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Strategic Environmental Assessment

Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015

Environmental Report


Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited

2212959

Manning House

22 Carlisle Place

London SW1P 1JA United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)0203 014 9000

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Cambridgeshire County Council

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015

Environmental Report

Kate Burrows Author

Lourdes Cooper Checker

Lourdes Cooper Approver

Report No 5002-UA005177-UE31-04

Date -1 February 2013

This report has been prepared for Cambridgeshire County Council in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment for Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 dated 7th September 2012. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited (2212959) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.

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Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page i

CONTENTS

Abbreviat . .................................................................... iii 1 Intro ..................................................... 1

1.1 d Purpose of this Report............... 1 1.2 t............................ 3 1.3 Structure of this Report ............................................ 3

2 The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management..................................................................... 5 2.1 Introduction .............................................................. 5 2.2 Background and Contents of the Cambridgeshire

Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management ............. 6 3 The Strategic Environmental Assessment ........................ 7

3.1 Legal Requirements ................................................. 7 3.2 Stages in the SA Process......................................... 7 3.3 Stage A: Setting the Context, Establishing the

Baseline and Deciding on the Scope...................... 11 3.4 Stage B: Developing and Refining Options and

Assessing Effects ................................................... 24 3.5 Stage C: Preparation of the Environmental Report 30 3.6 Stage D: Consultation on the Cambridgeshire

Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and the Environmental Report............................................. 30

3.7 Stage E: Monitoring the Significant Effects of Implementing the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management ................................... 30

4 Appraisal of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management................................................. 31 4.1 Introduction ............................................................ 31 4.2 Assessment of the Alternative Options................... 31 4.3 The Local Objectives.............................................. 37 4.4 Cambridgeshire’s Actions....................................... 39 4.5 Appraisal of Cumulative Effects.............................. 43

5 Monitoring Framework .................................................... 46 5.1 Requirements of the SEA Directive ........................ 46 5.2 Approach................................................................ 46

ions ...... .duction..................

nd to anBackgrouHabitats Regulations Assessmen

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page ii

5.3 rammes............................ 47 5.4 mework ........................... 47

6 Next ......... ........................... 51

Appendic

ES

x B

AL O

G CO

x E

NMEN

Existing Monitoring ProgProposed Monitoring Fra

Steps .. ....................................................

es

Appendix A

ANNEX

Appendi

APPRAIS F CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S ACTIONS

Appendix C

FIGURES

Appendix D

SCOPIN MMENTS

Appendi

ENVIRO TAL REPORT COMMENTS

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page iii

Abbreviations

AMR Annual Monitoring Report

BGS British Geological Survey

cSAC Candidate Special Area of Conservation

CWS County Wildlife Site

Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment

NPPF National Planning Policy Framework

ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

pSPA Potential Special Protection Area

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

SuDS Sustainable Drainage System

WFD Water Framework Directive

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 1

1

1.1

e County Council and its partners (Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire

p l

roup of Internal Drainage Boards) have now prepared their Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

ent

ertaken. This report outlines the previous stages of the SEA process (to-date) and includes the SEA of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk

1.1.1 l

y Council is a ‘Lead Local Flood Authority’ in the Flood pare a gy for

Agency and Defra, 2011), and address’

Cambridgeshire as a whole, and provides guidance on other forms of flooding

2011.

1.1.2

SEA is a systemic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of plans and programmes to ensure that environmental issues are integrated and assessed at the earliest opportunity in the decision-making process, and that sustainable development is at the heart of the plan-making process. Article 1 of the SEA Directive states that the aim is to:

‘provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the

ent’.

Introduction

Background to and Purpose of this Report

Cambridgeshir

District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Environment Agency, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Anglian Water Services, Bedford Grouof Internal Drainage Boards, Middle Level Commissioners, North Level InternaDrainage Board and Ely G

As part of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Managempreparation process, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was und

Management.

Background to and Purpose of the Cambridgeshire LocaStrategy for Flood Risk Management

Cambridgeshire Countand Water Management Act 2010, and therefore has obligations to preFlood Risk Management Strategy, i.e. the ‘Cambridgeshire Local StrateFlood Risk Management’. The strategy reflects the principles, aims and objectives of the ‘National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England’ (Environment flooding from surface water, ground water and ordinary watercourses within

e.g. from ‘Main Rivers’ (a responsibility of the Environment Agency).

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management includes:

Five Local Objectives; and

Fifty seven Cambridgeshire Actions that support the Local Objectives.

Cambridgeshire County Council has been developing the strategy since

Background to and Purpose of the Environmental Report

integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable developm


mes ich are

prepared for water management plans (Article 3 (2a)). SEA is required for

nagement SEA has ice of the Deputy Prime

ood Risk Management;

, reduce or offset any potentially significant

the identified

nd consulted upon h

the Env Following confirmation of the scope of aisal was undertaken in October / November 2012 of the

geshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The epor

s (and the public) (between 15 012 and 31 January 2013) alongside the draft Cambridgeshire

for Flo

The SEA Directive1 is implemented in England through the SEA Regulations2, under which SEA is a mandatory requirement for certain plans and programwhich are likely to give rise to significant environmental impacts and wh

Cambridgeshire’s Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management under these Regulations.

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Matherefore been undertaken in accordance with the OffMinister’s (ODPM’s) (2005) ‘A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive’3.

This Environmental Report provides a summary of the SEA process so far and presents the findings and recommendations of the assessment of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The key aims areto:

Provide information on the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and the SEA process;

Present the key existing environmental (and some social) conditions within Cambridgeshire, in the context of existing plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives, together with relevant baseline information;

Identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Fl

Recommend measures to avoidadverse effects; and

Propose a monitoring framework that can be used to monitor significant effects.

A SEA Scoping Report was prepared in September 2012 afor the statutory five weeks with statutory consultees (Natural England, EnglisHeritage andthe SEA, an apprCambrid

ironment Agency).

Environmental Rresults to date. Followconsulted upon with sNovember 2

t presented details of the process and the assessment ing its completion, the Environmental Report was tatutory consultee

Local Strategy od Risk Management.

1 Directive 20 n the assessment e

2001

2 S.I. 2004 No l A

3 ODPM (200 to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive

01/42/EC o

. 1633: The Environmenta

5) A Practical Guide

of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, Jun

ssessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004


e end of t iod in January 2013 representations tutorl Environmental Report (this report) were prepared.

at th read

1.2 Habitats Regu

European Council Dir l habitats and of wild flora and f requires that any plan or

htion

Are and ), which is site

ervatiooverarching process i

A HRA screening exercise has been undertaken in parallel to the preparation of

ood Ris ination ans or pro generate adverse impacts upon the integrity

sites, lifying

mitted to

1.3 Structure of th

Table 1-1 provides anEnvironmental Repor

Table 1-1 d Struct

tal ontent

Following threceived from stastrategy and Fina

he consultation pery consultees (and the public) were reviewed and the

It is essential thManagement is

e Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk in conjunction with this Environmental Report.

lations Assessment

ective 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of naturaauna (the ‘Habitats Directive’)

programme likely toArea of ConservaSpecial Protection Ramsar sitefor nature cons

ave a significant impact upon a Natura 2000 site (Special (SAC), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC),a (SPA), potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) not directly concerned with the management of then, must be subject to an Appropriate Assessment. The s referred to as Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

this Environmental Report to determiStrategy for Flwith other pl

ne whether the Cambridgeshire Local k Management (either in isolation and/or in combjects) would

of Natura 2000 in terms of its conservation objectives and quainterests. This process has been documenhas been sub

ted in a HRA Screening Report that Natural England.

is Report

outline of the contents and structure of this t.

Contents an ure of the Environmental Report

Section of EnvironmenReport

Outline C

Non-Technical Summary (separate document)

in plain English. Summary of the SEA process and Environmental Report

Abbreviations Abbreviations used in this report.

1: Introduction Provides the background to and purpose of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management, this Environmental Report and also presents the structure of this Environmental Report.

2: The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management

Provides further background to Cambridgeshire and Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management including a brief description of its contents and purpose.

Section of Environmental Report

Outline Content

3: The Strategic Environmental

ThiSEA

Assessment

s section outlines the requirements for SEA and the Directive. It outlines the key elements of the SEA

process and the approach adopted (and methodology)

for assessing the effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management (including the SEAFramework), together with an overview of the consultation requirements.

4: Appraisal of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management

Outlines the development of alternative options that weconsidered and assessed as part of the development othe Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and presents the assessment of the individual elements of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy

re f

A Framework.

effects.

for Flood Risk Management against the SEThis section also includes an assessment of cumulative

5: Monitoring Framework

Provides an outline of the proposed monitoring framework.

6: Next Steps Identifies the next steps in the SEA process.

Appendix A Individual Annexes (specific to the SEA topics) that present an analysis of relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives and their relationship/conflicts with the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and the SEA. In addition, each Annex includes a detailed description of current baseline conditions within Cambridgeshire.

Appendix B Assessment of the Cambridgeshire Actions.

Appendix C Figures.

Appendix D Scoping Comments.

Appendix E Environmental Report Comments

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting Page 4

(UK) Limited-2212959


2.1

l Flood

rom surface water, oun hole

flooding

Fig

(Source: Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012)

2 The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for FloodRisk Management

Introduction

Cambridgeshire County Council is a ‘Lead Local Flood Authority’ in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and therefore has obligations to prepare a Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management reflects the principles, aims and objectives of the ‘Nationaand Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England’ (Environment Agency and Defra, 2011), and aims to address flooding fgr d water and ordinary watercourses within Cambridgeshire as a w(refer to Figure 2-1 below). It also provides guidance on other forms ofe.g. from ‘Main Rivers’ (a responsibility of the Environment Agency).

ure 2-1 Main Settlements and Main Rivers in Cambridgeshire


e Risk Management

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management clarifies roles

ins

e Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management includes:

the Government’s strategic objectives (set out in the National Flood and Coastal

k in Cambridgeshire;

Objective 2: Managing the likelihood of flooding;

.

2.2 Background and Contents of the CambridgeshirLocal Strategy for Flood

and responsibilities for local flood risk, clarifies duties and permissive powers ofthe designated Flood Management Authorities, builds on existing partnerships developed in Cambridgeshire, provides a framework for local communities to develop local partnerships and solutions to flood risks they face and underpa partnership approach to funding flood resilience projects. The Cambridgeshir

Five Local Objectives for managing flood risk; and

A series of Actions (57) that underpin the five Local Objectives.

The Objectives for managing flood risk within Cambridgeshire reflect

Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (Environment Agency and Defra, 2011)), at a local level, and comprise the following:

Objective 1: Understanding flood ris

Objective 3: Helping Cambridgeshire’s citizens to manage their own risk;

Objective 4: Ensuring appropriate development in Cambridgeshire; and

Objective 5: Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery


enta ss

3.1 Legal Requirements 4 S 5

anronmental impale 3 (2a)). SEA

Risk Managemen

evel of protectioe integration of environme

and programmes e 1 of the SEA Dir

ance hedas th ui

ain stip the SEA been adhered to throughout the SEA ed stages, through which the elements

ovides further detail).

es of the SEA process, together each stage. Reference is given to essed within this Environmental Report.

Table 3-1 ments

Stage ive Requirements Section of the Environmen

Application to the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management

3 The Strategic Environm l Asse ment

Tu

he SEA Directive is implemented in Englannder which SEA is a mandatory requirement

which are likely to give rise to significant enviprepared for water management plans (Artic

d through the for certain pl

EA Regulations , s and programmes

cts and which are is required for t under these Cambridgeshire’s Local Strategy for Flood

Regulations.

The aim of the SEA is to ‘provide for a high lenvironment and to contribute to thinto the preparation and adoption of plans promoting sustainable development’ (Articl

n of the ntal considerations

with a view to ective).

Government de).

This SEA has been undertaken in accordguidance on SEA6 (hereafter referred to

with publise Practical G

3.2 Stages in the SEA Process

SEA has a legal obligation to perform certDirective. These legal obligations have process by following a series of prescribof the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management have been

activities as ulated in

appraised using SEA Objectives (Table 3-1 pr

Table 3-1 presents a summary of the key stagwith the SEA Directive requirements for where the requirements have been addr

Key SEA Directive Require

SEA Key SEA Direct Relevant

tal Report

Stage A: Settiscope

ng the context and objectives, establishin e and deciding on the g the baselin

A1: Identifying

ide Stage A corresponds to the scoping stage of

The environment report should provinformation on:

Chapter 3 and

4 Directive 200

2001

5 S.I. 2004

1/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans an

1633: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and P

(2005) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmen

d programmes on th

No. rogram , 2

ODPM et al. tal Asse

e environment, June

004 mes Regulations

ssment Directive 6


SEA Stage Key SEA Directive Requirements Relevant Section of the Environmental Report


other relevanpolicies,

t

and

me) s”

unity or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation” (Annex 1(e)).

plansprogrammes and SEA objectives

“the relationship (of the plan or programwith other relevant plans and programme(Annex 1(a)).

