PINEWOODS HOLIDAY PARK: HORSE PADDOCK June 2014
1 Introduction 1.1 The existing Pinewoods Holiday Park is located approximately 1 km to the north of Wells-nextthe-Sea on the north Norfolk coast. Pinewoods offers a wide range of holiday lodges and static caravans for private sale or hire, together with pitches for touring caravans, motor homes and tents. The site is operated by the Holkham Estate. 1.2 Pinewoods Holiday Park is seeking planning permission for a proposed extension to the existing holiday park. The proposed extension would include the following elements: Up to 116 new touring pitches; and Two new amenity blocks providing toilet and shower facilities. 1.3 In addition, the proposed development would include driveway access to connect to the existing holiday park, parking and boundary planting. The site location is shown in Figure 1. 1.4 A process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been undertaken for the proposed development in accordance with UK legal requirements to identify the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed development. An Environmental Statement has been produced, setting out the findings of the environmental assessment process, as part of the planning application. This document is the of the Environmental Statement. This summary document provides an overview of the assessment findings. Details of how to view the full Environmental Statement or to obtain further copies of this Non-Technical Summary are provided at the end of this document. June 2014 1
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2 The Proposed Development The Site and Surrounding Area 2.1 Pinewoods Holiday Park is located approximately 1 km to the north of Wells-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast (see Figure 1). It is bounded to the east by the miniature railway and Beach Road, beyond which lie the Wells sea defences and harbour. Both Beach Road and the railway extend south along the coastline towards Wells-next-the-Sea. To the north of the existing holiday park lies the beach car park, an established woodland belt and the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, which extend further along the coast to the west. An enclosed lagoon, known as Abraham s Bosom, is located on the site s north east boundary. 2.2 The existing Pinewoods Holiday Park provides 605 static pitches (with a site licence for 625), 70 touring pitches and associated shower and toilet blocks. In addition, the holiday park includes a reception area with a coffee shop, mini market, laundrette and children s play area. Immediately south of the existing holiday park is an area known as Horse Paddock. This area is currently used as an informal overflow camping area for up to 200 tents. 2.3 The area occupied by the existing Pinewoods Holiday Park comprises approximately 23 hectares, excluding the Horse Paddock camping area. 2.4 The proposed holiday park extension site occupies an area of approximately 5.5 hectares to the south of the existing holiday park, incorporating the western part of the Horse Paddock. The existing holiday park and the proposed project site are shown on Figure 2. Description of Development 2.5 The proposed development comprises an extension to the existing holiday park to the south, including: New touring pitches (116); Two new amenity blocks providing toilet and shower facilities; A driveway access to connect to the existing holiday park, including a replacement bridge over an existing dyke; and Landscape planting. 2.6 The development site includes the western part of the Horse Paddock area. This area would be used for up to 116 new touring pitches to provide a low density extension to the existing holiday park. 2.7 Two amenity blocks would be provided. Each amenity block would be up to 12 m x 23 m in footprint and up to 4.5 m in height. Each block would include disabled shower and toilet facilities. June 2014 3
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2.8 The design of blocks would include a low level sloping green roof planted with sedum and timber wall cladding. 2.9 The proposed layout is shown in Figure 3. Access 2.10 The existing Pinewoods Holiday Park is accessed from a junction on Beach Road. It is proposed that access to the proposed extension would be from within the existing holiday park and therefore no new highway works would be required at the existing site access and no new junctions would be required. 2.11 The site is located adjacent to the beach and associated facilities. Access from the site to Wells town centre is available on foot, cycle, by miniature railway and by road. An Access and Signage Strategy has been prepared in order to manage routing of traffic accessing the holiday park from the wider area. 2.12 The access route to the project site from the existing holiday park comprises a new driveway from the existing park to the proposed new area of touring pitches. The proposed driveway would connect to the existing holiday park such that visitors would pass the existing reception facility. Landscape and Planting Strategy 2.13 The proposal is that the area currently used for seasonal camping to the east of the project site would be returned to its natural form of mixed grasses and shrubs. The area within the current application boundary would comprise the following areas: Screening/shelter belt: A belt of 5-20 metres in width around the perimeter of the proposed holiday park extension is proposed on its eastern, western and southern boundaries. This would consist of native shrubs and trees planted in clusters to provide screening, wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors. Central landscape areas: The centre of the development site would include two areas of natural landscape, retaining as much as possible of the existing wild flora supplemented with wild flower seed. Touring pitches: The individual touring pitches and verges along the access route would be the only managed areas of the proposed development. These areas would be planted with grass seed, with rubber crumb reinforcement to relieve compaction. Selective areas to the rear and between pitch areas would have managed wild grass/flower areas. 2.14 The indicative landscape strategy is shown on Figure 3. Species have been selected to reflect the surrounding landscape. June 2014 5
