Non-technical summary Introduction NTS.1 is applying for outline planning permission for a residential development of up to 80 dwellings on land at Hambrook, on the northern fringe of Bristol. NTS.2 An environmental impact assessment (EIA) was required by South Gloucestershire Council and the Secretary of State, in accordance with schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, as amended, due to the potential for significant effects on the local great crested newt population. As this was the sole potentially significant effect identified by the council and the Secretary of State, the scope of the EIA was restricted to addressing this issue. An environmental statement (ES) has been prepared to report the findings and its key elements are summarised in this non-technical summary. The application site NTS.3 The 2.3 hectare site lies to the south of Stoke Gifford, adjacent to the existing urban area (figure NTS1). It comprises unmanaged pasture and includes one residential property (no. 10 Hambrook Lane). The site is bordered to the north by houses and Hambrook Lane, beyond which lie a further area of housing and the railway line, and to the south, east and west by hedgerows. Beyond the hedgerow to the south east is the area reserved for the relocation of great crested newts from the Harry Stoke housing development that already has planning permission, which lies to the south west of the site. Open fields lie beyond the hedgerows to the east of the site. The proposed development NTS.4 The development s master plan is set out in figure NTS2. Up to 80 dwellings are proposed on the site, which will include a percentage of affordable housing. The majority of the dwellings will be two or two-and-a half storeys high, although a small number of three storey dwellings may be provided at focal points. On-site public open space will be provided in accordance with the council s standards. NTS.5 A dedicated area of 730 m 2 in the south west of the site will be retained as rough grassland, to be managed primarily for the benefit of great crested newts. This area will be fenced off during construction work to ensure that it is not damaged by vehicles or machinery, but will be accessible to great crested newts during this time. NTS.6 The site will be accessed from the north via a new junction with Hambrook Lane. This will necessitate the demolition of the existing dwelling at no. 10 Hambrook Lane.
Potential effects on the local great crested newt population NTS.7 Ecological surveys of the site were undertaken. The initial survey recorded habitats such as grassland, scrub and hedgerows with the potential to support protected species. In addition, a replacement site for great crested newts associated with the adjacent Harry Stoke development site is located 10 m from the site boundary. Further survey work confirmed that great crested newts are present within this replacement site. NTS.8 Construction activities have the potential to disturb, injure or kill great crested newts. However, mitigation measures will be put in place during construction works to prevent any significant adverse effects on great crested newts. The dedicated area of grassland in the south west of the site that is to maintained for great crested newts will be fenced off, and great crested newts from the development area will be moved to this area prior to construction commencing. NTS.9 The development of this site, together with the adjacent Harry Stoke site, will lead to a significant loss of habitat for great crested newts. However, the schemes include measures to mitigate this effect and provide habitat enhancement. The proposals for the Harry Stoke site, which are already being implemented, include the movement of great crested newts from ponds on site to two new sites, which include four receptor ponds and four hibernacula (purpose-built refuges for hibernation). Two hibernacula will be constructed in the retained great crested newt habitat in the south west of the Land at Hambrook site to create additional habitat. Overall, the implementation of these measures will lead to a slight beneficial cumulative effect. Conclusion NTS.10 This NTS has outlined the findings of the EIA of the Land at Hambrook residential development proposals contained within the ES that accompanies the planning application. The proposals will not result in any significant adverse effects on the local great crested newt population (the sole topic examined by the EIA). NTS.11 Copies of the full ES and its technical appendices have been distributed to South Gloucestershire Council and key consultees. The full documents are available for public inspection during the consultation period at the South Gloucestershire Council offices at the address below: South Gloucestershire Council Thornbury Council Offices Castle Street Thornbury South Gloucestershire BS35 1HF
NTS.12 Copies of the ES on CD can be purchased from Terence O Rourke Ltd at a price that reflects the time and production costs. Paper copies may also be available (at printing cost) from Terence O Rourke Ltd at the following address: Terence O Rourke Ltd Everdene House Deansleigh Road Bournemouth BH7 7DU Tel: 01202 421142 Fax: 01202 430055 Email: maildesk@torltd.co.uk
Legend Site boundary Figure NTS1: Site boundary Client / Project: Land South of Hambrook Lane August 2009 Drawn By JC 1:3000 Scale @ A3 Checked By: LT 171306/01 Revision No: Based upon the 2008 Ordnance Survey 1:10000 scale raster map with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright. Terence O'Rourke Ltd. Licence No. AL100017826. Copyright Terence O'Rourke Ltd, 2009
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