Barberry Swindon Limited Barberry Logo here Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary December 2015
FRONT COVER: Artists Impression: Sketch illustration of the green gateway from Wanborough Road with pond and memorial park ii
Report to: Report Title: Barberry Swindon Ltd Barberry House Bromsgrove Road Belbroughton DY9 9XX Ecus Ltd Redlands Revision: Final Issue Date: December 2015 Report Ref: 5425 Originated By: Reviewed By: Fergus Taylor Environmental Consultant Date: December 2015 Approved By: Holly Smith EIA Team Leader Date: December 2015 Erica Kemp Commercial Director Date: December 2015 Prepared by: Ecus Ltd. Brook Holt 3 Blackburn Road Sheffield S61 2DW 0114 2669292 The report and the site assessments carried out by Ecus on behalf of the client in accordance with the agreed terms of contract and/or written agreement form the agreed Services. The Services were performed by Ecus with the skill and care ordinarily exercised by a reasonable Environmental Consultant at the time the Services were performed. Further, and in particular, the Services were performed by Ecus taking into account the limits of the scope of works required by the client, the time scale involved and the resources, including financial and manpower resources, agreed between Ecus and the client. Other than that expressly contained in the paragraph above, Ecus provides no other representation or warranty whether express or implied, in relation to the services. This report is produced exclusively for the purposes of the client. Ecus is not aware of any interest of or reliance by any party other than the client in or on the services. Unless expressly provided in writing, Ecus does not authorise, consent or condone any party other than the client relying upon the services provided. Any reliance on the services or any part of the services by any party other than the client is made wholly at that party s own and sole risk and Ecus disclaims any liability to such parties. This report is based on site conditions, regulatory or other legal provisions, technology or economic conditions at the time of the Service provision. These conditions can change with time and reliance on the findings of the Services under changing conditions should be reviewed. Ecus accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of third party data used in this report. iii
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Introduction This document is the Non-Technical Summary (NTS) for the Environmental Statement (ES) which has been prepared on behalf of Barberry Swindon Limited to accompany an outline planning application for residential development at Redlands Airfield, Swindon (termed the Proposed Development). The ES sets out the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Proposed Development. The EIA process is used to ensure that any likely significant effects arising from the Proposed Development are identified and assessed, such that they can be presented to the Local Planning Authority, statutory consultees and other key stakeholders, to understand the potential for environmental effects arising from the Proposed Development. This document provides a summary, in non-technical language, of the ES and describes the current site conditions, physical characterises of the development, the planning context of the development, the consideration of alternatives and a description of the significant effects on the environment which are likely to result from the Proposed Development. The report identifies any measures required to mitigate potential adverse impacts of the Proposed Development. Please refer to the full ES (Ecus Ltd, 2015: Redlands Environmental Statement Volumes 1-3) which accompanies the Planning Application for further details. Site Description The Application Area (termed the Site ) is approximately 19 hectares (ha) and located approximately 0.7 km to the east of Swindon and approximately 1 km to the north of Lower Wanborough Village. Figure 1 overleaf shows the location of the Site. The Site forms a parcel of the larger housing and employment proposals within the New Eastern Villages (NEV) allocation as adopted in the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026 that aims to deliver about 6,000 dwellings (8,000 with Rowborough and South Marston) with associated high quality public realm including outdoor civic public space; sustainable transport links, an extensive green infrastructure network, sports and leisure facilities, about 40 ha net of employment land in total (B Class Uses such as offices, industry, storage and distribution), educational requirements and a health care facility with GP, dentist and pharmacy (see Swindon Borough Local Plan, 2026 for full details). The location of the Site and the NEV allocation are shown in Figure 1 below. 1
Figure 1: Site Location (not to scale) [ Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015 Licence number 0100031673] The Site currently comprises a mix of uses including cattle farming with associated grazing and farm outbuildings and an operational private airfield and associated infrastructure. The land is generally flat, but the higher part of the Site is around the existing buildings to the south, which gently falls towards the Liden Brook, a tributary of the River Cole located to the west of Site that is designated as a Local Wildlife Site. Figure 2 below shows site features and constraints identified as part of the EIA. 2
