I.0 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY Introduction i.1 Redrow Homes NW Ltd is applying to Halton Borough Council for planning permission for the development of up to 300 high quality residential dwellings, including associated green space and an access road on land to the west of Delph Lane, Daresbury, Halton (the proposed development). A Site location plan is shown in Figure NTS1. i.2 Full details of the effects of the proposed development are contained within the Environmental Statement (ES) that has been prepared to accompany a Hybrid planning application for consent under the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) (as amended). The ES provides details of the proposed works and an assessment of the potential environmental effects arising from construction and operation as required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (EIA Regulations). i.3 This document provides an updated Non-Technical Summary (NTS) of the predicted effects on the environment of the Proposed Development, updated following the update of the ES in June 2013. Background i.4 The site of the proposed development (the Site) is within Daresbury Strategic Site (Figure NTS2), as defined in the adopted Halton BC Core Strategy, which forms part of the wider East Runcorn Key Area of Change. i.5 The Core Strategy allocates land for specific uses within the Strategic Site including land for residential development, a local centre and employment. i.6 Under this Key Area of Change the Daresbury Strategic Site will deliver: 26ha of expansion for B1 science, high tech and research development at Daresbury SIC; 40ha of land for the expansion of office and knowledge based facilities at Daresbury Park; Phased delivery of 1,400 dwellings brought forward in 3 phases; and A mixed use neighbourhood centre including a marina.
i.7 This proposed development of up to 300 dwellings aims to begin the process of delivering the residential objectives for Daresbury Strategic Site, on land specially allocated for this purpose. The Planning Process i.8 Details of the proposed development are shown in the Masterplan (May 2013) at Figure NTS3. The outline planning application seeks to maximise the use of the first phase of the wider Daresbury Strategic Site by providing up to 300 new homes, together with: Formal and informal open space Retention, and positive management of key landscape features New access roads and a footpath / cycleway i.9 The EIA Regulations require that before consent is sought for certain types of development, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be undertaken. i.10 The Regulations set out the forms of development which must always be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (Schedule 1 development) and other developments which may require assessment (Schedule 2 development). i.11 The Council formed a Screening Opinion (dated 13 th November 2012) stating that the proposed development comprises EIA development under the Regulations, falling within Schedule 2, specifically category 10(b) Infrastructure Projects. Consultation i.12 Redrow has engaged with a number of key stakeholders such as Halton BC officers, Daresbury Parish Council, local residents and local councillors during the development of design proposals for the Site. Details of this consultation process, including the methods used and findings are represented in the Statement of Community Involvement, which accompanied the Planning Application. Content of the Environmental Statement i.13 The ES contains the following information: A description of the Proposed Development; An outline of the alternatives considered;
A description of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on the following environmental topics: Ecology; Geology and Soils; Hydrology and Flood Risk; Air Quality; Noise; Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Landscape and Visual Impact Traffic and Transport; and Socio-Economics. A description of measures proposed to prevent, reduce or where possible off-set any significant adverse effects on the environment. Project Proposals Alternatives i.14 The Daresbury Strategic Site was subject to consideration as part of Halton BC s consideration of its Unitary Development Plan, and this was adopted following public inquiry in 2005. Following this, Halton BC included Daresbury Strategic Site in its consideration of spatial options for its Core Strategy. Following significant public consultation and a further sustainability appraisal of the options, Halton Council concluded that the Daresbury Strategic Site would be taken forward into the Core Strategy. i.15 Following sustainability appraisal and examination in public, the Halton Core Strategy Local Plan (the Core Strategy) was adopted in April 2013. i.16 Policy CS11 of the Local Plan makes specific reference to the proposed development as part of the area required to help deliver up to 1400 dwellings. i.17 In summary, Halton BC has considered alternative locations for residential development and alternative uses for this site, and has concluded that on the basis of evidence, the site is most appropriately allocated for residential development of the type proposed. A full description of the reasons why the Site is allocated is set out in the preamble to policy CS11 in the Core Strategy.
