Cotswold Canal Trust

Restoration Phase 2

Environmental Impact Assessment

October 2017

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1 Introduction

1.1 Preamble The restoration of the whole length of the Cotswold Canals is a multi-stage project that will take many years. Restoration, championed by the Cotswold Canals Partnership (CCP), started towards the western end of the 58 km (36 mile) canal corridor, within Stroud District. Stroud District Council (SDC) is managing the restoration of the 10 km (6 mile) Phase 1A section of the Project centred on Stroud on behalf of the CCP. The Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) is the Lead Partner for Phase 1B and is currently working on a major funding bid for this 6 km (4 mile) length which will connect Phase 1A with the rest of the canal network at the western end. It seems highly likely that CCT will also be the Lead Partner for Phase 2 which is the subject of this report. The relevant Local Planning Authorities for Phase 2 are Wiltshire Council, Gloucestershire County Council and Cotswold District Council.

The project is being progressed in line with the project Planning Application Strategy (PAS) which sets out the overall approach to Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Phase 2 of the Cotswold Canals Restoration Project. The strategy is further described in Section 2 of this report.

This report is the Level 1 Environmental Statement (ES), which assesses cumulative impacts across the whole Phase 2 restoration project and will support the planning applications for the individual schemes making up the Phase 2 project.

1.2 The Project The Cotswold Canals Restoration Phase 2 project is to restore the easternmost 16 km (10 mile) stretch of the Thames and Seven Canal, as a navigable waterway. The vision for the overall programme is as follows:

Restore the Cotswold Canals to full navigation in the interests of conservation, biodiversity and local quality of life, and to use the restoration as a catalyst for wider social, economic and environmental regeneration in areas neighbouring the canals.

The Phase 2 Restoration Project extends from The Spine Road Bridge (OS Grid Ref: SU 072 971) near South Cerney to Inglesham Junction Near Lechlade (OS Grid Ref: SU 207 990) on the Thames and Severn Canal. The site of the project is shown in Appendices A1 and A2.

1.3 Background The Cotswold Canals restoration project comprises two linked waterways: the Stroudwater Navigation (12 Kilometres) and the Thames and Severn Canal (46 Kilometres). Originally these two waterways linked England’s two great rivers, the Thames and Severn between Saul Junction and Lechlade. The Stroudwater

2 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 was created in order to provide a link from Stroud, the 18th Century ‘wool capital’, to the river Severn. The Stroudwater canal opened in 1779 and was highly profitable during the 19th Century. The Thames and Severn Canal was constructed a decade later to complete the link between the Thames and the Severn and in effect link places such as Bristol, Gloucester and the Midlands with London. With the advent of the railways came the decline of the canals, as a result, both canals were closed by 1954.

Since their closure the canals have largely been neglected and have fallen into a derelict state. Currently a significant proportion of the Stroudwater Canal between the railway embankment at Stonehouse and Brimscombe Port is being restored. This section forms Phase 1A of the wider restoration ambitions and funding has been secured from a variety of sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund and a grant from Stroud District Council. Phase 1A broadly encompasses individual schemes such as dredging, bridge replacement and canal realignment.

Phase 2 is the restoration of the canal between the Spine Road Bridge and the Junction with the River Thames at Inglesham. This section is in a largely rural area and as such has not suffered from the quantity of severe obstructions found and being overcome within the semi urban Phase 1A length to the same extent. Sections have been filled in but these are mainly in areas where mineral extraction is, or will be, taking place and have the protection offered by long standing planning policies. Those sections will often require complete rebuilding as part of the works required for the completion of mineral working schemes. Elsewhere some stretches of the canal have been in-filled for agricultural purposes.

The original canal line has been significantly affected by improvements to the A419 but a bridge was provided for the canal under the dual carriageway when the Latton Bypass was built and a straightforward alternative line for the canal has been identified.

1.4 The need for restoration Following the abandonment of the Thames and Seven Canal in 1927 and 1933 and the closure of the Stroudwater Canal in 1954, both canals were left to become derelict. Some sections of the canals remain with free water but heavily silted up, other sections have been in-filled and farmed but most of the route has survived as a dry or seasonally dry channel. There are very few buildings actually built on the line of the canal and only 1 house in the entire 58 km length.

The restoration project is required to protect the built heritage of the canals and the associated environment from loss due to further dereliction of the remaining canal structures. The fundamental aim of the project is therefore to balance the need for restoration with the need to conserve the historic environment and protect biodiversity.

In addition to the conservation of the waterway heritage and ecology, the restoration of the canals is intended to deliver significant social and economic

3 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 regeneration. The intention is that it will make a substantial contribution to local community development and quality of life by increasing opportunities for recreational and amenity use of the canals and their immediate environs. A vitally important aspect of this will be improved access for all, including people with disabilities. In some places restoration should be regarded as a critical element in local urban regeneration whilst in the rural areas, it can provide a major recreational resource to major urban areas such as Gloucester, Swindon and further afield.

1.5 Structure of the Environmental Statement This Level 1 Environmental Statement considers the cumulative, project-wide impacts from the restoration works related to Phase 2 and also incorporates consideration of mitigation measures that would be applicable to the development.

The Statement comprises a Non-Technical Summary together with the following chapters:

Chapter 1: Provides an introduction to the proposed scheme;

Chapter 2: Outlines the EIA process, the regulatory context of the EIA and the structure and approach to the ES;

Chapter 3: Provides information on the scheme proposals including the works planned during the restoration and a consideration of alternatives;

Chapter 4: Assesses the impacts the proposed scheme may have on archaeological and cultural heritage resources, including landscapes, within the vicinity of the canal;

Chapter 5: Assesses the impacts the proposed scheme may have on climate change in relation to the current situation;

Chapter 6: Assesses the impacts the proposed scheme may have on the ecological resources in the vicinity of the canal;

Chapter 7: Assesses the impacts the proposed scheme may have on the social and economic conditions in the communities around the canal;

Chapter 8: Assesses the impacts the proposed scheme may have on the existing conditions of surface and ground water sources in relation to quantity, level and quality;

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2 Environmental Impact Assessment

2.1 The need for an Environmental Impact Assessment The regulatory framework for EIA is defined in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (as amended) (the ‘2011 Regulations’). The 2011 Regulations implement the European Directive (2011/92/EU, OJ l/26/1 28.1.2012) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (which is usually referred to as the “Environmental Impact Assessment Directive”) in so far as it applies to the planning system in England. The Directive requires that before granting development consent (such as planning permission), projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment must be subject to a procedure known as an environmental impact assessment. The EIA regulations are supplemented by the planning practice guidance (including for EIA) provided for the National Planning Policy Framework for England. The legislative context for each of the environmental aspects addressed in this Level 1 EIA is described in the individual chapters.

2.2 The EIA Process A typical EIA process comprises four main stages:

1. Screening; 2. Scoping; 3. Assessment of environmental impacts by applicant and 4. Critical evaluation of assessment by local planning authority and consultees.

The EIA process has been developed to sit alongside the planning process, whereby an ES supports a planning application, to enable the planning authority to give due consideration to the environmental aspects of any development falling within Schedule 1 or 2 of the 2011 Regulations.

2.2.1 Screening The EIA Regulations identify those types and scales of development where EIA is a prerequisite (Schedule 1 development) and those where a level of discretion can be applied by the Local Planning Authority (Schedule 2 development). Where a development project falls within Schedule 2, the applicant can request a screening opinion from the Local Planning Authority on whether an EIA should be undertaken. The canal restoration project falls within Schedule 2, Part 10 of the 2011 Regulations, where the area of the works exceeds 1 hectare: (h) Inland-waterway construction not included in Schedule 1, canalisation and flood-relief works.

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While the total area of the proposed works exceeds 1 hectare, individual projects as listed in Section 3 will not exceed this threshold. Nonetheless, a conservative approach has been adopted in undertaking this EIA.

A request for a scoping opinion has previously been submitted to Stroud District Council to assess the need for an EIA. This request was submitted by British Waterways, and although the scheme has been modified since, it does cover part of the same of canal. It is understood that an EIA has been requested for the current proposals, hence the preparation of this report.

2.2.2 Scoping

To enable the environmental aspects of all of the individual schemes to be considered together, a project-wide Strategy Scoping Report (SSR) was produced by consultants on behalf of the former British Waterways.

Considering the high level design already undertaken for both earlier aspects of the restoration project and Phase 2, the SSR report identified environmental aspects where there is a risk of a significant cumulative impact across a number of schemes, which therefore require project wide assessments (Level 1) and a risk of significant environmental impacts that are likely at a scheme level, and therefore require assessment local to the scheme (Level 2).

The SSR identified a risk of significant cumulative impacts across the project that require assessment at Level 1 for the following aspects:

• Ecology and Nature Conservation; • Socio-economic and Community; and • Water Resources, Quality and Flood Risk.

The aspects that require assessment at scheme level vary depending on the scheme. Consultation responses to the SSR were received from SDC and were acted on. The responses are summarised below.

The Environment Agency (EA) identified that the following topics should be included in the Level 1 ES:

• Flood risk; • Water quality relating to ground water vulnerability, land contamination; • Water quality relating to pollution prevention; • Water resources; and • Ecology and biodiversity including watercourses and structures.

The EA also referred to their previous scoping response (28th March 2007) relating to the British Waterways project. Aspects such as transport/access; air quality; and ground conditions will be incorporated within the individual scheme Level 2 assessments as appropriate and identified within the SSR, as will Site

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Waste Management Plans. Climate change considerations have been incorporated into this Level 1 assessment.

2.2.3 Assessment of environmental impacts by applicant This document is the Level 1 Environmental Statement (ES) which has been written in support of the planning applications for all schemes proposed as part of Phase 2 of the canal restoration project.

The Level 1 ES will be submitted to the relevant Local Planning Authorities and will form one of the components of each of the individual scheme planning applications.

The purpose of this Level 1 ES is to identify the potential for significant cumulative environmental effects due to the construction and the operation of the 49 individual schemes making up Phase 2 of the project, as previously defined through the SSR.

The Level 1 ES will be referred to by, and will form a component of, each of the individual scheme planning applications. In addition, a Level 2 ES will be prepared and submitted with the individual schemes planning applications. For certain schemes the SSR concluded that all environmental issues should be covered by the Level 2 ES, whilst for others only two or three issues are scoped into the Level 2 ES.

2.2.4 Critical evaluation of assessment by local planning authority and consultees During the evaluation stage, the relevant Local Planning Authority undertakes a critical evaluation of the ES, seeking further information from the Applicant if necessary, and taking into account additional consultations and public representations. This ensures that the Planning Authority is reliably informed about all likely environmental effects and can specify any mitigation measures before any planning applications are determined. In the case of the canal restoration project the planning applications for individual schemes will be determined having regard to both the overarching Level 1 and the individual scheme Level 2 ES.

2.3 The Planning Application Strategy Due to the length and complexity of the project, the funding requirements and the phased design development it will not be possible to apply for planning permission for the whole project or to produce an ES for the whole scheme at its inception. These particular circumstances have an important influence on the proposed approach to the submission of planning applications as well as EIA.

The Cotswold Canals Trust project Strategy is to respond to restoration opportunities as they arise whilst making steady progress on a many sections as possible under an overall restoration strategy. The Planning Application Strategy (PAS), which supports this overall process, divides the project into a number of

7 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 separate schemes, each of which will be progressed under separate planning applications as required.

The PAS will ensure that the project can meet the requirements set out in the 2011 Regulations and Planning Practice Guidance under the National Planning and Policy Framework (NPPF).

Planning permission will be sought for each scheme individually, while the EIA is divided into strategic, project-wide components looking at potential cumulative effects across the whole project, as well as a series of more detailed scheme specific assessments that will accompany each application.

2.4 General Methodology and Approach The purpose of this assessment is to identify any likely environmental impacts due to the construction and the operation of the project. The report describes the environmental baseline conditions for a range of topic areas, against which to identify the potential impacts of the restoration scheme, and identifies the likely impacts of the development.

2.5 Assessment of Impacts In identifying the level of impacts likely the following general methodology has been employed:

Identification of potential effects

Effects are mostly defined as physical changes to the environment attributable to the construction and occupation of the scheme, compared with baseline conditions. Baseline conditions are defined as the environmental conditions that would develop without the proposed scheme. Effects on existing resources and receptors may be adverse or beneficial, direct or indirect, temporary or permanent. In the case of landscape and visual amenity, some effects are perceived rather than literal: this does not mean that they should be ignored, but caution is needed when trying to assess issues that are so potentially variable.

Spatial scope

The area over which impacts could occur is wider than the route of the canal. The study area varies depending on the subject under consideration. Specific study areas are defined in each subject section, and allow for assessment of indirect as well as direct effects.

Temporal scope

Specific temporal periods are defined for the assessment of baseline conditions and effects of the proposals. Construction extends from the commencement of site works to the date immediately prior to opening of the scheme. Operation extends from immediately after the opening of the scheme to its maximum

8 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 utilisation. In addition, it is recognised that some environmental design measures will take time to become established and effective.

Identification of potential receptors

Receptors are defined as the physical resource or user group that will experience a particular effect resulting from development. The effect of an environmental impact depends on the spatial relationship between the source and the receptor. Some receptors will be more sensitive to certain environmental changes than others. The baseline studies identify the potential environmental receptors.

Significance of effects

The significance of effects is assessed against a generic scale set out in Section 2.4.1. Broadly, significance is a function of:

• The value of the resource (international, national, regional and local level importance);

• The magnitude of effect, be it adverse or beneficial;

• The time-scale involved, temporary or permanent;

• The sensitivity of the receptor and numbers affected.

Mitigation/enhancement measures

Where adverse effects can be reduced to acceptable levels through incorporation of practical and cost-effective design or management measures, these are identified. Similarly, opportunities to enhance positive effects arising from the development are acknowledged.

Monitoring

Where appropriate, monitoring measures are identified that will measure the success of the mitigation proposed.

2.5.1 Terminology Effects are described as follows:

• Direct (directly attributable to the development) or indirect (effects on the environment which are not a direct result of the project, often produced away from or as a result of a complex pathway). It should not be forgotten that direct and indirect effects will be experienced in relation to both the construction and operational phases;

• Short term (less than 12 months), medium term (1-5 years), or long term (greater than 5 years);

• Permanent (i.e. irreversible) or temporary;

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• Negligible and minor to extreme adverse or beneficial significance have been described in Table 2.1 below. Where required further specific criteria will be described in individual assessment chapters.

Significance Criteria Extreme These effects represent key factors in the decision making process. They are generally, but not exclusively associated with sites and features of national importance and resources/features which are unique and which, if lost, cannot be replaced or relocated. Major These effects are likely to be important considerations at a regional or district scale but, if adverse, are potential concerns to the project, depending upon the relative importance attached to the issue during the decision making process. Moderate These effects, if adverse, while important at a local scale, are not likely to be key decision making issues. Nevertheless, the cumulative effect of such issues may lead to an increase in the overall effects on a particular area or on a particular resource. Minor These effects may be raised as local issues but are unlikely to be of importance in the decision making process. Nevertheless, they are of relevance in the detailed design of the project. Negligible Effects, which are beneath levels of perception, within normal bounds of variation or within the margin of forecasting error. Table 2.1: Generic Significance Criteria

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3 Description of the Development

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Scheme types The Phase 2 restoration project is to be progressed based on prioritisation of sites due to the different timescales involved as a series of separate schemes. Works that are planned to take place within each scheme fall into six main categories:

Type 1 – Dredging works which involve the removal of silt and other waste from surviving sections of the canal channel;

Type 2 – Replacement or installation of bridges over the canal;

Type 3 – Replacement or installation of weirs, culverts and other canal structures related to the maintenance of a navigable water level;

Type 4 – Reinstatement, and in some cases, realignment of the canal channel in areas where it has been previously built over or filled in;

Type 5 – Restoration works to historic canal structures, such as locks, and

Type 6 – Diversion of utility services.

More detailed descriptions of development are provided on a scheme by scheme basis in section 3.5 of this report.

In addition a number of riparian schemes are planned, in partnership with adjacent land managers and landowners. Strictly speaking these are not part of the restoration itself, but they will be an important part of the project as a whole. For example they will provide additional wildlife habitats and/or recreational access and/or provide essential services to users often with economic benefits. Some of these works will be directly related to the restoration, as biodiversity offsets.

3.1.2 Conservation Management Plan The project is conservation led and the works will be guided and informed by the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to ensure it takes an informed and practical approach to conservation of the canal’s natural and built heritage. The CMP approach provides a comprehensive assessment of natural and man-made heritage assets and determines how they are, or could be, valued and used by people. The CMP provides practical guidance on day-to-day management and planning both during and after the restoration.

3.2 The Site and Surrounding Area The EIS relates to the restoration of the 16 km section from The Spine Road Bridge to Inglesham Junction on the Thames at Lechlade. This length is 60% within the County of Wiltshire and 40% in the County of Gloucestershire. The

11 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 canal corridor runs through the Cotswold Water Park parallel with the River Churn running south from South Cerney and then roughly follows the upper River Thames from Cricklade to Lechlade.

