly bird strike) to aircraft will be a key factor in the design of habitats, with effort made to ensure that species that pose hazards to aircraft are not attracted in to areas of risk. Although this does limit the type of habitats that can be established in certain areas this does not prevent the opportunity to achieve biodiversity gain. Rather it acts as a driver Figure 4.8: Examples of local fauna and flora species Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 17

18 In the airport vicinity we will focus on delivering habitats that are characteristic of the local area and are biodiverse. These habitats will be established within open areas and around proposed infrastructure to provide linkages across the landscape. As distance from the airport increases it is likely to be possible to establish a greater range of habitat types as airspace safeguarding to protect aircraft from bird strike becomes less of an issue By creating different types of habitats we will provide a variety of sources of food and shelter for wildlife; and connectivity between different green spaces will provide local wildlife population resilience. Figure 4.9: Example of local fauna (Eurasian Otter) Figure 4.10: Example of local fauna (Great Crested Grebe) Figure 4.11: Example of connected biodiversity Page 18 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

19 4.7 Landscape and visual amenity The design will carefully consider and respond to the landscape character and visual amenity context of the proposals, to minimise adverse landscape and visual consequences of development, and, where possible, provide enhancement. The landscape in the airport vicinity encompasses a diverse range of land uses, including areas that are degraded or in decline. Through the development of carefully considered and integrated natural and built environment proposals, as outlined in this document, the Project will provide positive contributions to the local landscape and views, where opportunities arise. Figure 4.12: Example of a positive contribution to the local landscape at Bedfont Lakes to the south of Heathrow today Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 19

20 4.8 Water environment Sustainability and connectivity are two guiding principles which have informed the development of design scenarios to deliver solutions for the water environment. The Project will interact with a number of rivers, therefore consideration of this interaction has been integral to the ongoing masterplanning process. Delivering sustainability Sustainability in this context focuses on the overall quality of the water environment in the wider river catchments rather than just that portion within the footprint of the Project. Sustainability also relates to ensuring that flood risk to people and property is not increased during the lifetime of the development, including mitigation for the likely effects of climate change The design process has considered a number of options for the re-provision of lost flood storage in the Colne Valley and a long list of possible sites has been identified in the Scheme Development Report: Chapter 8 - River Diversions and Flood Storage. The requirement for additional flood storage areas is driven by compliance with the NPPF (as dictated by the revised draft ANPS) and so all options being tested incorporate the above stated assumption of no increase in flood risk The management of surface water drainage and treatment of surface runoff to avoid pollution (e.g. removal of anti-icing chemicals) also forms a key design consideration. Options being considered include the extension of the current constructed water treatment facility at Mayfield Farm, the construction of new treatment areas to the west or north, or the construction of new water treatment facilities to serve both foul and surface water. Further information can be found in the Scheme Development Report: Chapter 9 - Drainage and Pollution Control Delivery of a sustainable project also includes the development of a strategy to minimise the operational water resource demand from the site and the use of Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS) to manage runoff from building and car park areas. Further details on the discharge of wastewater from the site can be found in the Scheme Development Report: Chapter 15 - Waste Water Treatment. Delivering connectivity Maximising the potential for ecological and hydraulic connectivity for the rivers within the Colne Valley is integral to the success of the development. This ethos underpins the ongoing development of a number of options for covered river corridors, vegetated buffer zones and river diversions which integrate engineering and environmental requirements to ensure that the Project is at the forefront of innovation in channel and covered river corridor design. Figure 4.13: Example of existing flood storage area Page 20 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

21 4.8.7 Connectivity also applies to the other elements of the water environment across the Colne and Crane catchments in the following ways: connectivity between surrounding habitats with the water environment through the use of vegetation growth on the channel margins, protecting these areas from development; connectivity between the rivers and their floodplains through the improvement of riverside vegetated areas and the re-provision of lost flood plain storage; connectivity for ecology within the river through the removal of in channel structure s which, for example, provide barriers to fish passage; connectivity for groundwater flows, around and through, the development footprint; and connectivity between river reaches through improvements to channel form and structure. A focus on innovative covered river corridor design The current channels of the Colne Brook, River Colne, River Wraysbury, Duke of Northumberland s River and Longford Rivers all fall within the site of the proposed new runway and airfield. To broadly maintain the courses of these rivers, covered river corridors are required. To facilitate passage through the covered river corridor to the east of the M25, the Colne and the Wraysbury Rivers would be combined into one channel and the Duke of Northumberland s and Longford River will be combined into another, slightly elevated, channel. This is to accommodate the current height differential between these rivers. The detailed design of the covered river corridors will include the consideration of introducing natural/artificial light, airflow and maintenance access requirements to promote connectivity of both flora and fauna. Figure 4-.14: Twin Rivers at Terminal 5. Example of connected river corridor with enhanced ecological value. Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 21

22 Incorporating new open channels Options for additional open channels are also being considered; these range from an option to move the Colne Brook from under the proposed runway to a replacement open channel around the runway s western end, to more extensive western diversions of flow to deliver new river corridors The development of options takes into account where the rivers currently flow and how they are connected to their landscape. Any new channels would need to ensure that diversions of water do not compromise the connectivity of the current channel system to the wider environment. Further detail on river options under consideration can be found in the Scheme Development Report: Chapter 8 - River Diversions and Flood Storage. Mitigation design The design approach seeks to avoid deterioration of the current ecological condition around the airport whilst identifying opportunities to develop and enhance the wider water environment. It is in these areas, away from the immediate constraints of an operational airport where wildlife strike risk is reduced, opportunities exist to enhance river health and open up land to create floodplain storage to protect people and properties whilst promoting biodiversity and recreational benefits. These areas of land also have the potential to be better connected to their rivers and thus promote more regular seasonal flooding which will sustain richer biodiversity through wetland habitat creation. Natural and semi-natural systems perform several positive functions - these include infiltration; water quality; and increased potential to manage run-off and temporarily store flood flows. Figure 4.15: Example of a water environment with vegetation growth on the channel margins. Figure 4.16: Example of a healthy water environment at Bedfont Lakes. Page 22 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

