NS&OC OPA Environmental Statement Volume 1, Part 1

Environmental Statement Volume

North Sprowston and Old Catton

, September 2012

– Beyond Green Developments

1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

QA: North Sprowston and Old Catton Environmental Statement Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Issue/Revision:

Draft Version

Final Version

Date:

September 2012

September 2012

Comments: Prepared by:

Olivia Finch

Signature:

Prepared by:

Jane Wakiwaka

Jane Wakiwaka

Mitch Cooke

Mitch Cooke

550156jw11Sept12D01_ES_Vol_1

550156jw28Sept12V01_ES_Vol_1

Signature:

Authorised by: Signature:

File Reference:

ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

i

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

ii

ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1.0

INTRODUCTION & ASSESSMENT

1

METHODOLOGY CHAPTER 2.0

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

23

CHAPTER 3.0

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME &

33

CONSTRUCTION CHAPTER 4.0

PLANNING POLICY & LAND USE CONTEXT

41

CHAPTER 5.0

ECOLOGY

53

CHAPTER 6.0

LANDSCAPE & VISUAL

121

CHAPTER 7.0

ARCHAEOLOGY & CULTURAL HERITAGE

197

CHAPTER 8.0

TRANSPORTATION

227

CHAPTER 9.0

AIR QUALITY

297

CHAPTER 10.0

NOISE & VIBRATION

329

CHAPTER 11.0

SOIL CONDITIONS, GROUNDWATER &

345

CONTAMINATION CHAPTER 12.0

WATER RESOURCES & FLOOD RISK

371

CHAPTER 13.0

SOCIO-ECONOMIC

389

CHAPTER 14.0

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

503

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

iv

CHAPTER 15.0

RESIDUAL IMPACTS & CONCLUSION

523

CHAPTER 16.0

GLOSSARY & ABBREVIATIONS

541

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1.0

INTRODUCTION & ASSES

SMENT METHODOLOGY

1.1

This Environmental Statement (ES) accompanies the proposed development, as outlined below, on behalf of Beyond Green Developments and a consortium of landowners (the 'applicant '). The applicant proposes a residential-led mixed-use urban 1

extension on land in Broadland, north of Norwich (henceforth known as ‘the proposed development ’). As a large-scale, masterplanned development which will come forward in phases over 15-20 years, the scheme will be promoted via a multi-stage consent process beginning with an outline planning application, with all matters except access reserved to detailed stages of design. Full details of the proposed development and planning history context are contained within Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development of Volume 1: Main Text & Figures of this ES, although they are also summarised below.

1.2

This document is an ES that presents the findings from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that has been carried out in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (the ‘EIA Regulations ’) .

2

1.3

The application site consists of 207.4 hectares (ha) of land located between the Parishes of the Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and Thorpe St Andrew (the ‘application site’ ), within the administrative boundaries of Broadland District Council (the 'Council '). Figure 1.1 Site Location Plan shows the context of the application site, which is bound to the south by Old Catton and Sprowston, to the east by Sprowston Manor Golf Club, and to the west by St Faith’s Lane. To the north runs the proposed route of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NDR), beyond which lies the village of Spixworth.

1.4

The applicant seeks to develop the application site as an integrated, mixed use urban extension to the north of Norwich. The proposed development comprises: 

Residential development of up to 3,520 dwellings (C3 use class);



Up to 16,800m² (Gross Internal Area (GIA)) of commercial development (B1 use class);



Up 8,800m² (GIA) of retail and service development (A1-A5 use classes);



Up to 1,000m² (GIA) of hotel development (C1 use class);

The consortium of landowners comprises the Beeston Estate, Morley Agricultural Foundation, Alderman Norman Trust, Norfolk County Council and the Howard family.

1

Great Britain. Parliament (2011); The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Wales) Regulations 2011 . Statutory Instrument 2011 No. 1824. OPSI 2

(England and

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

Up to 7,000m² (NIA) non-residential uses including up to 5,000m2 for two twoform entry primary schools; two community halls, a library, a health centre, and up to five nurseries/crèches (D1 use class);



An energy centre measuring up to 1,500m² (sui generis use class);



82.5ha of green space including up to 20.1ha of play and recreational space and at least 31.3ha of new and retained natural and semi-natural space, and the dedication of Beeston Park as a major new public park; and

 1.5

Four accesses to the highway network.

A plan indicating the redline boundary of the application site (in addition to the wider land area owned by the applicant as shown edged in blue) is at Figure 1.2 Redline Boundary Plan and Figure 1.3 Consortium Ownership Plan. Further plans and drawings of the proposed development can be found in Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development.

1.6

As stated above, this ES accompanies an outline planning application for the carrying out of the proposed development. As an outline application, the details of siting, design, external appearance, access and landscaping are reserved for later approval by the local planning authority. This is fully in accordance with the established statutory process for securing the principle of development proposals where the detailed elements of the scheme are not capable of being finalised, in advance of specific occupiers and their requirements being identified. However, in order for the potential environmental effects of the proposed development to be properly considered by the local planning authority, in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Directive and the EIA Regulations2 (see below), it is necessary that the scope and parameters under which the proposed development will come forward are adequately described, defined and capable of fixing by the local planning authority. This accords with the approach set out in Rochdale .

3

1.7

By setting the parameters of the proposed development's likely form, siting and qualities, this has enabled the likely significant effects of the development to be assessed for the purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The imposition of siting constraints, the impacts attributable to heights, scale and massing, etc. of the proposed development, as reported in Chapter 2.0 of this ES allows a full and proper assessment to be undertaken in relation to realistic predicted impacts of the proposed development, including any integral mitigation measures.

3

R v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, ex p Tew [2000] Env LR 1, [1999] 3 PLR 74, [2001] JPL 54.and R v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, ex p Milne [2001] ENV LR 406, P & CR 365.

2

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THE EIA REGULATIONS

& NEED FOR AN EIA

The EIA Regulations 1.8

The EIA Regulations2 implement the European NDDC Directive No. 85/337/EEC 1998 (as amended by Directive 97/11/EC 1999

by Directive 2011/92/EU

6

from the 13

th

5

4

) and its amendments, which were codified

December 2011. They apply to the assessment

of environmental impacts that are likely to arise from certain types of public and private projects subject to requirements for statutory consents, referred to in the directives as 'Development Consents.’

1.9

The 2011 update to the EIA Regulations2 consolidates with amendments the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales ) Regulations

1999

7

and subsequent amending instruments. The changes to the

Regulations include an amendment to the provisions relating to changes or extensions to existing development, so that the effects of the development as a whole once modified are considered.

1.10

The EIA is a systematic process during which potential significant environmental impacts from a proposed development project are identified, assessed and the scope for minimising potential impacts are presented to the relevant decision maker (the 'competent authority'

1.11

) within an ES accompanying a planning application.

The aim of the EIA is to provide the competent authority with the information necessary to consider potential environmental impacts, to ascertain whether these are acceptable and to secure mitigation measures to minimise these impacts prior to granting relevant consents.

1.12

There are two types of development that may be subject to an EIA as defined by the EIA Regulations2. These are:

1.13



Schedule 1 Developments; and



Schedule 2 Developments.

It is mandatory for any development falling within the description of a Schedule 1 Development to be subject to an EIA. Applications for consents relating to Schedule 1 Developments must be accompanied by an ES.

The Council of the European Communities, (June 1985); Council Directive on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Public and Private Projects on the Environment No. 85/337/EEC 1998, OJ L175, 5.7.85, p.40 4

5

The Council of the European Union, (March, 1997); Council Directive amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on t he environment. No. 97/11/EC , OJ L073, 14/03/1997, p.0005.

6

The Council of the European Union, (December 2011); Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment OJ L26/1-26.

Great Britain. Parliament (1999); The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999.

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1.14

It is not always mandatory for Schedule 2 Developments to be subject to an EIA. The EIA Regulations2 categorise development types and provide thresholds to assist with the identification of Schedule 2 Developments that may require an EIA. How a requirement for an EIA in relation to Schedule 2 Developments is identified and discussed below.

1.15

Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations2 describes the criteria that must be taken into account in determining whether a development, which falls within the size threshold applicable to Schedule 2 Development, is likely to have significant impacts and hence should be subject to an EIA. These include: 

The characteristics of the development (e.g. size, use of natural resources, quantities of pollution, waste generated);



The environmental sensitivity of the location; and



The characteristics of the potential impact (e.g. extent, magnitude, probability and duration).

1.16

The Government has provided guidance within Circular 2/99 Environmental Impact Assessment . This provides advice on interpreting the EIA Regulations 2, and expresses 8

a view that, in general, an EIA will be needed for Schedule 2 Developments in three main types of cases: 

For major developments, which are of more than local importance;



For developments, which are proposed for particularly environmentally sensitive or vulnerable locations; and



For

developments

with

unusually

complex

and

potentially

hazardous

environmental impacts.

1.17

Where it is determined that a proposed development requires an EIA, the application is known as an 'EIA Development'.

Need for an EIA 1.18

The proposed development does not fall under the description of a Schedule 1 Development as defined by the EIA Regulations2 that would automatically require a formal EIA.

1.19

However, the proposed development for which this ES relates to, does fall within the description of the following sub-category of Schedule 2:

8

4

DETR, (1999); Circular 02/99 Environmental Impact Assessment.

TSO.

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

'Infrastructure projects' – urban development projects, including the construction of shopping centres and car parks, sports stadiums, leisure centres and multiplex cinemas (Sch.2(10)(b)).

1.20

The EIA Regulations2 advise that EIA should be carried out in respect of proposals for infrastructure projects covering an area of at least 0.5ha, if that development, due to its location and extent, is likely to give rise to significant environmental effects.

1.21

The site for the proposed development extends to approximately 207.4ha and the application is for large-scale residential led mixed use scheme.

1.22

The area of the proposed development is significantly above 0.5ha and, in addition, the proposed development is considered to be a major development of more than local importance. Accordingly, the applicant has carried out an EIA and has provided an ES with this planning application.

1.23

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide all the necessary information and to compile the ES for the EIA application. Once submitted, the competent authority responsible for authorising the relevant development should publicise the availability of the ES (and any related additional information) to potentially interested parties, such as statutory and non-statutory consultees and the public, so as to enable their opinions on the project and ES to be represented in the planning process.

1.24

Greengage Environmental LLP have been commissioned by the applicant to prepare the ES, in line with the current EIA Regulations2 and EIA best practice.

THE SCOPE OF THE ENV

IRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Scoping Report & Scoping Opinion 1.25

The process of consultation is critical to the development of a comprehensive and balanced ES. It is essential to determine those aspects that require detailed assessment, and to consider comments and positions of affected stakeholders.

1.26

The applicant has worked in partnership with a number of landowners – including the Beeston Estate, Norfolk County Council, the Alderman Norman Foundation and the Morley Agricultural Foundation - to bring forward the proposals for a new community in North East Norwich.

1.27

In addition, information and views have been sought and received from a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies through a series of thematic public consultation workshops held by the applicant, which allowed the development proposals for the application site to be developed in detail through active collaboration with local stakeholders. Further meetings with key stakeholders have been carried out as part of a wider consultation process, the details of which are provided within the stand-alone Design & Access Statement that has been submitted with this planning application.

Key consultees included (but are not limited to):

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1.28



Broadland District Council;



Norfolk County Council;



Norfolk Rural Community Council;



Broadland Land Trust;



Old Catton Parish Council;



Salhouse Parish Council;



Norfolk Wildlife Trust;



The Environment Agency;



Natural England;



University of East Anglia;



Anglian Water; and



The Forestry Commission.

In addition to the above design consultations, an EIA Scoping Report was prepared by Greengage and submitted to the Council on the 14th September 2011. In accordance with the EIA Regulations2, the Scoping Report identified the main environmental sensitivities within the site and immediate area, the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development and the methods to be used to assess these impacts. It also includes a plan indicating the location of the application site.

1.29

The Council formally adopted a Scoping Opinion on the 19th October 2011, following the necessary consultation and responses from a number of statutory bodies and stakeholder groups. The Scoping Report and formal Scoping Opinion are contained within Appendix 1.1 and 1.2 respectively in Volume 2: Technical Appendices of this ES.

1.30

The aim of the Scoping Report is to identify those environmental aspects that have the potential to be significantly affected by the proposed development. Furthermore, it enables potential sensitive receptors of any significant impacts resulting from the proposed development to be identified. With respect to the location of the proposed development these have been identified as follows: 

Grade 2 (very good quality) and Grade 3 (good to moderate quality) classified agricultural land within the application site and its vicinity;



Ecologically sensitive species within the application site and its vicinity;



Areas of woodland (including deciduous woodland) registered on the National Inventory of Woodlands and Trees within the application site and its vicinity;



A designated Public Safety Zone located at the end of Norwich Airport runway across part of the application site;

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

Designated ancient woodlands, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and parks and gardens located in the vicinity of the application site;

1.31



Residents (proposed and existing) on and near-site; and



Key short, medium, and longer distance views of the site.

The above sensitive receptors and other potential constraints that have been identified during the scoping process for this ES are represented in Figure 1.4 Site Constraints Plan.

1.32

With regard to the sensitive receptors, a number of key environmental considerations were identified that required detailed assessment within the ES including:

1.33



Ecology;



Landscape & Visual;



Archaeology;



Transportation;



Air Quality;



Noise & Vibration;



Agricultural Impact;



Soil Conditions, Groundwater & Contamination;



Water Quality, Resources & Flood Risk;



Socio-Economic; and



Indirect, Secondary and Cumulative Impacts.

Within this ES, the likely residual impacts that were identified as a result of the proposed development have been considered in the context of relevant Land Use and Planning Policy Statements (e.g. The National Planning Policy Framework ). Further 9

details on the planning position are given Chapter 4.0: Planning Policy & Land Use Context of this ES. In addition, where appropriate, planning policies relating to specific technical areas are also included within each ES Chapter Where relevant, updates of technical assessments in key areas have been undertaken as part of this ES. 1.34

The ES also takes into consideration the changes to the EIA Regulations2, good practice guidance and expertise from the EIA consultant team.

9

DCLG, (2012); The National Planning Policy Framework.

DCLG.

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Matters Not Necessary to Address in this Environmental Statement 1.35

The EIA Regulations2 require that where significant

environmental impacts are likely to

occur, they should be considered through the EIA. The following technical areas are considered as issues where no significant impact will result, and are outside the requirement for any assessment under the EIA Regulations.

1.36

The following areas are therefore not covered within this ES and as such, it is not proposed to include further information or assessment within the EIA process.

Telecommunication Reception

1.37

The proposed development is located within a predominately rural location, and whilst there are some surrounding residential buildings; there are no proposed tall buildings that have the potential to create any telecommunication shadows on any existing or proposed receptors.

1.38

Taking into account this relative scale and heights of the proposed development, it is not anticipated that disturbance to television and radio reception to local residents and businesses will occur from the scheme. No study is therefore proposed for this aspect.

Microclimate

1.39

As a predominantly rural setting, with some agricultural use within private ownership, access to the application site is currently unavailable to the public. As such, it is anticipated that the height and scale of the proposed development will not bring about any unwanted changes to wind patterns at pedestrian level, or create any potential risks to jeopardise the creation of a safe and comfortable wind environment in the vicinity.

1.40

In addition, it is not considered likely that the proposed development will have a significant effect on the local daylight and sunlight conditions on any neighbouring properties and open spaces, nor have any sensitive receptors been identified, where the quality of light conditions would be significantly changed. This is due both to the anticipated scale of the proposed buildings and to the existing site surroundings which constitute the main control on light quality in and around the site.

1.41

It is, therefore, not considered necessary to include a wind assessment or an assessment of daylight, sunlight and overshadowing impacts in the EIA.

Broadland 1.42

District

Council

Formal Scoping Opinion Response

The scope of this ES accords with the Scoping Report and also reflects comments received from the Council in their formal Scoping Opinion contained in the letter dated 19th October 2011, which included all consultees comments within the context of the

8

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site; the EIA Regulations2; good practice guidance; and expertise in relation to similar development types.

1.43

The Council confirmed the approach, content and methodology proposed by the project team, subject to a number of comments. Where appropriate comments on the technical coverage of the EIA have been addressed within the ES; where these comments do not relate to the scope of assessment or where they are points of clarification then this is stated. As previously noted, copies of the Scoping Report and the formal Scoping Opinion adopted by the Council are provided at Appendix 1.1 and 1.2 of this ES.

1.44

Table 1.1 below provides a summary of the comments received from the consultees on the Scoping Report and shows how these comments have been addressed within this ES. Table 1.1

Summary of

Comment

Scoping Responses Received Aspect

ES Chapter Reference

Response

Environment Agency Groundwater in the area is a potential sensitive receptor therefore impacts on groundwater should be covered.

Water Resources

Potential impacts groundwater have assessed

on been

Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk and its Technical Appendices.

Proposed development could have a significant impact on the Norfolk Broads and potential impacts should be covered.

Sensitive Broadland Environment

On balance, it cannot be confidently concluded that the proposed development will not affect the ecological integrity of the Broads. As such a precautionary approach is appropriate and in the context of a Habitats Regulations Assessment it is considered an Appropriate Assessment (AA) should be triggered.

The ‘competent authorities’, as defined in the Habitats Regulations, have a responsibility for undertaking AA and the scheme promoter is responsible for providing the information required to inform that assessment.

This ES therefore contains the information necessary to make such an assessment.

Chapter 5.0: Ecology and its Technical Appendices.

The ES must provide sufficient information to assure there will be no deterioration in water

Water quality

Potential impacts of water quality have been

Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk and

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Comment

Aspect

ES Chapter Reference

Response

quality in the area as a result of the development, including impact from wastewater treatment.

assessed.

its Technical Appendices.

We recommend that a water features survey is included as part of the ES.

Abstraction and water supply locations

Forms part of the water resources assessment.

Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk and its Technical Appendices.

Development of this size is likely to generate significant surface water run-off.

Flood risk

A stand-alone Flood Risk Assessment forms part of the application and has informed the assessment of flood risk within this ES.

Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk and its Technical Appendices.

Would welcome the robust interrogation of cumulative impacts on the Broads.

Sensitive Broadland environment

See above.

This ES contains the information necessary to make a Appropriate Assessment.

Chapter 5.0: Ecology and its Technical Appendices.

Issues relating to an integrated approach to water management (both supply and disposal) are comprehensively covered.

Water management strategy

Potential impacts of the proposed development on flood risk, water quality and water resources have been assessed in this ES. Further technical detail on the water management strategy for the proposed development lies outside the scope of this ES but will be included as part of the documents forming the rest of the application.

Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk and its Technical Appendices.

Green infrastructure must be fully integrated across the whole development site.

Ecology

Potential impacts of the proposed development on the ecology and conservation of the Application Site have been assessed.

Appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures have been identified.

Chapter 5.0: Ecology and its Technical Appendices.

Specific mitigation will need to be undertaken to address the issue of habitat loss and disruption to bat commuting corridors.

Importance of the site for bats

Assessments of habitat value and impact on bats have been undertaken.

Assessment involved the following:

Chapter 5.0: Ecology and its Technical Appendices.

Natural England

10



Desk-based review;



Site surveys;



Identification

of

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Aspect

Comment

resources to assessed evaluation of significance;

Environmental Health

be and their



Evaluation of predicted impacts;



Identification of mitigation measures to limit the nature conservation and ecological impacts; and



Description of the residual effects taking mitigation into account.

- Noise

Address the current and future potential airport noise to inform if any properties are likely to fall within the airport noise landing and take-off contour. Noise from engine testing at the airport should also be taken into consideration.

Pollution Control

ES Chapter Reference

Response

Noise from nearby Norwich airport

Potential impact and mitigation from airport noise has been assessed.

Chapter 10.0: Noise & Vibration and its Technical Appendices.

– Contaminated Land

Include a proper risk assessment and determination of whether a site investigation is needed.

Contaminated land

Potential impacts of the development on existing soil conditions as a resource, as well as groundwater and ground contamination, have been assessed. Site investigation work has also been carried out as part of the baseline survey work for this ES.

Chapter 11.0: Soil Conditions, Ground Water & Ground Contamination and its Technical Appendices.

The application will need to be supported by a Transport Assessment.

Transport assessment

Potential impacts of the development on transportation and access, in particular on the local highway network, has been assessed and mitigation measures proposed.

In addition a detailed Transport Assessment will be submitted with the application.

Chapter 8.0: Transportation and its Technical Appendices.

Archaeology

Potential impacts of the proposed development in terms of archaeological deposits and cultural

Chapter 7.0: Archaeology & Cultural Heritage and its Technical

Historic Environment It is likely that an archaeological field evaluation will be required as part of the EIA.

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Aspect

Comment

ES Chapter Reference

Response heritage onsite has been assessed and proposed mitigation measures are put forward, including geophysical survey work of the application site with targeted field evaluation trenching following this where considered appropriate.

THE HABITATS REGULAT 1.45

Appendices.

IONS

The ES has been prepared with the additional purpose of providing the information required by the local planning authority in order to carry out an Appropriate Assessment (AA) for any consideration under Regulation 61 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

(the ‘Habitats Regulations

’)

10

which implement

the EU Habitats Directive . Under the Habitats Regulations, a number of sites have 11

been established as Sites of European Importance as best representing habitats, pursuant to Annexes I and II of the Directive, and known as ‘European Sites’. The application site is not located within a European Site but at its nearest point is located approximately 2.15km away from The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads Special Protection Area (SPA), and The Broadland Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

1.46

The AA is a separate assessment exercise required for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations10. English Nature Habitats Regulations Guidance Note 1: The Appropriate Assessment

12

describes how an Appropriate Assessment should be undertaken based

on a series of nine key steps set out in Table 1.2 below, which are explained in detail.

These steps include consultation, data collection, impact identification and assessment, recommendation of project modification and/or restriction, and reporting. AA is singularly concerned with the potential for the designated features of European nature conservation interest to be adversely affected by the works, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. The assessment is recorded in terms of the predicted effect on the ‘integrity’ of the European Site.

10

Great Britain. Parliament. (2010); The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

. OPSI.

11

EU, (1992); Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . OJ L206, 22.7.119, p.7 12

English Nature, (1997); The Habitats Regulations Guidance Note 1: The Appropriate Assessment ( English Nature.

12

Regulation 48).

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1.47

Circular 06/05: Biodiversity and Geological Conservati Their Impact within the Planning

System Policy

13

on - Statutory Obligations and provides administrative guidance on

the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation as it applies in England. The Circular defines the integrity of a site as ‘the coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the species for which it was classified .'13 1.48

A negative effect is likely to be one that prevents the site from maintaining the same contribution to ‘favourable conservation status’ for the relevant feature(s) as it did when the site was designated. The favourable conservation status of The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads SPA and The Broadland SAC are defined by their ‘qualifying features’, which are set out in Chapter 5.0: Ecology of this ES. The potential for the proposed development to affect the European Site should then be judged against its potential to influence the ability of the site to meet these objectives. This judgment represents the Appropriate Assessment.

1.49

Whilst the scope and content of the information required in order to make an AA will depend on the location, size and significance of the proposed project, information considered to meet this scope has been collated into a separate stand-alone assessment contained in Appendix 5.1 of this ES. Similarly, whilst Natural England (NE) advises on the scope, discussions and an ongoing dialogue with NE and a range of other nature conservation interest groups has informed the issues that would need to be addressed in the AA.

1.50

Taking the nine steps in turn, Step 1 is concerned with determining the need for an AA in the first instance that is, considering the potential for the works to have a ‘significant’ effect on the European Site.

1.51

The ‘competent authorities’, as defined in the Habitats Regulations10, have a responsibility for undertaking appropriate assessment and the scheme promoter is responsible for providing the information required to inform that assessment. This ES provides the information necessary to make such an assessment by addressing seven of NE’s other eight steps as set out in Table 1.2 below.

13

ODPM, (2005); Government Circular: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planni ng System Policy . CLG.

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Table 1.2

Information and Steps Required for an Appropriate Assessment.

Relevant Section of ES

Task

Step 1

Define the Assessment

2

Consultation with Natural England

There is ongoing consultation with both NE & the Environment Agency (EA) regarding ecology on the site and in the vicinity.

3

Consultation with other organisations

There is ongoing consultation with both NE & the EA regarding ecology on the site and in the vicinity.

4

Definition of the designated status of the site, the qualifying interests and its conservation objectives

See Chapter 5.0: Ecology

5

Provision of further information

See Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development and Chapter 5.0: Ecology

6

Consideration of the potential effects (impacts) of the proposed development on the SPA

See Chapter 5.0: Ecology (potential effects of the proposed development on ecology)

7

Assessment of the influence of any potential impacts on the integrity of the SPA

Considered in Chapter 5.0: Ecology and within the AA report contained within Appendix 5.1

8

Avoiding negative effects

Chapter 5.0: Ecology on mitigation and within the AA report contained within Appendix 5.1

9

Conclusion regarding the potential for the scheme to negative effect the integrity of the SPA

Decision of the competent authorities based on the information contained within Chapter 5.0: Ecology and within the AA report contained within Appendix 5.1

1.52

need

for

Appropriate

See paragraph 1.45

Step 9 represents the appropriate assessment itself, that is, the judgment of the relevant competent authority, in this case Broadland Council, in the context of the Habitat Regulations10 when considering consent for the proposed development.

APPROACH & STRUCTURE

OF THE ES

Approach to EIA 1.53

The ES forms part of a set of reports that support the planning application for the proposed development. In addition to the ES and the necessary forms, plans and drawings, the outline planning application will also be accompanied by a number of stand-alone documents, including:

14



Design & Access Statement;



Transport Assessment;



Retail Impact Assessment;

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

1.54



Heath Impact Assessment; and



Supporting statements on: o

Green Infrastructure;

o

Community Involvement;

o

Sustainability;

o

Planning;

o

Energy and Utilities;

o

Waste Management;

o

Water;

o

Safe and Inclusive Design;

o

Lighting;

o

Housing;

o

Social and Economic Development;

o

Public Transport;

o

Framework Travel Plan;

o

Minerals Safeguarding;

o

Airport Safeguarding; and

o

Delivery and Management.

The EIA and has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations 2 and the DETR Circular 02/998. The ES that is the product of the EIA contains the information specified in Part I (where relevant) and Part II of Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations: 

A description of the proposed development including information on the site, the proposed development size and design;



A description of the likely significant environmental impacts arising from the proposed development;



A description of the methods and data employed to identify and assess the likely significant environmental impacts;



A

description

of

the

measures

proposed

to

avoid,

reduce,

or

remedy

(enhance/compensate) any adverse environmental impacts; 

An outline of the main alternatives considered and an outline of the main reasoning for the preferred development option taking into account the associated environmental impacts; and



A Non-Technical Summary of the above information.