Figure 2: Site Features and Constraints (not to scale) [ Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2015 Licence number 0100031673] The Site and surrounding landscape is rural, with variably sized fields, with hedgerow boundaries containing intermittent mature trees and a network of narrow rural lanes to scattered farmsteads and hamlets. The nearest settlements are Horpit, a small hamlet of farmstead properties and outbuildings, and the village of Lower Wanborough that both lie within the flat vale. The villages of Upper Wanborough, Hinton Parva and Bishopstone lie on the lower slopes of the North Wessex Downs. The North Wessex Downs is nationally designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) located approximately 2.5-3 km from the Site and rise approximately 100 m above the flat valley floor. Swindon, and the industrial developments associated with the edge of town developments, are in close proximity to the Site. There are no public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways or byways) running through the Site or adjacent to the Site. There is a well-established network of public rights of way to the east, west and south of the Site connecting Wanborough to Bourton, Liddington and the Downs. The Site is currently accessed from the Wanborough Road via a priority T-junction, which is subject to a 40 mph speed limit past the Site. The majority of the Site is within the area classified by the Environment Agency as having a low risk of flooding (EA Flood Zone 1, assessed as having a less than 1 in 1,000 annual probability of flooding), and a small area of the Site adjacent to the Liden Brook is within the floodplain where the likelihood of flooding is greater. The Environment Agency Surface 3
Water Flood Map shows flooding that reflects the slightly lower land of the north part of the Site, and it identifies surface water accumulation during periods of wet weather at existing land drainage ditches which help to drain the Site. This element of the site is excluded from any physical development. The Proposed Development The Applicant is proposing to develop the Site for residential purposes as follows: Construction of up to 370 detached, semi-detached and terraced houses. Provision of up to 2.2 ha for a two-form entry primary school. Access to the development off Wanborough Road. Approximately one-third of the development site is proposed for open space and green infrastructure including green spaces, landscaping and a network of foot and cycle-friendly paths. A Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), including flood management basins and drainage channels. Construction of new roads, underground utilities and car parking for each new property. Maximum and minimum building heights for each type of building ranging from 12 m high for a 2.5 storey building to 8.5 m high for a 2 storey building. Construction at an anticipated rate of between 60-80 houses per annum which produces a build phase period of approximately five years. Construction of infrastructure such as new roads and utilities will occur largely in advance of house construction. The Applicant is applying for outline planning consent; it is supported by an illustrative for the Masterplan shown on Figure 3 below and which indicates how the above elements could be accommodated on the site. 4
Figure 3: Illustrative Masterplan (please refer to the Illustrative Masterplan submitted with the Planning Application for a full size version) Figure 4 below is an artist s impression of the view from open space (termed The Common on the Masterplan) (southern edge of the development), looking towards The Downs. Figure 4: Artist s Impression: Sketch illustration - looking south down the splayed green wedge framing views out to the Downs 5
Planning Policy Context The planning policy context supports the development of the New Eastern Villages to meet the needs of the growth of Swindon. The statutory development plan for the Borough in relation to the Proposed Development is the Swindon Borough Local Plan, which covers the period up to the year 2026 and was adopted by Swindon Borough Council in March 2015. Policy NC3 New Eastern Villages - including Rowborough and South Marston Village Expansion - identifies the Site as part of the NEV allocation and sets out the requirements for residential development, employment land and supporting infrastructure. These requirements include the need for good design in both new buildings and open spaces; areas of natural vegetation and wildlife habitats; a proportion of affordable or lower-cost housing; pedestrian, cycle and public transport links; and the infrastructure, roads and public services needed to support the new users of the area. A number of further environmental policies in the Local Plan have informed the design of the Proposed Development. For further details please refer to the full ES that accompanies the Planning Application. The Local Plan was prepared on the basis of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was published by the Government in 2012. The NPPF is the principle planning document for the consideration of the Proposed Development in a national context, and central to it is the presumption that sustainable development is acceptable unless other material considerations suggest otherwise, stating that housing applications should be considered in the context of the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Sustainable development is widely accepted as meaning development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Proposed Development is considered to comply with the NPPF and the policies of the adopted Local Plan further details of which can be found within the Planning Statement which accompanies the planning application documentation. The Need The Site forms part of a larger allocated development site, the New Eastern Villages. The Local Plan (Policy SD2) sets out the need to deliver housing in Swindon up to 2026. It identifies that about, but not less than, 22,000 dwellings will be required between 2011 and 2026, with targets of 1,150 dwellings completed per year up to 2016, and 1,625 dwellings completed per year from then until 2026. The Swindon Borough Housing Completions Monitoring Report shows that for the years to date there has been a shortfall in this target of about 40 % (or 462 dwellings each year). The Local Plan also sets out a need for a range of housing types, sizes and affordability that is appropriate for its location. The Site has been allocated to help meet the housing requirement and is one of the sites considered appropriate to accommodate the growth of the Borough. As such, Redlands has been identified to accommodate a share of the Borough s housing requirement. The need for the Site to come forward for housing has therefore been fully considered through the preparation and adoption of the Local Plan where the Site and wider NEV allocation have been concluded to be a key element of the housing delivery necessary to meet the Borough s needs. The NPPF is based on a clear presumption in favour of sustainable development. The 6