“the environmental protection objectives, established at international (European) Comm

Appendix A

A2: Collecting baseline information

Chapter 3 and Appendix A

A3: Identifying sustainabilitissues and

y

ems

The environment report should provide information on:

“relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without its implementation of the plan or programme’ and, ‘the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected” (Annex 1(b), (c))

ny

Chapter 3

probl “any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to aareas of a particular environmentalimportance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC” (Annex 1 (c)).

A4: Developing

EA

N/A Chapter 3

the SFramework

A5: Consulting othe scope othe SEA

n f

le 6(3) eciding on the

scope and level of detail of the information which must be included in the environmental report. (Article 5.4).

The scope of the assessment is presented in Chapter 3

EA as

r

ntly onsulted upon.

t was

ges

The authorities referred to in Articshall be consulted when d

the SEA. A SScoping Report wprepared in Septembe2012 and was subsequec

During this stage thescope of the SEA for the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Managemendefined.

The results of staA1-A4 are presented inthis Environmental Report.

Stage B: Developing and Refining Options and Assessing Effects

B1: Testthe objectiveagainst the SEA

ing s

Framework

B2:

The environment report should consider “reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme” and give “an

e nd

Chapter 4 and Appendix B

A proposed monitoring

rovided

Stage B of the SEA process is linked to the overall production of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk

outline of the reasons for selecting thalternatives dealt with” (Article 5.1 aAnnex I(h)).

framework is also p Management which




Developing the Options

B3: Predicting the effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management

B4: Evaluating the effects of

ment

ent of

the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Manage

In the environmental report, “the likely significant effects on the environmimplementing the plan or programme ...and reasonable alternatives ... are [to be] identified, described and evaluated” (Article5.1).

B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising

ficial

n the environment of implementing the plan or programme...”

beneeffects

Annex I (g) states that it should also include “measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects o

B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant

hire Local

The Environmental Report should provide information on “a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring” (Annex I (i)).

rred

into

finalising the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and will enable potential

avoided / minimised

s

ary e of

effects of implementing the Cambridges

Strategy for Flood Risk Management

in Chapter 5 includes the development of strategy options and details of the prefeoption.

The findings of theSEA will be taken account in

adverse effects to be

and potential sustainability benefitmaximised.

Stage B is the primassessment stagthe SEA process and is the main output of this report.

Stage C: Preparing the Environmental Report

C1: Article 5.1 contains the requirement for an This This Environmental




Preparing the ronmenta

information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, its

given in the Environmental Report are

entrt

ired

n line with

the requirements of the SEA Directive for producing an Environmental Report. A Non-Technical

Envil Report

environmental report to be produced where an assessment is required. The environmental report “shall include the

stage in the decision-making process and the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid duplication..” (Article 5.2). Details of the information to be

Summary is also provided.

provided in Annex 1.

Environmal Repofulfils requStage C output.

Report has beeproduced in

Stage D: Con lood Risk Management and the Envir

sultation on the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Fonmental Report

D1:participation on the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management

report to be made available thorities and the public. They n an ‘early and effective

presented in Appendix E.

ntal

Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management was

r ary

2013with statutory bodies and the public.

Public Article 6 contains the requirements for the draft plan or programme and the environmental

Comments received are

The EnvironmeReport and the

to statutory aushould be giveopportunity within time frames to express consulted upon their opinions’ (Article 6.2). between 15 Novembe

2012 and 31st Janu

D2: Appraising significant changes resulting from representations

D3: Making decisions and providing information

receipt of s, the

ntal Report updated to

ial al

Report and the shire Local

isk ain

N/A This Environmental Report

Following the representationEnvironme

represents the required Stage D output.

has beenreflect comments received. It is essentfor the Environment

CambridgeStrategy for Flood RManagement to remconsistent.

Stage E: Monitoring the siStrategy

gnificant effects of implementing the Cambridgeshire Local for Flood Risk Management

E1: Finalising aims and methods for of plans and programmes... in order, inter framework is

Monitoring will commence once the strategy has been

“Member States shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation

A draft monitoring


SEA Stage eyn of

tal Report

Cambridgeshire y for

Management

K SEA Directive Requirements Relevant Sectio

Application to the

the Environmen

Local StrategFlood Risk

monitoring

E2: Responding to adverse effects

dveappr

Environment

alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen a rse effects, and to be able to undertake

opriate remedial action” (Article 10.1)

included within Chapter 5 of this

approved andpublished.

al Report.

The following sections detail the activities that have been, and are proposed to be, undertaken at each stage of the SEA process. This provides context and

agreed scope, the methodology for l Strategy for Flood Risk

3.3

3.3.1

e Requirements for the Review of Plans Programmes

background to the SEA to date including its the assessment of the Cambridgeshire LocaManagement, and the technical limitations to the assessment.

Stage A: Setting the Context, Establishing the Baseline and Deciding on the Scope

Review of Plans, Policies and Environmental Protection Objectives

Introduction

Box 1 stipulates the SEA Directive requirements for this stage of the process.

Box 1: SEA Directivand Environmental Protection Objectives

The SEA Directive requires that the SEA covers:

‘an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes’ (Annex 1 (a)).

‘the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation’ (Annex 1 (e)).

A review of other plans and programmes and environmental protection objectives that may affect the preparation of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management was undertaken in order to contribute to the development of both the SEA and the strategy. This included:

Identification of any external social, environmental or economic objectives, indicators or targets that should be reflected in the SEA process.

Identification of any baseline data relevant to the SEA.


ion of

programmes or sustainability objectives and the emerging Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk

gional date,

A provides the detailed review of documents.

International Plans and Programmes

Direc nce the development of the

E roMember State and, therefore,

circu

Nati

A rev ns and strategies. An y7

which outlines the over-arching Government objective to raise the quality of life ou

Cent licies for a variety dif licy Framework (NPPF), which

nsolidated set of priorities to

susta of the NPPF.

e been produced at the regional variety of topics

it strategies may be

Identification of any external factors that might influence the preparatthe strategy, for example sustainability issues.

Identification of any external objectives or aims that would contribute positively to the development of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

Determining whether there are clear potential conflicts or challenges between other identified plans,

Management.

The review included documents prepared at international, national and re/ county and local scale. A brief summary of the documents reviewed to-together with the main findings, are presented below. Appendix

A review was undertaken of key International Conventions and European tives that could potentially influe

Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The SEA u pean Directive is transposed into national legislation in each individual

there should be a trickle-down effect of the key principles and an application to the relevant national and regional

mstances in other planning documents.

onal Plans and Programmes

iew was undertaken of relevant White Papers, plaimportant document reviewed was the Sustainable Development Strateg

in r communities.

ral Government establishes the broad guidelines and poof ferent topics in the National Planning Postreamlines national planning policy into a coconsider when planning for and deciding on new development. The principle of

inable development is at the heart

Regional / County Level Plans and Programmes

A wealth of different plans and strategies hav(East of England) and county (Cambridgeshire) level covering a including: biodiversity; climate change; land scape; renewable energy; flood risk; heritage; accessibility; health and sustainable development. All of the objectives of these plans as well as some of the challenges they raise need to be taken on board and driven forward by the county as appropriate. However, must be noted that the overarching goals of these plans andoutside the remit of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk

7 UK Sustaina able

Development, One F 05)

ble Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for Sustain

uture – Different Paths (20


el

have , as at

common themes emerging through the review of plans, d environmental protection objectives and the list below

ergy

ter

ve and enhance biodiversity as an integral part of social and environmental development.

of natural resources.

te community cohesion and to establish an area where

s

patterns of development that provide

s.

Management which forms only an individual part of a number of different vehicles trying to deliver the regional and county level targets.

The Localism Act was granted Royal Assent on 15th November 2011. This Actseeks to rescind some regional planning documents. However, regional levplans such as the East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy 2008)been included within the review along with relevant objectives and targetspresent the Plan remains in force.

Key Results from the Review

There are manyprogrammes anprovides a summary of the main themes and issues identified:

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase enefficiency.

The need for the protection and enhancement of the quality and characof urban and more rural areas.

Recognising the need for the landscape to evolve and for development tobe appropriate to the landscape setting and context.

The need to consereconomic,

The need to protect and enhance the historic environment. The Government has an overarching aim for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment and heritage assets.

The need to promote the use of renewable energy and renewable technologies in appropriate locations.

Recognising the importance of open spaces, sport and recreation and the contribution that they make to enhancing quality of life.

The prudent use

The need to promote and protect the water environment including issues such as quality and resource use.

The need to promoindividuals want to both live and work.

The need to adapt to the threat posed by climate change.

The need to protect and enhance biodiversity resources particularly siteof international importance e.g. SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites.

The need for long-term sustainablefor the economic and social needs of all populations.

The need to protect and enhance ecosystem functions and service

Raising levels of health and well-being and promoting greater levels of physical activity.

Promoting higher levels of design quality including improvements to energy efficiency.


ms for spatial development with an area’s ecological and cultural functions to ensure that the most sustainable

3.3.2

The European Spatial Development Perspective identified a potential conflict that is likely to prevail in all countries, irrespective of their location which concerns balancing the social and economic clai

patterns of development are achieved. Through the SEA process and the inclusion of suitable SEA Objectives, indicators and targets, it should be possible to identify where potential issues and conflicts may arise and to develop suitable policy modifications and mitigation measures.

Establishing the Baseline

Introduction

Box 2 defines the SEA Directive requirements for this element of the process.

Box 2: SEA Directive Requirements for Baseline Data Collation

The SEA Directive requires that the SEA covers: ‘the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected’ (Annex 1 (c)) ‘any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme, including, in particular, those relating to any areas of particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EC’(Annex 1 (d)).

Methodology

Characterising the environmental and sustainability baseline, issues and context is an essential part of developing the SEA Framework. It comprises the following key elements:

Characterising the current state of the environment within Cambridgeshire including some social aspects; and

Using this information to identify existing problems and opportunities that could be considered in the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

The environmental baseline was characterised through the following methods:

Review of relevant regional and national plans, strategies and programmes; and

Data research based around a series of baseline indicators developed from the SEA Directive topics (biodiversity, population, human health, flora, fauna, soil, water, climatic factors, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage and landscape), the ODPM’s guidance, previous consultation recommendations from other SEAs and the data available for the county.

The SEA Directive also requires ‘material assets’ to be considered. Material assets refer to the stock of valuable assets within a study area and, as suggested by good practice, can include many things from valuable landscapes, natural and cultural heritage through to transport infrastructure, public buildings, open space and quality agricultural land. It is considered that the material assets of the county were appropriately covered in the other topics listed above, and consequently are not repeated as a separate section.

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local r Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Strategy foHyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 15

In addition, air quality was scoped out of S si as it was considered

e data also enables ion of key sustainability y. Those issues and opportunities

ented in Table 3-2 physica

ated as the base

the Strategy for Flood Risk Management

the identificat

Cambridgeshire (presented in Table 3-line data is updated throughout the SEA

opportunities hav

EA nce

l locations of readily

e been grouped, many

unlikely that the Cambridgeshire Localwould have a significant effect upon this topic.

The collatioissues and opportunities affecting the countidentified to-date are presavailable c

Key Sustainabil

The baseline data collated to-date sustainability issues and opportunities in 2). These will be updprocess. Aare indirectly or directly linked

n of baselin

ity Issues and Opportunities

lthough some issues and

onstraints are also presented on Figures 1-3 of Appendix C.

has been used to identify the key

and are therefore closely related.

Strategic Environmental Assessment—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 16

ummary of Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities within Cambridgeshire

SEA Topic

Table 3-2 S

Key Sustainability Issues Key Sustainability Opportunities

Climatic Factors

, e.g. the

e

sea

on totals.

It should promote more efficient and sustainable use of water.

The Flood Risk Management Strategy should seek to reduce the risk of flooding and help to ensure that development is directed outside of identified floodplains and flood paths.