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Beyon d Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

1.55

In addition to the EIA Regulations2, the ES has been prepared with reference to currently available good practice, where appropriate, including: DETR Circular 02/99 - Environmental Impact Assessment



Preparation of Environmental Statements for Planning Projects That Require Environmental Assessment

- A Good Practice Guide

14

;

;



Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment



Environmental Impact Assessment



The Note on Environmental Impact Assessment Directive for Local Planning Authorities

1.56

8



17

15

;

: A Guide to Procedures

16

; and

.

The ES has regard to the potential impacts on sensitive receptors including human beings, climatic factors, and natural resources.

Struct 1.57

1.58

ure of the ES

The ES comprises: 

Volume 1: Main Text & Figures (this document);



Volume 2: Technical Appendices; and



Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary.

The main findings of the assessment are reported in the topic specific chapters of this document as set out below: 

Planning Policy & Land Use Context (Chapter 4.0);



Ecology (Chapter 5.0);



Landscape & Visual (Chapter 6.0);



Archaeology & Cultural Heritage (Chapter 7.0);



Transportation (Chapter 8.0);



Air Quality (Chapter 9.0);



Noise & Vibration (Chapter 10.0);



Soil Conditions, Groundwater & Contamination (Chapter 11.0);

14

HMSO, (1995); Preparation of Environmental Statements for Planning Projects That Require Environmental Assessment - A Good Practice Guide . CLG. 15

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), (2004); Guidelines Assessment . IEMA.

16

for Environmental Impact

16

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), (2000); Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Procedures

17

ODPM, (2002); Note on Environmental Impact Assessment Directive for Local Planning Authorities

. ICE. . CLG.

Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

1.59



Water Resources & Flood Risk (Chapter 12.0);



Socio-Economic (Chapter 13.0);



Cumulative Impacts (Chapter 14.0); and



Residual Impacts & Conclusions (Chapter 15.0).

Each ES technical chapter will include: 

An introduction and brief summary of the topic under consideration in the Chapter;



The policy and legislative context relevant to the topic;



Details of the impact assessment methodology employed (where different to those outlined within this Chapter) and the scope of the assessment, with any limitations highlighted;



The significance criteria employed to evaluate the magnitude of potential impacts;



A description of the baseline conditions accompanied by details of the method employed to record those conditions;



Impact prediction, both positive and negative, during the construction and operational phases of the proposed development. Any uncertainties are described and, where assumptions have been used in the prediction of impacts, these are fully highlighted and accompanied with an indication of the certainty that can be applied to those assumptions;



Mitigation measures proposed to avoid, reduce or compensate in respect of any negative impacts predicted, supported by predictions of the effectiveness of these measures. Where potential negative impacts cannot be avoided, reduced, or compensated, this is recorded; and

 1.60

A conclusion.

A glossary of terms and abbreviations is presented at the end of the ES in Chapter 16.0: Glossary & Abbreviations.

1.61

Where referenced, supporting material is appended within Volume 2: Technical Appendices.

1.62

A Non-Technical Summary of this ES is contained in Volume 3: Non-Technical Summary.

Means of Assessment 1.63

The current baseline condition, including the sensitivity and importance of those environmental aspects likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development is determined to provide a context for the analysis. The baseline condition establishes

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Beyon d Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

a benchmark for impact prediction. Any changes from the baseline inform the magnitude of the potential impact and its significance.

1.64

For the environmental elements under detailed consideration within this ES, the baseline conditions have been established using a combination of desk-top studies drawing on: published databases, maps, and reports; survey techniques; and monitoring. The approach taken to establish the condition of particular environmental baselines has been agreed through previous consultation with the Council and statutory consultees. The specific methods employed to record the baseline conditions are detailed within the corresponding chapters of this ES.

Impact Prediction and Significance Criteria 1.65

Appendix 4 of the EIA Regulations2 requires an ES to describe: ‘The likely significant effects of the development on the environment, which should cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long - term

permanent

and

tempora

ry,

positive

and

negati

ve

effects

of

the

2

development…’

1.66

A number of criteria have been used to determine whether or not the potential environmental impacts from the proposed development are significant. These are outlined with reference to specific environmental issues in the relevant technical chapters of this ES, unless minor variations are explicitly stated within the ‘Assessment Methodology’ section within specific technical chapters. So far as appropriate, the impacts are assessed quantitatively using definitive standards and legislation. Where quantitative assessment is not possible, qualitative evaluation of significance based on professional judgement, with assumptions or uncertainties clearly highlighted, has been applied.

1.67

The significance of impacts has been assessed, taking into consideration a range of criteria:

1.68



Performance against environmental quality standards;



Relationships with international, national and local planning policy;



Sensitivity of the receptor;



Reversibility and duration (short, medium, long-term) of the impact;



Nature of the impact (direct/indirect, positive/negative);



Extent of influence and magnitude of the impact; and



Inter-relationship between impacts.

Any additional impacts that were considered to be significant prior to and following mitigation have been identified within this ES. The significance of residual impacts following mitigation reflects judgements as to the importance or sensitivity of the

18

Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

identified receptor(s) and the nature and magnitude of the predicted changes. For example, a large adverse impact on a feature or site of low importance will be of lesser significance than the same impact on a feature or site of high importance.

1.69

The following terms have been used to define the significance of impacts, where they are predicted to occur: 

or Negative Impact

Major Positive

- where the development would cause a

significant improvement or deterioration to the existing environment; 

or Negative Impact

Moderate Positive

- where the development would cause a

marginal improvement or deterioration to the existing environment; 

Mino r Positive

or Negative Impact

- where the development would cause a

barely perceptible improvement or deterioration to the existing environment; and 

Negligible

- no discernible improvement or deterioration to the existing

environment.

1.70

A distinction between direct and indirect; short and long-term; permanent and temporary; primary and secondary; positive and negative; and cumulative impacts; has been made, where applicable.

1.71

The duration and effects resulting from the construction or operation of the proposed development is one of the factors to be considered in determining their significance and are defined in Table 1.3 and Table 1.4 below. In order to distinguish between permanent and temporary effects, permanent effects are defined as those that result from irreversible change to the environmental baseline or persist for the foreseeable future. Impacts that are considered significant prior to and following mitigation have been identified in the ES.

1.72

The significance of residual effects following mitigation reflect judgements as to the importance or sensitivity of the affected receptors and the nature and magnitude of the predicted changes.

Table 1.3

Classification of Duration of Impacts Significance

Definition

Temporary

The period over which the impact is experienced lasts for the period of construction or less

Short-term

Less than 5 years (but longer than the full period of construction)

Medium-term

5–10 years

Long-term

The impact remains for a substantial time, for the duration of the operation of the development

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19

Beyon d Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

1.73

The EIA also distinguishes the geographical extent of impacts; the following definitions have been adopted as per Table 1.4.

Table 1.4

Classification of Different Geograph

Definition

Significance

1.74

ical Extents

Local

The site and its immediate surroundings

Regional

The region (i.e. East of England)

National

United Kingdom

International

Europe and beyond

x

Where the above criteria have not been used, the criteria that have been used are stated within the methodology section of the technical chapters, giving reasons for their use.

1.75

Where the above criteria have not been used, the criteria that have been used are stated within the methodology section of the technical chapters, giving reasons for their use where relevant.

Cumulative Impacts 1.76

Chapter 14.0: Cumulative Impacts addresses impacts likely to result from the cumulative interaction of impacts from the proposed development, in addition to those arising from extant, permitted and other proposed developments that are subject to undetermined planning applications within the vicinity of the application site.

1.77

Within the technical chapters, the zones of influence appropriate to the impact under assessment have been identified. For example, visual impacts are likely to have a greater zone of influence compared to noise and vibration impacts and this has been taken into account when assessing the cumulative impacts.

1.78

A review of those applications where cumulative impacts have the potential to occur has been carried out and screened against criteria to determine potential significance.

The significance criteria identified in paragraph 1.69 above, have been used to assess impacts associated with cumulative impacts.

Assumptions and Li 1.79

mitations

Certain assumptions have been made during the EIA, which are set out below.

Assumptions specific to individual environmental aspects are discussed in the relevant chapters of the ES. It is assumed that: Information provided by third parties, including publicly available information and databases, is correct at the time of receipt.

1.80

20

The EIA has been subject to the following limitations:

Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton



Baseline conditions are accurate at the time of the physical surveys but due to the dynamic

nature

of

the

environment,

conditions

may

change

during

the

construction and operational phases; and 

The assessment of any cumulative impacts has been based upon the information available at the time of writing (November 2011 – September 2012) and currently available assessment techniques.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM 1.81

The EIA has been co-ordinated by Greengage with contributions from the following specialist consultants and inputs from previous investigation/assessments: 

Planning Policy & Land Use (Bidwells);



Ecology (Ecology Consultancy);



Landscape & Visual (Bidwells);



Archaeology & Cultural Heritage (NAU Archaeology);



Transportation (SKM Colin Buchanan);



Air Quality (Entran Ltd);



Noise & Vibration (Sharps Redmore Associates);



Soil Conditions, Groundwater & Contamination (White Young Green);



Water Resources & Flood Risk (Peter Brett Associates/Greengage);



Socio-Economic (Greengage);



Cumulative Impacts (Greenage); and



Residual Impacts & Conclusion (Greengage).

ES AVAILABILITY & CO 1.82

MMENTS

The ES is available for viewing by the public during normal working hours at the Planning Department of Broadland District Council. Comments on the planning applications should be forwarded to the Council at the address below: Planning Department Broadland District Council Thorpe Lodge 1 Yarmouth Road Thorpe St Andrew Norwich

Chapter 1.0:

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Beyon d Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

NR7 0DU. 1.83

Additional copies of the Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge and copies of the full ES can be purchased at a charge of ÂŁ100 (for Volumes I, II & II) available from: Greengage Environmental LLP 64 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BL.

22

Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON

Redline Boundary of Application Site Consortium Ownership Boundary

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 1.1 Location Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON

Redline Boundary of Application Site Consortium Ownership Boundary

Beeston Hall Application Area

Land Ownership Beeston Estate Norfolk County Council Alderman Norman Foundation Morley Agricultural Foundation Howard Land

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 1.3 Consortium Ownership Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Redline Boundary of Application Site Grade I Listed Building

Assessment Area

Grade II* Listed Building Grade II Listed Building Bridleway Footpath RestrictedByway County Wildlife Site Conservation Area SSSI Scheduled Ancient Monument Ancient Woodlands Country Parks Area at Risk of Flooding

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 1.4 Site Constraints Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

2.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OUTLINE 2.1

In accordance with the EIA Regulations , details of the proposed development are 1

given in this Chapter, including how the proposed development will be integrated with the general area and an assessment of alternative development proposals considered as part of the scheme's evolution. Further information on the key stages involved in the construction of the proposed development is given in Chapter 3.0: Development Programme & Construction in Volume 1: Main Text & Figures of this ES.

DETAILS OF PLANNING APPLICATION 2.2

The applicant is proposing to develop an integrated, mixed use urban extension to the north of Norwich. A site layout plan showing the proposed development can be found at Figure 2.1.

2.3

The proposed development comprises: 

Residential development of up to 3,520 dwellings (C3 use class);



Up to 16,800m² (Gross Internal Area (GIA)) of commercial development (B1 use class);



Up to 8,800m² (GIA) of retail and service development (A1-A5 use classes);



Up to 1,000m² (GIA) of hotel development (C1 use class);



Up to 7,000m² (NIA) non-residential uses including up to 5,000m2 for two twoform entry primary schools; two community halls, a library, a health centre, and up to five nurseries/crèches (D1 use class);



An energy centre measuring up to 1,500m² (sui generis use class);



82.5ha of green space including up to 20.1ha of play and recreational space and at least 31.3ha of new and retained natural and semi-natural space, and the dedication of Beeston Park as a major new public park; and

 2.4

Four accesses to the highway network.

The proposed development will additionally deliver: 

An

efficient,

permeable

layout

based

on

the

principles

of

the

walkable

neighbourhood, with character and density varying according to a „transect‟ of

Great Britain. Parliament (2011); The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Statutory Instrument 2011 No. 1824. TSO. 1

Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figure

23

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

greatest intensity closest to accessible mixed-use centres and least closer to neighbourhood edges; 

A wide choice of housing, including up to 33% „affordable‟ homes, responding to evidence of demographic and market demand in Broadland and Greater Norwich;



Approximately 1,000 jobs within easy access of new and existing residents and an enhanced public transport network;



Employment

space

accommodation,

including

and

a

small

business

„hub‟

business to

incubators

support

micro

and

move-on

companies

and

homeworkers; 

A new east-west high street connecting the Buxton/Spixworth and Wroxham Roads, forming a link in a potential future orbital route between Broadland Business Park and Norwich Airport;



New primary, secondary and tertiary streets designed to make walking and cycling the primary and most convenient modes of transport and provide easy public transport access;



A major public square at the intersection of the high street and a realigned North Walsham Road, incorporating a small supermarket, shops, cafes and restaurants, with the potential to grow from a local to a district centre, alongside secondary neighbourhood centres;



Sites for two two-form entry primary schools, two flexible community halls and a range of spaces suitable for community facilities including a library, integrated health centre, nurseries and Safer Neighbourhoods Team;



A comprehensive green infrastructure network including the dedication of Beeston Park as a major new public park, plus two new recreation grounds, local parks and play spaces, space for allotments and food production, wildlife corridors, green roofs and new and retained habitat areas;



A very low-carbon decentralised energy network; and



Water supply, sewerage and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) infrastructure based on existing natural catchment boundaries and comprising rainwater harvesting ring, attenuation basins including a water feature in Beeston Park, green roofs, and permeable paving.

2.5

As discussed in Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology of this ES, whilst the planning application is made in outline, in order to properly assess the potential significant environmental impacts of the proposed development within the EIA process, it is necessary to clearly define the proposed development and to set the extent or scope of the permissible development by reference to parameters, limits and constraints. This will enable the EIA to be carried out in respect of any development that may be implemented pursuant to the permission. By reference to maxima (and

24

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

minima, where appropriate), the „likely-case‟ scenario approach entails the assessment of the maximum permissible development within the defined scope of the permission sought.

2.6

In order to assess the „likely-case‟ scenario, the technical works of the EIA have assessed the application site on the basis of the building parameters, and the 6 defined development phases (as shown in Figure 2.2 Transect Plan and as described below).

Within each development phase, a set of planning and design criteria, as well as dimensional and elevational characteristics have been applied and which comprise the fixed parameters of the scheme. Figure 2.2 identifies these parameters; full details of the planning and design criteria, and the dimensional and elevational characteristics to be applied to the proposed development are provided below.

Development Model and Phasing 2.7

A phasing strategy for the construction of the proposed development has been developed, taking into consideration of a range of factors: 

Making a statement with initial phases of development, and creating a centre for the community;



Growing the application site in as „natural‟ way as possible to ensure development progresses efficiently from a construction and site management perspective, and protecting early residents from the perception of living within a construction site;



Need to maintain a balanced mix of uses and housing types and tenures to respond to changing market signals; and

 2.8

The need for physical, green and social infrastructure to be in place.

Therefore, the proposed development will be brought forward in six approximately equal-sized „broad‟ phases of around 570-610 units each. Detailed planning consents will be sought for either whole phases or for parts thereof, and more detailed withinphase arrangements appropriate to and taking account of detailed design opportunities will be set out in detailed applications.

2.9

Table 2.1 and Figure 2.3 provides an overview of the phasing of the main land uses; for further details of phasing, these are contained in the stand-alone Delivery and Management Statement prepared as part of the planning application.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Table 2.1 Development Phases and Timescale

Phase

Housing units (no.)

Commercial (sq m)1

Retail (sq m)1

Community (sq m)1

Approx. start

Approx. end

Duration

1

590

5,400

2,450

3,0002

Q4 2014

Q1 2018

3.4 years

2

610

2,750

5,050

1,000

Q1 2018

Q2 2021

3.4 years

3

577

8,650

800

300

Q2 2021

Q3 2024

3.3 years

4

588

0

200

2,7002

Q3 2024

Q1 2028

3.3 years

5

575

0

200

0

Q1 2028

Q2 2031

3.3 years

6

580

0

100

0

Q2 2031

Q3 2034

3.2 years

1

Figures are rounded to the nearest 50sq m

2

Includes 2,500sq m each for a primary school

Building Design Parameters 2.10

The proposed development will be brought forward in broad accordance with the Transect Schedule as shown in Table 2.2 below, and as illustrated in Figure 2.2.

2.11

Additionally, details of the area parameters (as shown in Figure 2.4 Area Parameter and Appendix 2.1 in Volume 2:Technical Appendices of this ES) will be developed in broad accordance with the following parameters outlined in Table 2.3, except where given as a maxima, where the amount shall not be exceeded. Within each of the technical assessments, the worst-case scenario has been adopted throughout this ES.

BUILT DEVELOPMENT Permanent Landtake 2.12

The application site covers 207.4ha of land, comprising approximately 91.5 hectares of development blocks (including tertiary streets), 4.3 hectares of land for schools and an energy centre, 82.5 hectares of green space and 29.1 hectares of streets and other uses.

2.13

The layout of the scheme is shown on Figure 2.1. It is based on a hierarchy of connected streets, which define the perimeters of development blocks and areas of distributed green space which front them. This has been designed to create an efficient, permeable layout.

Temporary Landtake 2.14

It is proposed that no temporary construction areas beyond the redline boundary will be needed and the construction phase will utilise modern construction methodologies to minimise construction periods and impacts. Further details on construction and of

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

the development programme are discussed in Chapter 3.0: Development Programme & Construction of this ES.

SITE LOCATION & EXTENT 2.15

Figures 1.1 show the site location and redline boundary. The application site consists of 207.4ha of land under the ownership of a consortium comprising the Beeston Estate, Morley Agricultural Foundation, Alderman Norman Trust, Norfolk County Council and a number of smaller private landowners (“the consortium”). It also incorporates an area of the site of Norwich Rugby Club, which is expected to be brought forward for development under separate promotional arrangements to which the applicant is not a party, across which part of the proposed east-west route will be constructed.

2.16

The site lies within the Old Catton, Sprowston, Rackheath and Thorpe St Andrew „Growth Triangle‟ designated by the adopted Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP) Joint Core Strategy (JCS) as a location for the development of at least 7,000 2

homes by 2026, rising to at least 10,000 after 2031, to help meet rising demand for housing in Norwich and Norfolk. The consortium was formed, and the scheme is proposed, with the express aim of responding to and delivering the JCS growth policy now adopted.

2.17

Following a legal challenge, parts of the text of the adopted GNDP JCS2 were remitted

by High Court Order and reverted to the pre-submission stage of the plan process, to be treated as not having been subject to examination and adoption. Following further work to address the High Court ruling, a version of the JCS containing proposed submission text was published for consultation on 10th August 2012.

2.18

The application site is bounded to the south by the established communities of Old Catton and Sprowston, to the east by Sprowston Manor Golf Club and to the west by St Faith‟s Lane.

North of the site runs the proposed route of the Norwich Northern

Distributor Road (NDR), beyond which lies the village of Spixworth. Parts of the site fall within the four civil parishes of Sprowston, Old Catton, Beeston St Andrew, and Spixworth.

2.19

The site benefits from its location on three radial routes to and from central Norwich: the A1151 Wroxham Road immediately east of the site; the B1150 North Walsham Road, which bisects it; and the unclassified Buxton Road to the west. Predominantly agricultural land, a significant part of the site comprises the locally-designated historic parkland of Beeston Park.

Greater Norwich Development Partnership, (2011); Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk.

GNDP. 2

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

SITE HISTORY 2.20

Historical maps dating back to c.1880 show land within the redline boundary of the application site as predominantly rural, with limited development restricted to farm holdings and detached residential developments. Very little changes have occurred to these areas over the past century. Roads that transgress the site and define the site boundaries typically follow the routes of roads and tracks established during the early development of the land.

2.21

Historical maps show land surrounding the application site has been predominantly rural, until the 1940s when RAF Rackheath is shown to the east of the site with technical buildings bordering the site. RAF Rackheath was disbanded and reclaimed for agriculture purposes post WWII with all associated buildings and hard stand areas removed. Norwich Airport was developed c.1960 and remains to this day, runways and taxiing routes border the site to the west. Suburbs north of Norwich have encroached towards the southern boundary. Development to the south included an industrial area which is denoted as factories during c.1940 to 1970 located approximately 1km from the southwest boundary of the application site.

2.22

The relatively flat, predominantly agricultural nature of the application site with the network of hedgerows, standing trees, and the field pattern they create was one of the key contextual factors influencing the initial designs of the proposed development.

ALTERNATIVES 2.23

Although Government guidance in Circular 2/99 Environmental Impact Assessment

3

(which provides advice on interpreting the EIA Regulations1) states in paragraph 83 that both the Directive and the EIA Regulations do not expressly require the consideration of alternatives to a proposed development, it is widely regarded as good practice in the industry.

2.24

Therefore, where feasible, alternatives to the proposed development have been considered within the following scenarios: 

„Do Nothing‟ – i.e. no development on the application site;



„Alternative Locations‟; and



„Alternative Designs‟, with reference to different scales of development considered as follows:

3

28

o

A substantially larger development. – of 4,500-5,000 units; and

o

A substantially smaller development – of 1,500-2,000 units.

DETR, (1999); Circular 02/99 Environmental Impact Assessment. TSO.

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µ'R 1RWKLQJ¶ 6FHQDULR 2.25

The „Do Nothing‟ scenario assumes that no development is carried out and the current status of the application site remains unaltered.

2.26

Policy 10 of the adopted GNDP JCS2 states that development in the „Growth Triangle‟ “…will deliver an urban extension extending on both sides of the Northern Distributor Road... The structure of the local geography suggests that this new community will take the form of a series of inter-related new villages or quarters and will include at least 7,000 dwellings (rising to a total of at least 10,000 dwellings after 2026).‟2

2.27

Whilst it is understood that parts of the adopted JCS2 relevant to this application (policies 9 and 10) have been remitted for further sustainability appraisal work following the High Court judgement in Heard vs Broadland4, material consideration to this policy has been given with regards to this ES where appropriate. Further details are contained within Chapter 4.0: Planning Policy & Land Use Context of this ES.

2.28

Falling wholly within the „Growth Triangle‟, the application site effectively constitutes one of three broad locations within which, given constraints to development elsewhere in the Triangle including ancient woodland and the line of the NDR, the necessary scale of development can be focused, as described in Broadland DC‟s September 2011 Framework Plan Study (which also describes many of the opportunities and constraints of this and other sites).

2.29

Excluding development entirely from this site would prevent Policy 10 2 – and thus the wider spatial strategy of the JCS – from being delivered. It would likely mean that development would have to take place at unacceptable densities on other realistically deliverable sites, and/or that constrained sites deemed to have low or negligible development potential would need to be brought forward. Additionally, delivery would rely on cohering a multitude of piecemeal land ownerships rather than utilising a united consortium with a contiguous landholding and a comprehensive plan. It would preclude a continuous inner east-west link being delivered across the entire Growth Triangle, which is a clear ambition of stakeholders. It would forego many of the benefits of the scheme, including the opportunity to bring Beeston Park into public use, and around £27m in potential Community Infrastructure Levy revenues which would enable the predictable delivery of enabling infrastructure.

2.30

The „Do Nothing‟ scenario is therefore not an acceptable alternative, as this scenario would fail to deliver the Council‟s aspirations for the Growth Triangle. However, for the purposes of the ES, individual technical chapters have considered the proposed development in light of the „Do Nothing‟ scenario, both in context of the existing

Website:http://www.gndp.org.uk/content/wpcontent/uploads/downloads/2012/05/HeardvBroadlandDCors_OrderSchedul e_w.pdf [Accessed September 2012] 4

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29

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

baseline, but also in relation to the likely impacts where the proposed development is not brought forward.

Alternative Locations 2.31

In

terms

of

site

selection,

the

applicant

(including

the

consortium)

is

the

owner/developer of the application site, and is seeking planning permission for the redevelopment of the site, in order to maximise its potential. On this basis, the applicant has submitted an application for development, which is in accordance with the JCS2 (noting the legal challenge above).

2.32

Guidance on the review of alternative locations acknowledges that the „consideration of alternative locations or sites will not always be available to the developer, for example, the developer may own the site and the proposal may be a means of satisfying the objective of maximising the asset of the land.‟3

2.33

As the guidance suggests, the detailed consideration of alternative locations for the proposed development is unlikely to be appropriate due to the ownership of the application site by the applicant. In addition, the designation of the application site in the JCS2 for the development of the type and scale proposed (i.e. substantial housing growth) militates against the need to consider alternative locations.

Alternative Designs 2.34

The design of the proposed development has evolved over approximately two and a half

years

and

has

been

intertwined

with

extensive

stakeholder

and

public

consultation. Initial stages of work focused on-site and contextual analysis, and consideration of the role of the application site in relation to the wider „growth triangle‟ policy area in which it sits through a „framework planning‟ exercise. This fed into a five-day programme of Community Planning Workshops and public exhibitions held in Norwich and Broadland in June 2011, at which the analysis was presented and debated with stakeholders and the public. Options that were identified at this stage included a „larger scheme‟ and a „smaller scheme‟, which are described in further detail below.

However based on a range of reasons including site context within the „Growth Triangle‟ and viability of the options, they were both ruled out for the purposes of this application.

2.35

The design was then developed further over Summer 2011 leading to a second round of consultation events, where an emerging masterplan and the key elements of supporting infrastructure and delivery strategies were shared and debated with stakeholders and the public. Following this, further work was undertaken to refine and test the emerging masterplan and supporting strategies, prior to „design freeze‟ in February 2012.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

2.36

Therefore the nature of the proposals, with an interdisciplinary design process that responded to evidence and analysis in order to form the design logic, is such that consideration of binary alternatives or the linear selection and rejection of design options does not form part of the evolution of the scheme.

A Larger Scheme

2.37

A larger development, of 4,500-5,000 units, was considered during the design process, and could be comfortably accommodated within the capacity of the land within the applicant‟s control. It was rejected on the grounds that, whereas the scheme proposals more than compensate for any limited predetermination of the Area Action Planning (AAP) process in the „Growth Triangle‟ by providing a comprehensive development with many enabling benefits which positively deliver adopted policy, a scheme of larger scale would clearly distort the spatial distribution across the „Growth Triangle‟ (in effect,

claiming

half

of

the

proposed

overall

level

of

development)

without

demonstrably proportionate additional benefits.

