LAND NORTH OF NETHERHOUSE COPSE, FLEET

REPORT N O 70020067 LAND NORTH OF NETHERHOUSE COPSE, FLEET ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT VOLUME 3:NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT PUBLIC JUNE 2016

LAND NORTH OF NETHERHOUSE COPSE, FLEET ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT VOLUME 3:NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Berkeley Strategic Land Limited V1 Public Project no: 70020067 Date: June 2016 WSP House London WC2A 1AF UK Tel: +44 (0) 2073 145 000 Fax: +44 (0) 2073 145 111 www.wsp-pb.com

iii Q U A L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T ISSUE/REVISION FIRST ISSUE REVISION 1 REVISION 2 REVISION 3 Remarks Date June 2016 Prepared by Robyn Chadwick Signature Checked by Pete Collins Signature Authorised by Karen McAlister Signature Project number 70020067 Report number File reference Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement Project No 70020067

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION...1 1.1 OVERVIEW... 1 1.2 WHAT IS PROPOSED TO BE BUILT?... 2 1.3 WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)?... 2 1.4 WHAT IS A NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY?... 3 2 THE SITE...4 2.1 WHAT IS THE SITE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA LIKE?... 4 2.2 WHY IS THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDED AND WHY IS IT BEING BUILT HERE?... 4 2.3 HOW HAS THE DESIGN EVOLVED?... 7 2.4 WHO HAS BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT THIS DEVELOPMENT?... 8 2.5 WHEN WILL THE DEVELOPMENT BE BUILT?... 8 3 OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT PARAMETERS... 10 3.1 INTRODUCTION... 10 3.2 LAND USE PARAMETER PLAN... 10 3.3 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY PARAMETER PLAN... 12 3.4 BUILDING HEIGHTS PARAMETER PLAN... 13 3.5 ACCESS AND MOVEMENT PARAMETER PLANS... 15 3.6 LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGY STRATEGY PARAMETER PLAN... 21 4 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT... 23 4.1 WILL THE EXISTING LOCAL COMMUNITY BE DISTURBED AS A RESULT OF THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE?... 23 4.2 HOW WILL THE CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC AFFECT THOSE WHO USE THE LOCAL ROAD AND PATH NETWORKS?... 23 4.3 WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BENEFIT THE LOCAL ECONOMY?... 23 Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement Project No 70020067

v 4.4 WILL THE EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE EXISTING AND NEW RESIDENTS?... 24 4.5 HOW WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AFFECT THE LOCAL ROAD AND FOOTPATH NETWORKS ONCE COMPLETE?... 24 4.6 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE LOCAL NOISE ENVIRONMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION AND WHEN THE DEVELOPMENT IS OCCUPIED?... 25 4.7 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LOCAL AIR QUALITY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND ONCE IT S COMPLETED?... 25 4.8 WHAT ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN AT THE SITE AND WHAT AFFECT WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT HAVE ON LOCAL WILDLIFE?... 26 4.9 WHAT EFFECT WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT HAVE ON THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL AMENITY OF THE AREA?... 27 4.10 DOES THE SITE HAVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL?... 28 4.11 ARE THERE ANY CONCERNS RELATING TO CONTAMINATED LAND OR GROUND CONDITIONS WITHIN THE SITE?... 28 4.12 WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CHANGE THE EXISTING WATER ENVIRONMENT AND WILL THERE BE INCREASED DEMAND ON WATER RESOURCES?... 28 4.13 WILL THE DEVELOPMENT INCREASE FLOODING?... 29 4.14 WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL USE?... 29 4.15 WHAT MEASURES WILL BE USED TO AVOID AND REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT?... 29 5 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?... 32 6 WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I WANT SOME MORE INFORMATION?... 32 7 CAN I HAVE A COPY OF THE ENVIRONMENT STATEMENT OR THIS NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY?... 32

1 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW 1.1.1 Berkeley Strategic Land Ltd ( the Applicant) is seeking outline planning permission for a new residential community (the Proposed Development ). All aspects of the Development are in outline stage with the exception of the access proposals which are submitted in detail. The Proposed Development is located to the north of Crookham Village and west of Fleet as shown in Figure 1 below. 1.1.2 The Site extends to approximately 36.98 ha and consists of arable fields and woodland. The Site comprises two parcels of land separated by Hitches Lane, referred to as the Eastern and Western Sites. Within the Site are two areas of Ancient Woodland: Long Copse, located in the northwest corner of the Eastern Site; and Jack Reid s Copse, located on the south eastern part of the Western Site, adjacent to Hitches Lane. A further area of Ancient Woodland, Netherhouse Copse, is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Eastern Site. There is also a Historic Hedgerow present on the site. Figure 1: Site Location

