ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Non-Technical Summary · Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary i.2 Background i.2.1 The site of the Proposed Development is within Daresbury Strategic

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Non-Technical Summary

Delph Lane North

Residential Development

Full Application

June 2014

Delph Lane North Residential Development, Daresbury Full Application

Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary

Delph Lane North Residential Development, Daresbury

Full Application

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Statement

Non-Technical Summary

June 2014

Prepared by

TEP

Genesis Centre

Birchwood Science Park

Warrington

WA3 7BH

Tel: 01925 844004

Fax: 01925 844002

e-mail: [email protected]

for

Redrow Homes (NW) Ltd.

Redrow House

St. David’s Park, Ewloe Flintshire,

CH5 3RX

Tel: 01244 545655



I.0 Non-Technical Summary

i.1 Introduction

i.1.1 This Environmental Statement accompanies a full planning application for consent

under the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) (as amended) for a residential

development of up to 295 dwellings between the West Coast Main Line and the

Chester to Warrington Regional Railway, as shown in Inset i.1. Proposals also

include a network of pedestrian and cycle greenway routes. Consent is also being

sought for the creation of a new spine road south from the A558 through the new

development up to the Chester-Warrington rail line.

Inset i.1 Proposed Development Site Aerial Context

i.1.2 Full details of the effects of the Proposed Development are contained within the

Environmental Statement under the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) (as

amended).

i.1.3 The Environmental Statement provides details of the proposed works and an

assessment of the potential environmental effects arising from construction and

operation as required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental

Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (EIA Regulations).

i.1.4 This document provides a Non-Technical Summary of the predicted effects on the

environment of the Proposed Development.



i.2 Background

i.2.1 The site of the Proposed Development is within Daresbury Strategic Site (Inset

i.2), as defined in the adopted Halton Borough Council’s Core Strategy, which

forms part of the wider East Runcorn Key Area of Change.

i.2.2 The Core Strategy allocates land for specific uses within the Strategic Site

including land for residential development, a local centre and employment.

i.2.3 Under this Key Area of Change the Daresbury Strategic Site will deliver:

26ha of expansion for B1 science, high tech and research development at

Daresbury SIC;

40ha of land for the expansion of office and knowledge based facilities at

Daresbury Park;

Phased delivery of 1,400 dwellings brought forward in 3 phases; and

A mixed use neighbourhood centre including a marina.

Inset i.2: Daresbury Strategic Site (Cource: Halton Core Strategy Policy CS11)



i.2.4 This Proposed Development of up to 800 dwellings, commercial land and a

marina aims to delivering the residential and commercial objectives for Daresbury

Strategic Site, on land specially allocated for this purpose.

i.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process

i.3.1 The EIA Regulations require that before consent is sought for certain types of

development, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be undertaken.

i.3.2 The Regulations set out the forms of development which must always be subject

to Environmental Impact Assessment (Schedule 1 development) and other

developments which may require assessment (Schedule 2 development).

i.3.3 The Council formed a ‘Screening Opinion’ (dated 13th November 2012) stating that

the proposed development comprises EIA development under the Regulations,

falling within Schedule 2, specifically category 10(b) ‘Infrastructure Projects’.

i.4 Consultation

i.4.1 Redrow Homes (NW) Ltd. has engaged with key stakeholders including Halton

Borough Council officers, Daresbury Parish Council, local residents and local

councillors during the development of design proposals for the Site. Details of this

consultation process, including the methods used and findings are represented in

the ‘Statement of Community Involvement’, which accompanied the Planning

Application.

i.5 Content of the Environmental Statement

i.5.1 The ES contains the following information:

A description of the Proposed Development and an outline of the alternatives

considered;

A description of the likely significant effects of the Proposed Development on

the following environmental topics:

o Ecology;

o Geology;

o Hydrology and Flood

Risk;

o Air Quality;

o Historic Environment;

o Landscape and Views;

o Traffic and Transport;

o Socio-Economics;

o Land Use

o Waste; and

o Climate Change.