The immediate surrounding area is characterised by a range of rural landscapes including nationally designated landscapes and a site of conservation importance. The canal corridor is surrounded by statutory designations including a National Nature Reserve (NNR), and passes through the Upper Thames Area of Special Archaeological Significance and a Conservation Area, see Section 6.

The Spine Road Bridge

Between the Spine Road and Latton, the canal runs in a narrow corridor between the River Churn and the A419 dual carriageway on the eastern side of the western section of the Cotswold Water Park. The length from Latton to Kempsford runs just north of the River Thames in an area of agricultural land that is being extensively excavated for gravel extraction.

At Kempsford, the route of the canal passes through the centre of the village with residential property close to the canal. Some of the canal is infilled within the village.

From Kempsford to the lock at Inglesham, the canal passes across open pastureland with infilled sections mainly at the Kempsford end.

3.2.1 Site Description The Cotswold Canals link the Thames and the Severn running from Lechlade to Saul Junction. This EIS relates to full restoration of the 16 km section from the Spine Road Bridge in the Cotswold Water Park to Inglesham Junction where the canal joins the River Thames.

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3.2.2 Site History The vision of the Cotswold Canals Partnership is the restoration to full navigation of two famous 18th Century inland waterways, the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal, known collectively as the Cotswold Canals. First planned during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, eventually they formed the first navigable inland waterway between the Rivers Thames and Severn and linked the two great cities of London and Gloucester with the Midlands.

In addition to their combined significance, each canal has a history and character of its own. The construction of the Stroudwater Navigation dates back to the beginnings of waterway development in the first half of the 18th century and on completion in 1779 served to deliver coal to Stroud, the ‘wool capital’ of England. The Thames and Severn Canal, which opened in 1789, is distinguished by its ground breaking engineering, its striking architecture (including the noteworthy Sapperton Tunnel), and the means by which it was financed.

Though the Thames and Severn Canal had an operational life span of 122 years, and the Stroudwater of 162 years, the heyday of the Cotswold Canals was relatively short. The 11th May 1911 witnessed the last recorded boat passage through the Sapperton Tunnel. The whole of the Thames and Severn Canal had been formally abandoned by 1933 and in 1954 the right of public navigation was removed from the Stroudwater. Since then, the gradual decay of the canals has been interspersed with acts of deliberate destruction.

The condition of the channel and towpath varies enormously. While some lengths still hold water (mainly where restoration has taken place), much of the remaining channel exists but is now empty or silted up. In some places the bed has been in-filled.

The restoration of the canal is being approached via four distinct projects, Phase 1A, Phase 1B, Phase 2 and Phase 3. This ES relates to the Phase 2 restoration project, which entails the full restoration of the canal from the Spine Road Bridge though to Inglesham Junction on the River Thames at Lechlade, a tranquil rural idyll. In spite of years of neglect and abuse, a substantial amount of this 16 km stretch survives, including most of the original channel, all but one of the locks, some bridges and other operational structures, although significant natural infilling and overgrowth will require removal.

3.2.3 Site Surroundings The baseline environment of the canals can best be described through the following sections:

The Spine Road Bridge to the A419 Latton bridge crossing – this section of the canal skirts the western section of the Cotswold Water Park through a narrow strip of open countryside bounded predominantly by worked-out gravel quarries that have been restored as natural lakes. The towpath has been restored and is a popular route for walkers and cyclists.

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The A419 Latton Bridge to the bridge at the C124 road to Kempsford – this section of the canal was lost during the construction of the dual carriageways of the A419 in the 1990s.

C124 bridge to Inglesham Junction – this section crosses the flat, open countryside to the north of the River Thames, passing through the village of Kempsford which is located about mid-way along the section. Much of the western half passes through parcels of land currently being worked for gravel extraction. The eastern half crosses agricultural land, and is partly infilled. The towpath has been lost as a public right of way for all of this section.

3.3 Discussion of Alternatives

3.3.1 Introduction Schedule 4 to the 2011 Regulations requires that the Environmental Statement provides:

“An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental effects”.

To fulfil this requirement, this section presents a summary of the main alternatives considered, and highlights the predicted effects on environmental resources.

Options have been formally considered at a number of stages in the project. The design of the scheme has evolved over a number of years, with early input from consultation and environmental assessment influencing the options and designs proposed. The principle options are discussed below.

3.3.2 Option Appraisal Option 1 – Do Nothing

A ‘Do Nothing’ option was first examined in 2001. Survey work undertaken in 2003 identified significant built and natural heritage features along the canal corridor that warrant protection but are currently in a state of decline. Without investment in the canal itself, so that people can not only use the canal, but also understand and appreciate the heritage features around it, those sections with no statutory protection would be at risk. It is highly likely that even those sections with some statutory protection would continue to deteriorate slowly.

The canal currently comprises a range of habitats some of which are likely to decline without active management that can best be provided in association with restoration.

It was considered by the Cotswold Canals Partnership that the ‘Do Nothing’ option should not be considered further.

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Therefore a number of new options were examined and considered in the Restoration of the Cotswold Canals Options Appraisal Document (British Waterways).

Option 2 – Restore the original canal route

Under this option, the canal would be restored in its entirety, fully utilising the bridges and locks from the original construction, many of which could be reinstated with modest restoration work. The pounds from the Spine Road to Latton and to the east of Kempsford would require clearing and relining. The section from Latton to Roundhouse Farm at Marston Meysey would be reinstated upon completion of the gravel extraction. The pounds to the west of Kempsford and west of Inglesham have significant infilling, and would require re-cutting and relining.

However the reinstating the original route from the former Latton Bridge to the C124 road to Kempsford at the former Latton Wharf is no longer possible following the construction of the A419 dual carriageway to the west of Ermine Street. Option 3 presents a potential solution.

Option 3 – Restore the original canal route with a new cut at Latton

This option builds on Option 2, and overcomes the issues associated with the construction of the A419 by routing the canal under the A419 and re-cutting the pound to the east of Ermin Way to re-join the original canal to the south-east of the C124 Kempsford Road.

Before the canal can pass under the A419, a new lock would be required to drop the level to provide headroom through the bridge under the A419 , which was constructed when the dual carriageway was built. New bridges would be required under the service road to the west of the A419, under Ermin Way and under the C124.

Option 4 – Combination of canal restoration and River Thames navigation

To the west of Kempsford, some 3 km of the canal has been infilled, as have parts in Kempsford itself. An option to avoid the need for full restoration of these sections would be to re-route the navigation to use the River Thames from Roundhouse Farm through to the east of Kempsford. This would have the added benefit of extending the navigation through the village of Castle Eaton.

This option is rejected for two main reasons. First, the wide variation in water level and flow rate, and the propensity for flooding, makes the river unsuitable as a year-round navigation. Second, it is unlikely that the Environment Agency would accept the co-mingling of the canal water with the River Thames for water quality and ecological reasons. To address this would require the real time back pumping of 3 locks directly connecting with the Thames. It also requires the creation of a second summit level between Kempsford and Dudgrove requiring its own water supply system.

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3.4 Selected option Option 3 has been selected as the preferred option as it maximises the preservation of the canal’s natural and built heritage, whilst delivering the ecological objectives of establishing a new environmental corridor with minimal disruption to existing mature habitats.

3.5 Development Description The 49 separate schemes that make up the project are described below. Some of the schemes overlap geographically, however due to location and scheme type it may be necessary to let separate construction contracts for each scheme. See Appendix A3.

3.5.1 Spine Road Bridge (Scheme 1) A new bridge was built here in 2005 by the local highways authority. The only outstanding works are construction of the channel wing walls and the raising of the copings and path under the bridge to keep the path clear of operational water levels.

3.5.2 Spine Road to Cerney Wick Pound (Scheme 2) This pound was dredged in 2010. The channel will need lining, at least in places, a winding hole and moorings are to be constructed to allow access to the Waterpark Gateway Centre and a slipway is to be installed on the offside of the canal.

The towpath bank for the entire length of this section has been cleared and is in regular use but requires raising, as it has slumped in the years following abandonment. During these repairs, on the upstream side of the bridge, higher capacity culverts will installed under the towpath to handle the occasional very high volumes of water flowing from the River Churn into the canal when the river is in spate.

Approximately 110 meters of the offside bank, which borders the garden of the Round House, needs raising to provide a waterproof barrier to the operational water level. When this is completed, the weir crest of the spill-weir will be raised to the operational water level and its capacity increased.

3.5.3 Cerney Wick Lock (Scheme 3) Cerney Wick Lock itself appears to be in reasonable condition having been restored by the Trust in the 1980s and now just requires some further restoration to the lock chamber walls. The lock-quoins will require repair or replacement and installation of hardwood timbers. On completion of the lock repairs, new lock gates and paddles will be installed with lock quadrants and footpath improvements carried out. As part of the canal’s water conservation activities, a back pumping scheme will also be installed.

3.5.4 Cerney Wick Bridge (Scheme 4) The original road bridge has been removed and the canal infilled with a pipe through the infill to drain the lock chamber to the pound below. A replacement

16 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 bridge will be required; the water and telecoms services across the canal infill have been installed with capacity to allow for this.

Cerney Wick Lock and site of original bridge

3.5.5 Cerney Wick to Latton Pound (Scheme 5) The channel has been cleared of heavy vegetation and dredged, but will require relining in places if not throughout. The towpath bank for the entire length of this section has been cleared and is in regular use but requires raising/rebuilding due to erosion and slumping.

3.5.6 Latton Junction (Scheme 6) This is the junction with the former Wilts & Berks Canal, and comprises a mooring basin, which was joined to the Thames & Severn Canal via a short aqueduct over the River Churn.

The junction was dredged in 2008. The stub that leads to the partially demolished aqueduct through the remains of a demolished bridge will need to be made watertight. Rebuilding this bridge and repairing the aqueduct so that Latton Basin and the T&S Canal are once again connected is highly desirable but complex due to interactions with the Churn mill leat which is classed as a main river. The connection is not fundamental to restoring the T&S Canal.

There is an oil pipeline north of the Junction, which is at the required depth for restoration and navigation, and was repaired (by Esso contractors) under the canal bed in 2009.

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3.5.7 Weymoor Bridge (Scheme 7) The bridge was flattened and infilled and required rebuilding. A planning application to restore the bridge was approved by Wiltshire Council in October 2013, and reconstruction is currently underway with completion expected in 2018.

Reconstruction of Weymoor Bridge (2017)

3.5.8 Weymoor Bridge to Latton Lock pound (Scheme 8) This section runs across open meadowland and requires significant restoration having suffered considerable silting and erosion from cattle movements. The channel requires dredging and probably relining, the banks need to be returned to the correct width and height and the towpath reinstating. The canal towards the A419 crossing has been infilled. The nature of the fill material will need to be established, excavated and disposed of appropriately.

A small drainage brook which runs to the east of the canal, crosses under the road on the north side of Weymoor Bridge. It used to pass under the canal in a culvert just downstream of the bridge, before draining into the River Churn mill leat. This brook is now running open, and investigation will be required to establish whether the culvert is blocked or has collapsed, and necessary repairs undertaken to restore flow under the canal bed.

The existing spill weir downstream of the bridge will require renovation to provide the facility to allow water to drain into the River Churn mill leat in periods of high water.

3.5.9 Latton Lock (Scheme 9) The original Latton Lock, which was situated just over 1 km downstream of Weymoor Bridge, was lost when the A419 Cricklade by-pass was built in the 1970s. A replacement will be required in a new location approximately 0.4 km downstream of Weymoor Bridge, with a working drop of 9’4” (2.8m) as per the original, which will provide sufficient headroom through the canal bridge built under the A419 Latton Bypass at the time of its construction.

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3.5.10 Service Road Bridge (Scheme 10) When the A419 Latton bypass was constructed, a new service road on the west side of the A419 was also constructed, and the original A419 Ermin Way was rerouted on the east side of the bypass for local traffic. These three separate roadways cross the path of the old canal and each will require a bridge or culvert for the reinstated canal. This scheme, number 10, relates to the provision of a new bridge to carry the canal under the service road.

3.5.11 A419 Culvert (Scheme 11) See scheme 10. During the construction of the A419 bypass, a bridge was provided under the road but as part of the construction process this was in-filled with aggregate, which will need to be removed. A hollow towpath needs to be built under the bridge. Water from the lock bypass weir, any future water transfer weir and possibly from the lock itself will pass under the towpath. Wing walls for the channel will also be required at the downstream end.

3.5.12 Ermin Way Bridge (Scheme 12) See scheme 10. A new bridge or culvert is required to carry the canal under the Ermin Way. There is a gas pipeline in the vicinity and three 18 inch water mains, which run just to the east of Ermin Way. These should be at the correct vertical alignment to allow the canal to pass under them but will need to be identified and allowed for in the construction design.

3.5.13 Ermin Way to Kempsford Road Bridge Pound (Scheme 13) When the A419 Cricklade bypass was constructed, the section of canal from the former Latton Bridge through to Latton Wharf close to the present junction of the Ermin Way and the C124 road to Kempsford was lost. The new route for the canal is dependent upon whether, and how, land adjoining the east side of the Ermin Way will be used for gravel extraction.

Either way, a new channel with towpath must be constructed just to the east of the Ermin Way through to the C124 Kempsford road. This area is expected to be subject to future gravel extraction and this will offer the opportunity to have this length of canal constructed at the same time.

3.5.14 “Lertoll Well” Bridge (Scheme 14) There is currently a small access track running off the Ermin Way to farm buildings at Lertoll Well, which is located in the centre of the proposed gravel extraction scheme. A new bridge over the canal will be required here if the track is retained but an alternative access may be possible to obviate the need for it. Currently all indications are that the gravel extraction will take place in this area, therefore it seems likely this bridge will not be required.

3.5.15 Kempsford Road Bridge (Scheme 15) A new bridge meeting highway standards will be required to carry the recut canal under the C124 Kempsford road. Although it is known that the road level is already high enough close to the roundabout, a site survey is required to establish the relative difference in road and canal levels and the implications on the design of bridge and the roadway approaches.

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3.5.16 Tarmac Site Pound (Scheme 16) A rebuild/renovate scheme for the canal and towpath will need to be agreed with the site operators Tarmac to connect the surviving canal (scheme 17) to the new line of the canal from the new C124 Kempsford road bridge to the new length running north to Latton (Scheme 13). This reinstated section will need to avoid services and pipelines running parallel with the A419.

3.5.17 Tarmac Site to Ampney Brook Pound (Scheme 17) The section of canal will require silt removing and relining. There is a water main running parallel to the towpath and it is believed water service pipes crossing the canal, which will need to be rerouted below the canal bed if they are not low enough.

3.5.18 Ampney Brook Aqueduct (Scheme 18) The infill in the canal will need to be removed and an aqueduct provided over the Ampney Brook. Investigations need to take place to trace the route of a gas main that possibly crosses the canal at this location, and corrective action planned as necessary.

3.5.19 Eysey Bridge at Eysey Manor (Scheme 19) The bridge over the canal on the access road to Eysey Manor, has been completely flattened and will require replacement. Traces of the original wing walls are visible, and may be partly intact under the causeway. A 300mm diameter pipe allows passage of floodwater.

This bridge will need to be rebuilt, and a study will be required to identify the best option of either a swing or possibly lifting bridge in view of the light usage.

3.5.20 Eysey Bridge to Eisey Lock Pound (Scheme 20) This section requires the removal of silting and a crossing point, which has been made with infill. Clearance of heavy vegetation from the bank and canal bed is in progress, following which the channel is expected to require relining work, and the towpath reinstating.

3.5.21 Eisey Lock (Scheme 21) This lock has been restored. New lock gates, paddles and lock furniture will be installed with lock quadrants and footpath improvements carried out.

The adjacent derelict and deteriorating Lock Keeper’s cottage is owned by the Cooperative Group, and is not part of the CCT’s restoration plans.

3.5.22 Eisey Lock to Rucks Bridge Pound (Scheme 22) This section has undergone considerable restoration with the clearance of heavy vegetation from the bank and canal bed. On completion, the channel may require relining and the towpath reinstating.

Field drainage ditches run on the south side of the canal in this area. There is some indication that there may have once been one running on the north side evidenced by what appear to be the remains of a syphon culvert crossing the

20 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 canal in this length. It seems to have been modified in the past to allow water from the southern ditch to help fill the canal. The modified structure has been restored.

Eisey Lock

3.5.23 Rucks Bridge Eisey (Scheme 23) This bridge has been extensively restored with the remaining work being to rebuild the parapet walls and fit the copping stones. These final items have been left undone to provide combine harvester access, and will be completed if farming ceases in the area due to gravel extraction activities.