Government continues to emphasise the commitment for the country to build its way out of the current economic difficulties which further emphasises the need for the Proposed Development. Consideration of Alternatives Do Nothing Without development the Site would be retained as an active airfield and farm. The Site would not contribute to the provision of housing in the Swindon district and would conflict with the need to provide for new housing both locally and nationally as set out in the planning policy. In the preparation and adoption of the Local Plan, Redlands, along with the remainder of New Eastern Villages (NEV) of which it forms part, has been identified as a sustainable location for meeting the housing need in Swindon and the infrastructure to support it. The potential benefits of bringing forward the Application in terms of reduction in noise impacts from the active airfield would not be provided. Social and economic benefits through creation of jobs, local facilities etc., would not occur if the project was not progressed. The primary school included within the Site would not be built and would not provide the benefit of primary school places to serve the phased development of the wider NEV. A range of enhancements for the benefit of biodiversity have also been included within the development such as greenspace and new drainage features, which should support managing localised flooding. In the absence of the Proposed Development these benefits and enhancements would not occur. An alternative location or alternative form of the Proposed Development is not considered appropriate as the principle of development has been established by the Local Plan. Preferred Option Compliance with Development Plan The Site selection of Redlands within the NEV, during development of the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026, took into consideration key factors including environmental feasibility, proximity to statutory designation sites, transport infrastructure, landform, availability of land, and proximity to watercourses and higher risk flood zones. As such the principle of a residential scheme within the Site has been established and the outline planning application seeks to establish the amount of development which can be accommodated on site and its form and character. Preferred Option Design Evolution The Masterplan for the Site has evolved, with consideration of the technical constraints and environmental impacts being key to the design evolution. The Development Team established a series of design principles early on, which have been adhered to and refined throughout the masterplanning process. These included: Transport and highways Drainage and flood management Green infrastructure and biodiversity Landscape character Site character Visibility and views to the Downs Pedestrian links 7
Open space, informal recreation and play provision In terms of design, the approach is based upon place making, creating neighbourhoods which are attractive, safe, welcoming, encourage community pride and ownership and are very desirable places to live. This approach has been underpinned by a thorough and detailed analysis of the Site s constraints and opportunities from the outcomes of the EIA. This has ensured a sensitive landscape-led design response, to realise the full potential of the Site and its rural village context and to define the character and layout of the development. The design has also evolved with consideration of the Redlands NEV allocation which stipulates the development must; have a settlement form that has a true village character based on traditional Wessex Mid-Vale village street patterns and typologies; respect and enhance the existing landscape setting, including the retention of existing field patterns and hedgerows, and appropriate new planting promoting biodiversity; be architecturally distinctive, including the possibility of an appropriate new design aesthetic, drawing on local historic references when selecting form, materials, colour and detail; comprise a lower density to other EV islands to respect the rural context; have public realm, both in the form of village squares and greens designed as integral parts of it s layout; demonstrate and achieve a high level of environmental sustainability; provide an acceptable new vehicular access with accompanying traffic calming and safety measures; provide new footpath and cycleway links both to Lower Wanborough and towards Swindon, as well as enabling the positive connection with the Eastern Villages development Consultations with key stakeholder groups have been at the forefront of the masterplanning process with key inputs being provided through public consultation events, statutory consultee groups, and through consultation with local and parish councils as detailed in the Statement of Community Involvement that accompanies the Planning Application. The evolution of the Masterplan included the following design principles: Landscape-led approach centred around place making to create an attractive, safe and welcoming development with its own unique rural village identity. Strong references to the local vernacular. Framed views out to the adjacent countryside and the Downs scarp. Green infrastructure provides a framework that links all the landscape, visual, ecological and drainage assets of the Site and establishes a network of open spaces, footpaths/cycle ways and recreational uses. Provision of open space providing an attractive, high quality natural setting that frames the views out to the surrounding countryside and the fine views of The Downs to the south. 8