A description of measures proposed to prevent, reduce or where possible off-

set any significant adverse effects on the environment.



i.6 Project Proposals

Alternatives

i.6.1 The Daresbury Strategic Site was subject to consideration as far back as during

the production of the Unitary Development Plan, which was adopted following

public inquiry in 2005. Following this, Halton Borough Council included Daresbury

Strategic Site in its consideration of spatial options for its Core Strategy. After

significant public consultation and a further sustainability appraisal of the options,

Halton Council concluded that the Daresbury Strategic Site would be taken

forward into the Core Strategy.

i.6.2 Following a subsequent, more detailed, sustainability appraisal and examination in

public, the Halton Core Strategy (now known as its Local Plan) was adopted in

April 2013.

i.6.3 Policy CS11 of the Local Plan makes specific reference to the Proposed

Development as part of the area required to help deliver up to 1400 dwellings.

i.6.4 In summary, Halton Borough Council has considered alternative locations for

residential development and alternative uses for this site, and has concluded that

on the basis of evidence, the site is appropriately allocated for residential

development of the type proposed. A full description of the reasons why the Site is

allocated is set out in the preamble to policy CS11 in Halton’s Local Plan.

i.6.5 Alternatives have also been considered during the design phases of the Proposed

Development, with iterations of the masterplan for the site in recent months,

following consultations with stakeholders and initial environmental assessment

findings. Alternative designs have considered housing density, layout, access

arrangements, massing and appearance in addition to the extent of provision of

green space, pedestrian routes and cycleways.

i.7 Summary of Environmental Effects

i.7.1 The following section summarises the predicted effects of the construction and

operation of the Proposed Development on the environment.

Ecology

i.7.2 This chapter assesses the effects on wildlife of the Proposed Development. In

particular, it describes the potential loss, disturbance or damage to wildlife as

result of the Proposed Development.

i.7.3 The Proposed Development does not have any protected areas for wildlife,

however a number of habitats and animals were included in the assessment

including arable field margins, hedgerows, ponds, badgers, bats and breeding

birds.



i.7.4 There is potential for minor adverse effects during the construction phase on most

of these, from habitat loss and disturbance. Construction-phase measures are

proposed that will reduce the effects, such as careful timing and programming of

the works to ensure that wildlife such as nesting birds are not disturbed by

construction activity. The Construction Environmental Management Plan would

also minimise impacts on wetlands, specifically including pollution prevention

measures.

i.7.5 The new landscape, including new hedgerows, wetlands and green buffer zones

alongside road, rail and development boundaries will provide green infrastructure

that, over time will remove adverse effects for all receptors affected by this

application.

i.7.6 Increases in certain bird species such as song thrush, house sparrow, dunnock,

reed bunting are expected.

i.7.7 There will be additional benefits to the water environment from the use of ponds,

ditches and reedbeds to control surface water from the site.

i.7.8 The new landscapes will be subject to long-term management which will benefit

most of the habitats and animals assessed.

Geology

i.7.9 This chapter provides a description of the physical environment (soils, geology

and hydrogeology) within the site of the Proposed Development. It identifies and

assesses the potential activities associated with the Proposed Development that

could impact upon, and result in contamination of, soils and/or groundwater.

Where necessary, measures are proposed, to avoid or reduce effects.

i.7.10 A summary of the remaining effects, after such measures are implemented, is

shown in Table i.7.

Table i.7 Residual Effects

Potential Impact Significance

of Impact

Mitigation measures Residual Effect

Construction

Contamination of soil and

groundwater resulting

construction (e.g. from

storage and use of

hazardous materials)

Moderate Detailed site investigation and

risk assessment to provide a

remediation strategy for

construction activities

Implementation of Pollution

Prevention Plan and

Emergency Response Plan

Not Significant



Potential Impact Significance

of Impact

Mitigation measures Residual Effect

Operation

Contamination of

groundwater aquifers via

existing pathways

Minor Detailed foundation risk

assessment to mitigate

potential pathways

Drainage designed to intercept

sediment / silt

Not Significant

i.7.11 The risk to the ground and groundwater environment is assessed as ‘not

significant’ as any risks can be controlled through specific activities to avoid or

reduce the risk.