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Summary of Key Parameters 2.15 The table below provides a summary of the key parameters which have formed the basis for the assessment of effects. Table 1: Key Parameters for Environmental Assessment Element of the Development Key Parameter Project site area 5.5 hectares Number of new touring pitches 116 Area of proposed screening/shrub planting 0.65 hectares Number of amenity buildings 2 Maximum height of amenity buildings 4.5 metres Area of retained existing trees 0.47 hectares Area of proposed wild flower planting/native wild flora 1.28 hectares Area of cut grass (including pitches) 2.63 hectares Construction Phase 2.16 The timing of the project would be dependent on securing planning permission and the discharge of planning conditions. However, the current programme aims to complete construction works in order that site could be operational by spring 2016. 2.17 Construction activities are likely to include the following: Construction of access driveway from existing holiday park to the proposed extension area. It is proposed that this would be undertaken using a no-dig approach in order to minimise effects on existing trees between the existing holiday park and the project site. This approach is likely to be based on the use of geotextile and geogrid materials, with a granular surface material and a shingle finish. The access route would also require construction of a replacement bridge over an existing dyke. Placement of permeable reinforced surfaces for touring pitches. For the touring pitches this is likely to include use of high density polyethylene (HDPE) grass reinforcement with grass seed. For parking areas next to pitches, this is likely to require aeration of the existing surface and mixing of top soil with rubber crumb to minimise compaction and wear; Construction of amenity blocks, including civils works and fitting out; and Planting in accordance with the landscape strategy. 2.18 Construction working hours would be 07.00 to 19.00 on weekdays and 07.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays with no working on Sundays or on public or bank holidays. These hours would be subject to agreement with the local planning authority. In the event that works are required outside of these hours in exceptional circumstances, this would be agreed with the local planning authority prior to commencement of the activity. The number of staff required during construction would depend on the stage of the construction process. However, it is anticipated that the peak number of staff during construction would be approximately ten per day. June 2014 7
Construction Access 2.19 The main access point to the site would be from the existing holiday park access at Beach Road. 2.20 Every effort would be taken to minimise the effects of traffic associated with the construction phase of the project. Materials and resources would be sourced locally where possible. The timing of the construction phase would avoid peak holiday periods. Operation and Maintenance 2.21 It is anticipated that the servicing of the project and long term management and maintenance of green space would be managed by Pinewoods Holiday Park in conjunction with the servicing and management of the existing holiday park. June 2014 8
3 Need and Alternatives Considered Need for the Project 3.1 Pinewoods Holiday Park forms part of the Holkham Estate, which extends over 10,000 hectares around Wells-next-the-Sea. The Estate s vision is to be recognised as one of the UK s leading rural estates and its mission is to establish a diverse portfolio of thriving rural businesses in and around Wells to secure a viable future for the local community. 3.2 The Estate has a number of key sectors, including farming; land and property; and tourism. Through this work, the Estate employs 200 full time workers. This figure rises to over 300 during the summer months. The Trustees of the Estate take a long term approach to the management of its assets and in the late 20th and early 21st centuries it became clear that leisure will play an increasingly large role in sustaining the future of Holkham and its communities. Leisure and tourism interests within the Estate include Pinewoods Holiday Park, The Victoria Inn and the Beach Cafe as well as Holkham Hall itself. 3.3 As part of this wider Estate strategy, development is required at Pinewoods Holiday Park in order to: Maintain the viability of the existing holiday park; Provide an extension to the holiday park for touring pitches and supporting amenity blocks (on the western part of land known as the Horse Paddock); Provide for planting to allow habitat creation and screening of the extension area; and Allow the eastern part of the Horse Paddock currently used for seasonal camping to be returned to natural habitat. 3.4 The proposed extension would allow the provision of upgraded touring pitches and amenity blocks to meet visitor expectations and would allow for rationalisation of the existing holiday park layout in line with the existing low density approach. Alternatives Considered Site Location 3.5 The existing Pinewoods Holiday Park is located on Beach Road adjacent to Wells beach, the beach car park and beach café. It is located adjacent to the rights of way network, including National Trails providing recreational walking routes and access to the surrounding countryside. Visitors are able to reach the nearby centre of Wells-next-the-Sea on foot, by cycle or by miniature railway as well as by car. It is therefore considered that it represents a sustainable location for holiday park use. 3.6 With respect to the location of the extension, the selection of the project site has taken into account the following constraints: June 2014 9
