Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary June 2015 INSERT PICTURE HERE
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 SITE LOCATION AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3 3 THE ASSESSMENT 8 4 CONCLUSIONS 16 5 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 22
Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION Introduction & Site Context 1.1 Bidwells have been instructed by Hollamby Estates (2005) Ltd (the Applicant) to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to accompany an Hybrid (part full/ part outline) Planning Application for a residential-led mixeduse development. It will comprise approximately 45.3ha of land at Strode Farm, Herne (the Site), located within the administrative boundary of Canterbury City Council (CCC). 1.2 The Planning Application proposes the development of a new sustainable mixeduse urban extension of up to 800 dwellings alongside a local centre (including community facilities and commercial floor space), open space, landscaping and all necessary supporting infrastructure including highways and drainage. 1.3 The Proposed Development is identified within the CCC Publication Draft Local Plan (2014) under Draft Policy SP3 Site 5 Land at Strode Farm, Herne. 1.4 Following pre-application consultation, CCC determined that the Proposed Development constitutes EIA Development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (hereafter the EIA Regulations) and consequently an Environmental Statement (ES) is required to support the Planning Application. 1.5 The purpose of the EIA is to objectively assess the potentially significant environmental effects of the Proposed Development. Where significant adverse effects are identified, the proposals should include mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for them. 1.6 This Environmental Statement (ES) has been prepared to explain the findings of the EIA process. This presents all of the necessary environmental information in a co-ordinated manner to CCC for them to determine the Application. CCC can ensure that mitigation measures proposed in the ES are controlled through conditions and legal agreements attached to the planning permission. 1.7 Whilst the ES contains detailed environmental information to assist CCC, this Non-Technical Summary is aimed at providing an easily accessible and understandable summary of its content. 1.8 A copy of the ES and full suite of application material can be viewed at CCC offices at the following address: Council offices Military Road Canterbury Kent CT1 1YW 1.9 A paper copy of the ES, together with all technical appendices, can be purchased from Bidwells (address below) at a cost of 525. Alternatively, a CD containing all the Outline Planning Application submission documents and drawings (including the ES) is also available to purchase at a cost of 20 (inclusive of VAT). This can be requested in writing from: Bidwell House Trumpington Road Cambridge CB2 9LD 1
Site Location and Proposed Development
2 SITE LOCATION AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Site Location and Context 2.1 The Application Site is located to the south of Herne Bay and immediately west of the village of Herne, approximately 5.5 miles north of Canterbury. The Site is closely bounded to the north by the A299, the east by the A291 Canterbury Road, the south by Lower Herne Road and to the west by Bullockstone Road (see Figure 1 overleaf) 2.2 Herne Bay is a typical sea-side town with a population of approximately 38,500 people. The town has suffered a similar decline to many sea -side towns across the Country but does have a positive economic outlook, seeking to encourage new employment opportunities and housing within the area. 2.3 The Application Site covers approximately 43.3ha of arable farm land and lies wholly within the administrative boundary of CCC. The farm is no longer operational. Current vehicular access to the site is from Lower Herne Road, with a single farm track linking the surrounding highway to existing farm buildings. 2.4 Land at Strode Farm, Herne is a draft allocation (Site 5) with the Publication Draft Local Plan Draft Policy SP/3. This Draft Policy identifies that the Site has a draft allocation for 800 residential dwellings alongside 15,000sqm of commercial floorspace, along with local shopping and community facilities. The Proposals 2.5 The Proposed Development comprises: Residential development of up to 800 dwellings (Use Class C3); A local centre comprising up to 3,400 sq m gross floor space of development falling within Use Classes A1/A2/A3/A4/A5 and B1(a) and up to 600 sq. m gross floor space of development falling within Class D1 Two means of access to the Strode Farm Site: one access from the north eastern site boundary of Strode Farm at the Thanet Way/Canterbury Road junction and one access at the south western site boundary as it joins Bullockstone Road; A spine road through the site from the access at Thanet Way/Canterbury Road junction through to the access at Bullockstone Road with estate roads leading off this spine road; means of access along Lower Herne Road, pedestrian and cycle links, lighting and other highway related infrastructure; Improvement works southwards along Bullockstone Road from its proposed access with Strode Farm until it meets Canterbury Road: these works comprise works of repair, short sections of road widening, a short section of road re-alignment and junction and re-prioritising works at Bullockstone Road and Bullockstone Road/Canterbury Road; Areas of public open space, play areas, recreational space, allotments and landscaping; Associated facilities and service infrastructure including strategic water attenuation and other sustainable drainage measures (SUDs), utilities related infrastructure, landscaped noise bund and boundary treatments and other earth works Demolition of existing buildings; Improvements to and extension of existing public rights of way; Change of use of part of the land north of Thanet Way from a lagoon to recreational and leisure use including allotments, ecological habitat and creation of a footpath link. 2.6 Construction of the Proposed Development is expected to begin in late 2016 with completion by 2024 if it were granted planning permission. Figure 2 overleaf is the Illustrative Masterplan submitted for information as part of the application to demonstrate how the site might be developed. 3
