NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

THE HIDE, BISHOP AUCKLAND PROPOSED ECO CHALET DEVELOPMENT NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY 1 Introduction 1.1.1 This non-technical summary for the (ES) prepared in relation to the proposed eco-chalet development at Bishop Auckland, summarises, in non-technical language, the information presented in the ES, in respect of the effects of the proposed eco-chalet development on the environment of the site area. 1.1.2 The proposed project comprises the construction of up to 19 eco-chalets, as well as a clubhouse / hub and associated landscaping, access and parking within the 2.3ha site. These chalets will provide accommodation for tourists visiting the area. Figure NTS-1 shows the location of the site in relation to the surrounding area. 1.1.3 The ES has included information on the pre-application consultation undertaken with the local community, in respect of the proposed development. 1.1.4 The scope and content of the ES has, on the advice of Durham County Council, been limited to consideration of the potential effects of the project on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area, and on nature conservation. In addition, cumulative effects have also been considered. 1.1.5 Assessments have been undertaken in accordance with best practice and guidance; this information is set out at the beginning of the relevant technical chapters of the ES. Supporting information in the form of plans and appendices is also provided. 2 Site description 2.1.1 The 2.3ha site is located west of Bishop Auckland and south of the River Wear. The Weardale Way, a long distance path, passes through the northern part of the site. 2.1.2 The site comprises land sloping up from the river, southwards to the northern edges of the adjacent Weardale railway line. The area is used informally for grazing (mainly horses) and for walking dogs. Page 9.1

2.1.3 There are extensive areas of tree cover present within the wider site area, as well as some mature trees present within the area of the proposed eco-chalets. 2.1.4 The site has previously been used for coal mining and a disused mine shaft and adit (horizontal mine entrance) are present within the area to the west of the proposed development site. 3 Project description 3.1.1 The proposed eco-chalets comprise the main focus of the development within the site. They would be of a high quality and would provide a mix of one, two and four bedroom accommodation (the latter as two storey chalets), with the larger chalets located in the southernmost part of the site. 3.1.2 The layout of the chalets (see Figure NTS-2) has been designed to ensure minimum disturbance to the existing trees present in the area of the development, with up to four trees, only, possibly requiring removal in order to accommodate the chalets, and some limited scrub clearance to improve access. 3.1.3 The layout also has the advantage of using the sloping ground to ensure that all chalets have clear views through, and / or over those positioned at lower levels on the sloping ground. The location of the chalets, in the southern part of the site area, provides good separation between these and the Weardale Way long distance path, in the northern part of the site. 3.1.4 The clubhouse / hub building would provide central services to the site. This could include common areas and facilities for the visitors to use, and provide tourist information to improve visitors stays. It would also act as an on-site management centre, assisting with visitor needs as well as with the protection and enhancement of the nature conservation interest and landscape of the site and the immediate wider area. 3.1.5 Access to the site would be from the southern end of Bridge Road, which connects to the A689 via Newton Cap Bank. A new, low-key internal road would service the site. Private cars would be discouraged from circulating within the site. There would be provision for disabled car parking adjacent to the two accessible chalets. Secure cycle parking and storage would also be provided. Page 9.2

3.1.6 It is anticipated that the chalets would be pre-fabricated off site and delivered ready for installation. This would limit the requirement for on-site construction operations to the establishment of the road access, construction of the internal road and parking areas and paths, the provision of services to the clubhouse / hub and chalet buildings, and the installation of the chalet footings. 4 Planning policy context 4.1.1 The proposed development has been considered in the context of both the national and local planning policy framework of relevance to the topics of nature conservation and landscape character. 4.1.2 The proposed development would broadly conform with the relevant policies in the adopted and emerging local development plan. Whilst there would be some adverse effects on the nature conservation interest of parts of the development site, it is considered that the proposed mitigation, and positive management associated with the site development, would in the longer term enhance the natural environment in this area. 5 Scoping, statement of community involvement and consideration of alternatives 5.1.1 The scoping (determination of the aspects of the development requiring more detailed assessment) of this proposed development has been undertaken through consultation with the local authority, and has identified the specific need for consideration of potential adverse effects on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area, and on the ecology and nature conservation of the area. 5.1.2 A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been produced as part of the planning application for the development and submitted with the planning application, to Durham County Council. Consultation with the local community (particularly the residents of the immediate area surrounding the site) was undertaken in January 2013. Feedback from the event has been taken into consideration as part of the design of the site layout. 5.1.3 As part of the ES and in accordance with the EIA Regulations 2011, consideration has been given to potential alternatives: alternative site locations, alternative access arrangements, alternative chalet designs, alternative materials and the do-nothing option. The proposed site, access, design and materials are considered to be the Page 9.3