The location of the miniature railway, Beach Road, the sea defences and County Wildlife Site to the east; The location of the beach, beach car park and beach café to the north; The location of Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail and woodland to the north; and The location of an enclosed lagoon, known as Abraham s Bosom, and surrounding woodland to the north west boundary. 3.7 Taking into account the above, it is clear that the existing holiday park is constrained to the north, east and west. Pinewoods Holiday Park aims to provide a low density leisure development that integrates with the surrounding woodland and coastal areas. Therefore, it was considered that the proposed extension should be located to the south of the existing holiday park in order to avoid adverse effects on the identified constraints. Site Layout 3.8 In developing the site layout, consideration has been given to the desire to maintain a sensitive low density development and to provide habitat and screening in order that the project creates minimal intrusion. Factors influencing the choice of layout include: the desire to provide screening between the site and the edge of Wells-next-the-Sea; the desire to create connectivity with the existing planting belt and with field boundaries; the desire to retain existing areas of planting on the site; and the desire to return the eastern part of the Horse Paddock to natural habitat. 3.9 Further details are provided in the main Environmental Statement and in the Design and Access Statement submitted with the application. June 2014 10
4 Consultation, Scope of Assessment and Methodology Scoping and Consultation 4.1 Scoping is the process of identifying the issues to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment process. This process sets the context for the assessment process. 4.2 A request for a scoping opinion was submitted to North Norfolk District Council in February 2014. A response was provided by North Norfolk District Council in April 2014, setting out their opinion on the topics that should be included within the assessment. 4.3 The scoping exercise highlighted a number of areas that consultees wished to see addressed. Taking into account the nature, size and location of the proposed development, the information provided with the Scoping Opinion from North Norfolk District Council and other consultation responses provided throughout the assessment process, the following topics have been covered within the Environmental Statement: Table 2: Information Provided within the Environmental Statement Structure of the ES Summary of the ES using non-technical terminology Volume 1: Text Glossary Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Project Description Chapter 3 Need and Alternatives Considered Chapter 4 Environmental Assessment Methodology Chapter 5 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Chapter 6 Ecology and Nature Conservation Chapter 7 Other Topic Areas Chapter 8 Further Information Volume 2: Appendices and Figures Including specialist reports forming technical appendices to the main text. Including all figures and drawings to accompany the text. 4.4 The assessment has focused primarily on: Landscape and visual impact assessment; and Ecology and nature conservation. 4.5 The above topic areas represent the key reasons that Environmental Impact Assessment is required for this project. Effects on other aspects of the environment are not likely to be significant and therefore detailed impact assessment is not considered to be required. Nevertheless, supporting information on these topics is provided in Chapter 7 of the Environmental Statement. June 2014 11
Environmental Assessment Methodology 4.6 Environmental Impact Assessment is a means of identifying and collating information to inform an assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of a project. For each of the key environmental topics in the Environmental Statement, the following have been addressed Methodology; Description of the existing environmental (baseline) conditions; Identification of and assessment of the significance of likely effects arising from the proposed development; Identification of any mitigation measures proposed to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy adverse effects; and Assessment of any cumulative effects with other proposed developments planned in the area. 4.7 In terms of significance, effects are described using the following scale: Substantial: Only adverse effects are normally assigned this level of significance. They represent key factors in the decision making process. These effects are generally, but not exclusively, associated with sites or features of international, national or regional importance that are likely to suffer a most damaging impact and loss of resource integrity; Major: These beneficial or adverse effects are considered to be very important considerations and are likely to be material in the decision making process; Moderate: These beneficial or adverse effects may be important, but are not likely to be key decision making factors. The cumulative effects of such factors may influence decision making if they lead to an increase in the overall adverse effect on a particular resource or receptor; Minor: These beneficial or adverse effects may be raised as local factors. They are unlikely to be critical in the decision making process, but are important in enhancing the subsequent design of the project; and Negligible: No effects or those that are beneath levels of perception, within normal bounds of variation or within the margin of forecasting error. June 2014 12
