SEABANK 3. Interim Landscape and Design Statement

SEABANK 3 Interim Landscape and Design Statement Prepared for: SSE plc

URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited. Scott House Alencon Link Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 7PP UK 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION... 3 1.1 Introduction... 3 1.2 Structure of this document... 3 2 KEY LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES... 4 2.1 Introduction... 4 2.2 Objectives... 4 3 LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY... 5 3.1 Introduction... 5 3.2 Landscape Principles... 5 3.3 Draft Landscape Masterplan... 5 4 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY... 7 4.1 Introduction... 7 4.2 Design Philosophy... 7 5 CONSENTING APPROACH... 8 5.1 Introduction... 8 5.2 DCO Application Documentation... 8 5.2.1 Documents referenced by DCO... 8 5.2.2 Other documents... 8 6 DRAFT REQUIREMENTS... 9 6.1 Introduction... 9 6.2 Draft Landscape Requirement... 9 6.3 Draft Design Requirement... 9 7 DESIGN CODE... 10 7.1 Introduction... 10 7.2 Draft Design Code... 10 8 POTENTIAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS... 14 8.1 Introduction... 14 8.2 Potential Design 1: Indicative Images... 15 8.3 Potential Design 2: Indicative Images... 17 8.4 Potential Design 3: Indicative Images... 19 2

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction SSE Seabank Land Investments Limited (the Applicant) is developing its landscape and design strategy for the proposed Seabank 3 Combine Cycle Gas Ttrubine (CCGT) Generating Station at land off Severn Road, near Seabank 1 and 2, Severnside (hereafter referred to as the proposed development ). Design in this context means the form and appearance of the built development. It should also be noted that the landscape strategy incorporates biodiversity issues. So far, the Applicant has reviewed and analysed the context of the site, including important views, its relationship with other, existing and proposed, buildings nearby and within the wider character of the Pilning Levels landscape character area (LCA). The Applicant has also considered comments about the design of the proposed development during the previous stage of community consultation and liaised with other stakeholders including Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) and Bristol City Council (BCC). This document describes the key landscape and design objectives and principles that have been identified from the above process and explains how these are being used to develop a landscape strategy and Design Code that will form part of the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO). The document also sets out the intended approach to consenting and control of the design of the final development. 1.2 Structure of this document Section 2 of this document provides an overview of key landscape and design objectives for the proposed development. Section 3 sets out an overview of the landscape principles that have been developed in response to the objectives set out in Section 2. Section 4 sets out the design principles that have been developed in response to Section 2 and taking account of landscape principles set out in Section 3. Section 5 explains the proposed approach to securing the delivery of schemes responding to the design and landscape principles through the DCO. Section 6 sets out draft landscape and design requirements that will secure delivery of the final design and landscape scheme. Section 7 sets out a draft Design Code that has been developed to meet the objectives set out in Section 2, through the principles set out in Section 4. Section 8 shows images of three potential designs that could be brought forward in accordance with the draft design code. 3

2 KEY LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Objectives Key landscape and design objectives have been identified through a process of analysis of the site and its context, taking account of design and landscape matters raised in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, including South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), Bristol City Council (BCC) and Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The design and landscape strategy for the scheme will seek to fulfill the identified objectives. The key landscape and design objectives that have been identified are set out below. Enable the proposed development to integrate with the existing industrial landscape of Severnside and wider landscape character of Pilning Levels. Break up the scale of the buildings as viewed from nearby Public Rights of Way and access roads. Filter views of the lower level activities and free-standing equipment and plant from longer views and in particular the views from the higher ground to the south and east. Establish a native vegetated setting for the proposed development. Promote opportunities for habitat enhancement through natural regeneration of ruderal vegetation. Improve the connectivity of local footpaths and cycleways around the site. 4