i.18 Alternatives have also been considered during the design phases of the proposed development, with a series of iterations of the masterplan for the site over a period of five years from 2008 to the most recent that accompanies this planning application. Alternative designs have considered housing density, layout, access arrangements, massing and appearance in addition to the extent of provision of green space, pedestrian routes and cycleways. Proposed Development i.19 The Outline planning application provides details of access, layout, scale and appearance for the first 122 homes in the southern part of the site, referred to as Phase A. Landscape details are reserved for approval at a later date. i.20 Phase B delivers up to 178 dwellings. In respect of Phase B, only access is sought for approval with all other matters reserved for approval at a later date i.21 A new link road is proposed running parallel to Delph Lane, connecting the A56 to the Site. A new signalised junction will be created on the A56. Delph Lane will be retained south of the Bridgewater Canal s eastern spur for the purposes of maintaining access for existing residents. Vehicular access to Crow s Nest, a farmstead adjacent the site, will be maintained. i.22 A network of open spaces for nature conservation and recreation including formal green space is planned to serve the residential area. The proposed development will also retain and enhance an existing pond and ditch. Landscape buffers of open space, incorporating trees and hedges will be created between the development and Delph Lane and between the development and the Bridgewater canal eastern spur. i.23 Designs for the Site promote walking and cycling routes and connect to the surrounding Public Right of Way network and contribute to the expansion of the greenway network proposed by Halton BC for the Daresbury Strategic Site. The existing public right of way crossing the site will be retained and incorporated into the development. i.24 A Construction Management Plan (CMP) will be agreed by Halton BC and will be applied to the development. This CMP will be enforceable by planning condition and will include measures to avoid, minimise or remedy potentially adverse environmental effects. Summary of Environmental Effects i.25 The following section summarises the predicted effects of the construction and operation of the Proposed Development on the environment.
Ecology Updated June 2013 i.26 The site does not have any designations for nature conservation interest, and is generally of low biodiversity value. Eleven ecological receptors were assessed, including the Bridgewater Canal, a ditch, arable field margins, hedgerows, ponds, bluebells, badgers, common toads, breeding birds, wintering birds and bats. i.27 There is potential for significant negative effects during the construction phase on arable field margins, hedgerows and bluebell; however in each of these cases, mitigation, compensation and on-going management measures are proposed that will result in significant residual positive effects on these receptors. i.28 There is potential for significant positive effects on the watercourse/wildlife corridor as a result of the construction phase, as new hedgerows and structure planting will ensure a continuous link of hedgerows, scrub and structure planting from the A56/Chester Road to the Bridgewater Canal, incorporating the pond and other neighbouring ponds. The proposed landscape management will ensure a significant residual positive effect on the wildlife corridor value. i.29 The Construction Management Plan (CMP) will include details of timing and programming to ensure that receptors such as nesting birds are not disturbed by construction activity. Other planning conditions will ensure implementation of the proposed new habitats. i.30 There are no significant effects on other receptors as a result of the construction or operational phases of development. The nearby Daresbury Firs Local Nature Reserve will not be adversely affected. i.31 Only one ecological receptor on this site may be significantly affected by a cumulative effect resulting from this development, in combination with all other developments at Daresbury Strategic Site. Bridgewater Canal will be affected by the future provision of a new road bridge associated with the Central Housing Area (Delph Lane residential development). Appropriate mitigation for construction and operation phase effects of a new road bridge will ensure that no significant effects result from such a bridge. This would be a condition of any future planning consent for such a bridge. i.32 In summary, eleven ecological receptors have been assessed, with nature conservation values ranging from district to immediate zone of influence. Table i.1 below summarises the findings. Table i.1: Summary of Residual Effects on Receptors of Nature Conservation Value Receptor Nature Conservation Value Residual Effect Bridgewater Canal District Neutral (eastern spur) Arable field margins Within immediate zone of Positive influence Hedgerows Local Positive