Rucks Bridge

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3.5.24 Rucks Bridge to Whetstone Farm Pound (Scheme 24) Clearance of heavy vegetation from the bank and canal bed is in progress. This section will require the removal of significant silting; the channel may require relining and the towpath reinstating.

3.5.25 Whetstone Farm Pound (Scheme 25) This section is subject to a gravel extraction scheme application, which envisages a replacement canal and towpath constructed at completion. The spill weir, which is just upstream of the site of the Meysey Brook aqueduct on the towpath side, will require refurbishment.

3.5.26 Meysey Brook Aqueduct (Scheme 26) Upon completion of the Whetstone Farm and Roundhouse Farm gravel extraction schemes the aqueduct over Meysey Brook will require rebuilding to connect the two reconstructed sections. Some remains of the old aqueduct are still in place on the banks and in the surrounding area.

3.5.27 Roundhouse Farm Pound (Scheme 27) Gravel extraction is currently being undertaken on this site. The canal and towpath will be reconstructed post gravel extraction, rerouted slightly to the south so as to be further from the Roundhouse and Marston Meysey Bridge, which are in private ownership. An oil pipeline crosses the canal at the north- eastern side close to the site of Crooked bridge and will probably need to be lowered.

3.5.28 Hill Mead or Crooked Bridge (Scheme 28) The original road crossing over the canal bed has been flattened and infilled with the road straightened and regraded. A new bridge will be required, with appropriate changes to the road profile.

Construction plans will need to take into account the oil pipeline mentioned above, which crosses the road and the line of the canal at this point.

3.5.29 Blackburr Farm Pound (Scheme 29) This section is subject to future gravel extraction schemes, which it is expected will see a replacement canal and towpath constructed at completion. This section is owned by Wiltshire Council.

3.5.30 Blackburr or Blackgore Bridge (Scheme 30) The original road crossing over the canal bed has been flattened and infilled. A new bridge with appropriate changes to the road profile to give access will be required.

3.5.31 Blackburr Bridge to Oatlands Bridge Pound (Scheme 31) This section has been fully filled and reclaimed as agricultural land. A section approximately 150m long immediately to the east of Blackburr Bridge is part of the proposed gravel extraction area in Scheme 29. For the remaining section, restoration will require the infill to be removed and the channel to be relined. It is believed that the canal in this length was simply flattened by pushing the banks into the channel – if confirmed, there should be minimal material disposal issues.

22 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

3.5.32 Oatlands Bridge (Scheme 32) The heavy vegetation growth was cleared in 2017 and revealed an essentially complete bridge, which requires some structural repairs. However, significant badger sett building activity either side of the arch is undermining and weakening the structure, requiring urgent action to relocate the sett and infill the voids. The access ramps to the bridge will require reinstatement down to road level.

Oatlands Bridge

3.5.33 Oatlands Bridge to Kempsford Swing Bridge Pound (Scheme 33) This section has been levelled and reclaimed as agricultural land with the exception of a small pond about midway along the section, which is still in water. Restoration will require the reconstruction of the banks, any surplus infill to be removed and the channel to be relined. If the canal has been infilled with any deleterious material, it is likely to prove less complex to rebuild the canal on an adjacent but new parallel line. A further oil pipeline crosses the canal in this length but should have been installed low enough where the reconstructed canal needs to cross.

3.5.34 Kempsford Swing Bridge (Scheme 34) This bridge will need to be rebuilt, and a study will be required to identify the best option of either a swing or possibly lifting bridge in view of the light usage.

3.5.35 Kempsford Pound (Scheme 35) This section runs adjacent to residential properties on the south west side of the village and will require careful and sympathetic restoration to minimise disturbance. The canal will require to be recut and relined; in some areas infill,

23 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 part of which comprises broken up concrete from the Fairford airbase, will also need to be removed beforehand.

3.5.36 Kempsford Bridge (Scheme 36) This bridge is located on the High Street in the centre of the village and has residential property in close proximity. The original humpback bridge has been removed, the canal infilled and the road regraded. A new bridge will be required following a study to identify the best engineering solution to restore canal headroom with minimal road re-profiling.

A replacement gas main was installed in 2011 where this bridge will be needed without consideration for the canal restoration.

3.5.37 Kempsford Bridge to High Bridge Pound (Scheme 37) This will be a complicated section where most of the canal will need to be re-cut due to infilling, and a short diversion may be needed to avoid residential property. The entire section will probably require relining.

Also in this location there was a feeder from the River Coln, which has now been lost due to extensive infilling over much of its two mile course. It is assumed that it will not be reinstated due to regulatory and practical issues.

3.5.38 High or Green Lane Bridge (Scheme 38) A replacement bridge for the footpath/farm track is required at this point. A study will be required to identify the best design solution taking into account its likely low usage.

3.5.39 High Bridge to Hamfield Bridge Pound (Scheme 39) Apart from the hundred meters nearest to High Bridge which has been infilled, all along this section, the canal bed and tow path have succumbed to significant growth of vegetation (trees and shrubs) which will require removal before the channel can be recut and relined, or dredged as appropriate, and the towpath reinstated.

Provision will have to be made for a stream, which crosses under the canal approx. 300m below High Bridge. The section either side of Hamfield Bridge runs in a deep cutting, the stability of which will need investigating as part of the restoration.

3.5.40 Deep Cutting or Hamfield Bridge (Scheme 40) The original stone bridge has collapsed and fallen into the cutting. The crossing point appears to be no longer used for agricultural access so it is probable that a replacement bridge will not be required.

3.5.41 Deep Cutting Bridge to Dudgrove Swing Bridge Pound (Scheme 41) Along this section, the canal bed and towpath have succumbed to significant growth of vegetation (trees and shrubs), which will require removal before the channel can be restored and relined and the towpath reinstated.

24 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

3.5.42 Dudgrove Swing Bridge (Scheme 42) A replacement bridge for the footpath/farm track is required at this point. A study will be required to identify the best design solution taking into account its likely low usage.

3.5.43 Dudgrove Pound (Scheme 43) Along this section, the canal bed and towpath have succumbed to natural infilling with significant growth of vegetation (trees and shrubs), which will require removal before the channel can be relined as necessary and the towpath reinstated.

3.5.44 Dudgrove Bridge (Scheme 44) A replacement bridge for the footpath/farm tracks is required at this point. This is likely to be the main crossing point for farm vehicles so is likely to be a substantial fixed structure which will hopefully obviate some of the other crossings created by infilling the canal in places.

3.5.45 Dudgrove Bridge to Dudgrove Lock Pound (Scheme 45) Along this section, the canal bed and towpath have succumbed to natural infilling with significant growth of vegetation (trees and shrubs), which will require removal before the channel can be relined as necessary and the towpath reinstated.

3.5.46 Dudgrove Lock Upper Chamber (Scheme 46) The area around the lock has succumbed to significant growth of vegetation, which will require removal before undertaking complete restoration. Full inspection will be required to determine the level of restoration. This is expected to include repairs to the walls, fitment of new lock gates and paddles and the associated lock furniture as well as a back pumping facility.

3.5.47 Dudgrove Lock Lower Chamber (Scheme 47) This is one of the most unusual canal structures in the entire UK canal network in that it comprises a dry stone lock chamber. The area around the lock has succumbed to significant growth of vegetation, which will require removal before undertaking complete restoration. Full inspection will be required to determine the level of restoration. This is expected to include repairs to the walls, fitment of new lock gates and paddles and the associated lock furniture.

3.5.48 Dudgrove Lock to Inglesham Lock Pound (Scheme 48) Along this section, the canal bed and towpath have succumbed to natural infilling with significant growth of vegetation (trees and shrubs), which will require removal before the banks can be repaired and the channel relined as necessary and the towpath reinstated. Ideally a small balancing reservoir will be built for the lock back pumping scheme as an alternative to having to back pump Dudgrove Double Lock in real time to avoid overfilling the last pound leading to Inglesham Lock.

If they cannot be negotiated away through the provision of alternative accesses, two new bridges will be required for agricultural access – one just downstream of

25 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 the lock and the other approximately halfway along the pound, close to Lower Inglesham Farm.

Dudgrove Lock – lower chamber

3.5.49 Inglesham Lock and Entrance Channel (Scheme 49) The lock and entrance channel to the River Thames comprise the eastern end of the Thames & Severn Canal and form the gateway into the Thames. This section had succumbed to heavy growth of vegetation, and considerable clearance work was progressed in 2012 by the Waterways Recovery Group (WRG).

Full restoration of the lock is in progress as the subject of an Inland Waterways Association (IWA)/WRG organised project. On completion of the lock repairs, new lock gates, paddles and associated lock furniture will be installed, and a back pumping scheme will be required.

Footpath improvements will be carried out, including rerouting the towpath to the north side of the lock chamber, away from the Round House, which is now in private ownership.

A boat landing stage will be required on the entrance channel opposite to the Roundhouse to enable boat crews to access the lock. This will require some modification to the entrance channel which will also require some dredging.

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Inglesham Lock and Bridge (2017)

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4 Cultural Heritage – Archaeology, the Historical Environment and Cultural Landscapes

4.1 Introduction to the topic of cultural heritage

This chapter begins by explaining what the term ‘cultural heritage’ means and why it is important. It goes on to summarise the national and local context in terms of legislation, policy and guidance. It then describes the baseline conditions associated with the cultural heritage significance of the route of the canal and its setting, and assesses how the proposed canal restoration could impact on cultural heritage resources.

UNESCO explains that cultural heritage assets can be either tangible (things that you can see) or intangible (such as tradition and performing arts). Tangible cultural heritage assets are either movable (such as paintings and manuscripts) or immovable (for example monuments, buildings, archaeological sites and landscapes).1

For the purposes of the restoration of the Cotswold Canals, cultural heritage applies to immovable cultural heritage, although of course movable assets may exist in and around the canal.

Cultural heritage is a useful way of summing up what people inherit from their collective past, and decide to keep.

In February 2013 the UK government produced this statement about the value of the historical environment:

“The historic environment is made up of the buildings, monuments, sites and landscapes that reflect our history.

If we did not have measures in place to protect and conserve the historic environment, important places would risk being changed and losing what makes them special, or being destroyed and lost forever.

We are responsible for protecting and conserving England’s historic environment for the benefit of present and future generations, and for helping people access and enjoy these ‘heritage assets’”.2

Clearly the term ‘historic environment’ as used here means archaeology and cultural landscapes as well as buildings and monuments. So this is a very strong, clear endorsement from central government about the significance of the things that are included under the umbrella ‘cultural heritage’.

Natural England’s website also talks about the importance of the historical environment:

1 From UNESCO’s website: http://www.unesco.org/ accessed on 10 May 2013 2 From https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/protecting-conserving-and-providing- access-to-the-historic-environment-in-england accessed on 24 January 2017

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“Helping us to understand the origins and significance of our urban, rural, coastal and marine lands and seas, the historical environment can provide important information on how these now need to be managed.”

“It shapes landscape character and, through its physical remains, tells us about the organisation of society and about how humans interacted with and harnessed natural resources in their environment over time. It also reveals how they adapted to ongoing climate, economic and technological change.

The historic environment can be seen everywhere from the use of natural resources for building or industry through to settlement patterns, military defences and sea and land management practices. It provides a wide range of tangible and intangible benefits, including socio-economic benefits. For instance, it contributes to the tourist economy, local distinctiveness, and senses of place and of community.

However, it is a non-renewable resource: once lost, it cannot be re- created..3

Natural England also talks about cultural landscapes:

“Cultural landscapes are areas that include cultural and natural resources associated with an historic event, activity, person, or group of people. They range from thousands of acres of rural land to homesteads with small front yards.

These landscapes can be man-made expressions of visual and spatial relationships, which include grand estates, farmlands, public gardens and parks, college campuses, cemeteries, scenic highways, and industrial sites.

Cultural landscapes are works of art, texts and narratives of cultures, and expressions of regional identity. They also exist in relationship to their ecological contexts.”

Caring for all these cultural heritage resources, in ways that retain their importance and ensure that they survive into the future, is extremely challenging. These challenges range from:

• Caring for archaeological remains, many of which may not be visible, as land use and land management practices change; to • Retaining buildings and other structures of historical and architectural importance, in the face of changing needs for the use and management of both land and structures; to • Conserving and enhancing important cultural landscapes, so that their qualities and characteristics are maintained, as they change (which landscapes always do).

3 From http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/protection/historiccultural/ accessed on 10 May 2013

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4.2 Legislation and Guidance

4.2.1 Statutory Protection of Archaeological Sites The main statute that provides protection for archaeological sites is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979) amended by the National Heritage Act (1983). The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport maintains a schedule of monuments of national importance.

Scheduled monuments have all undergone an assessment that has confirmed that they are of national significance. Once scheduled, it is a criminal offence to:

• Destroy or damage a scheduled monument; • Execute or cause or permit to be executed any works – including works relating to agriculture and forestry – that would damage or in any way alter a monument, without the permission of the Secretary of State; • Use a metal detector without the consent of English Heritage; and • Remove any object of archaeological or historical interest from a scheduled site without the permission of English Heritage.

Permission to do works that affect a scheduled monument is called ‘scheduled monument consent’. English Heritage provides detailed guidance on how that process works.4

Other guidance - • Archaeology and the Urban Project (produced by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the Council of Europe in 2000)5 • UK urban policy framework for urban places (produced by Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers – ALGAO – in 2007) 6

4.2.2 Statutory Protection of Buildings and Structures of Historical and Architectural Interest Statutory protection for buildings of historical and/or architectural importance is provided by the 1990 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act. The older a building or structure, the more likely it is to be listed. Any building dating from before 1700 in anything like its original condition is listed, as are most buildings that date from 1700 to 1840. The criteria for listing buildings become tighter the younger they are.

Listed buildings are allocated to a grade: Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important; only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I. Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II*. Grade II buildings are nationally important and of special interest; 92% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a

4 See http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/scheduled-monuments/ 5 See http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/heritage/resources/Publications/Archaeolgo y_brochure_EN.pdf. 6 See http://www.algao.org.uk/subject/urban.

30 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 home owner. Permission to alter a listed building requires listed building consent and may also require planning permission. English Heritage provides guidance about how to apply for listed building consent. 7

4.2.3 Statutory Protection for areas of cities, towns and villages with special architectural or historical interest The definition and designation of Conservation Areas is dealt with in the 1990 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act. Local Authorities usually make these designations, which can have a wide range of interest. They can, for example, contain many buildings that are already listed, or they may have a distinctive street pattern, or be areas where there is an association with historic events or people. Conservation Areas cover not only the buildings in the designated areas, but open spaces too. English Heritage provides guidance about the designation and management of Conservation Areas. 8

4.2.4 Statutory protection for landscapes of cultural heritage significance

England has two national landscape designations: National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The statutory framework for protected landscapes in England was first established in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The legislation has been amended and added to many times since then. Today, land to be included in a National Park or AONB must meet the statutory designation criteria that are set out in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (for National Parks) or the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (for AONBs). These criteria relate to an area’s natural beauty (for both National Parks and AONBs) and opportunities for outdoor recreation (for National Parks only). They apply whether a new designation is made or the boundaries of an existing National Park or AONB are varied. 9:

National Parks and AONBs are designated by Natural England. Designation does not alter land ownership or responsibilities for land management, but all protected landscapes have overall management plans that outline the priorities for conservation, enhancement and management. These plans are an aid to all relevant organisations and individuals who have responsibilities for achieving the purposes of protected landscape designation. 10

7 See http://www.english- heritage.org.uk/professional/advice/hpg/consentandplanningpermission/lbc/ 8 See http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/local/conservation-areas/. 9 See http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/protection/.

10 See http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/lookingafter and http://www.aonb.org.uk/wba/naaonb/naaonbpreview.nsf/Web%20Default%20Frameset? OpenFrameSet&Frame=Main&Src=%2Fwba%2Fnaaonb%2Fnaaonbpreview.nsf%2F%24L U.WebHomePage%2F%24first!OpenDocument%26AutoFramed.

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4.3 National and Local Policy and Cultural Heritage National policy for the protection and care of cultural heritage is expressed in the legislation already mentioned. Although this legislation is important, it does not always take precedence over other policy areas. Economic, or regeneration policy, for example, may sometime over-ride policy to protect and conserve cultural heritage. At the local level decisions on land use and development are made within the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)11 that sets out national policy priorities for all topics that influence local decisions, from economic policy to climate change. The NPPF sets the framework for the way in which Local Planning Authorities do their forward planning and their day-to-day development control work. The underlying principle of the whole document is the definition of sustainable development. It is perhaps not surprising that this has a strong economic emphasis, given the widespread financial crisis that occurred during the preparation of the NPPF: economic factors are listed first, social factors second, and environmental factors third. Still, the NPPF does state clearly that the planning system is important for ‘contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment’. The NPPF is very high level and does not contain much detail. In response to concerns that it was difficult in practice to be sure that planning matters were being dealt with consistently, more detailed online guidance was added in 2014 to facilitate interpretation of the more strategic NPPF.12

4.3.1 The NPPF and Landscape Landscape is mentioned many times in the NPPF, both in the context of everyday landscapes and those that are designated because of their national significance. Local Authorities are reminded to consider landscapes in the context of community forests, green belts, renewable energy and climate change, green infrastructure and ecological networks. They are asked to give great emphasis to National Parks and AONBs. Where appropriate landscape character assessments are to be prepared, and integrated with assessments of historic landscape character. These assessments underpin local, criteria-based policies in each Local Plan, against which the impact of proposed changes is to be judged.