Landscape framework provides an attractive, natural setting that allows for views out and glimpsed views in of buildings set within a well-treed mosaic. Drainage features throughout the development provide an integrated SuDS strategy with the added benefits of enhanced biodiversity and new ecological habitats which connect to the wider landscape. Sustainable access including priority walking and cycling routes, public transport links and clearly defined legible entrances to the Site and hierarchy of routes to enable easy and intuitive movement through the Site and connection to the wider NEV. Consideration of the development of the Site within the context of the wider NEV to ensure that the development connects and fully integrates with the comprehensive scheme especially with regard to environmental and technical considerations as far as possible. Cumulative Effects There are a number of developments that need to be considered given the likely impact they will have cumulatively with the Proposed Development. These include developments within the NEV for which information on their environmental impacts is publically available and also takes into consideration SBC s Sustainability Appraisal of the Adopted Local Plan and its strategic allocation. The following list has been agreed with the Council: Table 1: Cumulative Developments Cumulative Developments SBC Planning Application Reference Distance & Direction to Proposed Development Lotmead Farm Villages SOUT/15/0753 350 m north west South Marston and Rowborough (Eastern Villages S/OUT/13/1555 2.0 km north North) Eastern Villages South (The Hub) S/OUT/14/0253 1.4 km north west Environmental Assessment The following section of this document provides a summary of the environmental impact of the Proposed Development. Landscape and Visual Impact A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been undertaken to identify the potential effects of the proposed residential development on the landscape and visual amenity currently experienced within a 4.5 km radius study area around the Site. The assessment was based on available best practice guidance and through consultation with Swindon Borough Council. The assessment is comprised of two main assessments; impacts from the Proposed Development on the landscape and its visual impact. The outcome of the assessment demonstrated that the proposed residential development at this location is appropriate in terms of the design and scale, the nature of the existing landscape and the extent of predicted visibility of the scheme. This assessment was facilitated by using computer generated visualisations and views of the proposed residential development together with plans identifying the theoretical visibility of the development. The most significant adverse effects were identified on the Landscape Character, listed 9
buildings of Horpit and Land Use during the construction phase of the proposals. This is due to the sustained duration of a 5 year construction phase and nature of construction works, and also changes within the site that would affect the current day perceptual qualities of the setting to the listed buildings closest to the development (within 1 km of the site). Significant beneficial landscape effects were identified upon completion of the development and after 15 years on the vegetation and habitats, public rights of way and statutory protected trees. Potential effects on specific views and visual amenity experienced by people were also assessed and visual receptors selected that were considered to be representative of users of public rights of way, public open spaces, cycle routes and visitor destination areas and a selection of private residencies where an appropriate location could be accessed. Visual Effects from the development are predominantly experienced within close proximity to the site or from the elevated scarp of the North Wessex Downs AONB to the south of the site. Of the 13 visual receptors, all were assessed as having a high sensitivity. Visual receptors typically includes: Visitors to publicly accessible heritage assets or attractions where views of the surroundings are an important factor; people engaged in outdoor recreational activities including users of public rights of way whose attention is likely to be focused on the landscape; communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents in the area; and recognised scenic travel routes. Other receptors include residents at home using rooms normally occupied during daytime hours and are likely to experience views for longer. The assessment identified a significant adverse effect during the construction phase and on completion on visual receptor 6, which is taken at a representative location used by footpath users of PRoW WANB33 and residents of Horpit, due to the close proximity to the Proposed Development, flat land and immediate nature of the view. In addition significant adverse effects were identified during construction on visual receptors 3, 4, 5, and 9 which are all representative of elevated mid-slope positions on the North Wessex Downs AONB Scarp and visual receptor 7 - representative of footpath users of PRoW WANB 34, on only slightly elevated land 1 km east of the site. Significant adverse effects were identified on visual receptors 3, 5 and 9 that all have elevated mid-slope positions on the North Wessex Downs AONB. Photomontages have been produced for VR5 (mid slope view from PRoW WANB 28 and VR9 elevated mid slope view from informal viewing point on Bodyhorse Hill, shown on Figure 5 below) that show the development sitting low in the landscape, with existing settlement to the foreground and behind on the horizon. However, the proposals introduce a linear stretch of new built development, and with it a loss of openness, to this area of the valley floor. The generous area of proposed semi-natural open-space (termed The Common on the Masterplan) to the southern side of the development provides a sense of openness and green interface with the adjacent farmland. The development will include native woodland and tree planting to open spaces and street tree planting to the village streets will provide a vegetated mosaic to the development. However on completion of construction of the development the planting will be in its infancy and require time to mature. After 15 years it is anticipated that 12 of the 13 visual receptors would not experience significant visual effects. It is considered that after 15 years the only significant effect would be experienced by visual receptor 6. The treed vegetation to the perimeters, open spaces and streetscape of the development will have matured to provide a vegetated mosaic softening and partially 10