Cambridgeshire is a relatively low-lying area, where significant flood risk exists (particularly within the north of the county), where many areas lie within floodplain associated with the main rivers within the countyRiver Great Ouse.

Climate change is anticipated to increase the risk of flooding, especially during the winter.

More frequent and more severe summer droughts will placa greater strain on water resources.

Over 50% of the land in Cambridgeshire is below meanlevel and is therefore reliant on pumped drainage.

The Flood Risk Management Strategy should promote more sustainable methods of surface drainage in order to adapt to more intense rainfall events and higher absolute precipitati

BiodiverFlora andFauna

sity,

ar amsar

le

Any increase in flood risk may pose a threat to the integrity .

ntrol discharges, from both existing

would benefit biodiversity.

Management of seasonal flooding should be designed for the benefit of wildlife wherever possible.

There are a number of local, national and international designated sites for nature conservation within Cambridgeshire, including several Natural 2000 sites. Natura 2000 sites include; Wicken Fen Ramsar Site, Chippenham Fen Ramsar Site, Woodwalton Fen RamsSite, Fenland SAC, Ouse Washes SPA, SAC and RSite, Portholme SAC, Nene Washes SPA, SAC and Ramsar Site, Devil’s Dyke SAC and Eversden and Wimpo

and proposed development.

Use of Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) in new development and on integrated green corridors

Woods SAC (see Figure 1 of Appendix C). National Ecological Sites (SSSIs and National Nature Reserves) within Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area are indicated in Figure 2 of Appendix C.

of habitats and the distribution of species and habitats

Management of the water environment should be undertaken for the benefit of biodiversity, notably the area’s protected species and habitats.

There is an opportunity to improve water quality through coof surface water runoff and point

Landscape and

It is essential that Cambridgeshire’s special landscape character and quality is enhanced where possible.

Townscape

Sensitive landscapes require careful consideration of the impacts of change, although there are no statutorily protected sites for landscape (National Parks or Areas of Opportunities to protect / conserve / enhance wetlands close to



SEA Topic Key Sustainability Issues Key Sustainability Opportunities

Outstanding Natural Beauty) within the county.

pact

wn

ue.

Management of surface water can have a significant imupon landscape and townscape, particularly in relation to flood defences. Careful consideration must be given to theprotection of the existing quality and character.

Much of the northern rural area in Cambridgeshire is knoas ‘The Fens’, an area that is artificially drained. The Fens include the lowest lying land in Cambridgeshire, with Holme Fen being not only the lowest point in the county, but also the lowest point in the UK, approximately 2.75m below sea level. The Fens cover an area of almost 1,500 square miles, divided between eleven district and five county councils.

urban areas as they provide important amenity val

Well maintained coastal and fluvial flood defences are essential to providing the conditions in which Internal Drainage Boards can maintain extensive artificial drainage within the Fens.

Cultural Heritage

re

Emphasis on preservation in situ. Archaeological preservation in situ should be undertaken if it is beneficial to the archaeology rather than as a matter of convenience.

Cambridgeshire is home to a wealth of heritage assets (see Figure 3 of Appendix C) including those of a national and local importance including, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Registered Historic Parks and Gardens. Scheduled Ancient Monuments range from Devil's Ditch to the south of Newmarket to Denny Abbey to the north of Cambridge.

Development puts increasing pressure on cultural heritage assets; it is therefore important that any new infrastructudevelopment considers heritage issues and ensures theprotection of assets and the wider historic landscape / townscape.

New development / infrastructure has the potential to damage unknown buried archaeological remains and flooding poses a threat to heritage assets.

The settings of cultural heritage features should be considered and preserved.

There may be opportunities to reduce flood risk to specific heritage features.

Water Within Cambridgeshire there is approximately 4995km of Where possible, SuDS should be used to manage and reduce




ordinary watercourse.

Many of the county’s watercourses’ current Ecological Quality (under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)) are considered to be of a moderate quality.

The main river watercourses through the county are the River Great Ouse and its key tributaries, for example the River Cam. The River Nene also flows through the count

Parts of Cambridgeshire are ex

y.

posed to flood risks, and f

ar

during a 1 in 200 year rainfall event. The British Geological

o

ale

Drainage Boards that have been established in areas of special drainage need in the county.

ourses and ,

The Flood Risk Management Strategy should promote the amenity value of surface watercourses for developing local environmental quality and creating a sense of place.

t (any

t to maintain / improve

these are likely to increase over time as a consequence oclimate change. The Environment Agency’s ‘Flood Map forSurface Water’ estimates that approximately 23,100 homes in Cambridgeshire are at risk of surface water flooding in a rainfall event with a 1 in 200 chance of occurring in any ye(3,575 of those from deep - greater than 300mm) flooding

The Council should ensure that inappropriate developmendevelopment constructed against the Environment Agency’s advice on flooding or which, by virtue of its location or operation, would increase the risk of flooding to people or property) is prevented.

Survey (BGS) mapping identifies approximately 26% of Cambridgeshire as being at a very high or high risk of groundwater flooding based on their Areas Susceptible tFlooding dataset.

Cambridgeshire has suffered from five recorded large scflood events in recent years including: March 1947; September 1968; May 1978; Easter 1998; and October 2001.

There is an anticipated future increase in pressure upon water resources.

Cambridgeshire has 63 Internal

surface run-off rates and further reduce flood risk.

Opportunities should be sought to de-culvert waterccreate space for rivers in order to reduce the risk of floodingimprove biological water quality and enhance the overall quality of the environment.

Opportunities to improve water quality should be sought where possible. Opportunities should be soughcurrent WFD ecological and chemical water quality in addition to achieving 2015 predictions.

Geology and The fens contain some of the UK’s most productive The fertility of floodplain soils could be improved by promoting

ent—Cambridgeshire Local Stra r Flood Risk Ma 012 - 2015 tegy fo nagement 2



Soils agricultural land, and any adverse impacts on its stability or fertility as a result of the Flood Risk Management Strategy must be avoided.

Nearly half of the agricultural la e aOu atc nt i rad a i TFen cco for of Gr iEngland, producing 37% of all e e apotatoes grown in the country,

seasonal flooding and the natural deposition of silt.

It is critical, that appropriate flood risk and drainage management measures are taken to protect important food

nd ind 2ade veg

n th Ag

within the Grecultural Land. ricultural Land s and 24% of

t he

n ll

se cs a

hmeunt

s G50%

es 1 all

r1 Agtabl

production areas.

Population and Human Health

600,800 a his xpected t e e13% in the next 13 years, with l oin Cambrid Cit 31%. Po t g t

ure on w o water supply.

The largest settlements in the coun r ESt Neots, Huntingdon and Wisbypical of urban settleme c e generally at risk from sur r e

e n s

ment a in f m as a ally d ive of t acts of cli chang

r yi es n ot d a

pr

ra po uc

a an ting fra l ting

i e F sse oa nd s at meet ket and es can e a d d.

opment be ed into flo

There may be oppocorridors as green lenvironmental qualiespecially in the mo

SuDS should be incwherever feasible t

Well maintained coan extensive drainasustainable growth infrastructure (such(such as utilities) ththe rural communitirisk is well manage

Inappropriate develalong with intrusion

tunitnkagy anst de

orpo red

stal ge inn thas r

ies to im in the

helpingived n

ted intoe flood

d fluvistructens.

ds and the neonly ha

on flood plai

prove lands to im

eighbo

all ne risk.

al floodure areHousin railwaeds oppen

odplains.

the qualitcape – eprove quurhoods.

w develo

defence essentiag, jobs, ey lines) af the marif drainag

ns should

of river hancing llity of life,

ments

s, suppor in promo

ntial servicetowns nd floo

avoid

cal The population of the county

nd t

ge place increasing press

in 2009 was approximately by an averag

st predicted grrowth is likely urces in terms

e Cambridge, ech. These settlements are

ountry and arding, with somrs. This risk ists having river

vels of develop urbanised are risk, irrespect

of wth o of

ly,

o incthe pulaater

reasargeion res

ty a

the floo otheme

er le frofloo

t nts facat rithe

ticeace fur

acrosse watesk thanse settl

s, high runofther toe.

is e

y of

settlemmade wflowing

Withoutre likend pothe imp

entorsthr

a cly toenti

s bee b

oug

ha

ingy soh th

ngecrea co

momeem.

in pse ntri

mate

re of

racsurfbute

Strategic Environmental Assessm


3.3.3 l

ommenced in Septem 012 with the preparation of an rt for the Cambridges ocal Strategy for Flood Risk

Management. The report contained:

protection objectives that could influence the SEA and the development of

mework against which the elements of tegy for Flood Risk Management have been

assessed.

t of the ically,

ry ay result in impacts occurring

also been considered in the SEA.

EA

Table 3-3

Topics covered in the SEA Relevant topics listed in Annex I of

Scope of the Appraisa

The SEA process cSEA Scoping Repo

ber 2hire L

A partial review of relevant plans, programmes and environmental

the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management;

An initial identification of key sustainability issues and opportunities, together with recommendations for mitigation where required; and

The development of the SEA Frathe Cambridgeshire Local Stra

Geographical Scope of the Appraisal

The Scoping Report set out the scope and approach to the assessmenCambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. Geographthe scope of the SEA has been driven by the geographical scope of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management, which encompasses Cambridgeshire County in its entirety. However, transboundaeffects and cumulative effects of other plans mover a wider area, which have

Topics Covered in the Appraisal

The SEA comprises the consideration of the environmental (and some social) effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. Thebaseline characterisation has therefore reflected the topics set out in the SDirective. Table 3-3 identifies the topics covered, together with their relationship with the topics listed in Annex I of the SEA Directive.

Topics Covered in the SEA and Relevant SEA Directive Topics

the SEA Directive

Climatic Factors Climatic Factors

Material Assets

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

Material Assets

Landscape and Townscape Landscape

Material Assets

Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage

Material Assets

Water Water


Relevant topics listed in Annex I of EA Directive

Topics covered in the SEA the S

Geology and Soils Soil

Material Assets

Population an uman Health d Human Health Population and H

Material Assets

Annex I of the SEA Dcumulative and syner ter 4.

3.3.4 The Scoping Co

The Scoping Report w ober 2012, for a five week m of this was to obtain comment and feedba

The Scoping Report wEnvironment Agency

n y is

3.3.5 The SEA Frame

The SEA Framework series of SEA Objectives (covering environ

p SEA

ol for un the assessment and are aspirations/goals that nisa

ovthe full cross-section the county.

The SEA Objectives view of other relevant plans, programmes a ey issues and opportuniused in the assessme Risk Management and its number of guide ques

irective also requires an assessment of secondary, gistic effects, the results of which are provided in Chap

nsultation

as issued for public consultation in September - Oct consultation period. The aick upon the scope and level of detail of the SEA.

as issued to the three statutory consultees (the , English Heritage and Natural England) and the public

through availability oupdated following th

the Council’s website. The report was subsequentl consultation feedback.

work

underpins the assessment methodology and comprises amental and some social issues) that

are used to test the Directive does not reqrecognised toan authority/orgaare intended to be

erformance of the plan being assessed. Whilst theuire the use of Sustainability Objectives, they are a dertaking

tion should work towards achieving. The SEA Objectives ddress erarching and aspirational. The SEA Objectives a

of environmental (and some social) issues within

have been developed using the rend environmental objectives, the baseline data and the kties. Table 3-4 presents the SEA Objectives that were nt of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood

options. Each of the SEA Objectives is supported by a tions to add further clarity (and to assist the assessment

process).


bjectives and

A

Table 3-4 SEA O Guide Questions

SE Objective SEA Guide Questions

1 ts

and species

affect biodiversity

erest (SSSIs)?

al

atic ove the ecological

FD f

of pollutants that

To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habita

Does the strategy negativelydesignations e.g. SACs, SPAs, Ramsar and Sites of Special Scientific Int

Does the strategy lead to a change in the ecologicquality of a wetland habitat?

Will the strategy prevent the deterioration of aquecosystems, protect them and imprcondition of waters?

Will the strategy contribute towards achieving the Wobjectives or will the strategy lead to the deterioration ocurrent WFD status of individual water bodies?

Will the strategy conserve habitats and species that depend directly on water?

Will the strategy progressively reduce or phase out therelease of individual pollutants or groupspresent a significant threat to the aquatic environment?

2 To protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets s of

trategy have an effect on heritage resources, Monument?