2 1.2 WHAT IS PROPOSED TO BE BUILT? 1.2.1 The Proposed Development is for a new residential community of for up to 423 residential dwellings, a community facility, associated vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access, drainage and landscape works including provision of public open space and sports pitches. Provision of country park / SANG as an extension to Edenbrook Country Park. 1.2.2 At this stage, the application does not seek planning approval for the detailed design or external appearance of any proposed buildings; these matters will be the subject of future reserved matters planning applications, to allow for a level of flexibility. 1.2.3 A series of Parameter Plans (see Figures 3 8, provided in Section 3) have been submitted for approval as part of the Planning Application which show the broad outline of the scheme. 1.2.4 The Application is also accompanied by an illustrative Masterplan which demonstrates how the development could be built out when applying the parameters as defined and described in the Application. Reserved matters planning applications will be in general accordance with the Parameter Plans (see Section 3 Overview of the Development Parameters below). 1.3 WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)? 1.3.1 EIA is a process that identifies the likely significant environmental effects of a development and suggests ways in which any significant negative effects on the environment can be prevented, reduced and/or compensated. EIA requires consideration of the likely significant environmental effects which may arise during all stages of a development, including the construction works and following completion (usually referred to as operation). 1.3.2 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended 2015) (the EIA Regulations 2011 ) require that an EIA must be undertaken before planning permission is granted for certain types of development. For the Proposed Development Hart District Council (HDC) identified the requirement for an EIA to inform the planning application. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations 2011 and the scope of the EIA was agreed with HDC and other statutory authorities. 1.3.3 The findings of the EIA process are reported in a document called an Environmental Statement (ES). The ES is submitted with the planning application and is available on HDC s website and at the Council offices, together with the other planning application documents, for the public to view to understand the nature and form of the Proposed Development and the outcome of the EIA process. The findings of the EIA are summarised in this document. 1.3.4 The ES comprises three volumes: Volume 1 Text and Figures, which comprises the full text of the ES and supporting figures; and Volume 2 Technical Appendices where technical reports and supporting information to the ES are presented. This Non-Technical Summary forms Volume 3 of the ES. 1.3.5 A number of other Technical Reports and Plans are also submitted with the Planning Application and relevant information from those reports has informed the ES. These reports and plans include the following: Planning Statement; Design and Access Statement; Transport Assessment; Framework Travel Plan;

3 Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy; Landscape Design Statement; Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) Management Plan; Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan; Sustainability Statement; Energy Statement; and Statement of Community Involvement. 1.4 WHAT IS A NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY? 1.4.1 The full results of the EIA (baseline information, survey findings and technical assessments) that have been completed for the Proposed Development are presented in the ES. The findings of these studies are summarised and presented in this summary document in non-technical language. 1.4.2 This document is structured as a series of key questions and answers regarding the Proposed Development and identifies any likely significant effects and describes how such effects are to be mitigated, prevented and/or compensated by the Applicant during the construction and throughout the lifetime of the Proposed Development.

4 2 THE SITE 2.1 WHAT IS THE SITE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA LIKE? 2.1.1 The Site is split into a western area and an eastern area, and comprises predominantly agricultural land, hedgerows and woodland. The land use in the surrounding area is a mix of arable and pasture farmland, interspersed by individual farmsteads, dwellings and larger settlements. 2.1.2 A number of public rights of way (PRoW) traverse the entire Site, and cycle routes in the vicinity link west Fleet with the Country Parks to the west of the town. These routes have been identified for improvement in the Fleet Town Access Plan 2011-2031 (2011). 2.1.3 There are no statutory designated ecological sites or listed buildings within the Site boundary. However, a non-statutory designated site is located within the Site boundary: Jack Reid s Copse Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in the south eastern part of the Western Site, adjacent to Hitches Lane. This copse has been designated for the presence of ancient seminatural woodland. In addition, Long Copse, within the northwest corner of the Eastern site, is also classified as an area of Ancient Woodland, although is not identified as a SINC. A historic hedge is present in the western site. 2.1.4 Land uses surrounding the Western Site include Hitches Lane to the east, farmland to the south, and Edenbrook Country Park to the north. The River Hart is located adjacent to the west of the Western Site boundary, beyond which is farmland. Land uses surrounding the Eastern Site include Hitches Lane to the west, Calthorpe Park School playing fields to the north, existing residential areas of Fleet to the west, and Netherhouse Copse and farmland to the south. Further to the north of the Eastern Site are the Hart Leisure Centre and Calthorpe Park Secondary School. 2.2 WHY IS THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDED AND WHY IS IT BEING BUILT HERE? 2.2.1 Consideration of the development of the western side of Fleet has been part of the local planning process for many years. The Site represents an opportunity for a sustainable urban extension and is considered to be a logical expansion of the town that is both well connected to the town centre, the Hart Leisure Centre and local schools, and also combines well with the nearby Edenbrook Development and the Edenbrook Country Park. These characteristics will generate a number of wider community benefits as well as contributing towards addressing housing requirements in the area. 2.2.2 Outline planning permission was granted in January 2006 for the development of the Edenbrook site (planning application reference 02/000180/OUT) for 300 dwellings, recreational uses and associated landscaping and highways. The development of Edenbrook is now nearing completion, and includes the first phase of the Edenbrook Country Park. In July 2012, approval was granted for 57 additional dwellings and associated works to the immediate west of the Edenbrook development, referred to as Edenbrook Extension (planning application reference 11/01326/MAJOR). 2.2.3 A further planning application was submitted in November 2013 proposes a south western expansion of the Edenbrook development together with re-arrangement and expansion of the Country Park (planning application reference 13/02513/MAJOR). The proposals include the development of 193 dwellings and the provision of a site for a new indoor leisure centre for Fleet.

