Causeway Farm, Petersfield Environmental Statement October 2015
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Contents 1.0 Introduction... 1 1.1 Background... 1 1.2 Environmental Assessment... 1 1.3 Site Description... 3 2.0 The Proposals... 6 2.1 Background and Need... 6 2.2 Alternative Development Scenarios... 6 2.3 Description of the Development... 6 3.0 Consultation... 9 3.1 Approach to Consultation... 9 4.0 Environmental Impacts... 10 4.1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment... 10 4.2 Ecology... 10 4.3 Traffic and Access... 10 4.4 Water, Drainage and Flood Risk... 11 4.5 Lighting... 11 4.6 Noise... 12 4.7 Air Quality... 12 4.8 Archaeology... 13 4.9 Cultural Heritage... 13 4.10 Waste Management... 14 4.11 Socio-economic... 14 4.12 Climate Change... 15 5.0 Summary... 16 5.1 Conclusions... 16 5.2 Management of Environmental Impacts... 16 5.3 What happens next?... 16 David Wilson Homes and Bovis Homes
David Wilson Homes and Bovis Homes
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1.1 This document summarises the Environmental Statement (ES) which accompanies the planning application by David Wilson Homes, Bovis Homes and 4LL (hereafter termed the Clients). The Development, called Causeway Farm, Petersfield comprises a residential development providing a maximum of 200 residential dwelling units with associated landscaping and open space. 1.1.2 This document is a summary of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in non-technical language. The main Environmental Statement (ES) (Volume 1) and the supporting Appendices (Volume 2) contain detailed information on the project and each of the environmental topics considered. 1.2 Environmental Assessment 1.2.1 EIA is a formal process by which the likely environmental effects of a project are assessed, and where there is potentiall for a significant negative effect that cannot be avoided, works are identified to lessen the effect (mitigation). The ES reports on the findings of the EIA and sets out those areas where likely significant environmental effects have been identified and the mitigation proposed to lessen predicted effects. It forms an important part of the planning application decision making process. 1.2.2 Under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended 2015) the Proposed Development is considered to require an Environmental Impact Assessment. 1.2.3 A previous planning application was submitted at the Site in 2013 (for a larger scheme covering a larger area). As part of this application a scoping process was undertaken this helped to identify the topics to be studied as part of the EIA. This scoping process involved consultation with a number of statutory and non statutory consultees, such as the Environment Agency, and Naturall England. For the purposes of this current application, it has been assumed that the scope remains the same. The outcome of the scoping stage was that the following topics should be included within the assessment: Planning Policy; Landscape and Visual Impact; Ecology; Traffic and Access; Water Drainage and Flood Risk; Lighting; Noise; Air Quality; Archaeology; Cultural Heritage; Waste Management; Socio Economic; and, Energy. 1.2.4 The EIA project team has been led by EIA co-ordinators from WYG, with input from other specialists within the company and from other companies, as set out over the page: David Wilson Homes and Bovis Homes
Role / Topic ES Management and Co-ordination Planning Policy Landscape and Visual Impact Ecology Traffic and Access Water Drainage and Flood Risk Lighting Noise Air Quality Archaeology Cultural Heritage Waste Management Socio Economic Climate Change Author WYG WYG Terra Firma WYG Richard Parker Opus WYG WYG WYG L-P Turley Associates WYG NLP WYG 2
1.3 Site Description 1.3.1 The Site covers an area of 11.96 hectares in Petersfield, Hampshire within the South Downs National Park. The Site is located on Causeway Farm to the south of Petersfield town centre. 1.3.2 The Site comprises an area of rough grassland which has been used for agricultural purposes and grazing with field boundaries of hedgerows and other vegetation. The site is not currently in significant or intensive agricultural use. There are isolated trees on site and a network of watercourses and drainage ditches. Towards the north west of the Site are residential properties and former farm buildings. 1.3.3 The Site is located off the B2070 (The Causeway) and there is an existing private access into the Site from The Causeway to the former farm buildings. 1.3.4 The north west boundary is marked by the rear gardens of residential properties fronting onto The Causeway. To the south of the Site is Broadway Park, a residential mobile home site and a furniture warehouse, both of which are screened by boundary vegetation. 1.3.5 To the north and north east of the Site are the rear gardens of properties fronting Sussex Road with a short open frontage along Sussex Road, again with boundary vegetation. 1.3.6 There is woodland and mature vegetation to the south of the Site with countryside beyond, rising towards Butser Hill. 1.3.7 The Site is not located within an area identified as being at risk from flooding as shown on the Environment Agency s flood risk maps, with the exception of a small area in the northern corner of the Site, where under extreme conditions the stream may cause flooding. 1.3.8 The Causeway Farm site was allocated by East Hampshire District Council in its Local Plan Review (2006) as a reserve housing site identified to deliver 275 dwellings, intended to come forward for development when the need arises. This allocation was carried forward into the recent East Hampshire District Joint Core Strategy. 1.3.9 The Pre-Submission Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan has identified potential sites for up to 768 houses in the area and this includes for up to 200 houses at the Petersfield site. The plan was subject to Public Examination in June, 2015, and will be put out to a referendum in autumn 2015 with a view to formal adoption at the end of 2015. 3