most appropriate available for the development and have been modified to reflect the findings of the ecology surveys carried out at this site. The do-nothing option would be potentially harmful and disadvantageous in respect of wider aspects including benefits to tourism, opportunities for employment, improvement of footpath links within the site area, and removal of the Himalayan Balsam that is establishing within the site. 6 Landscape character and visual amenity 6.1.1 The assessment of effects on landscape character and on visual amenity has been undertaken in accordance with best practice guidance (current at the time of the assessment). 6.1.2 There are no landscape designated areas within the study area for the development. Sensitive receptors are restricted to the presence of scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, and listed buildings, generally at some distance from the site. The long distance route, the Weardale Way, passes through the site and effects on users of this route are considered as part of the visual impact assessment. 6.1.3 The proposed development would not have any significant adverse effects on the landscape character or visual amenity of these designated sites / areas. The development is considered to comply with the relevant objectives as set out within Durham Council s Landscape Strategy. 6.1.4 The numbers and locations of potential visual receptors are limited to areas immediately adjacent to the site (for instance, users of the Weardale Way and other local footpaths within the site) or to more distant areas, mainly to the north of the River Wear (Toronto, Waterside Cottages, Newton Cap Farm), with views of the more elevated parts of the site. 6.1.5 Significant adverse visual impacts during the construction phase of the project would be experienced by users in close proximity to the site: occupants of Waterside Cottages; receptors at the southernmost end of Bridge Road; users of the Weardale Way in close proximity to the site; and people fishing on the River Wear to the immediate north of the site. There would be only very limited views into the site from the main roads within the area; these would be restricted to views from southbound traffic crossing the A689 viaduct and would be short term and of limited Page 9.4

duration, of no greater than slight-moderate adverse significance (for pedestrians crossing the bridge). Figure NTS-3 shows the view of the site from the entrance on Bridge Road. 6.1.6 Only limited significant visual impacts are predicted for the operational phase of the development. These would be limited to receptors at the southernmost end of Bridge Road, and users of the rights of way through the site (as noted above), who would experience near distance views of the proposed development: moderatesubstantial, neutral significance of effects. The chalets would be seen set within and against the backdrop of the tree d embankment of the River Wear. 6.1.7 Although the proposed development would permanently alter the environment of this area, the chalets would not be prominent features within the landscape. In the majority of views of the site, from external areas, only parts of the site would be visible and this also contributes to a reduction in the overall impact of the development on the environment of the local area. 6.1.8 Mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the potential for the proposed development to give rise to adverse effects on the landscape character and visual amenity of the local area. These comprise: retention of the maximum number of trees as is possible within the site development area; keeping scrub clearance to the minimum necessary, within the site, to enable chalet construction and access road / footpath routeing; the use of a dark brown colour for the external surfaces of the chalet walls and roofs, to enable the development to blend into its surroundings; the use of a dark colour for the materials used in the access road surfacing, so that this does not stand out in more distant views of the site; and the use of low level, shielded lighting within the site generally, with any external lighting for the chalets controlled by movement detectors and timers. 6.1.9 With these measures in place, it is considered that any potentially adverse effects on the character of the landscape and visual amenity will be minimised. Page 9.5