23 4.9 How does our approach relate to the All London Green Grid and Colne Valley Regional Park? As outlined on page 6 of this document, the London Plan identifies strategic objectives and priorities for green infrastructure across London, including the All London Green Grid (ALGG). Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) 10 has been prepared for the ALGG, which sets out the vision for the ALGG, as follows: To create a well-designed green infrastructure network of interlinked, multipurpose open and green spaces with good connections to the places where people live and work, public transport, the Green Belt and the Blue Ribbon Network, especially the Thames. This will provide a richly varied landscape that will benefit both people and wildlife providing diverse uses to appeal to, and be accessible by, all The ALGG SPG divides London into twelve Green Grid Areas, each covered by a separate framework document. The Area Framework relevant to Heathrow and its surrounding landscape is number 10 River Colne and Crane Area Framework. This identifies ten strategic opportunities, of which objectives 1,2 and 4 specifically relate to the landscape in the vicinity of the airport. Strategic Objective 1: The consolidation and enhancement of the Colne Valley Regional Park. Strategic Objective 2: Improve access to, and the quality of, urban river and canal corridors. Strategic Objective 4: Continue to improve the relationship between Heathrow Airport and its surrounding landscape The Colne Valley Regional Park falls within the ALGG and is an area of approximately 11,000 hectares located to the west of Heathrow, stretching from Rickmansworth in the north, to the River Thames in the south. The Colne Valley Regional Park is managed by a Community Interest Company. The Community Interest Company was formed in 2012, with members including government agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and community groups. The role of the Community Interest Company is to deliver the objectives of the park as follows: To maintain and enhance the landscape, historic environment and waterscape of the Park in terms of their scenic and conservation value and their overall amenity. To safeguard the countryside of the Park from inappropriate development. Where development is permissible it will encourage the highest possible standards of design. 10 Greater London Authority, Green Infrastructure and Open Environments: The All London Green Grid Supplementary Planning Guidance Figure 4.17: A scenic bridleway within the Colne Valley Regional Park. Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 23

24 To conserve and enhance biodiversity within the Park through the protection and management of its species, habitats and geological features. To provide opportunities for countryside recreation and ensure that facilities are accessible to all. To achieve a vibrant and sustainable rural economy, including farming and forestry, underpinning the value of the countryside. To encourage community participation including volunteering and environmental education. To promote the health and social well-being benefits that access to high quality green space brings Although its name suggests a cohesive and continuous parkland, the Colne Valley Regional Park encompasses land with a range of characteristics and within various land ownerships. As noted in the ALGG SPG: the Colne Valley Park, so clearly defined on maps and in minds, is, on the ground, a patchwork of fragments, underpinned by multiple ownerships, infrastructure and mixed land uses The area to the west of the airport includes urban edge landscapes that are fragmented and degraded, with land uses including industrial estates to the east of Poyle, active gravel extraction works, landfill sites, major road corridors (including the M4 and M25), and reservoirs with sizeable grass covered embankments. The area is, however, characterised by a low settlement density and forms an important link between the suburban landscape to the east and the countryside to the west. It contains agricultural land, watercourses and wetland habitats of international and national nature conservation importance We recognise that the Project will need to utilise land which forms part of the ALGG and Colne Valley Regional Park. However, we also recognise an opportunity to compensate for this elsewhere within the ALGG and Colne Valley Regional Park and provide overall gains in respect of a number of ALGG and Colne Valley Regional Park objectives. There are a number of other large infrastructure projects in the Colne Valley (i.e. HS2, River Thames Scheme, M4 Smart Motorway and Western Rail Link to Heathrow). We are looking to identify where there are shared opportunities to enhance the natural environment in collaboration with these other parties The natural environment design strategy is likely to utilise land with low biodiversity and/ or amenity value to incorporate proposals for biodiversity offsetting, diverted watercourses and new flood storage areas, combined with recreational features such as public parks, sports facilities, play areas, allotments, footpaths and picnic areas, where possible. The proposals will also aim to respond to local character and help to maintain a sustainable rural economy, where appropriate. HS2 Route Staines-upon- Thames COLNE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK Rickmansworth HEATHROW GREATER LONDON Western Rail Link to Heathrow Route M4 Smart Motorway River Thames Scheme study area River Thames Figure 4.18: Other large infrastructure projects within the surrounding area Page 24 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Heathrow Airport Limited 2018

25 4.9.8 The exact location and nature of the enhancements will be explored through engagement with Colne Valley Regional Park Community Interest Company, Heathrow Strategic Planning Group, local authorities and other community stakeholders Next steps? Through this consultation we hope to gain meaningful feedback on the approach we are taking. We will take your comments and use them to help develop an integrated natural environment strategy which provides real benefit to the local community and creates a positive legacy of better, more connected green infrastructure using land efficiently to achieve multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Have your say We would like to know your views on our approach to the natural environment for the expansion of Heathrow, in particular; 1 Please tell us what you think about our approach to natural environment issues? 2 Are there any opportunities that the expansion of Heathrow could provide to enhance the natural environment? Heathrow Airport Limited 2018 Heathrow Expansion Our design approach to the natural environment Page 25

26 If you would like a large text or alternative format of this document, please contact us on or send an to us at: info@heathrowconsultation.com There are lots of ways you can contact us and find out more online via our project website call our freephone number: (open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm) send an to us at: info@heathrowconsultation.com Follow us on