5 Summary of Environmental Effects 5.1 This section provides a summary of the findings of the environmental assessment process. For full details of the assessments, please refer to Chapters 5 to 7 of the Environmental Statement. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 5.2 An assessment has been undertaken of the landscape and visual effects of the proposed development. This assessment has taken into account best practice advice in relation to the assessment of landscape and visual effects. 5.3 The site is currently a field used for seasonal camping on the edge of the existing holiday park between the beach at Holkham and the town of Wells-next-the-Sea. The flat open area of farmland which lies to the west and south of the site contrasts with the leisure and tourist facilities at the holiday park, the beach and Wells-next-the-Sea to form a diverse coastal character. The site and the surrounding study area lie within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Peddar s Way/Norfolk Coast Path National Trail lies close to the site, linking Wells to Holkham Beach and Lady Anne s Drive within the Holkham Estate, providing a well-used footpath for visitors to the coastline. Figure 4 shows the key landscape designations in the area. 5.4 The development would be a relatively small scale touring caravan site as a redevelopment of an existing seasonal camping area. Permanent development at the site would be limited (including an access driveway, two amenity blocks and reinforced grass areas for touring pitches) and would have little effect on the character of the landscape or the views from the local area. The works that would be required to construct the site are therefore relatively limited and would not result in significant effects on the character of the landscape, the character of the Norfolk AONB or on people with views from the surrounding area during the construction phase. 5.5 The greatest change to the landscape would occur during the operational phase when caravans and vehicles are on site during the holiday season. The areas of trees and shrubs that would be planted around the edge of the site as part of the proposed landscape strategy would not initially be large enough to screen views of the caravans in the first year after the site opens. As this planting grows and matures the proposed development would become completely screened in views from the surrounding area. 5.6 Most operational effects identified would not be considered to be significant. Some significant effects on the Norfolk Coast AONB could arise on a temporary basis before new planting has matured. This effect is likely to be seasonal and during periods when caravans are not present, the site would retain its open nature and green field character. It should be noted that the site is currently used for seasonal camping and that, once established, the planting would ensure that there would be no long term significant effects on the AONB. June 2014 13
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5.7 In the first year after opening and before new trees and shrubs have grown sufficiently to provide a screen, people walking along the national trail would be able to see the new development from approximately 2 km of the path. The change in view during a walk along this path could result in temporary significant effects. People in vehicles driving along Beach Road and Holkham Road, people using leisure facilities at Holkham Beach and the edge of Wells-next-the-Sea and people in houses on the northern edge of Wells-next-the-Sea would be able to see the new development, but the change in views would not be significant. 5.8 When the proposed tree and shrub planting around the site has grown it would create an attractive edge to the holiday park, which would screen views of the new development and considerably reduce effects on the character of the landscape and views from the surrounding area. It would also complement the screening of the existing holiday park, providing additional low level (below canopy) screening. Therefore, no long term significant effects on landscape character or views are predicted. Ecology and Nature Conservation 5.9 An assessment of the likely effects on ecology and nature conservation has been undertaken, based on a desk top review and site survey work. 5.10 The following designated sites have been recorded in the area surrounding the proposed development site (see Figure 5): North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation; The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation; North Norfolk Coast Special Protection Area; North Norfolk Coast Ramsar Site; North Norfolk Coast Biosphere Reserve; Holkham National Nature Reserve; North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest; and Wells Meadow County Wildlife Site. 5.11 The proposed location for the development has avoided the statutory international and national designations, although it falls within the outer edge of the Biosphere Reserve. The County Wildlife Site is primarily located to the east of the main project site and therefore the proposed siting and layout of the touring caravans avoids the majority of this area. A small area of the County Wildlife Site extends into the eastern end of the project site. This area is not typical of the County Wildlife Site. The project design aims to retain the existing tree and shrub vegetation in this location. 15