3 LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 3.1 Introduction The proposed development will incorporate a landscape strategy that responds to, and is in accordance with, the objectives identified in Section 2 of this document and feedback received at Stage One consultation. Stakeholders responded at Stage One consultation that extensive and tasteful landscaping to minimise the impact on views is important and that ongoing maintenance and care of landscaping should be secured. 3.2 Landscape Principles The landscape principles that have been identified to inform the landscape strategy are set out below. Establish structural planting in the form of woodland blocks of native species to the north and south of the proposed generating station. Link woodland blocks through trees and shrub belts, to maintain ecological connectivity. Define entrances into the site through structural planting. Develop suitable conditions to encourage large areas of ruderal vegetation to grow, especially along the banks of the relocated Red Rhine on the northern boundary and swales along the southern boundary. This will also help to provide ecological connectivity. Form new balancing pond(s), required to attenuate storm water run-off, and interconnect these with nearby swales and the main rhine network. Create a multi-use public right of way around the southern perimeter of the site. Opportunities for inclusion of green spaces within the main development area will be taken where practicable, including but not limited to grass verges and tree planting within car parking areas. External lighting will be low key and limited to levels required for safe operation of the facility. This will include standard street lighting columns along roadways. Landscaping will be developed outside the main security fencing to avoid fencing being directly against the site boundary. Security fencing will be sensitively designed, whilst not compromising its purpose. 3.3 Draft Landscape Masterplan A draft Landscape Masterplan has been prepared to illustrate the draft outline landscape strategy and is included overleaf. The Landscape Masterplan will be refined and increased in detail, including measures to ensure ongoing maintenance, after consent for the proposed development is granted. The final Landscape Masterplan and landscape strategy will require approval from SGC. 5

Figure 3-1: Draft Landscape and Biodiversity Masterplan: 6

4 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Design Philosophy The Applicant has developed a design philosophy that responds to the context of the site and the objectives set out in Section 2 of this document. The design philosophy has been prepared in tandem with the landscape strategy set out in Section 3. Both the design philosophy and landscape strategy are integral to the development of a holistic scheme that achieves the identified design and landscape objectives. Feedback on design matters at Stage One consultation was limited, with the few responses received raising no objection to the suggestion that the design of Seabank 3 would be similar to the existing Seabank 1 & 2 power station. This has been taken into account in preparing the design philosophy and draft design code for this stage of consultation. The Design Philosophy for the main prominent structures is to adhere to a concept of simplicity that seeks to reduce the impact of their height and mass. The main CCGT generating station buildings will be designed to visually differentiate between the upper and lower mass of the buildings to reduce the impact of its height. The upper elements will be kept simple with parapet roofs and plain uniform cladding. Under most weather conditions the lack of shadows and undefined building edge would allow the buildings to blend with the backdrop of the sky. The lower sections of the power station will be defined by shape and/or darker, but neutral colours (e.g. darker blues/greens/greys) to envelope the variety of equipment and activities at that level. The landscape that forms the site boundaries and is in close proximity to the buildings should visually marry with the lower areas. The lower sections of the building are likely to be the most varied in terms of content and nature of equipment. By using colour and texture along with the landscape forms, the lower sections of the power station would visually form foothills from which the upper buildings emerge. 7

5 CONSENTING APPROACH 5.1 Introduction The Applicant will apply to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to develop a gas fired power station with a maximum output of 1400MW that will be exported to the National Grid network. The proposed Generating Station will comprise a gas fired power station, however, the final technology supplier for the proposed generation plant will not be known until after the DCO application is determined. A final and fully detailed design or landscaping scheme will therefore not be developed by the time the application is submitted or decided. The DCO application will take a Rochdale Envelope 1 approach, setting out parameters in accordance with which the proposed development will be required to be constructed. One of these parameters will be a Design Code. The Design Code will set out the principles and maximum dimensions in accordance with which a detailed design will be developed following determination of the DCO application. A requirement will be proposed in the draft DCO, which would require detailed design to be in accordance with the Design Code and parameters, and for the final design to be agreed with the local planning authority (LPA) prior to commencement of the main development. A draft Design Code is set out in Section 7. An outline Landscape Masterplan will also be submitted as part of the DCO application. A requirement will be included in the DCO for a detailed Landscape Masterplan to be agreed with the LPA prior to commencement of the main development. Draft requirements are set out in Section 6. 5.2 DCO Application Documentation The documents listed below are intended to be submitted with the DCO application. 5.2.1 Documents referenced by DCO 5.2.2 Other documents The following documents will be referenced by the DCO and will effectively form part of the Order. Works Plan: defining the location of the main elements of the proposed development, including limits of deviation; Outline Landscape Masterplan; and Design Code (including maximum building dimensions). It is proposed that the following documents will be included as part of the DCO application for illustrative or explanatory purposes but will not form part of, or be referenced by, the DCO itself: Design and Access Statement; and Illustrative layouts. 1 Explanation of the Rochdale Envelope approach is available in the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) Advice Note 9: Rochdale Envelope (version 2), April 2012. 8