2.38

The AAP would be the appropriate vehicle through which a possible requirement for additional allocations on land within the applicant‟s control can be determined. In addition, because there are limits to the rate at which any one developer can build out a consented scheme, a larger scheme would push the horizon for completion well beyond the end of the current plan period (to 2031), making it more difficult to assess environmental effects appropriately.

2.39

While feasible, therefore a larger scheme is seen as unnecessary at this stage, although it could be accommodated in the future.

A Smaller Scheme

2.40

A smaller development could comprise 1,500-2,000 units plus other uses. It could be delivered based on the „core‟ of the proposed scheme, and could be made to work in accordance with many of the design features of the proposed scheme, as it would comprise a walkable neighbourhood.

2.41

However, development of that scale would be unlikely to be able to support many of the strategic benefits that come from a comprehensive scheme. The proposed designation of Beeston Park as a country park open to the public, delivery of the eastwest link road across the full extent of the site and the energy network (for instance) all entail significant economies of scale. Supporting them with a lower level of development would be challenging and would jeopardise viability.

2.42

A smaller scheme would change the pattern of land uses on the site and, unless confined to the southern edge – which would probably lead to an unsustainable form of development – would risk an extensive area of „space left over after planning‟ with limited active uses.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Table 2.2 Transect Schedule Heights (storeys/ metres above ground)

Housing Density (dph) Max

T1 Centre

T2 Âą Urban

T3 SubUrban

T4 Edge

5/19

3/13

3/13

4/16

3/10

2/7

1/5

2/7

100

70

40

50

Min

Ave

50

70

35

44

25

32

15

25

Design Guidelines

Approximate Housing Mix (%)

1bf

20

7.5

5

2.5

2bf

17.5

7.5

5

10

3bf

7.5

0

0

7.5

2bh

30

3bh

17.5

25

25

10

40

35

35

Housing Typologies

Plot

Non-residential Uses

Parking

7.5

Apartment blocks and flats and duplexes over commercial premises.

Adaptable townhouses. Terraces.

Generally narrow frontages to terraces and townhouses (5-8 metres). Wider frontages to apartment blocks and major non-residential buildings (up to 25m). Minimum 4m ground floor height on primary streets to allow for change of use.

Extensive retail, leisure, commercial & community uses and frontage. Some commercial above ground floor.

On-street on secondary and tertiary streets.

Courtyards within blocks.

Very limited on-plot parking

20

Townhouses on primary streets; many terraces; semis; paired villas; some apartment buildings on key corners.

Narrow frontages to terraces and townhouses (58m) widening for semi-detached (6-10m) and detached (8-12m) houses and apartment blocks (up to 25m).

Local community and retail facilities only. Adaptable building on key plots to allow future mixed-use.

On-street. Some parking courts off primary routes.

On-plot to rear for larger properties.

30

Mostly semi-detached and detached; some terraces and mews closer to centres; some apartments.

Predominantly 8-12m frontages narrowing to 6m for some terraces and mews and widening to up to 16m for larger homes and apartment villas.

Local community and retail facilities only. Adaptable building on key plots to allow future mixed-use.

On-plot parking to rear of most properties; some drives on detached houses; secondary parking on-street.

35

Townhouses and large detached properties and paired villas fronting park; semis and detached on tertiary streets; apartment villas with shared gardens

Generally wider frontages to 3-4 storey edge-front dwellings (8-16m) narrowing to 6-10m for 2-3 storey units and away from edge-fronts.

Adaptable building on key plots to allow future mixeduse.

On-plot parking to rear of most properties; some drives on detached houses; secondary parking on-street.

4+bh

Table 2.3 Area Parameter Table Transect Area

Housing (Class C3): maximum amount (units)

Housing: Type and Size

Retail Sspace (Class A): maximum amount (m2 GIA)

Employment Space (Class B): maximum amount (m2 GIA)

1-bed flat

2-bed flat

3-bed flat

2-bed house

3-bed house

4+-bed house

3,520

7-10%

7-10%

1-4%

23-25%

34-36%

20-23%

8,800

16,800

6%

900

12-15%

12-15%

2-5%

25-30%

25-30%

8-12%

7,500

9,000

9%

17%

750

8-12%

8-12%

2-5%

22-26%

32-36%

13-18%

1,000

9,000

54%

46%

0%

1,100

4-7%

4-7%

0-5%

23-27%

35-40%

20-25%

200

n/a

0%

48%

12%

41%

640

4-7%

5-10%

0-5%

18-22%

35-40%

20-25%

500

1,000

0%

53%

42%

5%

810

4-7%

5-10%

0-5%

23-27%

35-40%

20-25%

500

n/a

T1

T2

T3

T4

Total

13%

50%

25%

12%

Main Square

52%

42%

0%

Wroxham Road Square

22%

52%

Church Lane South

0%

Beeston Park Old Catton

Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

32

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON MS02

DEVELOPMENT BLOCK

PARKS

Assessment Area

SP03

RECREATION SPACES

GS02

GREEN OPEN SPACES

PLANTATION

URBAN OPEN SPACE PROPOSED PRIMARY SCHOOL LOCATION PROPOSED ENERGY CENTRE LOCATION

REDLINE BOUNDARY OF APPLICATION SITE BEESTON HALL APPLICATION AREA

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT OF NDR

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 2.1 Site Layout Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Transect T1 Transect T2

Assessment Area

Transect T3 Transect T4 Schools

Energy Centre Red Hall Farm Proposed Alignment Of Ndr Redline Boundary of Application Site Beeston Hall Application Area

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 2.2 Transect Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON REDLINE BOUNDARY OF APPLICATION SITE BEESTON HALL Assessment Area APPLICATION AREA

PROPOSED ALIGNMENT OF NDR

PHASE 01

PHASE 04

PHASE 02

PHASE 05

MS02

LATEST DEVELOPMENT BLOCK PHASE

GS02

LATEST GREEN SPACE & PUBLIC REALM PHASE

MS02 SP03

PREVIOUS DEVELOPMENT BLOCK PHASE

GS02

PREVIOUS GREEN SPACE & PUBLIC REALM PHASE

PHASE 03

PHASE 06

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 2.3 Overview of Development Phasing

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Maximum Height 5 Storeys Maximum Height 4 Storeys Assessment Maximum Height 3 Storeys

Area

Proposed Alignment Of Ndr Redline Boundary of Application Site Beeston Hall Application Area Airport Safety Zone

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 2.4 Area Parameter Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

3.0 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME & CONSTRUCTION INTRODUCTION 3.1

This Chapter presents an outline of the main processes involved in the construction of the proposed development and the approach for the principal construction elements.

3.2

Whereas this Chapter outlines the key stages of construction, the environmental impacts associated with the construction activities are identified and assessed in detail within the associated technical chapters of this ES where appropriate and are not replicated here. Chapter 8.0: Transportation in Volume 1: Main Text & Figures of this ES contains details on the construction traffic associated with the proposed development, and Chapter 9.0: Air Quality and Chapter 10.0: Noise and Vibration of this ES both assess the potential cumulative impacts arising from construction traffic.

3.3

Proposals for the construction phase are necessarily broad at this time and may be subject to changes during the site development and detailed design stages for each phase. However, the main activities associated with the construction of the proposed development have been identified below, which include the types of machinery that will be utilised dependant on the construction activity, and the construction traffic associated with the proposed development.

3.4

Details of how any potential environmental impacts that will occur during the construction phase will be managed are contained within each technical Chapter, which have been based on the assessment using data and parameters of the development programme and construction methodology outlined below. The information available is therefore sufficient for a proper assessment to be undertaken and represents a 'likelycase scenario' that has been used across all technical assessments within this ES.

PROGRAMME OF WORKS 3.5

Owing to the scale of the proposed development, the construction will be carried out in six phases. The phasing for the development is set out in more detail below. The physical works programme for each phase will comprise the key site activities, as follows: x

Site preparation enabling works;

x

Soil excavation;

x

Foundations and structure;

x

Shell and core works; and

x

Fit out and completion.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Timeframe for Environmental Effects 3.6

Construction is expected to commence at the end of 2014, with occupation of the first dwelling from the first phase in mid-2015. Thereafter the construction process is expected to take approximately 15-20 years, dependent on market conditions and the absorption rate for housing for market sale. This would entail construction of, on average, between 175 and 235 dwellings a year.

3.7

Table 3.1 below summarises the development timescale based on the six proposed phases – further details of the phasing are contained within Chapter 2.0: Proposed Development of this ES. Table 3.1 Development Phases and Timescale Housing units (no.)

Commercial (sq m)1

Retail (sq m)1

Community (sq m)1

Approx. start

Approx. end

Duration

1

590

5,400

2,450

3,0002

Q4 2014

Q1 2018

3.4 years

2

610

2,750

5,050

1,000

Q1 2018

Q2 2021

3.4 years

3

577

8650

800

300

Q2 2021

Q3 2024

3.3 years

4

588

0

200

2,7002

Q3 2024

Q1 2028

3.3 years

5

575

0

200

0

Q1 2028

Q2 2031

3.3 years

6

580

0

100

0

Q2 2031

Q3 2034

3.2 years

Phase

1

Figures are rounded to the nearest 50sq m

2

Includes 2,500sq m each for a primary school

DESCRIPTION OF WORKS Assumptions 3.8

The nature of the works depends on the detailed design of dwellings and other buildings, construction methods and materials. These will be determined at detailed design stage for approval via reserved matters, governed in part by a Site-Wide Design and Sustainability Code which will be submitted prior to the first reserved matters approval.

For the purposes of the outline application, the following

assumptions have been made: x

Excavation and earthworks:

The site is relatively flat, and the need for

earthworks to modify the landform is expected to be negligible.

With the

exception of the possible removal of high-grade topsoils for reuse under a mitigation strategy for agricultural land loss, there will be no off-site excavation disposal; x

Groundworks:

Substructures for all buildings are assumed to be mass concrete

strip foundations averaging 1.0 metre deep with a precast concrete suspended

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

slab and insulating blocks to residential units and reinforced concrete groundbearing slab to wholly commercial units.

There will be no piling in the

construction phase of the scheme; x

Frame: Houses are assumed to be of timber-frame construction. Apartments and commercial buildings are assumed to use a lightweight steel framing system. In instances where commercial units have apartments above, a reinforced concrete ‘podium’ slab with lightweight steel-frame apartments will be used; and

x

Cladding:

External walls are assumed to comprise 60% locally-sourced facing

brickwork, 20% render and 20% timber cladding.

Site Set-up and Logistics 3.9

It is proposed to establish a main contractors’ compound (or ‘construction village’) on the site which will exist for the duration of the development without needing to be moved. This is anticipated to be located north of the Sprowston Park & Ride site and west of the proposed location for the Energy Centre (see Figure 3.2), close to the A1151 Wroxham Road, from which all materials will enter the site. The location will allow the compound to minimise visual or noise intrusion to existing and new residents nearby and benefit from access to the Park & Ride; workers commuting to the site will be encouraged to use public transport.

It will also allow the construction set-up to

connect to existing utility services and, once completed, to the neighbouring Energy Centre. Immediately inside the construction access entrances, a wheel wash facility will be set up.

3.10

Within the site, construction traffic would make use of the emerging street network, especially the east-west link road which will be completed in Phase 3 and the route of which will be laid with a temporary surface to enable it to be used for construction movements to earlier phases.

A green transport system (e.g. electric shuttle bus

service) will be used to move the workforce around on-site.

3.11

In addition to the main compound, there will be a number of smaller local set-ups within development sites of each phase, incorporating toilets and drying rooms.

3.12

Deliveries to the site will be on a just-in-time basis, minimising the extent to which materials need to be stored on-site. Where materials or plant need to be laid down where phased development is taking place, roads not yet in public use will be used.

3.13

All construction traffic entering and leaving the application site will be closely controlled. Vehicles making deliveries to the application site or removing spoil will travel via designated routes, which will have been previously agreed with the Council and other relevant bodies.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Pre-Works Review 3.14

For each phase, prior to construction works, a review of all geo-environmental site investigation works and reports will be undertaken. This will provide suitable information enabling foundation design to be determined, in addition to assessing any potential for landgas and off-site sources of contamination.

3.15

On-site storage of potentially polluting plant, equipment and materials will be limited.

There are no plans for using hazardous materials or chemicals during the construction process.

3.16

As part of the site enabling works, the current proposals for construction methods will balance any cut and fill materials on-site, or if this is not possible, material from excavation or demolition (of foundations from structures) will be reused temporarily during the construction phase.

Hours of Work 3.17

3.18

The working hours for the construction phase will be generally: x

07.00 – 18.00 Monday to Friday; and

x

07.30 – 14.00 Saturday.

Should there ever be a need for extended working hours (including 24 hour working) at times during construction, this will be discussed and agreed with the Council in advance to ensure that all appropriate measures are in place to mitigate any disruption to local residents.

Construction Plant 3.19

During the construction phase, piling rigs will be required to support substructures onsite. Other construction equipment which is likely to be used includes, but is not limited or restricted to:

36

x

Mobile cranes and hoists;

x

Crushers and excavators;

x

Surface equipment and rollers;

x

Bulldozers;

x

Scaffolding and temporary supports; and

x

Generators for local power.

Chapter 3.0: Development Programme & Construction ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Construction Workforce 3.20

For the proposed development programme, it is anticipated that there will be up to 200 workers plus 10 management staff on-site at any time. It is estimated that up to one-third of the workforce will arrive in their own cars, with the remainder arriving by public transport or by shared private transport. Further details on the construction workforce can be found within Chapter 13.0: Socio-Economic of this ES.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 3.21

An outline of the approach that will be taken by the applicant to ensure the highest standards of environmental management and performance are contained below.

Individual recommendations and specific mitigation measures are outlined within the technical chapters of this ES and are not replicated here.

Principal Contractor 3.22

For each phase of development, a Principal Contractor will be appointed who will devise a Construction Method Statement (CMS) through which the control of activities that have the potential to impact upon identified environmental receptors will be identified.

3.23

Individual contractors will incorporate environmental control, based on good working practice

into

their

working

requirements of the CMS.

plans,

demonstrating

how

they

will

achieve

the

The content of the CMS and the preparation of any specific

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will identify mitigation works, best practice recommendations, responsibilities for various tasks, response plans, and contact details in relation to environmental management matters.

3.24

The applicant and Principal Contractor will jointly agree environmental objectives and targets to be achieved during the design and construction of the proposed development. These will take into account the environmental impacts and mitigation identified in this ES and any planning or other conditions imposed.

3.25

The Principal Contractor will be required to develop a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and develop detailed plans and procedures for the design and construction of the relevant phase of development, having regard to the environmental impacts and mitigation measures identified in this ES.

Traffic Movements 3.26

Details on the transport elements of the proposed development are presented in Chapter 8.0: Transportation of this ES. The type and number of vehicles generated during the construction period will be dependent on the different stages of construction, and the type and intensity of work being undertaken at the different

Chapter 3.0: Development Programme & Construction ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

stages. At this stage, it is understood that the based upon the development parameters and phasing strategy, there will be a maximum of 30 HGV movements per day.

3.27

A detailed delivery plan for the development will be prepared by the appointed construction manager, which will schedule when materials arrive on a 'just-in-time' basis so as to avoid the build-up of construction traffic along neighbouring roads. All offloading of materials will happen within the redline boundary of the application site.

Materials delivered to the application site will be unloaded by forklift or by using tower cranes, which will then distribute the materials to the appropriate location on-site.

3.28

Access to the application site will consider existing traffic arrangements in the vicinity.

Construction traffic will be controlled to encourage smooth running traffic with minimal congestion through the neighbouring road network to ensure that traffic nuisance will be kept to a minimum.

3.29

It will be the responsibility of the Principal Contractor or Construction Manager to maintain dialogue with the Council as appropriate. As the application site is not utilised or accessed by the general public, there will be no requirements for any planned closures and diversions of roads. In addition, provision will be made to ensure that unloading of vehicles is carried out on-site and not on any adjacent roads; all arrangements will be reviewed with the Council in advance of any construction works commencing.

3.30

In the unlikely event that short-term road closures are required in order to establish or remove construction cranes or equipment, or the delivery of large items of equipment, then appropriate consents will be obtained.

3.31

All construction traffic entering and leaving the application site will be closely controlled. Vehicles making deliveries to the application site or removing spoil will travel via designated routes, which will have been previously agreed with the Council and other relevant bodies.

Waste Management & Minimisation 3.32

A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will be developed by the Principal Contractor detailing how it is proposed to dispose of and manage waste created during the demolition and construction phases. All relevant contractors will be required to investigate opportunities to minimise waste arising at source and where such waste generation is unavoidable, to maximise the recycling and reuse potential of demolition and construction materials. The aim of the development is to achieve zero construction waste to landfill.

3.33

The destination of all waste or other materials removed from the site will be notified to the relevant authority by the Principal Contractor for approval. The Principal Contractor will operate a sequentially numbered docket system to confirm that each load is

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

received at the approved disposal site. Copies of the dockets are to be provided to the nominated manager, and available for inspection at the site. No burning of construction waste will be undertaken on the application site.

Considerate Constructors Scheme 3.34

The proposed development will be registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). The key requirements of the scheme will form the basis of the contract with the Principal Contractor, with further commitments being made during discussions with the Council with regard to the timing and implementation of works. These will be in addition to those stipulated within the CEMP and those required as mitigation measures as identified through this EIA.

3.35

The construction of the proposed development will therefore be informed by the following the eight principles of the CCS designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements: Considerate All work is to be carried out with positive consideration to the needs of traders and businesses, site personnel and visitors, and the general public. Special attention is to be given to the needs of those with sight, hearing and mobility difficulties.

Environment Be aware of the environmental impact of your site and minimise as far as possible the effects of noise light and air pollution. Efforts should be made to select and use local resources wherever possible. Attention should be paid to waste management. Reuse and recycle materials where possible.

Cleanliness The working site is to be kept clean and in good order at all times. Site facilities, offices, toilets and drying rooms should always be maintained to a good standard.

Surplus materials and rubbish should not be allowed to accumulate on the site or spill over into the surroundings. Dirt and dust from construction operations should be kept to a minimum.

Good Neighbour General information regarding the scheme should be provided for all neighbours affected by the work. Full and regular communication with neighbours, including adjacent residents, traders and businesses, regarding programming and site activities should be maintained from pre-start to completion.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

Respectful Respectable and safe standards of dress should be maintained at all times. Lewd or derogatory behaviour and language should not be tolerated under threat of severe disciplinary action. Pride in the management and appearance of the site and the surrounding environment is to be shown at all times. Operatives should be instructed in dealing with the general public.

Safe Construction operations and site vehicle movements are to be carried out with care and consideration for the safety of site personnel, visitors and the general public. No building activity should be a security risk to others.

Responsible Ensure that everyone associated with the site understands implements and complies with this code.

Accountable The Considerate Constructors Scheme poster is to be displayed where clearly visible to the general public. A site’s contact details should be obvious to anyone affected by its activities.

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Chapter 3.0: Development Programme & Construction ES Volume 1: Main Text & Figures

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area Redline Boundary of Application Site Energy Centre

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 3.1 Energy Centre Location

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

4.0 PLANNING POLICY & LAND USE CONTEXT INTRODUCTION 4.1

This Chapter reviews the key land use planning policies and designations at the national, regional and local levels, which provide the context within which the development proposals should be considered.

PLANNING POLICY & LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 4.2

Section 38 (6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 20041 states that ‘If regard is to be had to the development plan for the purposes of any determination to be made under the Planning Acts the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.’1

4.3

In this instance the development plan comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England2 (EEP), the Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk (JCS), and the Broadland Replacement Local Plan Saved Policies .

3

4.4

4

The government has advised local planning authorities of its intention to revoke Regional Strategies shortly and that this should be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The EEP2 is still relevant at the time of the application submission.

4.5

Parts of the adopted JCS3 relevant to this application (particularly those parts of policies 9 and 10 relating to the Old Cattopn, Sprowston and Thorpe St Andrew Growth Triangle) have been remitted for further sustainability appraisal work following the High Court judgement in Heard vs Broadland5. This means that these policies have reverted to the pre-submission stage of the plan making process. At this point in time, these pre-submission elements have limited weight as material considerations in the determination of the application.

1

ODPM, (2004); Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act. HMSO

2

Government Office for the East of England, (2008); The East of England Plan. TSO.

Greater Norwich Development Partnership, (2011); Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk.

GNDP. 3

Broadland District Council, (2009); Direction Under Paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 8 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Policies Contained within the Broadland District Local Plan (Replacement)2006. BDC. 4

Website: http://www.gndp.org.uk/content/wpcontent/uploads/downloads/2012/05/HeardvBroadlandDCors_OrderSchedule_w.pdf [Accessed September 2012] 5

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National Policy National Planning Policy Framework 4.6

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012 and 6

condenses the policies formerly contained within Planning Policy Statements, Guidance and other supporting documents. It subsequently provides important guidance relevant to the determination of this application, particularly in relation to housing, transport, design, conservation, climate change and flood risk.

4.7

The degree of weight to be placed on the NPPF6 is dependent upon how up-to-date the adopted Local Plan4 is. Policies in the Local Plan should not be considered out-of-date simply because they were adopted prior to the publication of the NPPF (paragraph 211)6. For 12 months from the day of publication of the NPPF, full weight can be given to relevant policies adopted since 2004 even if there is a limited degree of conflict with the Framework. Following this 12-month period, due weight should be given to relevant policies in existing plans according to their degree of consistency with the NPPF (paragraph 214 – 215)6.

4.8

The JCS for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk was adopted in 2011 3, and the saved policies of the Broadland Replacement Local Plan were adopted in 2006 4. Setting aside the remitted policies of the JCS following the High Court ruling, it is considered that the policies contained within these two documents are up-to-date. Nevertheless, the policies contained within the NPPF are material considerations which should be taken into account in the consideration of this application.

Sustainable Development

4.9

The central theme of the NPPF6 is the presumption in favour of sustainable development, described as the 'golden thread' running through both plan-making and decision-taking. Paragraph 14 states that development proposals that accord with the development plan should be approved without delay and that where plans are absent, out of date, silent or indeterminate, applications should be approved unless the adverse impacts of allowing development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. It is the applicants’ intention that the proposals will pass the first of the NPPF paragraph 14 ‘tests’ – being in accordance with the development plan – if and when the proposed submission text of the Greater Norwich Development Partnerships (GNDP) JCS3 is found sound and subsequently adopted.

Paragraph 15

states that all plans should be based upon the presumption in favour of sustainable

6

42

Communities and Local Government, (2012); The National Planning Policy Framework. TSO.

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development, with clear policies that will guide how the presumption should be applied locally.

4.10

In addition to the overarching theme of sustainable development, the following key areas of guidance contained in the NPPF are of particular importance to the development proposed by this application.

Core Principles

4.11

At paragraph 17 the NPPF6 sets out a series of core planning principles which underpin plan-making and decision-taking. Inter alia, it encourages: 

The proactive support for sustainable economic development to deliver the homes, business and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places;



Mixed use developments and multiple benefits from the use of land in urban and rural areas;



High quality design and a good quality of amenity;



Transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking account of flood risk, and encouraging the use of renewable sources; and



Contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment and reducing pollution.

4.12

The proposed development has have evolved through a ‘sustainability led’ design process, the overall aim of the project being to create an urban extension to Greater Norwich in which it is easy and attractive to live in environmentally sustainable ways while enjoying a high quality of life. The Design & Access Statement (DAS) which accompanies the planning application explains this process in detail and the technical chapters of the EIA further explain the sustainable nature of the development, which is considered to accord fully with the NPPF core principles6.

Housing

4.13

The NPPF6 requires local planning authorities to positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area. Paragraph 47 sets out an obligation on local planning authorities to identify a five year supply of deliverable sites previously imposed by Planning Policy Statement 3 (until it was replaced by the policies of the 7

NPPF) and adds the requirement to provide an additional buffer of 5%. Local planning authorities with a 'record of persistent under delivery' of housing should increase the buffer to 20%.

7

ODPM, (2011); Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing. TSO.

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4.14

Paragraph 496 stipulates that relevant local plan policies for the supply of housing should not be considered up-to-date if the local planning authority cannot demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing sites. The latest Annual Monitoring Report3 for the GDNP authorities of Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk published in December 2011 confirms that jointly within the Norwich Policy Area (NPA) there is only a 3.28 year housing land supply.

4.15

The applicants do not seek to rely on a housing land supply shortfall in seeking planning consent but rather recognise the role that a scheme of this scale and nature can play in contributing to a reliable pipeline of housing land. The development of the application site would contribute towards meeting Broadland District Council's 5 year housing land supply as it can be demonstrated that the site is ‘deliverable’ as defined by the three tests set out in the NPPF (paragraph 47).

4.16

In Broadland, 2,744 units have been delivered from 2001 to 2010 against an EEP2 requirement of 5,652 units which represents 49% of target provision. Notwithstanding the economic conditions it is considered that this level of provision might reasonably be defined as ‘persistent under-delivery’ further increasing the Council's need to consider planning applications for housing favourably, considering the current lack of housing supply.

4.17

Therefore, in accordance with NPPF paragraph 496, the Council should consider the planning application for housing favourably in order to assist the achievement of at least a rolling five year housing land supply plus a 20% buffer.

Transport

4.18

The NPPF6 states that the transport system should give people choice about how they travel. The pattern of new development should facilitate the use of sustainable modes of transport, create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians, and consider the needs of people with disabilities by all modes of transport.

4.19

Paragraph 32 of the NPPF6 states that developments that generate significant amount of movement should be supported by a Transport Assessment. In particular, development should only be prevented or refused on transport grounds where the residual cumulative impacts of development are severe.

4.20

At paragraph 38 the NPPF6 states that larger scale residential developments should provide a mix of uses within walking distance.

4.21

These issues are addressed in specific detail in Chapter 8.0: Transportation in Volume 1: Main Text & Figures of this ES, which demonstrates that the site can be accessed safely and sustainably by all modes of transport with particular emphasis on ensuring that dependence upon the private car can be reduced.

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Design 4.22

The NPPF6 recognises that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development.

Paragraph 58

seeks to ensure that new development optimises the potential of the

site to accommodate development, create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and transport networks; new development should respond to local character and reflect the identity of local surroundings; it should also establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create safe and accessible environments.