Does the strategy have an effect on known sites or landscapes of cultural importance?

Does the strategy have an effect on sites or landscapehistoric importance?

Does the sfor example a Scheduled Ancient

3 To prthe qthe surface water envirgroun

the strategy lead to changes in surface water quality?

ty?

r looding in the catchment area?

flooding in the catchment area?

towards achieving the WFD objectives or will the strategy lead to the deterioration of current WFD status of individual water bodies?

Will the strategy promote more sustainable methods of run off and drainage management?

otect and enhance uality and quantity of

Does the strategy lead to a change in river flows?

Does

onment and the dwater resource

Does the strategy lead to changes in groundwater quali

Does the strategy have the potential to cause oexacerbate f

Does the strategy have the potential to help alleviate

Will the strategy contribute

4 To limit an dapt tclimate change

Will the strategy contribute positively to adaptation to climate change?

Has the possibility of increasbeen taken into account in the development of the strategy?

d a o

ed / reduced precipitation


SEA Obje tic ve SEA Guide Questions

5 To protect and enhance landscachara te

ca e vi mpacts?

opti fect areas designated for landscape /

pe and townscape Is the strategy likely to have significant landscape / towns p sual i

c r and quality Does the on aftownscape quality?

6 T otect and enhance uality and resources

Is additional land required for the development or implem

o prsoil q entation of the strategy?

iversity?

Will the strategy affect Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (Grades 1- 3a)? Will the strategy require below ground development / infrastructure that could lead to land sterilisation?

Will the strategy protect and enhance soil resources?

Will the strategy protect and enhance geod

7 To pr cthuma hewellbeing

strategy reduce flood risk to people and property?

s?

oration of

Does the strategy affect transport and accessibility?

ote and enhance Will then alth and Does the strategy ensure that surface water quality is

maintained within statutory standard

Will the strategy contribute towards achieving the WFD objectives or will the strategy lead to the detericurrent WFD status of individual water bodies?

Does the strategy affect opportunities for recreation?

SA Objective Compatibility

The seven SEA Objectives have been tested against each other to identify anypotential areas of internal incompatibility. The results are presented in Table 3

-

the SEA Objectives was generally ass tives seek to improve the quality of th

no areas of uncertainty were identified.

Table 3-5 Comp

5 and summarised below.

The interpositive

nal compatibility of as all the SEA Objec

essed ase

environ

No area

ment and human health.

s of potential conflict and

Internal atibility of the SEA Objectives

1

+ 2

+ 0 3

+ 0 + 4

+ + 0 0 5

+ 0 + 0 0 6

7 + + + + + +

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

NB the numbers refer to the SEA Objectives described in Table 3-4.


3.4

3.4.1 lte Assessment

eport, the strategy options for the

egy that

nt Strategy and Action Plan nt.

hig ctives was undertaken

e ts

Table 3-6

Stage B: Developing and Refining Options and Assessing Effects

A rnative Strategy Options

Following consultation on the Scoping RCambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management were assessed. The strategy options comprise:

Option 1: Do nothing;

Option 2: Do minimum - Develop a Flood Risk Management Stratdetails current activities for reduced flood risk; and

Option 3: Develop a Flood Risk Managemethat improves on current activities for flood risk manageme

A h-level review of the options against the SEA Objein the form of a simple matrix.

On table was produced for all three strategy options which compared the option against the seven SEA Objectives. Positive elements, negative elemenand potential mitigation / enhancement of the options were identified and recorded. The notations used in the assessment are presented in Table 3-6.

Notations used in the SEA of the Options

Impact Description Symbol

Major Positive

The option contributes to the achievement of the SEA O

Impact enhancements. bjective and is likely to deliver ++

Positive Impact

The option contributes partialachievement of the SEA Obje

ly to the ctive but not +

completely.

No Impact/ There is no clear relationship betwNeutral and/or the achievement of the S

the relationship is negligible.

een the option EA Objective or 0

Negative Impact

The option partially detracts from the achievement of some elements of the SEA Objective.

-

Major Negative Impact

The option detracts from the achievement of all elements of the SEA Objective.

- -

The results of this exercise are presented in Chapter 4 along with an overall conclusion and identification of a preferred option.

Objectives are compatible = + No clear impact on each other = 0

Mutually incompatible = -

Compatibility unknown = ?


s of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy

the strategy have been asse

The Local Objectiv

The Cambridgeshir

Assessment of the Loc

Good practice guidance a plan / strategy should be assessed against the SEA Objectives.

The Cambridgeshire Loc ontains five overarching Local Objec ernment’s strategic objectives locally. Cambridgeshire’s ed the following objectives

Objective 1: Unde


Objective 3: Helpi


Objective 5: Impro

The assessment of the Local Objectivundertaken using a matr e Local Objectives which compared them against the seven SEA Objectives. Positive elements, nega of the objectives were identified and recorded. The following notations used in the assessment include:

= Objectives are comp

0 = There is no link betw

? = The link between the

Assessment of Cambridgeshire’s Actions

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management contains 57 Actions listed under each of the Local assessment, the Actions y for Flood Risk Management have overarching Local Objec Table 3-7 presents the groups

3.4.2 Assessing the Effectfor Flood Risk Management

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management has been assessed against the SEenvironmental performan

A Objectives in order to determine the overall ce of the document. The following elements of ssed:

es; and

e Actions.

al Objectives

also recommends that the goals of

al Strategy for Flood Risk Management ctives which reflect the Gov

Flood Management Authorities developfor managing flood risk:

rstanding flood risk in Cambridgeshire;

ng Cambridgeshire’s citizens to manage their own risk;

ving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery.

es against the SEA Objectives has been ix based approach. One table was produced for all fiv

tive elements and potential mitigation / enhancement

atible;

= Objectives are potentially incompatible;

een objectives; and

objectives is uncertain.

Objectives. For the purpose of the within the Cambridgeshire Local Strategbeen grouped together and assessed by the tive heading they fall under within the strategy. of Actions that have been assessed.


Table 3-7

Local Objective Associated Action

Cambridgeshire A

Cambridgeshire

ctions

1.1 Great Ouse Catchment Flood Management Plan

1.2 Nene Catchment Flood Management Plan

1.3 Internal Drainage Board Action Plans

1.4 Strategic Flood Risk Assessments

1.5 Strategic Surface Water Management Plan

1.6 Detailed Surface Water Management Plan

1.7 Flood maps for surface water

1.8 Reservoir flood risk

1.9 Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment

1.10 Water cycle studies

1.11 Understanding legislation

1.12 Understanding sources of flood risk

1.13 Local flood Information

1.14 Flood incident reporting and incident investigation

1.15 Flood Risk Asset Register

1.16 Environment Agency System Asset Management plans

1.17 River Basin Management Plans – AngliaBasin District

n River

1.18 Partnership working with other lead local flood authorities

Understanding Flood Risk in Cambridgeshire

all flood risk management authorities y.

1.19 Ensure that carry out duties as detailed in the strateg

2.1 Partnership worManagement Partne

king - Cambridgeshire Flood Risk rship

2.2 Designation of assets

2.3 Flood incident investigation

2.4 Asset Register

2.5 Information sharing

2.6 Manage and reduce sewer flooding

2.7 Consenting for works to ordinary watercourses

2.8 Detailed Surface Water Management Plan

2.9 Main River flooding

Managing the Likelihood of Flooding

2.10 Consenting for Main Rivers


Local Objective Cambridgeshire Associated Action

2.11 Private sewers

2.12 Awarded water courses

2.13 Highways flooding

2.14 Internal drainage board watercourses

2.15 Carrying out flood risk management work

2.16 Enforcement

3.1 Stakeholder and community engagement

3.2 Flood incident reporting

3.3 Local flood forums

3.4 Riparian owner responsibilities

3.5 Town and Parish Councils

3.6 Citizen protection in flood risk events

3.7 Flood warnings

3.8 Property level flood prevention

3.9 Shared flood risk management solutions

Helping Cambridgeshire’s citizens to manage their own risk

3.10 Support and advice

4.1 Evidence base for flood risk management

4.2 Appropriate development

4.3 Sustainable Drainage Systems approval

4.4 Development and flood risk management

4.5 Development in the Fens

4.6 Local Plans

Ensuring Apprent i

geshir

opriate developmCambrid

n e

4.7 Funding for flood risk management

5.1 Flood warning

5.2 Helping citizens to protect their homes and valuables

5.3 Emergency preparedness

5.4 Planning for a flood emergency

Improving floprediction, wpost flood

oar

reco

d ning and very.

5.5 Recovering from a flood event

The Cambridgeshire Actions have been assessed against the SEA FramewoThe assessment has been undertaken using a series of assessment matrices,

rk.

which have used to document the following:

sessed the objectives;

Impact - whether the effect is positive, negative or neutral when asagainst


pact – whether the impact is likely to be direct (D) or indirect

le

were justified

Table 3-8

Nature of Im(I);

Timescale – the timescale over which the impact is likely to be realised (i.e. short-term (S-T), medium-term (M-T) or long-term (L-T));

Reversibility / permanency – whether the impact is likely to be reversib(R) or irreversible (IR); and

Certainty – the level of certainty of the impact prediction i.e. whether it islow (L), medium (M) or high (H).

The notation presented in Table 3-8 was used in the matrices. When undertaking the assessment, the symbols assigned in the matrix in the commentary box along with any uncertainties.

Notations used in the SEA of the Actions

Impact Description Symbol

Major Positive

The Action contributes to the achievement of the SEA Objectiv

Impact enhancements. e and is likely to deliver ++

PositImpa e but not +

ive ct

The Action contributes partially to the achievement of the SEA Objectivcompletely.

No ImNeut

pact/ ral

There is no clear relationship between the Action and/or the achievement of the SEA Objective or the relationship is negligible.

0

Negative ct

The Action partially detracts from the achievement of some elements of the SEA Impa - Objective.

Major Negative Impact

The Action detracts from the achievement of all elements of the SEA Objective. - -

Uncertain impact –

It is not possible to determine the impact as there may be too many

more information required

that would influence the appraisal or the impact may depend heavily upon implementation at the local level.

?

nature of the external factors

Positive and Negative

The Action has a combination of both positivnegative contributions to the achieveme

Impacts

e and nt of the

SEA Objective. +/-

This assessment has enabled the identification of the key sustainability strengths and weaknesses, and the potential areas for improvement. Recommendations are made to offset or alleviate any adverse impacts that have been predicted, or to enhance any opportunities that have been identified.

Appendix B.

A summary of the assessment of the Cambridgeshire Actions is provided in Section 4.4. The complete results of the assessment are presented in


3.4.3

or

Strategy for Flood Risk Management. In addition, potential opportunities to

a continual basis.

3.4.4 cts

mulative, e Practical Guide sets out the following

s a al

but of the

or more

tegy for Flood Risk Management has ppraisal, the findings of which are

3.4.5

The SEA Directive also requires SEAs to consider the transboundary effects of ered

3.4.6

During the assessment of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management, there has sometimes been uncertainty when predicting the potential effects. Where this has occurred, the uncertainty is identified within the appraisal matrices and accompanied by recommendations to mitigate such impacts.

In addition, a number of data gaps are identified within the baseline context where data is unavailable or out of date. Obtaining these datasets would help

Mitigation

Where appropriate, mitigation measures are recommended to avoid, reduce offset the potential adverse impacts as a result of the Cambridgeshire Local

benefit and enhance the social and environmental receptors are identified.

As the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management has been developed in parallel to SEA process, mitigation measures have been incorporated on

Appraisal of Cumulative and Synergistic Effe

The SEA Directive requires inter alia that cumulative effects should be considered. It stipulates consideration of “the likely significant effects on the environment…” and that “These effects should include secondary, cusynergistic…effects” (Annex I). Thdefinitions for these terms:

Secondary or indirect effects comprise effects which do not occur adirect result of the proposed activities, but as a result of complex causpathway (which may not be predictable).

Cumulative effects arise from a combination of two or more effects, for instance, where several developments each have insignificant effectstogether have a significant effect; or where several individual effectsplan or programme have a combined effect.

Synergistic effects – synergy occurs where the joint effect of twoprocesses is greater than the sum of individual effects.

The potential for cumulative, synergistic or secondary or indirect effects as a result of the Cambridgeshire Local Strabeen inherently considered within the apresented in Section 4.5.

Appraisal of Transboundary Effects

the plan on other EU member states. Transboundary effects are considwhere relevant throughout the assessment.