screening the residential properties. Whilst the development sits low in the landscape it will introduce new settlement into a large proportion of the view. 11
Figure 5: Extract of Photomontage from Visual Receptor 9 Representative of an Informal Viewing Point on Bodyhorse Hill - Grid Ref: SU 21748 83129 (please refer to Figure 16.8B within the full ES for the complete photomontage) Please refer to the full ES for the methodology used in producing the panoramic photography and photomontages, of which Figure 5 above is an extract. The photomontages have been produced using a rigorous procedure which is tested and verified resulting in an accurate representation of the proposed development within the view. 12
Historic Environment An assessment of the effects of the Proposed Development on the historic environment has been undertaken, using accepted guidance, which includes the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standards Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessments and Historic England s Good Practice Advice in Planning. The assessment was informed by desk-based information, including records of known historic sites or finds within the vicinity of the Site from the Historic Environment Record (HER) and National Heritage List for England, other publicly accessible sources of primary and synthesised information, a site visit by an experienced archaeologist, geophysical survey and programme of archaeological evaluation trenching. The programme of archaeological evaluation was agreed with SBC s Archaeology Advisor prior to field excavations commencing. No sites designated for their archaeological/historic value were recorded within the Site, although potential for non-designated buried remains to survive in the Site was identified through desk-based information and the results of the geophysical survey and archaeological evaluation. Impacts arising from groundworks associated with construction of the Proposed Development would be offset by a programme of archaeological recording thereby reducing the impact to buried archaeological remains to a minor adverse effect. The development would not result in any significant adverse effects. It has the potential to result in minor adverse effects on the settings of a total of six designated heritage assets within 3 km of the Site comprising Upper Wanborough Conservation Area, Lower Wanborough Conservation Area, Hall Place Scheduled Monument and the Grade II Listed Buildings of South View Farmhouse, Little Harpit and The Cottage. A further two negligible adverse effects has been assessed on the setting of Durocornovium Scheduled Monument and the Grade I Listed Parish Church of St Andrews. In all cases impacts to the setting of these heritage assets arising from the introduction of modern development into a currently open, rural, fieldscape can be mitigated through the design of the scheme and the residual effects are considered not to be significant. Ecology An assessment of the Site to determine its value for nature conservation was undertaken over a period of 9 months in 2015 using desk-based methods (records of protected species held by the biological record centres), site surveys and protected species surveys. Surveys included; a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, water vole and otter surveys, badger survey, hazel dormice survey, breeding bird surveys, bat activity surveys, hedgerow survey, white-clawed crayfish survey, reptile survey and amphibian surveys. The surveys have demonstrated that the majority of the habitats within the Site are considered to be of relatively low ecological value as the Site is dominated by improved and species poor semi-improved grassland. The key features of ecological value identified include the hedgerow network, some of which is classed as Important under the Wildlife and Landscape criteria of the Hedgerow Regulations (1997), the Liden Brook corridor which is designated as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and mature scattered trees. Species surveys have recorded great crested newt in the 13
local area, although not on Site, a small population of grass snake on Site, a common farmland bird assemblage predominantly using the hedgerows and water vole on the Liden Brook corridor. No other species have been found to be using the Site currently. From the outset, the landscape-led Masterplan has been informed by the ecological surveys. This has ensured the retention and enhancement of important wildlife corridors, such as the boundary hedgerows and the Liden Brook corridor, which provide connectivity to the wider landscape. The Masterplan retains the majority of hedgerows and scattered trees across the Site and around the Site boundaries together with additional scrub and tree planting to increase habitat structure, species richness and species diversity in these boundary features. This includes the retention of the trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPOs). The Masterplan includes creation of a multi-functional green framework which provides a series of interlinked ecological corridors across the Site retaining habitat connectivity with the wider area. The Proposed Development includes creation of several attenuation ponds across the Site, these are linked by swales or shallow open drainage channels which will be created using the existing ditch network on the Site. All should be designed in line with best practice to maximise ecological benefits including planting species-rich grassland and ensuring a varied profile to allow marginal vegetation to form, resulting in a net gain in ponds and ditch habitats on the Site. This will be of benefit to amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates and would also increase food resources for foraging bats in the long term. These habitats will be managed in the medium and long term through the implementation of a Landscape and Ecological Management Strategy which will be designed to maximise nature conservation opportunities on Site in the future. Noise and Vibration A Noise and Vibration Assessment has been carried out in accordance with a methodology agreed with SBC s Environmental Health Officer (EHO). Noise generated at the construction phase can be mitigated by the use of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) that would detail measures employed to minimise noise and dust. It is not expected that there will be any significant vibration effects resulting from the construction of the scheme or from the completed development. The main focus of the assessment was the potential effects of existing noise on the proposed residential properties. A survey was carried out on the Site at four positions representative of the proposed residential plots. The noise levels were compared with criteria derived from British Standard guidance for noise levels in gardens, living rooms and bedrooms (BS8233). The measured ambient noise levels were low both during the daytime and at night and the assessment demonstrates that the noise climate is suitable for a residential development. Based on the current noise levels it is anticipated that the proposed residential properties will not require specialist acoustic glazing or ventilation and that they will be able to have a standard construction (e.g. standard thermal double glazed 14
windows with window head trickle vents; masonry or timber frame external walls and conventional roof construction). The current noise levels are not high enough for special acoustic boundary protection to be required for gardens. There may be some increase in noise levels due to traffic generation and new roads within the Site. The acoustic design requirements for the properties and gardens should be checked at the detailed design stage when the layout and property designs are known. It may be necessary to include local boundary acoustic fencing to some garden areas if they are immediately adjacent to a noise sources such as a new traffic route. It is unlikely that there will be significant effects arising from noise generating uses on the Site because it is mainly to be used for residential development. If there are any new noise sources associated with non-residential elements of the development then appropriate measures can be designed to control noise at source at the detailed design stage. The cumulative effect of increased noise from traffic can be considered at the detailed design stage if necessary. If the effect is found to be significant, appropriate mitigation can be included in the detailed design. The current use of the Site as an airfield will cease if the residential development goes ahead. The removal of this noise source would be considered a benefit both to existing residents and to new residents on adjacent NEV sites. Air Quality and Dust An Air Quality Assessment (AQA) has been completed for the Site by JMP Consultants Limited. The air quality impact assessment is focused on the traffic related pollutants Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) and Particulate Matter, specifically PM 10 (particulate matter up to 10 micrometers in size). The AQA has been based on the same development scenarios and traffic parameters as the Transport Assessment (TA) that has been completed for the Site. The AQA determined the air quality conditions in the 2015 base year, 2016 Opening Year and the 2026 Future Assessment Year. Cumulative impacts were considered as the traffic forecasts for all scenarios incorporate all relevant committed development within the Swindon Local Development Plan and wider New Eastern Villages development. In order to verify the modelled results, baseline NO 2 monitoring has been undertaken by JMP in the vicinity of the Site. The air quality assessment determined that the air quality impact associated with the development, for all scenarios and at all assessed receptor points, is negligible and is not significant. The assessment identified that the construction phase of the Proposed Development has the potential to generate nuisance dust which could affect adjacent properties. However, application of measures within the proposed Construction Environmental Management Plan would ensure impacts on local air quality during construction, including dust generation, would be of no greater than negligible significance and not significant. Following completion, the Proposed Development is predicted to result in negligible effects on pollutant levels in the area which would not be significant. 15
Ground Conditions A Phase 1 and 2 Site Investigation has been undertaken at the Site and has included a desk-top study of the land-use history, geology and hydrogeology of the Site, followed by an intrusive investigation comprising a series of boreholes drilled across the Site. Residential developments have the potential to cause environmental impacts from ground contamination during the construction and operational phases, for example through the exposure of construction workers or new residents to existing soil contamination disturbed by construction activities; or pollution of surface water or groundwater from migration of existing soil contamination. The Site Investigations recorded made ground within the built-up area in the western part of the Site. A bunded above-ground aviation fuel tank is present adjacent to the current runway, a diesel storage tank is located amongst the farm buildings and some of the buildings appear to be constructed from asbestos cement sheeting. Soil analysis identified concentrations of arsenic that were greater than the adopted risk assessment criteria for the modelled exposure of human health to soil contamination for houses with private gardens where fruits and vegetables are grown and also where land is used for allotments. One soil sample also contained concentrations