6 DRAFT REQUIREMENTS 6.1 Introduction A draft DCO will be submitted with the application which will include requirements to ensure that the landscaping scheme and final detailed design are consistent with the principles of the landscape strategy and design philosophy by reference to the Design Code. The wording of these draft requirements will be developed but could take a similar form to those set out below. Once incorporated into the DCO, this would mean that the Applicant would need to develop final design and landscape schemes and have these agreed and approved by the LPA (SGC) before the development is constructed. 6.2 Draft Landscape Requirement Provision, implementation and maintenance of landscaping (1) Except for the permitted preliminary works, no authorised development shall commence until a written landscaping scheme has been submitted to and approved by the relevant planning authority. The landscaping scheme shall reflect the principles set out on the outline Landscape Masterplan and include (a) location, number, species, size and planting density of any proposed planting; (b) details of existing trees to be retained, with measures for their protection during the construction period; (c) implementation timetables for all landscaping works; and (d) minor structures, such as refuse or other storage units, signs and lighting. (2) All landscaping works must be carried out in accordance with the landscape scheme approved under paragraph (1) 6.3 Draft Design Requirement Detailed Design Approval (1) Except for preliminary works, no authorised development shall commence until detailed design, including written details of the layout, scale and external appearance of the authorised development have been submitted to and approved by the relevant planning authority. The detailed design information shall be in accordance with the principles and parameters set out by the Design Code, fall within the DCO limits and have no significant effects beyond those assessed in the environmental statement. (2) The authorised development must be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 9

7 DESIGN CODE 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Draft Design Code Development of the final detailed design of the proposed development will adhere to the Design Code commitments set out below. The Design Code seeks to secure the delivery of a final design that ensures the development is in accordance with the objectives set out in Section 2 and the design philosophy set out in Section 3. The final design will require the approval of the LPA prior to construction at which point it will be necessary to demonstrate that it is consistent with the Design Code and within the DCO limits. It may also be necessary to demonstrate the detailed design does not give rise to any significant effects beyond those assessed in the environmental statement. At this stage we are seeking views on the Draft Design Code which, subject to feedback, may be developed further prior to submission of the DCO application. The layout of the development will be in accordance with the principles shown by the indicative layout drawings. The main elements of the development will be laid out on site from north-east to south-west in the following order: cooling system; main CCGT generating station building; other lower level buildings and structures (i.e. admin/control building, gas conditioning compound etc.); peaking plant; Carbon Capture Readiness (CCR) area. The orientation of the cooling towers, the main CCGT generating station building, and the peaking plant will be broadly consistent with the indicative layouts. The main CCGT Generating Station buildings will be simple in form and include a parapet roofline. The external finish of the main CCGT Generating Station buildings will make use of a neutral and non-reflective colour pallet, likely to be greys, blues, browns and/or greens. The external finish will differentiate between the lower and upper mass of the buildings, with the upper sections being kept plain and of a lighter tone than the lower sections. Consideration will be given to the provision of green or brown (living) roofs on lower structures where compatible with operational requirements. The layout of the proposed development will be designed to afford the maximum practicable level of tree planting and green space, given engineering and operational requirements. The landscape details shown on the outline landscape and biodiversity masterplan will be delivered, as a minimum. This includes structural tree planting within parts of the landscaped areas shown along the northern and southern parts of the site to help break up views of the lower sections of the development and the use of ruderal vegetation in areas that cannot be planted with trees to link the landscaped areas and provide ecological connectivity. Landscaping will be developed outside the main security fencing to avoid fencing being directly against the site boundary. 10

External lighting will be low key and limited to levels required for safe operation of the facility. This will include standard street lighting columns along roadways. The dimensions of main elements of the proposed development will be no greater than the maximum dimensions and no smaller (where applicable) than the minimum dimensions set out in the tables overleaf. 11