Technical Limitations and Uncertainties


3.5

ort presents the findings of the assessment to-date

f

3.6 l

onsultees and the public) for comment. llo nsultation period in January 2013, Cambridgeshire un

recei idgeshire Local

3.7 for

lood Risk Management

The SEA Directive requires that the plan is monitored to test the actual significant effects of implementing the plan against those predicted through the assessment. This process helps to ensure that any undesirable environmental effects are identified and remedial action is implemented accordingly.

Based on the assessment conducted and the identification of potential significant environmental effects, a monitoring framework has been prepared and is presented in Chapter 5. Monitoring will be undertaken following adoption of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

to further increase the knowledge of the areas, and could potentially be filled through the use of the monitoring framework.

Stage C: Preparation of the Environmental Report

This Environmental Repincluding the information collated in Stage A and during scoping, and documents the entire SEA process. The results of the appraisal together with any mitigation measures proposed are recorded in the remaining chapters othis document.

The Environmental Report also includes a separate NTS.

Stage D: Consultation on the Cambridgeshire LocaStrategy for Flood Risk Management and the Environmental Report

This Environmental Report has now been consulted upon alongside the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management to all key stakeholders (including statutory cFo wing the close of the coCo ty Council reviewed the feedback received and revised their strategy as appropriate. This Environmental Report has also been updated to reflect

ved comments and amendments prior to the CambrStrategy for Flood Risk Management being published.

Stage E: Monitoring the Significant Effects of Implementing the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy F

Strategic Environmental Assessm Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2ent—Cambridgeshire Local 012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2 Page 31

4 y

4.1 Introduction

4.2

irement of the SE e is to consider “re n lternative into u o e and the geographicamme d the es ith”.

ridge ree alternative strategy options for :

ptio

ptio Risk Management Strategy that etails educed flood risk;

ptio t t improves on current activities for flood risk management.

lts of the SEA appraisal the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management alternative strategy options is presented in Table 4-1.

212959

Appraisal of the Cambridgeshire Local Sfor Flood Ris

This section outlines the results of Local Strategy for Flood Risk Mrecommendations / mitigation measuresimplemente

Assessment of the Alternative Options

trateg

l of the Cambridgeshire

tegy.

k Management

the SEA appraisaanagement including details of

(where appropriate) that could be d to improve the performance of the stra

A requtakingprogradealt w

Cambreview

O

Od

Otha

The resu

A Directivacco nt the bjectiv” an to “give an outline of the reasons fo

shire County Council identified th

n 1: Do nothing;

n 2: Do minimum - Develop a Flood current activities for r

n 3: Develop a Flood Risk Managemen

aso able a s l scope of the plan or

r selecting alternativ

and

Strategy and Action Plan


Table 4-1 Assessment of the Alternative Options

Strategy for FlooCambridgeshire Local d Risk Management Options SEA Objectives

Option 1: Do nothing

nt activities for reduced flood risk

on urrent

ood risk mana

Option 2: Develop a Flood Risk Management Strategy that details curre

Option 3: Develop a Flood Risk Management Strategy and ActiPlan that improves on cactivities for fl

gement

1 To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habitats and species

0 ing’

y

0

ffects to biodiversity resources (or result in adverse effects).

+

It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothoption would lead to any significant effects on biodiversitresources.

It is unlikely that preparing a Flood Risk Management Strategy that simply outlines current activities for reduced flood risk would offer any beneficial e

Preparing a Flood Risk Management Strategy along with an Action Plan for Cambridgeshire has the potential to offer benefits to biodiversity resources through habitat enhancements, particularly through the incorporation of promoting green infrastructure and encouraging ecological enhancement as part of SuDS development within theAction Plan.

2 To protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets

--

term ts

-

sets

+ along

benefits to heritage assets through ensuring the Action Plan outlines the need to conserve important cultural heritage

Without a Flood Risk Management Strategy / Action Plan in place over the longCambridgeshire’s heritage asseare more likely to be damaged through flood events. This is because there would be no co-ordinated approach to manage flood risk, improve flood

Although the option includes the preparation of a Flood Risk Management Strategy, it would only detail current activities that reduce flood risk (i.e. no associated Action Plan), therefore would not offer any benefits to heritage asacross Cambridge. This option

Preparing a Flood Risk Management Strategywith an Action Plan for Cambridgeshire has the potential to offer


Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management Options SEA Objectives

Option 1: Do nothing Option 2: Develop a Flood Risk Management Strategy that details current activities for reduced flood risk

Option 3: Develop a Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan that improves on current activities for flood risk management

prediction / warning / recovery or guard against inappropriate development. Therefore effehave been assessed as major negative.

cts be h

s e

and

es

is similar to the ‘Do nothing option’, however, there woulda more co-ordinated approac(and partnership working) associated with current activitiethat reduce flood risk in thcounty.

features and protect / enhance environmental heritage features such as the Fens. Better management of flood prediction / warning flood recovery may also offer benefits to the county’s important heritage featursuch as Scheduled AncientMonuments and Listed Buildings over the long term.

3 To protect and

nd ter

- Not preparing a Flood Risk

/

erbate current flood risk. Post flood recovery may take longer without a Strategy / Action Plan in place and inappropriate development would not be guarded against at the county level. Effects were therefore predicted as negative

- As above, although the option a

flood risk. Therefore the effects would be very similar to the ‘Do nothing’ option. Without a Specific Action Plan in place to support the Strategy, post flood recovery may take longer and inappropriate development may not be guarded against

+ lood y

enhance the quality and quantity of the surface water environment athe groundwaresource

Management Strategy and ActionPlan has the potential to lead to adverse effects on surface watergroundwater quality and potentially exac

over the medium to long term.

includes the preparation of Flood Risk Management Strategy, it would only detail current activities that reduce

adequately at the county level.

The preparation of a FRisk Management Strategand associated Action Planwould provide a coordinated approach to support post flood recovery and guard against inappropriate development, which would offer benefits to surface water and ground water.





4 To limit aadapt to clichange

nd mate

- that the ‘Do nothing’ option would lead to any significant effects on climate

out ,

0 at this option would lead to any significant effects on climate change

n sk.

a Flood

and associated Action Plan is

here

It is unlikely

change issues. However, witha Strategy / Action Plan in placeCambridgeshire may not be prepared for future flood events.

It is unlikely th

issues. However, there would be a more co-ordinated approach associated with current activities undertaken ithe county that reduce flood ri

+ The development of Risk Management Strategy

likely to lead to beneficial effects on climate change issues. This is because twould be a far more co-ordinated approach with respect to predicting future flood events, reducing flood risk and managing flood recovery efficiently.

5 To protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and quality

0 0 +

ent nt

ent of the unique

landscape character of the

It is unlikely that the ‘Do nothing’ option would lead to any significant effects on townscape character or quality.

It is unlikely that this option would lead to any significant effects on townscape character or quality.

Landscape character and quality could potentially benefit from the developmof a Flood Risk ManagemeStrategy and associated Action Plan, due to the ActionPlan potentially committing tothe protection andenhancem

Fens.

6 To protect and enhance soil

o ity

0 The option is unlikely to lead to significant effects on soil quality /

0 The option is unlikely to lead tsignificant effects on soil qual

0 The option is unlikely to lead to significant effects on soil





quality and resources

resources. / resources. quality / resources.

7 To protect and enhance human health and wellbeing

-- Without a Flood Risk Management Strategy / Action Plan in place or a co-ordinated approach to flood events within Cambridge may lead to adverse effects on surface water quality

because flood prediction /

addition, recreation may also be affected if areas such as playing fields were flooded. Adverse effects would arise over the medium to long term.

n includes the preparation of a Flood Risk Management Plan (which would provide a more co-ordinated approach to current activities undertaken in the county that

Therefore, this option (as per

cause transport and accessibility problems as flood prediction / warning and post flood recovery may take longer without an Action Plan in place.

bility with diction /

arning and post flood recovery would be far more co-ordinated with the

d y

and an Action Plan. Residents would also be better prepared and made aware of how to protect themselves / their properties from flooding.

and cause transport and accessibility problems. This is

reduce flood risk) it does not include an Action Plan.

w

warning and post flood recovery may take longer without a Strategy / Action Plan in place. In

Option 1) may lead to adverse effects on surface water quality and

development of both a FlooRisk Management Strateg

- Although this optio + This option may lead to beneficial effects on surface water quality and benefit transport and accessiproblems associatedflooding as flood pre

Mitigation Potential

No mitigation proposed. No mitigation proposed. No mitigation proposed.

Summary This option is likely to lead to significant adverse environmental effects over the medium to long term as no proposed co-ordinated approach to managing flood

Overall this option is likely to lead to a mixture of both neutral and adverse effects. Beneficial effects were not predicted for this option as it only

Overall this option is likely to lead to beneficial effects. This is because the development of both a Flood Risk management Strategy and an

trategic Environme sse nt—Ca idge Strateg r Flood Risk Management 2 - 2015 ntal A ssme mbr shire Local y fo 012 Hyder Consulting 212959 Page 36

nage t tions

(UK) Limited-2

Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Ma men OpSEA Objective

Devel a od Risk ent St hat details tivitie duced flood

Option 3: Develop a Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan that improves on current

t f om

s

Option 1: Do nothing OMcri

ption 2: anagemurrent acsk

op rates fo

Flogy tr re

activiana

ies gem

or flent

od risk

risk or flood even cl r the o F dis gement St g nss Action Pl

c dd c d o o

managing f Cambridge e p ng

e o n pe /

ts is proposed. inRa

udes fok Manaociated

preparatiratean.

n of a y and

looo

Ap

ssorovi

nvirenhancem

iatee a

nme

Action Plan are likely to inated apprrisk in along with

rotection / benefits.

o-orloodshir

a county level Action Plan whcould potentially offer many

tal nts

ach t

rovidiich

Uncertainties in the Assessment

No uncertainties were recoded against the SEA Objectives during the options assessment.

Overall Conclusion and Preferred Option

From undertaking this options assessment, the prefe the g ir Risk nage nt w be Op n 3. Thi tion w d ens i men p c / t

ordinated approach at the c

rred opure

tionenv

for ron

Camtal

bridrote

eshtion

e Lo enh

cal Sance

tratemen

gy for Flood along with a co-Ma me ould tio s op

ounty level to flood risk. oul

S


4.3 Local Objectives

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management contains five overarching Local Objectives which reflect the Government’s strategic

the following objectives for managing flood

The

objectives locally. Cambridgeshire’s Flood Management Authorities developed risk:

Objective 1: Understanding flood risk in Cambridgeshire;


Objective 3: Helping Cambridgeshire’s citizens to manage their own risk;


Objective 5: Improving flood prediction, warning and post flood recovery.

Table 4-2 presents the compatibility of the Local Objectives against the SEA Objectives.

Table 4-2 Compatibility of the SEA Objectives and the Local Objectives

Local Objectives SEA Objectives

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Objective 4

Objective 5

1 To probiodiversand speci

tect and enhance ity, key habitats es

0 0 0

2 To prothe historand herit

tect and enhance ic environment

age assets 0 0

3 To prothe qualitthe surfaenvironmgroundw

tect and enhance y and quantity of ce water ent and the ater resource

0 0

4 To limiclimate c

t and adapt to hange

5 To prolandscape and towcharacter

tect and enhance

nscape and quality

0 0 0 0

6 To prosoil quali

tect and enhance ty and resources

0 0 0 0 0

7 To prohuman he

tect and enhance alth and wellbeing


s is uncertain

4.3.1

ial

e the Local Objectives and the SEA Objectives either

r many

recorded against SEA Objectives ‘4 To limit and adapt to climate . This was

t issues associated with flood risk partners of future risks associated

hire of

partnership working. However, the explanatory text to the Objective also states that the

maintenance of Sustainable Drainage these could offer benefits to biodiversity

s

rough

k to d their properties.

wn

g’ as

fects

events).

Key

= Objectives are compatible = Objectives are potentially

incompatible

0 = There is no link between objectives ? = The link between the objective

Discussion of Assessment Findings

Each of the Local Objectives were assessed against the SEA Objectives in acompatibility matrix to determine their compatibility and to identify any potentareas where new Local Objectives need to be established or the existing ones clarified.

On the wholcomplemented each other or there were no links between the two. The Local Objectives seek to create a well-co-ordinated and partnership working approach to flooding and flood risk within Cambridgeshire, which would offebenefits to both the environmental and social SEA Objectives.