Receptor Nature Conservation Value Residual Effect Ponds Local Positive Watercourse/wildlife Immediate zone of influence Positive corridor Bluebell Immediate zone of influence Neutral Hyacinthoides nonscripta Badger Immediate zone of influence Neutral Bats Immediate zone of influence Positive Common toad Immediate zone of influence Neutral Wintering birds Immediate zone of influence Neutral Breeding birds Immediate zone of influence Positive i.33 Given that no receptors have a significant residual negative effect and six of the eleven receptors have a significant residual positive effect, the scheme has a net positive effect on ecological receptors. Geology and soils i.34 Existing geological conditions do not pose a significant level of risk as the site is open farmland, with no evidence of past activity that could have left a legacy of contamination. i.35 During the construction phase, there is a risk of ground and water contamination from spillages of fuel, oil and silt-laden water; however this would be avoided, reduced and remedied by the implementation of best practice guidelines. The CMP will set out the requirements to which contractors will be required to work in order to prevent adverse effects. i.36 The operational phase of the development does not pose a significant risk as it is residential use. Hydrology and Flood Risk i.37 The Site is located wholly within Flood Zone 1. i.38 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines flood zones as follows: - Zone 1 Low Probability less than 1 in 1000 annual probability (< 0.1%) of river or sea flooding in any year Zone 2 Medium Probability between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 annual probability (1% - 0.1%) of river flooding or between a 1 in 200 and 1 in 1000 annual probability of sea flooding (0.5%-0.1%) in any year Zone 3a High Probability 1 in 100 or greater annual probability (> 1%) of river flooding or a 1 in 200 or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea (>0.5%) in any year
Zone 3b Functional Floodplain 1 in 20 or greater annual probability (5%) of river flooding in any year. This is land on which water has to flow or be stored in times of flood. i.39 The Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) reviewed all sources of flood risk to both the proposed development and to existing adjacent property as a result of the proposals, including flood risk from fluvial, tidal, pluvial, groundwater, sewers and other artificial sources. The FRA determined that the risk from all sources is low. i.40 A desk top search for flooding events did not identify any historical flooding in the immediate area. Consultation with stakeholders also failed to identify any historical flooding at the Site. i.41 As a result of the low flood risk from all of the sources reviewed, the principal focus of the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is on the effective management of surface water drainage during the operational phase, by the implementation of a Drainage Management Strategy, which forms part of the Planning Application. Air Quality i.42 The nearest major road is the A56 Chester Road, which is approximately 30m from the closest point of the Site boundary. Vehicular traffic on this road will be the main source of emissions and pollutant concentrations for the residents of the proposed development. i.43 The Council has undertaken LAQM Review and Assessment of air quality for pollutants required under regulations since 1997 for the entire borough council. In 2011, the Council declared three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Widnes for exceedances of the annual mean NO 2 objective. However, the Review and Assessment process undertaken to date has not identified any air quality issues in the area of the proposed development. i.44 The proposed development will generate some additional traffic on the local road network and will introduce additional residential exposure close to the A56 Chester Road which has daily flows in excess of 20,000 vehicles. i.45 The air quality assessment has been carried out using DMRB model together with the latest data and tools provided by Defra. These include background maps, and NO x /NO 2 converter tool. The model has been verified using monitoring data from five monitoring sites. i.46 Based on the data, methodology and assumptions used and results obtained the conclusions of the assessment are summarised below: The construction activities will result in nuisance dust issues. Mitigation measures are provided. If these are implemented there will be no significant residual impacts; All the objectives for NO 2 and PM 10 are likely to be achieved at the site and nearby receptors in 2025 when the development would complete;
As a result of changes to traffic due to proposed development there are either small or imperceptible decreases or increases in predicted concentrations; As the predicted annual mean concentrations in with or without scheme in 2025 are well below the objectives, the significance of air quality impacts could be considered as Negligible. Noise and Vibration i.47 A qualitative assessment of the potential noise effects of the proposed development on noise-sensitive receptors was carried out. This focussed on construction noise and noise associated with any additional traffic generated on the local highway network as a result of the completed development. i.48 A baseline noise survey was undertaken at a sample of noise-sensitive locations away from the M56 (i.e. quieter areas where potential for noise impact during the construction phase is greatest). i.49 It was concluded that the construction phase may give rise to noise effects