4.23

The NPPF states at paragraph 476 that housing densities should reflect local circumstances.

4.24

Paragraph 66 of the NPPF6 expects applicant to take into account the views of those directly affected by their proposal in developing the design of the development.

Proposals that can demonstrate this should be looked upon more favourably.

4.25

The stand-alone DAS which accompanies the planning application explains in detail the rigorous and consultative approach that has been taken to site planning and design in order to achieve a high quality and sustainable development. The proposed development has been developed through an extensive programme of community and stakeholder consultation, which have informed the design process and are considered to fully accord with NPPF design policies6.

Natural and Historic Environment

4.26

The NPPF6 requires the planning system to contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, and helping to improve biodiversity. In order to achieve this, at paragraph 1126, the NPPF states that where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, local planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality.

4.27

In relation to heritage assets, the NPPF6 requires local planning authorities to conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance. In doing so, the desirability of new development in making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness should be taken into account (paragraph 126).

4.28

The stand-alone DAS which accompanies the planning application and Chapter 5.0: Ecology and Chapter 6.0: Landscape & Visual of this ES explain how the proposed development will be undertaken to ensure that impacts can be minimised, and opportunities for beneficial enhancement in accordance with NPPF policy will be incorporated within the scheme.

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Climate Change and Flooding 4.29

The NPPF6 recognises the role planning has to play in reducing the impacts of climate change. Paragraph 956 states that new development should be planned in locations and ways which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

4.30

In terms of flood risk, new development should be planned to avoid increased vulnerability, and should be made safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere (paragraph 1006).

4.31

The stand-alone Sustainability Statement, and Energy and Utilities Statement which accompany the planning application explain the sustainability principles behind the proposed development and the measures that will be incorporated within the scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 12.0: Water Resources & Flood Risk of this ES explains how drainage and flood risk issues have been dealt with in accordance with NPPF policy6.

Regional Policy The East of England Plan: Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England 4.32

The EEP2 identifies Norwich as a key centre for development and change (Policy SS3).

In terms of housing in Broadland District, the EEP2 requires at least 12,200 dwellings to be constructed in Broadland District between 2001 and 2021 under Policy H1. Policy NR12 requires provision of 33,000 net additional dwellings in the period 2001 to 2021 in the NPA. The NPA covers the urban area of Norwich, the first ring of villages, and Wymondham. Policy H1 seeks to promote the provision of accommodation that reflects demographic, housing and social needs.

4.33

Policy E12 sets an indicative target of a net increase of 35,000 jobs in the Greater Norwich area over the period 2001 to 2021. Policy E2 seeks to ensure that Local Development Documents allocate an adequate range of sites to accommodate the targets of Policy E1.

4.34

Other policies in the EEP2 cover climate change and set targets for new development.

The preparation of Local Planning Policy documents by the Local Authorities must be in accordance with the policies of the EEP.

Local Policy The Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk 4.35

The three local authorities of Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk adopted a JCS3 in March 2011, to interpret the policies of the EEP2 and provide co-ordinated strategic planning guidance for delivering growth at the local level.

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High Court Challenge 4.36

On 3 May 2011, the GDNP Councils received a legal challenge to the adoption of the JCS3 from the chairman of Stop Norwich Urbanisation on the basis of three claims. On 8

5 July 2011 the claimant issued an amendment which deleted one of the claims. The remaining two remained unchanged and a new claim was added. The two claims of relevance to this application are as follows: 1. The adequacy of the Sustainability Appraisal in meeting European and National legal requirements, particularly in relation to the choice of spatial locations for the growth and to potential alternatives to policies in the JCS; and 2. The major road link to Norwich needed to service the growth in the Broadland area at the heart of the Broadland part of the JCS was not assessed at all as part of the process.

4.37

The case was heard by Mr Justice Ouseley at the High Court on 6 and 7 December 2011 and on 24 February 2012 he gave his ruling. In essence he concluded that, regarding claim number 1, the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) carried out did not properly explain the alternatives to the North East Growth Triangle, which became the favoured option, or examine those alternatives in the same depth. He rejected claim number 2.

4.38

In light of this judgement, the status of the affected policies is reduced and the GNDP Councils are now required to remit the parts of the JCS 3 affected by the ruling to presubmission stage. The parts of the JCS to be remitted are the Growth Triangle, and housing proposals in the Broadland part of the NPA, both of which are of relevance to the development proposed by this application.

4.39

Nevertheless, the proposed development has been assessed against these policies as they remain material considerations in the determination of the application until such time as they are updated or confirmed as sound following the further Sustainability Appraisal work that the Council is now undertaking.

4.40

Furthermore, despite the current policy uncertainty, it is considered that the remitted policies for the Growth Triangle describe the most appropriate strategy to deliver growth in Broadland and Greater Norwich. The evidence base for growth to the northeast of Norwich and particularly for this site is very strong and the applicant is optimistic that when compared transparently with other alternative options, it will once again emerge as the preferred strategy.

4.41

The applicants are, therefore, asking Broadland Council not to determine the planning application until the distribution of housing numbers in the Broadland part of the NPA

8

Stop Norwich Urbanisation Website: http://www.snubcampaign.org/ [accessed September 2012].

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has been reappraised through the Sustainability Appraisal, and remitted sections of the JCS3 have been amended or confirmed as appropriate. This is in order to ensure that determination of the application does not prejudice the plan-making process.

JCS Policies 4.42

The site is located within the NPA, which is the focus for major growth and development in the JCS3. JCS Remitted Policy 9 provides the strategy for growth. As part of this strategy 7,000 new dwellings are sought via an urban extension to the North East Growth Triangle (NEGT) by 2026, with scope for continued growth to 10,000 dwellings afterwards. The boundary of the Growth Triangle is indicated on Figure 4.1 below.

4.43

Around 30ha of new business park space focussed on a full range of employment uses are also proposed for allocation around the Norwich Airport area (Remitted Policy 93).

This location is within 5 kilometres of the centre of the application site.

4.44

A Northern Distributor Road (NDR) is proposed to provide strategic access to the growth triangle shown above under Policy 63. The JCS3 states that the complete delivery of this urban extension is dependent on implementation of the NDR; however, it acknowledges that there is scope for partial delivery, the precise extent of which is to be assessed through an Area Action Plan (AAP; Remitted Policy 10).

4.45

The Chapter 8.0: Transportation of this ES explains the access strategy for the application site and demonstrates that appropriate access to the site can be delivered.

4.46

Remitted Policy 103 suggests that the new community will take the form of a series of inter-related new villages or quarters and should include the following items of relevance to this scheme: 

A district centre based around an accessible ‘High Street’, including a new library, education and health facilities, in addition to new local centres;



New pre-school provision of up to 6 new primary schools plus a new secondary school with an early phase to open as early as possible. To concentrate early provision, the early phases of development are expected to concentrate on family housing;



New employment allocations for local needs;



Retention of existing important green spaces and significant levels of heathland re-creation;

48



Restoring and conserving historic parkland and important woodland;



Bus Rapid Transit to the City Centre; and



A new waste recycling centre.

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4.47

The development proposals for 3,520 dwellings on-site are consistent with remitted Policy 933 in terms of their scale and location and with remitted Policy 10 in terms of the form of development and the inclusion of appropriate land uses and community infrastructure.

4.48

Although the proposed development will precede the AAP for the Growth Triangle and will inevitably predetermine some matters that could be decided through that AAP process, it is considered that the extent of this predetermination is very limited, that the proposals will aid rather than harm the sustainable planning of the wider area and will make a strongly positive contribution to the delivery of the stated objectives for the Growth Triangle, as demonstrated in the stand-alone Sustainability Statement that accompanies the planning application. Moreover, the very limited amount of progress that has been made in preparing the AAP means it carries little, if any, weight as a material consideration.

4.49

A number of other JCS policies3 are also of relevance to the determination of this application:

4.50



Policy 1 – Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Environmental Assets;



Policy 2 – Promoting Good Design;



Policy 3 – Energy and Water;



Policy 4 – Housing Delivery;



Policy 5 – The Economy; and



Policy 6 – Access and Transportation.

These policies are referred to in detail within the DAS and Housing Statement that accompany the planning application and within the relevant technical chapters of this ES. It is considered that the proposed development is policy compliant.

Broadland Local Plan (Replacement) Saved Policies

4.51

The Broadland District Local Plan (Replacement) proposals map identifies most of the 9

site as countryside where policy GS1, for the restriction of development outside the settlement limits of the Norwich fringe, applies. Under Policy GS1, development will normally be restricted unless it complies with a specific allocation and/or policy in the plan.

4.52

Clearly, with the remission of Policies 9 and 10 of the JCS 3 designating the Growth Triangle, the proposed development is not in accordance with Policy GS1 of the Replacement local Plan (RLP)9. Therefore, the applicant have asked the Council not to

9

Broadland District Council, (2006); Broadland District Local Plan (Replacement). BDC.

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determine the application until the Sustainability Appraisal process has been completed and the relevant JCS policies for the Growth Triangle have either been confirmed or amended.

4.53

Some important landscape and heritage features within the site are covered by the following policies:

4.54



ENV8 – Areas of Landscape Value;



ENV10 – Historic Parklands; and



ENV14 – Setting of Listed Buildings.

Chapter 6.0: Landscape & Visual of this ES explains how the proposals accord with these designations.

4.55

In addition to the above policies, there is a suite of detailed planning policies which are applicable to the consideration of proposals for the development of the site. These include the following: 

GS1 – Restriction of Development outside the Settlement Limits of the Norwich Fringe;



GS3 – General Considerations Relating to New Developments;



GS4 – Requirement for Adequate Infrastructure to serve Development;



ENV2 – Layout and Design of Development;



ENV3 – Landscaping of Development;



ENV5 – Management of Natural Features and Provision of Compensating Features for those Lost through Development;

50



ENV10 – Historic Parklands;



ENV14 – Setting of Listed Buildings;



HOU6 – Housing Density in Estate Scale Developments;



TRA2 – Transport Assessments for Planning Applications;



TRA3 – Travel Plans;



TRA4 – Pedestrian Movement;



TRA5 – Cycle Movement;



TRA6 – Routes used by Vulnerable Users;



TRA7 – Developer Contributions to Public Transport;



TRA8 – Parking Guidelines;



TRA10 – Airport Public Safety Zones;



TRA13 – Access to Main Distributor Routes;

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

TRA14 – Highway Safety;



RL2 – Provision of Additional Sports and Recreational Facilities; and



RL7 – New Residential Development and the Provision of Outdoor Recreational Space.

4.56

These technical planning policies are covered in more detail in the relevant technical chapters contained within this ES and relevant supporting stand-alone documents.

Material Considerations 4.57

In addition, material consideration has been to the following policy documents as part of this planning application. These are covered within the stand-alone planning statement in greater detail and are not replicated here, within this Chapter. 

Broadland Policy Statement on Determination of Housing Developments Promoted in Advance of the Emerging Local Plan ; 10



Emerging Local Plan;



Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL);



Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD);



Landscape Character Assessment SPD ; and



Parking Standards SPD .

11

12

SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS 4.58

The above section focuses on the relevant land use planning policies at the national, regional and local levels that relate specifically to the proposed development assessed within this ES.

4.59

The focus is on land use policies rather than specific technical planning policies. These technical policies are covered in more detail in the relevant technical ES chapters of this ES.

4.60

Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 1 states that planning applications should be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. As confirmed above, the development plan comprises the East of England Plan, JCS3 for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk and Broadland Replacement Local Plan Saved Policies9.

10

Broadland District Council, (2012); Broadland Policy Statement on Determination of Housing Developments Promoted in Advance of the Emerging Local Plan. BDC. 11

Broadland District Council, (2008); Landscape Character Assessment SPD. BDC.

12

Broadland District Council, (2007); Parking Standards SPD. BDC.

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4.61

Parts of the adopted JCS relevant to this application have been remitted for further sustainability appraisal work following the High Court judgement in Heard vs Broadland5. These policies therefore have limited weight as material considerations in the determination of the application. Despite the current policy uncertainty, it is considered that the remitted policies for the Growth Triangle describe the most appropriate strategy to deliver growth in Broadland and Greater Norwich and the proposed development has therefore been assessed against these policies.

4.62

The proposals have been developed as a result of a rigorous and consultative approach to design and planning that has engaged the local community and key stakeholders.

The proposed development will deliver an attractive and environmentally sustainable urban extension to Greater Norwich in accordance with NPPF policy6 and the policy aspirations set out in the JCS3 (including remitted policies). It is considered that the proposals represent an appropriate development in this location. If the proposed submission JCS text is adopted then the application will be in accordance with the upto-date development, and should therefore be approved.

4.63

The applicant have asked Broadland Council not to determine the application until the spread of housing numbers in the Broadland part of the NPA has been reappraised through the Sustainability Appraisal and remitted sections of the JCS3 have been amended or confirmed as appropriate. This is in order to ensure that determination of the planning permission will not unduly prejudice the plan-making process.

4.64

Although the proposed development will precede the AAP for the Growth Triangle, it is considered that the proposals will not harm the sustainable planning of the wider area and, if approved, will make a strongly positive contribution to the delivery of the stated objectives for the Growth Triangle.

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N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area Redline Boundary of Application Site

a Core Strategy Proposals Map NEGT Boundary Joint

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 4.1 Joint Core Strategy Proposals Map

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

5.0 ECOLOGY INTRODUCTION 5.1

This Chapter considers the baseline ecology, the aspects of the proposed development that may cause impacts on ecology and nature conservation, the significance of any potential impacts, and it then identifies appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures and associated monitoring surveys. This Chapter should be read in conjunction with the detailed ecology survey reports presented in Appendix 5.1 in Volume 2: Technical Appendices of this ES, comprised of: Designated Sites Report; Phase I Habitats, Hedgerow and Botany Surveys Report; Badger, Brown Hare, Hedgehog

&

Harvest

Mice

Report;

Bat

Survey

Report;

Bird

Survey

Report;

Invertebrate Survey Report; and Amphibians and Reptiles Surveys Report. In addition, this Chapter is supplemented with an Appropriate Assessment report at Appendix 5.2 and an Arboricultural Report (JCA 10249/TP), contained at Appendix 5.3 of this ES. 5.2

In describing the application site, two areas are identified: first, a broad swathe of land to the north of Sprowston and Old Catton termed the ‘Survey Area’, which was surveyed to provide a broader landscape context for the project area; second, the location of the application site as defined in Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology in Volume 1: Main Text & Figures of this ES.

PLANNING POLICY & LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT National Legislation 5.3

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 , The Wildlife and 1

Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA), and the Countryside and Rights of Way 2

Act 2000 (CRoW Act) are the major pieces of legislation protecting wildlife species and 3

habitats in the UK. The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 (as amended) 5.4

The objective of the EC Habitats Directive and the EC Birds Directive are to conserve 4

5

the various species of plant and animal considered rare across Europe. The Directives

1

HM Government, (2010); The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Statutory Instrument 2010 no.

490 Wildlife Countryside. OPSI. 2

HM Government, (1981); Part I and Part II of Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended). HMSO.

3

HM Government, (2000); The Countryside and Rights of Way Act. HMSO.

4

CEC (Council of the European Communities), (1992); Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. EC.

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are transposed into UK law by The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the ‘Habitats Regulations’) and The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 .

6

5.5

National regulations relating to sites designated under these Regulations – Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – require that development shall normally not be permitted where it will affect the ‘integrity’ of such sites. An equivalent level of protection is also afforded under national planning policy to Ramsar Sites designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Integrity is defined as: ‘The coherence of its ecological structure and function, across its whole area, that enables it to sustain the habitat, complex of habitats and/or the levels of populations of the species for which it was classified.’7 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

5.6

The WCA is national legislation to protect species and sites and also implements a number of European and international Directives and treaties into English law: the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the ‘Bern Convention’) and the resultant European Union Conservation of Wild Birds (the ‘Birds 8

Directive’)5 (2009/147/EC), Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora (92/43/EC) Directives4 and the Convention on Wetlands (the Ramsar Convention) . The WCA also 9

provides for the protection of special sites (for example, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)) and the protection of certain species of flora and fauna. For example, all nesting birds, bats and native reptile species receive protection under the WCA, although the level of protection varies from species to species. The implementation of the ‘Birds Directive’ includes the identification and classification of SPAs for vulnerable and rare birds listed in Annex I. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000 5.7

Part III of the CRoW Act3 deals specifically with wildlife protection and nature conservation. It strengthens the protection of designated SSSIs and makes it an

5

European Union, (2009); Birds Directive. Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. EC.

6

Great Britain Parliament, (2007); The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007. HMSO.

7

ODPM, (2005); Circular 06/05. Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory Conservation – Statutory Obligations and Their Impact Within the Planning System. ODPM, London.

8

The Council of European Communities, (1979); The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Adopted as Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the EC Birds Directive) in 1979, and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the EC Habitats Directive) in 1992. EC. 9

Ramsar, (1971); Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Especially as Waterfowl Habitat). Ramsar.

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offence to recklessly disturb the sheltering places of wild animals listed under Schedule 5 of the WCA. The Act also provides a statutory underpinning to the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) process and promotes the conservation of the priority species and habitats listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). BAPs are discussed later in this Chapter.

National Planning Guidance National Planning Policy Framework 5.8

The National Planning Policy Framework

10

replaced Planning Policy Statement 9

11

in

April 2012 and emphasises the need for sustainable development. The Framework specifies the need for protection of designated sites and priority habitats and priority species. An emphasis is also made for the need for ecological networks via preservation, restoration and re-creation. The protection and recovery of priority species – that is those listed as UK BAP priority species – is also listed as a requirement of planning

policy. In determining planning

application, planning

authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by ensuring that: designated sites are protected from adverse harm; there is appropriate mitigation or compensation where significant harm cannot be avoided; opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments are encouraged; planning permission is refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats including aged or veteran trees and also ancient woodland.

Local Planning Guidance 5.9

Current local planning policy is constructed from the Broadland District Council Local Replacement Plan

12

with some individual policies superseded by the Joint Core Strategy

(JCS) .

13

Broadland Local Plan (Replacement) Saved Policies 5.10

Policy ENV312: Developers will be expected to male adequate arrangements for future maintenance of landscaped areas including management fore nature conservation where appropriate.

10

Communities and Local Government, (2012); The National Planning Policy Framework. TSO.

11

ODPM (former DCLG), (2005); Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. TSO.

12

Broadland District Council, (2006); Broadland District Local Plan (Replacement). BDC.

13

Greater Norwich Development Partnership, (2011); Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk.

GNDP.

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

5.11

Policy ENV512: Where appropriate, natural or semi-natural features such as trees, woodland, hedgerows, heathlands, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, river flood plain marshes and other areas rich in wildlife such as former railway land, meadows and roadside verges will be protected, the establishment of new features sought and appropriate management promoted. Particular importance will be attached to habits referred to in the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan and the targets therein., and to features which provide or contribute to ‘reserves’ or ‘corridors’ for wildlife in areas generally devoid of wildlife habitats, where development is allowed which would result in the unavoidable loss of important features, appropriate measures will be required to conserve as far as possible the wildlife interest and provide replacement or other compensating features.

5.12

Policy ENV612: Development in or near a SSSI or Local Nature Reserve or National Nature Reserve which would damage its special interest will not be permitted.

Particular interest will be paid to the list of operations likely to damage defined by English Nature for the SSSI. The Joint Core Strategy for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk

5.13

The key policy of the JCS13 is Policy 1: Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Environmental Assets. This addresses climate change and promotes sustainability.

Among its ecological components is the need to protect, maintain, restore and enhance environmental assets. As well as provide specific protection for European and Ramsar and protected species it places significant emphasis on maintaining landscape connectivity, by linking habitats, promoting nature conservation outside of protected sites and green networks or infrastructure.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans

5.14

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP)

14

was published in 1994 in response to Article

6 of the Biodiversity Convention (EC 1992) . The aims and objectives of the plan are 15

to preserve and enhance the biological diversity of the UK through implementation of Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs) for habitats and species that are priorities for conservation in the UK. UK BAP priority species potentially relevant to the site include several species of birds and bats, invertebrates and common reptiles. The UK BAP priority habitats

16

relevant to the sites are: hedgerows,

14

UK BAP, (2009); The UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5155

15

European Commission, (1994); Convention on Biological Diversity. Treaty EEC, Article 130S.

16

Maddock, A., (2011); UK Biodiversity Action Plan; Priority Habitat Descriptions. (Updated July 2011). Available from: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/PDF/UKBAP_PriorityHabitatDesc-Rev2011.pdf

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lowland dry acid grassland, lowland mixed deciduous woodland, ponds, and wood pasture and parkland.

5.15

In England, the priority habitats and species identified in the UK BAP are also Habitats and Species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in England under Section 74 of the CRoW Act3 and Section 41. Part 3 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act)

17

requires that ‘The Secretary of State

must, as respects England, publish a list of the living organisms and types of habitat which in the Secretary of State’s opinion are of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity’. These habitats are listed in Annexe C of the ODPM Government Circular 06/20057 accompanied Planning Policy Statement 9

18

and is still

valid. This places a duty on all Government departments to have regard for the conservation of these habitats and species and on the Secretary of State to further, or promote others to further, the conservation of these habitats and species.

5.16

In addition to the UK BAP, Local Biodiversity Partnerships also produce BAPs for action at the local level and the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan lists a number of plans potentially relevant to the proposals. The species of greatest potential relevance are: barbastelle bat Barbastella barbastellus, brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, noctule bat Nyctalus noctula, soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus and skylark Alauda arvensis. The habitats of greatest potential relevance are: hedgerows, lowland mixed deciduous woodland and lowland wood-pasture and parkland.

ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 5.17

The assessments of value and impact within this Chapter have been undertaken in accordance with the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management's (IEEM) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom 2006 (EcIA)19.

These represent best practice methodology for ecological assessment within the EIA process in the UK.

5.18

The assessments have involved the following tasks: x

Desk-based

review

of studies

and

information

relevant

to

the

proposed

development; x

Site surveys for habitats and species of nature conservation importance;

x

Identification of resources to be assessed and evaluation of their significance;

x

Evaluation of predicted impacts (including cumulative);

17

Great Britain Parliament, (2006); Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. HMSO.

18

ODPM (former DCLG), (2005); Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. TSO.

19

IEEM, (2006); Guidelines for Ecological Impact http://www.ieem.net/ecia/determining-value.html#species

Assessment

in

the

United

Kingdom.

Available

from:

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

x

Identification of mitigation measures to limit the nature conservation and ecological impacts of the development; and

x

A description of the residual effects taking mitigation into account.

Consultation, Desk-Based Review and Site Surveys 5.19

The following organisations and information sources have been used to accumulate information on the ecological features of relevance to the proposed development: x

Natural England, who provided informal feedback on the scope of the proposed field surveys;

x

The Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service, who provided detailed information on flora, fauna and nature conservation sites (statutory and non-statutory) within a 2km radius of the proposed development and up to 10km in the case of bats.

Some information was additionally verified using the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside website20 particularly in relation to habitat inventories;

x

Reference texts on the flora and fauna of Norfolk (flora: Beckett & Bull 1999 21; birds and mammals: NNNS 201122; and other texts as referenced within each subject);

x

Scientific literature and the ‘trends website’ of the British Trust for Ornithology which presents data on the distribution, abundance and change in population status of birds (Bailie et al. 201223); and

x

The Ecological Network project24 of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Green Infrastructure Strategy25 for the Greater Norwich Development Partnership.

5.20

The following species groups were surveyed and assessed from March 2010 to March 2012: x

Phase I habitat, hedgerows and flora, including arable bryophytes;

x

Amphibians, including great crested newts;

20

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside. Available from: www.magic.gov.uk. [accessed September 2012] 21

Beckett, G. & Bull, A., (1999); A Flora of Norfolk. Gillian Beckett, Norfolk.

22

NNNS, (2011); Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report 2010. Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society

23

Baillie, S.R., Marchant, J.H., Leech, D.I., Renwick, A.R., Eglington, S.M., Joys, A.C., Noble, D.G., Barimore, C., Conway, G.J., Downie, I.S., Risely, K. & Robinson, R.A. (2012). BirdTrends 2011. BTO Research Report No. 609. BTO, Thetford.

24

Land, R., (2007); Development of an Ecological Network and Green Infrastructure in the Greater Norwich Growth Point Area. Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, Norwich.

25

58

CBA, (2007); Green Infrastructure Strategy. Greater Norwich Development Partnership, Norwich.

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x

Bats (static activity surveys, walked transects, a driven transect, building inspections and tree assessments and inspections);

5.21

x

Reptiles;

x

Badgers;

x

Hares and harvest mice;

x

Birds, both breeding and wintering; and

x

Invertebrates.

Further details of all methods used in field surveys are provided in Appendix 5.1 of this ES.

Evaluation of Ecological Receptors 5.22

The assessment of the impact of the proposed development upon ecological features and attributes has been undertaken in line with the IEEM’s EcIA guidelines19 with some terminology with respect to the magnitude and appraisal of impacts taken from the Department of Transport’s guidance (DfT 2004) . These guidelines aim to provide 26

consistency in the approach to evaluating the importance of ecological features and any impact that a new development would have upon them.

5.23

In accordance with the IEEM’s EcIA guidelines19, first, the ecological features identified must be assigned a value. Second, the impacts of the proposed development should be predicted, taking

into

development process.

account

the

different

stages

and

activities

within

the

These identified impacts must then be assessed for their

significance. The significance of the impact is a function of the value of the ecological feature, and the type and nature of the impact.

5.24

It is impractical and inappropriate, however, for an assessment of the likely ecological effects of a development to consider every species and habitat that may be affected.

Instead, it should focus on ‘Valued Ecological Receptors’ (VERs). VERs are species and habitats present within the zone of influence (i.e. the areas/resources that may be affected by the biophysical changes caused by activities associated with the development) of the proposed development that are of sufficiently high value that an effect upon them as a result of the proposed development could be considered to be significant. The conservation status of species is used an indication of the value of individual species and is taken from the appropriate review, for example Eaton et al.

26

DfT, (2004); WebTAG. The Biodiversity Sub-objective. http://www.dft.gov.uk/webtag/documents/expert/pdf/unit3.3.10.pdf

TAG

Unit

3.310.

Available

from:

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Beyond Green Developments North Sprowston and Old Catton

(2009)

27

for birds, or Cheffings and Farrell (2005)

28

for plants. The conservation status

reflects the extent to which a species is threatened with extinction based on a combination of actual distribution, recent population declines and the extent to which future declines are anticipated.