of cadmium, lead and zinc that are greater than the adopted risk assessment criteria for the modelled exposure of human health to soil contamination where land is used for allotments. No significant potential sources of ground gases that affect the Site were recorded. The Site investigation concluded that the risk from contamination of groundwater and surface water due to existing contamination at the Site was low. The Site is underlain by clay subsoil and therefore there is a risk that any new building foundations (and possibly ground-bearing floor slabs) will be at risk of structural damage due to seasonal shrinkage and heave of clay soils. Buildings, services and paved surfaces constructed on compressible ground can be damaged by settlement or bearing capacity failure. However, the only potentially compressible soil identified on the Site is restricted to a thin margin adjacent to Liden Brook, where no new structures or infrastructure is proposed. The risk of exposure of site workers and residents to existing soil contamination during the construction phase can be effectively mitigated by adopting best practice in accordance with e.g. (Health and Safety Executive Protection of Workers and the General Public during the Development of Contaminated Land, 1991). The proposed allotments have been sited outside the area of known soil contamination and can be further mitigated by adoption of the recommended remedial measures. Standard pollution prevention measures will be adopted to safeguard surface water (Liden Brook) and ground water. It is concluded that with appropriate design and mitigation measures there will be no significant adverse effects on ground conditions or on human receptors. Water Resources Residential developments have the potential to cause environmental impacts during the construction and operational phases on flood risk; drainage (surface and foul water); water quality; and water supply. An assessment has been undertaken which takes account of the existing water environment and the flood risk on the Site with 16
consideration given to how the surrounding area might be impacted by the Proposed Development. In consultation with the Environment Agency, Thames Water and Swindon Borough Council, all water features have been considered and the assessment embraces key policies within current legislation as well as locally based objectives for the water environment. The Liden Brook and the land drainage ditches discharging to the Liden Brook have been assumed to be potentially sensitive to changes to the water environment. The majority of the Site is within Flood Zone 1 (an area of low probability of flooding, and lies outside the 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 year flood events on the nearby watercourses). A small area adjacent to the Liden Brook is within the floodplain which has a higher likelihood of flooding and a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) has been undertaken. The FRA considers the potential for the Proposed Development to be affected by flooding, and for the Proposed Development to cause flooding elsewhere. Overall the Site has a low probability of flooding from other sources such as ground water, sewer and artificial water bodies. The Proposed Development has been designed to limit surface water run off from the Site, resulting in negligible effects on flood risk both within and surrounding the Site. There is the potential for impacts during construction however these are likely to be temporary, reversible and short term in nature and relate primarily to a potential deterioration in water quality and increased surface water given the potential creation of new pathways for runoff. Mitigation in the form of material storage and site management will be documented in the Construction Environmental Management Plan and will be implemented to reduce the risk of pollutants such as oil, diesel and other construction related chemicals being spilled on the ground surface and then infiltrating into the surface or ground water. Any adverse effects are not considered to be significant. Thames Water will be consulted regarding the scope of the foul capacity improvements required and the timescale for their implementation to ensure that sufficient capacity is available for the Proposed Development The Proposed Development includes a surface water drainage system that incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) as recommended by the FRA. The SUDS will provide management of the greater volume of surface water run-off from the Proposed Development, and will intercept and treat pollutants that are generated by run-off from new highway and other hard standing areas. Taking account of the range of environmental protection measures that will be adopted to avoid the likelihood of pollution, and the improvements to the local foul drainage and water supply capacity to serve the Proposed Development the water environment will be safeguarded in the long term with effects on water resources considered negligible and not significant. Socio Economics The potential for social and economic impacts in relation to the Proposed Development has been assessed. This includes effects on population, economy and employment, education and children s services, housing, community facilities, open space and sports provision in the local area. This was done using information from Swindon Borough Council documents, government data such as the 2011 census, and other sources such as NHS Choices and the Department for Education s Edubase Public Portal. 17