of up to Moderate Adverse during periods where the noisiest activity is taking place at the closest points to nearby noise-sensitive receptors. This construction noise will be mitigated through the CMP, as far as is reasonably practicable, by implementing appropriate measures in accordance with the best practice guidance as set out in BS5228-1:2009. The residual noise impact at any one location from construction works is likely to be no more than of Minor significance. i.50 Potential long term traffic noise effects, resulting from operation of the proposed development, were assessed using a comparative approach. This involved investigating the difference between calculated traffic noise levels for the without development and with development scenarios, based upon anticipated future traffic flows. i.51 The noise impact of traffic generated by the proposed development on noise sensitive receptors is predicted to be negligible at most noise-sensitive locations but moderate adverse for dwellings on Delph Lane. To mitigate the noise effects on Delph Lane, an acoustic bund or fencing will be created along the new spine road; this will reduce traffic noise impact to no more than minor adverse for these dwellings. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Updated June 2013 i.52 The proposed development area lies within a rural area that that possess some significance in terms of archaeology and cultural heritage and 23 heritage assets have been identified. There are no Scheduled Monuments, Historic Parks and Gardens, or Conservation Areas within the study area. Assets within the study area include Crow s Nest Farm; the Bridgewater Canal and the associated George Gleave s Bridge (Grade II Listed) and Keckwick Hill Bridge; possible sites for a cross and holy well; and extraction sites for stone and possibly marl.
i.53 The proposed development has the potential to physically and adversely affect 11 heritage assets during the construction phase. These potential effects would occur as a result of intrusive ground works associated with the construction phase, such as regrading and landscaping, excavation of building foundations and service trenches, and preparation of areas of hard-standing, such as roads. The residual effects, following mitigation, would be neutral or slight for all but one asset, the Holy Cross, which would be moderate to slight. i.54 Mitigation measures will vary, depending upon the type of potential effect. Potential effects which could result in permanent damage or destruction of heritage assets of archaeological interest, will be mitigated by preservation by record in advance of ground works, comprising archaeological excavation and the subsequent creation of a written, drawn, and photographic archive. i.55 Maintaining a targeted watching brief during intrusive ground works will be undertaken to allow two possible extraction sites to be characterised and the preservation by record of heritage assets that are of low importance. i.56 In addition, the CMP will include a method statement to ensure that no unnecessary or unintended disturbance occurs to fabric associated with the Bridgewater Canal and where any necessary disturbance of fabric associated with the canal does occur, appropriate remediation and conservation works of the affected areas will be undertaken. i.57 There are also potential temporary adverse effects on the setting of some of the assets during the construction phase. The significance of these effects would be moderate to slight for the Bridgewater Canal and moderate for Crow s Nest Farm, George Gleave s Bridge and Keckwick Hill Bridge. No mitigation of these effects is possible. i.58 Following completion of the proposed development, there are potential permanent adverse effects on the settings of these heritage assets. Following mitigation, the residual significance of these effects would be moderate to slight for the Bridgewater Canal, Crow s Nest Farm and George Gleave s Bridge and slight for Keckwick Hill Bridge. Mitigation would be through natural screening which would aid in obscuring views of the proposed development from the north and north-west, although it will not alleviate the obscuring of the historic structures by the proposed development from the east and north-east. i.59 The character and extent of specific remains associated with heritage assets within the Site is currently unknown, but have the potential to be significant. In order to effectively identify the character and extent of any targets that might represent heritage assets of archaeological interest, iterative investigative works will be undertaken, comprising: a geophysical survey, to inform and be followed by a programme of archaeological evaluation trenching. i.60 There are potential cumulative visual effects on the setting of assets as a result of adjacent developments during the operation stage. This would include a large or very large effect on the Bridgewater Canal and moderate to large effects on George