Objective 1 seeks to understand flood risk in Cambridgeshire therefore positive effects were change’ and ‘7 To protect and enhance human health and wellbeing’because a better understanding of currenwould prepare the County Council and its with climate change. A better understanding of flood risk may also enable the County Council and its partners to better inform residents in Cambridgespotential flood events which may indirectly benefit local wellbeing.

Objective 2 seeks to manage the likelihood of flooding through

County Council has decision making responsibility for granting consents on ordinary watercourses (outside of Internal Drainage Boards) and has responsibility for approval, adoption andSystems in new developments. Both ofresources (through habitat enhancement), protection of heritage resource(through managed surface water run-off), benefits to surface water and groundwater resources (through limiting consents) and climate change (thbetter protection against flood risk). In addition, health and wellbeing would also benefit under this Objective as it would contribute to reducing flood risresidents an

Objective 3 commits to helping Cambridgeshire’s residents to manage their orisk. This would be achieved through stakeholder and community engagement, flood specific projects, local forums and a community impact assessment. Beneficial effects were recorded against SEA Objectives ‘4 To limit and adapt toclimate change’ and ‘7 To protect and enhance human health and wellbeincommunity engagement would benefit the wellbeing of Cambridgeshire’sresidents (through inclusive engagement) and would mitigate against the efof climate change in the future (through preparedness against future flood


ment in

soil quality and resources’) as it has the potential to reduce flood ith human

iction, warning and post flood recovery.

y plan to deal with flood events may reduce transport and

4.3.2

ed

4.4

r the

d below.

4.4.1

ed on

to ’ and 7 ‘to protect human health and wellbeing’

nly cil and its partners of future flooding risks associated

with climate change. In addition, a better understanding of flood risk may m residents in

Cambridgeshire of potential flood events .

Objective 4 seeks to guard against inappropriate developCambridgeshire and incorporate SuDS into new developments. This would therefore benefit all the SEA Objectives (aside from SEA Objective 6 ‘To protect and enhancerisk and offer enhancements to environmental resources along whealth and wellbeing.

Objective 5 seeks to improve flood predThis would particularly benefit SEA Objective 4 ‘To limit and adapt to climate change’ as co-ordinated and efficient management would be in place at the county level to deal with any increase in future flood events. In addition, an efficient recoveraccessibility inconveniences following a flood event along with reduced damageto historic assets and a reduced risk of pollution to surface and groundwater resources.

No potential conflicts or uncertainties were identified in the compatibility matrix.

Recommendations for Mitigation/Enhancement

No potential recommendations or potential mitigation measures are considernecessary.

Cambridgeshire’s Actions

The assessment and findings in this section have been formatted to mirrolayout of Section 6 of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The 57 Actions are therefore assessed under each of the five Local Objectives. The detailed assessment if the Actions is provided in Appendix B and a summary of the results is presente

Objective 1: Understanding flood risk in Cambridgeshire

Discussion of Appraisal Findings

Largely neutral scores were recorded against the SEA Objectives as the Actions under this Objective simply state that other Management Plans, assessments, Action Plans and studies should be undertaken in order to understand flood risk in Cambridgeshire. Therefore no effects were predictbiodiversity, heritage, surface / ground water, landscape character or soil resources.

Minor positive scores, however, were recorded against SEA Objectives 4 ‘limit and adapt to climate changeas a better understanding of current issues associated with flood risk would oprepare the County Coun

enable the County Council and its partners to better inforwhich may indirectly benefit local

wellbeing as local communities would feel informed and potentially empowered


idered

6 would directly protect surface and

7 as n

urses that may result in adverse effects on biodiversity /

also

ater / surface water resources, human health, the

ld eve

orks and capital works (as per Actions

e potential for

and capital works to reduce flood risk . However, ssets

e / changing historic setting). In addition, engineering sk would reduce the risk of surface /

contribute to reducing flood risk to

il


No potential recommendations or potential mitigation measures are consnecessary.

4.4.2 Objective 2: Managing the likelihood of flooding


Reducing sewer flooding as per Action 2.groundwater resources from contamination, benefit biodiversity resources and human health.

It is likely that beneficial effects would arise on SEA Objectives 1, 3, 4 anda result of Actions 2.7, 2.10 and 2.11 as the Actions would control certaiactivities on watercosurface water / ground water / human health through an appropriate consenting process. However, it should be noted that consent for ordinary watercourses and main rivers would also be subject to project specific environmental assessment. Responsible consenting undertaken by the County Council is likely to ensure new consents / changes to consents contribute positively to adaptation to climate change and likely changes in precipitation.

The maintenance of ‘awarded’ watercourses and highways structures has the potential to offer indirect beneficial effects to biodiversity resources, reduce contamination of ground wpotential to guard heritage assets from localised flooding i.e. through the removal of litter from blocked gullies / culverts. Regular maintenance woualso protect current WFD status of watercourses and may even help to achipredicted 2015 results. However, increased maintenance can also have an adverse impact on the WFD status of a water body.

There is the potential for engineering w2.14 and 2.15) to watercourses to adversely affect biodiversity resources through direct habitat land take. However, there is also thenhancements to be delivered through construction works through habitat creation. There is also the potential for both positive and negative effects on the heritage assets as engineering works would benefit heritage assets from damage associated with floodingconstruction works also have potential to adversely affect heritage a(through direct land takworks and capital works to manage flood riground water contamination and would residents and their properties.

No effects were predicated on SEA Objective 6 ‘To protect and enhance soquality and resources’.


Any proposed engineering works / capital works to watercourses should be subject to a site / project specific ecological assessment and archaeological assessment prior to construction.


4.4.3 age

hrough

ctives 4 ‘to limit and adapt to climate change’ and 7 ‘to protect human health and

l would

ed

4.4.4

f impleresougroun

Actio throu ctions promote green infrastructure,

green

Good practice, including adhering to the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines, should be adhered to / followed during any proposed engineering works / capital works to watercourses.

Objective 3: Helping Cambridgeshire’s citizens to mantheir own risk


Many neutral scores were recorded against the SEA Objectives as the Actionssimply seek to help Cambridgeshire’s residents to manage flood risk tincident reporting, flood forums, flood warnings and advice. Therefore the Actions would not have any significant effects on biodiversity resources, heritage resources, surface water / ground water resources, landscape character or soils.

Many minor positive scores, however, were recorded against SEA Obje

wellbeing’ as ensuring there is a greater awareness of flood risk among Cambridgeshire’s residents and Town / Parish Councils, preparing specific guidance for riparian owners, ensuring property owners know how they can minimise flood risk and implementing flood prevention at a property leveall better prepare residents for an increase in flooding associated with climatechange and may reduce localised flooding that results from residents poor maintenance / practice.

No effects were predicated on SEA Objective 1 ‘To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habitats and species’, SEA Objective 3 ‘To protect and enhance the quality and quantity of the surface water environment and the groundwater resource’, SEA Objective 5 ‘To protect and enhance landscapeand townscape character and quality’ or SEA Objective 6 ‘To protect and enhance soil quality and resources’.


No potential recommendations or potential mitigation measures are considernecessary.

Objective 4: Ensuring appropriate development in Cambridgeshire


Many beneficial effects were recorded against the SEA Objectives as a result omenting the Actions within this section particularly on biodiversity rces, heritage, landscape character, climate change, surface water / dwater quality and human health.

n 4.2 under this Local Objective would benefit biodiversity resourcesgh ensuring flood risk management fun

improve biodiversity and conserve important wildlife sites. The promotion of infrastructure as part of SuDS in new developments could also have


nd access to Greenspace. In addition, an overall reduction in flood risk across

ld ne

heritaecolo

Action 4.2 also seeks to ensure that flood management functions conserve

bridgeshire over the long-term would protect heritage n 4.5 would directly benefit the county’s d enhance the environmental heritage

t ce rent

face water contamination through promoting Sustainable Drainage in new development

t

d flood

scape character and heritage values.

soil

biodiversity

hould ensure that heritage assets re possible (along with the

er) as part of any new

ercourses or their predicted 2015 status.

indirect benefits on health and well-being as there are links between health a

Cambridgeshire would also offer health benefits to residents. Action 4.5 woube fit biodiversity through protecting and enhancing the Fens environmental

ge and its unique landscape character - there are many important gically designated sites within the Fens i.e. the Ouse Washes SAC, SPA,

Ramsar site and SSSI.

important cultural heritage and that flood risk is reduced through Sustainable Drainage in new development (the approval of Sustainable Drainage development in Camassets from future flood damage). Actioheritage assets as it seeks to protect anof the Fens and guard against future flood events through ensuring appropriate development. Guarding against inappropriate development in the Fens would also help to preserve its unique landscape character in the long-term.

Encouraging appropriate development that does not increase flood risk and thapromotes Sustainable Drainage would reduce the risk of pollution to surfaand groundwater resources from new development. This would protect curWFD status of local water courses and may also help to achieve 2015 predictions. The Actions would also protect ground water and sur

and directing new development to areas with a lower risk of flooding.

Climate change and increased flood risk would be guarded against through ensuring Local Planning Authorities encourage new development that does noincrease flood risk, ensuring that new development is well sited and does not increase the risk of flooding to itself and elsewhere in the county. Securingfinancial developer contributions would also reduce flood risk across the county over the long-term as contributions would contribute to new and improvedefences.

Action 4.4 seeks to direct new development to site allocation in areas with a lower risk of flooding. However, these low flood risk areas could potentially have high biodiversity, landscape / town

No effects were predicated on SEA Objective 6 ‘To protect and enhancequality and resources’.


It should be ensured that there is a requirement for enhancement (including green infrastructure which can also offer health benefits) within any guidance produced by the council for SuDS developments. In addition, guidance sare protected, enhanced and conserved wheprotection of landscape / townscape charactSustainable Drainage Developments.

It should be ensured that new development does not adversely affect the current WFD status of local wat


not

4.4.5 st

uidance will be issued to residents to deal with ultimately lead to a greater protection

or s ov dium to long term against floas owners would be able to better protect them. In addition, the development of Recovery Contingency Plans within Cambridgeshire may also reduce damage

hi di nagr ed ment of

ans uce the risk of pollution to surface and groundwater resources following a flood.

nsuring local communities and issued with specific flood guidance their homes pre / during / post flood events) m bridgeshire to protect their properties again vents associated with climate change. In add ncy preparedness plan in place to deal with ant g for a flood

e i for any ood e . An emergency preparedness plan to respond to flood events and planning for a flood nces following a flood as the emergency plan may reduce the time it takes for life to return to normal thro

No effects were predicated o hance biodiversity, key habitats and ct and enhance landscape and tow Objective 6

protect and enhance soil quality and resources

ec for M

No p io ures are considered necessary.

4.5 Appraisal of Cumulative Effects

The SEA Directive requires tcumulative and synergistic e e greater than the sum of their component parts).

Opportunities to create new wildlife sites should also be sought where possible.

Although Action 4.4 states that new development should be guided to areas with lower flood risk, it should be ensured that these areas do have a have a high biodiversity / heritage / landscape / townscape value.

It should be ensured that the extensive artificial drainage within the Fens ismaintained to preserve landscape character and heritage assets.

Objective 5: Improving flood prediction, warning and poflood recovery


Action 5.2 states that Specific Gpre / during / post flood events. This may f ome Listed Buildings er the me od damage

toa

storic assets from floooach would be adoptovery Contingency Pl

ng as an efficient co-ordinated mafollowing a flood event. The develop within Cambridgeshire may also red

codes

ement pp

Rec

E are informed of flood warning (detailing how residents can protect

ay better prepare residents in Camst any future increase in flood e

ition, ensuring there is an emergeicipated flood events and plannin

em rgency in the long termfuture increase in fl

emergency may also re

ugh efficient manageme

would better prepare the council and vents associated with climate change

duce accessibility inconvenie

ts partners

nt.

n SEA Objective 1 ‘To protect and en species’, SEA Objective 5 ‘To prote

nscape character and quality’ or SEA’. ‘To

R ommendations

otential recommendat

itigation/Enhancement

ns or potential mitigation meas

hat the assessment includes identification of ffects (where the combined effects ar


he the Loca es / Actions has been undereffects to be assessed

important as none of the Local Objectives / Actions would ever be implemented in isolation and the strategy has to be pote h anprog produc hbouring local auth the Environme environmental protection objectives relevan Management are listed within Appendix A headings). Table 4-3 summarises the cumulat plan. The approach identifies receptors wnscape that may be affected by cumulati

Table 4-3 Cumulative and Synergisti ire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Managemen

Receptor Cumulative / Synergistic Effect

Potential Cumulative Trend

Tmanner which has enabled the cumulative

assessment of l Objectiv taken in a . This is

read as a whole. There is also the ave cumulative effects with other pled by other authorities such as neignt Agency (plans, programmes and t to the Local Strategy for Flood Riskunder topic specific SEA directiveive and synergistic impacts of the, for example, biodiversity features to

ve impacts.

ntial for the strategy to rammes that are orities or

s and

c Effects of the Cambridgesht

Causes

Health and wellbeing of Cambridgeshire’s population

Levels of health and well-being have the potential improve in the long term.

ion in

impact

ridgeshire.