5 The location of the Proposed Development in relation to the Edenbrook Village and Edenbrook Extension is shown in Figure 2. 2.2.4 The Hart Core Strategy Preferred Approach identified land north of Netherhouse Copse (Grove Farm) for the development of up to 450 units in July 2011, within which the Proposed Development falls. However, as a result of local opposition to the allocation of the land based on the perceived coalescence of Crookham Village with Fleet the residential element of the allocation was removed from the evolving Core Strategy. The Core Strategy was withdrawn in 2013 after it was found to be unsound by the Planning Inspector, partly because it would not meet the housing needs of the Borough. The Proposed Development was initially submitted for planning approval in 2014, Hart District Council confirmed that the rejection of the scheme at that time should not be interpreted as a total rejection of the site, which still remains one of the strategic growth options that need to be assessed by the Council in weighing up how the District will meet future housing needs. 2.2.5 There remains a need for additional homes to be provided in Fleet and across Hart District, and the application Site is in a sustainable location within walking distance of the town centre and key local facilities.. The Proposed Development represents the final phase of the development of the western side of Fleet, and includes the final phase of the expansion of the Country Park to create a large-scale ecological and recreational resource.

6 Figure 2: Location of Edenbrook Developments in relation to the Proposed Development

7 2.3 HOW HAS THE DESIGN EVOLVED? 2.3.1 The design of the scheme has been developed through extensive investigations into the character of Crookham Village and Fleet, and in-depth analysis of the constraints and opportunities in and surrounding the Site. The details of these constraints and opportunities are set out in the Design and Access Statement which is submitted with the Planning Application. Once the design principles were established, a network of roads, development parcels and open spaces was identified to create the initial concept masterplan. 2.3.2 Discussions regarding the design of the Proposed Development have been held with Officers at HDC since early 2010 and have resulted in several key changes to the design layout. A summary of the key stages of the design process is presented below: Review of site constraints and opportunities in and surrounding the Site; Consideration of existing services which cross the Site and the need to protecting areas of Ancient Woodland within the Site and areas associated with the River Hart; Retention of the existing public rights of way and provision of additional pedestrian and cycle connections; and Design of a highway access strategy to minimise the amount of traffic passing through Crookham Village to the south of the Site as a result of the Development. In addition, the access strategy considered the potential realignment of part of Hitches Lane in the vicinity of the Site to provide improvements to traffic. 2.3.3 Comments received from HDC and other consultees and following feedback from the public consultation events has led to revisions to the initial development layouts. The main design iterations are described below which reflect the layout and principles of the application previously refused. LAND USES 2.3.4 Land for a single community facility is provided near the proposed extension to the sports pitches in the Eastern Site. Whilst the application includes land for a community facility, it is anticipated that this land will be transferred to a third party and subject to a separate future planning application, and the Developer will not source a tenant. 2.3.5 In order to accommodate residential units in the north of the Eastern Site it is proposed that some localised ground re-modelling is undertaken to provide a usable extension to the sports pitches for public use and/or use by the nearby Calthorpe Park School as determined appropriate by the District Council. ACCESS 2.3.6 The initial sketch plan included two roundabouts on Hitches Lane: a three arm roundabout to the south to allow access into the Eastern Site and a further four arm roundabout to the north to enable access to both the Western and Eastern Sites. Evolution of the scheme design resulted in the re-design of the access strategy to provide a T junction to access the north of the Eastern Site and a three arm roundabout in the south of the Eastern Site. A second T junction will be provided to allow access into the car park in the Western Site. The designs of the junctions are submitted in detail and are shown on Figures 9-11 below.

8 2.3.7 Other options considered in relation to access included reduction of the speed limit for Hitches Lane from 60 mph to 30 mph to enhance traffic safety associated with accessing the Site and potential realignment of Hitches Lane to encourage a reduction in traffic speed. Following discussions with HCC Highways it was agreed that future consideration will be given to reduction of the speed limit to 40 mph through a separate Traffic Regulations Order. 2.4 WHO HAS BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT THIS DEVELOPMENT? 2.4.1 Prior to the 2014 application, a public exhibition was held on 9 th and 10 th May 2014 to seek views of the local community on the proposals and respond to any questions. A summary of the feedback received is provided in the updated Statement of Community Involvement which is submitted in support of the planning application. A newsletter was issued to the local community in May 2016. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on public opinion. The most commonly raised issues received from local residents related to increased traffic and congestion in the area, insufficient capacity of current local infrastructure (such as GP surgeries and schools) and general over-development including the loss of the gap between Fleet and Crookham Village. 2.4.2 Consultation including EIA scoping was undertaken with various organisations during preparation of the original planning application and the ES, including Natural England, the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council and HDC. The purpose of these consultations was to agree the assessment methodologies for technical studies and to identify any sensitivities or concerns associated with the Proposed Development which may need to be considered in the design process and assessed as part of the EIA. Discussions with HDC in 2016 confirmed that the original consultation still stands given the Proposed Development has not changed. 2.5 WHEN WILL THE DEVELOPMENT BE BUILT? 2.5.1 The Site preparation and construction works will be designed and programmed to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and the general public. Subject to obtaining planning permission, and the discharge of relevant conditions, construction of the Proposed Development is anticipated to commence in 2017 and to be completed by 2022. 2.5.2 Construction is anticipated to occur in six main phases, as detailed below. PHASE LOCATION DATE OF COMMENCEMENT DATE OF COMPLETION 1 North-west Mid to late 2017 2018 2 South-west 2018 2019 3 North-east 2019 2020 4 North 2020 2021 5 South 2021 2022 6 South 2022 2022 2.5.3 The indicative phasing plan is provided as Figure 3 below.