Hydrology and Flood Risk

i.7.12 The Proposed Development site lies solely within Flood Zone 1 and is

approximately 17.2 ha in size.

i.7.13 The site is mainly undeveloped land surrounding ‘Delph Lane’ in Daresbury

Halton, and the identified water bodies within the vicinity are:

Keckwick Brook;

Bridgewater Canal;

Poplar Farm Coarse Fishery; and

Further pond and drainage ditch features within the boundaries of site.

i.7.14 This chapter considers the effects of the development on water quality and flood

risk within the Poplar Farm Coarse Fishery pond and the Keckwick Brook.

Water Quality

i.7.15 Environment Agency water quality results for the Keckwick Brook varied from

moderate to high. Samples taken at Poplar Farm pond results showed that it

water quality was as would be expected for still water body.

i.7.16 The construction impacts identified included input of soil and mobilisation of fine

sediment; and accidental spillage of pollutants such as fuel. It is considered that

with appropriate controls there would be no significant adverse effects. The pond

would be de-silted and the coarse fish removed which would have a long term

minor beneficial effect on water quality within the pond.

i.7.17 The potential impacts following completion of the houses were identified as being

associated with the altered site drainage, causing the potential for greater

variation in flows and reduced water quality (into the pond and Keckwick Brook



only). Also, both waterbodies could be affected by increased recreational pressure

(with increased potential for litter or bird feeding by residents and visitors causing

greater nutrient input). However, with the use of ponds and reedbeds to improve

water quality, education boards to reduce litter/bird feeding, and facilities to

manage litter no significant adverse effects are expected.

i.7.18 There will be additional benefits to the water environment from the use of ponds,

ditches and reedbeds to control surface water from the site.

Flood Risk

i.7.19 A detailed Flood Risk Assessment has been carried out examining all the sources

of flood risk both to and from the Proposed Development site including; fluvial,

tidal, pluvial, groundwater, sewers and flooding from artificial sources.

i.7.20 Following consultation with various parties and review of Halton Borough

Council’s Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment and Strategic Flood Risk

Assessment it was concluded that the site has not historically had any instances

of flooding that the surrounding areas has.

i.7.21 The development site is considered to have a low risk of flooding therefore the

principle focus of the Flood Risk Assessment was on effective surface water

management.

i.7.22 The existing drainage situation is understood to drain via an informal drainage

solution at present; this includes a variety of boundary drainage ditches, pond

features and through infiltration (in some areas).

i.7.23 Following development; surface water run-off generated by the development will

discharge to Keckwick Brook (as existing) through a variety of drainage features

including the existing boundary drainage ditches, the pond features and infiltration

(where possible). Multiple surface water sewers will be required within the broader

system due to the topographic constraints of the development site.

i.7.24 It will be necessary to restrict the surface water discharge generated by the

development proposals to the pre-development greenfield rates of run-off. Further

restrictions may be required following investigation into the existing culverts

should capacity issues arise.

i.7.25 ‘Sustainable drainage systems’ of ponds, ditches and reedbeds are proposed to

manage the surface water wherever possible; the existing fishery will remain post

development following enhancement; providing storage and water improvement

prior to discharge into the watercourse. The existing drainage ditches are

proposed to be improved; increasing biodiversity and capacity, and soak-aways

are proposed in the north-eastern areas to reduce surface water run-off generated

by the proposals.



Air Quality

11.1.1 This chapter assesses the likely effects of the Proposed Development on dust

emissions during construction and air quality from the exhausts of road vehicles

following completion. The proposed development is not in an Air Quality

Management Area declared by Halton Borough Council.

11.1.2 In addition to dust generated during the construction phase, the key pollutants that

were assessed were nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM10).

Effects were assessed in relation to an opening year of 2021, which is the likely

opening year of the Proposed Development.

11.1.3 Set in the context of existing conditions, the increase in exhaust emissions

associated with road traffic movements during the construction phase, over what

would be a relatively short period of time, would be not significant. The Site was

defined as ‘medium risk’ for each of the construction related activities and

associated dust generation. However, though the use of best-practice measures

suitable for a ‘medium risk’ site, and the temporary nature of the works, the effects

of construction dust can be successfully reduced.