The Proposed Development forms part of the New Eastern Villages (NEV) strategic allocation and has been conceived from the start to be sustainable, with the NEV together providing the facilities and services required for the new communities. As a result, this assessment has used the plans and policies for the NEV as a whole to make a considered judgement on the likely social and economic effect of the Proposed Development. No significant adverse socio-economic effects are predicted. The Proposed Development will deliver a significant benefit through the contribution it will make to meeting Swindon s requirement for new, high quality housing. It will also provide economic benefits during the construction, both from direct employment of construction staff, and indirectly from expenditure of construction staff and supply of materials and services. These economic benefits are significant when considered along with the other developments in the NEV. Education facilities are a key consideration for the NEV as a whole and a strategic approach for making sure the requirements are met has been adopted by Swindon Borough Council. The Proposed Development includes the provision of a site for a primary school which will provide the benefit of surplus school places to serve new residents of the wider NEV. Secondary school children from the Proposed Development would likely be able to be accommodated into existing schools in the area, but the proposal for the NEV as a whole includes a secondary school. Nursery facilities are proposed to be included with all new primary schools in Swindon. Facilities for Special Education Needs are proposed alongside the NEV s secondary school. Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have stated the requirements to provide the necessary service to the Proposed Development and the NEV as a whole. A contribution payment from the Proposed Development is proposed. Great Western Ambulance Service previously stated its requirements for serving the NEV (services are now delivered by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust). It is likely that the patient demand generated by the Proposed Development for local GP, dentist and optician services could be accommodated within existing facilities, although not all residents could be accommodated within the nearest patient facilities. The NEV as whole is required to cater for the demand for these services it generates, and a new GP, dentist and pharmacy is proposed. It is anticipated that this will be delivered by the private sector. The Proposed Development has been designed to exceed the Council s Open Space Standards. To do this it includes Equipped Play Areas, allotments and an informal games pitch. Significant community, sport and leisure facilities are proposed for the NEV as a whole. The Proposed Development is considered to have no significant adverse effects on services and facilities, and when considered with the plans for the NEV a number of benefits for existing local communities are proposed on top of serving the communities of the NEV. The Proposed Development represents a significant new capital investment in the area. It will improve the quality of local housing and increase population, economic activity and expenditure in the local area without creating significant adverse impacts on Swindon s existing services and facilities. The scheme will provide housing at an early stage in the NEV process with consequent benefits for job creation and housing supply. 18
Transportation The overall impact of the New Eastern Villages development on traffic and transport has been tested by Highways England (which is responsible for the M4 motorway and trunk roads) and Swindon Borough Council (the Local Highway Authority) through the preparation and adoption of the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026. A detailed mitigation package has been devised to ensure the traffic generated by all the NEV development parcels can be catered for. This package has been agreed between both highway authorities and seeks to enhance infrastructure and to rebalance the transport system to be more efficient and sustainable in a cost effective manner. Therefore the assessment of the Proposed Development primarily focusses on site specific issues. A key element of the Proposed Development includes enhanced walking and cycling links, a public transport strategy, redesigned access arrangements, and traffic management/calming on Wanborough Road. The proposed measures directly address the residual additional demand of the development proposals, such that the overall effect of the Proposed Development will be negligible and not significant. With respect to the planning policy requirements set out in the NPPF, it is considered that the development is sustainable in transport terms. Conclusion The main purpose of the ES is to provide an objective assessment of the environmental impacts of the Proposed Development. This Non-Technical Summary provides a summary of the main issues identified within the ES and the full ES (Volumes 1-3) should be referred to for detailed analysis of impacts and mitigation, supporting figures, data and consultation. Chapters 1 to 5 of the full ES (Volume 1) provide background information on the Site and the Proposed Development, the planning policy background relevant to the development and an overview of the EIA process. Chapters 6 to 14 detail the predicted environmental effects resulting from the development alone and in combination with other schemes and how it is proposed to mitigate the impacts. It should be noted that the information submitted for this Planning Application is extensive given the nature of the Site, however, the detailed mitigation strategies will be controlled via the use of planning conditions and the Section 106 Agreement. The majority of potential environmental effects identified within the ES are not significant with an adverse residual effect identified to visual receptor in Horpit to the south of the Site in the short term, but only moderate adverse after 15 years. Significant beneficial impacts, alone and in combination with the wider NEV are predicted within the Socio-economic assessment. Cumulative impacts are not considered to be significant. There are positive cumulative impacts in terms of socio-economic effects and overall, it is concluded that the cumulative development would have a beneficial effect due to the local and borough wide benefits which would be delivered. It is considered that there are no potential adverse environmental effects that cannot be suitably mitigated and which would prevent the proposals from being granted planning permission. 19