Although greatest protection is given to statutory protected landscapes, the NPPF also includes other valued landscapes in its provisions. The two main examples are:

1. The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: “protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils” (NPPF para 19).

11 Department for Communities and Local Government (2012) National Planning Policy Framework. London, The Stationery Office. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077 /2116950.pdf

12 See https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/planning-practice-guidance accessed 24 January 2017

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2. Heritage assets: “A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).” (NPPF Annex 2, Glossary)

It should be noticed that 2 above concerns all heritage assets, and implicitly supports the practice of local listing for all types – so this provision is relevant to 4.3.2 and 4.4.5 below.

4.3.2 The NPPF and the Historical Environment References to the historical environment are scattered throughout the NPPF, but the key section is the one on Conserving and Enhancing the Historic (sic) Environment, which supersedes Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5). The NPPF asks each Local Planning Authority (LPA) to include in its Local Plan a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats. In doing so, LPAs should recognise that heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance.

The NPPF asks LPAs, in creating their strategies, to take into account:

• The desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation; • The wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring; • The desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and • Opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place.

Historic England’s website contains wide ranging and detailed planning guidance not just for LPAs but for anyone seeking planning permission that may affect a resource of cultural heritage significance13.

Elsewhere on their website Historic England gives advice on Local Heritage listing14. One of the key purposes of this advice is to help Local Authorities in the preparation of their strategies for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment.

13 See https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/ accessed 24 January 2017 14 See https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/local/local- designations/ accessed 24 January 2017

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4.4 Assessing the Significance and Character of Cultural Heritage Resources

4.4.1 Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance is a key umbrella document, produced by English Heritage in 2008, and rebranded when English Heritage was renamed Historic England (HE). Its purpose is mainly to guide HE staff on best practice. The principles explain what conservation of the archaeological and historical environment means at the beginning of the 21st Century. The idea of 'significance' lies at the core of these principles. Significance is a collective term for the sum of all the heritage values attached to a place, be it a building an archaeological site or a larger historic area such as a whole village or landscape. HE hopes the principles will be read and used not just by their own staff but also by local authorities, property owners, developers and professional advisers.

Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance contains six high-level principles15: • The historical environment is a shared resource • Everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historical environment • Understanding the significance of places is vital • Significant places should be managed to sustain their values • Decisions about change must be reasonable, transparent and consistent • Documenting and learning from decisions is essential

4.4.2 National Character Areas (NCAs) England’s 159 NCAs form a national framework of cultural landscapes at a strategic scale. NCAs (see map below) are defined by the way in which landscape, biodiversity, geo-diversity and cultural activity combine. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape, such as watersheds between river systems, rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. Natural England is currently revising the profiles of each National Character Area, as part of its commitment to make environmental evidence and information easily available to a wider audience.16

NCA profiles are guidance documents that include a description of the key ecosystem services provided in each character area and how these benefit people, wildlife and the economy. They identify potential opportunities for positive environmental change and aim to provide the best available information and evidence as a context for local decision-making and action. It is hoped that Local Planning Authorities, Local Economic Partnerships, Local Nature Partnerships and any other organisation or partnership whose activities impinge

15 See https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/conservation-principles- sustainable-management-historic-environment/ accessed 24 January 2017 16 See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area-profiles- data-for-local-decision-making accessed 24 January 2017

34 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 in anyway on the physical environment, will use the profiles to underpin their work.

Map 4.1 The National Character Areas, England

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area-profiles- data-for-local-decision-making accessed 6 April 2017)

Information about the NCAs that are relevant to Phase 2 of the Cotswold Canals restoration is provided in section 4.5.1 below.

4.4.3 Landscape Character Assessment The European Landscape Convention (ELC) 17 defines landscape as ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’. So landscape is everywhere: another way of putting it is to say that landscapes are the spatial settings for people’s lives.

17 Council of Europe 2000 European Landscape Convention CoE Strasbourg see www.conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/176.htm

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They include built up areas as well as countryside, coastlines as well as hills, intensively managed farmland as well as rolling fell and moorland, Brownfield urban sites as well as beauty spots.

Landscape character should be considered whenever policies and plans are made for an area: sometimes character needs conserving and enhancing, because a place or an area is much loved as it is – for example, the Cotswold’s AONB. Sometimes the superficial character of an area needs changing, because it is neglected or even derelict. In such cases – such as the abandoned gravel pits that are now the Cotswold Water Park - these become essential elements of future landscapes as the area is transformed.

All landscapes evolve, continually. But if the demands of society (for example for housing, or minerals, or faster train travel) mean that significant new development is necessary, taking character into account when making policies and plans should result in change that respects and builds on the baseline character.

Landscape characterisation is the process of understanding and explaining what makes each landscape distinctive. It identifies the features that give a locality its 'sense of place' and pinpoints what makes it different from neighbouring areas. The NPPF recommends that where appropriate, Local Planning Authorities should undertake both landscape character assessments and assessments of historic landscape character (see 4.5.4 below). In places where major changes are proposed – such as town expansion, or wind farms – assessments of the sensitivity of landscapes to change are also recommended.

Most Local Planning Authorities have done landscape characterisations. Guidance on how to assess landscape character, at a range of scales, is available. 18

4.4.4 Historic Landscape Characterisation The first paragraphs of the previous section are relevant here: landscape means the same, and the ELC provides the broad context.

Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) provides a framework for broadening understanding of the way in which ‘time depth’ is present in today’s landscapes. It can be used with Landscape Characterisation, although the processes are separate. County Councils, advised by Historic England, undertake HLC. Most of England’s counties have a complete HLC. Guidance about how to undertake HLC at a range of scales is available.19

18 See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/landscape-and-seascape-character-assessments accessed 24 January 2017. 19 See https://historicengland.org.uk/research/methods/characterisation-2/ accessed 26 January 2017

36 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

4.4.5 Local Heritage Assets Local Planning Authorities define Local Heritage Assets. These can be buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of their local heritage interest. Local authorities may identify local heritage assets. Historic England provides guidance about the assessing significance of local cultural heritage assets.20

4.4.6 Historic Environment Records Historic Environment Records or HERs provide comprehensive information and evidence about the historic environment in a particular area. They are an essential source of information for managing, caring for and understanding the historic environment. Maintained by local planning authorities, they are used for planning and development control as well as for public benefit and educational use.

Access to consistent, up-to-date and high quality information about the historic environment through HERs is an important requirement for the delivery of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF sets out the requirement for Local Planning Authorities to maintain or have access to HERs and to ensure HERs are used as a matter of course in planning and development matters. The Heritage Gateway website contains details of all HERs in the UK21.

4.5 Cultural Heritage and the Route of Phase 2 of the Canal

4.5.1 Undertaking a linear project such as the canal restoration means that many different places, of different character and with varied histories, will be affected. The setting of the canal varies along its length and so the impact of the canal on its setting will also vary. National Character Area profiles, landscape character assessments, historic landscape character assessments, Conservation Areas, Areas of Special Archaeological Significance and the existence of listed buildings and structures near to the canal are all relevant.

Detailed maps showing the location and extent of natural and cultural environmental sites and areas, as well as wider information, for example, on agricultural land classification, is available on ‘Nature on the Map’, otherwise known as MAGIC. Maps showing specific, selected features etc. can be made for any geographical area, depending on need. The MAGIC website link is: http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

20 See https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/local/local- designations/ accessed 26 January 2017 21 See http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/gateway/chr/ accessed 26 January 2017

37 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

4.5.2 National Character Area Profile and Statements of Environmental Opportunity Phase 2 of the canal restoration sits wholly within NCA10822, Upper Thames Clay Vale (see map 4.2). The area extends from the west of Swindon to the north and east of Aylesbury. The Vale is part of a larger belt of clay lowland that links the Cambridgeshire Claylands to the east with the Avon Vales to the south-west. It completely surrounds NCA 109, Midvale Ridge and is described as a broad belt of open, gently undulating lowland farmland on predominantly Jurassic and Cretaceous clays.

The Statements of Environmental Opportunities for the Vale are:

 SEO 1: Along the Thames and its tributaries, promote sustainable farming and best practice mineral working in order to conserve and restore semi- natural habitats, historic features, geodiversity, soil quality and soil carbon stores and also to regulate water flow in this area and downstream. Ensure conservation of Oxford Meadows Special Area of Conservation and North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation. Engage the public in river heritage and maintain traditional land management practices where appropriate.

 SEO 2: Manage farmland across the Upper Thames Clay Vales to produce food sustainably and to maintain sense of place. Taking a catchment approach, improve filtration of pollutants and regulation of water flow by realising a farmland habitat mosaic that incorporates strategic areas of wet grassland, reed-bed, wet woodland and ponds as well as ditches and hedgerows.

 SEO 3: Ensure that heritage assets, especially characteristic features such as ridge and furrow, abandoned medieval villages, Roman roads, canals and historic parkland, including Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site, are maintained in good condition. Integrate conservation of these features with sustainable food production and provide public access to key examples. Seek opportunities to restore the wider historic setting of a feature, particularly in relation to the historic Royal Hunting Forests of Bernwood, Braydon and Wychwood.

 SEO 4: Realise sustainable development that contributes positively to sense of place and built heritage. Ensure adequate greenspace in association with all development and most importantly in growing settlements such as Aylesbury and Swindon. Create and manage greenspace to provide benefits for biodiversity, floodwater management, filtration of pollutants, tranquillity and recreation, and secure strategic access routes between town and country.

22 See http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5865554770395136?category= 587130 accessed 25 September 2017.

38 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Map 4.2 Upper Thames Clay Vales National Character Area

There is more descriptive and analytical detail, and guidance about how to make the most of the SEOs. The guidance is backed up with data on: 1. landscape and nature conservation designations

2. landform, geology and soils

3. key water bodies and catchments

4. trees and woodlands

5. boundary features and patterns

6. agriculture

7. key habitats and species

39 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

8. settlement and development patterns

9. key historic sites and features

10. recreation and access

11. experiential qualities

12. data sources

4.5.3 Landscape character Wiltshire Council produced a Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for the Cotswold Water Park (CWP) in 200923. A map of the boundaries of the study is available on the same website. The boundary of the study area encompasses the wider setting of the CWP, as defined in the Cotswold Water Park Master Plan.24 The LCA covers land in both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The whole of the route of Phase 2 of the canal restoration lies within the area covered by this LCA.

The final LCA report incorporates and updates material from earlier LCAs that were prepared by other bodies, and also provides the framework for the further development of a Landscape Strategy for the CWP.

The report mentions the canal several times: the main references are summarised below:

Section 4 describes the physical factors that have shaped and influenced the character of the CWP, including geology, topography, hydrology and soils. It mentions the Cotswold Canals as being in disrepair, with parts missing. But the presence of rights of way along parts of the canal route is mentioned, as is the long-term aspiration to restore the North Wiltshire canal as part of the ‘green corridor’ linking Swindon with the CWP. The report goes on to say

‘These canal routes are tangible evidence of the importance of the former waterway network that served the Water Park area and the region beyond with its key role in the transportation of materials both locally and for the wider region.’ (p22)

Section 5 outlines the development of the CWP over time and the sequence and phases of human activity and occupation that have shaped the historic landscape character of the area, together with notable heritage features. It deals very briefly with the canal, saying that ‘The arrival of the canal systems and subsequently the railways during

23 LDA Design (2009) Cotswold Water Park: Integrated Landscape Character Assessment. Wiltshire Council, available at http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/media/260240/LCA-final-report-August-2009.pdf

24 Cotswold Water Park Master Plan available at http://www.waterpark.org/looking- after/resources-documents/

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this period heralded significant changes and opened up the area to wider influences and connectivity. The canals enabled the transportation of new building materials from great distances and enabled the use of imported brick and slate for new buildings rather than the locally sourced stone. The now disused Thames and Severn and North Wiltshire Canals and also the route of the Swindon - Cricklade - Cirencester railway line are testimony to a once more comprehensive network that extended through the CWP.’ (p29) Later the same section refers to The Thames and Severn and North Wiltshire Canals, and the Swindon to Cricklade railway line, and its continuation to Cirencester, [as being] now derelict, but remain potent symbols of this once thriving network and are therefore of considerable industrial archaeological interest.’ Section 6 (pages 31- 40) provides an overview of the ecological character of the CWP and how it relates to the area’s physical and landscape character and the changes arising from the mineral extraction activities and after uses. This explains that there is a specific Habitat Action Plan for canals in the CWP. It goes on to say that ‘Canals can support a range of habitats and biodiversity interest depending on their status i.e. as an active water body with associated wetland interests or progressing to an advanced stage of disrepair when the canal has dried out and may have reverted to scrub and woodland. The line of the disused Thames and Severn Canal is the most extensive canal in the CWP together with a very limited section of the North Wiltshire Canal in the vicinity of Cricklade. Despite longer term proposals to restore these canals, both are currently in a poor state of repair and many sections are now in their final stages of dereliction or completely disappeared and absorbed into farmland, as is evident for the section of the Thames and Severn Canal between Kempsford and westwards to the south of Marston Meysey. The principal objectives of the HAP are to carry out environmental assessments for all new maintenance, management, restoration and development work affecting the biodiversity of the Thames and Severn Canal corridor in the CWP; and to maintain and enhance any wildlife habitats of value associated with the Canal.’

In this context it is important that any restoration work is carried out sensitively and in a well-planned and phased manner to ensure that the canal restoration is beneficial and that in addition to the creation of new habitats, any existing valued habitats that have developed are conserved and enhanced.’

This section also comments that the canal corridor currently has a limited impact on the landscape character of the CWP,

‘generally confined to the contribution to the overall vegetation cover made by the linear areas of naturally regenerating woodland and scrub. At a local level, however, the incidental features associated with the canals, notably the bridges and remnant sections of walls, and changes in

41 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

landform lend an interest to the landscape, an industrial archaeological reference, and also support concentrations of biodiversity interest as sheltered havens for wildlife.’

Section 7 –This section refers to leisure and recreation opportunities. The towpath/footpath that follows the route of the Thames and Severn Canal is mentioned as a nationally significant walking route. There is scope to explore potential links with the Cotswold Way and other recreational activities related to the Water Park. Indeed there is a specific recommendation about the creation of an integrated leisure and recreation network. ‘Where possible, new routes and linkages should be integrated with existing landscape features and biodiversity corridors e.g. watercourses and associated riparian vegetation, tree lines, hedgerows and lake edges, and disused canal routes and railway lines to ensure that these linear networks can be enriched and strengthened.’ (page 46)

Section 10.3 – Character Types and Areas: River Basin Clay Vale (RBCV).

The route of Phase 2 of the canal runs through the River Basin Clay Vale landscape character type. 25 Within this type there are a number of locally specific landscape character areas. The relevant ones are South Cerney and Ashton Keynes Settled Lowlands, Down Ampney and Meysey Clay Vale Farmland and Fairford and Lechlade Settled Wetlands.

The RBCV is a broad low lying area of pastoral land interspersed with an extensive wetland environment of rivers, streams and ditches and numerous areas of open water associated with restored gravel extraction areas. The report mentions the canal, saying that

‘remnant sections of the canal including canal bridges and locks add interest and an historical dimension to the local landscape.’ (Page 75).