Provisions to promote green infrastructure as part of new SuDS development may encourage increased physical activity and encourage healthier lifestyles.

Positive An improved overall reductflood risk and environmental qualityof the Fens would positively upon the health and wellbeing of the population of Camb

Biodiversity The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management seeks to ensure protection of biodiversity resources where possible.

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and the associated HRA seek to ensure protection of the biodiversity resources.

Provisions to promote green infrastructure and improve biodiversity and conserve important wildlife sites would all generate the enhancement of natural areas.

Positive

Landscape Character

Heritage Assets

Protection and enhancement of cultural heritage and landscape character

The overall theme to protect the unique character of the Fens and guard it from inappropriate development would positively impact upon local heritage assets and landscape / townscape character.

In addition, promoting green infrastructure may also contribute to softening local landscapes.

Positive


Potential Cumulative

Receptor Cumulative / Synergistic Effect

Causes

Trend

Climate Change

manage and reduce flood risk from

tributions

o arise

Strategies for Flood Risk folk). In d also

er Basin

Positive contributions towards climate change

The central theme of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management is to

Positive

new development. All the Local Objectives and the Actions positively contribute in their own way to making positive conto climate change.

Positive cumulative effects on climate change would alswith neighbouring authorities Local

Management (such as Sufaddition, the strategy woulresult in positive effects in combination with the Environment Agency’s Catchment Flood Management Plans and RivManagement Plans.


5

the s ambridgeshire Local Strategy for

Fill data gaps identified earlier in the SEA process;

d

5.1

e n.

ng

Monitoring Framework This section provides an outline monitoring framework and advice for monitoring

ignificant effects of implementing the CFlood Risk Management. Monitoring is an ongoing process integral to the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management implementation,and can be used to:

Determine the performance of the strategy and its contribution to objectives and targets;

Identify the performance of mitigation measures;

Identify undesirable environmental effects; an

Confirm whether environmental predictions were accurate.

Requirements of the SEA Directive

The activities relevant to monitoring that are stipulated in the SEA Directive aroutlined in Box 3. The outcomes of these activities are detailed in this sectio

Box 3: SEA Directive Requirements Applicable to Monitori

“Member States shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes... in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action” (Article 10.1).

The Environmental Report should provide information on “a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring” (Annex I (i)).

5.

d to measure the performance of r Flood Risk Management against

nked to its implementation. These on the following:

A

nt

2 Approach

The monitoring framework has been developethe Cambridgeshire Local Strategy fochanges in defined indicators that are liindicators have been developed based

The objectives, targets and indicators that were developed for the SEFramework;

Features of the baseline that will indicate the effects of the strategy;

The likely significant effects that were identified during the effects assessment; and

The mitigation measures that were proposed to offset or reduce significaadverse effects.

The monitoring framework has been designed to focus mainly on significant environmental effects including those:


ends

Where there was uncertainty in the SEA, and where monitoring would

k Management, contextual monitoring of environmental change has been included i.e. a regular review of baseline conditions in the county. This enables the measurement of the overall effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

5.3 Existing Monitoring Programmes

A fundamental aspect of developing the monitoring strategy is to link with existing monitoring programmes and to prevent duplication of other monitoring work that is already being undertaken. The Cambridgeshire County Council Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) identifies a series of indicators that can be used to monitor progress. The proposed monitoring framework presented in Table 5-1 has been ‘tied in’ with the Cambridgeshire County Council AMR.

5.4 Proposed Monitoring Framework

Table 5-1 provides a framework for monitoring the effects of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and determining whether the predicted environmental effects are realised. The framework is based around the SEA Objectives and includes the following elements:

The potentially significant impact that needs to be monitored or the area of uncertainty;

A suitable monitoring indicator;

A target (where one has been devised);

The potential data source; and

The frequency of the monitoring.

For some of the SEA Objectives, for example, those relating to townscape character and quality, it will be necessary for baseline characteristics and contextual information to be reviewed.

Monitoring should be ongoing during the whole life of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management. The targets identified in Table 5-1 will therefore need to be reviewed and updated as new ones are developed and existing ones modified. In addition, new or more appropriate indicators may also be developed as more information is gathered and the SEA process and Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management further develop.

It should be noted that benefits would be realised from monitoring at different geographical scales. As this is a strategic assessment, it is important to

That indicate a likely breach of international, national or local legislation, recognised guidelines or standards;

That may give rise to irreversible damage, with a view to identifying trbefore such damage is caused; and

enable preventative or mitigation measures to be taken.

As well as measuring specific indicators linked to the implementation of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Ris

Strategic Enviro ent—Cambridgeshire Local Strateg 5 nmental Assessm y for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 201Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 48

consider the overall changes to Cambridgeshire County Council as a whole, as well as considering the changes within districts and individual settlements.

Those indicators written in italics highlight current data gaps which will be

e relevant to the monitoring of the re as a result of the Cambridgeshire

Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

reviewed and additional information gathered where possible.

Table 5-1 focuses upon indicatorslikely significant effects within Cambridgeshi

which ar


sed

SEA Objective Effect to be Monitored Indicator and Target (sources are provided where relevant) Timescale

Table 5-1 Propo Monitoring Framework

Review

1 To protect and enhance biodiversity, key habitats and species

Change in areas of biodiversity importance (i.e. loss or additions (ha) of SACs, SPAs, Ramsar sites, SSSIs, County Wildlife Sites (CWS), ancient woodland etc): To ensure there is no net loss of areas of biodiversity importance (ha) (District

gland)

orporating be

Annually Provisions for environmental enhancements, e.g. promoting green infrastructure and conserving important wildlife sites in new development.

New development should be guided to areas that do not have a high biodiversity value.

Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council and Natural En

Condition of SSSIs: 95% of SSSIs to be in a favourable or recovering condition (Natural England)

Number of developments within the County incecological enhancement / green infrastructure: Target toestablished (District Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council and Natural England)

2 To protect and enhance the historic environment and heritage assets

5 To protect and enhance landscape and townscape character and quality

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management ensures flood management functions conserve important cultural heritage, contributions are sought from new development to reduce flood risk and inappropriate development in the Fens is not permitted.

Reducing flood risk across Cambridgeshire would also reduce flood damage to important heritage

to be established (District Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council and English Heritage)

Annually Number of a) Scheduled Ancient Monuments b) Listed Buildings c) Registered Historic Parks and Gardens d) Conservation Areas: No loss unless justified (District Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council and English Heritage)

Number of heritage assets within the borough considered to be ‘at risk’: A marked reduction (English Heritage)

Number of heritage assets damaged by flood events: Target

ent—Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management 2012 - 2015 Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 50

SEA Objective Effect to be Monitored Indicator and Target (sources are provided where relevant) Review Timescale

assets.

New development should be guided to areas that do not have a high landscape / townscape value.

3 To protect and enhance the quality and quantity of the surface water environment and the groundwater resource

4 To limit and adapt to climate change

New development has the potential to impact upon water quality (i.e. WFD status) and resources. The strategy would ensure new development is well sited, reduces flood risk and encourages SuDS.

Number of planning permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency advice in areas at risk from flooding:No planning applications permitted contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding (Environment Agency)

Number of planning permissions incorporating SuDS: Target to be established (District Councils and CambridgeshireCounty Council)

Number of planning permissions granted contrary to the Environment Agency advice on water quality grounds: Noplanning applications permitted contrary to Environment Agenadvice on water quality grounds (Environment Agency)

To increase inland water quality: Increase % of ‘Good’ and ‘High’ quality (Defra)

Number of watercourses meeting their predicted WFD status b2015.

cy

y

Annually

Strategic Environmental Assessm


6 ext Steps This Environmental Report now represents the SEA of the final Cambridgeshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and includes an assessment / incorporation of amendments / comments received during the consultation process prior to the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management being published.

Monitoring will commence once the strategy has been approved and published.

N

Appendix A

ANNEXES

Appendix B

APPRAISAL OF CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S ACTIONS

Appendix C

FIGURES


Appendix D

SCOPING COMMENTS

Consultee Comment Response

English Heritage has produced guidance on SEA/SA, which is currently being updated to reflect changes in planning and developing practice: http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Strat-env-ass.pdf?1344331474 . The setting of heritage assets of all types is an important consideration as well as possible direct and indirect impacts on the historic environment arising from the implementation of the strategy; these be beneficial as well as potentially harmful effects. EngliHeritage published guidance on setting

may sh

in 2011: http://www.English-heritage.org.uk/publications/setting-heritage-assets/

Comment noted

With regards to the strategy itself, we advise that the conservation and archaeological staff of the county and

They are best placed to advise on local historic

y or

d on wever a response was not

district councils are closely involved throughout thepreparation of the Flood Risk Management Strategy and its assessment (if they have not been involved already).

environment issues and priorities, including access to data held in the Historic Environment Record; how the policproposal can be tailored to minimise potential adverse impacts on the historic environment; the nature and designof any required mitigation measures; and opportunities for securing wider benefits for the future conservation and management of historic assets.

The County Archaeologist was consultethe draft horeceived.

English Heritage

pt to say nt

therefore recommended that The heritage baseline in Appendix A includes

At this stage we have few specific comments excethat SEA objective 2 should include Scheduled AncieMonuments in the potential indicators section. Also, climate change presents significant challenges for the historic environment. It is

Comment noted. The SEA Framework has been amended to include reference to Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Guide Questions.

1


there should be a short section on Climate Change and the Historic Environment. English Heritage has produced number of documents on this topic:

a short section on climate change and the historic environment. a

http://www.helm.org.uk/server/show/nav.19689 .

We are generally satisfied with the proposed methodology rt

tes,

nt noted. Commeand scope of the SEA. We believe that the scoping reposatisfactorily addresses potential environmental issues we would expect to see addressed including the need to protect and enhance biodiversity and designated silandscape, soils, geology and access.

Natural England

We welcome proposals to undertake HRA screening and note that Natural England will be consulted on the Screening Report.

A HRA Screening Report has been preparedalongside this Environmental Report and has been submitted to Natural England for approval.

Figure 2-1 is also called figure 1 (this may be a bit confusing). Also it is very difficult to read any of the text on

Figure amended.

this map on screen.

Para 2.1 states that the strategy is currently in preparationbut it is complete and is being consulted on.

, .

It was understood that the Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management was a working draft

Table 3-1 Presumably this process should influence the environmental assessment of options / solutions / actionswithin the Strategy. However, if this assessment has already been completed (as the Strategy has been draftand is out for consultation) then how will Cambs CC ensure that the outcomes of the SEA scoping are integrated into the environmental assessment of the strategy? How will Cambs CC ensure consistency between the SEA and the Strategy (when presumaprocess shou

ed

bly this ld influence the SEA?)

Therefore the outcome of the SEA Scoping Report, the Environmental Report and their associated consultations can still improve the environmental performance of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

The Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management issued for consultation was a working draft and not a final document.

Environment Agency

ued for When will the SEA Environmental Report be iss The Environmental Report will be issued for2


consultation, and will an updated version of the Strategbe issued alongside it?

y er. It consultation in the 3rd week of Novembwill be issued alongside the current draft Strategy. The draft strategy will then be updated following the end of the consultation period.

Para 5.1 states that the environmental baseline has not been identified yet (and this process is a part of identifying the baseline). Should the baseline not have been identified before the Strategy was completed?

des

endix A) relevant to the

Page 8 onwards of the draft strategy inclucomprehensive baseline data particularly relevant to flood risk. The SEA Scoping Report was prepared within a tight timescale and therefore there was insufficient time to gather wider baseline conditions. However, this Environmental Report includes baseline conditions (within Appdetail contained within the strategy and considered detailed enough to assess the environmental performance of its contents.