9 Figure 3: Indicative Construction Phasing

10 3 OVERVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT PARAMETERS 3.1 INTRODUCTION 3.1.1 The parameters of the Proposed Development assessed in the ES are shown on the Parameter Plans, reproduced as Figures 4 8 and Figure 12 below. These plans show the type and broad location of the land uses and define the aspects of the Proposed Development for which planning consent is being sought. 3.2 LAND USE PARAMETER PLAN 3.2.1 The Land Use Parameter Plan (Figure 4) shows the general extent of the proposed built footprint, the disposition of land uses across the Site, the points of access and the areas of open space and attenuation. The primary land uses across the Site comprise: A SANG of approximately 11.12 ha located on the Western Site as an extension to Edenbrook Country Park; Up to 423 dwellings, including up to 40% affordable housing subject to negotiations with the District Council; Land on the northern edge of the Site for the extension of sports pitches for public use or use by Calthorpe Park School as HDC deems appropriate; Drainage and landscape works; Public open space/ children s play facilities; Land for a community facility; Three points of vehicular access from Hitches Lane (two serving the Eastern Site and one serving the Western Site); Pedestrian and cycle access and preservation of public rights of way; Retention of trees and hedgerows on-site as far as possible; Enhanced buffer planting along the southern Site boundary; and A 15 m buffer to the Ancient Woodland on the southern boundary of the Site.

11 Figure 4: Land Use Parameter Plan

12 3.3 RESIDENTIAL DENSITY PARAMETER PLAN 3.3.1 The Residential Density Parameter Plan (Figure 5) shows the pattern of residential densities across the Site. The densities will vary from up to 20 dwellings per hectare to up to 60 dwellings per hectare. 3.3.2 The Proposed Development will provide a mix of residential dwellings, ranging from 1 bedroom apartments to 5 bedroom houses. The Proposed Development will provide 423 new homes including up to 40% affordable housing subject to negotiation with the Council. Figure 5: Density Parameter Plan

13 3.4 BUILDING HEIGHTS PARAMETER PLAN 3.4.1 The Building Heights Parameter Plan (Figure 6) identifies the graduation and distribution of building heights across the Development and the maximum building heights. The residential properties range from 2 to 3 storeys, with the highest buildings predominantly on the outer edges of the Eastern Site. The community facility will be a maximum of 2 storeys. 3.4.2 The landscape and visual assessment within the ES has been based on the Parameter Plans and allows for maximum building heights up to those shown on the parameter plan. Whilst the building heights across the Eastern Site are expressed in terms of storey heights, a maximum building height (to the top of the ridge and measured in metres from ground level) has been set to allow some flexibility in the future detailed design. It is not the intention that the whole built development area will be covered by buildings at those heights; rather the heights represent the maximum parameters which have been assessed for the purposes of the EIA. Specific details regarding the height of each building will be determined at the reserved matters application stage. The Design and Access Statement which is submitted with the planning application describes the proposed character areas within the Development.

14 Figure 6: Building Heights Parameter Plan

15 3.5 ACCESS AND MOVEMENT PARAMETER PLANS 3.5.1 The Movement and Access Parameter Plans (Figures 7 and 8) show the key vehicular, pedestrian and cycle accesses and routes within the Proposed Development and links with the wider network. 3.5.2 Three vehicular access points into the Proposed Development will be provided from Hitches Lane. The primary vehicular access point into the Development will be provided via a three arm roundabout. The secondary vehicular access point will be provided via a T junction to the north of this, near the land proposed for a community facility in the Eastern Site. The third access point will provide access to the car park in the Western Site. 3.5.3 Two amenity parking areas will be provided within the development: to the north of the Eastern Site associated with the community facility; and within the Western Site associated with the Country Park extension. Parking associated with the residential dwellings within the Proposed Development will be provided in accordance with HDC standards. 3.5.4 The exact alignment and routing of the new internal roads shown on the Movement and Access (Vehicular) Parameter Plan can only be defined in conjunction with the associated layout of the future phases of development, which will be the subject of reserved matters approvals. The proposed access points to the site are fixed and are the only element of the Proposed Development for which full planning permission is being sought. 3.5.5 Two existing public rights of way (PRoW) cross the Eastern Site, one of which extends from east to west across the centre of the Eastern Site, and one PRoW extends across the Western Site to the south of Jack Reid s Copse. All PRoW will be retained within the Proposed Development. 3.5.6 The Proposed Development will also provide new footpaths, including: Proposed footpaths throughout the Eastern Site, linking the residential dwellings and in the Western Site to provide recreational access to the extension to the Country Park; and A proposed cycle route extending from the primary access points, crossing the Eastern Site. 3.5.7 The route, alignment and design of the internal routes including provision for public transport and routes for pedestrians and cyclists will be within the access corridors as shown on the Access and Movement Parameter Plans. Such design will come forward in conjunction with the layout of the future phases of development and will be the subject of reserved matters approvals. 3.5.8 Consent for access into the Site from Hitches Lane is sought as part of this application, as shown on Figures 9-11.