Causeway Farm, Petersfield - Environmental Statement, Figure 1 - Site Location Plan 4
Figure 2 Planning Application Redline Boundary Plan 5
2.0 The Proposals 2.1 Background and Need 2.1.1 The EIA process started when David Wilson Homes, Bovis Homes and 4LL investigated the use of the Causeway Farm site for a residential development in 2013. 2.1.2 The Site was identified as having good potential l to support the development and was progressed to a more detailed feasibility study that included a site visit, technical consultations and a planning policy review. This study showed that the site was potentially technically, environmentally and financially viable for the proposed development, but that further assessment and clarification was needed. 2.2 Alternative Development Scenarios 2.2.1 Whilst the Causeway Farm site is identified by the clients as being the preferred location to accommodate development of this nature, during preparation of the proposal, a series of development scenarios have evolved for the Site that seek to accommodate both the aspirations of the client, Local Planning Authority, consultees and the general public. 2.2.2 Over a number of years, a series of baseline studies have been undertaken at the Site, the results of which are referenced in the various chapters of the main ES. The results of these surveys have been used to refine the masterplan for the site into a position where it could be reviewed and consulted upon. 2.2.3 The overall layout of the Proposed Development (see Figure 3) has followed a process of design development. The site constraints and opportunities along with the consultation responses have provided the basis for the layout of the final design. 2.3 Description of the Development 2.3.1 The proposed development comprises 200 dwellings covering approximately 2 hectares of residential land. This will accommodate a range of dwelling types and tenures. 2.3.2 In addition to the residential development, there will also be informal open space, offsite highway and landscaping works to The Causeway, associated roads within the development, parking, footpaths, landscaping and drainage works. Housing 2.3.3 The scheme has been designed to create a series of character streets that are similar to the layout, scale and buildings of Petersfield. The proposed layout is based upon the character of this location and allows for small spaces throughh the scheme to replicate the spaces found throughout the town. 2.3.4 As the application is for full planning permission a specific dwelling mix is provided ranging from five bedroom homes to 1 bedroom flats. 40% of the homes constructed will be affordable housing, which will be integrated with the private homes and will be indistinguishable in design to ensure a mixed and balanced community. Traffic 2.3.5 The proposed access to the site will widen and improve an existing private access to Causeway Farm. The design will include improvements to The Causeway to provide a turning lane into Cranford Road and the provision of pedestrian refuges to assist those crossing to and from the school and bus stops. Landscape and Visual Impact 2.3.6 The Site is in a sensitive location within the South Downs National Park, and the layout has been designed in order to ensure that the scheme does not negatively affect the views and the character of the area. As a result of this, the lowest density development has been 6
located on the south eastern edge of the site to create a softer urban edge. Further refinements, following specialist input and consultee feedback have resulted in the final layout to this area. 2.3.7 Existing green corridors with mature trees and hedgerows have been retained in the design as far as possible. Additionally there will be planted buffer zones to screen development and to protect existing vegetation and habitats. The Green Infrastructure on site will contain new native hedgerows to the field boundaries, swale systems and balancing ponds to aid drainage and provide for wildlife and large specimen trees and parkland style planting to break up the visual impact of the development from surrounding areas. Energy Strategy 2.3.13 At this stage five options have been considered to meet the 10% of energy to be provided by renewable / low or zero carbon (LZC )technologies. David Wilson Homes and Bovis Homes Limited have a preference for PV panels plus improved i fabric performance to achieve the energy targets set out in the Joint Core Strategy. Moving forward site demands, space constraints and capital investment will need to be carefully considered to meet energy requirements. Ecology 2.3.8 Green corridors and footpaths will be retained and created throughout the site with additional native species planting for biodiversity interest including the planting of new hedgerows and trees. 