These are the ‘positive landscape features of significance’ for the River Basin Clay Vale (page 84):

• Low lying, flat to very gently undulating floodplain with isolated hillocks; • Wide open skies and intermittent distant views to ridges and chalk escarpment; • Mosaic of wetland and riparian habitats with rivers, streams, drainage channels and extensive network of lakes, including scarce marl water habitats; • Lush wet meadows and wide floodplain pastures, with watercourses often lined with riparian vegetation interspersed with arable land with intermittent hedgerow enclosure; • Woodlands surrounding lakes and within agricultural land, and associated

25 See map at http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/media/documents/Heritage/landscape/2674_LCA_FINAL _low_res.pdf

42 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

with river courses; • High biodiversity value of wetland habitats, species rich hay meadows and unimproved grassland; • Conspicuous presence of water based recreational uses associated with lakes and associated modern waterside developments with distinctive architectural styles; • Dispersed pattern of rural settlements and farmsteads with many dwellings constructed in local vernacular; • Limited major roads and a wider network of rural roads providing access to the floodplain landscape; • Visible archaeology in Roman roads, pattern of Saxon and medieval towns and villages, field patterns and remnant ridge and furrow, long established grazing meadows, and former canal and railway routes. The forces for change affecting the area (page 84) are:

• Ongoing and future mineral extraction and restoration and effects arising from land use change and on wider setting; • Increasing demand for water focused leisure and recreation pursuits and development of the CWP as a national tourism focus; • Increasing priority to manage the mosaic of wetlands, water meadows and grasslands and further enhance the value of the nationally and internationally important biodiversity resource; • Agricultural land management changes in response to a shift from a subsidy based to an open market driven economy linked to the Single Farm Payment (SFP), and wider effects of rising cost of fuel and world food shortages; • Requirement for farmers and landowners to meet ‘Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions’ (GAEC) under the SFP leading to environmental benefits; • Population increase and demographic changes leading to pressure for new development around existing settlements, including more affordable housing and retirement dwellings; • Increasing demand for wider and integrated sustainable access across the CWP by foot, cycle and horse; • Increasing traffic on both principal and narrower local rural lane network as a consequence of increase in resident population, visitors to and users of the CWP, and commercial traffic; and • Climate Change affecting long term changes in: habitats and patterns of species movement, and potential decline or vulnerability of habitats; crop types within agricultural land; and potential introduction of biofuels to contribute to renewable energy targets.

43 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

The inherent landscape sensitivities of the area (page 87) – which would be particularly vulnerable to change - are:

• Rural tranquillity in the more remote areas; • The varied character and ecological value of the mosaic of wetlands, watercourses and associated riparian vegetation and floodplain meadows; • Pattern of fields and diverse field boundaries from ditches and channels to hedges amid groups or lines of willow, poplar and alder; • Remnant hay meadows and unimproved grasslands of high ecological value; • Settlement pattern of dispersed, mainly nucleated villages with historic cores of local vernacular building materials; and • Wide open views.

4.5.4 Historic Landscape Characterisation Gloucestershire and Wiltshire meet in the area of Phase 2 of the canal. Historic Landscape Characterisations (HLC) are available for Gloucestershire and for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Gloucestershire’s report is available online26 but is not easy to use. The detailed, field-by-field maps are not readily available and permission has to be sought to have access to them (and sometimes paid for). They show how the historic elements of the landscape occur, in field systems, settlements (from individual farmhouses to hamlets, villages and towns of all sizes), routes (including canals) and other elements such as gardens and orchards, military sites, industrial developments and so on. It will be useful to consult the maps at a future date, in relation specific proposals affecting the canal project.

Wiltshire Council has an informative and user friendly website for their HLC27 with considerable data available for free download. As with Gloucestershire it may be useful to contact WC at a later date, as detailed proposals for specific projects along the route of the canal are being prepared.

4.5.5 Conservation Areas Phase 2 of the canal runs close to two Conservation Areas, South Cerney and Down Ampney, in Cotswold District in Gloucestershire. The original route runs

26 Gloucestershire’s HLC is available on http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=30016&p=0

27 Wiltshire Council’s HLC is available on http://www.wshc.eu/our- services/archaeology/24-our-services/archaeology/113-historical-landscape- characterisation-project.html

44 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 through what is now Kempsford Conservation Area. Specific information about each of Cotswold DC’s Conservation Areas is available on the DC’s website.28

4.6 Local Authority Plans and Strategies relevant to Phase 2

4.6.1 Gloucestershire County Council GCC’s website does not appear (in September 2017) to include a recent comment about the county’s strategic planning policies. The most recent document appears to be the ‘Gloucestershire Structure Plan Second Review’ covering mid-1991 to mid-2011, adopted by the county council in November 1999. The draft of the latest review of this plan, known as the Third Alteration, 2001-2016, was not adopted but is nevertheless used as a material consideration in determining planning applications. This document contains two policies that relate directly to the Cotswold Canals, and will be replaced by the South West Regional Spatial Strategy.

Policy SC.13 Protection of Transport Corridors is unchanged from the adopted Structure Plan Second Review (T.7). This says that ‘Disused railway lines and canals which are used, or which have the potential for future use, as continuous transport corridors should be protected from development which would impair such use.’ The policy goes on to say that ‘Disused railway lines and canals offer the potential for a wide range of transport uses, for example as cycle/footpaths, for development as roads, or indeed to be restored to their original uses. They have the advantage of an established transport use, overcoming many of the difficulties associated with establishing a new transport route. Local plans should therefore include policies to protect such corridors from development, which could impair their future re-use.’

Policy SC.21 Canal Restoration is also unchanged from the adopted Structure Plan Second Review (RE.5). This says that ‘Restoration of the Stroudwater, Thames and Severn Canal, and the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal, as navigable waterways will be encouraged and their routes protected where compatible with other policies.

The policy goes on to say: ‘Parts of these Canals survive, including associated locks, bridges and cottages, but are in need of restoration. Substantial sections of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal in Gloucestershire, and the Thames and Severn Canals at their eastern ends have been acquired by adjacent land owners and filled in for agriculture. In a number of locations highway structures and unsuitable tunnels seriously compromise the long-term restoration to navigation. The County Council recognises that, despite its support for the restoration and reconstruction of the Canals, it is sometimes not possible to follow the original line, and therefore not all of the aims and objectives of some canal trusts can be supported. However, where the canal restoration or reconstruction proposal is compatible with other policies then this Plan supports the objectives and current restoration priorities of the canal trusts to preserve the canal alignment, promote recreational use and in the longer term restore

28 Cotswold DC Conservation Areas, available on http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/historic-buildings-conservation- areas/conservation-area-maps-and-appraisals/

45 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 navigation. In particular, the potential of the towpaths as cross-country footpaths is significant, seen within the framework of the Thames Way, which has been designated, and the existing Severn Way. In certain circumstances, where the safety of pedestrians is not compromised, the towpaths may also provide for cycle use. In addition, the towpaths can be integral parts of green corridors and wider green networks.

There will be a need to consider the opportunities for canal restoration within the context of highway improvements and development proposals, particularly the implications of mineral working in the central section of the Cotswold Water Park.’

Other policies in the draft plan are cross referenced:

 SD.24 Water Transport Facilities  SC.13 Protection of Transport Corridors  SC.20 Access to the Countryside  MR.1 Local Character and Distinctiveness  MR.3 The Countryside  MR.4 Biodiversity  MR.12 Freight Transport

4.6.2 Wiltshire County Council The Wiltshire Core Strategy was adopted in January 2015 and comprises the development plan for the county for the period to 2026.

It covers the whole of Wiltshire (excluding Swindon) and sets out the Council's spatial vision, key objectives and overall principles for development in the county.29

Within the strategy, there is a section specifically addressing the canals in the county, and in clause 6.101 it states:

‘The council supports in principle the restoration of the Wilts and Berks and Thames and Severn Canals. Restored canals can bring significant benefits in terms of attracting visitors to Wiltshire, contributing to the local economy, promoting sustainable transport through the provision of walking and cycling routes and providing an important element of the strategic green infrastructure network. The restored canal network will provide opportunities for standing open water and marginal habitat.

This support is clearly prescribed in Core Policy 53 which says:

‘The restoration and reconstruction of the Wilts and Berks and Thames and Severn canals as navigable waterways is supported in principle. The historic alignments of the Wilts and Berks, including the North Wilts Branch, and

29 See https://pages.wiltshire.gov.uk/adopted-local-plan-jan16-low-res.pdf

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Thames and Severn Canals, as identified on the policies map, will be safeguarded with a view to their long-term re-establishment as navigable waterways.

These alignments will be safeguarded by:

i. not permitting development likely to destroy the canal alignment or its associated structures, or likely to make restoration more difficult

ii. ensuring that where the canal is affected by development, the alignment is protected or an alternative alignment is provided.

Proposals will be permitted that are designed to develop the canal’s recreational and nature conservation potential, in particular, the use of the old line of the canal for walking, cycling and interpretation.

Proposals for the reinstatement of canal along these historic alignments or any alternative alignments will need to demonstrate that the cultural, historic and natural environment will be protected and enhanced, with no overall adverse effect, and that potential impacts on ecology, landscape, flood risk, water resources (abstraction) and water quality have been fully assessed and taken into account. Proposals for the reinstatement of discrete sections of the canal will also need to demonstrate that the potential environmental impacts of the restoration project as a whole have been assessed and taken into account.’

The key strategic minerals plan is the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Core Strategy 2006-26, adopted in 2009.30 The county’s canals are mentioned in the context of the potential for transporting minerals. The plan says:

‘MCS 9: Strategic Approach to Managing Minerals Transportation The sustainable transportation of minerals, recyclable wastes and material used in restoration schemes will be encouraged. Proposals for new or improved rail depots and / or sidings as well as innovative schemes utilising the potential for canals and rivers to transport minerals and recyclable wastes within Wiltshire and Swindon will be supported subject to the social, economic and environmental impacts of such development being avoided, mitigated and where necessary compensated for.’

Canals are also mentioned in the context of restoration and after-care of worked out minerals sites. The plan says:

‘In recognition that the restoration of minerals developments in the Upper Thames Valley has been and will continue to be linked with after uses associated with leisure and tourism, the Councils advocate restoration schemes that facilitate the reinstatement of the Wilts and Berks canal and Thames and Severn canal as well as enhance the Rights of Way network. This will help encourage non-road access to the area once mineral working has ceased.’

30 See http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/minerals-core-strategy-june-2009.pdf

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4.7 Baseline Conditions

4.7.1 Source Data A review of existing documentary sources was undertaken which traced the proposed development of the Cotswold Canals and the areas that would be affected by it. These include the ‘Cotswold Canals Restoration Project: Heritage Survey, 2003’ produced by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Partnership.

The Cotswold Canals Restoration Archaeological Strategy, 2006 (Draft) was produced by Halcrow Group Ltd. on behalf of the British Waterways. The Strategy covers the whole of the proposed restored canal, thus including Phase 2. It was produced with reference to the following sources of information:

Documentary Research – the report comprised an examination of published and unpublished written records, illustrations, maps, and archaeological and geological records held at the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Record Offices and the National Monuments Record (NMR). Both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire County Council Sites and Monuments Record Offices (SMR) were also consulted. A search was made of all readily available published and unpublished sources;

Cartographic Sources – a range of cartographic sources were consulted to trace the development of the site, dating from the 19th century; and

Walkover Survey – further to the completion of preliminary documentary research, a walkover survey was made to assess the topography and current land use within the study area and its environs.

4.7.2 Statutory Designations The most significant designations are the Upper Thames Area of Special Archaeological Significance and the Kempsford Conservation Area, both of which the canal passes through. The current phase of restoration will have no impact on Scheduled Monuments but will give rise to impacts on three Grade II Listed Buildings namely; Cerney Wick Lock, Oatlands Bridge and Inglesham Lock Bridge. Marston Meysey Bridge at Round House Farm is also Grade II listed, but it is proposed to divert the canal on a new route just south of the bridge which will consequently not be impacted.

4.7.3 Landscape context The landscape context for Phase 2 is generally low lying, and flat, with agricultural land uses dominating and settlements being some way away from the actual route, except for Kempsford. All local policies relating to landscape acknowledge the existence of the canal route and the most up to date ones look forward, positively, to its restoration. The line of the canal can, in most cases, still be readily seen. In the vicinity of Kempsford the canal has been filled in and returned to agricultural land use, so the route cannot be seen. This is the only section where restoration will have a considerable, but still very local, impact.

48 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

4.7.4 Assumptions and Limitations Data held from the previous Environmental Impact Assessment has been used to inform this assessment, and therefore it is possible that new sites have been identified in the meantime. No consultation has been carried out for the Level 1 ES. It is recommended that new data and consultation with relevant bodies is undertaken as part of the Level 2 ES process.

4.8 Assessment of Impact It is not anticipated that any of the proposed restoration will have a negative impact upon the cultural heritage resource. In fact, sympathetic repair to the existing brickwork of the two bridges and the brickwork, gates and paddles of the locks, should result in a Significant Beneficial Impact on the structures and characteristic of the area by preventing eventual loss of unrestored structures.

4.9 Mitigation Measures The Upper Thames Area of Special Archaeological Significance was established to facilitate appropriate record keeping of archaeological finds along the upper reaches of the Thames floodplain, much of which has been lost during previous development and gravel extraction. The Kempsford Conservation Area was designated to preserve the architectural and historic quality, character and coherence of the buildings in the village, many of which are now listed.

Although the majority of this phase of the proposed restoration lies within these two designated areas, very little of the original heritage resource has survived. Of the 26 locks and bridges on this section, just four bridges and five locks remain, none of them within the Conservation Area. Nevertheless, in delivering the scheme particular attention will be given to the alteration or improvement to the floorscape, canal furniture and signage to ensure that the scheme provides enhancements to the Areas and does not give rise to detrimental effects.

Physical impacts will occur as a result of works associated with the restoration of locks and bridges, and impacts on the setting of Listed Buildings during both construction and operation. Where the restoration will give rise to visual intrusion to Listed Buildings, such impacts will be discussed with the Local Planning Authority. Where works have a direct impact on Listed Buildings, Listed Building Consent will be required.

Construction activities, including temporary work sites, compounds and haul roads, will have the potential to impact on canal-related features as well as buried archaeological resources from other periods. Additionally, the works may impact on canal side features including the towpath and other elements such as mile posts. To manage these elements, it is recommended heritage mitigation be identified in the Level 2 assessments for each site where mitigation is considered necessary (see table below).

The detail to be contained will be agreed in relation to each worksite, with specific mitigation agreed between the County Councils and other consultees. In developing the detailed design and the construction methodology, these features

49 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017 will require consideration to ensure their protection during construction. Possible responses may include:

Buildings/Structures - The restoration and, in some instances, the removal of bridges, lock structures, brickwork and building/structures associated with the canal will require careful consideration. It will be necessary to provide a full archaeological record prior to their restoration or removal to inform a cohesive design that is sympathetic with the surrounding Conservation Area.

Excavation – Ground works such as services, foundations; and areas of major reconstruction will give rise to impacts upon buried archaeological resources. It will be necessary to asses this on a project by project basis and it may be necessary to implement a programme of archaeological works such as a watching brief, geophysical survey, field walking or auger survey to ‘preserve by record’ the buried archaeological features.

A summary of the key features and proposed development of each of the schemes in this phase is provided in the table below with suggested mitigation for those sites where original heritage will be restored:

50 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Impact Scheme Site Key Features Proposed Development Description Assessme Proposed Mitigation Number nt Channel wing walls need construction. Path New road bridge constructed 1 Spine Road Bridge and copings under the bridge will be raised Neutral None in 2005 to meet operational water levels. The towpath and channel have been cleared of heavy vegetation and the channel was dredged in 2010. Further dredging will be required to make the channel navigable, with the towpath raised to meet operational water levels. The original channel is The extent and condition of any clay puddle clearly visible and is usually lining is uncertain and the extent of any in water during winter leaks and required corrective action will months and wet periods. need to be determined. The towpath is accessible Spine Road Bridge to Just below the Spine Road Bridge, it is 2 and in regular use by Beneficial None Cerney Wick Pound planned to create a new winding hole and walkers/cyclists. moorings to provide access to the At Cerney Wick, the Lock Waterpark Gateway Centre. A new slipway Keeper’s Round House has will be built nearby. The banks of the canal been restored and is in have eroded or slumped or been the private ownership. subject to shrinkage so need to be returned to their correct height. This is particularly true near the Round House where approx. 110 m of the offside bank which borders the property will need raising before the operational water level is established. Some further restoration work will be required to the lock chamber walls, The lock is Grade II listed particularly the bottom gate recesses and and is in a reasonable state the interface with the bridge. of structural repair having The lock-quoins will require some repair or been partly restored by the A Heritage Statement will be replacement and installation of hardwood Trust in the 1980s. It produced in the preparation timbers. comprises a red brick lined Beneficial phase of this project which will 3 Cerney Wick Lock On completion of the lock repairs, new lock chamber topped by inform the level of gates and paddles will be installed with lock substantial stone copings. archaeological work needed quadrants and footpath improvements The upper gates are still in prior to, or during the work. carried out. place, however the lower set

and much of the ironwork Additional work is needed to the lock have not survived. overflow weir where its capacity was greatly reduced by modifications when 51

restoration took place in the 1980s in order to reduce its footprint.