16 Figure 7: Movement and Access Vehicular Parameter Plan

17 Figure 8: Movement and Access Pedestrian and Cycle Parameter Plan

18 Figure 9: Northern Residential Access

19 Figure 10: Southern Roundabout Site Access

20 Figure 11: Country Park Ste Access and Road Crossing for SANG Areas

21 3.6 LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGY STRATEGY PARAMETER PLAN 3.6.1 The Landscape and Ecology Strategy Parameter Plan (Figure 12) identifies the following principles: The retention of existing woodland in the north and south of both the Eastern and Western Sites; Extension of the existing country park / SANG provision; Provision of a series of public spaces, including formal public open space, play areas and privately maintained open space; provision of sports pitches for public use and/or use by Calthorpe Park School as determined appropriate by the District Council; Retention of existing ditch in the south of the Eastern Site; Provision of four water attenuation areas; Provision of a buffer either side of the retained ditches in the Eastern Site; and Retention of other hedgerows and trees where practicable.

22 Figure 12: Landscape and Ecology Parameter Plan

23 4 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 4.1 WILL THE EXISTING LOCAL COMMUNITY BE DISTURBED AS A RESULT OF THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE? 4.1.1 Construction works may result in disturbances to nearby residents. Examples of disturbances include noise from construction works and machinery, dust during certain activities, and construction traffic. To mitigate adverse effects, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be agreed with HDC and the contractor will sign up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme. The CEMP will set out the management measures that the contractors will adopt and implement during construction to avoid and manage any construction effects on the environment and the local community. In addition, regular liaison with the local community will be held throughout the construction period. The construction phase is not anticipated to have significant long-term negative effects on the local community. 4.2 HOW WILL THE CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC AFFECT THOSE WHO USE THE LOCAL ROAD AND PATH NETWORKS? 4.2.1 Construction traffic will use main roads to access Site and the exact routing arrangements will be agreed with HDC prior to commencement of construction; no Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will be permitted to travel south on Hitches Lane through Crookham Village. The CEMP will include provisions relating to construction traffic in order to manage any impacts from HGVs on the local highway network. It is also proposed that the movement of HGVs will be restricted to avoid school start and finish times. 4.2.2 During construction there will be the equivalent of one HGV movement every 10 minutes, however, it is not anticipated that this will cause any noticeable delay to vehicles using Hitches Lane. 4.2.3 There are expected to be effects on severance and pedestrian amenity on Hitches Lane in the vicinity of the Calthorpe Park School during construction. The effects are caused by the passage of HGVs. In order to mitigate this it is proposed to implement a restriction on the working hours of HGVs along Hitches Lane to avoid school start and finish times. This mitigation will mean that any effects on severance and pedestrian amenity will be negligible, and there will be no other significant effects. 4.3 WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BENEFIT THE LOCAL ECONOMY? 4.3.1 During the construction works it is anticipated that the Proposed Development will provide up to 99 full time equivalent jobs, which would be expected to be filled in part by workers from the local area. Additional jobs are expected to also be created through indirect and induced employment. 4.3.2 The Proposed Development will provide a range of homes, including up to 40% affordable housing subject to negotiations with the District Council, which will help to meet the housing demand in the Hart District. In addition, the new residents of the Proposed Development will increase spending in the local area, providing an economic benefit to the district. The new community facility may also result in benefits to the local economy.