2.3.9 Planted buffer zones will protect existing vegetation and habitats within and adjacent to the site and open space using rough grassland and swales will provide a buffer between the Criddell Stream and the development. 2.3.10 These buffers will also provide enough suitable habitats for the protected species which reside on and use the site. Drainage 2.3.11 Due to the proximity of the development to the Criddell Stream, there were concerns how increased run off from the site could affect the stream. As such the scheme has been designed to incorporate measures which will restrict the rate of runoff to be the same as if the site had not been developed. 2.3.12 This will be achieved through storing runoff within a landscaped balancing pond to be located within the country park. A ditch and pond system will also be included to intercept any runoff resulting from unusually intense rainfall. 7
Figure 3 Illustrative Masterplan 8
3.0 Consultation 3.1 Approach to Consultation 3.1.1 The Clients and their consultants have undertaken extensive discussions with statutory and non-statutory consultees, and the local community. All the findings from this consultation have had an influence over the final design of the scheme and the topics studied as part of the EIA. 3.1.2 Consultation began at the earliest stage of the development to establish feasibility and has carried on through to the submission of the planning application. 3.1.3 A number of meetings have been held with Petersfield Neighbourhood Steering Group, the South Downs Design Review Panel and South Downs National Park Authority, in addition to two public exhibitions that have taken place. During these events the plans have been discussed in detail and revisions made to the scheme where appropriate. 3.1.4 A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been submitted in support of the Planning Application, which includes full details of the consultation undertaken and the issues raised by respondents. 3.1.5 The two public consultation events were held in July and September 2015 to provide the general public with an opportunity to view the work undertaken to date, the proposals being put forward and to make comments. The event in July was held at the Festival Hall in Petersfield and approximately 125 people attended. The second event in September was held in Petersfield library. The comments and findings received were fed directly back into the design and planning process and have together helped to inform the final scheme layout. 9
4.0 Environmental Impacts 4.1 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 4.1.1 A detailed study has been made of the site and its immediate surroundings. An assessment has then been made of the impact of the proposed development on landscape character and on views both during construction and once complete. 4.1.2 Impacts assessed as being major or major / moderate are considered to be significant. 4.1.3 The character of the field in which the proposed development is located would clearly change but as the field is assessed as part of a wider character area there are no predicted significant effects on landscape character beyond the Application Site. 4.1.4 Significant impacts are predicted during the construction phase on views from footpaths within and adjacent to the Site and from adjacent residential properties. The landscape plan for the proposed development has been designed to provide increased screening of key views. The establishment and growth of both existing and proposed vegetation should result in no changes to views that could be judged to be significant in the long-term. 4.2 Ecology 4.2.1 The Site has been subject to detailed ecological survey work between 2012 and 2015. This has included a habitat assessment, as well as surveys for amphibians, reptiles, bats, birds, badgers, dormice, otters, water voles and invertebrates (both terrestrial and aquatic). 4.2.2 This survey work has identified the presence of locally important habitats including the Criddell Stream, which runs along the north- woodland and eastern boundary of the site, wet and broadleaved mature trees including oaks. The species surveys found reptiles within the site (slow worm and grass snake) with them being mainly located to the west of the site and along the site boundaries. A wide range of breeding birds were recorded using the Site, in particular the wooded areas. Up to nine species of bat were recorded on site, however the majority of activity was from common species. Bat activity was highest along the Criddell Stream corridor and the other linear boundaries. Badgers are present in the local area and activity was identified in the site. A range of mostly common invertebrates were recorded with two nationally scarce species identified. 4.2.3 These ecological features have been used to inform the layout of the Proposed Development in order to retain and enhance as many ecological features as possible such as the badger activity area, the Criddell Stream, important trees and boundary features. Where adverse impacts were predicted, mitigation has been proposed in order to protect the retained features (e.g. the stream) relocate some wildlife to certain parts of the site (e.g. reptiles) and also compensate for some of the habitat losses (e.g. hedgerows). It has been concluded that with all these mitigation measures in place, there will be no overall negative impact on these ecological features, either individually or cumulatively as a result of the proposed development. 4.3 Traffic and Access 4.3.1 An assessment has been undertaken to assess the baseline data and to identify the potential impacts of both the construction and operation of the Proposed Development. 4.3.2 From the outset of works a new access will be created off the Causeway into the site and the existing Causeway road will be subject to highway improvement to create a new right turn into the site and a new right turning lane in Cranford Road from the north. All proposed junctions have been approved by the highway authority. 10