5.25

Each of the identified receptors has been attributed a value reflecting their geographic significance as indicated in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Value of Different Conservation Status' (adapted from IEEM19 2006 and DfT 200426) Value International.

Criteria

Examples

High importance and rarity.

International scale and limited potential for substitution.

Biodiversity feature designated or that warrants designation as a SPA, SAC or Ramsar Site Internationally designated site or candidate site (SPA, pSPA, SAC, Ramsar Sites).

Internationally significant populations of species with international protection.

National.

High importance and rarity, national scale, or regional scale with limited potential for substitution.

Biodiversity feature that is designated or warrants designation as a SSSI, National Nature Reserve or discrete area which Natural England has determined meets the published selection criteria for national designation. A regularly occurring, nationally significant population/number of any internationally important species.

County.

High or medium importance and rarity, local or regional scale and (limited) potential for substitution.

Biodiversity features designated as a District Wildlife Site or valuable at a District (Norfolk) level.

District.

Medium importance and rarity and some potential for substitution.

Undesignated sites of local biodiversity interest or habitat that is rare or scarce within the local planning authority area. Viable populations of

27

Eaton, M.A., Brown, A.F., Noble, D.G. Musgrove, A.J., Hearn, R.D., Aebischer, N.J., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, A. & Gregory, R.D., (2009); Birds of Conservation Concern 3. The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds 102, 296-341.

28

Cheffings, C.M. & Farrell, L., (2005); The Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

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Value

Criteria

Examples species of note within the local planning authority area.

Local.

Low or medium importance and rarity, local scale.

Biodiversity features of value in a local (within 1-2km of the scheme extent) context.

Viable populations of species which are considered rare, scarce or locally notable within approximately a 2km radius of the study area boundary, including the majority of UK BAP unless they are of significant conservation concern.

Zone of influence only.

Within zone of influence only.

Common species of ubiquitous occurrence wide range of habitats.

nearin a

Habitats that are of widespread occurrence and not supporting species of conservation concern.

5.26

In assigning value to habitats, reference is made to the UK BAP priority habitat definitions and criteria16.

5.27

For birds and invertebrates, the criteria are defined more precisely following Percival (2007)

29

and Colin Plant Associates (2006)

30

respectively, based upon the numbers and

significance of species present, but the significance values are consistent with the above criteria.

5.28

For bats, the scheme presented by Wray et al. (2010)

31

is used, which considers the

rarity, numbers of individuals, roosting potential of a locality and the landscape character. Briefly: rarity is scored as 2, 5 or 20 (common, rare and rarest species); number of bats as 5, 10 or 20 (individuals bats, small numbers or large numbers); roosting potential as 1, 3, 4, 5 or 20 (none, low potential, moderate, large number of roosts or close to a Special Conservation Area for the species); and landscape value of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 (limited habitat, large fields with poor hedges, moderate field sizes and gappy hedgerows of isolated tall hedgerows, small fields with many hedgerows, and a

29

Percival, S.M., (2007); Predicting the effects of wind farms on birds in the UK: the development of an objective assessment method. In: de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. and M. Ferrer (eds.). Birds and Wind Farms. Madrid: Quercus, pp.

137-152.

30

Colin Plant Associates, (2006); Invertebrates and http://www.ieem.net/docs/Colin%20Plant%20-%20Invertebrates.pdf

Ecological

Assessment.

Available

at:

31

Wray, S., Wells, D., Long, E. & Mitchell-Jones, T., (2010); Valuing bats in ecological impact assessment. In Practice 70, 23-25.

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high value landscape with small fields, streams and many hedgerows). For each criterion a score is assigned and the sum of scores is used as the value score thus: 110, zone of influence only; 11-20, Local; 21-30, District; 31-40, Regional; 41+, National or International.

Identification and Characterisation of Predicted Impacts 5.29

Following IEEM’s EcIA guidelines19 impacts have been defined and described taking into account: x

Magnitude - the size of an impact in quantitative terms where possible;

x

Extent - the area over which an impact may occur;

x

Duration - the time for which an impact is expected to last;

x

Reversibility - a permanent impact is one that is irreversible within a reasonable timescale or for which there is no reasonable chance of action being taken to reverse it; a temporary impact is one from which recovery is possible; and

x

Timing and frequency - whether impacts are constant, on-going, separated but recurrent or single events and whether they occur during critical seasons or lifestages of habitats and fauna.

5.30

Impacts typical of new developments are: x

Habitat loss;

x

Habitat degradation;

x

Habitat fragmentation;

x

Killing or injury to species;

x

Disturbance to species; and

x

Changes in species’ behaviour/range.

Magnitude of Predicted Impacts 5.31

Ecological receptors are usually sites, habitats, species assemblages or communities, or populations or groups of a species with different levels of sensitivity. The sensitivity of a given receptor is defined in Table 5.2.

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Table 5.2 Determining Sensitivity of Receptors Sensitivity

Importance

Criteria High importance and rarity, no or limited potential for substitution.

International/National.

Very High/High.

Medium importance and rarity.

Limited potential for substitution

National.

Medium.

Low importance or rarity.

District & County.

Low.

Very low importance or rarity.

Local.

Very Low.

5.32

The confidence in ecological impacts has been predicted following guidelines recommended by IEEM19. (Table 5.3).

Table 5.3 Confidence Predictions Confidence

Confidence.

Certain/near-certain: probability estimated at 95% chance or higher.

Probable.

Probability estimated between near-certain and 50:50.

Unlikely.

Probability less than 50:50 but above 5%.

Extremely Unlikely.

Probability estimated at less than 5%.

5.33

Potential effects could be permanent or temporary, direct or indirect, and could be cumulative. These factors are brought together to assess the magnitude of the impact on particular VERs and, wherever possible, the magnitude of the impact is quantified.

Professional judgement has then been used to assign the effects on the receptors to one of six classes of magnitude, defined in Table 5.4.

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Table 5.4 Definition of Impact Magnitude Magnitude

Predicted Impacts

5.34

Significant loss of the extent, size or integrity of a site, habitat, species assemblage or community, population or group.

Major.

Partial loss or alteration/changes of the extent, size or integrity of a site, habitat, species assemblage or community, population or group.

Moderate.

Minor loss or alteration/changes of the extent, size or integrity of a site, habitat, species assemblage or community, population or group.

Minor.

Very minor loss or alteration/changes of the extent, size or integrity of a site, habitat, species assemblage or community, population or group.

Negligible.

No loss or alteration/changes of the extent, size or integrity of a site, habitat, species assemblage or community, population or group.

None.

The following matrix (shown in Table 5.5) is proposed to assess the significance of environmental effects, where they are predicted to occur. The following terms are proposed to describe the degree of significance. x

Major Negative significant impact – where the development would cause a significant improvement (or deterioration) to the existing environment;

x

Moderate Negative significant impact – where the development would cause a noticeable improvement (or deterioration) to the existing environment;

x

Minor Negative significant impact – where the development would cause a barely perceptible improvement (or deterioration) to the existing environment;

x

Negligible

–

no discernible improvement

or deterioration to

the

existing

environment; and x

64

Positive – a net gain for wildlife overall.

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Table 5.5 Matrix to Assess Significance of Impact Sensitivity of Receptors Very High

Magnitude of Effect

High

Medium

Low

Very Low

Major

Major

Major

Major / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Minor

Major

Major

Major / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Minor

Minor

Moderate

Major / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Minor

Minor

Minor / Negligible

Minor

Moderate

Moderate / Minor

Minor

Minor / Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Negligible

Positive

Positive

Positive

Positive

Positive

Positive

EXISTING BASELINE CONDITIONS 5.35

Full details of all ecological survey methods including results of the ecological surveys undertaken for this assessment are provided in Appendix 5.1. An Arboricultural Report (JCA 10249/TP) is contained in Appendix 5.3. A summary of the baseline conditions is provided below.

Sites International Sites 5.36

At the nearest point, The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads Special Protection Area (SPA), and The Broadland Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are approximately 2.15km distant, northeast of the proposed development adjacent to the North Walsham Road. The major part of these international sites is downstream of Wroxham, approximately 5.6km from the proposed development (as measured directly across open farmland). All three international designated sites are composed of a large number of individual component sites: 26 for the Broadland SPA and 28 for The Broads SAC and Ramsar Site, the furthest of which are more than 30km distant (Table 5.6).

The two component sites not included in the Broadland SPA are: Trinity Broads SSSI and Damgate Marshes, Acle SSSI.

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Table 5.6 Distances from the Project Boundary to Individual Component Sites of The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads SAC and the Broadland SPA Distance from Project Boundary (km)

Component SSSI

<5

Crostwick Marsh.

5-10

Bure Broads and Marshes.

10-15

Yare Broads and Marshes; Alderfen Broad; Broad Fen, Dilham; Ant Broads and Marshes; Smallburgh Fen; Upton Broad and Marshes; Ducanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marsh, Claxton; and Cantley Marshes;

15-20

Shallam Dyke Marshes; Thurne Ludham-Potter Heigham Marshes; Decoy Carr; Acle Poplar Farm Meadows, Langley; Burgh Common and Muckfleet Marshes; Limpenhoe Meadows; Calthorpe Broad; Upper Thurne Broads and Marshes; Damgate Marshes, Acle; and Hardley Flood.

20-25

Priory Meadows, Hickling; Halvergate Marshes; Hall Farm Fen, Hemsby; Geldeston Meadows; Stanley and Alder Carrs, Aldeby; and Trinity Broads.

25-30

Trinity Broads.

30-35

Barnby Broad and Marshes; Sprat's Water and Marshes, Carlton Colville.

Table 5.7 Qualifying Features for the International Sites Relevant International Site

Qualifying Feature Habitats Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae; calcium-rich fen dominated by great fen sedge (saw sedge); alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae).

The Broads Ramsar Site

Alkaline fens.

The Broads Ramsar Site

Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.; natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation; Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt-laden soils (Molinion caeruleae); and transition mires and quaking bogs.

The Broads SAC

The Broads SAC

Plants and Animals (other than birds) Fen orchid Liparis loeselii; otter Lutra lutra; Desmoulin`s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana; and the ramshorn snail Anisus vorticulus.

The Broads Ramsar Site The Broads SAC

Outstanding assemblages of rare plants and invertebrates including nine British Red Data Book plants and 136 British Red Data Book invertebrates.

66

The Broads Ramsar Site

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Relevant International Site

Qualifying Feature Birds Bewicks swan Cygnus Columbianus bewickii; gadwall Anas strepera strepera; and wigeon Anas penelope.

The Broads Ramsar Site Broadland SPA

Northern shoveler Anas clypeata.

The Broads Ramsar Site

Great bittern Botaurus stellaris; western marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus; hen harrier Circus cyaneus; whooper swan Cygnus cygnus; ruff Philomachus pugnax; pink footed geese; and shoveler.

Broadland SPA

A large assemblage of wintering wildfowl, additionally including cormorant, great crested grebe, coot, bean goose, white-fronted goose, teal, pochard and tufted duck.

5.37

Three other international sites lie within a 20km radius of the redline boundary of the application site, as shown in Table 5.8 below.

Table 5.8 Other International Sites within 20km Distance from Project Boundary (km)

International Site

Details

4.3

River Wensum SAC.

Comprised of a single component site, the River Wensum SSSI, this river flows for over 70km from northwest Norfolk to the outskirts of the Norwich conurbation. At its closest point it is approximately 4.3km distant, to the west. It is designated for aquatic vegetation, fish and invertebrates.

11

Norfolk Valley Fens SAC.

A designation with 14 component SSSI sites, the closest of which is Buxton Heath SSSI 11km to the northwest, but with some more than 50km distant.

All of the sites are spring-fed fens, with qualifying features including vegetation and individual plant and animal species.

19

Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA.

Comprised of a single designated site, Breydon Water SSSI, near to Great Yarmouth and 19km distant at the closest point. It is a tidal wetland and designated primarily for wetland birds, with a small number of scarce plants also listed as qualifying features.

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Nationally Designated Sites 5.38

There are no nationally designated sites within 2km of the application site. The nearest such site is Crostwick Marsh SSSI (considered above as a component site of the internationally designated sites), 2.9km to the north.

5.39

At its closest point, The Broads National Park is 4.1km from the proposed development.

5.40

Mousehold Heath is a Local Nature Reserve some 1.9km south, separated by the Sprowston conurbation. It is remnant of a formerly extensive heathland and supports heathland flora and fauna, most notably a suite of rare and scare invertebrates particularly bees and wasps.

Non-Statutory Sites

5.41

Eleven non-statutory District Wildlife Site (DWSs) are within 2km of the site. Four of these are only partially within the 2km search area but none are within the proposed development (Table 5.9). Two are in close proximity to the Project Area: Ladies Wood, Church Carr and Springs, and Tollshill Wood.

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Table 5.9 District Wildlife Sites within 2km of the Redline Boundary Site Name (number)

Proximity and Location

Description

Tollshill Wood (2021).

0.02km, east.

Ancient, broad-leaved semi-natural woodland.

Ladies Wood, Church Carr & Springs (1393).

0.3km east.

Woodland (some of which is ancient), grassland and standing water habitats.

Paine’s Yard Wood, The Owlery & March Covert (1392).

1.06km, east.

Woodland, including abundant deadwood and stored coppice.

Spixworth Meadows (1396).

1.17km, north.

Damp semi-improved grassland.

Crostwick Common (South) (1402).

1.3km, north.

Tall herb or rank grassland with scrub.

Reservoir Meadow (1404).

1.47km, north.

Damp alder Alnus glutinosa carr and semiimproved, seasonally grazed grassland.

Fiddle Wood & Night Plantation (1468).

1.67km, southwest.

Broadleaved plantation woodland with some.

Crostwick Common (North) (1403).

1.77km, north.

Woodland, scrub and fen.

Mousehold Heath & ValleyValley Drive (1469).

1.95km, south.

Former heathland, now mostly covered by recent woodland.

Also designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

Racecourse Plantation (2041).

1.95km, southeast.

Commercially-managed coniferous plantation and broad-leaved semi-natural woodland.

Wroxham Hall Woods (1406).

1.97km, northeast.

A series of interconnected woodlands of different woodland types.

Habitats Overview 5.42

The Survey Area largely comprises arable farmland with fields separated by hedgerows and areas of other habitats including broadleaved woodland and parkland. Much of the Survey and proposed developments are within Entry Level Stewardship Agreements.

The woodlands associated with Beeston Park are listed on the National Inventory of Woodland and Trees , as is the Millennium Woodland planted adjacent to the redline 20

boundary of the application site off Church Lane. There are three blocks of ancient woodland, either ‘ancient and semi-natural’ or ‘ancient replanted’, close to the eastern end of the proposed development: parts of Ladies Wood, Church Carr & Springs (CWS 1393), Tollshill Wood (CWS 2021) and Sprowston Wood (north of the Wroxham Road, between the other ancient woodlands).

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5.43

The Survey Area is approximately 360ha and is predominantly arable (78%). Other habitats are minor components: amenity grassland (6%), semi-natural broadleaved woodland (5%), parkland and scattered trees (4%) and improved grassland (4%).

Planted woodland of all types together represents 3% of the survey area, and semiimproved neutral grassland and tall ruderal both cover less than 1%.

Phase I Habitats

5.44

The application site supports twelve main Phase I habitats (Figure 5.1 Habitat Plan; as shown in Table 5.10). The principal habitat is arable cropland which is separated by frequent hedgerows, with the other habitats forming minor components.

Table 5.10 Summary of Phase I Habitats Within Application Site Habitat

Extent (ha)

Occurrence

Arable fields.

154

Throughout.

Amenity grassland.

0.7

Rugby club in centre of site; school playing fields to the south of this.

Improved grassland.

7.7

Mainly grazing to the north of Red Hall stables and Park Farm.

Woodland, broadleaved semi-natural.

16.4

Present mainly to the east and north in small parcels, mostly parts of Beeston Park.

Parkland and scattered trees.

12.4

Present in two main areas, Beeston Park and south of Red Hall stables.

Broad-leaved plantation woodland.

2.4

A few small areas including some new planting at the extreme south of the site.

Hedgerows.

11.05km

Throughout.

Line of Trees

880m

Along former hedgelines

Ponds.

<1ha

Traditional ponds near Beeston Hall (5) and near southwest boundary although some are outside of the site boundary.

Arable 5.45

The majority of the application site is arable (154ha of 200ha). Associated with many of the arable fields are field margins and hedgerows containing mature trees.

5.46

Arable plants associated with this habitat on-site include common species such as field pansey Viola arvensis, common chickweed Stellaria media, cleavers Galium aparine, field poppy Papaver rhoeas, petty spurge Euphorbia peplus, white campion Silene latifolia, common field speedwell Veronica persica and fat hen Chenopodium album.

The only arable species of note was green field speedwell Veronica agrestis which is

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listed as ‘Least Concern’

28

but is decreasing nationally. Green field speedwell was

recorded as several plants on a single small section of arable margin close to North Walsham Road.

5.47

All arable fields on-site were assessed for their bryophyte floras. Attention was focused on field corners and margins, and which are known to be of greater value to bryophytes. Much of the site was species poor for bryophytes with only three very common taxa (Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga and Bryum rubens) recorded from most fields. Other species recorded in low numbers across the site include Pohlia melanodon, Funaria hygrometrica and Ceratodon purpureus. Species associated with trackways and field entrances include Bryum argenteum and Bryum dichotomum. In the northwest of the Survey Area, a headland of overwintered cereal stubble was found to support a richer arable bryophyte community than found elsewhere on the site, including: Bryum argenteum, Bryum dichotomum, Bryum rubens, Didymodon insulanus, Ceratodon purpureus, Pohlia melanodon, Barbula convoluta, and Phascum cuspidatum.

Amenity Grassland

5.48

A road crosses the rugby club playing fields, with a footprint of approximately 0.7ha over improved sward.

Semi-natural Broadleaved Woodland

5.49

Semi-natural

broadleaved

woodland

is

scattered

across

the

application

site,

particularly in the east. Some of this shows evidence of some age, with ancient oaks and areas of former hazel coppice which are remnants of a former woodland management. The ground flora is typically species poor, probably due to heavy replanting in much of the woodland, and in many sections sycamore is present at high frequency.

5.50

There is an arc of woodland along the south of Beeston Park, totalling 6.6ha (Foxburrow and Spanish Plantations). There are large numbers of ancient pedunculate oaks Quercus robur in these blocks, particularly

Other trees include sweet chestnut

Castanea sativum, hornbeam Carpinus betulus, and ash Fraxinus excelsior, and a few conifers. The understoreys consist of elder Sambucus nigra, holly Ilex aquifolium, hazel Corylus avellana, field maple Acer campestre and Wych elm Ulmus glabra, with the invasive non-native rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum present in small areas.

5.51

Ground flora is generally sparse but dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. with red campion Silene dioica, bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, sanicle Sanicula europaea, star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum angustifolium, dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, wood meadow-grass Poa nemoralis, lily-of-the-ValleyValley Convallaria majalis, broad buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata and ivy Hedera helix. It is considered likely that the lily of the Valley is likely to be a garden escape or otherwise introduced

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in this instance. The invasive garden form of yellow archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp argentatum is present close to the cottage adjoining the wood.

5.52

A block of woodland to the west of Park Farm (Shrubbery Plantation of Beeston Park).

The northern end includes mature pedunculate oaks, among them standing dying specimens, several ancient sweet chestnut as well as other trees. The understorey was rank with some rhododendron.

5.53

Along Wroxham Road, Sprowston Plantation is semi-natural broadleaved woodland.

The northern section is former hazel coppice with oak standards and occasional ash, holly and elder. A central belt is dominated by dense sycamore c. 20 years old, as a result there was little ground flora although dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercury and three-nerved sandwort Moehringia trinervia was present.

5.54

South of Red Hall is Lawn Plantation. The southern section has some ancient oak and sweet chestnuts, the understorey was ash, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and elder and the ground flora largely dense bramble. The northern half also has beech Fagus sylvatica and occasional Scots pine Pinus silvestris and fir. There is some dead wood, including some standing and some dying trees.

5.55

Parts of Coppersholes Plantation, which is along the eastern edge of Beeston Park, is of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. It is quite open, with silver birch, holly, yew Taxus baccata, hazel and field maple and some mature oaks. Ground flora includes abundant bluebell and occasional hybrid bluebell Hyacinthoides Ă&#x2014; massartiana, wood avens Geum urbanum, bramble, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, red campion and bracken.

Parkland and Scattered Trees

5.56

Two areas of grazed grassland with scattered ancient trees exist in the survey area.

Immediately south of Red Hall, there are horse grazed fields containing veteran oaks and sweet chestnuts, some of which are dying. A larger area was present in Beeston Park where sheep grazed pasture contains scattered veteran Pedunculate oak and beech. It is understood that the larger part of Beeston Park, which is now arable, was grazed parkland until the late 1980s when the majority of trees were lost in strong winds and the site was subsequently ploughed.

Improved Grassland

5.57

Improved grazing is scattered throughout the application site. The main areas are associated with Red Hall and north of Park Farm. These areas are dominated by perennial rye grass Lolium perenne.

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Ponds 5.58

The Phase I survey found no significant ponds within the wider arable landscape, except for two hedgerow ponds to the west and southwest of the application site.

Within the northeast corner of Beeston Park, there is a large pond surrounded by mature trees with deep leaf litter substrate.

Hedgerows

5.59

Twenty six hedgerow lengths were mapped, with a total length of 11.05km.

5.60

The majority are generally intact and many contain oak trees, some of which are likely to be ancient. The ground flora associated with the hedgerows was species poor. The woody species found most frequently is hawthorn, followed by blackthorn, field maple, hazel and holly. The dominant climbing species are bramble and ivy but hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum and hops Humulus lupulus were also recorded.

5.61

Twenty four of the application site’s existing hedgerows were considered to meet the criteria to qualify as BAP habitats. Fourteen hedgerows or sections of hedgerow were evaluated as qualifying as ‘Important Hedgerows’ as defined by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997

32

based on ecological characteristics (following Defra 2007). The

lengths of hedgerows are: Important Hedgerows, 3.3km; UK BAP, 6.4km and 1.35km of defunct hedgerows or otherwise not qualifying as either Important Hedgerows or UK BAP status.

Botanical Surveys 5.62

The desk-top search did not return records of any plant species formally listed as being of conservation concern, although several records of basil thyme Clinopodium acinos were returned from the vicinity of east Spixworth. Basil thyme is scarce in Norfolk, largely restricted to the Breckland area .

33

5.63

The arable weed flora was generally poor and consisted of common and widespread species. Three species that are generally uncommon were recorded as occasional individuals: green field-speedwell Veronica arvensis, Des Etangs' St John's-wort Hypericum x desetangsii, and common yellow sedge Carex viridula ssp oedocarpa.

32

HM Government, (1997); Hedgerow Regulations. HMSO.

33

Beckett, G. & Bull, A., (1999); A Flora of Norfolk. Gillian Beckett, Norfolk.

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Species Amphibians 5.64

The desk-top search did not return any records of great crested newt from within 500m of the redline boundary of the application site. Several populations are known from within 2km, however.

5.65

Great crested newt Triturus cristatus surveys were undertaken for all ponds within the entire Survey Area plus a buffer zone of 500m, which is consistent with current survey guidance. Pond surveys for great crested newts were undertaken between the 8 th May and 8th June 2010 at sixteen ponds, of which three are within the redline boundary of the application site. Four visits were undertaken to establish presence/absence. The survey methods are consistent with current survey guidelines . An assessment of the 34

suitability of the pond habitats to support great crested newts was also undertaken using standard methods.

5.66

No great crested newts were recorded in any ponds. Within the application site a single pond supported common toads Bufo bufo (northeast corner of Beeston Park) and a single pond supported smooth newts Lissotriton vulgaris (southwest corner, near the Wroxham Road).

Reptiles

5.67

From within a 2km radius, the desk-top search returned records for common lizard Lacerta vivipara from Mousehold Heath, with slow-worm Anguis fragilis and grass snake Natrix natrix being more widespread. A single record of adder Vipera berus was returned from 2004, from woodland to the east of the Wroxham Road.

5.68

Ninety-nine artificial refugia were placed in suitable habitats within the Survey Area, all but ten of which were within the application site. Ten visits were carried out to check the felts, between 13th September and 8th October 2010. Where possible, suitable refugia already present on site were also checked and a visual search for any reptiles basking in the open was also carried out during each visit.

5.69

No reptile species were found on or under refugia or during visual searches of the Survey Area.

34

74

English Nature, (2001); Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.

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Bats Overview 5.70

The desk-top search returned records for four species of bat from within a 2km radius of the site boundary between 1999 and 2007: common and soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus, brown long-eared Plecotus auritus and Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii. Within a 10km radius of the site there are a total of 368 bat records for seven bat species/species groups, with the additional species being noctule Nyctalus noctula, Natterer’s Myotis nattereri and whiskered Myotis mystacinus.

5.71

The activity surveys were largely undertaken between surveys using a combination of static, automated detectors (Anabats) and walked transects covering the whole survey area. Up to ten automated detectors were deployed on any single night, although on most nights only five were used, between April and October 2010.

Within the

development boundary a total of 37 stations were used for static surveys. The number of nights’ static survey per month was: April, five nights; May, ten nights; June, ten nights; July, 20 nights; August, ten nights; September, ten nights; and October, three nights. Walked transects were run monthly April-October 2010, with three transect routes across the Survey Area and all three run simultaneously. A single three-hour driven transect was undertaken in July 2010.

5.72

Eight species were recorded with high certainty: common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii, barbastelle, brown long-eared and Natterer’s and noctule; serotine Eptesicus serotinus was probably present also, but the confidence in this identification is lower. The number of registrations for each species are summarised below (Table 5.11), and is a semi-quantitative indication of species’ relative abundances. Across the Survey Area, a total of 12,253 registrations were recorded by the static detectors and 861 by the walked transects. For illustration, the numbers of registrations for each automated recording location are shown for the common pipistrelle, most frequent species, and barbastelle, the rarest species recorded

on

multiple

occasions

(Figure

5.2

Common

pipistrelle:

numbers

of

registrations per night of automated recording and Figure 5.3 Barbastelle: numbers of registrations per night of automated recording).

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Table 5.11 Summary of Registrations from all Automated Detectors within the Survey Area Species

5.73

Registrations

Common pipistrelle.