24 4.4 WILL THE EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE EXISTING AND NEW RESIDENTS? 4.4.1 Due to the increase in the population following the completion of the Proposed Development, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in demand on local healthcare facilities. However, a review of existing facilities indicates that the three local GP surgeries and two NHS dental practices in the local area are accepting new NHS patients. 4.4.2 Based on data provided by HCC, there is a shortage of primary school places in the District in 2014, an issue that is expected to continue until at least 2019. There was also a shortage of secondary school places in 2014, although there is predicted to be a slight surplus in 2019. The Applicant will provide a contribution to schools capacity in the local area, sufficient to offset the effects of the additional child yield created by the Proposed Development 4.4.3 The Proposed Development provides land and financial contributions for a range of local recreational and community facilities to serve the local area, including the provision of land for the delivery of a new community building within the site, the extension to the Country Park, open space and play facilities. The Proposed Development will also provide improvements to the local footway and cycleway network 4.5 HOW WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AFFECT THE LOCAL ROAD AND FOOTPATH NETWORKS ONCE COMPLETE? 4.5.1 The Proposed Development will improve public rights of way that cross the Site and enhance pedestrian and cycle links around the local area by providing a pedestrian refuge on Hitches Lane, improved footway provision and contributions for improvements to off-site pedestrian and cycle routes. The provision of a bus service for the Proposed Development is also likely to benefit other residents in the area. 4.5.2 In order for residents of the Edenbrook development to access the eastern side of Hitches Lane, including Calthorpe Park School and the leisure centre, a pedestrian island will be provided to link to a pedestrian route to Old Hitches Lane that provides access to the school and leisure centre and other areas (see Figure 11). The Proposed Development will also deliver a new pedestrian island north of the northern site access into the Eastern Site that will assist residents to cross Hitches Lane safely and conveniently and will facilitate pedestrian movement between the Eastern Site and the Country Park. This will also improve access across Hitches Lane for other members of the public who use the existing PRoW that follows the north-eastern boundary of the Eastern Site and crosses Hitches Lane. 4.5.3 Other design solutions which will be implemented in order to prevent adverse effects comprise: Improvements to the footway along the eastern side of Hitches Lane between the northern site access into the Eastern Site and the Country Park; Improvements to the surfacing and lighting of the existing public rights of way that pass through the Site and link south to Crookham village, west to Hitches lane (linking to both the north and the south of the Site) and east to the existing residential areas of Fleet, local schools and Cycle Route 3 that provides a high quality off-road pedestrian and cycle route to Fleet town centre; A new dropped kerb crossing on Hitches Lane to improve pedestrian access to the Country Park, particularly for those accessing the new extension of the Country Park from the north; Improvements to the Hitches Lane/Elvetham Road roundabout and the A323/Elvetham Heath Way roundabout;

25 A Travel Plan to reduce the number of trips taken by single occupancy private cars and to encourage walking, cycling and travel by public transport; and Transport contributions that will be used to improve the pedestrian and cycle networks in the area (for example, improved surfacing of the existing right of way that runs immediately to the east of the Site boundary in the vicinity of Tavistock Infants School and the All Saints Church of England Junior School) and to improve roads in the local area; and Transport contributions that will be used to enhance public transport services in the vicinity of the Site. The Site has been designed to allow buses to enter at one access point on Hitches Lane, travel through the site and leave by the other access point in order to minimise walk distances to the bus stops within the Site and minimise the time taken for buses to divert from Hitches Lane. 4.5.4 The possible impact of the Proposed Development on the operation of the Elvetham Road roundabout and the A323/Elvetham Heath Way roundabout has been assessed in the Transport Assessment and improvements of the roundabouts have been designed in response. These improvements, comprising the widening of the Hitches Lane, Reading Road North and Elvetham Road arms mitigate the impact of traffic associated with the Proposed Development in terms of queues and delays. 4.6 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE LOCAL NOISE ENVIRONMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION AND WHEN THE DEVELOPMENT IS OCCUPIED? 4.6.1 From on-site observations, the dominant noise sources in the local area are from road traffic on the local highway network which is to the west of the Site. 4.6.2 Construction activities are unavoidably noisy and can result in effects on residents that live nearby. The implementation of appropriate control measures and good practice through a CEMP will ensure that the amount of noise generated is as low as possible. Such measures include activities such as siting machinery away from residential properties where possible and defined construction hours, which are anticipated to be 07:30-17.00 Monday to Friday, 08.00-13.00 on Saturdays, with no work taking place on Sundays or Bank Holidays. As a result of these measures, there will not be any significant long-term negative impacts on residents in the area. 4.6.1 During the operational phase the additional traffic movements resulting from the Proposed Development are not predicted to lead to any measurable increase in noise levels during the day or night time. However, noise levels are expected to be higher once the development is completed compared to existing levels due to changes in traffic flows on the local highway network from traffic growth and due to other developments in the local area. Suitable measures will be taken by the developer to ensure that road noise levels at the proposed dwellings comply with the relevant requirements including current Building Regulations, meaning a significant sound reduction will be achieved. For example, the use of sound-reducing double glazed windows with acoustically attenuated ventilation. 4.7 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LOCAL AIR QUALITY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND ONCE IT S COMPLETED? 4.7.1 The Proposed Development has the potential to generate dust during the construction works. However, the effect of dust will be reduced through good site practice and the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures as part of the CEMP; for example through the use of appropriate equipment and implementation of screening and dampening measures. 4.7.2 Localised temporary effects of exhaust emissions from construction traffic and machinery used during the construction works will arise in the areas immediately adjacent to the main site