6.1.10 The longer-term effects of the proposed development on the landscape character and visual amenity of the local area, with the above mitigation measures in place, are assessed as permanent, slight or negligible, and of neutral significance. Although some of the above mitigation measures would only be effective at the operational stage of the project, the construction impacts are predicted to be short term, only, and as such would have a limited effect on landscape character and visual amenity. 6.1.11 As such, it is considered that there would be no significant adverse effects on the landscape character and visual amenity of the local area, arising from the proposed development. 7 Ecology and nature conservation 7.1.1 The assessment of effects on the ecology and nature conservation of the area has been carried out in accordance with best practice guidance and methodologies. 7.1.2 Surveys have been carried out for breeding birds, protected species, invertebrates and habitats / vegetation types present within or in the wider area of the proposed development site. These have identified: Breeding birds The wider site area supports approximately 165 territories of 29 species, with foraging opportunities for at least a further 11 species. Eleven of the 29 species are recognised as being of conservation concern. The majority of the breeding territories were associated with the dense scrub, with areas of grassland providing an associated foraging resource. The extensive area of scrub present within the wider site area is rare in the context of the overall area. The wider area is considered to be of greater (District) value to breeding birds than the area of the proposed development (Parish value). A range of other birds were also noted as being present in the general area of the site and its surroundings, some foraging on / in the river and adjacent grassed areas, other seen flying over the site. Protected species and invertebrates No evidence of water vole was recorded. Page 9.6

Evidence of otter was recorded at four locations on the southern bank of the River Wear, though no holts were confirmed (a number of potential locations are present in the area). No badger sett building activity was recorded, though the density of the scrub made it impossible to inspect all areas of the site. Footprints, pathways and feeding locations were recorded, however, suggesting both mature and immature animals are present. Surveys for bats were undertaken and common and soprano pipistrelle were recorded, together with a variety of other species. Due to the diversity of species and number of bats recorded, the proposed site and the wider areas are considered to be of District value for bats. Roe deer and evidence of fox were also recorded as part of the site surveys. No butterfly species were recorded during the invertebrate surveys, though small numbers of day-flying moth species were noted and the habitats on site have the potential to be of value to butterflies and moths, for foraging and breeding. Habitats / vegetation types The development site is situated within the Escomb Pastures Local Wildlife Site and supports a mixture of semi-improved (MG6) and relatively unimproved species-rich (MG5) grassland on steeply sloping banks, with areas of scrub, tall colonising vegetation and relict semi-natural broadleaf woodland. The unimproved grassland is listed within the local and UK Biodiversity Action Plan, with the objectives of maintaining and protecting the extent of this vegetation type, achieving long term management and restoring areas where it is suitable to do so. Up to four mature trees within the development site may require to be felled in order to facilitate the construction of the chalets; these trees have been assessed for their potential to support roosting bats and have been found to be of moderate and moderate-high potential. In addition, there is extensive blackthorn scrub, tall colonising vegetation and woodland present within the general (wider) area of the site. Page 9.7

The wider area of the site also includes areas of Himalayan balsam, which is an invasive species and which would require to be managed so as to prevent its spread. 7.1.3 Figure NTS-4 shows the habitat mapping for the site. 7.1.4 During construction, the proposed development would result in some loss of habitats due to site clearance. Up to four mature trees may require to be felled. There would be potential for adverse effects on the River Wear due to potential discharge or pollution runoff, and construction would result in impacts of noise and human disturbance on sensitive species. 7.1.5 During operation, the longer term presence of chalets and clubhouse would give rise to sporadic disturbance from the movement of people within the site and adjacent areas, as well as potential disturbance from lighting within the site. 7.1.6 A range of mitigation measures are proposed for the development site, these are: avoidance, where possible, of built development occurring within zones of higher ecological value (MG5 and broadleaved woodland); loss of habitat, including any loss of mature hedgerows, scrub and mature trees will be offset through the provision of new planting, if possible replacing all losses with two to three times the numbers of replacement plants. Where possible, replacement planting shall be carried out in advance of works commencing on site. continued management of retained grassland areas to include moderate grazing pressure in the spring (April to early May) and a high grazing pressure in September-October, to ensure that undesirable specimens, namely coarse grasses, do not invade areas of higher quality habitat. This should be reviewed in years 1, 3 and 5 post-development and grazing pressures adjusted as required; where areas of higher ecological value (MG5 grassland) are lost to the development then equivalent areas of exposed sub-soil will be included within the site landscaping. Turfs of MG5 grassland will be translocated to the areas of sub-soil as the development progresses; Page 9.8

