Environmental Statement 2012 Non-Technical Summary

Transcription

1 Environmental Statement 2012 Non-Technical Summary

2

3 CONTENTS Page 1 Introduction 5 2 Description of Proposal 6 3 Methodology 9 4 Environmental Impact Assessment 11 5 Conclusion 16 Environmental Statement December for Cornwall Development Company

4

5 1 INTRODUCTION The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has identified area around for development as an Enterprise Zone (known as Aerohub Enterprise ). This designation, now approved, reduces business rates, simplifies the planning process and will allow the site to realise its true potential to create jobs and economic growth Cornwall Development Company is working with Cornwall Council to secure a Local Development Order (LDO) for a Business Park adjacent to (NQY). An LDO provides permitted development rights for specific types of use classes within a designated area. These simplified and flexible planning arrangements enable businesses to commence construction without making a planning application or paying planning fees. The LDO will form part of the Aerohub Enterprise Zone and provide employment space for development preferably of an aeronautical nature or other airport related business activity The location of the proposed Business Park within the new proposed LDO is shown below in Figure 1.1. Figure 1.1: Site Location Plan Image from Google Earth Licence Key: JCPMUZR2QCHE23K December for Cornwall Development Company

6 2 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL 2.1 Current Site Profile As shown on the Site Location Plan (Figure 1.1), the 35.5ha site is located to the south-west of NQY (formerly RAF St Mawgan), north of the A3059. The site consists of nine fields of varying size, which are currently being farmed as grazing land. The new Southern Access Road into the south of the airport has bisected the westernmost field Along the northern site boundary is an area of woodland containing two small streams, both of which rise within this site and flow from east to west. A low bank with frequent mature trees is present within this woodland along the bottom of the valley The existing field boundaries are predominantly Cornish hedgerows which support well managed, but low, native woody scrub. The only built structures within the site are a barn along the southern boundary, two walls and a concrete base that are the remnants of a partially demolished building in the south eastern corner of the site. 2.2 Proposed Business Park The Business Park could provide a maximum of 115,000sqm of floorspace (based on 3 storey developments), although this is likely to be less. The development plots are expected to predominately be B1, B2, and B8 use classes. However, there will also be some area set aside for other uses, which will support the proposed Business Park. The most western plot has the potential to host a hotel, and the most northerly plot is considered most suitable for a foul sewage treatment pumping station. In addition, there will be a small area set aside for A use classes (for example, a shop). Unique entrance features would be positioned at the access points indicating the proposed Business Park s links with the airport. These are likely to be historic aircraft The proposed Business Park (Figure 2.1) will predominately consist of a mixture of two/ three story buildings. The development plots have been strategically placed to incorporate specific landscaping features into the design, to help mitigate against visual intrusion and to protect the existing ecology on site. A flexible development area has been allocated offering potential for a larger central plot if required, but which can also be separated into smaller units Access to the Business Park will be through two new access roads branching off the existing A3059, which forms the southern boundary of the site. Access will be from the east and western boundary of the site. The northern woodland area (which forms the northern boundary), and where possible existing Cornish hedgerows will be retained. December for Cornwall Development Company