Canterbury Road Lower Herne Village Dwg 1013.1 Dwg 1013.2 Thanet Way (A299) Bullockstone Road Lower Herne Road Key Application Boundary Ownership Boundary Figure 1 Red Line Boundary Lower Herne Village Application Boundary dwg no AA4453/1.1/1013.1 RevD drawn LD scale 1:2500 @ A2 checked KR date 01 June 2015 4
Lower Herne Road Canterbury Road Key Application Boundary Ownership Boundary dwg no AA4453/1.1/1013.2 RevD drawn LD scale 1:2500 @ A2 checked KR date 01 June 2015 Bullockstone Road Thanet Way (A299) Dwg 1013.1 Dwg 1013.2 Lower Herne Village Application Boundary Figure 1 Red Line Boundary 5
Figure 2 Illustrative Masterplan Lower Herne Village Illustrative masterplan dwg no AA4453/1.1/1018 Rev F drawn LD scale 1:2000 @ A1 checked KR date 05 June 2015 6
The Assessment 3
3 THE ASSESSMENT Legal Requirements 3.1 The EIA has been carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England) Regulations 2011 (as amended). An assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of the Proposed Development has been made and measures to reduce adverse effects recommended. Scoping 3.2 The broad characteristics of the proposal and the sensitivity of the local environment have together determined the areas of greatest environmental significance and which therefore require detailed assessment. The potential environmental issues and impacts arising from the Proposed Development were the subject of significant discussion and consultation with both CCC and relevant statutory and other consultees as part of the EIA Scoping process undertaken during the course of the pre-application consultation with CCC. 3.3 As part of this EIA Scoping process, the proposals have been the subject of a formal request for a Scoping Opinion from CCC in 2014, to ensure that all relevant environmental issues have been identified. Following the receipt of CCCs formal Scoping Opinion a number of topic specific meetings were held between technical officers and consultants to ensure that all topic areas had been covered comprehensively. 3.4 Through the EIA Scoping exercise it was determined that the Proposed Development was likely to raise a number of issues that would need to be considered in the EIA as follows: Highways and Transport; Noise and Vibration; Air Quality; Ecology and Nature Conservation; Landscape and Visual Character; Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Hydrology and Flood Risk; and Socio-Economic Effects. 3.5 For each of the environmental aspects identified above, the assessment of impacts considered the impacts arising during both the construction and operational phases of the Proposed Development. The operational phase refers to the stage when the development is completed and occupied. Methodology 3.6 Specialist consultants within the various fields were appointed to consider the impacts of the proposals on the environmental issues identified through the EIA Scoping exercise. The consultants were also present at the preapplication meetings with CCC and assessed the potential impacts using recognised quantitative techniques and professional judgement and recommended measures to reduce any adverse impacts (mitigation) or to enhance the existing situation. The Environmental Effects and how they will be Minimised 3.7 Set out below is a summary of each of the assessments undertaken and the chapters within the ES. Highways and Transport 3.8 The Highways and Transport chapter examines the environmental impacts associated with traffic travelling to and from the Proposed Development. The potential impacts have been identified with reference to the Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic (Institute of Environmental Assessment, 1993), and include examination of the following effects: Severance (as caused by increased traffic flows within a community); Driver Delay; Pedestrian Delay; Pedestrian Amenity; Fear and Intimidation (in pedestrians, as caused by increased traffic); and, Accidents and Safety (on the public highway); and, Hazardous Loads. 3.9 The Highways and Transport chapter examined the same scenarios utilised within the submitted Transport Assessment. These refer to future traffic flows in the years 2024 and 2031 under various scenarios, and in the case of 2031 include consideration of other Strategic Sites included within the Publication Draft Local Plan 2014. Additionally, the Highways and Transport chapter also considers the effects of 8