4.3.3 Additionally central pedestrian crossing areas will be installed on either side of the junction to the Causeway to provide safe crossing points. 4.3.4 The transport and access assessment did not identify any significant effects during the construction phase. During the operational phase there is expected to be small increases in traffic which could impact upon Petersfield town centre and the entrance to Petersfield School, however any increase in traffic flow at these locations is considered to be represent less than a 30% increase on the current levels and the existing road network is considered to have sufficient capacity to absorb the increase in traffic flow. 4.3.5 A travel plan will be introduced for the site whichh will be aimed at reducing the dependence of the residents on private cars. The travel plan will set out various measures providing information on the location and availability of local services; public transport and pedestrian and cycle links. Furthermore, the proposed development layout includes integrated cycle and pedestrian walkways to provide increased permeability in and out of the site for sustainable means of travel. 4.3.6 As a result of the mitigation proposed, it is concluded that the Proposed Development will in general result in negligible impacts upon the transport network. 4.4 Water, Drainage and Flood Risk 4.4.1 As assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential effects of the Proposed Development in terms of flood risk, surface water management and foul drainage. 4.4.2 The assessment considered the impact on the tributaries and main river of Criddell Stream, the underlying groundwater body and all receptors adjacent or downstream of the development. 4.4.3 The development will include site surface water storage in the form of attenuation basin and a sustainable drainage (SUDS) scheme which comprises swales and ponds. These have been designed to retain excess surface water run off and provide a controlled release of waters into the Criddell Stream at a reduced rate of flow from that experienced on the current, undeveloped site. 4.4.4 Additionally the existing area of floodplain in the north west corner of the site will remain undeveloped, to ensure that there is no increase in flood risk or loss of floodplain. 4.4.5 It has been identified that the construction stage could have the potential to affect the quality of the surface water and it is proposed that a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be implemented to drive best practice measures and prevent and reduce any effect on water quality. 4.4.6 Any potential effects on surface water, drainage or water quality at the operational stage will be mitigated for through the provision of the aforementioned SUDs scheme and by upgrading the existing sewer capacity. 4.4.7 As a result of the mitigation proposed, it is concluded that the Proposed Development will result in no impacts in terms of flood risk, surface water run off and quality or foul drainage. 4.5 Lighting 4.5.1 A site survey was undertaken in i order to assess baseline lighting within the vicinity of the proposed development and identify existing sensitive receptors. 4.5.2 During construction, it is anticipated that, if lighting is installed without due care and attention, light levels surrounding and throughout the site will increase. However, effects from this are predicted to be short term and temporary. 11
4.5.3 Changes to lighting during the operational phase of the development have been assessed. There is not expected to be any increase in light levels at existing or proposed residential properties as a result of the new development. 4.5.4 Potentially sensitive ecological receptors were also identified throughout the site. With appropriate mitigation in place, especially the construction lighting, lighting associated with the proposed scheme is expected to be insignificant at hedgerows, proposed trees lines and sensitive green buffers surrounding and within the site. 4.5.5 Through appropriate mitigation measures, such as lighting product selection, it has been predicted that the sky glow associated with the development can be controlled so as to provide no upward light spill. 4.5.6 The impact of proposed lighting has been assessed by comparing existing photographs of the Site with a 3D model of the site and it was determined that the visual impact associated with new lighting is unlikely to have a significant negative effect. 4.6 Noise 4.6.1 Potential receptors to noise and vibration include nearby residential properties, which are located off The Causeway, Sussex Road, Chestnut Drive, and Willow Drive. The suitability of the site for residential development has also been assessed. The assessment shows that the amenity of future residents will be acceptable taking into consideration the existing and proposed noise generating sources. 