8,860

Soprano pipistrelle.

2,959

Nathusiusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pipistrelle.

1

Barbastelle.

126

Brown long-eared.

40

Nattererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other Myotis species.

100

Noctule and serotine.

49

Serotine

11

Unidentified or indistinct.

107

Tree assessments were undertaken following the scheme presented by Cowan (2006) . An initial walkover to appraise the Survey Area for its trees was undertaken 35

in March 2010 and then detailed individual assessments were made between November and February 2011.

Common Pipistrelle 5.74

The commonest species, it was recorded across the Survey Area with one automated detector recording 1,771 registrations in a single evening and an average of 134. Of the 37 stations for static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made at 36. There were some particularly notable concentrations of activity: along the woodland edges of the plantations south of Beeston Hall including the woodland edges along Wroxham Road; woodland near Red Hall Farm including the pine belt; along the North Walsham Road.

5.75

When the times of the first and final registrations are considered there is relatively low activity around sunset with the majority of first registration more than 30 minutes after sunset; on only one occasion were calls before this time. In the vast majority of instances the high levels of bat activity are throughout the night and without clear peaks of activity at dusk and sunrise.

35

76

Cowan, A., (2006); Trees and Bats. Guidance Notes 1. Arboricultural Association, Cheltenham.

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Soprano Pipistrelle 5.76

Soprano pipistrelle is the second commonest species, again occurring throughout the site. The key areas of greatest activity were: along the woodland edges of the woodlands of Beeston Hall including the woodland edges along Wroxham Road; woodland near Red Hall Farm including the pine belt to its north; and along the North Walsham road where detectors consistently recorded between 10 and 99 registrations per night. Of the 37 stations static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made at 36.

5.77

Again there were few evident peaks of activity near to dusk and dawn, rather the activity was throughout the night.

Nathusius’ Pipistrelle

5.78

A single Nathusius’ pipistrelle registration was made from the woodland edge immediately west of Beeston Hall in September 2010.

5.79

However, during the survey period and at scattered locations a further 84 low pipistrelle bat registrations were detected (i.e. with a frequency of maximum energy between 40 and 42kHz) and these calls may be of Nathusius’ or of common pipistrelle.

Barbastelle

5.80

Barbastelle bats were recorded over the whole survey period but with very few registrations on any occasion, always fewer than 12 registrations. The species was recorded across the Survey Area but with greater activity around the Beeston Park woodlands and Red Hall Farm. Of the 37 stations for static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made on 18 stations.

5.81

None of the calls were close to sunset or dawn. For example, automated detector D, adjacent to Sprowston Plantation on the Wroxham Road recorded eight registrations of which four were between 21.08 and 21.14, almost an hour after sunset (which was at 20.17).

Brown Long-eared

5.82

Long-eared bats were recorded between April and October on 40 occasions, on 19 automated detectors but with few registrations on any one occasion (the peak being six). Records are from a scatter of locations, with necessarily a strong association with woodland. Of the 37 stations for static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made at 10.

5.83

None of the calls were close to sunset or dawn.

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Natterer’s and other Myotis species 5.84

Natterer’s and undetermined Myotis calls were recorded over the survey period, from April to October. Few calls were recorded on most occasions when detected but on one occasions 26 registrations were made between midnight and 02.51 on 29th May 2010, from the Beeston Park woodlands. Of the 37 stations for static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made at 18.

5.85

The majority of activity was from woodland areas but registrations were also made along hedgerows at scattered locations across the site.

5.86

None of the detectors recorded peaks of activity in association with dusk or dawn.

Noctule and ‘Large’ Bats including Serotine

5.87

The majority of noctule activity and other registrations from undetermined large bats are associated with woodland parcels around Beeston Hall, but with registrations from disparate locations across the site. None of the automated detectors recorded peaks of activity around dusk or dawn.

5.88

The highest number of noctule bat registrations was seven, over one evening in early August, with first two bat registrations some 40 minutes after sunset with occasional passes recorded throughout the night. Of the 37 stations for static surveys within the redline boundary of the application site, registrations were made of noctule at 17.

5.89

Registrations consistent with serotine, although there is some doubt in this identification, were identified at 3 stations.

Tree Assessments

5.90

Across the application site, a total of 30 trees or groups of trees, including woodland blocks such as Foxburrow Plantation itself or the line of trees linking Foxburrow Plantation to Wroxham Road, were of high potential value for bats and 63 were of moderate potential – with a score of 2 on the Cowan scale (shown on Figure 5.4 Trees of High and Medium Potential for Roosting Bats). These data show that potentially roosts are located across the site, in both the key woodland blocks and along hedgerows in mature trees. Direct climbing inspections of 19 trees failed to find evidence of roosting bats.

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Birds 5.91

Breeding bird surveys were undertaken across the survey area using modified Common Bird Survey techniques . The Survey Area was divided into two survey units, 36

and visited at intervals between April and June 2010.

Breeding Birds 5.92

During the breeding bird survey a total of 37 species were recorded in the Survey Area. Six species of conservation concern were considered to be breeding in the application site, although the house sparrow were nesting in off-site houses and foraging on the adjacent arable margins (shown in Figure 5.5 Locations of Breeding Bird Territories and Table 5.12); common linnet Carduelis cannabina was the only species of conservation concern recorded as breeding in the Survey Area but not within the application site.

Table 5.12 Breeding Bird Surveys: UK BAP Priority and Red/Amber Listed Species Recorded and the Number of Territories Common Name

Territories Within Development Area

UK BAP Priority Species

Red/Amber Status

House sparrow Passer domesticus.

1 colony

Yes

Red

Dunnock Prunella modularis.

1

Yes

Amber

Song thrush Turdus philomelos.

2

Yes

Red

Whitethroat Sylvia communis.

7

Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella.

1

Yes

Red

Skylark Alauda arvensis.

6

Yes

Red

Amber

Wintering Birds 5.93

During the wintering bird survey a total of 39 species were recorded across the whole survey area, of which 19 have either Red or Amber listing and 6 also having UK BAP priority species status (below in Table 5.13). The occurrence of wintering farmland birds was sporadic with areas of regular activity principally along field margins in the western part of the proposed development (shown in Figure 5.6 Wintering Farmland

36

Marchant, J.H., (1983); Common Birds Census instructions. BTO, Tring.

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Birds). No substantial flocks were noted with, for example, the largest flock of passerines comprised eight skylarks.

Table 5.13 Wintering Bird Surveys: UK BAP and Red/Amber Listed Species Recorded within the application site Common Name

Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

UK BAP Priority Species

Red/Amber Status

102

Amber

Common gull Larus canus

4

Amber

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

2

Amber

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

20

Dunnock

10

Yes

Red Amber

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

9

Red

Green woodpecker Picus viridis

4

Amber

Herring gull Larus argentatus House sparrow Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

80

Maximum Count Within Survey Area

30

Yes

Red

4

Yes

Red

32

Amber

Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus

8

Amber

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

1

Amber

Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis

2

Amber

Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus

1

Amber

Redwing Turdus iliacus

9

Red

Skylark

8

Yes

Red

Song thrush

3

Yes

Red

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

1

Yellowhammer

2

Amber

Yes

Red

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Badgers, Brown Hares, Harvest Mice and Hedgehogs 5.94

Two records of badgers Meles meles were returned by the data search, one from a strip of woodland c. 350 southeast of Beeston Hall, the other is from a location more than 1km northeast of the redline boundary of the application site. A small number of records of brown hare Lepus europaeus were returned from disparate locations across the arable areas within the search radius. Records of hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus were returned predominantly from the urban fringe of Norwich. No records of harvest mouse Micromys minutus were returned.

5.95

The whole Survey Area was searched systematically for evidence of badgers in October 2010 and all fields were scanned for brown hares on 21st September 2010. Five hours was spent searching for harvest mouse nests in areas of long grass and herbage in October 2010. Hedgehogs were not searched for systematically, but any observations during bat transect walks were recorded.

5.96

No evidence of badgers or harvest mice was found and no hedgehogs were seen.

5.97

Brown hares were recorded from fields along the north of the Survey Area only, with two individuals within the proposed development during the systematic survey.

Incidental records during other site visits were from outside of the application site.

Invertebrates

5.98

The data search for invertebrates returned records for 17 species of butterfly and moth with UK BAP status and likely to be present as local populations. All of these species are relatively common and widespread and afforded UK BAP status to reflect recent population declines rather than actual rarity , thus they are likely to be present within 37

the survey area in field margin and hedgerow habitats. Examples of such species are the buff ermine Spilosoma luteum and the mottled rustic Caradrina morpheus which both feed on a range of common plants, including herbs such as nettle Urtica dioica and dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Some species are more habitat specific both nevertheless widespread, such as the wall Lasiommata megera and small heath Coenonympha pamphilus butterflies, both associated with open sward, nutrient poor grassland. The white-letter hairstreak butterfly Satyrium w-album, a UK BAP priority species, is also known locally, with the Norwich area among its Norfolk stronghold .

38

The sawyer beetle Prionus coriarius (Nationally Scarce B) is the only deadwood

37

Butterfly Conservation, (2007); The UK Biodiversity Action Plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Moths. Available from: http://www.butterflyconservation.org/uploads/The%20UK%20Biodiversity%20Action%20Plan%20-%20BC%20website%20draft%2020071.pdf 38

Watts, B. & McIlwrath, B., (2000); Millenium Atlas of the Butterflies of Norfolk. Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society, Norwich.

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invertebrate known locally, recorded from Crostwick Marsh SSSI, although this is known elsewhere from the north Norwich area, including gardens .

39

5.99

A site walkover was undertaken in May 2010 to appraise the habitats within the Survey Area for their potential value for noteworthy invertebrates, recording the extent and quality of key micro-habitats. Woodland was assessed for dead wood micro-habitats using the methods of Hubble and Hurst (2006) .

40

5.100

Direct invertebrate surveys were undertaken within the Survey Area over three survey periods in spring to mid-summer 2010, using a combination of hand-searching, sweep netting, pitfall trapping and water trapping. The key species-groups surveyed include the ground and leaf beetles, weevils and major fly families, among others. Additional visits were made to record white-letter hairstreak. The sampling protocols are consistent with current guidance

41

for site assessment. Deadwood, including living

trees, were not sampled intensively due to the fragility of these habitats, rather an assessment of deadwood invertebrates was based on a visual appraisal. The pond in Beeston Park was surveyed using standard pond survey methods 5.101

42

in August 2010.

Overall the key microhabitats within the site for invertebrates were considered to be: semi-natural woodland and parkland, hedgerows and the wide arable margins associated with some arable fields.

5.102

The semi-natural woodland associated with Beeston Park was appraised to be of ‘good’ value for both the volume and continuity of deadwood, with the presence of veteran trees adding significantly to these scorings. The veteran trees within the parkland areas were considered to be of moderate-high potential value for invertebrates, on the basis of their age and standing deadwood resource ; and against the assessment 43

criteria the parklands are likewise considered to be ‘good’ in terms of volume and continuity. The close association of the semi-natural woodlands and parkland increases their shared value, as does the presence of ancient and semi-natural woodland outside of but close to the application site. As such the woodland and parkland appear to be of moderate potential for noteworthy invertebrates.

5.103

The assemblages of the hedgerows were principally widespread and common species.

No species of note were recorded with the hedgerow trees, with the principal value of these being the presence of relatively narrow dead branches on living trees of use to some deadwood beetles; no particularly significant micro-habitat features were

39

G.W.Hopkins pers. obs.

40

Hubble, D. And Hurst, D., (2007); Rapid dead wood assessment. In Practice June 2007, 4-6.

41

Drake, C.M., Lott, D.A., Alexander, K.N.A. & Webb, J., (2007); Surveying Terrestrial and Freshwater Invertebrates for Conservation Evaluation. Natural England, Sheffield.

42

Ponds Conservation Trust, (2002); A Guide to Monitoring the Ecological Quality of Ponds and Canals using PSYM. Ponds Conservation Trust, Oxford.

43

82

Alexander, K., (1999); The invertebrates of Britain's wood pastures. British Wildlife 11, 108-117.

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recorded, such as wet rot holes or red heartwood. As such the hedgerows appear to be of moderate potential for noteworthy invertebrates.

5.104

Some arable margins were relatively wide (>5m) and with a transition between permanent hedgerow ground flora to more open and ruderal assemblages. As such the margins appear to be of moderate potential for noteworthy invertebrates. The species recorded were generally widespread and common, although a few species restricted of open and disturbed grassland including arable margins were recorded.

5.105

Two noteworthy species were recorded, neither of which is particularly rare locally or nationally. The cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae (UK BAP) was ubqiutious wherever its foodplant, ragwort occurs, in unmanaged field margins and other open areas; it is common locally. The hoverfly Volucella zonaria (Nationally Scarce B) was recorded south of Beeston Park; this species is widespread locally including urban areas of north Norwich.

5.106

It is considered likely that the habitats in the application site are likely to support numerous species with UK BAP priority species status, principally the common and widespread moths. Although no deadwood invertebrates of note were recorded the habitat appraisal is sufficient to justify the evaluation of the woodland, in particular, to be of moderate importance.

Summary of Baseline Condition

5.107

An overall summary of the survey results is presented below (Table 5.14 below). The species not recorded and consequently â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;scoped outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and not considered further as part of this assessment, are: great crested newts, reptiles, badgers and harvest mice.

Table 5.14 Summary of Survey Findings Receptor

Description

International Sites The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads SAC and The Broadland SPA.

All three international designated sites are composed of a large number of individual component sites: 26 for The Broads SAC and 27 for The Broads Ramsar Site and Broadland SPA. The nearest component site for all three international sites is Crostwick Marsh SSSI approximately 2.15km distant, northeast of the proposed development.

River Wensum SAC.

A single component site, the River Wensum SSSI, approximately 4.3km distant, to the west.

Norfolk ValleyValley Fens SAC.

Comprised of 14 component SSSI sites, the closest of which is Buxton Heath SSSI 11km to the northwest.

Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA.

A single component site, Breydon Water SSSI, 19km to the east.

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Description

Receptor Nationally Designated Sites Crostwick Marsh SSSI.

Nationally designated as an SSSI this site is also a component site for three international sites (see above).

The Broads National Park.

At its closest point, 4.9km to the northeast.

Mousehold Heath Local Nature Reserve.

A remnant heathland 1.9km to the south, also designated as a CWS (see below).

Non-Statutory District Wildlife Sites.

Eleven non-statutory District Wildlife Site (CWSs) are within 2km of the site. Four of these are only partially within the 2km search area but none are within the proposed development. Two are in close proximity to the Project Area: Ladies Wood, Church Carr and Springs and Tollshill Wood.

Habitats Arable fields.

Throughout.

Amenity grassland.

Rugby club in centre of site; school playing fields to the south of this.

Woodland, broadleaved semi-natural.

Present mainly to the east and north in small parcels, mostly parts of Beeston Park; totalling 17ha.

Parkland and scattered trees.

Present in two main areas, Beeston Park and south of Red Hall stables; totalling 5.2ha.

Improved grassland.

Associated with Red Hall stables and Park Farm.

Hedgerows.

Throughout.

Ponds.

Traditional pond in Beeston Park and two near southwest boundary.

Species Botany.

Three species that are generally uncommon at a District scale: green field-speedwell, Des Etangs' St John's-wort and common yellow sedge.

Amphibians.

Common toad recorded in a single pond in Beeston Park.

Great crested newts not recorded.

Reptiles.

None recorded.

Bats Common pipistrelle.

84

The commonest species, widespread and regularly recorded.

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Description

Receptor Soprano pipistrelle.

The second commonest species, widespread and regularly recorded.

Nathusius’ pipistrelle.

A single registration.

Barbastelle.

Widespread but with very few registrations on any occasion, always fewer than 12. Greater activity around the Beeston Park woodlands and Red Hall Farm.

Brown long-eared.

Regularly recorded and widespread, but few registrations on any one occasion and no apparent concentration of records.

Natterer’s and other Myotis species.

Regularly recorded across the site but mostly as single or a small number per night. Apparent concentration and greater number of registrations associated with Beeston Park woodlands.

Noctule and ‘Large’ Bats including Serotine.

Majority of noctule activity associated with woodland parcels around Beeston Hall, but records were widespread. Few registrations per night.

Registrations consistent with serotine identified occasional and across the site but with few registrations per evening.

Birds

Breeding Birds.

Six breeding species of conservation concern: house sparrow (foraging, but nesting off-site), dunnock, song thrush, skylark, yellowhammer and whitethroat.

Wintering Birds.

39 species recorded, of which 19 have either Red or Amber listing and 6 also having UK BAP priority species status.

Badgers, Brown Hares, Harvest Mice and Hedgehogs.

Brown hares recorded in very low numbers in north of proposed development only. Badgers and harvest mice not recorded.

Hedgehogs not recorded but likely to be present.

Invertebrates

Numerous species with UK BAP priority species status, principally the common and widespread moths. Parkland and woodland areas are likely to be of moderate importance for deadwood species.

EVALUATION, ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS Sites 5.108

By definition and with reference to Table 5.1, all of the international sites and their component sites are of international significance. Namely: x

The Broads Ramsar Site;

x

The Broads SAC;

x

Broadland SPA;

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5.109

x

River Wensum SAC;

x

Norfolk Valley Fens SAC

x

Breydon Water Ramsar Site; and

x

Breydon Water SPA.

The sites with national designation with the exception of Crostwick Marsh SSSI (see above) are of national significance:

5.110

x

The Broads National Park; and

x

Mousehold Heath Local Nature Reserve.

The ten District Wildlife Sites, with the exception of Mousehold Heath (see above) are of District significance.

Habitats 5.111

In assigning value to habitats reference is made to the UK BAP priority habitat definitions . Against these criteria for identifying BAP habitats, it is considered that 16

four habitats qualify as UK BAP priority habitats. However, none of these areas are extensive or considered to be of particular high quality examples of such habitat, when judged against other examples in Norfolk. As such they are evaluated as being of District or Local significance only. The other Phase I habitats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; amenity grassland, improved grassland and arable fields including arable margins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do not satisfy the relevant UK BAP priority habitat criteria and are considered to be of significance in the Zone of Influence only.

Wood-pastures and Parkland 5.112

The blocks of parkland qualify as this UK BAP priority habitat on the basis of numerous open-form veteran trees and the presence of traditional grazing.

5.113

This habitat is uncommon in the Norwich area but it is not considered that it is a particularly significant example in the Norfolk context and it therefore is of District significance.

Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland

5.114

It is considered that all of the principal blocks of woodland qualify as this BAP habitat, being semi-natural in character with veteran trees as occasional individuals within most blocks. It is assumed here that the woodland is not ancient, but there is some uncertainty given that they are: shown on historic maps from the mid-19th Century in

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their present shape and form; some indicator species of ancient woodland

44

are

present, although not a significant number of such species; and other ancient woodland sites are known locally and in close proximity (e.g. Tollshill Wood).

5.115

Woodland habitats are relatively infrequent in east Norfolk and the areas within 5km north of Norwich, but in the wider context of Norfolk, these examples are not particularly significant and consequently considered to be of District significance.

Hedgerows

5.116

The majority of intact hedgerows qualify as UK and Norfolk BAP priority habitat on the basis that they comprise more than 80% native woody shrubs and trees.

5.117

Lengths of hedgerow described here as ‘species rich’ are also considered to qualify as ‘Important Hedgerows’ under the Hedgerow Regulations.

5.118

Hedgerows are widespread within the planning authority area and it is not considered that they are of more than Local significance.

Pond

5.119

The pond in Beeston Park is considered to satisfy the definition of a UK BAP priority habitat on the basis that it supports common toad, which is itself a UK BAP priority species. The two other ponds in the proposed development do not meet the qualification criteria.

5.120

Ponds are common within the planning authority area and it is not considered that it is a particularly significant example, thus it is of Local significance.

Plants

5.121

No species of particular note were recorded in the survey area with only three species considered uncommon in Norfolk recorded.

5.122

Plants are therefore considered to be of Local significance.

Species Amphibians 5.123

The only species of note recorded was common toad, a UK BAP species. The population is not likely to be large or particularly significant in a broader context.

5.124

As such common toad is considered to be of Local significance.

44

Rose, F., (1999); Indicators of ancient woodland. The use of vascular plants in evaluating ancient woodlands for nature conservation. British Wildlife 10, 241-251.

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Bats 5.125

As described in the methods, the scheme of Wray et al. (2010)

31

is used for assigning

value to the bats. Within the Survey Area there are three common bats (common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and brown long-eared), four ‘rarer’ bats (Natterer’s, noctule, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, and serotine) and one rarest bat (barbastelle).

5.126

Interpreting the data it is appreciated that the numbers of registrations is an imperfect metric of the numbers of bats, although it is considered to be semi-quantitative, and a precautionary approach is used for estimating numbers.

5.127

As envisaged the common bats are potentially roosting in nearby buildings – including possibly houses on residential estates – and possibly trees on the site, and using the site for foraging. The pipistrelles are also likely to be foraging through urban areas of north Norwich. The rarer bats are more likely to be restricted to trees for roosting – with Natterer’s also using older buildings – and foraging away from urban areas. The barbastelle probably has the most demanding ecological requirements, roosting in trees within sheltered woodland locations and foraging away from urban areas. Within the proposed development the principal foraging habitat will be the woodland blocks, parkland and hedgerows rather than the open arable fields.

Common Pipistrelle

5.128

The UK common pipistrelle population is estimated to be 2 million

45

and data from the

National Bat Monitoring Programme suggests a statistically significant upward trend from baseline levels. It is widespread in Norfolk and numerous roosts are known22.

5.129

The common pipistrelle bat is found throughout urban and rural habitats, but does not show any particular habitat preference. Like the soprano pipistrelle, this species tends to avoid open areas tending to fly alongside hedgerows and woodland edges, although they can cross open areas if required. The home range of 14 bats from a colony of around 100 common pipistrelles in Scotland was 15.26km2

5.130

Within

the

application

site,

common

pipistrelles

46

were

. commonly

encountered

throughout. Given the high level of activity and ubiquitous occurrence and home range of around 15km, the site is likely to form part of the home range of at least one colony (although foraging ranges of colonies may overlap).

45

Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S. and Yalden, D., (1995); A Review of British Mammals. JNCC, Peterborough.

46

Nicholls, B. & Racey, P.A., (2006); Contrasting home-range size and spatial partitioning in cryptic and sympatric pipistrelle bats. Behavioural Ecology and Social Biology 61, 131-142.

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5.131

The level of activity in the proposed development is relatively high and suggestive of a roost nearby. The assessment scoring is:

5.132

x

Species scores ‘2’ (common);

x

Numbers scores ‘20’ (large numbers);

x

Roosts scores ‘4’ (moderate); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for common pipistrelle is ‘29’ equating to District significance. However, based on the available data of the known distribution of the common pipistrelle in Norfolk and the sizes of other roosts in the District it is considered on the basis of professional judgement that this is an over-estimate therefore a revised value of Local-District significance is assigned.

Soprano Pipistrelle

5.133

The soprano pipistrelle is the second most abundant British bat. Maternity roosts in Britain can contain up to 800 adults and are most frequently found close to a number of large water bodies. The soprano pipistrelle is common throughout the UK, and the UK population is estimated to be around 1,300,000 bats, but there has not been a significant change in numbers recently ; in Norfolk it is widely distributed .

47

5.134

48

Soprano pipistrelles travel an average distance of 2km from a maternity colony to their foraging grounds

49

and the home range of 12 bats tagged from a colony of around 250

soprano pipistrelle bats in Scotland measured 4.87 km2 .

46

5.135

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low and not suggestive of a roost within the area. The assessment scoring is:

5.136

x

Species scores ‘2’ (common);

x

Numbers scores ‘20’ (large numbers);,

x

Roosts scores ‘3’ (small number); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for soprano pipistrelle is ‘28’ equating to District. However, based on the available data of the known distribution of the common pipistrelle in Norfolk and the sizes of other roosts in the District, it is considered on the basis of professional

47

Bat Conservation Trust, (2010); The National Bat Monitoring Program: Annual Report 2009. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

48

Greenhough, C., (2009); Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan. Grouped Plan for Bats. Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, Norwich.

49

Racey, P.A. & Swift, S. M., (1985); Feeding ecology of Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) during pregnancy and lactation. 1. Foraging Behaviour. Journal of Animal Ecology 54, 205-215.

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judgement that this is an over-estimate therefore a revised value of Local-District significance is assigned.

Natterer’s 5.137

It is assumed that the Myotis records refer to Natterer’s. Myotis species are difficult to distinguish by call and the presence of other Myotis species cannot be discounted, and indeed a single record of Daubenton’s was identified with confidence. However, on balance it is unlikely that Daubenton’s are present in significant numbers as the species is typically associated with open water areas. The other Myotis in Norfolk, Brandt’s M. brandtii and whiskered M. mystacinus are rarely recorded, known from very few sites and are probably genuinely rare. On balance it is therefore considered reasonable to assume all Myotis registrations are attributable to Natterer’s.

5.138

Natterer’s bats are common and widespread throughout much of the UK, with a UK population estimated to be 148,000 . In Norfolk they are widespread22.

50

5.139

They are typically associated with semi-natural broadleaved woodland and open water (sheltered by trees); arable and dense conifer plantations are avoided. Natterer’s bats roost in tree cavities and within older buildings and a summer colony can use in the region of 25 separate roosting locations .

51

5.140

Given that few registrations of Myotis were detected professional judgement would indicate that they are not roosting on site and the records refer to transient individuals or occasional foraging from elsewhere. The home range of a breeding colony of 35 Natterer’s is around 12km2, with a core area of between 1.5 and 2km2, thus it is likely to be the case that the proposed development is peripheral to a breeding colony elsewhere.

5.141

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low but the regularity of contacts and the abundance of potential roosts near Beeston Hall indicates a roost within the area; also the habitat here is considered to be better is nevertheless scored as a ‘3’. The assessment scoring is:

5.142

50

x

Species scores ‘5’ (rarer);

x

Numbers scores ‘10’ (small numbers);

x

Roosts scores ‘4’ (moderate/not known); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for Natterer’s is ‘22’ equating to District significance.

Bat Conservation Trust, (2007); Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

51

Smith, P.G. & Racey, P.A., (2000); Habitat Management for Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri. Available from: http://www.ptes.org/files/1339_nattererbook.pdf

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Noctule 5.143

The estimated noctule population in Great Britain is 50,000. Results from the National Bat Monitoring Programme suggest that there is a statistically significant increase in noctule populations (above the baseline) . The noctule is a UK and Norfolk BAP 47

species and is widespread in the county.