the Proposed Development with and without delivery of the proposed Bullockstone Road improvement works, in the event that this is delivered separately. 3.10 The junctions and roads (or links) that required examination within the Highways and Transport chapter were determined based on the traffic flow scenarios and the application of rules presented within the Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic. These guidelines also informed the methods used to assess the various effects listed above. 3.11 It is important to note that all assessments in the Highways and Transport chapter were conducted relative to the current existing conditions. For example, if a road was already heavily congested and the Proposed Development will cause little to no increase in traffic flow, it may be said that the development has a negligible effect. In this manner the assessment does not pass detailed judgement on the existing situation, but focuses on the change that would occur following delivery of the Proposed Development. 3.12 The Highways and Transport effects of the Proposed Development on the environment have been found to be localised, fairly limited in scale, and include both beneficial and detrimental effects. Overall the assessment found that in the vast majority of cases there would not be any adverse impacts with more than a slight adverse significance of effect. As such there is no requirement for additional mitigation measures beyond those proposed by the Transport Assessment. A Framework Travel Plan has also been prepared with the aim of reducing traffic levels. Noise and Vibration 3.13 This assessment evaluates the suitability of the existing noise climate related to the Application Site, the likely effects of noise from the Proposed Development to the existing noise climate and the potential effects of construction generated noise and vibration to existing noise sensitive receptors. 3.14 A baseline environmental noise survey was undertaken between 12 and 13 March 2014 to determine the current noise climate at the site. A noise model was prepared to complement the baseline studies. 3.15 The external noise levels on site could exceed the outdoor level mentioned in relevant British Standards for parts of the site adjacent to the A299 and the proposed Relief Road. Mitigation measures in the form of a 3m high noise bund/ barrier are proposed for the north of the site to reduce the noise impact on the site from the A299 carriageway. It is further proposed that private gardens do not face these roads and are instead located behind dwellings to provide shielding which should allow the outdoor criterion to be met. This will be address through the detailed design of the Proposed Development. 3.16 Internal noise levels for the proposed dwellings would be met through an appropriate level of double glazing. Alternative means of ventilation such as trickle ventilators are recommended to ensure residents do not need to open windows for background ventilation purposes for dwellings overlooking A299 and the Relief Road. 3.17 The principal source of noise due to the operational impacts associated with the Proposed Development will be the road traffic noise. Increase in road traffic noise along the local road network could affect existing dwellings. An assessment of the change in traffic flows was undertaken. The assessment indicates that the increase in road traffic noise should be classified as negligible without the Relief Road. With the Relief Road in operation the majority of existing dwellings would experience a negligible impact. For dwellings adjacent to Bullockstone Road, south of the site access would be exposed to an adverse noise impact which would be classified as a minor adverse effect. One dwelling, Four Oaks, located along Bullockstone Road, would experience a higher noise change due to the realignment of Bullockstone Road. This would be classified as a moderate adverse noise effect. However, the property is owned by the Applicant and any additional noise impacts on Four Oaks arising from the Proposed Development will be mitigated with measures provided directly by the Applicant. 3.18 An assessment of construction noise was undertaken. The main sources are likely to include site clearance, ground excavation and road construction. Noise levels generated could impact on nearby dwellings. Therefore, best practice measures have also been recommended to form part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan to further reduce noise from 9
construction activities. 3.19 The other potential source of noise due to the operational impacts associated with the Proposed Development could be due to plant noise emissions. Plant noise emission limits have been proposed taking into consideration the existing noise levels at nearby dwellings. Compliance with these limits should ensure that the impact at nearby noise sensitive premises is not deemed to be significant. Air Quality 3.20 An assessment of the potential air quality effects associated with the proposed development has been undertaken. Construction can generate dust, which can affect properties within close proximity of the Proposed Development. 3.21 The impacts of dust generation can be effectively mitigated by the incorporation of standard dust control measures such as damping down surfaces to prevent dust being generated during warm, dry conditions. The dust mitigation measures will be incorporated within a Construction Environmental Management Plan to be agreed with CCC. With the mitigation measures in place, no significant construction effects are predicted. 3.22 An assessment of the effects of additional traffic from the Proposed Development upon completion of the development in 2024 and other developments in the area in 2031 has been undertaken. The assessment also takes into consideration the potential effects of the proposed improvements to Bullockstone Road in both future scenarios. In addition, the potential effects of additional traffic have been assessed at two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the East Blean Woods (SSSI) and the West Blean and Thornden Woods (SSSI) located either side of Canterbury Road close to the Application Site. 3.23 Overall, is it predicted that the air quality effects of the proposed development on existing and future properties as well as ecological receptors in the surrounding areas of the Application Site are not significant in 2024 and 2031. Ecology and Nature Conservation 3.24 An assessment has been undertaken of the effect of the proposed development on ecology and nature conservation. This assessment has been undertaken following the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom developed by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM July 2006). 