7 Figure 2.1: Illustrative Masterplan December for Cornwall Development Company

8 Figure 2.2: Environmental Constraints Plan December for Cornwall Development Company

9 3 METHODOLOGY After consulting with Cornwall Council they provided Scoping Opinion which required a formal assessment of the environmental impacts of the proposed Business Park. This scheme has therefore been subject to a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd (PB), along with Spalding Associates (ecology), Cotswold Archaeology, Reading Agricultural Consultants and Hardisty Jones Associates (economic specialists) were commissioned by the applicants to prepare the EIA and Environmental Statement (ES). The ES presents the findings of the EIA process and this Non-Technical Summary provides a summary for the ES EIA is a systematic process that identifies, predicts and evaluates the impacts of a development on the environment. While formulating the Scoping Opinion, Cornwall Council consulted a number of statutory and non-statutory stakeholders about the proposal. Consultee comments were provided in the Scoping Opinion along with the Council s requirements for the EIA and how the ES should be presented The EIA follows a systematic process, where the following is identified and assessed for each environmental topic: policy & legislation; environmental baseline; predictions and assessment of the magnitude of impacts; and identification of mitigation which can be applied and a summary of residual effects An Environmental Baseline Report was produced for the Business Park, which collated data from various environmental surveys and made a number of recommendations for design. Therefore the mitigation for the scheme is largely incorporated in the Masterplan design, including a series of Design Codes which will apply to development. Other mitigation measures are captured within a draft Construction Environmental Management Plan The environmental topics assessed for the EIA are: Table 1.1: Environmental Topics Included in the EIA Chapter of this Environmental Statement Air Quality & Climate Cultural Heritage Landscape Ecology Water and Flood Risk Soils, Geology and Agricultural Land Quality Summary of information required under Annex IV of the EIA Directive 97/11/EC on air and climatic factors. on material assets, including architectural and archaeological heritage. This chapter was prepared by Cotswold Archaeology. on landscape. on flora and fauna. This chapter was prepared by Spalding Associates. on water. on soil. The agricultural input was produced by Reading Agricultural Consultants. December for Cornwall Development Company

10 Chapter of this Environmental Statement Noise & Vibration Traffic and Transport Socio-economic Effects (including navigational safety, tourism and business impacts) Cumulative effects and Interactions between effects. Summary of information required under Annex IV of the EIA Directive 97/11/EC on population. on population. on population and material assets. This chapter was produced in conjunction with Hardisty Jones Associates. The interrelationship between the above factors and assessment of cumulative effects. December for Cornwall Development Company

11 4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The following section provides a summary of the key environmental impacts of the proposed Business Park and the recommended mitigation to help neutralise these impacts. 4.2 Air Quality and Climate Air quality has been predicted to remain well below objective levels for the proposed Business Park therefore no mitigation measures have been proposed. Air quality impacts associated with the proposed 2014 and 2030 phases of the proposed Business Park development are unlikely to: interfere with or prevent the implementation of actions within Cornwall s air quality action plan; require an air quality management area to be declared as a consequence of the developments impact; adversely effect air quality along Newquay existing road network; or have any detrimental impact upon human health as a direct consequence of increased vehicle emissions from the scheme route Air quality considerations associated with the proposed scheme are of low priority and do not present a constraint to the development. 4.3 Cultural Heritage The cultural heritage resources examined in the ES include archaeological remains, historic buildings and the historic landscape. The main probable focus of archaeological activity surrounding the site is likely to be of Iron age/romano-british origins. There is a probable prehistoric/romano-british settlement, which is located approximately 400m south-west of the site, and a small Iron Age/Romano-British enclosed settlement to the south-east. Within the site, there is some potential for the below-ground remains of prehistoric or Romano-British field systems and associated features, however, Geophysical Surveys have revealed this potential to be low The south-western area of the site formerly contained an 18th Century farmstead including a smithy, and a number of other buildings. A short stretch of historic boundary wall has been incorporated into a modern field barn. Any further buildings have no identified historical significance. Several sections of historic Cornish hedgerows have been identified across the site, these are provided statutory protection A summary of the most significant impacts is set out below: The construction of the Business Park may result in a negative impact on potential below-ground prehistoric/romano-british remains, the extent of this impact will be determined through further investigation works; The proposed development will remove a garden wall associated with the 18 th century Smithy and walls associated with an earlier 20th-century building; The proposed development will remove some Cornish Hedgerows associated with historic Parish boundaries. If possible, these features will be recorded during archaeological mitigation works. December for Cornwall Development Company