5.144

Noctules almost exclusively roost in trees, using woodpecker holes and rot holes. They are a fast-flying species, foraging high over habitats including broadleaved woodland, pasture and arable and moorland. They can travel up to 26km from the roost and one study in the UK found that the home range of a colony of 20 noctules was 62.8km 2, with the mean area of 8.2km2 per bat, travelling a mean of 4.23km from the roost to foraging grounds .

52

5.145

The level of activity in the proposed development is relatively low but the regularity of contacts and the abundance of potential roosts near Beeston Hall would indicate

a

roost within the area; also the habitat here is considered to be better but is nevertheless scored as a ‘3’.

5.146

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low and does not indicate a roost within the area. The assessment scoring is:

5.147

x

Species scores ‘5’ (rarer);

x

Numbers scores ‘5’ (individual bats);

x

Roosts scores ‘1’ (none); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for noctule is ‘14’ equating to Local significance.

Barbastelle

5.148

The barbastelle bat is identified as being rare in the UK, with population strongholds in East Anglia. The estimated pre-breeding population in 1995 was 5,000 (4,500 in Britain); in Norfolk there are scattered records across much of the District but concentrated in the northeast .

48

5.149

Data from radio tracking studies undertaken in the UK suggests that that the foraging range of barbastelles varies, in one study in Wales barbastelles fed within 4-7km of the roost compared to for example, 7.67km for lactating bats in Sussex

53 54

. The foraging

52

Mackie, I.J. & Racey, P.A., (2007); Habitat use varies with reproductive state in noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula): Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation 140, 70-77.

53

Billington, G., (2002); Report on Further Research of Barbastelle Bats Associated with Pengelli Forest Special Area of Conservation. CCW Contract Science Report no. 591. CCW, Bangor.

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area for lactating barbastelles in Sussex ranged between 2.6km 2 to 26.8km2 with a core area of 0.61km2 to 11.52km2.

5.150

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low but the regularity of contacts and the abundance of potential roosts near Beeston Hall would indicate

a

roost within the area; also the habitat here is considered to be better but is nevertheless scored as a ‘3’.

5.151

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low and does not a roost within the area. The assessment scoring is:

5.152

x

Species scores ‘20’ (rarer);

x

Numbers scores ‘10’ (small numbers);

x

Roosts scores ‘4’ (moderate/not known); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for barbastelle is ‘37’ equating to ‘Regional’. Based on the current understanding of the barbastelle in Norfolk

48

– and particularly the appreciation that

foraging individuals occur widely - it is considered that this over-estimates the value of the site in both a Norfolk and local context. The species is consequently assigned a value of District significance.

Brown Long-eared 5.153

The UK population is estimated to be 245,000 in England; brown long-eared bats are common and widespread throughout the UK, and widespread in Norfolk .

48

5.154

Maternity roosts are made up of 10-50 adult bats and are typically found in older buildings and trees in association with woodland, foraging and commuting taking place along hedges and/or tree lines, as well as overgrown banks, fences, or streams with vegetation. Bats travel between 1.1km and 3km from roost to foraging areas, spending most of their time within 0.5km of the roost; in 1991 a study in Scotland the estimated population density of brown long-eared bats in the study area was one bat per 10 hectares .

55

5.155

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low but the regularity of contacts and the abundance of potential roosts near Beeston Hall would indicate a roost within the area.

54

Greenway, F., (2008); Barbastelles in the Sussex West Weald 1997-2008.

Available from: http://www.westweald.org.uk/pdf/Barbastelle%20Bats%20in%20the%20Sussex%20West%20Weald%201997-2008.pdf 55

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Swift, S.M., (1998); Long-eared Bats. Poyser, London.

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5.156

5.157

Thus, the assessment scoring is x

Species scores ‘2’ (common);

x

Numbers scores ‘10’ (small numbers);

x

Roosts scores ‘3’ (small number); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for brown long-eared is ‘18’ equating to District significance.

Serotine

5.158

Serotine was recorded as occasional registrations. In Norfolk, serotine bats are rarely recorded and are at the edge of their national range22.

5.159

They will travel up to 12km from the roost to foraging areas, usually via linear features, such as hedgerows, roads or woodland edges . The home range of maternity 56

colonies of bats (containing less than 20 adult bats) in a study carried out in south Cambridgeshire varied between 24-77km2, with the majority of activity concentrated within a core area of 13-33km2

57

. The range of individual bats varied from 0.16km2 to

47.6km2 (mean 7.46km2). The home range of three of the four colonies studied overlapped. On six nights individual bats flew distances of over 20km.

5.160

The few records of the species are consistent with occasional individuals foraging on the site but roosting elsewhere.

5.161

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low and does not indicate a roost within the area. The assessment scoring is:

5.162

56

x

Species scores ‘5’ (rarer);

x

Numbers scores ‘5’ (individual bats);

x

Roosts scores ‘1’ (none); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for serotine is ‘14’ equating to Local significance.

Dietz, C. von Helverson, O. & Dietmar, N., (2009); Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest Africa. A & C Black, London.

57

Robinson, M.F. & Stebbings, R.E., (1997); Home range and habitat use by the serotine bat, Eptesicus serotinus, in England. Journal of Zoology, 243, 117-136.

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Nathusius' pipistrelle 5.163

Nathusius’ pipistrelle is a seasonal long-distance migrant that has been recorded, from ringing studies, as travelling up to 1,905km in some parts of Europe; Nathusius’ pipistrelles usually fly 3–20m and foraging areas can be up to 6.5km from the roost .

26

5.164

A maternity roost is also known to be present in Norfolk 22, thought to be near the east coast. The data are would indicate a single transient individual within the proposed development only.

5.165

The level of activity in the application site is relatively low and not suggestive of a roost within the area. The assessment scoring is:

5.166

x

Species scores ‘5’ (rarer);

x

Numbers scores ‘5’ (individual bats);

x

Roosts scores ‘1’ (none); and

x

Foraging habitat scores ‘3’ (moderate field sizes).

The total score for Nathusius’ pipistrelle is ‘14’ equating to Local significance.

Breeding birds

5.167

The assemblage of breeding birds was species-poor, with species at low density. Only six species of conservation concern were indicated to be breeding in the application site, including the house sparrows foraging on-site but nesting off-site in houses.

Comparable data on the densities of breeding birds are available From Newson et al.

58

(2005), and comparable densities are provided for mixed grass/tilled farmland and tilled farmland (below in Table 5.15). For all species the densities are less than those quoted by Newson et al. (2005).

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Table 5.15 Observed Densities of Farmland Birds Compared to National Estimates . The Application Site is assumed to be 2km2 58

Territories

Common Name

5.168

Densities in Mixed Grass/Tilled & Tilled Farmland

Observed Densities per Km2

Red/Amber Status

House sparrow

1 colony (nesting off-site)

Amber

Not determined

60.6 & 26.2

Dunnock

1

Amber

0.5

23.7 & 16.6

Song thrush

2

Red

1

7.2 & 2.8

Whitethroat

7

Amber

3.5

14.4 & 15.3

Yellowhammer

1

Red

0.5

24.4 & 24.8

Skylark.

6

Red

3

9.7 & 18.9

Six skylark territories were recorded. Despite its UK BAP priority species and Red list statuses and having undergone a decline of 26% in the East of England

23

is considered

a common resident and winter visitor in Norfolk. The species is evaluated as being of Local significance.

5.169

Whitethroat was found widely in tall hedgerows and adjacent scrub. The species is Amber listed, having undergone declines in recent years. In Norfolk, it remains a common summer visitor. The species is evaluated as being of Local significance.

5.170

House sparrows were observed near to the edge of the proposed development near Buxton Road in Old Catton, probably nesting in nearby houses. The UK population of house sparrow has shown a decrease of 9% between 1995 and 2008, and in the same period a loss of 37% in the East of England. It is Amber listed and UK BAP species.

However, in Norfolk, the species is considered to be a common resident22 and many rural villages support colonies with substantial numbers in. The presence of house sparrow is evaluated as being of Local significance.

5.171

One yellowhammer territory was present. The UK population of yellowhammer has decreased by 16% between 1995 and 2008, and has suffered a 22% decline in the East of England during the same time period . The yellowhammer is a Red listed 23

species of conservation concern and UK BAP Priority species on the basis of recent population declines but remains a common resident in Norfolk. The species is evaluated as being of Local significance.

58

Newson, S.E., Woodburn, R.J.W., Noble, D.G., Bailie, S.R. & Gregory, R.D., (2005); Evaluating the Breeding Bird Survey for producing national population size and density estimates. Bird Study 52, 42-54.

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5.172

Dunnock was recorded as a single territory. The UK population of dunnock has increased by 21% between 1995 and 2008, and by 17% in the East of England. In Norfolk this species is common and widespread but it is nevertheless a UK BAP species and Amber listed as a species of conservation concern. The species is evaluated as being of Local significance.

5.173

Song thrush was recorded as two territories. The UK population of song thrush has decreased between 1995 and 2008, with declines apparent in East of England, although in Norfolk this species is common and widespread.It is a UK BAP species and Red listed as a species of conservation concern. The species is evaluated as being of Local significance.

5.174

As breeding species, individually all of the birds are evaluated as being of only Local significance and the assemblage is of low significance (following Percival 2007) .

29

5.175

None of the breeding birds recorded during the survey period are included on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, though it should be noted 2

that all wild breeding birds are protected from damage and/or destruction of nests during the breeding period.

5.176

Likewise the numbers and assemblage of wintering birds are low and species poor. The flocks of passerines were small and comprised only the commoner species potentially present, although several of these are nevertheless UK BAP priority species and/or Red/Amber listed. The wintering bird assemblage is consequently evaluated as being of Local significance.

Brown Hares and Hedgehogs

5.177

Brown hare was present in very low numbers, despite being considered as common, widespread species in Norfolk and brown hares having apparently increased in abundance in recent years22.

5.178

Hedgehogs likewise remain common in Norfolk and although not recorded are almost certainly present in the less intensively farmed areas.

5.179

Both are UK BAP species but it is likely that neither population is significant in a wider context and therefore, they are of Local significance.

Common toad

5.180

Common toads were reported from one pond. This population is unlikely to be of wider significance for the species and the common toad is considered to be of Local significance only.

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Invertebrates 5.181

The woodland and parkland areas are evaluated as being of District significance, as UK BAP priority habitats. This significance level is also considered appropriate for the deadwood invertebrates based on the habitat condition and the presence of key microhabitats. Other habitat areas are of lower potential value and failed to yield significant records during the direct surveys, but several species of moth with UK BAP priority species status are likely to be present. Overall the site is considered to be of District significance for invertebrates, principally deadwood species.

Summary of VERs 5.182

Against the IEEM criteria19, the VERs of greatest significance are the international sites; the majority of others are of Local significance except for woodland, parkland, some bats and invertebrates (Table 5.16).

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Table 5.16 Significance of VERs, in the Application Site Significance

Receptor International Sites The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads SAC and the Broadland SPA.

International.

River Wensum SAC.

International.

Norfolk ValleyValley Fens SAC.

International.

Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA.

International.

Nationally Designated Sites Crostwick Marsh SSSI.

International.

The Broads National Park.

National.

Mousehold Heath Local Nature Reserve.

National.

Non-Statutory County Wildlife Sites.

District.

Habitats Arable fields.

Zone of Influence.

Amenity grassland.

Zone of Influence.

Woodland, broad-leaved semi-natural.

District.

Parkland and scattered trees.

District.

Improved grassland.

Zone of Influence.

Hedgerows.

Local.

Ponds.

Local.

Species Botany.

Local.

Common toad.

Local.

Bats

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Significance

Receptor Common pipistrelle.

Local-District.

Soprano pipistrelle.

Local -District.

Nathusius’ pipistrelle.

Local.

Barbastelle.

District.

Brown long-eared.

District.

Natterer’s and other Myotis species.

District.

Noctule.

Local.

Serotine.

Local.

Birds Breeding Birds.

Local.

Wintering Birds.

Local.

Badgers, Brown Hares, Harvest Mice and Hedgehogs.

Local.

Invertebrates.

District.

PREDICTED IMPACTS 5.183

This section predicts the significance of the impacts, in the absence of mitigation, on the

VERs

presented

in

the

previous

section.

Mitigation,

compensation

and

enhancement measures as well as an assessment of residual impacts are presented following the assessment of impacts in the absence of mitigation.

5.184

In assessing impacts it is considered that several aspects of the scheme are integral to, rather than being mitigation for, the main Development. Thus, for example the areas of public greenspace, including areas of semi-natural planting, the SuDS network that will create a series of linked wetland habitats, and the planting screen with attenuation ponds are all potential beneficial enhancements that are key components of the masterplan. Where appropriate however, these measures are presented within the mitigation section to highlight the measures taken to protect receptors. Further, it is emphasised that the masterplan has been developed following an extensive iterative process with ecology being considered at several key stages, such that many areas of potential conflict have been ‘designed out’ where possible and potential environmental effects minimised.

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5.185

For designated sites outside of the application site, the key potential impacts are from recreation pressure and also from changes to hydrology including abstraction and disposal via the Anglian Water infrastructure and also local effects from site drainage.

5.186

At the more local level, primarily within or immediately adjacent to the proposed development, the key potential impacts are:

5.187

x

Land take and associated habitat loss;

x

Disturbance due to construction operations;

x

Changes in recreation with increased disturbance levels;

x

Fragmentation of habitats;

x

Creation of barriers or other obstacles affecting the movement of animals;

x

Hydrological changes, affecting either surface or ground waters;

x

Changes in the way habitats are managed;

x

Changes in soil conditions;

x

Changes in number of predators and/or prey; and

x

Introduction of new habitats and/or species.

The first part of the impact assessment deals with construction phase effects, within which each potential impact is considered on each receptor in turn; the second part of the of the assessment deals with the operational phase effects of the proposed development. Following IEEM EcIA guidlines19, for each receptor the analysis of each source of potential impact in turn describes the: x

Proposed activity, duration of activity, biophysical change and relevance to receptor;

5.188

x

Characterisation of unmitigated impact on the feature;

x

Rationale for prediction of effect on integrity or conservation status; and

x

Significance without mitigation and confidence in assessment.

To assess the significance of impacts, the sensitivity of receptors (Table 5.2) is considered in relation to the magnitude of each impact (shown in Table 5.4) and the overall significance of impact is assessed using Table 5.5.

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ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS Construction Phase Designated Sites 5.189

The principal designated site of relevance to assessing the impacts during the construction phases is the Crostwick Marsh SSSI (as a component site of The Broads Ramsar Site, The Broads SAC and Broadland SPA) and hence the three international sites for which it is a component site. The application site is not thought to support any of the designated features of these international sites. There are no surface water connections between the site Crostwick Marsh and groundwater flows are considered to move north-east from the site, towards watercourses downstream of Crostwick Marsh. The likelihood of any pollution incidents impacting Crostwick Marsh are consequently considered to be Negligible.

5.190

It is unlikely that other construction phase effects such as noise or airborne dust would travel to Crostwick Marsh and these are considered to be Negligible.

5.191

The distance separating the proposed development from the other two international sites – the River Wensum and Norfolk ValleyValley Fens SAC – and the absence of any apparent hydrological connection makes it unlikely that any construction phase impacts would occur. As such these effects are considered to be Negligible.

5.192

Impacts on Crostwick Marsh SSSI – and the features for which it is designated at a national level – are considered to be the same as for its role as a component site of the International sites and are therefore as discussed above.

5.193

Impacts on The Broads National Park are likely to operate via water pollution and are as considered above, being at most very Minor on a High sensitivity receptor, with an overall impact of Negligible - Minor Negative.

5.194

Mousehold Heath is separated from the application site by 1.9km of urban housing. As such no impacts are considered likely and are assessed as Negligible.

Off-site Receptors: District Wildlife Sites

5.195

Two District Wildlife Sites lie close to the application site. Tollshill Wood is separated by the Wroxham Road and is not connected drainage. Ladies Wood, Church Carr and Springs is the source of Dobbs Beck as described above,

but does not receive

drainage water from the application site. Neither site is likely to be affected by construction noise, being separated by distance and /or the Wroxham Road. Dust or water pollution on either site is likely to have at most a very Minor impact, on a Medium sensitivity receptor, with an overall impact of Negligible - Minor Negative.

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Habitat Loss 5.196

The completed masterplan incorporates key aspects of maintaining, enhancing and creating areas of new habitat. These are integral components of the proposed development although for the purposes of impact assessment they also represent mitigation and enhancement. Thus, the gross structural changes are considered to be integral components, mitigation is defined as actions above the structural components of the masterplan, and enhancement are measures which are specifically designed for nature conservation but would otherwise be absent from the masterplan.

5.197

In gross terms, the area allocated to residential and mixed use development is the western part of the site with Beeston Park and surrounding areas to be allocated as greenspace, with the retention of existing wooded areas and reversion of arable to parkland (Table 5.17). The reversion of arable cropland to high quality parkland habitat, with scattered trees and nutrient poor grassland is an integral component of the masterplan and the area of arable reversion is 21.5ha.

5.198

In terms of the loss of existing habitat, the scheme will result in the loss of all existing arable fields and amenity grassland. Important Hedgerows are largely located around the periphery of the site and will be largely retained although a number of breaches will be required for access roads; the total length to be removed in entirety will be 810m, with 2.49km retained within urban areas as part of structural planting scheme within greenspace. With respect to hedgerows that are not Important Hedgerows but which qualify as UK BAP priority habitat, there will be a net loss of 4.95km from an existing 6.4km; 1.35km of hedgerows without either Important Hedgerow or UK BAP status will be lost. Along the boundary north of Beeston Lane, 315m of new hedgerow will be planted to separate the development from adjacent farmland.

5.199

The existing woodlands and parkland areas of Beeston Park and Red Hall Farm will be retained and enhanced as areas for nature conservation and recreation. As discussed further below for bats, Beeston Park represents the ecological mitigation in terms of the loss of foraging habitat, through additional planting, arable reversion and also broader improvements in management.

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Table 5.17 Habitat Composition of the Completed Development

Habitat Units

Existing Area (ha)

Following Development (ha)

Comment

Farmland Arable fields.

154

Representing majority of the developable area and to be lost in its entirety.

Improved and semi-improved grassland.

7.7

Individual areas likely to be lost.

Distributed Urban Greenspace Natural and seminatural.

14.4

Amenity space

1.06

Sport Sport and recreation grounds.

0.7

12.15

Parks and Plantation Semi-natural woodland.

16.4

16.4

All woodlands to be retained.

Historic parkland.

12.4

12.4

All existing retained.

New parkland planting.

Plantation.

21.5ha

2.8

parkland

area

to

be

Arable reversion areas within Beeston Park.

2.8

Hedgerows and Trees Hedgerows (all).

11.05km

4.25km

Final lengths to include boundary hedgerows and lengths retained within development as structural elements, albeit modified. This figure also includes 315m of new hedgerow along the boundary north of Beeston Lane.

Hedgerows: Important.

3.3km

2.49km

Final lengths to include boundary hedgerows and lengths retained within development as structural elements, albeit modified.

Hedgerows: UK BAP priority (excl

6.4km

1.45km

Final lengths to include boundary hedgerows and lengths retained within

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Habitat Units

Existing Area (ha)

Following Development (ha)

Important Hedgerows).

Comment development as structural elements, albeit modified.

Lines of trees where hedgerows removed.

880m

880m

Trees: Category A (high quality).

89

89

Trees: Category B (moderate quality).

161

145

0

1,500

3 in total

1 natural pond plus SuDS.

Street Trees

Lines of existing trees will be retained, although within urban areas and with breaches for access roads. Significant numbers of trees will be planted within soft landscaping proposals.

Street trees to be planted along roads and greenspace.

Wetland Ponds.

5.200

2 semi-natural ponds to be lost.

Network of new wetlands to be created as part of SuDS.

The overall impact assessment focuses on the consequences of the masterplan on the principal habitats of value (Table 5.18). Those not included are of value within the Zone of Influence only and the significance is therefore Negligible in nature conservation terms.

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Table 5.18 Habitats: Impact Assessment Habitat Units

Comment

Sensitivity

Magnitude

Significance

Seminatural woodland.

Provision of buffer, extension of parkland and practical management will represent habitat enhancement and a biodiversity gain.

Low

Minor Positive

Positive

Historic parkland.

Additional planting of parkland trees will ultimately enhance the habitat, over a long time scale.

Low

Minor Positive

Positive

Hedgerows and hedgerow trees.

Substantial removal and alteration of character are resultant from the masterplan.

Replacement planting will represent mitigation.

Low

Major

Moderate Negative

Ponds.

Two ponds of significance within the Zone of Influence will be lost, while terrestrial areas surrounding the Beeston Park pond will enhance the habitat. Provision of additional wetlands via SUDS creation will also represent enhancement by increasing wetland area.

Very Local

Negligible or Positive

Negligible

Plants 5.201

The three uncommon plant species are associated with disturbed ground and arable margins thus will suffer a substantial loss of habitat. The provision of new nutrientpoor grassland within Beeston Park will represent some alternative habitat for such species.

5.202

On balance the impact will be Moderate on a Very Low sensitivity receptor, with an overall impact of Minor Negative significance.

Bats Overview

5.203

The impact of construction on bats will primarily be through the loss of foraging habitat and possibly roosting sites and the disruption of commuting routes across the landscape. Disturbance of roosts (without destruction) may also be an impact of construction work.

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5.204

As part of the masterplanning process, an iterative approach was taken to minimise severance of commuting routes, to include alternative commuting routes and also through the provision of new foraging areas.

Loss of Foraging Habitat

5.205

Within the majority of the application site, the principal foraging habitats are the hedgerows. Based on the calculation that 7.1km will be lost, and if it is assumed that the hedgerows and verges are 10m wide, this represents a net loss of 7.1ha of foraging habitat. As discussed below, the species of bats sensitive to artificial lights may be displaced from hedgerows along the periphery that may be subject to light pollution, which for these species equates to a habitat area of 11.1ha (11.1km in length by 10m in width).

5.206

In terms of the completed Masterplan, the available foraging habitat will differ among species. Species that are able to tolerate light pollution and urban lighting, are considered to be common and include soprano pipistrelles, noctules and serotines; species that are sensitive to light include barbastelle, Myotis species including Nattererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and brown long-eared . As such the available foraging habitat will be 59

greater for the light tolerant species. Further, following development the greenspace available will include some areas of high quality habitat, such as the restored parkland, and lower quality areas, such as recreation grounds; Table 5.17 summarises the expected habitat availability pre- and post-development. As calculated all species will experience a net gain in high quality habitat, greater for light tolerant species that will not be displaced from peripheral hedgerows.

5.207

It is considered that the creation of new parkland in Beeston Park will be effective in providing alternative, high-quality foraging habitat for bats. First, the new habitats within Beeston Park are close to the key areas of activity found during the field surveys, certainly for brown long-eared, Myotis and barbastelles. Second, in the case of barbastelles they regularly travel long distance nightly, up to 18km, and there is some radio-tracking evidence indicating that they will do so in response to the absence of high quality habitat and where this is made available then travel distances decline .

54

5.208

In summary, it is proposed that for both light tolerant and light sensitive species, there will be a net gain in foraging habitat, as outlined in Table 5.19. The key driver of this improvement is the reversion of the arable units of Beeston Park to both natural, seminatural and amenity space; all of these changes are will be a change from low quality arable to high quality grassland habitat. The loss of hedgerows is viewed as a loss of medium quality habitat, and the loss of arable as a loss of low quality habitat.

59

Bat Conservation Trust, (2008); Bats and Lighting in the UK: Bats and the Built Environment Series. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

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Table 5.19 Net Changes in Foraging Habitat by Quality and Light Sensitivity/Tolerance of Species Net change in Very Low and Low Quality Habitat

Habitat Units Light tolerant species.

Net change in Medium to High Quality Habitat

-134ha

+14.7ha

Losses: arable fields, improved grass and playing fields.

Gains: new parkland planting.

Losses: hedgerows to be removed.

Gains: urban greenspace and recreation grounds.

Light sensitive species.

-164ha

+3.05ha

Losses: arable fields, improved grass and plying fields.

Gains: parks and plantation, formal and informal amenity space; allotments.

Gains: None, as low quality habitat likely to be lit.

Losses: hedgerows including all boundary hedgerows.

Commuting Routes 5.209

As identified within the baseline surveys, the key commuting routes were along the North Walsham Road and also along the edges of the Beeston Park woodlands. The key objectives of the masterplanning work was therefore to retain these identified and other likely routes, and develop new movement corridors along and through the urbanised landscape (Table 5.20). As green routes these will be tree-lined with low intensity use and low level lighting with appropriate lux levels, stand heights and the use of baffles.

Table 5.20 Key Movement Corridors for Bats within the Masterplan Location

Objectives of Masterplan

Characteristics

Between existing estate housing and application site.

Retain a movement corridor east-west.

Incorporate buffer where possible, including public open space and rear gardens.

South end of Church Lane.

Maintain a wide buffer and an east-west corridor.

Provision of a wide dark corridor in the vicinity of the church, including the existing Millennium woodland, allotments and cemetery and the expansion of the latter two. Include a green route from northeast corner of this area to the Beeston Park woodlands.

Beeston Park woodlands.

Buffer outside of woodlands.

20m buffer around woodlands to allow bats to fly along the woodland edge.

North Walsham Road, Beeston Lane, Beeston Park Edge and Church Lane South.

Maintain these as commuting routes.

Green routes to maintain identified commuting routes across the wider landscape.

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Roosts 5.210

No roosts have been identified within the application site although more significant buildings in its vicinity support roosts and the masterplan has been designed accordingly. Likewise no tree roosts have been identified and the key areas of bat activity are to be enhanced or buffered; therefore, none will be lost.

Impact Assessment

5.211

Table 5.21 summarises the impact assessment for individual bat species. For both common and soprano pipistrelles and the rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle the magnitude of effects is considered to be Negligible, given their tolerance of urban situations coupled with the provision of new foraging areas. For the remaining species a magnitude of Minor Negative is assigned to ensure a conservative estimate of impacts.

Table 5.21 Bats: Impact Assessment Habitat Units

Sensitivity

Magnitude

Significance

Common pipistrelle.

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Soprano pipistrelle.

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Nathusius’ pipistrelle.

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Barbastelle.

Medium

Minor

Minor Negative

Brown long-eared.