3.25 Ecological surveys were undertaken within the application site between 2013 and 2014, including extended Phase 1 habitat surveys, a suite of bat surveys, reptile and great crested newt surveys. This survey work confirmed the site to be dominated by habitats of low ecological value. These included homogenous and intensively arable fields bound by defunct and species-poor hedgerows and seasonally wet ditchlines. The network of ditchlines and streams were assessed as being the habitats of highest intrinsic ecological value, with these and other marginal having some limited value for great crested newts, breeding birds, reptiles, dormice and bats. 3.26 Whilst the application site itself was found to be generally of low ecological value there are a number of sites of European Importance in the local area. These include the Blean Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site, Stodmarsh SAC/ SPA/Ramsar, Tankerton Slopes and Swalecliffe SAC and the Thanet Coast SAC. A number of nationally and locally important statutory and non-statutory designated areas are also present within the vicinity of the application site. 3.27 The ecological baseline informed development of the scheme, which has been refined as ecological survey data has emerged. Ecological mitigation and enhancement measures therefore form an integral part of the development proposal and have been specified to reduce or avoid ecological effects and, where possible provide ecological enhancement in line with guidance within the NPPF. 3.28 The proposed development includes carefully specified and well connected green infrastructure. New residents will have ready access to semi-natural greenspace (5.93 ha), amenity greenspace and green corridors (4.47 ha) and parks and public gardens (4.16 ha). Once established, the landscape will deliver a range of measures that will be of benefit to local wildlife, including those ecological receptors known to, or with the potential to, occur within 10
the application site. 3.29 During construction, appropriate controls will be put in place to ensure adverse impacts associated with changes to air quality and hydrology are avoided. These measures will be delivered in accordance with an agreed Ecological Mitigation and Management Plan. This will set out details in relation to such matters as the timing of works, species licensing (if necessary), appropriate work practices and the approach to habitat creation and management. 3.30 The assessment also considers operational impacts. In particular changes to air quality as a result of an increase in road traffic; the hydrological functioning of the site and surrounding watercourses; and an increase in recreational pressure on nearby designated areas, have all been carefully assessed. 3.31 Changes in traffic flows will be minimal. West Blean and Thornden Woods Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and East Blean Woods SSSI may experience significant (>1% of critical load) increases in nitrogen deposition as a result of increased traffic. However, no significant adverse ecological effects are expected as the area of the SSSI to be affected in each case is limited, extending a maximum of 15 m from the adjacent road and diminishing over time. 3.32 The surface water drainage strategy for the proposed developments will include wetland features with sufficient capacity to attenuate runoff and ensure controlled flow back into the local catchment. The strategy will also assist with improving the quality of water leaving the site. The local waste water treatment work and foul public sewer system will have capacity to receive and treat the effluent generated by the proposed development. There will therefore be no adverse effects on nearby designated areas as a result of changes in hydrology and water quality. 3.33 The on-site provision of greenspace as part of the scheme will provide for the majority of the recreational needs of the new residents. Adverse effects to nearby designated areas from increased recreational use are therefore considered to be limited. However, it is acknowledged that some new residents are likely to visit the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA for the purpose of recreation. Financial contributions will therefore be made by the Applicant towards on-going access management of the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA as set out by Natural England and the local authority to manage recreation within the SPA. Jointly the provision of accessible greenspace within the development and the commitment to provide financial contributions towards strategic management are such that no adverse effects on the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA are anticipated. 3.34 The ecological measures and habitat enhancements that will be delivered as an inherent part of the scheme are such that there will be no significant adverse residual effects on valued ecological receptors, including designated sites, either alone or cumulatively with other plans and projects. There will be beneficial residual impacts on ditches, the watercourse and other wetland habitats which will in turn deliver enhanced conditions for protected species associated with the local area. Landscape and Visual Character 3.35 An assessment of the likely significant potential effects of the Proposed Development on the landscape resource and visual character has been undertaken. 