26 entrance and along designated haulage routes. However, these effects will be short-lived and intermittent. 4.7.1 Once operational, the Proposed Development is expected to have no significant effects upon air quality given that it is a residential development. 4.8 WHAT ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN AT THE SITE AND WHAT AFFECT WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT HAVE ON LOCAL WILDLIFE? 4.8.1 A number of ecological surveys have been carried out to understand the potential effects on features and species of nature conservation interest within the Site as a result of the Proposed Development. This has included surveys for bats, badger, water vole, otter, reptiles, great crested newts, and birds (both wintering and breeding birds). 4.8.2 The main habitats present vary between the Eastern and Western Sites: the Eastern Site mainly consists of arable land, which is subject to intensive arable cereal crop rotation; in the Western Site the grassland has been subject to agricultural improvement and is of low value to wildlife. Areas of woodland (including Long Copse and Jack Reid s Copse areas of Ancient Woodland) and hedgerows with associated ditches are also present within the Site. A pond is present within the Eastern Site and the River Hart forms the western boundary to the Western Site. Habitats within the Site considered to be of ecological value include hedgerows, scattered trees and the River Hart, as well as areas of broad-leaved Ancient Woodland. Netherhouse Copse Ancient Woodland and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Eastern Site. 4.8.3 Surveys confirmed that the Site supports four species of foraging bat. No confirmed evidence of bat roosting was found on the Site although trees with roosting potential are present. The Site provides good foraging and commuting opportunities for badgers. A number of protected and notable bird species have also been recorded on the Site. Protected reptiles have been found within the Site as well as a number of other mammal, amphibian and invertebrate species. 4.8.4 The Site is not considered to provide suitable habitat for Otter, with no substantial watercourses present within the Site. The adjacent River Hart provides some, limited opportunities for this species, although no evidence for the presence of Otter was recorded during the survey along this offsite watercourse. The ditches associated with hedgerows within the Site are considered to provide unsuitable habitat for this species, containing very low water levels, supporting little aquatic or emergent vegetation and being unconnected to areas of more suitable habitat. 4.8.5 The adjacent River Hart, the pond within the eastern parcel and the ditch running though the western parcel were considered to provide suitable habitat for Water Vole, although no evidence of the presence of Water Vole was recorded during the survey. 4.8.6 With the exception of some non-statutory designations within or adjacent to the Site, ecologically designated areas the closest being Basingstoke Canal Site of Special Scientific Interest, 300 m away are considered unlikely to be affected by the Proposed Development, however, a range of potential effects have been identified on habitats and fauna. Mitigation and enhancement measures are proposed, including tree and shrub planting and grassland and wetland habitat creation. These measures will provide new areas of valuable wildlife habitat, providing significant benefits to a wide variety of faunal species. Measures are also proposed to avoid effects resulting from construction activities, human interaction, lighting and changes to hydrology. 4.8.7 Following mitigation including landscaping and habitat improvement, it is expected that the Proposed Development would result in measurable enhancements to the existing ecological

27 interest of the Site, with benefits in respect of habitats, bats and other mammals as well as birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. 4.9 WHAT EFFECT WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT HAVE ON THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND VISUAL AMENITY OF THE AREA? 4.9.1 The Site currently comprises arable and pasture farmland with hedgerows predominantly defining the field boundaries; ditches and two areas of Ancient Woodland are present within the Site, Jack Reid s Copse in the Western Site and Long Copse in the Eastern Site. To the south of the Eastern Site is Netherhouse Copse Ancient Woodland. Several PRoW cross the Site and provide links to the Country Park to the west, Church Crookham to the south and Fleet to the east. 4.9.2 Whilst the Proposed Development would change the land use of the Site from agriculture to residential development, the Proposed Development would affect a small part of the landscape character of the local area. The majority of the existing trees and hedgerows on-site will be retained within the Proposed Development, with the exception of some areas where unavoidable loss will be required to facilitate development and access into the Eastern Site via Hitches Lane. New native planting and individual tree planting is proposed on the northern, southern, eastern and western boundaries of the Eastern Site. This planting will limit views of the Development from external areas, providing further visual containment of the Proposed Development in the wider area. 4.9.3 The Proposed Development will maintain and reinforce key landscape resources. Views of the Eastern Site are limited to those immediately adjacent to the Eastern Site. The Proposed Development will be evident as a new element within the landscape, extending the existing built form of Fleet further to the west. 4.9.4 Within the Proposed Development areas of green infrastructure will be provided in consideration of national and local planning policy guidance at this outline stage. These spaces will accommodate a range of play areas located all around the Eastern Site and to a degree the SANGS (within the Western Site) and integrated fully into the landscape through the detailed design process. 4.9.5 The landscape strategy within the Eastern Site has been designed to ensure that the existing landscape constraints are considered. Large areas of open space are being provided throughout the Eastern Site which will maintain a natural transition in the landscape. Existing landscape vegetation is being retained, such as the boundary vegetation along the majority of the Eastern Site and the areas of Ancient Woodland. This will help maintain the landscape character of the Eastern Site. Furthermore, a landscape management plan will be produced to ensure the landscape proposals and existing landscape features are maintained in perpetuity and will be reviewed as each phase is developed. 4.9.6 Outside the application boundary the applicant proposes that the land shown coloured green in Figure 3.11 will be bound by provisions contained within a Section 106 agreement which will restrict the ability to develop this land in the future and hence protect the green gap between the boundary of the development site and Crookham Village. 4.9.7 As with the development of any green field site, a range of adverse effects will occur on the site level landscape receptors and local visual receptors. However, it is considered that the location and scale of the Proposed Development, set within a landscape structure that allows the opportunity for tree planting to supplement the existing treed framework, effects have been minimised as far as possible.