Table 7-1: Proposed Development Parameters for the Single-shaft Configuration Structure Number of units Height Maximum Length Width Height Minimum Length Width Turbine Building 2 33 70 37 27 60 33 Turbine Auxiliary Building 2 17 70 37 14 60 33 HRSG Building 2 45 45 30 35 37 25 CCGT Stack 2 90 d8.5 90 d8.5 Peaking Plant building 1 24 77 58 14 59 24 Peaking Plant Stack 2 45 d7 45 d4 Gatehouse 1 4 17 11 3 10 5 Gas Receiving Station 1 2 108 20 2 108 20 Gas Conditioning Compound 1 4 53 18 4 40 14 Hybrid Cooling System 2 19 100 35 15 80 30 Fire Water Tank 1 15 d12 7 d6 Fire Fighting Building 1 5 8 8 4 6 6 Water Treatment Building 1 10 33 14 5 22 8 Demin Water Storage Tank 1 9 d9 6.5 d5 BFW Pump house 2 17 25 24 15 20 18 Chemical Sampling Dosing 2 16.5 25 24 14 20 18 HRSG Auxiliary Building 2 17 25 24 15 20 18 Emergency Diesel Generators 2 3 11 8 3 5 4 Workshop Stores 1 15 36 26 6 26 19 Plant Laydown 1 N/A 34 12 N/A 34 12 Admin Control Building 1 15 48 19 8 24 15 Car Park 1 N/A 50 5 N/A 50 5 GIS and Control Room 1 15 38 14 15 22 14 Distillate Oil Tank 2 12.5 d10 10 d8 Cooling Water Dosing Building Cooling Water and Towns Water Back Up Tank Cooling Water Switchgear Building 1 4.5 20 10 4.5 15 10 2 28 d25 16 d14 1 5.6 31 12 3.5 25 8 Transformer compound 2 12 35 24 10 25 20 d=diameter 12

Table 7-2: Proposed Development Parameters for the Multi-shaft Configuration Structure Number of units Height Maximum Length Width Height Minimum Length Turbine Building 1 35 132 60 28 120 58 HRSG Building 2 45 45 30 35 37 25 CCGT Stack 2 90 d8.5 90 d8.5 Peaking Plant building 1 24 77 58 14 59 24 Peaking Plant Stack 2 45 d7 45 d7 Gatehouse 1 4 17 11 3 10 5 Gas Receiving Station 1 2 108 20 2 108 20 Gas Compound Conditioning Width 1 4 53 18 2 40 14 Hybrid Cooling System 24 19 100 35 15 80 30 Fire Water Tank 1 15 d12 7 d6 Fire Fighting Building 1 5 8 8 4 6 6 Water Treatment Building 1 10 33 14 5 22 8 Water Storage Tank 1 9 d9 6.5 d5 Pump house 2 17 25 24 15 20 18 Chemical Dosing Sampling 1 16.5 25 24 14 20 18 HRSG Auxiliary Building 2 17 25 24 15 20 18 Emergency Generators Diesel 1 3 11 8 3 5 4 Workshop Stores 1 15 36 26 6 26 19 Plant Laydown 1 N/A 34 12 N/A 34 12 Admin Control Building 1 15 49 19 8 24 15 Car Park 1 N/A 50 5 N/A 50 5 GIS and Control Room 1 15 38 14 15 22 14 Distillate Oil Tank 2 12.5 d10 10 d8 Cooling Water Dosing Building Cooling Water Back Up Tank Cooling Water Switchgear Building 1 4.5 20 10 4.5 15 10 2 28 d25 16 d14 1 5.6 31 12 3.5 25 8 Transformer compound 3 12 35 24 10 25 20 d=diameter 13

8 POTENTIAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS 8.1 Introduction The following images depict potential architectural designs that adhere to the design philosophy and could be brought forward in response to the Design Code. The images are 3D models based on indicative layouts and represents the maximum dimensions (footprint and height) for the single shaft option (minimum dimensions are included in Table 7-1). The final appearance of the proposed development may vary as further refinement and detailed design work is undertaken, albeit within the limitations previously described. Potential Design 1 includes extensive use of green roofs. It should be noted that the Draft Design Code requires the use of green roofs on lower structures to be considered regardless of which architectural design is chosen. Green roofs are not shown in combination with Potential Designs 2 and 3 although consideration would be given under the Draft Design Code for them to be provided on lower buildings. 14

8.2 Potential Design 1: Indicative Images Potential Design 1: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from North East Potential Design 1: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from South East 15

Potential Design 1: Single Shaft with Open Peaking Plant, View from North East 16

8.3 Potential Design 2: Indicative Images Potential Design 2: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from North East Potential Design 2: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from South East 17

Potential Design 2: Single Shaft with Open Peaking Plant, View from North East 18

8.4 Potential Design 3: Indicative Images Potential Design 3: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from North East Potential Design 3: Single Shaft with Closed Peaking Plant, View from Souh East 19

Potential Design 3: Single Shaft with Open Peaking Plant, View from North East 20