4.6.2 During construction there is the likelihood that noise from specific works will be audible at the nearest receptors to the site although such occurrences will be temporary and of a short term duration. Through standard construction measures implemented by the Contractor, noise and vibration levels will not be unacceptable. 4.6.3 Once the development is built, potential noise generating sources associated with the proposed development include road traffic noise. However, the assessment demonstrates that noise generation from such sources will not result in unacceptable noise levels at existing and proposed receptors in accordance with relevant guidance documents. 4.6.4 With regard to off-site road traffic, the change in noise level at all offtypically be barely, if at all, perceptible. site residential properties will 4.6.5 There will be no operational vibration impacts associated with the proposed scheme. 4.7 Air Quality 4.7.1 The Air Quality chapter of the ES considers the likely significant effects of the proposed development on local air quality. 4.7.2 The development is located in an area where air quality is influenced by emissions from road transport. At present air quality limits in the vicinity of the site do not exceed the nationally recognised threshold. 4.7.3 Background concentrations assume that both ambient concentrations and emissions of key air quality pollutants will reduce with time as industrial and vehicle emission technology improves and will remain below the annual mean objective for all the considered pollutants. 4.7.4 For the construction phase, dust control and exhaust emissions mitigation measures have been defined and will be deployed reducing the effects to a non significant level. 4.7.5 For the operational phase of the development, the effects of air quality will not change from existing conditions. The effects are predicted to be within the UK Air Quality Objectives. 4.7.6 Although an assessment of road traffic exhaust emissions has not predicted any significant decrease in air quality for the operational phase, the following mitigation measures have been defined: 12
Minimise reliance upon motor vehicle use through a Framework Travel Plan; Inclusion of integrated cycle paths into surrounding environments; and, Inclusion of pedestrian walkways into surrounding environments. 4.7.7 As such the proposed development is not considered to have any significant effects on air quality and the development is not considered to be contrary to any of the national or local planning policies. 4.8 Archaeology 4.8.1 An assessment was carried out to identify any archaeological remains or features within the site and to determine the potential impact of the Proposed Development on these assets. 4.8.2 The assessment identified that due to the presence of the Petersfield Conservation Area that the surrounding landscape is of historic significance to the setting of this area. The assessment also showed that a hedgerow adjacent to the Grade II listed Dairy Barn within Causeway Farm was considered to be a historically important hedgerow. 4.8.3 The assessment and desk study did not identify the potential for any significant archaeological remains to be found on site, but it did conclude that that any buried remains onsite are likely to comprise Mesolithic, Bronze Age and/or Post Medieval finds or features of lesser significance. 4.8.4 To mitigate for this it has been recommended that trial trenching works are carried out prior to construction works starting on site to assess the nature and location of any buried archaeological remains. 4.8.5 The Proposed Development has also been designed to include a green buffer of land between the development and the Petersfield Conservation Area to protect and retain the historic landscape to allow the Conservation Area and its setting to remain in context. The historic hedgerow adjacent to the Dairy Barn will also be retained. 4.9 Cultural Heritage 4.9.1 An assessment was carried out to identify any built heritage assets either on or within close proximity to the site and to determine the potential impact of the Proposed Development on these assets. 4.9.2 The assessment identified that the site is not within a Conservation Area, or contain any listed buildings, but it did identify that there are some heritage assets within the wider setting. 4.9.3 These assets include the Petersfield Conservation Area which comprises the medieval core of the old town and some late 19 th century development; and a Grade II listed barn within Causeway Farm itself, but outside of the site boundary. The Grade II listed barn has been converted to residential use in the late 20 th century and is no longer associated with a functional farm. All impacts on the identified built heritage assets are considered to be indirect through a change in their setting. 4.9.4 Potential impacts on the setting of heritage assets in the vicinity would be mitigated by sensitive design, including a green buffer between the housing area and the Petersfield Conservation area, and tree planting to provide screening, which will ensure the preservation of its significance, including those elements of setting which contribute positively to its significance. 4.9.5 In light of the significant changes to the function of the listed building, including the lack of any associations with agricultural activity and its siting within a domestic curtilage, the siting and design of the Proposed Development will not give rise to any direct impact. There will be a permanent change in the character of the land, albeit 13