The lock will require a back pump which will probably be on the towpath side due to the close proximity of the roundhouse on the offside. A new bridge will be required to give sufficient navigable headroom, and the roadway will need raising on the approaches. Due to highway vertical A Heritage Statement will be The original humpback alignment constraints, this is likely to be a produced in the preparation bridge has been removed fixed structure with a flat deck. Minor phase of this project which will 4 Cerney Wick Bridge and the canal infilled. The The access drive to the privately owned Adverse inform the level of road is now level at this Round House, is immediately to the offside archaeological work needed point. of the lock and would be impacted by the prior to, or during the work. raising of the roadway and the bridge parapets – a solution which may involve partial rerouting of the driveway, needs to be developed. This pound is in similar The towpath and channel have been cleared condition to that above of heavy vegetation. Cerney Wick. The original Further dredging will be required to make channel is clearly visible and the channel navigable and the bed will Cerney Wick to Latton 5 is usually in water during require repair to, or replacement of, the Beneficial None Pound winter months and wet lining. periods. The towpath is The towpath will need to be raised to meet accessible and in regular use operational water levels, and the bank will by walkers/cyclists. need local repairs to eliminate leakage. This is the junction with the former North Wilts Canal. It The focus of restoration activity will be on comprised a basin, accessed the junction which falls primarily in the over a small aqueduct Thames & Severn Canal.

across the River Churn, Restoration of the aqueduct and basin as a A Heritage Statement will be where the larger barges on heritage site will be a lower priority and to Moderate produced in the preparation the Thames & Severn could an extent is dependent upon the future Beneficial 6 Latton Junction phase of this project which will moor whilst their cargos plans for reinstating the Wilts & Berks inform the level of were offloaded onto the Canal. archaeological work needed smaller narrow boats of the The junction which is essentially the prior to, or during the work. North Wilts Canal. southern end of the pound before Weymoor Lock gates between the Bridge will require further dredging and basin and the North Wilts lining, with repairs/raising of the towpath. were controlled by the 52

occupants of the adjacent lock keeper’s cottage which is now in private ownership. The stone lined basin and the junction were dredged in 2008. The top of the aqueduct has been removed to assist flood conveyance, however the actual arch, canal base and footings are believed to be still in place in the river bed. The original humpback Wiltshire Council granted planning consent A Heritage Statement has been bridge was been flattened in October 2013 for reconstruction of the produced in the preparation and infilled. Excavation has bridge to the original design with re- Moderate phase of this project which has 7 Weymoor Bridge shown the lower part of the profiling of the road to give appropriate Beneficial outlined the level of arch to be intact and access. This is in progress with completion archaeological work needed useable as the basis for expected in 2018. prior to, or during the work. reconstruction. The canal is barely recognisable for the 500m of The canal runs on a low embankment which A series of photographs will be the original route below the will be rebuilt using infill removed from the taken to record the weir into bridge where it runs across channel. The bed will require lining and the the Churn before restoration open meadowland. towpath reinstated on the west side of the and during it. Any artefacts The remainder to the site of embankment. Weymoor Bridge to Beneficial discovered will be retained and 8 the former Latton Lock was The culvert beneath the canal bed just Latton Lock Pound evaluated as to their lost when the A419 Latton below the bridge will require reinstatement significance. Original building bypass was built to allow the drainage brook on the east side materials recovered will be Just below the bridge, a to flow into the River Churn. reused when their conditions drainage brook runs open The spill weir a little further downstream allows it. across the canal bed into will need to be rebuilt. the adjacent River Coln. Although this is a new A new lock will need to be built approx. structure, a Heritage Statement 400m below Weymoor Bridge with a will be produced in the The original lock just south working drop of 9’4’’ to create sufficient Neutral preparation phase of this 9 Latton Lock of Latton was lost when the headroom through the bridges and culvert project which will inform the A419 bypass was built under the service road, the A419 and Ermin level of archaeological work Way. needed prior to the work.

This new road for local A new bridge or culvert wide enough for the 10 Service Road Bridge traffic was laid when the canal and towpath will need to be built Neutral None bypass was built; it is un- under the service road. 53

bridged where it crosses the The design and appearance will need to be route of the canal. more than just functional as the towpath will become part of a network of new footpaths around Latton and to Cricklade. When the A419 bypass was The culvert will need to be cleared of built, provision was made aggregate infill. A new hollow towpath will for reinstating the canal by need to be installed. The channel and 11 A419 Culvert installing a culvert under the Neutral None towpath will need building to connect up roadway. The culvert was with the bridges under the service road and infilled with gravel as part of Ermin Way. the construction process. A new bridge or culvert wide enough for the The original Latton Bridge canal and towpath will need to be built which carried Ermin Way under the road. 12 Ermin Way Bridge over the canal was lost as The design and appearance will need to be Neutral None part of the A419 bypass more than just functional as the towpath construction. will become part of a network of new footpaths around Latton and to Cricklade. Part of the route passes through a Scheduled Ancient A new section of canal with towpath will Monument so special consents need to be cut and lined. Depending upon will be needed. It is understood the timing and scale of a potential gravel that the archaeological features When the A419 bypass was extraction scheme in adjacent fields to the which resulted in the built, the entire section of east, this will either be part of the post scheduling are located far away Ermin Way to Kempsford canal from Latton Bridge to gravel extraction reclamation or will be a 13 Beneficial from the proposed route of the Road Bridge Pound Cricklade Wharf and the stand-alone project. canal. It is also quite probable bridge under the road to that the canal construction will Kempsford was lost. This location is also potentially suitable for be preceded by aggregate one of the marina developments which are extraction and this activity will needed to provide economic benefits and have to address the sustainability. archaeological issues with the site. Since the canal south of It is likely the fields around Lertoll Well will Latton was lost, a track from be used for gravel extraction and the track Ermin Way to the buildings will be lost. If this doesn’t happen, a new 14 Lertoll Well Bridge Neutral None at Lertoll Well has been accommodation bridge over the recut canal built. There is currently no will be required or an alternative access bridge at this location. implemented which avoids the canal route. When the A419 bypass and A new bridge will be required under the the new junction with Ermin C124 Kempsford road on the east side of 15 Kempsford Road Bridge Neutral None Way was built, the original the A419 to allow the newly cut canal to bridge under the road to connect with the original route to the 54

Kempsford, the site of which south-east. is on the west side of the The design and appearance will need to be dual carriageway, was lost. more than just functional as the towpath will become part of a network of new footpaths around Latton and to Cricklade. The canal will need to be cleared of infill, This section of canal has relined and the towpath reinstated. Some significant silting and is rerouting of the western end of this section overgrown. The land to the will be required to join up with the new 16 Tarmac Site Pound Beneficial None north bordering the canal is Kempsford road bridge – this rerouting will currently being used for need to be agreed with the landowner and gravel extraction. executed when the gravel extraction is completed. This section of canal has The canal will need to be cleared of Tarmac Site to Ampney 17 significant silting and is vegetation and infill, relined and the Beneficial None Brook Pound overgrown. towpath reinstated. A Heritage Statement will be The canal has been infilled produced in the preparation in this location and the The infill will need to be removed and an Neutral phase of this project which will 18 Ampney Brook Aqueduct aqueduct removed. Some aqueduct installed to allow the brook to inform the level of original remains may still pass under the canal. archaeological work needed exist on the site. prior to, or during the work. A Heritage Statement will be produced in the preparation The original bridge has been A replacement bridge will be required. As it phase of this project which will removed, the canal has will only be for agricultural and foot traffic, inform the level of been infilled and the road a simpler accommodation bridge to a lower Neutral archaeological work needed 19 Eysey Bridge built over it. Traces of the specification than for highway use may be prior to, or during the work. original wing walls are sufficient. A study will be required to Particular attention will be paid visible and may be partly determine the best solution. to this site as it is believed that intact under the roadway. this was one of only a few dry stone canal bridges built. The canal has succumbed to some silting and heavy growth on the banks and in Clearance of the vegetation from the the channel. channel and towpath has commenced. The entire section will need to be cleared of Eysey Bridge to Eisey 20 Within this length, a set of vegetation and infill, relined and the Beneficial None Lock Pound partially buried narrows towpath reinstated. identifies the location of a The former swing bridge narrows will need swing bridge that went out to be restored. of use long before the canal closed. 55

The major refurbishment is complete, new The lock comprises a red lock gates and paddles will be installed with brick lined chamber topped A Heritage Statement will be lock quadrants and footpath improvements by substantial stone copings Neutral produced in the preparation 21 Eisey Lock carried out. and has undergone phase of the back pump

extensive structural element of this project A back pump will need to be installed at, refurbishment. and interface with, this lock. Further removal of vegetation from the This section is partially in Eisey Lock to Rucks channel and towpath will be required, and 22 water and has undergone Beneficial None Bridge Pound the channel dredged and relined as considerable restoration. necessary. The restoration will need to be completed with the finishing of the rebuilding of the parapet walls and the fitment of the This original humpback copings. 23 Rucks Bridge bridge made of red brick has Beneficial None

been extensively restored. This work will only be possible if wide farm machinery no longer needs to pass over the bridge. The canal has succumbed to significant silting and heavy growth on the banks and in The canal will need to be cleared of Rucks Bridge to the channel. Clearance of 24 vegetation and infill, relined as necessary Beneficial None Whetstone Farm Pound the vegetation has been and the towpath reinstated. started from the bridge down to Eisey Field Copse.

This forms part of a Minerals Planning application which outlines site mitigation. The canal has succumbed to A series of photographs will be The canal and towpath will require significant silting and heavy taken to record the spill weir reinstatement upon completion of the growth on the banks and in before restoration and during 25 Whetstone Farm Pound gravel extraction. Adverse the channel. This section is it. Any artefacts discovered will The spill weir just above the aqueduct will subject to an application for be retained and evaluated as to require restoration. gravel extraction. their significance. Original building materials recovered will be reused when their conditions allows it. The infill will need to be removed and an A Heritage Statement will be The brook currently crosses aqueduct or culvert installed to allow the produced in the preparation 26 Meysey Brook Aqueduct the path of the canal where Beneficial brook to pass under the canal and the two phase of this project which will the original aqueduct stood. reinstated sections to be joined up. inform the level of 56

archaeological work needed prior to, or during the work. The canal and towpath will require The canal has been infilled reinstatement upon completion of the or levelled in this section. gravel extraction. This will be essentially a Some of the original route is new structure with a short deviation from 27 Roundhouse Farm Pound Adverse None through an active gravel the original line to the south of the extraction site, and some is Roundhouse so as to avoid interfering with in a protected buffer zone. the garden and access to some of the modern buildings. A new bridge will be required possibly of an A Heritage Statement will be The original road bridge arched design to give sufficient navigable produced in the preparation over the canal has been headroom, and the roadway will need phase of this project which will Hill Mead or Crooked 28 removed with the canal raising on the approaches. The design and Neutral inform the level of Bridge infilled and the road laid alignment will be constrained by highways archaeological work needed over. requirements and the presence of an prior to, or during the work. underground oil pipeline. The canal has been infilled or levelled and the land returned to agricultural use; The canal and towpath will require 29 Blackburr Farm Pound the route is barely reinstatement upon completion of the Beneficial None identifiable. This section is gravel extraction. likely to be subject to future gravel extraction. A new bridge will be required possibly of an arched design to give sufficient navigable headroom, and the roadway will need A Heritage Statement will be The original road bridge raising on the approaches. The design and produced in the preparation over the canal has been Blackburr or Blackgore alignment will be constrained by highways phase of this project which will 30 removed with the canal Neutral Bridge requirements. inform the level of infilled and the road laid archaeological work needed over. There is a suggestion that one bridge might prior to, or during the work. replace both Crooked and Blackgore Bridges on an improved road alignment. The channel will require re-cutting with the The canal has been infilled infill removed to reform the banks and the or levelled and the land bed relined. The towpath will require returned to agricultural use; reinstatement. Any section affected by Blackburr Bridge to the route is barely 31 gravel extraction will require reinstatement Beneficial None Oatlands Bridge Pound identifiable. The west end upon completion. of this section is subject to

an application for gravel This location is also potentially suitable for extraction. one of the marina developments which are 57

needed to provide economic benefits and sustainability. The original red brick humpback bridge is Grade II A Heritage Statement will be listed and stands in splendid Structural repairs will need to be made to produced in the preparation isolation in fields just south the arch and parapet walls. The approach phase of restoring the canal of the Kempsford road. It is ramps require building up and the road back under this bridge or if 32 Oatlands Bridge was cleared of heavy surface reinstating. Some undermining of Beneficial other than straight forward vegetation in 2011 and the structure has been caused by badger repairs are proposed. This will 2017, and was found to be activity which will need addressing before inform the level of in a reasonable condition restoration. archaeological work needed requiring some structural prior to, or during the work. repairs. The canal has been infilled or levelled and the land Oatlands Bridge to returned to agricultural use. The channel will require re-cutting with the 33 Kempsford Swing Bridge The route is barely infill removed and the bed relined. The Beneficial None Pound identifiable apart from a towpath will require reinstatement. small pond in a copse about midway along the section. A replacement bridge will be required. As it A Heritage Statement will be will only be for agricultural and foot traffic, produced in the preparation The original bridge has been a simpler accommodation bridge to a lower Neutral phase of this project which will 34 Kempsford Swing Bridge removed and the canal specification than for highway use will be inform the level of infilled. sufficient. A study will be required to archaeological work needed determine the best solution. prior to, or during the work. The route of the canal is clearly visible with minimal infilling apart from approx. A Heritage Statement will be 50m above Kempsford The channel will require re-cutting with the produced in the preparation Bridge. infill removed to reform the banks and the phase of this project which will 35 Kempsford Pound Beneficial Significant parts of this bed relined. The towpath will require inform the level of section within the village reinstatement. archaeological work needed have been integrated into prior to, or during the work. the gardens of the properties on the north side. The original humpback A replacement bridge will be required. A A Heritage Statement will be bridge has been removed study will be required to identify the best produced in the preparation and the canal infilled with option that provides sufficient headroom phase of this project which will 36 Kempsford Bridge the road laid over. Neutral over the canal with minimum impact on the inform the level of Development since the canal adjacent properties. This may require a archaeological work needed was closed, has resulted in moveable bridge. prior to, or during the work. residential property being 58

constructed close to the route of the canal in three of the four corners formed by the canal and the road. The channel will require re-cutting with the The canal has been infilled infill removed and the bed relined. The or levelled and apart from towpath will require reinstatement. It is about 150m within the possible that a short section at the eastern Kempsford Bridge to High village adjacent to end of the village will need to be slightly re- 37 Beneficial None Bridge Pound residential property, the routed to avoid residential property. route is barely discernible This location is also potentially suitable for and the land has been one of the marina developments which are returned to agricultural use. needed to provide economic benefits and sustainability. A replacement bridge will be required. As it A Heritage Statement will be will only be for agricultural and foot traffic, produced in the preparation The original bridge has been a simpler accommodation bridge to a lower Neutral phase of this project which will 38 High Bridge removed and the canal specification than for highway use will be inform the level of locally infilled. sufficient. A study will be required to archaeological work needed determine the best solution. prior to, or during the work. The route of the canal is clearly visible for most of this section which runs in a The canal will need to be cleared of deep cutting past Brazen High Bridge to Deep vegetation and natural infill, relined and the Church Hill, but it has 39 Cutting (or Hamfield) towpath reinstated. Beneficial None succumbed to heavy Bridge Pound The sides of the cutting will need to be vegetation growth. stability checked. About 300m below High Bridge, a small stream passes under the canal. The original dry stone bridge which crossed the deep cutting is thought to have collapsed into the cutting in A Heritage Statement will be the 1970s. produced in the preparation Deep Cutting Bridge is Deep Cutting (or This crossing point is no longer used, and a phase of this project which will 40 thought to be another very Neutral Hamfield) Bridge replacement bridge will not be required. inform the level of rare example of a dry stone archaeological work needed canal bridge. The remains, prior to, or during the work. when uncovered will be evaluated to see if anything can be preserved and interpreted. 59

The route of the canal is Hamfield Bridge to clearly visible but has The canal will need to be cleared of 41 Dudgrove Swing Bridge become very heavily vegetation and natural infill, relined and the Beneficial None Pound overgrown with trees and towpath reinstated. shrubs. The original swing bridge A replacement bridge may be required. As A Heritage Statement will be has gone with the remains it will only be for agricultural traffic, a produced in the preparation of the railings and side simpler accommodation bridge to a lower phase of this project which will 42 Dudgrove Swing Bridge Neutral frame just visible. The specification than for highway use will be inform the level of archaeo- canal is infilled where a sufficient. A study will be required to logical work needed prior to, or track crosses at this point. determine the best solution. during the work. The route of the canal is clearly visible but has The canal will need to be cleared of 43 Dudgrove Pound become very heavily vegetation and natural infill, relined and the Beneficial None overgrown with trees and towpath reinstated. shrubs. A replacement bridge will be required. As it A Heritage Statement will be will only be for agricultural and foot traffic, produced in the preparation The original bridge has been a simpler accommodation bridge to a lower phase of this project which will 44 Dudgrove Bridge levelled with short infilled Neutral specification than for highway use will be inform the level of sections either side. sufficient. A study will be required to archaeological work needed determine the best solution. prior to, or during the work. The channel continues to the locks on a low The canal will need to be cleared of Dudgrove Bridge to 45 embankment, but again is vegetation and natural infill, relined and the Beneficial None Dudgrove Lock Pound heavily overgrown with towpath reinstated. trees and shrubs. The lock will require significant vegetation clearance. Restoration works are required to the lock chamber walls. Prior to repairs being undertaken, it will be necessary to The lock chamber is inspect the invert and walls below water A Heritage Statement will be severely overgrown with level to determine what work is required to produced in the preparation trees penetrating the them. The lock-quoins will require some Dudgrove Lock Upper phase of this project which will 46 masonry which has repair or replacement and installation of Beneficial Chamber inform the level of deteriorated badly in places hardwood timbers. archaeological work needed . The lock gates and Once inspection has been carried out, a prior to, or during the work. paddles have decayed. reinforced concrete slab may be installed to allow for the cill and gate pintle cups to be fitted. The existing bypass will be reinstated to its original working condition. 47 Dudgrove Lock Lower The lock chamber is This very unusual and possibly unique dry Beneficial This will be covered by the 60