3.36 The Application Site is not located within, or near a National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There are no World Heritage Sites or Scheduled Monuments within the study area and the land is not Green Belt. The main part of the Site is not subject to any statutory landscape protection. 3.37 The open farmland adjacent to Thanet Way is flat and comparatively featureless. According to the Canterbury Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal the landscape is of Low sensitivity. 3.38 Higher ground to the south of the Site and around the southern part of Bullockstone Road lies within Herne Conservation Area and the Area of High Landscape Value to the west. These areas are more sensitive to the effects of new development, particularly the interface between the Conservation Area and the Application Site, along Lower Herne Road. 3.39 Views of the Proposed Development would be possible from the surrounding roads and settlements, including parts of Greenhill, Herne, Bullockstone Road and the A299 Thanet Way. In 11
particular some properties on Lower Herne Road immediately adjacent to the Application Site currently have semi-rural outlook, across open farmland, which would be potentially replaced by close proximity views of the Proposed Development. 3.40 The Proposed Development would result in the loss of approximately 43.3 ha of open countryside including arable land. It would change the settlement pattern in the area, potentially resulting in coalescence of adjoining villages and the perceived urbanisation of the A299 corridor, especially if the development on the former Herne Golf Course is approved. However these effects have been considered as partofthe SEA in relation to the PublicationDraft Local Plan (2014). 3.41 It is predicted that the proposals would have a very localised effect on the character and composition of views from the surrounding areas. It is predicted that the views from the Herne Conservation Area, and the old village of Herne would be mostly limited to those properties on Lower Herne Road immediately adjacent to the Site. 3.42 The views of the Proposed Development from the Lower Herne Road, the green triangle and properties overlooking the Site would be partly mitigated by extensive tree planting and through sensitive design and layout of the new development. The views from individual properties would be dependent on the specific landscape measures proposed at the detailed design stage. 3.43 The setting of the Listed buildings in Herne including the Windmill and St Martins Parish Church would not be affected by the proposals. Localised effects on Downtops l (Listed building), and Four Oaks, (both located on Bullockstone Road) would be mitigated by an appropriate planting scheme. 3.44 The proposals would result in the loss of open countryside, which is currently not accessible to the public. The proposals will incorporate extensive areas of public open space including allotments, play areas, and amenity land which would be available to residents of the Lower Herne Village and the neighbouring communities. Public access to and through the site would be improved compared to the existing situation. 3.45 Overall, the Proposed Developemnt has the potential to change the settlement pattern and character of A299 corridor, especially if other sites allocated for development are implemented. It is considered that the adverse visual effects of the proposals will be comparatively minor and will be mostly limited to views from properties immediately adjacent to the Application Site which, subject to the detailed landscape proposals, could be adequately mitigated. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 3.46 As assessment has been undertaken of the potential significant impacts on archaeological and heritage assets located within a 1km search radius associated with the Proposed Development. 3.47 The below ground heritage receptors most likely to be affected have been identified as possible prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval remains of low sensitivity, and the Post-Medieval remains of the former Strode Farmstead of very low sensitivity. The Proposed Development is anticipated as having a direct and permanent effect on these receptors resulting in a moderate to minor adverse effect. It is proposed that this effect can be mitigated by undertaking a programme of archaeological investigation secured by a planning condition. 3.48 The Built Heritage receptors likely to be affected are the Grade II listed Downtops l cottage of high sensitivity and the Herne Conservation Area of moderate sensitivity. The Proposed Development is anticipated as having a moderate to minor adverse indirect effect. It is proposed that this effect can be mitigated by lower density development in areas adjacent to the Built Heritage assets, in addition to appropriate vegetation screening and strengthening of boundary treatments. Drainage, Flood Risk and Water Resources 3.49 The Site comprises predominately of agricultural uses with the exception of some farm buildings close to the centre of the Site. The underlying ground conditions consist of clay to a depth of approximately 5m. 3.50 A tributary of the Plenty Brook passes through the eastern portion of the Site flowing towards 12