12 4.3.4 The aim of mitigation measures will be to ensure that archaeological remains that are disturbed by the proposed development are subject to recording, allowing knowledge to be gained through investigation. For historic hedgerows that will be removed this might include excavating sections through these features, with appropriate analysis and recording. 4.4 Landscape and Visual Impact The immediate landscape of the site and surrounding areas has a predominately rural character of small arable and pasture fields bounded by Cornish hedgerows. Key nearby manmade landscape features include and the A3059 road, to the south of the site. The local landscape is a rolling landform of ridges and valleys, which is characteristic of this part of the north coast of Cornwall. Figure 1.3: Site Characteristics The proposed Business Park will be developed in the context of the existing Southern Access Road and NQY, and consequently is not unfamiliar development form in this landscape. However, the construction of the Business Park will involve major ground clearance, ground works and introduce new urban elements. The impact on the existing landscape will be significant and would have an adverse local impact by permanently changing the attractive agricultural landscape pattern and valley side character No visual impacts are predicted from the north, north west and north east due to intervening topography and/ or built form associated with the Airport. Importantly, no discernible views will be experienced from Newquay. December for Cornwall Development Company

13 4.4.4 To minimise the impact on the existing landscape a number of mitigation measures have been incorporated into the design. Hedges will be retained within the site wherever possible, and green corridors will be strengthened with additional planting. For example, the existing hedgerow, which runs along the A3059 road edge will be enhanced, and will include Cornish hedgerows and intermittent trees Buildings have been arranged so that the massing of development is focussed in the central and northern parts of the site, which are generally lower. The largest buildings will also be set back from the A3059 to minimise visual impacts from the road and ridgeline. Smaller buildings will be located on the southern ridgeline. Measures set out in the Lighting Strategy will also minimise light spillage from the site at night time However, even following proposed mitigation, and the incorporation of the above design features the impact on views from the south, and south east will be significant. This will be particularly apparent in close proximity of frontage development, particularly at the north eastern high point of the site. The views from this point, and nearby on the A3059 will feature car parking and buildings of up to 3 storeys, resulting in a very apparent change in the character and an adverse impact to road and footpath users Landscaping at the road edge will help reduce impacts by filtering views towards built development. Intermittent trees along the road verge will also minimise views of the development on elevated parts of the site from middle and distant views to the south. From the west and south west, it is estimated that the upper parts of buildings and some lighting columns and car parking will be visible above the proposed tree screen belt, but is only considered to cause a slight deterioration in the view, in the context of the existing buildings of RAF St Mawgan and. 4.5 Ecology The site is not located within or immediately adjacent to any statutory or non-statutory nature conservation sites. There is a presence of protected species including bats, dormouse, badger, reptiles and nesting birds. These will present a legal constraint during the construction and operational phase of the proposed development. The site has been designed to avoid or minimise impacts on these species. In addition, measures to reduce disturbance will be included in the construction environmental management plan During the construction phase of the proposed Business Park there are a variety of adverse effects which are generally unavoidable, but which will be minimised as far as possible by good construction management. Potential impacts comprise of habitat loss as a result of land take for the overall development, severance and loss of habitat such as hedgerows for a wide range of species. Proposed mitigation will include landscape corridors alongside existing hedges to encourage the movement of wildlife within and on the edge of the site and to maintain the existing habitat value for bats, dormouse and other wildlife There is potential for changes in water quality and surface water hydrology to affect the ecology of the local water catchment to the west of the site. However, the potential for adverse impacts would be minimised as far as possible through the application of SuDS techniques, set out in the Water and Flood Risk chapter of the ES, and summarised below The potential for cumulative effects with nearby developments, including the proposed development at LDO1 and the Newquay Growth Area will arise principally from effects December for Cornwall Development Company