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5.12 As part of the project, it is proposed that the neutral grassland to the east of the project site, which is currently used for seasonal camping and falls within the County Wildlife Site, would be allowed to revert to its natural form of mixed grasses and shrubs. 5.13 Survey work at the site has included a Phase 1 habitat survey, together with surveys for badgers, breeding birds, wintering birds, reptiles, natterjack toads, otters and water voles. Common lizard were identified on the site. 5.14 Mitigation measures are proposed during construction to protect boundary habitats, such as ditches and areas of woodland. Some of these measures, such as measures to control any accidental spillage, would also protect designated sites in the wider area. It is proposed that the lizards be removed from the touring pitch areas through habitat management prior to construction. Any common lizards encountered would be captured and moved to areas of retained habitat. 5.15 On completion of the project, the project site and adjacent County Wildlife Site would provide additional habitats for common lizards, common toads, foraging and commuting bats and breeding birds. This would be achieved through the implementation of the planting strategy to provide additional trees and shrubs and new wildflower areas on the project site. In addition, a management regime would be implemented to return areas of the County Wildlife Site currently used for camping back to favourable habitat and to ensure the long-term status of the existing habitats. Overall, the proposed measures would result in a minor beneficial effect on the habitats in the County Wildlife Site and for common lizards, wintering and breeding birds, common toad and foraging and commuting bats. 5.16 Given the limited number of new touring pitches, the existing use for seasonal camping, the existing number of visitors to the area and the availability of other activities at the beach and in Wells itself, it is clear that any change in visitor numbers to the designated sites arising from the use for touring caravans is likely to be very small. This is not likely to result in any significant effect on the internationally and nationally designated sites nearby. 5.17 Overall, the proposed extension of the Pinewoods Holiday Park is not anticipated to result in any significant effects on ecology and nature conservation. Other Environmental Effects Hydrology and Flood Risk 5.18 A Flood Risk Assessment has been produced for the project. The assessment considers the existing sea defences and potential effects associated with climate change. It is concluded that the sea defences would protect the existing holiday park and the project site from flooding due to overtopping in a 1 in 200 (with and without climate change) and 1 in 1,000 year storm event. 5.19 Consideration has also been given to the potential for breach of the sea defences. A Flood Response Plan has been prepared for the site, setting out procedures to ensure that the June 2014 17
operators of the project site, employees and visitors are prepared in the unlikely event of a breach of the flood defences and can evacuate the site safely should a flood event occur. 5.20 With respect to the potential for the project to cause flooding, the Flood Risk Assessment indicates that, given the nature of the low intensity of development at the site, continued infiltration of rainfall would occur. Similarly, it is not anticipated that effects on water quality are likely to arise from the limited construction activities. Nevertheless, good practice would be followed during the construction phase, including consideration of pollution control measures. 5.21 Overall, it is not considered that effects on hydrology and flood risk are likely to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. Geology and Ground Conditions 5.22 The site itself is not subject to any geological statutory designations. It is noted that the nearby North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest is of importance for its geomorphological interest as well as its nature conservation importance. 5.23 The project does not require any significant below ground construction. The key activities associated with the construction phase include reinforcement of grass areas, planting and construction of two small amenity blocks. Therefore, no effects on geology are likely to occur. The project is separated from the North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest by the existing holiday park, beach car park, Beach Road and miniature railway. There would therefore be no effects on the geological interests of the Site of Special Scientific Interest. 5.24 The project site is currently a greenfield site (grass) used for seasonal camping. The site has not been previously developed and is not located close to any industrial developments. Therefore, the site is not considered likely to be contaminated. 5.25 On the basis of the above information, it is not considered that effects on geology and ground conditions are likely to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. Traffic and Transport 5.26 The project site is currently used on a seasonal basis as an overflow area for camping. It is not envisaged that the proposed use for 116 pitches would generate significant additional traffic flows to the site as the daily number of vehicle movements generated by the existing overflow area for camping and the proposed development for touring caravans would be similar in busy periods. The project would replace some car movements at the site with cars towing caravans. Such movements already occur on the highway network. 5.27 Significant effects associated with traffic generally occur where traffic flow increases are greater than 30% (or the number of heavy goods vehicles increases is greater than 30%). Where traffic flow increases are less than 10%, no discernable environmental effects would occur. Given the existing use of the site and existing traffic flows associated with the holiday park and beach car June 2014 18