Herne Bay. The flow of water through this watercourse is limited by the size of the culvert under the A299 Thant Way and existing earth embankment on the northern side. There is a further watercourse on the southern boundary of the A299 Thanet Way, and other smaller land drains through the site which act to drain the land towards the north. There is an existing floodplain associated with the tributary of the Plenty Brook, and the layout of the Proposed Development has been shown to accommodate this floodplain without increasing flood risk elsewhere. 3.51 The predicted environmental impacts are associated with fluvial and tidal flooding; groundwater; surface water (including pluvial flooding) and foul water. 3.52 Primary mitigation measures include the implementation of sustainable drainage principles which include controlling the rate of surface water runoff from the Proposed Development; construction of new water storage areas to temporarily store surface water within the site; and measures proposed by Southern Water to accommodate the increase in foul water flows as a result of the Proposed Development; 3.53 The Proposed Development seeks to limit the rate of surface water runoff to 4litres per second per hectare, which is below the current rate of surface water runoff from the Site. This means that more surface water will be held within the Proposed Development, which will be an improvement on the current situation. 3.54 The effects of climate change have been embedded into the calculation of flood levels, and in the sizing of water storage areas. 3.55 As a result of the package of mitigation and enhancement measures proposed as part of the Proposed Development, the residual impact on the hydrology and flood risk environment, during both construction and operation, are assessed as being not significant. Socio-Economic Effects 3.56 An assessment of the likely significant positive and negative effects of the Proposed Development on the socio-economic aspects of the site and surrounding area of Herne Bay has been undertaken. The likely significant effects considered are those most commonly related to the human population that live on or in close proximity to the Application Site. These include: Population; Housing; Education; Health Services and Facilities; Community Facilities; Recreation and Open Space; and Employment and Economy. 3.57 The Assessment has identified that the Proposed Development of up to 800 new dwellings would result in a potential new population of 1,840 people. 3.58 The proposed commercial and community facilities within the Local Centre will create new employment ans related economic benefits. Whislt the final mix of uses willbe determined at detailed design stage, two potential employment scenarios have been tested based on different use mixes within the proposed Local Centre. These scenarios identify that between 143 and 179 jobs could be created. 3.59 The Assessment has demonstrated that the Proposed Development will make a positive contribution to Canterbury City Council meeting their identified housing requirement and contribute towards the provision of affordable housing within the District. 3.60 As a consequence of this potential increase in the housing stock and population there have been a number of potential impacts identified. Whilst the provision of new housing and employment opportunities will have a positive impact, the potential increase in the local population has the potential to place increased pressure on existing services, including educational facilities, health services, community facilities and open space; bringing about potentially adverse effects. 3.61 The Proposed Development consequently incorporates various measures to mitigate any potential adverse impacts. 3.62 With regard to education provision financial contributions will be made subject to viability to improve and expand local primary and secondary schools. A day nursery is also proposed within the proposed Local Centre. 3.63 Subject to viability financial contributions will also be made to improving and expanding existing GP and Dental Surgeries in the area 13
to mitigate any increase in demand as a result of the increase in population. 3.64 The Proposed Development incorporates 16.65 hectares of Open Space, in accordance with the Council s Open Space requirements. This open space will benefit not only future but also existing residents. 14
Conclusions 4
4 CONCLUSIONS 4.1 In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (as amended), the Environmental Statement has assessed the likely significant environmental effects of the Proposed Development on the existing environment. 4.2 The assessment has taken the form of a number of technical assessments, brought together within the ES to provide a co-ordinated review of the likely significant environmental effects during both the construction and operational phases of development. 4.3 In response to these assessments, a range of mitigation measures have been recommended. Table 4.1 overleaf sets out these measures and any consequential residual impacts that may have been identified. 4.4 It is anticipated that the mitigation measures identified will be secured and implemented either through appropriate planning conditions or a legal agreement. 16