11.1.4 The assessment of effects on emissions following completion of the Proposed

Development showed that, in 2021, changes in pollutant concentrations were

expected to be ‘imperceptible’. The Site was also deemed to be suitable for its

proposed use, with none of the air quality objectives predicted to be exceeded at

the relevant locations of new exposure. Overall, the air quality effects from road

traffic associated with the operation of the Development were therefore said to be

not significant.

Heritage

i.7.26 Baseline conditions identified 31 designated heritage assets within 2km of the

Proposed Development site; the development does not adversely affect any of the

positive contribution made by the setting of these assets to their significance.

i.7.27 Baseline conditions identified 10 non-designated heritage assets within the area of

search, of which two assets are within the Proposed Development site and would

be directly affected. These assets are both of low heritage significance and

although the magnitude of effect would be high, measures are proposed to record

any disturbed archaeological evidence and thus mitigate the predicted adverse

effect. The proposed archaeological investigation could be secured by a condition

of planning consent. After the implementation of the proposed archaeological

investigation, the predicted residual effect in relation to these two non-designated

heritage assets is negligible.



Landscape and Visual Impact

i.7.28 The site lies in the Moore Village and Keckwick Brook Valley landscape character

area, as identified by Halton Borough Council. The Site is not the subject of

landscape designations and is not visible from the Daresbury Village Conservation

Area.

i.7.29 The significance of effects on landscape character resulting from construction

activity is anticipated to be moderate adverse. In operation, the Proposed

Development would result in a moderate adverse significance of effect on the

landscape within the area defined by the Daresbury Strategic Site Allocation.

Residual effects long-term 15 years completion of all phases of the development

would reduce to minor adverse significance due to trees on site reaching maturity

and giving the development a ‘greener’ impression. This would help to create a

development similar in character and appearance to existing development to the

west.

i.7.30 The principal public views of medium sensitivity are experienced by users of

Delph Lane and Keckwick Lane. The significance of effects on public views is

anticipated to range from moderate adverse to negligible, depending on distance

from the new buildings and the degree to which the site forms part of the existing

view.

i.7.31 The principal private views of medium sensitivity are experienced by residents of

properties along Delph Lane and Village Farm (north of the Chester to Warrington

Line) surrounded by the site and residents of Poplar Farm (a farmhouse adjoining

the site). The significance of effects on private views is anticipated to range from

major adverse to minor adverse.

i.7.32 Measures have been incorporated into the Proposed Development design and

layout proposals to reduce effects on landscape and views on completion of the

proposed development.

i.7.33 The new spine road will be subject to roadside planting and, coupled with

additional planting in the public open spaces within the development, over time

the character of the residential landscape will look like housing within a wooded

setting, as occurs in development at Norton, on the western flanks of the

Keckwick Brook Valley.

i.7.34 The Site is on the side of a low lying shallow river valley next to the settlements of

Norton and Sandymoor and close to SciTech Daresbury. Consequently there are

limited potential visual receptors. Only properties along Delph Lane north of the

Chester to Warrington Line would have a high level of change and effects of major

adverse significance within the assessment. Taking into account the design and

layout of the Proposed Development the visual residual effects are reduced to

moderate adverse. Visual residual effects are generally recorded as minor

adverse and negligible.



Traffic and Transport

i.7.35 This chapter assesses the potential effects of the Proposed Development on

Traffic and Transport.

i.7.36 The Proposed Development would provide homes close to expanding

employment areas. This enables many work trips to be made on foot or by cycle.