only in the northern part of the Site, which will remove some fragmentary elements of its former connections to the landscape context. 4.9.6 Accordingly, the Proposed Development would give rise to a minor adverse effect on the significance of the grade II listed former barn at the Causeway Dairy Farm. 4.10 Waste Management 4.10.1 The assessment of waste impacts arising from the proposed Causeway Farm development considers waste generated during the construction phase and once the site is operational. 4.10.2 The proposed development would generate a wide range of wastes both during both phases. The types of waste generated during construction would include site clearance and excavation waste, soils, steel, cladding, timber, inert waste such as concrete and brick, together with packaging, most of which will be reused or recycled. This waste would be generated throughout the proposed three year construction period. 4.10.3 Following construction, the development would generate household waste and this would be produced throughout the life of the site. The development would provide sufficient space for the storage of waste containers, including both recyclable and non-recyclable waste. 4.10.4 The waste impact assessment identified the key receptors which are sensitive to impacts arising from waste generation as being people and waste infrastructure capacity. 4.10.5 It is assumed that all legal requirements would be met during the development of the site and therefore that all waste would be handled in a manner that would not impact upon human health or the natural environment, such as local vegetation and wildlife. 4.10.6 An assessment has been undertaken of the quantities of both construction and municipal waste produced by the development and the impact this may have on local l waste facilities. As far as possible, construction waste would be managed on site, being reused wherever practical. A review of local facilities for the management of waste shows that sufficient capacity exists to cater for the predicted levels of construction waste. As such, no significant impacts are predicted. 4.10.7 When considering operational waste, the developer aims to work closely with the Winchester City Council and East Hampshire District Council Waste Management Partnership to encourage waste minimisation and recycling. The developer would provide residents with suitable waste containers which would encourage the segregation and recycling of household waste. 4.10.8 The site would be designed to provide a safe and suitable access for Refuse Collection Vehicles whilst ensuring that waste collection points are accessible, conveniently located and do not necessitate waste collection crews to negotiate steep gradients or changes in levels. 4.10.9 The Proposed Development would ensure that household waste is managed in accordance with sustainable waste management practices (i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle and recover waste with landfill disposal being the least preferred option). 4.10.10 The waste impact assessment therefore considers that the site would be developed and operated without causing significant waste impacts. 4.11 Socio-economic 4.11.1 The proposed development of 200 dwellings at Causeway Farm would account for up to 29% of the total housing requirement for Petersfield and 11% of the annual target of the dwelling requirement for East Hampshire as set out in the Joint Core Strategy. It would accommodate an additional 480 people, an increase of 3.2% upon the existing population in Petersfield and would contribute towards a broader demographic structure within East Hampshire. 14
4.11.2 The proposal will have positive impacts in Petersfield and East Hampshire through the creation of new jobs at the construction stage and operational needs of local facilities, along with the provision of new housing that will increase labour supply. It will also have a positive economic impact through spending by new residents. 4.11.3 The scale of housing and population growth will not be substantial in the context of East Hampshire and so the net impact of the additional resident population arising from the scheme on education, health, leisure and recreation provision and community facilities will be relatively minor. Any negative impacts in respect of these matters will be mitigated through Section 106 agreements. 4.11.4 The most significant economic impacts of the proposed development would be: A capital investment of approximately 34 million over a 3 year build period; Up to 380 person-years of temporary construction work; 38 FTE direct construction jobs plus an additional 57 FTE indirect and induced jobs across the wider region; A total of 5.3 million expenditure per annum by residents living within the development; An additional 1 million expenditure by residents within the first 18 months of occupation; and, Stamp Duty, New Homes Bonus and Councill Tax Income to the public purse. 