Table 4.1: Summary of Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts Environmental Aspect Stage of Development Mitigation Measures Proposed Significance of Residual Effects Highways and Transport 2024 with Bullockstone Road improvements Severance Driver Delay Pedestrian Delay Fear and Intimidation (in pedestrians, arising from vehicular traffic) Accidents and Safety Driver Stress None identified as required (over and above that proposed within the TA) Travel Plan will provide some marginal reduction to adverse impacts Noise and Vibration Impact of Construction noise on nearby residents Temporary noise barriers;limited hours of working, CEMP Road traffic noise on garden areas for future residents Road traffic noise on habitable rooms for future residents Plant noise from retail and employment units on nearby existing and proposed dwellings Increase in development traffic on existing residents Increase in development traffic including Bullockstone Improvement works on existing residents at Four Oaks Layout/noise bunds Building façade including glazing and alternative ventilation Fixed limits None required Assess against Noise Insulation Regulations at detailed design stage to determine compensation requirements which could including glazing and ventilation options. None None None None None None Minor Adverse Negligible Negligible Negligible None Minor Adverse Air Quality Impact of Construction Dust and PM 10 Mitigation within agreed CEMP Negligible Impact of Operation Road Traffic No mitigation is required Negligible Lower Herne Village Environmental Statement - Non-Technical Summary 17
Environmental Aspect Stage of Development Mitigation Measures Proposed Significance of Residual Effects Ecology and Nature Conservation Changes to hydrology resulting in adverse impacts on nearby designated areas Appropriate controls during construction Implementation of appropriate drainage strategy as part of Proposed Development Negligible Recreational pressure on the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA/Ramsar causing disturbance to importance bird populations Provision of financial contribution towards access management and mitigation measures Negligible Loss of ditch habitat within Strode Farm during construction prior to establishment of new SUDs network. Creation of new areas of ditch/swale habitat as part of proposed development, extending and enhancing existing network Minor Beneficial Landscape and Visual Character Loss of approximately 39 ha of open countryside comprising Grade 3 agricultural land Changes to views from properties on Lower Herne Road immediately adjacent to the Application Site, including locally listed buildings at the entrance to Strode arm and houses around the village green on the Lower Herne Road. Cumulative effects resulting in changes to the settlement pattern and the potential coalescence of Herne with Greenhill, along with the urbanisation, of the A299 corridor. None Sensitive layout and landscape treatment of the interface between the Application Site and Lower Herne Road including extensive tree planting and the use of construction materials to reflect the vernacular architectural style. Provision of extensive green open space within the Application Site and links to the Former Golf Course site and the surrounding areas. Substantial Adverse Moderate Adverse Moderate Adverse Lower Herne Village Environmental Statement - Non-Technical Summary 18
Environmental Aspect Stage of Development Mitigation Measures Proposed Significance of Residual Effects Heritage and Archaeology Later Prehistoric/ Roman/ Anglo-Saxon/ Medieval Archaeological Trial Trenching Beneficial Negligible Strode Farm Post-Medieval Farmstead Archaeological Trial Trenching Beneficial Negligible Downtops ll Listed Building Herne Conservation Area Sensitive use of vegetation, boundary treatments and building design Sensitive use of vegetation, boundary treatments and building design Negligible Negligible Eddington Conservation Area N/A Negligible Hydrology and Flood Risk Ground conditions None N/A Topography None N/A Fluvial flooding The FRADS includes a number of measures to mitigate potential adverse effects of the proposed development. Flood risk is not increased Negligible Groundwater None Negligible Surface water (including pluvial flooding) Foul drainage The proposed drainage strategy includes an allowance for the effects of climate change and controls the rate and volume of runoff. The allowance for climate change and formalised control measures assists with securing a sustainable solution for the longer term management of surface water. An assessment by Southern Water shows that there is no limitation on the implementation of measures to increase capacity of the offsite public foul sewer. A proposed scheme from Southern Water is presented in the FRADS. Negligible Negligible Lower Herne Village Environmental Statement - Non-Technical Summary 19
Environmental Aspect Stage of Development Mitigation Measures Proposed Significance of Residual Effects Society and Economy Population None Minor Beneficial Housing Affordable Housing and a range of Typologies Moderate Beneficial Pre-School Education Day Nursery Minor Beneficial Primary School Education Financial Contributions to Existing Facilities Negligible Secondary Education Financial Contributions to Existing Facilities Negligible Health Services Financial Contributions to Existing Facilities Negligible Community Facilities Financial Contributions to Existing Facilities Minor Beneficial Open Space On-site Open Space and Financial Contributions to off-site improvements Moderate Beneficial Construction Employment None Minor Beneficial Operational Employment None Minor Beneficial Lower Herne Village Environmental Statement - Non-Technical Summary 20
5 What Happens Next?
5 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 5.1 Following submission of the Planning Application in June 2015, there will be a period of consultation during which all interested parties, including local residents, will be able to submit comments to Canterbury City Council who will then consider them during the determination of the planning application. 5.2 All documents and drawings submitted in support of the Planning Application, including the full ES containing detailed assessments and results, can be viewed at Canterbury City Council s offices. 22