Chamber severely overgrown with stone lock chamber will require significant Heritage Statement covering trees penetrating the vegetation the upper chamber. masonry which has clearance. Restoration works are required deteriorated badly in places to the lock chamber walls. Prior to repairs . The lock gates and being undertaken, it will be necessary to paddles have decayed. inspect the walls below water level to determine what work is required to them. The lock-quoins will require some repair or replacement and installation of hardwood timbers. Once inspection has been carried out, a reinforced concrete slab may be installed to allow for the cill and gate pintle cups to be fitted. The existing bypass will be reinstated to its original working condition. The canal will need to be cleared of vegetation and natural infill, relined and the The route of the canal is towpath reinstated. clearly visible but has A culvert will need to be installed for the become very heavily stream. overgrown with trees and Currently there are two relatively modern Dudgrove Lock to shrubs. infilled agricultural crossing points which 48 Neutral None Inglesham Lock Pound Just below the locks, a may require replacement bridges. Simple stream crosses the channel, accommodation bridges to a lower which is further blocked specification than for highway use will be about halfway along the sufficient. A study will be required to pound by a wide track. determine the best solution. Ideally alternative access arrangements will avoid one or both bridges here. This area has succumbed to heavy vegetation growth, Restoration works are in progress on the much of which was cleared lock chamber and approach to the bridge. A Heritage Statement will be in 2012. New lock gates and paddles will be installed produced to support planning The brickwork in the lock with associated lock quadrants. applications for the new boat chamber has deteriorated Beneficial Inglesham Lock and A back pumping scheme will also need to landing stage on the entrance 49 and will require restoration. Entrance Channel be installed. channel and back pumping The arched bridge over the The bridge will require refurbishment and system which will inform the canal which is Grade II repair to the arch and parapet walls. level of archaeological work listed provides access to the The towpath will require rerouting to the needed prior to, or during the privately owned Round offside away from the Round House. work. House. During the dredging the 61

lock, any artefacts discovered will be retained and evaluated as to their significance. Original building materials recovered will be reused when their conditions allows it.

62

4.10 Residual Effects The construction phase of the restoration scheme will have potentially the most significant impact on archaeological and built heritage resources that are present. The principal impacts will be during the restoration work where a range of intrusive works will be undertaken either as a result of the restoration works or resulting from temporary works associated with the restoration.

Missing bridges will be constructed as part of the scheme and where appropriate through sympathetic design and construction methods these bridges will enhance the area and therefore be a Positive Benefit.

The completed scheme will provide a positive benefit ensuring the long term preservation of the canal as a heritage asset. The restoration will enhance the whole area, bringing the canal back into use thereby providing for a greater appreciation, utilisation and understanding of the canal as an integral element of the area, as well as a resource in its own right. Overall, the cumulative effect of the proposal works is considered to be Major Beneficial.

4.11 Conclusions A review of existing documentary sources was undertaken which traced the proposed development of the Cotswold Canals and the areas that would be affected by it. These include the ‘Cotswold Canals Restoration Project: Heritage Survey, 2003’ produced by Cotswold Archaeology, on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Partnership, and the ‘Cotswold Canals Restoration Archaeological Strategy, 2006 (Draft)’ produced by Halcrow Group Ltd. on behalf of the British Waterways.

Structures and sites of archaeological and cultural importance identified are generally associated with the canal. These include locks, spill weirs, bridges, wharfs and buildings.

Impact identified from the restoration project are generally beneficial due to the dredging and excavation of the channel, restoration of locks, the reinstatement of bridges and, at Latton, the potential reinstatement of the basin.

Some negative impacts arise due to the removal of trees from the canal bed as part of the works to reline the canal, however the greatest potential for negative impacts will arise due to the construction work particularly where work is intrusive.

The construction phase of the restoration scheme will have the most potentially significant impact on archaeological and built heritage resources that are present. As appropriate, a Heritage Statement will be produced in the preparation phase of individual projects which will inform the level of archaeological work needed prior to, or during the work. Overall, through sympathetic design and construction methods the projects will enhance the area and therefore be a Positive Benefit.

The completed scheme will provide a positive benefit ensuring the long term preservation of the canal as a heritage asset. The restoration will enhance the

63 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

area, bringing the canal back into use thereby providing for a greater appreciation, utilisation and understanding of the canal as an integral element of the Conservation Area, as well as a resource in its own right. In its totality, the cumulative effect of the proposed works is considered to be Major Beneficial.

Chapter References

Jo Clark, John Darlington & Graham Fairclough: Using Historic Landscape Characterisation - English Heritage and Lancashire County Council

64 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

5 Climate Change

5.1 Introduction This chapter describes the restoration of the Cotswold Canals project in the context of climate change. In undertaking an assessment of this kind, it is necessary to clarify the nature of the assessment by introducing some definitions.

“Climate” refers to the average weather experienced in a region over a long period, (30 years is the normal period taken by climate scientists). This includes not just temperature, but also wind and rainfall patterns, and other climate variables, such as humidity.

The climate of the Earth is not static, so “climate change” refers simply to the continuous pattern of changes occurring in the past, in response to a variety of natural causes. However, the term has been linked with influence of human activity on climate change specifically to the “greenhouse effect”.

The “greenhouse effect” is also naturally occurring and makes life on earth possible. Certain gases in the atmosphere (so-called greenhouse gases) absorb energy that is radiated from the Earth’s surface, and so warm the atmosphere. The relatively recent increase in the burning of fossil fuels has resulted in the release of large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, thereby enhancing the greenhouse effect.

For the purposes of this assessment, “greenhouse gases” (GHGs) are assumed to include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2);

• Methane (CH4);

• Nitrous Oxide (N2O);

• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs);

• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs);

• Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6).

In 2013, 82% of the greenhouse emissions in the UK was CO2 so for simplicity, throughout the course of this chapter, they will be referred to collectively as carbon emissions or CO2e.

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC fifth Report, 2014), the most authoritative source of technical advice on the matter, has consistently increased the strength of its assertions that a link exists between human activity and climate change.

On this basis, two parallel policy responses have emerged to human impact based on looking to the future and dealing with the consequences of the past.

65 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

One is related to reducing the human effects on global warming by reducing the quantity of greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere, with a view to achieving stabilisation - “mitigation” (UK Emissions in 2014 were recorded as

514kT CO2). “Adaptation” refers to responding to those changes in climate that are now ‘in the system’ and appear to be unavoidable through emissions reduction measures.

5.2 Relationship of Climate Change to the Proposed Canal Restoration A full detailed description of the works is included within Chapter 3 of this ES. This project will involve the creation of an asset whose operational ‘lifespan’ will extend across a time period where significant changes are forecast to take place in the climate.

The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) provides forecasts on the expected impact of different climate change scenarios across a range of different variables. As such, it is possible to forecast what type of climate might exist in different parts of the UK for each scenario. It is, therefore, possible to predict the climatic conditions within which this project will have to perform up to 2050. Under each of these scenarios, the performance of key aspects of this project where there is a relationship between performance and a climatic variable has been examined.

The assessment of the relative benefits and adverse effects associated with the project are discussed in Section 5.5 below.

Furthermore, both construction and use of the canal will, either directly or indirectly, result in the use of GHGs. This might be, for example, through plant used during construction or transport of visitors to the site.

5.2.1 Limitations No definitions exist that define an acceptable level of carbon emissions to emit on a project by project basis. Some standards exist for aspects of adaptation only, thereby, limiting any ability to produce an overall assessment as to whether a project is proofed against unavoidable climate change.

Moreover, any assessment against ‘unavoidable’ climate change is dependent upon the likelihood of a particular scenario arising. As time progresses, the appropriateness of current projections will become more apparent. The degree of risk concerning a probable outcome therefore needs to be considered in relation to a project.

UKCIP believe that the objective of any process should be to consider options that will allow climate adaptation measures to be implemented in the future, when the need for climate adaptation and the performance of different adaptation measures is less uncertain. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to carry out a full carbon lifecycle assessment of the project.

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5.3 Legislation, Policy and Guidance Whilst project-based assessment criteria are absent, policies are evolving in relation to targets that should apply to countries and organisations. Some of the policy highlights are shown in this section.

5.3.1 Policy / Technical Context for Reducing Emissions The need to reduce emissions has been influenced by the following national and international policies which are noted in chronological order.

5.3.1.1 Kyoto Protocol31 (1997) The Kyoto Protocol, agreed in December 1997, secured a commitment from developed countries to legally binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels over the period 2008-2012. The EU Member States collectively agreed to an 8% reduction at Kyoto. The UK's contribution to this target has been set at a 12.5% reduction on 1990 levels in emissions of six greenhouse gases. The UK has also set itself a domestic objective that goes beyond our legally binding Kyoto target, namely to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 20% on 1990 levels by 2010. These ambitions were superseded by the agreements reached at the 2016 Paris COP21 conference – see Section 5.3.1.7 below.

5.3.1.2 The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change32 (October 2006) The Stern Review Report provides an economic analysis of the implications of climate change including the costs of “business as usual”. By 2055, Stern concludes that a “business as usual” approach would result in carbon dioxide emissions concentrations that risk tipping the climate into extremes that threaten our continued ability to sustain healthy and wealthy societies worldwide. Stern quantifies these effects comparing them in their magnitude to the loss of output resulting from the Great Depression i.e. 20% sustained reduction in output. Maintaining the concentration of atmospheric emissions constant at around 550 parts per million still has implications for adaptation, but nowhere near as severe if current trends continue. A quarter of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from the generation of power and heat, which is mostly used in domestic and commercial buildings, and by industry, and this is predicted to grow with urbanisation.

31 The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered force in 1994 and has near universal membership with 197 ratifying countries who are known as Parties to the Convention. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to UNFCCC which commits its Parties to binding emissions reduction targets – it was adopted in 1997 and came into force on 16 February 2005. 32 The Stern Review, led by economist Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics, was released for the UK government in 2006. The report discusses the effect of global warming on the world economy. Although not the first economic report on climate change, it is significant as the largest and most widely known and discussed report of its kind.

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Stabilising emissions at a “safe” level requires a major rethink in the design of energy generation systems and our cities including a cut by a quarter in emissions from buildings and the appliances contained within them by 2055.

5.3.1.3 Climate Change Act (November 2008) The Climate Change Act introduced a long-term framework for reducing carbon emissions for the UK while ensuring that the country adapts to the impacts of climate change. The Act identifies the potential for UK leadership in climate change policy whilst recognising that carbon dioxide emissions have not fallen to a sufficient level to be able to class the UK as a low carbon economy. In terms of global greenhouse gas emissions, the Act recognises that the UK is responsible for 2% of global emissions and thus, cannot address the problem of climate change alone. The Act comprises four overarching pillars, these being: 1. 2050 Target. The act commits the UK to reducing emissions by at least 80% in 2050 from 1990 levels. This target was based on advice from the Committee on Climate Change (see 3 below) report: Building a Low- carbon Economy. The 80% target includes GHG emissions from the devolved administrations, which currently accounts for around 20% of the UK’s total emissions 2. Carbon Budgets. The Act requires the Government to set legally binding ‘carbon budgets’. A carbon budget is a cap on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the UK over a five-year period. The Committee provides advice on the appropriate level of each carbon budget which are designed to reflect cost effective path to achieving the long terms objectives. The first five carbon budgets have been put into legislation and run up to 2032 3. The Committee on Climate Change was set up to advise the Government on emissions targets, and report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It includes the Adaptation Sub-Committee (ASC) which scrutinises and advises on the Government’s programme for adapting to climate change 4. A National Adaptation Plan requires the Government to assess the UK’s risks from climate change, prepare a strategy to address them, and encourage critical organisations to do the same.

5.3.1.4 International Panel on Climate Change - Fifth Assessment Report33 (Finalised 2014) The IPCC observed that warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and

33 IPCC is a scientific and intergovernmental body established in 1988 under the auspices of the UN with the sole objective of providing an objective, scientific view of climate change and its political and economic impacts. It does not conduct original research, but reviews published literature from peer-reviewed and non-reviewed sources as input to its Assessment Reports which are published about every 5 years since 1990.

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ice have diminished, sea level has risen, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased. Each of the last three decades has been successively warmer at the Earth’s surface than any preceding decade since 1850. Of the hottest years on record, 15 out of 17 have come since 2000. By contrast, more than a century has gone by since the planet had a record cold year (1911). During the 20th century, the annual mean central England34 temperature increased by about 1.0°C. The last decade was exceptionally warm in central England, on average about 0.7°C warmer than the 1961-1990 average and higher than any time since records began in 1659. Average global temperatures are now about 0.9°C warmer than they were 100 years ago, and 2016 was a record 1.6°C warmer. The rate of sea level rise since the mid-19th century has been larger than the mean rate during the previous two millennia. Over the period 1901 to 2010, global mean sea level rose by 0.19m. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have increased to levels unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years. Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased by 40% since pre-industrial times, primarily from fossil fuel emissions and secondarily from net land use change emissions. The ocean has absorbed about 30% of the emitted anthropogenic carbon dioxide, causing ocean acidification. Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system. Limiting climate change will require substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Annual Energy Statement 201435 In delivering the UK’s energy policies in the near term, the Government has set three strategic priorities:

 supporting consumers and keeping energy bills down: Achieving the UK’s challenging objectives in the energy sector will come at a cost, but the Government is committed to ensuring the costs of energy policies are kept to a minimum  supporting investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure: Radical reform of the energy system requires huge levels of investment, with up to £100 billion needed in electricity generation and networks alone by 2020. The Government is also driving investment in energy efficiency, smart meters and smart grids as another cost-effective way to support growth, cut bills, enhance business productivity, improve living standards and cut carbon emissions  promoting action in the EU and internationally to maintain energy security and mitigate dangerous climate change: Energy consumers need to have access to reliable and secure energy supplies. In addition to securing

34 Report on Central England and global surface temperature, published by the Department of Energy & Climate Change, August 2013. 35 Annual Energy Statement is a formal review conducted periodically by the Department of Energy & Climate Change and presented to Parliament to provide an assessment of progress made by the UK against the climate change targets mandated in the 2008 Climate Change Act.

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supplies of fuel, the UK also requires sufficient power generation capacity to produce the electricity that it needs. The Government is currently undertaking activities in several areas to enhance energy security whilst also delivering wider energy goals. This includes measures to incentivise deployment of flexible gas and low carbon generation; maximise economic production of domestic oil and gas reserves; and prevent possible disruptions to our energy supply

Progress against targets The UK is succeeding in reducing the greenhouse gases it emits. In February 2014, the UK’s 2012 greenhouse gas inventory was published, confirming that the UK had met its first carbon budget. Over the first carbon budget period, which covered 2008 to 2012, the UK’s emissions were on average 23.6% lower than 1990.

The Government’s latest projections indicate that the UK is on track to meet its second and third legislated carbon budgets with current planned policies. The Government expects to reduce emissions to below the level required by these budgets by 76 and 80 MtCO2e respectively on the reference scenario forecasts for these carbon budgets. Based on current planned policies there is an expected shortfall of 133 MtCO2e over the fourth carbon budget. This reflects the fact that detailed policy mechanisms have yet to be developed for this period, however the 2011 Carbon Plan sets out several scenarios for bridging the shortfall.

5.3.1.5 The Fifth Carbon Budget – a balanced path to a necessary goal36 – 30 June 2016 The budget sets a target for UK emissions in 2030 to be 57% below 1990 levels, with a budget for the 5-year period to 2032 of 1,725Mt CO2e. This builds on the 36% reduction achieved by 2014 and the 52% reduction by 2025 already committed to under the previous four carbon budgets. After accepting the CCC's proposals on the 5th Carbon Budget, Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said,

“Setting long term targets to reduce our emissions is a fundamental part of building a secure, affordable and clean energy infrastructure system that our families and businesses can rely on and that is fit for the 21st century.

The UK remains committed to playing its part in tackling climate change to ensure our long term economic security and prosperity”.

36 The 2008 Climate Change Act established a system of five-yearly Carbon Budgets to serve as stepping stops to achieve the long-term emissions targets. They are designed to ensure regular progress is being made and provide a level of predictability for UK businesses and households to plan and invest for a low-carbon economy.