Medium

Minor

Minor Negative

Natterer’s and other Myotis species.

Medium

Minor

Minor Negative

Noctule.

Low

Minor

Minor Negative

Serotine.

Low

Minor

Minor Negative

Birds 5.212

Two construction impacts are anticipated for birds, namely habitat loss/change and disturbance.

5.213

The impact on ‘habitats’ is described above, with the bird species at greatest risk being the species of arable farmland and hedgerows. Realistically the majority of the pairs of yellowhammer, skylark and whitethroat will be lost, although the enhancement of Beeston Park will provide new additional habitat. Dunnock, song thrush and house sparrows will occupy urban habitats and will benefit from the net increase in non-

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arable habitat. The impact of habitat loss by the

proposed development is

consequently assessed separately for the birds of farmland habitat and those tolerant of urban habitats.

5.214

Construction impacts such as disturbance will be of Minor magnitude on Very Low sensitivity receptors, with an overall impact of Moderate Negative significance.

5.215

Thus habitat loss, for yellowhammer, skylark and whitethroat the impact will be Major on Very Low sensitivity receptors, with an overall impact of Moderate Negative significance.

5.216

Thus habitat change, for dunnock and house sparrow the impact will be Minor Positive on Very Low sensitivity receptors, with an overall impact of Negligible significance.

Brown Hares and Hedgehogs

5.217

The likely impacts of construction on both species are mostly due to habitat loss and change. Brown hares are a species of open fields, both arable and pasture, thus the species is likely to be lost from the proposed development. Hedgehogs are able to live in developments, in gardens and other areas of cover and feeding on open amenity grassland; densities are potentially higher in developed areas than arable cropland .

60

5.218

Thus, for brown hare the impact of habitat loss will be Major on Very Low sensitivity receptors, with an overall impact of Moderate Negative significance.

5.219

For hedgehogs the impact of habitat change will be Minor Positive on Very Low sensitivity receptors, with an overall impact of Negligible significance.

Invertebrates

5.220

The impact of construction on invertebrates is primarily likely to result from habitat loss and change but with some of the integral habitat creation conversely of benefit to some species. The two suites of species of value are the: (i) moths which have undergone recent population declines and have consequently been afforded UK BAP status; and (ii) deadwood species potentially present in the woodland and parkland.

5.221

The enhancement of Beeston Park is considered to represent the provision of high quality invertebrate habitat. The planting of new parkland trees will ensure a continuity of open growth parkland trees and standing deadwood in the long-term. For the moths, the provision of nutrient-poor grassland will provide a habitat that is locally scarce.

60

Harris, S., Morris, P., Wray, S. and Yalden, D., (1995); A Review of British Mammals. JNCC, Peterborough.

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5.222

As such, it is proposed that the magnitude of impacts will be Minor Positive on Low sensitivity receptors and as such will be of Minor Positive significance.

Operational Phase 5.223

The principal operational impacts relate to designated sites and species groups rather than habitats. As such the scope of the operation phase effects is restricted.

Designated Sites

5.224

During the operational phase the principal effects on the Designated Sites are considered to be: water use and disposal; and increased recreational disturbance.

Water

5.225

The designated sites in the proximity of the proposed development are all wetlands: the River Wensum SAC is potentially affected by water abstraction from boreholes at Costessey; component sites of The Broadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; international sites may further be affected by abstraction if boreholes other than Costessey are used and also by disposal from Whittlingham Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW). Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA are approximately downstream of Whitlingham WWTW and may be impacted by impacts by effluent.

5.226

However, the potential impacts associated with water abstraction and discharges by the WWTW on these designated sites have been identified at a strategic level by the Habitats Regulations Assessment carried out for the JCS . An agreement has been 13

made with Anglian Water, the Environment Agency and Natural England to determine an approach to safeguard the qualifying criteria for these sites. This includes measures around limiting water abstraction and an increase in water treatment capacity within the overall water infrastructure. However, the assessment requires that individual sites and proposals also review their potential impacts from all aspects or the proposed developments at a local level. As such potential impacts from water abstraction and discharge are not considered to result from the proposals.

Recreation Disturbance 5.227

In the context of potential disturbance it is considered that the River Wensum SAC is unlikely to be subject to negative effects as it is largely not accessible to the public, running through private farmland and with strict regulation of activities such as canoeing and fishing. Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA lie in close proximity to The Broads and the issues are similar in terms of disturbance from boating and land-based visitors.

5.228

There are three stages to understanding of whether, and if so how, increasing the number of houses present may affect the integrity of The Broadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sites. First, the

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characteristics and distribution of the qualifying features needs to be identified; second, the magnitude of changes in visitor numbers and disturbance needs to be quantified; and third, these need to be integrated to identify the significance of any changes to population processes.

5.229

The characteristics of the qualifying features are broad and varied (shown in Table 5.7), including habitats, plants and invertebrates found on a limited number of sites with limited public access, such as the fen orchid or the whirlpool snail. In contrast, marsh harrier, whooper and Bewickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swans and pink footed geese occur widely both within protected sites but also on neighbouring farmland and undesignated wetlands, and as such an understanding of the role of supporting habitat is crucial.

5.230

There is currently very little understanding as to how increasing the number of houses translates into changes in the disturbance pressure experienced by protected sites and their species of conservation concern

61 62

. In terms of the link between disturbance and

the knock-on effects on population processes, there is some available data, including studies on pink footed geese in Norfolk 5.231

63 64

.

On balance, in the context of demonstrating that the impacts of the proposed development will not affect the integrity of designated sites, a Negligible effect cannot yet be concluded. As such the magnitude of recreation impacts on The Broads Ramsar Sites, The Broads SAC, the Broadland SPA, Breydon Water Ramsar Site and Breydon Water SPA are considered to be Minor, acting on a Very Sensitive receptor and as such the overall significance of impact is Moderate Negative.

5.232

In the context of a Habitats Regulations Assessment , it is considered that the test of 32

likely significant effects has been rejected and an Appropriate Assessment should be triggered; refer to Chapter 1.0: Introduction & Assessment Methodology and Appendix 5.2 Appropriate Assessment of this ES for further details.

Bats 5.233

Lighting is considered to be the key operational impact on bats. Of the species recorded on the site, the common and soprano pipistrelle, noctule and serotine are considered to be less sensitive to artificial lighting but Myotis including Nattererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, barbastelle and brown long-eared are sensitive to artificial light . Artificial lights will 47

deter bats from using commuting routes and foraging areas with potential knock-on

61

Liley, D., (2007); Access to the Countryside and Bird Conservation: Priorities for Research. Natural England Research Report 028. Natural England, Peterborough.

62

Sutherland, W.J., (2007); Future directions in disturbance research. Ibis 149 (S1) 120â&#x20AC;&#x201C;124.

63

Gill, J.A., (2007); Approaches to measuring the effects of human disturbance on birds. Ibis 149 (S1), 9-14.

64

Gill, J.A., Norris, K. & Sutherland,W.J., (2001); Approaches to measuring the effects of human disturbance on birds.

Biological Conservation 97, 265-268.

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effects at the population level . Inappropriate lighting along green routes will deter the 65

sensitive bats from using them with consequent impacts on foraging and commuting, although the data on impacts population consequences of such are sparse . As 66

considered under construction impacts, the buffer zones along the Beeston Park woodlands and within the Park itself, as well as the green routes for commuting bats, will be kept dark through the use of low intensity lights, low lamp holders and baffles.

Key routes for commuting bats include the greener streets within the project and corridors of darker habitat and utilising existing areas such as the Millenium Woodland and the allotments between North Walsham Road, and the Park and Ride site with a green link through the project area to Beeston Park. With these measures as integral components of the Masterplan, it is considered that the impact of lights on bats will not affect the movement of bats across the landscape along commuting routes. Although the ability of bats to tolerate the lit urban environment differs among species it is nevertheless considered that the light sensitive species will nevertheless be able to travel across the landscape to foraging areas and consequently the impact will be Negligible.

Birds 5.234

Mortality from domestic pets and cars are likely, but the effects of a population are difficult to quantify and despite academic research remains an area of ambiguity .

67

Impacts will be within the proposed development and up to 200m or so of the residential areas. As such the effects are considered to be Minor Negative on Low sensitivity receptors and of Minor Negative significance.

Invertebrates 5.235

The key impact of the operational phase to on-site invertebrates and within tens of metres of the boundary is from artificial lighting, attracting and killing individual insects, and also the repulsion of some species. Both will impact the local population sizes of some species. The understanding of the impacts of lighting on invertebrates is poor

68

although some evidence is available to demonstrate negative population

consequences . The impact of urban lighting on moths is assigned a value of Moderate 69

65

Stone, E.L. Jones, G. & Harris, S., (2009); Street Lighting Disturbs Commuting Bats. Current Biology 19, 1123-1127.

66

Murphy, S., Hill, D. & Greenaway, F., (2009); Pilot Study of a Technique for Investigating the Effects of Artificial Light and Noise Activity on Bat Activity. University of Sussex, Brighton.

67

Woods, M, McDonald, R. & Harris, S., (2010); Predation of wildlife by domestic cats Felis catus in Great Britain. Mammal Review 22, 174-188.

68

Bruce-White, C. & Shardlow, M., (2011); A Review of the Impact of Artificial Light on Invertebrates. Buglife, Peterborough.

69

Davies, T.W., Bennie, J. & Gaston, K.J., (2012); Street lighting changes the composition of invertebrate communities.

Biology Letters 8, 764-767.

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Negative overall, on a Low sensitivity receptor and therefore of Minor Negative significance.

MITIGATION, COMPENSATION & ENHANCEMENT 5.236

As described, much of the masterplanning was undertaken as an iterative process including feedback from the ecology surveys to remove points of potential conflict and to maximise ecological opportunities within the application site. As such, much of what may be considered mitigation is in fact integral to the project; however it is worthwhile highlighting a number of key areas where mitigation and enhancement will be undertaken.

5.237

In preparing the masterplan, consideration was given to recent green infrastructure and ecological network studies

25

24

70

. These studies identify the location of the

proposed development in an area of ecological enhancement, where the key components of an ecological network are those that:

5.238

x

Significantly increase the area of grassland;

x

Significantly increase the connectivity of woodland in core areas; and

x

Increase the area of heathland-wood pasture in suitable areas.

As far as possible the proposed development addresses all three recommendations, with the restoration of Beeston Park being a significant action to increase the area of nutrient poor, acidic-type grassland and parkland, with consequential benefits for the important species groups of: birds, bats and invertebrates.

Habitats Hedgerows 5.239

Hedgerows are the principal habitat of ecological value to be lost. It is consequently proposed that off-site mitigation will be undertaken on the Beeston Estate, as shown in Figure 5.7 Proposed locations of hedgerow planting and enhancement within the Beeston Estate. The composition of new hedgerow planting will be of native species with a composition representative of species-rich hedgerows locally. The mitigation will comprise: x

New hedgerow planting including the re-instatement of lost hedgerows, new hedgerow planting associated with the development of the Northern Distribution Route (NDR) and new hedgerows as boundaries to the development area. At least 3.9km of new hedgerow will be planted;

70

Landscape Partnership, (2009); Greater Norwich Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Landscape Partnership, Bedford.

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x

Enhancement of existing defunct hedgerows adjacent to Buxton Road, with infilling using shrubs and trees of approximately 120m; and

x

Removal of a line of non-native hedgerow north of Beeston Hall and replacement (250m).

Woodland 5.240

Within the existing woodland areas, it is proposed that active management will be undertaken to enhance their ecological value and also to control a likely increase in recreational use. Measures will include: the removal of non-native conifers; enhancing the immediate surroundings of veteran trees through the removal of inappropriate trees such as sycamore that are excessively shading them ; and constructing paths to 71

control visitor access and to direct visitors from sensitive areas.

Parkland 5.241

Within Beeston Park 21.5ha of arable fields will be reverted to parkland habitat with additional management in the existing woodlands. The key actions will comprise grassland creation, new tree planting and enhanced management: x

The aim of the grassland creation will be to create acid grassland or a more flower-rich sward with acid grassland components appropriate to the site. The prescription for doing so will be depend on a more detailed assessment of current soil conditions, particularly pH and nutrients levels. A number of techniques are available for creating appropriate soil conditions including intensive mowing or the use of agricultural crops such as barley or linseed for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nutrient strippingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the use of sulphur-based fertilisers, although the time frame to create an appropriate sward may exceed seven years. It is likely that the seedbank is depleted and an appropriate seed mix will be required to create the sward, either bought commercially or sourced locally from the existing parkland grassland and arable verges;

x

The aim of tree planting will be to allow the development of open-growth form specimens, appropriate in landscape terms and able to develop standing dead wood (Alexander 1999) ; the planting of dense stands of young trees in 43

plantation arrangements will be avoided. Along the existing woodland edges and as appropriate within the wider parkland, some flowering-shrubs will also be planted to provide nectar resources particularly in spring, including willows Salix species, hawthorn and elder; and

71 71

, K., Stickler, D. & Green, T., (2011); Rescuing veteran trees from canopy competition. Conservation Land Management 9, 12-16.

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x

Enhanced management will include the removal of non-native conifers from the existing woodlands and also halo-ing to remove encroaching canopies from above veteran trees (Alexander et al. 2011) . All works here will also enhance the 71

habitat for bats, creating new foraging areas within any new open glades but also mindful of the potential presence of roosts even behind minor features such as flaking bark. Felled timber from the development will be placed in the park to create new dead wood habitat of various types, including the creation of log piles in shaded and sunny situations; as far as possible felled timber will be retained as large logs.

Urban Areas 5.242

Within the main urban areas, in addition to the open greenspaces of gardens and public areas, smaller scale green spaces will include green roofs, green walls and balconies. Street trees will include significant proportions of native species and those recognised as being of wildlife value, recognising potential constraints such as honeydew deposition on cars, rooting depths in relation to foundation depths and canopy spread (following BS 5837 2012 ). Figure 5.7 Green Infrastructure Plan shows 72

the relationship between the greenspaces and the linkages to the wider landscape.

5.243

The merits of green roofs for invertebrates are considered below (paragraphs 5.255 to 5.256), as is the potential value of urban landscaping for birds (paragraphs 5.250 to 5.254).

Species Groups Bats 5.244

The mitigation for bats comprises three key measures: the urban landscape design, including strategic layout, lighting and the provision of new roosting opportunities; the enhancement of Beeston Park as new foraging habitat; and the off-site planting of new hedgerows.

5.245

The masterplanning of the project developed following a detailed understanding of current bat activity and flight routes, with the intention of retaining key strategic links across the landscape. Although prepared prior to the publication of recent design guidance , the proposals are entirely consistent with the measures to maintain 73

landscape connectivity. Within the baseline key areas of bat activity include: along the southern portion of the North Walsham Road; along the southern edges of the Beeston

72

BSI, (2012);Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction. Recommendations. BSI. .

73

Gunnell, K., Grant, G. & Williams, C., (2012); Landscape and Urban Design for Bats and Biodiversity. Bat Conservation Trust, London.

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Park woodlands; and along the edges of the woodlands at Red Hall Farm. In consequence the masterplan contains several strong structural corridors to facilitate north-south movements from the edge of existing urban areas to the wider countryside, east-west movements and the continued use of the Beeston Park edge.

5.246

Four streets are identified as providing greater contribution to bat activity and wider green infrastructure, with low light levels, lower disturbance and traffic, significant tree planting and other soft landscaping, and with associated buildings having green walls, roofs and front gardens: x

North Walsham Road was identified as supporting substantial levels of bat activity.

The road will be partially re-aligned and the northern part of the existing route will become a residential street with low care use and pedestrian priority; it will include significant levels of street and garden planting and provide only low levels of street lighting through a combination of measures including the use of directional lighting, baffles and reduced stand heights for street lights;

x

Beeston Lane runs east-west and links Red Hall Farm and Beeston Park. Although not identified as supporting significant levels of bat activity it is intended to provide corridor and as such it will remain lined with the existing hedgerows and standing trees, surrounded by additional soft landscaping; it will remain as a quiet, access-only lane with cycle and pedestrian priority;

x

Beeston Park Edge will be a very green, residential street with houses fronting the street and overlooking a new landscaped corridor buffering Beeston Park. The street will provide a low light environment with structural landscaping including the retention of the majority of standing trees, new tree and shrub planting and garden planting. A buffer between the street and the existing edge of the woodlands will comprise 20 metres of landscaped area incorporating formal and informal play space, areas of wetland and small ponds as part of the SuDS network, forest garden and planting to complement the woodland habitat; and

x

Church Lane South will be maintained as far as possible as a quiet, tree-lined lane, with habitat of value to bats and other wildlife. At a strategic level, Church Lane South connects to other significant areas of semi-natural habitat of value to bats and contributes to an east-west corridor immediately north of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church (comprised of the off-site Millenium Woodland, allotments and churchyard and then linking through to the Beeston Park woodland along a strategic series of public greenspace and SuDS arranged as a series of links running northeast).

5.247

The design of the open spaces includes significant provision for bats through the creation of public open space, street trees, gardens, SuDS and green walls and roofs.

The character of individual areas varies according to intended use but throughout the majority of soft landscaping will either comprise native species of plants of recognised value for wildlife.

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5.248

The restoration of Beeston Park with 21.5ha of arable reversion and tree planting is considered to represent a significant new area of foraging habitat, with the works also enhancing existing features, such as the contexts of veteran trees and the Beeston Park woodlands. Parkland is a significant foraging habitat for bats, including the rarer species with key features being unimproved grassland, water bodies, woodland and tree lines . As described above, the Park will be structurally linked to areas of current 74

bat activity through the structural links in the masterplan and the buffered against Beeston Park Edge. The time-frame within which the reversion works can create new foraging habitat is likely to be several years, but some areas can be targeted to be enhanced within shorter timeframes; for example, within the SuDS (where the development of populations of wetland invertebrates can be rapid) and creating areas of flower-rich grassland able to attract pollinators from outside the project area rather than requiring the development of in situ populations.

5.249

The off-site planting of hedgerows and the creation of arable margin habitat for farmland birds will also constitute mitigation for bats, as foraging habitat and in improving landscape connectivity. Based on a figure of 4km of new hedgerow planting (paragraph 5.241) with a width of 3m this will constitute an additional area of 1.2ha of foraging habitat, to which will be an additional 2ha of verge habitat (paragraph 5.255).

Birds

5.250

The enhancement of Beeston Park with is an integral part of the masterplan and the assessment of impacts on species considered included this, rather that it comprising as a mitigation measure for impacts. Although its recreational use may reduce its value for some species such as the ground-nesting skylarks it is expected to be of value for many species including whitethroat and yellowhammer.

5.251

Two suites of species are likely to occupy the proposed development: birds of urban habitats such as house sparrow and swift (UK BAP/Red list and Amber list respectively), and species of scrub and hedgerow that are tolerant of developed areas particularly dunnock (UK BAP and Amber list). Both will benefit from appropriate soft landscaping as sources of food, with insect prey for fledglings shown to be a limiting resource for some birds such as house sparrow , dunnock and swift Apus apus .

75

5.252

76

It is specifically proposed to include swift boxes within the development, with the design and location to be agreed, including whether they will be integral features or

74

Glendell, M. & Vaughan, N., (2002); Foraging activity of bats in historic landscape parks in relation to habitat composition and park management. Animal Conservation 5, 309-316.

75

Peach, W.J., Vincent, K.E., Fowler, J.A. & Grice, P.V., (2008); Reproductive success of house sparrows along an urban gradient. Animal Conservation 11, 493-503.

76

Shortall, C.R., Moore, A., Smith, E., Hall, M.J., Woiwod, I.P. & Harrington, R., (2009); Long-term changes in the abundances of flying insects. Insect Conservation and Diversity 2, 251-260.

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retro fitted. Generic guidance on the erection of such boxes will be followed . In terms 77

of the number of boxes it is proposed that 150 boxes will be erected, which is comparable to the number of potential nest sites in the famous Oxford University Museum swift colony . It is considered that the project will make a significant 78

contribution towards the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan for swifts .

79

5.253

The off-site planting of new hedgerows will constitute significant mitigation for farmland birds, further to which it is proposed that a package of measures are implemented off-site within the remainder of the Beeston Estate, based on the farmland bird package as proposed by the RSPB

80

for the enhancement of birds on

arable and mixed farms. The extent of mitigation is proposed as being appropriate for creating high quality habitat on farms, and are determined form the area of farmland lost to the project, (154ha of arable cropland). The measures proposed are: x

Providing skylark plots in winter cereals, with 20 per 100ha as a standard density, equivalent to 18 plots to be created; and

x

Creation of a network of insect-rich habitats across the farm using one or more of the unfertilised conservation headlands on 1% of farmland, equivalent to the creation of 2ha.

5.254

Mitigation of impacts through vegetation clearance will be through the timing of works to avoid the March-August nesting period; where this is not possible then an ecological watching brief should be employed.

Invertebrates

5.255

It is specifically proposed that green roofs will represent a local enhancement of the site for invertebrates, with this context provided by the close proximity (1.9km) of Mousehold Heath. The enhancement and extension of heathland habitat is a green infrastructure project within the remit of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP undated). This site supports a rich invertebrate fauna with rare and scarce bees and wasps being a significant component

81 82

, with surveys recording eleven rare and

scarce species of bee and wasps. Seven of these species are ground-nesting, requiring

77

Swift Conservation, (2012); conservation.org/swift_bricks.htm 78 79

Swift

Bricks:

Cheap

and

Easy!.

Available

http://swift-

OUMNH, (2012); Swifts In The Museum. Available from: http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/visiting/swifts/index.htm

RSPB, (2012); Swifts (Apus apus) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Species http://www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/actionplans/speciesactionplans/swift.aspx

Action

Plan.

80

RSPB, (2009); Farmland Bird Package. http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/farming/advice/conservation/package/index.aspx

118

from:

Available Available

81

Norwich City Council, (2002); Biodiversity Action Plan for the City of Norwich. Norwich City Council, Norwich.

82

Norwich City Council, (2010); Mousehold Heath Management Plan. Norwich City Council, Norwich.

at: at:

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bare earth and short sward grassland; one of these species, Ectemnius sexinctus, has been recorded nesting on a green roof elsewhere .

83

5.256

It is proposed therefore that approximately 10% of roofs overall will be extensive green roofs, designed to provide invertebrate habitat, with a variety of substrate and sward types. Given such a design and the proximity of Mousehold Heath there is a realistic likelihood of these green roofs being colonised; given the absence of significant heathland habitat elsewhere in the vicinity it is considered that this will provide a significant contribution to invertebrate conservation locally. These green roof habitats will also complement the open grassland habitats to be created in Beeston Park, some of which will have grass heath components.

5.257

The

enhancement

of

Beeston

Park

represents

a

significant

contribution

for

invertebrates, with new parkland tree planting providing new and a continuity of dead wood resources, the enhanced management of the existing woodlands will also be appropriate for the management of dead wood invertebrates. The creation of new acid grassland areas will represent a significant area of new habitat similar to Mousehold Heath.

General Factors 5.258

During construction works, mitigation will be required to minimise impacts of working practices; among the measures to be implemented will be: x

Pollution prevention measures to protect watercourses and soil, during main construction and particular during the construction. These will be minimised through the use of appropriate work practices as outlined in ‘Pollution Prevention Guidelines 5 – Works & Maintenance In or Near Water’ ; 84

x

Measures to minimise inadvertent disturbance of any bat roosts and nesting birds via noise, vibration and lighting. Appropriate working practices are to include the sensitive siting of work compounds, use of noise suppressed machinery, and staff training; and

x

Works near to trees to be in accordance with BS 5837

72

to prevent root

compaction, root severance and impact damage.

SUMMARY OF RESIDUAL IMPACTS 5.259

Overall, the proposed development will result in a Moderate Negative impacts on hedgerows even with off-site mitigation, but for other VERs it is considered that the

83

Buglife, (2012); Creating Green Roofs for Invertebrates: A Best Practice Guide. Buglife, Peterborough.

84

Environment Agency, (2007); Pollution Prevention Guidance. Works In or Near Water. Environment Agency, Bristol.

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net effect will be Positive, through the provision of new habitat areas in conjunction with some off-site mitigation (shown in Table 5.22 below).

Table 5.22 Residual Impacts and Positive Benefits on Key Receptors Receptor

Mitigation / Enhancement

Net Impact

Hedgerows.

4km of new hedgerow to be planted off-site but net loss of approximately 7km.

Moderate Negative.

Other habitats.

Increase in area of parkland, with this buffering and supporting adjacent woodland. Active management of woodland. SuDS providing additional wetland habitat.

Positive.

Bats.

Net increase in high quality foraging areas.

Positive.

Birds.

New parkland areas of value to some species with off-site mitigation for farmland species.

Positive.

Measures for urban birds, including a major swift box scheme.

Invertebrates.

Increase in parkland habitat and improved woodland management.

Positive.

New heathland-type habitats created on green roofs and within Beeston Park.

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NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Redline Boundary of Application Site

OPA Boundary

Assessment Area Woodland Semi-Natural Broadleaved Coniferous Plantation Mixed Plantation Parkland / Scattered Trees Semi-Natural Broadleaved Plantation Ponds Arable Improved Grassland Amenity Grassland Semi-Improved Grassland Hedge Tree Line Hardstanding Buildings

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.1 Habitat Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON

Redline Boundary of Application Site Assessment Area

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.2 Common Pipistrelle: Numbers of Registrations Per Night of Automated Recording Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area

Redline Boundary of Application Site

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.3 Barbastelle: Numbers of Registrations Per Night of Automated Recording

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area Redline Boundary of Application Site

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.4 Trees of High and Medium Potential for Roosting Bats

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area Redline Boundary of Application Site

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.5 Locations of Breeding Bird Territories

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area Redline Boundary of Application Site

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.6 Wintering Farmland Birds

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area

REDLINE BOUNDARY OF APPLICATION SITE

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.7 Green Infrastructure Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area

Redline Boundary of Application Site OPA Boundary Reinstatement Replacement of Conifers Infilling of Gaps

New Hedgerow (Potential Lengths along NDR)

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.7 Proposed Locations of Hedgerow Planting and Enhancement within the Beeston Estate Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.

N

NORTH SPROWSTON AND OLD CATTON Assessment Area

REDLINE BOUNDARY OF APPLICATION SITE

Greengage Environmental 64 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BL T: 0203 544 4000 www.greengage-env.com

FIGURE 5.8 Green Infrastructure Plan

Job No. 2179 - Not to scale - September 2012

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright reserved.