14 on the Porth Stream catchment. Hydrological impacts have the potential to adversely affect local populations of otters, and aquatic biodiversity. There is also the potential for cumulative loss of hedgerow connectivity in the landscape with local adverse effects such as fragmentation on local dormouse population, and a general increase in disturbance effects particularly from artificial lighting associated with both the proposed Business Park and the Newquay Growth Area. 4.6 Water and Flood Risk A tributary of the Porth Stream is located within the woodland, to the north of the site, upstream of designated bathing waters at Watergate Bay. The underlying aquifer is capable of supporting local water supplies only, and infiltration rates are generally good. The flood risk at the existing site is currently low The western quadrant of the site is lower towards the western boundary, north to the stream. The land to the east of the site is considered to contribute little runoff towards the site due to the topography, the position of the stream and the physical barrier of A3079. Any runoff from the site will be collected in a swale and diverted towards the stream. There are no habitable properties immediately adjacent to the site which would be affected by flooding and the land is not known to have contamination issues The site is located within flood zone 1, which is assigned less than 1 in 1000 annual probability of river or sea flooding in any year. There are no known sewers nearby which could contribute to site flooding and as such the risk of flooding from this source is considered low Development which includes impermeable areas can be expected to increase flood risk elsewhere, by intensifying runoff rates and volumes. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will be a key feature in mitigating any additional flood risk generated by the proposed Business Park. The proposed SuDS will incorporate a range of systems, including: permeable landscaping; porous pavements; infiltration devices and filter drains; swales; and ponds to help combat flood risk An Integrated Water Management Strategy (IWMS) is proposed for the whole of the Airport Site. This IWMS will ensure that flood risks and pollution control are managed effectively. 4.7 Soils, Geology and Agricultural Land The site is underlain by topsoil, which is dark brown or dark reddish brown organic rich topsoil up to 0.55m thick. The soils are relatively well drained. A number of possible existing sources of contamination have been identified. These include: agricultural land uses on-site, potentially including the use of pesticides; an agricultural barn with part of the roof potentially constructed of asbestos cement; small quantities of fly-tipping; and a former blacksmith workshop at Parkyn s Shop. Off-site sources of contamination are associated with RAF St Mawgan During construction human contact with soils will be minimised by use of Personal Protective Equipment and use of machinery rather than hand excavation. As a result, there would be no unacceptable risks from contaminated material during the operational stage of the scheme The proposed development will cause the permanent loss of approximately 4.3 hectares of agricultural land sub grade 3a. Provided that soil handling is carried out carefully, according to good practice, there should be no other residual impact on December for Cornwall Development Company

15 agricultural land quality. There will also be a direct permanent effect on the operation of existing farm holdings during construction. There will be no residual effects on agricultural land or farm holdings during the operational phase of the proposed Business Park. 4.8 Noise and Vibration The development site is located to the south of NQY and north of the A3059 road. The A3059 links the proposed Business Park to the A39 to the east and Newquay to the west. Traffic noise was assessed from the existing A3059 road. Along the site boundary with the A3059, road traffic is the primary noise source, though air-traffic was noted as an infrequent peak noise source The key noise receptors which are identified as being affected by construction and operation of the business park are the dwelling located at the Trevithick Downs (south-west of site), St Mawgan RAF facility (north-west of the site) and the dwellings located 200m from the site (Trevithick Downs) The noise levels generated by construction activities can have the potential to impact upon a number of noise sensitive receptors, for example nearby dwellings. Construction noise limits will be agreed in consultation with the local authority. During construction the key sources of noise will be plant and equipment, generally characterised by relatively high levels of engine noise as well as impact noise The proposed development has the potential to impact upon the residents of the neighbouring dwellings. The noise associated with the construction of the development is outlined above. However, there will also be an increase in traffic noise effects from this development whilst in operation In order to keep noise impacts from the construction phase to a minimum, a number of measures to limit noise and the timing of noisy works will be undertaken. 4.9 Traffic and Transport A separate Transport Assessment (TA) has been undertaken to accompany the ES. The TA provides a detailed assessment of potential traffic effects occurring due to the proposed Business Park and other developments planned within the Newquay area Construction activities are expected to generate approximately 267 traffic movements per week, in which it is assumed that the phased development of the Business Park will take place. A range of mitigation, such as timing of deliveries, will be incorporated into a Construction Environmental Management Plan and this will limit the impact of construction traffic, particularly on other road users During the operational phase there will be an ongoing, long term impact on traffic and transport. The proposed Business Park is located some distance outside of Newquay and there is no footpath or cycleway access to the Park. It is therefore expected that the majority of visitors and employees will arrive by car A detailed road safety analysis has been undertaken for the surrounding highway network, particularly the A3059. This determined that the majority of accidents are unlikely to have been significantly influenced by the highway layout, and are similarly unlikely to be influenced by the proposal. December for Cornwall Development Company