50 open fronted and hole nest boxes (of woodcrete construction) to be erected within all areas of retained woodland and attached to chalets, suitable for a range of the species recorded within the survey; two (woodcrete) barn owl, and one tawny owl boxes to be erected within the site, facing suitable foraging habitat; areas of grassland to be retained where possible to increase nesting opportunities and invertebrates and foraging for a range of bird species; areas of longer grassland would be created to provide a foraging habitat for barn owl and other predators; removal of trees will be limited to the minimum necessary; paths to be routed around particularly sensitive areas of scrub habitat; high intensity lighting will be avoided wherever possible and light spillage into adjacent mitigation areas will be minimised; a management plan to be incorporated into the running and maintenance of the chalets which includes the design and upkeep of paths away from particularly sensitive areas of habitat; a pre-construction checking survey for otter will be undertaken in advance of any works commencing on site; all works will be completed to a pre-agreed badger method statement, including a pre-construction checking survey for badger, undertaken in advance of any works commencing on site; measures (best practice construction in accordance with the latest guidelines) will be put in place to prevent the risk of construction activities polluting the River Wear; and wherever possible, any deep excavations within the site shall not be left open overnight. Any excavations that are left open overnight will include a ramp of 45 o or less on one face to allow wildlife to climb out, should they fall into the excavation. 7.1.7 With the above mitigation measures in place, residual effects on the ecology and nature conservation interests of the site are assessed as non-significant, other than in relation to effects on the Broken Banks Local Wildlife Site, which are assessed as Page 9.9

remaining as moderate adverse, post-mitigation, as a result of the change in character and nature of the LWS, from its current status. 7.1.8 The habitats and protected species present on site are, however, considered to have no significant residual impacts after the mitigation measures and replacement planting have been implemented. 8 Cumulative effects 8.1.1 It is considered that there would be limited scope for adverse cumulative effects associated with the proposed development of eco-chalets at this Bishop Auckland site. 8.1.2 There would be minor adverse cumulative adverse effects on the natural heritage of the area of the proposed development, from the combination of generally minor adverse residual effects on the ecology of the area, and slight or negligible, neutral residual effects on landscape character. 8.1.3 There would be moderate-substantial adverse, short term cumulative adverse effects on the local population (people using the adjacent areas for access and recreation), during the construction phase only, as a result of the combination of effects on visual amenity and any restrictions on access, during construction. There would be no cumulative effects on the local population during the operational phase of the development. 8.1.4 As such, it is considered that cumulative effects of the proposed development would mainly be limited to short term effects on people using the Weardale Way, or other footpath routes close to the site, associated with any restrictions to access in combination with adverse visual effects, during the construction phase (only). 9 Summary 9.1.1 The has considered the potential for the proposed development of eco-chalets on land at Bishop Auckland to give rise to significant adverse effects on the environment of the local area (specifically, the landscape character and visual amenity, and the ecology and nature conservation). Page 9.10

9.1.2 Whilst the proposed development would give rise to a change in the character of the landscape at the local level, with the introduction of new features into the hillside, once construction operations are completed, effects would be neutral, rather than adverse. The development would be low-key and would not result in significant adverse effects on local landscape character, either during the construction or the operational stages. 9.1.3 Only limited significant visual impacts are predicted for the construction and operational stages of the development, largely affecting receptors in the areas closest to the site. From the majority of external areas, only parts of the site would be visible and this would assist in reducing the overall impact of the development on the environment of the local area. 9.1.4 The effects of the proposed development on ecology and nature conservation, at the local level, would be limited to significant residual impacts for the Broken Banks Local Wildlife Site, as the eco-chalet development would change the character and nature of the LWS from its current state. The habitats and protected species on site are, however, considered to have no significant residual impacts after the mitigation measures and replacement planting have been implemented. 9.1.5 No significant adverse cumulative effects are predicted either for the construction or the operational stages of the proposed development. Page 9.11

NTS FIGURES

S Figure NTS-2 Indicative Site Layout La ayout