28 4.10 DOES THE SITE HAVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL? 4.10.1 A review of designated and non-designated heritage features within 1.5 km of the Site identified that there are three designated features within the Site: one Historic Hedgerow and two areas of Ancient Woodland; and two non-designated heritage assets within the Site - former historic farmsteads (known from historic mapping). There is generally a high potential for buried archaeological deposits of prehistoric to Romano-British/post-medieval date in the Site. Unknown, buried archaeological sites may exist within the Site which could be affected by ground works required during construction of the Proposed Development. 4.10.2 Mitigation measures have been agreed in principle by HCC as part of the assessment. The effects on archaeology will be reduced by the implementation of appropriate mitigation comprising a programme of further archaeological fieldwork secured through a condition attached to the planning consent. This will comprise a geophysical survey and field evaluation of buried archaeological deposits by trial trenching, with further mitigation comprising preservation in situ or by record (excavation) if required, and archaeological monitoring of groundworks affecting the hedgerow. Following implementation of mitigation measures, the Proposed Development is unlikely to have a significant effect on archaeology. 4.10.3 The proposed mitigation measures allow for dissemination of the results of the archaeological work to the local and wider community, thereby increasing public knowledge and enjoyment of the historic environment of Fleet and Crookham Village. 4.11 ARE THERE ANY CONCERNS RELATING TO CONTAMINATED LAND OR GROUND CONDITIONS WITHIN THE SITE? 4.11.1 Current and historical land uses of the Site are unlikely to have resulted in contamination of the soil. Preliminary ground investigations undertaken have not identified any contamination in the topsoil. However, there is a potential risk of contamination in shallow soils in localised areas, and further investigation will be undertaken prior to construction and if necessary any remedial works will be implemented during the construction works. 4.11.2 Due to the nature of the ground conditions within the Site there is a potential for ground gas to be produced on-site (from Alluvium deposits) and from off-site sources (a historic landfill). To date, ground gas monitoring has not recorded any elevated concentrations of ground gas. Further monitoring will be undertaken prior to construction and if necessary appropriate mitigation and protection measures will be implemented into the scheme design. 4.11.3 Implementation of the CEMP will ensure the adoption of safe working systems and good environmental practices during the construction phase. If any contaminants are encountered, these measures will ensure the protection of water receptors and local residents, thus removing the risk of contamination. 4.12 WILL THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CHANGE THE EXISTING WATER ENVIRONMENT AND WILL THERE BE INCREASED DEMAND ON WATER RESOURCES? 4.12.1 The introduction of non-permeable areas (such as roads, hardstanding, buildings and compacted soil) at the Site will alter the existing drainage characteristics of the Site. Following completion of the Proposed Development surface water from the Site will continue to drain through a network of ditches and discharge into the River Hart, via Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The implementation of SuDS and other mitigation measures will control the amount of surface water run-off and ensure that there will be no significant effects on water quality, drainage, or on important and sensitive water resources during either construction or operation.

29 4.12.2 Consultation with Southeast Water has identified that there is sufficient capacity in the existing network to supply the Proposed Development. Water efficiency measures will be applied to reduce the volume of water required by future residents and the amount of wastewater that is produced. Consultation with Thames Water has shown that a scheme is planned to improve operation of the sewerage system at Hitches Lane Pumping Station, which will provide the necessary capacity in the network to accommodate the new community. Overall, the Proposed Development will not result in any significant effects on water demand and foul sewerage infrastructure. 4.13 WILL THE DEVELOPMENT INCREASE FLOODING? 4.13.1 The Western Site, where the extension to the Country Park will be located, is at risk from flooding since a large part of this area is within the floodplain of the River Hart. There will be no built development within the Western Site which will affect the river or its floodplain. 4.13.2 The Eastern Site, where the residential development will be located, is not at risk from tidal, fluvial, groundwater or sewer flooding, neither will the Proposed Development displace any areas of floodplain. The Proposed Development of the Eastern Site will not increase the likelihood of flooding occurring in the area. The drainage strategy for the Proposed Development includes SuDS measures, which will mimic the natural drainage patterns currently in existence during operation. 4.14 WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL USE? 4.14.1 Surveys have shown the agricultural land at the Site to be of very good, good and moderate quality. Construction of the Proposed Development will result in the loss of approximately 31.9 ha of agricultural land and the potential loss of or damage to the soil resource from ground works and localised excavation. 4.14.2 Measures to mitigate the effects on the soil resources relate to following a soil resources plan, implementing best practices for handling and storage of soil, and re-using or disposing of surplus soil resources in a sustainable manner. 4.15 WHAT MEASURES WILL BE USED TO AVOID AND REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT? 4.15.1 A summary of the measures which will be implemented to avoid and reduce any negative environmental effects and enhance environmental benefits associated with the Proposed Development is provided in the table below. TOPIC AREA Socio- Economic Effects Traffic and Transportation Noise and Vibration MEASURES TO AVOID OR OFFSET POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS / ENHANCEMENT MEASURES CONSTRUCTION PHASE Where feasible, the Applicant will employ local people during construction works. Restriction of HGV operating hours on Hitches Lane including to avoid school start and finish times. COMPLETED DEVELOPMENT Developer contribution to schools capacity None proposed. Best practicable means will be used to minimise None proposed. construction noise through the implementation of the recommendations set out in BS5228 by means of a Construction Environmental Management Plan