The development is also providing several new walk and cycle routes enabling

these modes to become important. The new routes also connect with Sandymoor

enabling these modes to be much more important for travel to work and school

from this expanding residential area.

i.7.37 The Proposed Development will facilitate the improvement in bus service

provision, providing new services.

i.7.38 A portion of new spine road will provide direct access to the A558 providing a

ready access route and enabling impacts on Sandymoor and existing residents

along Delph Lane to be minimised.

i.7.39 The Proposed Development will have a Minor Adverse impact on the A558 but is

funding over £3 million on road infrastructure.

i.7.40 The Proposed Development is but one of a number of developments in the area

which, between them (and with public sector funding), are providing a wide range

of infrastructure and service improvements.

i.7.41 During the construction period some impacts are inevitable, but by considerate

management of activities, these will be managed to minimise the extent and

duration of impacts on adjacent householders and those using the road network in

the area

Socio-Economics

i.7.42 This chapter provides an assessment of the socio-economic and community

impacts of the proposed development and includes the following:

A socio-economic baseline assessment for the borough of Halton, focusing on

the characteristics of the local population and economy;

Quantification of the full range of economic impacts, both direct and indirect,

that the proposed development will generate; and

A detailed assessment of the local social and community infrastructure in the

vicinity of the site and its capacity to serve the increased population arising

from the Proposed Development.

i.7.43 The assessment distinguishes between the effects of the development during the

construction stage and during the operational stage. The assessment of impacts

is based on an assumed construction programme between 2015 and 2022 and

assumes a fully occupied development.



i.7.44 In summary, the Proposed Development is expected to deliver a number of

positive impacts for Halton:

An increase in the local resident population of 850 people, 66% of which will

be of working age and can help to redress the widening imbalance in the

population of Halton. It is important to maximise retention of the working age

population in order to strengthen the local labour market;

A temporary increase in construction jobs over the estimated 6 year build

period, amounting to c.110 employment opportunities;

A permanent increase in local employment opportunities through the

increased household expenditure in the local economy. This could create up

to 20 new jobs. The building of new homes in the Proposed Development

could help to address local unemployment in the industry, and provide

apprenticeship and training opportunities for young unemployed people;

A permanent increase in the supply of skilled labour which could help to

address skill gaps and increase the productivity of local employers; and

The Proposed Development will place demands on the existing social and

community infrastructure but the assessment shows there is sufficient capacity

to meet these demands. The delivery of additional primary school capacity at

Sandymoor, as set out in our analysis, would also provide additional capacity

that can be utilised.

Land Use

i.7.45 This chapter examines the effects associated with the proposed residential

development on existing and future land use interests.

i.7.46 The assessment considers the potential permanent and temporary effects that the

Proposed Development may have on existing and future land use and identifies

measures to avoid, reduce or offset potential adverse effects, or enhance potential

beneficial effects on land use.

i.7.47 Predicted land use effects for the residential development would mainly relate to

the construction phase; as ‘allocated land’ in Halton Borough Council’s Core

Strategy, the Proposed Development site has been identified for housing for many

years.

i.7.48 Construction effects on land use will be localised, temporary and of minor

significance. These include effects associated with the restriction of access, such

as the down grading of local routes, which may temporarily restrict access to

properties and businesses whilst re-surfacing and other works are being

undertaken, and may cause traffic disturbance associated with the increase in

construction traffic movements.

i.7.49 The only significant effects which relate to the operation of the Proposed

Development relate to other environmental disciplines such as those associated



with increased traffic movements and noise, which are considered elsewhere

within this Non Technical Summary.

Noise

i.7.50 This chapter assesses the noise impact of the Proposed Development on existing

noise-sensitive receptors in the area. In particular, it considers minimising

potential impact of construction noise and assessing any additional traffic noise

generated on the local highway network as a result of the completed

development.

i.7.51 The impact of existing noise sources in the area (i.e. railway noise and road traffic

noise from the A558) on the proposed residential development itself is not a

requirement of the EIA Regulations. However, a separate technical noise report

on this aspect has been prepared for submission with the planning application and

is included as Appendix 14a.This report includes baseline noise survey data for

the development.

i.7.52 The method for assessing noise impacts of the temporary construction phase of

the Proposed Development has by necessity been qualitative rather than

quantitative. This is because at this stage (i.e. planning application stage) a

contractor has not been appointed and there is no detailed information available

regarding the type of construction plant to be used. The assessment has therefore

focussed on the need to mitigate construction noise as far as is reasonably

practicable.