park, it is not considered likely that significant increases in total traffic flow would occur as a result of the development. 5.28 However, it is noted that Norfolk County Council highways department expressed concern regarding the management of inbound and outbound movements in relation to Wells and The Quay/Beach Road junction. 5.29 Therefore, an Access and Signage Strategy has been produced to set out routeing and management measures based on the key highway constraints, together with a suitable signage strategy between the site and key points on the highway network. Noise, Air Quality and Climatic Factors 5.30 The project is located adjacent to the existing Pinewoods Holiday Park on land used for seasonal camping. The nearest residential properties are located in the town of Wells (approximately 1 km from the site). Other potential sensitive receptors include users of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail and species present in the sites designated for nature conservation. However, these receptors are separated from the proposed development site by the existing holiday park and are located closer to the beach and leisure areas such as Abraham s Bosom lake. Construction activities associated with the project are likely to be very limited and primarily relate to the erection of the two small amenity blocks. This level of activity is in keeping with ongoing maintenance and upgrading activities at the existing site. 5.31 Existing air quality in the area is good and there are no known problems with air quality associated with traffic emissions. Neither Wells-next-the-Sea nor the project site is located within an Air Quality Management Area. No significant increases in traffic flows are predicted. 5.32 Normal dust control measures would be effective in ensuring that no significant dust effect would arise during the temporary construction period. Overall, therefore, it is not considered that air quality, climatic or noise effects from traffic are likely to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. Agriculture and Farming 5.33 The site is currently grassland used for seasonal camping activity. It is not in arable use. Available information indicates that the Agricultural Land Classification of the site is undifferentiated grade 3 (where grade 1 is the highest quality and grade 5 the lowest). 5.34 The proposed development would primarily consist of small scale permeable infrastructure, which would represent no permanent loss of land quality. The land forms part of the wider Holkham Estate. The management of the Holkham Estate is subject to a management strategy in order to provide a balance between farming enterprises and local businesses such as the Pinewoods Holiday Park. June 2014 19
5.35 Taking the small scale of the site and the non-intrusive approach to construction of the project, effects on agricultural land quality and farm viability are not likely to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. Historic Environment 5.36 A heritage assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. The review indicates that there are no designated heritage assets within or adjacent to the project site. The nearest listed buildings are located within Wells-nextthe-Sea, approximately 1 km to the south, and include two Grade II buildings. A further cluster of listed buildings is present within the village of Holkham, approximately 1.8 km to the south-west of the project site. There are no locally listed buildings within or adjacent to the project site. 5.37 To the south and west of Holkham village are the landscaped grounds surrounding Holkham Hall. The grounds are now a Grade I Registered Park and Garden of Special Historic Interest whilst the Hall is a Grade I listed building. The nearest Scheduled Monument is a small Iron Age fort 900 m north-east of Dale Cottage, approximately 3.5 km west of the project site. 5.38 The proposed development would not physically impact any designated heritage asset. Taking into account the site location and distance of the site from identified assets, any change within the setting of a designated heritage asset would be negligible in terms of the significance of that asset. 5.39 As the project site is located within land that was formerly tidal marshes, which has been drained and reclaimed relatively recently, the presence of significant archaeological remains is considered to be very unlikely. 5.40 Overall, effects on heritage assets are not likely to be significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. Socio-economic Effects and Material Assets 5.41 The development would generate some limited temporary employment opportunities for local businesses during the construction phase. The Pinewoods Holiday Park currently provides local employment and provides a valuable contribution to the local tourist economy. The project would maintain and strengthen the viability of the existing holiday park by allowing for extension and rationalisation of the layout and upgraded touring pitches to meet visitor demand. The project site is well located with respect to connectivity to existing tourist facilities, including the beach, Abraham s Bosom, the National Trail and the town of Wells-next-the-Sea. 5.42 The project is likely, therefore, to result in some beneficial effects in terms of both direct employment and support to the local economy. However, given the relatively small scale of the proposed extension area, such effects are likely to be local in scale and not significant in terms of the EIA Regulations. June 2014 20
6 Further Information 6.1 This provides a summary of the Environmental Statement accompanying the planning application for the extension to Pinewoods Holiday Park. 6.2 Copies of the full Environmental Statement, including this, can be viewed at North Norfolk District Council s planning offices at: North Norfolk District Council Council Offices Holt Road Cromer Norfolk NR27 9EN 6.3 Copies of the Environmental Statement and planning application documents can be viewed on the local planning authority website: https://www.northnorfolk.org/ 6.4 Paper copies of the Environmental Statement are available at a cost of 105 plus VAT. Copies of the NTS and a CD ROM containing all planning documents are also available on CD ROM at a cost of 5 plus VAT. 6.5 Copies of the ES can be requested by post addressed to: RPS 20 Western Avenue Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH June 2014 21