Gleave s Bridge, Keckwick Hill Bridge and Crow s Nest Farm. It is not possible to reduce these effects by mitigation measures. Landscape and Views i.61 The site lies in the Moore Village and Keckwick Brook Valley landscape character area, as identified by Halton BC. The published description of the character area notes that key features are prominent woodland on high ground, pockets of farmland, open space, wetland and waterside vegetation along watercourses and canals. Frequent infrastructure includes railways, roads and overhead lines which segment the landscape. The urban fringe is prominent on rising ground and commercial development at Daresbury is prominent on high ground, set within young woodland. Norton Water Tower and the tower at Daresbury SIC are noted as landmark features. The area is described as having a weak landscape strength and a moderate to poor landscape condition. i.62 The Site is not the subject of landscape designations and is not visible from the Daresbury Village Conservation Area. i.63 The significance of effects on landscape character resulting from construction activity is anticipated to be moderate adverse. In operation, the proposed development would result in a moderate adverse significance of effect on the landscape within the area defined by the Daresbury Strategic Site Allocation. At a wider scale, the significance is minor adverse, due to existing residential, road and office development being characteristic of the areas north, south and further west of the site. i.64 The principal public views of high sensitivity are experienced by users of Delph Lane, the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk, the Mersey Valley Trail and a public footpath that crosses the site. The significance of effects on public views is anticipated to range from moderate adverse to negligible, depending on distance from the new buildings and the degree to which the site forms part of the existing view. i.65 Private views of high sensitivity are experienced by residents of Crow s Nest (a farmhouse adjoining the site) and properties along Delph Lane. The significance of effects on private views is anticipated to range from moderate adverse to no effect. i.66 Measures have been incorporated into the proposed development design and layout proposals to mitigate effects on landscape and views on completion of the proposed development. Further mitigation of effects will be achieved through the CMP. i.67 The proposed layout and low density of the development enables the provision of a robust landscape structure. The new access road will be subject to roadside planting and coupled with additional planting in the proposed open space west of Delph Lane, over time the character of the residential landscape will assume the appearance of housing within a wooded setting, as occurs in development at Norton, on the western flanks of the Keckwick Brook Valley.
i.68 Taking account of mitigation in the design and layout, residents of Crow s Nest and Delph Lane alongside the site would experience a moderate adverse effect on views from ground-floor windows. i.69 A cumulative visual assessment has been carried out, taking account of all consented development and all future allocations for the Daresbury Strategic Site. This indicates that for all receptors which would experience a moderate adverse effect from this development, the effect would not become of greater adverse significance due to future predicted development. Traffic and Transport i.70 The Site is to be served from the junction of the A56 Chester Road with Delph Lane. Delph Lane is an unclassified single carriageway road typically 3-4 metres wide with passing places. The A56 is a high capacity dual carriageway linking Runcorn and the M56 to Warrington. i.71 During the construction phase, the only viable means of HGV access to the Site is directly off the A56, and this will form the approved access route to the Site for all construction traffic. i.72 The development of up to 300 homes, at an anticipated completion rate of 30 homes per annum will result in steady construction activity over a period of up to 10 years, with first occupation expected for early 2015. During this period, delivery of construction materials will be needed on a routine basis. In addition, there will be traffic movements associated with site personnel and management. i.73 The proposed development will create new movements, on foot, by cycle, by bus and by car. These will be for a variety of purposes but the dominant movements will be journeys to work, to schools and colleges, and for shopping and leisure purposes. To reduce the potential effects of generated traffic, the proposed development is being designed and travel planning put in place to minimise the impact of generated traffic. i.74 Traffic is to be routed directly from the Site to the strategic road network (A56) minimising the effects on the local road network. The capacity of the adjacent strategic road network is large, traffic flows are large and hence the percentage impact of the generated traffic is small. i.75 An upgraded signalised junction will be provided at the junction of the link road with the A56. This junction can safely and efficiently accommodate the traffic generated by the development and in the longer term by traffic from a completed spine road serving areas north of the canal. i.76 To encourage pedestrian and cycle usage, dedicated facilities across the A56 are to be provided as part of the Delph Lane junction improvement and a footway/cycleway is to be provided along the west side of the A56 between Delph Lane and Red Brow Lane enabling cycling from the development to Daresbury Park and destinations to the west, including East Runcorn Rail Station.