i.7.53 It has been concluded that, without the implementation of appropriate noise

mitigation measures, construction site noise may give rise to short-term noise

impacts of up to Moderate Adverse during periods where the noisiest activity is

taking place at the closest points to nearby noise-sensitive receptors. Therefore,

there is a need to reduce construction noise, as far as is possible, by using ‘best

practice’ guidance. With the implementation of these measures the residual noise

impact at any one location from construction works is likely to be no more than

Minor Adverse, and for a temporary period only.

i.7.54 For the operational phase, potential long term traffic noise impacts resulting from

operation of the completed development have been assessed using a

comparative approach. This has involved investigating the difference between

calculated traffic noise levels for the ‘without development’ and ‘with development’

scenarios, based upon the anticipated future traffic flows. Noise impacts have

been evaluated for existing noise sensitive receptors located on or near a sample

of roads nearest to the development site. The calculated increases in traffic noise

on main roads equates to Negligible Impact. Taking account of traffic likely to be

generated by relevant committed development in the wider area, the calculated

increases in traffic noise on main roads equates to Negligible to Minor Adverse

impact. Traffic is forecast to reduce on Delph Lane and Keckwick Lane and thus



traffic noise (due solely to the change in traffic on those lanes) has been

calculated to reduce for dwellings alongside these lanes, resulting in at least a

Minor Beneficial impact.

Waste

i.7.55 The potential effects of waste arising from the Proposed Development, both

during construction and operation, have been assessed at a strategic level, using

Redrow Homes (NW) Ltd.’s past projects to determine likely construction waste

arisings and sub-regional statistics from Halton and Merseyside to estimate

operational waste arisings.

i.7.56 Waste generated from construction activity would result in a negligible impact on

the waste management capacity of Halton and neighbouring authorities. Site

Waste Management Plans would be adopted, under planning conditions imposed

by Halton Borough Council. The Site Waste Management Plans would promote

re-use and recycling of construction waste and ensure off-site disposal did not

result in contamination or nuisance to the environment and surrounding

communities.

i.7.57 Waste generated during the occupation of the development would result in a

minor adverse significance effect on the waste management capacity of Halton

and neighbouring authorities.

i.7.58 Redrow Homes (NW) Ltd’s designs allow for appropriate internal recyclable waste

storage located within kitchen units. The garden layouts also include suitable

hard-standing areas for the siting of waste containers which are provided by Local

Authorities. Where apartment buildings are built, their design includes for

dedicated refuse storage areas. These design measures would enable personal

and Local authority-led initiatives to re-use and recycle materials that would

otherwise be treated as waste.

Climate Change

i.7.59 Annual Local Authority greenhouse CO2 estimates are produced by the

Department of Energy and Climate Change. The July 2013 statistical release

provides the following information with respect to Halton Borough Council:

Total CO2 emissions have fallen between 2005 and 2011 by 16% reduction;

Domestic emissions have fallen by 18%;

Transport emissions have fallen by7%;

The population of Halton has increased in this time period by 4% increase;

Per capita emissions have fallen from by 19% reduction; and

Domestic emissions represented 18% of total emissions in the borough.



i.7.60 A quantitative study was carried out on the likely CO2 emissions arising from the

Proposed Development.

i.7.61 There would be a temporary increase in CO2 emissions from construction traffic,

plant and machinery during the construction phase. The relatively low levels of

these emissions and their short term nature mean that these would be not

significant.

i.7.62 The estimated total, annual, CO2 emissions from the dwellings in the Proposed

Development equates to a 0.3% increase in annual CO2 emissions for Halton

Borough Council. This effect would be not significant. In addition, based on SAP

(energy efficiency) calculations, the annual CO2 emissions from the Proposed

Development would be an improvement on the Building Regulations target rate for

this number of dwellings, of 0.56kT per year.

i.7.63 A worst case scenario increase of transport emissions in CO2 from the Proposed

Development would represent an increase of 0.3% on the emissions of CO2 from

transport in the borough of Halton. This effect would be not significant.

Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Non-Technical Summary · Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary i.2 Background i.2.1 The site of the Proposed Development is within Daresbury Strategic