4.11.5 The proposed development at Causeway Farm represents a significant new capital investment in the area, will raise the overall level of economic activity and expenditure in the area, and will therefore have a beneficial economic impact within the local area. 4.11.6 Not only would the alternative do nothing option prevent these benefits from coming forward, but it would also result in a further deterioration of the affordability of housing in Petersfield and a reduction in the local workforce as a result of the ageing population. This would have significant adverse impacts in social and economic terms. 4.12 Climate Change 4.12.1 Global temperatures are expected to continue to rise as human activities continue to add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. During construction of the proposed development, emissions will arise through deliveries and vehicle movements associated with the transport of construction materials and site workers. 4.12.2 For the operational phase, analysis undertaken suggests that the carbon footprint of the Proposed Development will be very low when compared with emissions scenarios at different geographic scales, including regional, national and international scales. In relation to climate change effects these mainly are experienced at a national and global scale. However, regardless of this, it is reasonable to conclude that the project in accumulation with all the other developments proposed in the locality, region, nationally and internationally could, in combination with the other projects, give rise to significant environmental effects at those scales. This is an unfortunate consequence of human activity and will continue to be the case with the majority of development until the life cycle is carbon neutral. 15
5.0 Summary 5.1 Conclusions 5.1.1 The ES has considered how the environment and would be affected by the development. the local community 5.1.2 A range of potential environmental effects have been predicted to occur as a result of the development, both positive and negative. However, mitigation measures have been identified to appropriately reduce, minimise or offset any potential negative environmental effects. 5.1.3 Once these measures have been implemented a small number of significant effects will remain at the construction and operational phase of the development. These are: Construction Visual: Temporary negative impacts on The Causeway, during construction; Construction Visual: Temporary negative impacts on users of Hangers Way within the Site during construction; Construction Visual: Temporary negative impacts on users of the public footpath north east of and along the eastern part of Site during construction; Construction Visual: Temporary negative impacts on private residences in Broadway Park, Causeway, Sussex Road, Sussex Gardens; and Operational Climate Change: Despite the mitigation measures proposed to address greenhouse gas emissions, the Proposed Development will still be a net emitter of greenhouse gases and in particular of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which is considered to be a significant long term effect. 5.1.4 Whilst these effects are considered significant, the visual effects are only short term and temporary in nature and will cease when construction works finish (three years). 5.1.5 Despite the mitigation measuress proposed to address greenhouse gas emissions, the Proposed Development will still be a net emitter of greenhouse gases and in particular of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). In addition, industry standard guidance on climate change impacts suggests that any development that emits greenhouse gases is to be considered significant, which covers the majority of developments currently being undertaken across the UK and globally. 5.1.6 In addition to these significant adverse effects, the development will also provide a number of significant beneficial effects in socio-economic terms through job creation, provision of homes (including affordable) in an area of identified need and development of a wide range of new community facilities and open space. 5.2 Management of Environmental Impacts 5.2.1 The impacts of the construction activities will be managed through a Construction Environmental Management Plan. This will ensure that working hours, traffic management, control of pollution, waste management, noise, dust and vibration are all managed and controlled. Other mitigation includes a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. 5.3 What happens next? 5.3.1 Prior to making a decision on the planning application, the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) will seek advice from statutory and non-statutory consultees as part of the determination process for the submitted planning application. 5.3.2 SDNPA will make the full Environmental Statement available for examination by members of the public at their offices. 16
Printed copies of the Non-technical Summary and ES (including figures and appendices) may be obtained from: The Pavilion, 1st Floor, Botleigh Grange Office Campus, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2AF Tel: +44 2382 022800 The Non-technical Summary is available free of charge, and a limited number of hard copies of the Environmental Statement are available for 350* per copy (plus p&p). Alternatively, these documents are available as adobe acrobat files on CD from the same address at 25 (plus p&p) per copy. Copies of the ES may also be viewed on the South Downs National Park s planning pages (https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning/planning- applications/) * Includes VAT @20% 17