16 4.9.5 The 2030 traffic model shows that all routes would suffer small increases in journey times, however the significance of this effect would be reduced following the completion of the Newquay Strategic Route. The impact on junction capacity will become increasingly pronounced. Junctions which are expected to experience increases in traffic include: the proposed Newquay Strategic Route / Western Arm junction; the Porth Four Turns double mini-roundabout, the Priority Road/ A3059 junction; the proposed NSR/ Quintrell Road roundabout and the A392 Trevemper Road/ A3075 roundabout The Construction and Environmental Management Plan and the Transport Plan provide a range of measures which should minimise journeys to and from the site during construction and operation. The main aim of the travel plan is to increase the usage of bus travel, above the current 4% of commuters in the Travel to Work Area (Census, 2001). Further mitigation is outlined in the Transport Plan Socio-economic The proposed Business Park will be of particular benefit to the local economy. It is estimated that once complete in 2030, it will lead to the direct creation of approimately 2,730 jobs and an additional 400 jobs outside the Business Park in Cornwall. These jobs will be particularly beneficial to an area that suffers from higher than average unemployment. Assuming the development meets its potential, it will contribute to the creation of a 141 million additional GVA per annum for the Cornwall economy The businesses attracted to the Park are also expected to encourage an increase/improvement to Cornwall s skills and educational facilities as new workers arrive and existing workers seek to train in new industry/business sectors No significant negative socio-economic effects were identified. It was therefore concluded that the proposed Business Park will benefit nearby communities and the economy Cumulative Impacts The cumulative impacts study assessed cumulative effects on the entire area within the proposed Business Park, as well as any cumulative effects with other major planning applications within 5km of the outer extent of the site. The study has examined the cumulative effects of the proposed Business Park when considered in combination with the wider NQY Aerohub development The cumulative effects arising from the development of the Business Park are expected to be associated with the impact on humans and animals relating to dust, noise, traffic and lighting associated with the construction and operation of development. 5 CONCLUSION The proposed Business Park will provide an ongoing attractive and lucrative business investment opportunity in the area, and a commensurate boost the local and wider economy. The proposed Business Park is expected to attract a cluster of Aerospace related business to the area. It is anticipated that this will create an increasing range of employment opportunities for local communities and Cornwall as it nears completion. The proposed units are likely to attract a range of businesses, and which could incorporates offices, laboratories, studios, industrial space, and storage or distribution. December for Cornwall Development Company

17 5.1.2 The EIA has provided a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed development and has highlighted the key effects and mitigation for various aspects of the environment Whilst it is noted that the site and surrounding area features a range of historic features and archaeological remains, it is likely that the most important archaeology has been avoided due to site location. The immediate landscape of the site has largely maintained its historic features, particularly the historic pattern of fields, divided by Cornish Hedgerows. Whilst any archaeological features will be recorded for posterity, a development of this scale will inherently pose a visual impact on surrounding rural landscape The site is not located within any statutory or non-statutory ecological designations, however, the site and surrounding areas provide habitats for a range of wildlife. Changes to the site poses a risk to various species, however a range of landscaping features incorporated in the design will help mitigate these impacts, and ensure habitat is provided for within the proposal. The risk of flooding and impact on water quality is low, and will be mitigated through the application of best practice techniques and good design principles The primary sources of noise will be from the existing infrastructure including NQY and the surrounding road network. However, an increase in noise and vibration during the construction phase may have a temporary impact of wildlife and possibly residents along the main traffic routes Whilst the development of this Business Park will give rise to a range of cumulative effects these are not expected to be unacceptably adverse. Overall this development will be an integral part of the development of. Success for this development will provide a major boost to the local economy, and will deliver a substantial employment opportunity to the nearby communities and Cornwall as a whole. December for Cornwall Development Company