i.77 Cumulative effects of the proposed development are considered within the context of the East Runcorn Sustainable Transport Study (2011) (The Study). The provision of the new link road from the A56 is a key component of the Study. The proposed development will provide the first stage of the road. In the short term the traffic flows along the road will be very modest only serving the proposed development of 300 homes. In the long term this road will be primarily used by traffic to an expanded DSIC site and other residential developments further west. Traffic volumes on this road will increase from 600 vehicles per day to 6500 per day. However the link road and its junction with the A56 have been designed to accommodate the much higher long term volume. i.78 The Study describes the cumulative transport effects, and the degree to which the highway impacts are mitigated by the proposed improvements. The Study also identifies that alternatives to the car are needed to reduce congestion and provide sustainable travel. The proposed development will provide a range of mitigation measures which are fully compliant with the findings of the Study and a financial contributions package is currently being developed by Halton BC in conjunction with developers to ensure delivery of longer term measures. Socio-Economics i.79 Halton Borough is home to 125,700 1 residents of which 15% are over the age of 65, up slightly from 14% a decade earlier. The trend for an expansion in the retirement population is estimated to accelerate from 2011 to 2030. i.80 Halton s Core Strategy recognises an acute need for the borough to offer a more diverse housing mix than the current stock provides. i.81 Halton has some of the highest rates of unemployment in the country (currently ranked 7th out of 326 districts) and the lowest rates of enterprise (15th out of 326 districts), pointing to the underlying weakness in the local economy. i.82 The socio-economic assessment also assessed the social and health infrastructure provision in the local area: there are a number of nursery providers and primary schools within a 3km radius of the Site and there is one secondary school; Halton General Hospital is less than 4km from the Site and there are three GP surgeries within 3km of the Site. i.83 The proposed development is expected to deliver a number of positive impacts for Halton: An increase in the local resident population of 880 people, 66% of which will be of working age and can help to redress the widening imbalance in the population of Halton. It is important to maximise retention of the working age population in order to strengthen the local labour market. 1 Census 2011
A temporary increase in construction jobs over the estimated ten year build period, amounting to c.76 employment opportunities. A permanent increase in local employment opportunities through the increased household expenditure in the local economy. This could create up to 31 new jobs. The building of new homes in the proposed development could help to address local unemployment in the industry, and provide apprenticeship and training opportunities for young unemployed people. A permanent increase in the supply of skilled labour which could help to address skill gaps and increase the productivity of local employers. The proposed development will place demands on the existing social and community infrastructure but the assessment shows there is sufficient capacity to meet these demands. Summary and Conclusions i.84 Table i.2 provides a summary of the residual (i.e. with mitigation in place) environmental effects of the proposed development. Table i.2: Summary of residual* environmental effects Topic Construction phase Operation phase Ecology Beneficial Beneficial Geology and soils No significant effect No significant effect Hydrology and Flood Risk No significant effect No significant effect Air quality No significant effect Negligible effect Noise Minor adverse Minor adverse Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Slight to moderate Slight to moderate Landscape Moderate adverse Moderate adverse Views Moderate adverse Moderate adverse Traffic and Transport Minor adverse No significant effect Socio-economic Moderate beneficial Moderate beneficial *Summarises residual effects on the basis of the worst or most significant effect identified. i.85 This document is a concise summary of the Environmental Statement prepared to accompany the application for planning permission at land west of Delph Lane, Daresbury, Halton. Full copies of the Environmental Statement and the Appendices
are available to view at Halton Borough Council Offices, Municipal Bldg Kingsway, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 7QF. i.86 Copies are available to purchase from TEP at the following costs: Printed copy of the Environmental Statement with drawings - 85.00; Printed copy of the Environmental Statement with drawings and all appendices - 230.00; and CD containing a copy of the Environmental Statement with drawings and appendices - 5.00 TEP, Genesis Centre, Birchwood Science Park, Warrington, WA3 7BH (01925 844004)