In terms of Environmental Protection Objectives – there icurrently no reference in the document to the Water Framework Directive – this is a critical piece of legislation which applies to water bodies including – ground water

s

and watercourses which may be impacted by this Strategy

ver

tegy

iver basin Management Plan is

– and the UK government risks infraction proceedings if we do not meet the requirements of this legislation. The

Comment noted, reference to the WFD and the Anglian Rincluded within this Environmental Report – NB Appendix A, Annex E.

Reference to the Eel Regulations have also now been included (Appendix A, Annex B).

Environment Agency have developed the Anglian RiBasin Management Plan which has environmental objectives for all of the classified water bodies in the Anglian Region, the Strategy should be aware of any objectives which relate to water bodies which the Stramay have an impact on. Similar applies to the Eel Regulations.

There is also no mention of existing water level Individual Water Level Management Plans

3


management plans such as Wicken, Ouse Washes or other Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There is also no reference to the newly formed Cambridgeshire Local

l

are considered to be too specific to be included due to the high level and strategic nature of the strategy being assessed. There is little readily available information about the newly formed Cambridgeshire Local Nature Partnership therefore no information has been included within the baseline. There is however, considered to be sufficient information from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Partnership within the baseline i.e. Biodiversity Species and Habitats Action Plans. See above regarding the Eel Regulations.

Nature Partnership. Also no reference to our Eel Management Plans (Anglian River Basin) nor EU EeRegulations, which will impact on maintenance of flood defence assets, new builds etc.

Information sources:

Environment Agency – Catchment Flood Management Plan, River Basin Management Plan, Flood Map, Flood

- Cam Phase 2

Models, Great Ouse Tidal River Strategy (unapproved document, but provides some key information about future climate change issues – can be provided by the PSO team on request)

We are also undertaking a number of modelling projects:

= We have finished our project from upstream of Byrons Pool to the Old West confluence (including Cambridge Lodes, and the slades) and it is being entered into the flood map at the moment. It is available for use upon request.

- Cam Rural project = We started a few months ago which is modelling everything main river (detailed), and significant non-main river (broadscale) upstream of Byrons

Catchment Flood Management Plans, River Basin Management Plans, the Great Ouse Tidal River Strategy and Flood Maps have been used to inform the baseline in Appendix A, Annex E.

It should be noted that the Cambridge Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management is a high level and strategic strategy; therefore it was not considered necessary to include details from local plans or specific modelling projects.

4


Pool on the Cam, Granta and Rhee - estimated completion for external use May/June 2013.

- Lower Ouse project = Currently ongoing and is remodelling from upstream of St Neots to Stretham including major tributaries. - estimated completion for use February/March 2013

- Coldhams Brook - Carrying out a project to re-model

Coldham's brook - this is being done in conjunction with the council.

Local Authorities – Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, Water Cycle Strategies, Development Plans.

Cambs CC - Minerals and Waste Development Plan Documents

Should the SEA provide an assessment of the types of land uses that are vulnerable to flooding? i.e. Waste Water Treatment Works, industrial uses, chemical sareas etc. This could provi

torage de an analysis of the likely

The purpose of the SEA is to assess the contents of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and not to provide a study of the types of land uses that are vulnerable to flooding. However, there is an action within the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management that ensures ‘each partner has a good understanding of the different sources of flooding – river, sewer, surface water, reservoir and groundwater etc…’

increase in pollution risk associated with a flood event.

It would be useful to see links to WFD under ‘water’ as theRiver Basin Management Plan sets out their current ecological status and what the future targets are.

/

Table 3-2 includes reference to the current ecological status of Cambridgeshire’s watercourses and opportunities to improve

5

6


maintain and achieve future targets. .

The Tidal River Strategy identifies the long term implications of climate change on standards of protection.

Appendix A, Annex B includes reference to this strategy.

There is also uncertainty over the sustainability of habitats in the long term in the face of climate change – e.g. Ouse Washes.

Comment noted.

The South Level Barrier Bank is an area of future conce(i.e. 50 yrs plus). This borders East Cambs District

rn

s

ct

es Habitat

es at flood

Council and there are significant strategic areas at risk of flooding as the climate change could result in a reduction in the standard of protection provided by the bank over time (as detailed within the Great Ouse Tidal River Strategy).

Long term sustainability of managing flood risk in the Fenhas been highlighted in the CFMP as an issue that requires further investigation.

Long term sustainability of the Ouse Washes Habitat is also an issue. The EA are currently undertaking a projeto recreate a large amount of habitat in the area to replacehabitat already lost, through the Ouse WashCreation Project.

We are also currently doing work with communitirisk in Girton and Oakington.

Comments noted. Many of these issues are noted within the action plan associated with the Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management, many data gaps and opportunities for further studies are also identified.

SEA Objective 1 – should mention WFD objectives in the indicators – no deterioration from the current WFD status of the water body as identified in the RBMP and potential to contribute towards the WFD objectives as identified in

Reference to the WFD objectives has been included within SEA Objectives 1, 3 and 7.

7


the RBMP.

SEA Objective 2 – reference to our Flood Warning Service is relevant as a potential indicator for this objective

SEA Objective 3 – as for objective 1, needs to link to WFD. An additional indicator would be the WFD / RBMP status of watercourses in the County (as inferred by the 6th Guide Question). Again reference to our flood warning service may be relevant as an indicator.

(produced by Defra, for Flood Risk Management, from the UKCIP09 projections) been incorporated into any assessment of ordinary water courses? Again reference to our flood warning service may be relevant as an indicator.

Objective 7 – again it would be good to link the status of rivers to WFD and RBMP objectives. Again reference to our flood warning service may be relevant as an indicator.

nclude reference to the Environment Agency’s Flood Warning Service within the SEA Objective 2

mework as the service hin the

strategy’s Action Plan.

The UKCIP09 projections have informed the SEA baseline – see Appendix A, Annex A. It

is not the purpose of

ordinary watercourses; the SEA provides a strategic assessment of the Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management.

SEA Objective 4 – has the latest Climate Change Advice should be noted that it the SEA to provide an assessment of

It is not considered necessary to i

(and its promotion) is included witor within the SEA Fra

The approach seems appropriate, spatial scale should not only include ‘where’ the impact is, but the geographical magnitude of the impact (i.e. how large an area it covers) to help understand the scale of the impact.

Comment noted. Scale of impacts is noted within the SE ere appropriate. A wh

Scope seems appropriate, there are very strong hydrological links across the fenland area (i.e. Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) so it would be important on the periphery of the study boundary to consider these.

Comment noted. Transboundary effects are noted in the assessment where appropriate.

8

Appendix E

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT COMMENTS


English Heritage recently and so I passed this consultation on to the new

I had a quick look through and didn't have any further e

Comment noted. No additional information was received from English Heritage,

‘English Heritage has been going through a restructure

therefore no further action required. team who would be dealing with it. It seems perhaps that in the transition it has been overlooked unless you have received comments from anyone else in the organisation?

comments to make, so that might have to be our responsfor now. I will try to chase the new team to see if anyone has anything further to add’.

Natural England is satisfied that the SEA methodology, objectives and topic based assessment appear to comply

lar they ding

s as

river corridors and green

Comment noted. No further action required.

with the requirements of the Regulations. In particuwelcome consideration of environmental topics incluclimate change, biodiversity, landscape, geology and soilto be covered and opportunities for enhancements such improvements to quality oflinkages and incorporation of SUDS.

Natural England note that the SEA concludes that Option

t

Comment noted. No further action required. 3: Develop a flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan will ensure environmental protection / enhancemenalong with a co-ordinated approach to flood risk at the county level.

Natural England

Natural England welcome the recommendations that the

biodiversity enhancement (including green infrastructure

her action required. Strategy should ensure that there is a requirement for

which can also offer health benefits) and that guidance should require the protection of landscape / townscape

Comment noted. No furt

1


character as part of any new Sustainable DrainagDevelopments.

e

Natural England welcome recognition that opportunities to create new wildlife sites should also be sought where


possible.

Natural England are pleased the SEA acknowledges that the Strategy should ensure that new development does


not adversely affect the current WFD status of local watercourses or their predicted 2015 status.

The recommendations identified through the SEA, including requirements for guidance, mitigation and

ations have now been incorporated into the strategy. Comments noted – recommend

enhancement opportunities, should be embedded in the Strategy itself.

The proposed Monitoring Framework and indicators and targets seem reasonable.


Page 6, paragraph 2, bullet points of Objectives: objecti2, ‘Managing the Impact (o

ve r consequence) of Flooding’ contents of the Local Strategy for Flood Risk

he

The SEA has been undertaken on the

Management, minor wording changes to tObjective at this stage would not affect the assessment.

would be a better heading, as the likelihood is dependent on the weather and cannot be managed.

Appendix A P4, Table A2, Table columns have no units. Now amended.

Environment Agency

Page 18 – The Environment Agency are pleased to see ave

Comment noted. No further action required. that the current status of water bodies in this area hbeen taken into account, and opportunities to improve the

2


status have been identified. WFD has now beenmentioned in the appropriate places throughout the document, with reference to the River Basin ManagePlan.

ment

3.4.1 - Are these options considered in the Strategy? It would be useful to understand how these options link to any appraisal undertaken in the Strategy.

The Cambridgeshire Local Strategy for FloRisk Mana

od gement represents the ‘preferred

SEA her

option’ i.e. the strategy includes an Action Plan that improves on current activities for flood risk management. The detailed was undertaken on this option. No furtaction considered necessary.

Table 4-2 - This was a comment which the Environment Agency also provided to the Strategy consultation: an objective focussed on ‘environmental opportunities,

Environmental opportunities, mitigation and enhancement is considered to be included within each topic specific SEA Objective. In

mitigation and enhancement’ might be a useful addition to the 5 Strategy objectives. If such an objective had been identified then there would be clearer links with many of the SEA Objectives.

addition, opportunities, mitigation and enhancement are inherent to the SEA process. No further action considered necessary.

4.3.2 - If there is no identified mitigation or enhancemeopportunities identified when appraising the Strategy objectives against SEA objective

nt

s, then it might be useful to explain why this is the case. The Strategy actions are likely to result in opportunities for enhancement and need for mitigation.

This is considered to be self-evident; the compatibility Table 4-2 did not identify any areas of incompatibility or uncertainty whichwould require additional enhancement / mitigation. No further action considered necessary.

4.4.1 - Again as above, I think there are likely to be opportunities for enhancement, as the studies undertaken

ndations or potential mitigation measures are were considered No potential recomme

3

4


to better understand flood risk can also identify opportunities to make environmental gains, improve habitat, bring WFD benefits through flood risk management.

Please note that increased maintenance can also have anadverse impact on the WFD status of a water body

ction seek to improve the understanding of the baseline and do not proposed development. No further action considered necessary.

This has been noted and additional text has been added to Section 4.4.2 to reflect this.

necessary as no conflicts or uncertainties were identified in the assessment. The actions within this se

Table 4-3 - It is not clear which other plans or strategies are being considered to have a cumulative effect with the Local Strategy. Is Table 4 only considering the cumulative and synergistic effects of combining the different strategy actions, or the different strategy objectives, or combining with other plans and strategies, and if so which ones?

Is there any potential for cumulative negative affects when considering plans such as minerals and waste strategies, or local development frameworks i.e. potential conflicts where the Local Strategy may be identifying areas for making space for water which could result in potential contamination of watercourses, or flooding of properties which combined with another plan?

Table 4-3 brings together all potential cumulative effects that were identified throughout the SEA of the strategy. This includes cumulative and synergistic effects of the strategy’s actions, objectives and other plans and strategies,

It is very unlikely that adverse cumulative effects would arise with the Local Strategy for Flood Risk Management and relevant minerals / waste strategies, or Local Plans due to the high level nature of the strategy. The strategy does not identify allocations for development or identify new infrastructure projects; its purpose is to provide the coordinated management of flooding in the County - which is very unlikely to lead to increased contamination and flooding cumulative effects.

5


Table 5-1 - Is the Lead Local Flood Authority responsible for all of the monitoring actions, or do some of the actions lie with other partners (e.g. Natural England, District Councils, Environment Agency, and English Heritage)? If other partners are needed to assist with the monitoring, it may be useful to make this more explicit in the Environmental Report and clearly allocate monitoring actions, and ensure that partners are on board with these.

As the Lead Flood Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council will be responsible for monitoring actions.