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5.3.1.6 The Paris Agreement37 (2016) At the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), international climate change consensus was achieved which embraced the principles of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol but took it a major step further with the agreement of all the G20 nations in addition to 167 others. The conference resulted in an enduring, legally binding treaty on climate action, containing emission reduction commitments from 187 countries starting in 2020 aimed at limiting global warming to “well below” 2oC and ideally just 1.5oC. The agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, thirty days after the date on which at least 55 signatories to the convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55% of the total global greenhouse emissions, had formally ratified their acceptance of the protocol. The commitments made in Paris will not deliver 2oC, or 1.5oC immediately, but the Paris Agreement commits to a process of increasing emission cuts every 5 years to meet that goal. The long-term goal of greenhouse gas neutrality in the second half of the century will require a rapid phase out of fossil fuels.

5.3.1.7 National Planning Policy Framework38 (NPPF) NPPF Section 10, Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change, paragraph 93 states,

“Planning plays a key role in helping shape places to secure radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimising vulnerability and providing resilience to the impacts of climate change, and supporting the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure, this is central to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.”

5.3.2 Policy/ Technical Evidence on UK Climate Change Impact Policy on dealing with unavoidable climate change has been influenced by a number of impact studies based on assumed levels of greenhouse gas concentration.

37 The Paris Agreement builds on the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol to deliver global warming targets and aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. To reach the ambitious goals, appropriate financial flows, a new technology framework and an enhanced capacity building framework will be put in place, to support action by developing countries and the most vulnerable countries, in line with their own national objectives. 38 NPPF was developed by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied.

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5.3.2.1 UKCP09 Climate Projections39 The UKCP09 climate change projections report provides three scenarios of how the climate of the UK, and each of the administrative regions, might evolve over the course of this century. These alternatives result from uncertainties over future trends and behaviour. There are Low, Medium and High emissions scenarios, and changes are described for three future 30-year time-slices: 2011 to 2040 (the ‘2020s’), 2041 to 2070 (the ‘2050s’) and 2071 to 2100 (the ‘2080s’). All changes in climate are given relative to the baseline period of 1961 to 1990. Over the second half of the century, the scenarios tend to diverge reflecting the accumulation of the problem assumed in the first half. The UKCIP09 climate change scenarios were generated from a climate model developed by the Hadley Centre reflecting the scientists’ best current understanding of how the climate system operates. To better understand the specific risks that climate change poses to the UK, the programme completed the first UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) in 2012. The assessment gives a detailed analysis of 100 potential effects of climate change, and will be updated every 5 years, with the next assessment due to be published in 2017. The Adaptation Sub Committee of the Committee on Climate Change started collecting evidence to support this in February 2014.

5.3.2.2 The Foresight Future Flooding Project40 (DTI,2004) The Foresight project on future flood risk reported in April 2004 and was updated following the 2007 summer floods in the Pitt Review in 2008. The latter report concluded there are four main risk areas, namely; the threat of rising sea levels, rising precipitation, intra-urban flood risk, and land use. The 2004 project found that, using the UKCP02 climate change projections, together with scenarios of potential economic and social changes, annual damage from flooding may rise from around £100 million to between £460 million (under the community orientated Local Stewardship scenario) and £2,500 million (under the more consumerist World Markets scenario) by 2080. It further concluded flood management investment would need to rise to an average over the next 50 years of somewhere between £1 billion and £2 billion per annum in real terms for rivers and coasts, and between £400,000 and £800,000 per annum for intra-urban systems to hold flood risk at around its present-day value. The 2008 report reviewed these figures and concluded that these costs are very approximate and that further research is needed to refine them.

5.3.2.3 Development in Flood Risk Areas The Pitt Review40 shows vividly that several recently constructed housing estates were flooded in 2007 and influencing where to build houses, factories

39 UKCP (UK Climate Projections) is the name given to ongoing climate projections first produced in 2009 by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Now primarily communicated via the UKCP website, it is the leading source of climate information for the UK and its regions and is managed by the Environment Agency working with the UK Met Office. 40 The Foresight Flood and Coastal Defence Report was led by Sir David King, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government, and produced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The report aimed to assess the flood risks and erosion changes over the next century and the best options for government and private sector to respond to these challenges. The report was independently reviewed and updated in 2008 by Sir Michael Pitt in ‘The Pitt Review’ following the catastrophic 2007 summer floods, and contained 92 proposals on how to better protect communities.

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and other infrastructure is now recognised as a key tool in managing future flood risks. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out how the planning system should help minimise vulnerability and provide resilience to the impacts of climate change. NPPF and supporting planning practice guidance on Flood Risk and Coastal Change incorporate the latest Environment Agency (EA) advice and explain when and how flood risk assessments should be used. This includes demonstrating how flood risk will be managed now and over the development’s lifetime, taking climate change into account. Local planning authorities refer to this when preparing local plans and considering planning applications.

5.3.2.4 Biodiversity, landscape and climate change Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act41 2006, places a statutory duty on all public authorities in England and Wales to have regard, in the exercise of their functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. A key purpose of this duty is to embed consideration of biodiversity as an integral part of policy and decision making throughout the public sector, which should be seeking to make a significant contribution to the achievement of the commitments made by Government in its Biodiversity 2020 strategy. NPPF Section 10, Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change, states in paragraph 99:

“The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

 protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils

 recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services

 minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures

 preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability

 remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate”

41 A wide-ranging Act, which made provisions about bodies concerned with the natural environment and rural communities, about special wildlife havens such as National Parks and the Broads, about inland waterways and rights of way.

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5.3.2.5 Climate Scenarios for the South West Region - 2050s (UKCIP09 Low and High Emissions Scenarios) An assessment of the adaptive consequences of climate change impacts, requires some understanding of the expected trajectory of climate change itself. For the first time in 2009, the UK Climate Impact Projects included a breakdown by region.

The following changes can be expected in the South West of England by 2050:

Temperature • Summer mean temperature increase 2.5°C – 3.1°C; • Winter mean temperature increase 1.8°C – 2.3°C;

This means that we are likely to see an increase in summers as warm as the August 2003 heat wave.

Precipitation • Winters 12 to 18% wetter; • Summers 14 to 20% drier; • Heavy rainfall in winter becomes more common; • Greater contrast between summer (drier) and winter (wetter) seasons; • Winter and spring precipitation becomes more variable; • Snowfall totals decrease significantly.

This means that floods, such as those seen across Gloucestershire in 2007 are likely to become more widespread.

Cloud Cover • Reduction in summer and autumn cloud, and an increase in radiation; • Small increase in winter cloud cover.

Humidity • Specific humidity increases throughout the year; • Relative humidity decreases in summer.

Soil Moisture • Decreases in summer; • Slight increase in winter soil moisture.

Storm tracks • Winter depressions become more frequent, including the deepest ones.

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5.4 Baseline 42

Per capita emissions in the South West in 2007 were highest in Wiltshire, with 10.1 tonnes. This was 27% (2.2 tonnes) higher than the regional average of 7.9 tonnes and 27% (1.7 tonnes) higher than the UK average.

5.4.1 Total Emissions

6,519 kt of end user CO2 emissions were released in Wiltshire in 2007, a 2% (114 kt) increase on the 6,405 kt released in 2005. Of these emissions: 46% (2,989 kt) came from industrial & commercial sources 25% (1,618 kt) came from domestic sources 28% (1,813 kt) came from road transport 2% (99 kt) came from land use, land use change and forestry

In 2007, total emissions were highest in West Wiltshire, which accounted for 27% (1,814 kt) of the county total, and the lowest emissions were in Kennet with 10% (679 kt). Most local authorities in Wiltshire showed little change in their total emissions between 2005 and 2007, the most significant being in West Wiltshire: North Wiltshire - decrease 2.5% (35 kt) Kennet - increase 1% (7 kt) Salisbury - decrease 2.1% (20 kt) Swindon - decrease 1.9% (33 kt) West Wiltshire - increase 12.0% (195 kt)

5.4.2 Per Capita Emissions

A total of 10.1 tonnes of CO2 were released per capita in Wiltshire in 2007, 1% (0.1 tonnes) higher than the 10.0 tonnes for 2005. This was 22% (2.2 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

With 14.4 tonnes per capita, emissions were highest in West Wiltshire - 42% (4.3 tonnes) higher than the Wiltshire average and 82% (6.5 tonnes) higher than the South West average. The lowest per capita emissions were found in Kennet with 8.6 tonnes - 15% (1.5 tonnes) lower than the Wiltshire average and 8% (0.7 tonnes) higher than the South West average.

All local authorities showed little change in their per capita emissions between 2005 and 2007, with all except West Wiltshire recording slight increases: North Wiltshire - decrease 4.4% (0.46 tonnes) Kennet - decrease 0.9% (0.08 tonnes) Salisbury - decrease 2.4% (0.20 tonnes) Swindon – decrease 4.4% (0.44 tonnes) West Wiltshire - increase 11% (1.43 tonnes)

42 All emissions data in section 5.4 have been sourced from the ‘Local Authority carbon dioxide emissions estimates’ published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

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5.5 Assessment of Climate Change Impacts The conclusion from Section 5.3.1 is that human activity, in particular new development, has the effect of adding to emissions under conditions where the power source used is fossil fuel based. Given that fossil fuels are the predominant means of supply energy, activities concerned with the canal restoration will, therefore, cause emissions of greenhouse gases.

The canal restoration will itself be affected by the impact of unavoidable climate change as detailed in Section 5.3.2 by reason of:

• Higher temperatures; • Stress on water resources; • Flood risk; and • Ground conditions.

Some of these impacts concern effects on the operation of the canal itself and to surrounding areas.

There is a distinct temporal effect with emissions arising across both the constructional and operational phases of the project. Issues arising from unavoidable climate change are assumed to apply to the operational phase only as the construction phase is assumed to be completed within a steady state period in relation to climate change. The remainder of this chapter will now assess impact in relation to construction and, then, operational aspects of the canal restoration project.

5.5.1 Construction Phase During the construction phase, fossil fuel will be expended through:

• Production of materials used on the restoration project;

• Transportation of materials from the point of production to be used on the restoration project;

• Transportation of labour from living accommodation to the restoration project;

• Transportation of spoil from the restoration project to disposal points; and

• Heavy plant and equipment operating on the restoration project.

The combustion of fossil fuels on each of these processes will, necessarily, involve carbon emissions. Materials to be used on the project are not yet defined; further detail will be available at a scheme specific stage. A commitment to source labour locally would reduce the carbon impact associated with staff transport. Some elements of the works will also be undertaken by local volunteers.

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CO2 emissions from the excavation of the spoil from in-filled and narrowed sections and from dredging activity from the each point along the canal are estimated in Table 5.1 below.

Length, m Tonnes kg CO2 per kg CO2 Cubic Metre Spine Road- 1500 3000 0.8 2400 Cerney Wick Latton Area 2700 5400 0.8 4320 Eisey 2000 4000 0.8 3200 Crooked Bridge 1650 3300 0.8 2640 to Kempsford Kempsford to 800 1600 0.8 1280 Green Lane Bridge Deep Cutting to 3150 6300 0.8 5040 Inglesham Table 5.1

Opportunities for the substitution of the use of heavy plant / machinery are probably limited. The lack of navigable access from the wider canal network coupled with the absence of loading / unloading facilities for rail based movement means that conventional heavy goods vehicles are the only viable alternative. However, where practical, dredgings and spoil will be transported via the canal to reduce vehicle movements and in most cases will be used to repair the canal banks or spread bank side as soil improvement.

In addition to carbon dioxide emissions, consideration needs to be given to whether the project will have any impact on the other greenhouse gases. The project is likely to involve some release of methane where parts of the canal network have been used as a landfill site in the past and these are to be disturbed as part of the restoration process. These releases are however likely to be marginal. Matters related to nitrous oxide (6.1% of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions nationally) have previously been assessed as well below prevailing standards.

The remaining greenhouse gases (1.6% of carbon dioxide equivalents) occur as a result of specific industrial processes and uses, which are not known to be associated with construction or operation of the canal project and have therefore been discounted from further consideration.

The construction phase is assumed to be completed within a steady state in terms of climate change impacts so matters related to adaptation are not discussed.

The overall impact on carbon emissions during the construction phase is judged to be moderate adverse. There may be opportunities to reduce this to minor adverse if embodied carbon emissions are minimised through appropriate procurement, a local labour agreement is applied, and transport emissions are

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minimised through effective work planning. As part of the contract process for each scheme making up this project contractors will be encouraged to consider these issues.

5.5.2 Operational Phase The operational phase has to be considered in terms of both carbon emissions and climate change adaptation: high temperatures, stress on water resources, flood risk and ground conditions.

5.5.2.1 Operational Emissions During the operational phase, fossil fuel will be expended through:

• Motorised canal boats and pleasure craft users of the restored canal;

• Pumping of water to offset leakage, lockage, transpiration and evaporation:

• Materials used in the construction of boats/craft and related consumables;

• Materials used in the maintenance of the restored canal;

• Plant/ machinery used in the maintenance of the restored section over the economic “life” of the canal;

• Transportation of materials used in maintenance;

• Transportation of spoil (e.g. from maintenance dredging); and

• Transportation of people using the restored section for the purposes of leisure/ recreation, transportation services, undertaking maintenance and so forth.

Emissions from boats will come from the following areas:

• Trail Boats. ECOTEC43 suggest that there will be 150 trail boats p.a.

• Hire Boats. It is assumed that no holiday or day hire boats operate on the canal in the first year, but this will rise to 175 boating days p.a. by year 5

• Trip Boats. ECOTEC assumed a new trip boat operating an intensified service; with 3000 passenger days in year 0, rising to 6000 in year 5

There are no approved carbon conversion factors for these types of boats, but given a baseline of no boat related emissions, there is an adverse effect. There may be measures that can be taken to reduce the carbon impact of canal traffic, for example through the promotion of “eco-driving” and alternative fuels.

43 Final Report to British Waterways, ‘The Cotswold Canal Restoration: Appraisal of Economic Impacts’ conducted by ECOTEC Research and Consulting Limited, 2014.

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Surface transport to and from the restored sections of the canal is potentially the most significant source of emissions during the operational phase. Four ‘gateway sites’ have been identified as key access points for the approximately 250,000 visitors that are expected as a result of the canal restoration.

• Gateway Centre by the Spine Road Bridge – Primary Site • Kempsford – Secondary Site • Cricklade – Secondary Site • Latton marina – Secondary Site

The Gateway Centre attracts visitors year round who will include the canal as part of their visit. It is expected that the holiday centres in the waterpark will publicise the canal as a local attraction giving rise to short journey visitors. A small number of marinas built to service and provide mooring for boats will attract visitors. It is judged that by creating a local tourist feature, some visits to the canals may displace trips abroad, by aeroplane, thus reducing the associated carbon emissions.

There are many potential benefits to the upgrading of the towpath, not least providing a safe route that will encourage low carbon travel.

The overall impact on carbon emissions during the operational phase is judged to be moderate adverse. There may be opportunities to reduce this to minor adverse if efforts to reduce car transport to the site are made at a scheme specific level.

5.5.2.2 Operational Adaptation Issues – Flood Risk The water resources chapter identifies potential flood risk issues at various locations along the length of the canal. These include Inglesham Junction and the area between Eisey Lock and Kempsford that interacts with the River Thames, and sections between the Gateway Centre and the Latton area that interact with the River Churn; these are all related to high flows and/ or intense rainfall.

Section 5.3.2.9 suggests that there will be increased precipitation ranging from 12 – 18% in winter by 2050 in the South West of England. This scenario suggests that the flood risk described would be exacerbated.

Planning Policy Statement 25 advised that a precautionary approach should be adopted including an allowance for expected climate change. The project provides for a 20% Climate change allowance to cover future uncertainties as was recommended in the previous planning statement PPS25.

Whilst flooding may need to be considered at a scheme specific level for certain key schemes, given the predicted overall reduction in flood risk provided by the project, it is considered that the overall impact will be minor beneficial, subject to more detailed FRA to be undertaken the scheme is developed.

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5.5.2.3 Operational Adaptation Issues - Water Supply The preferred method of supplying water to the restored canal is from reservoirs. These will be refilled, by pumping if necessary, from the River Churn and tributaries of the Thames at times of high flows using the canal itself to transfer water from the sources to the reservoirs. The reservoir(s) are likely to be sited in areas of old gravel workings and will therefore need to be lined, probably with clay being the most economical method.

These arrangements if implemented should ensure that supplying the canal has a negligible impact on water resources and may be of benefit in terms of flood volume reduction.

5.5.2.4 Operational Adaptation Issues – Ground Conditions Ground conditions and land stability are affected by temperature, precipitation and wind action. During longer, hotter summers, shrinkable clay soils are likely to dry out impacting on structures and service connections. Wetter winters will contribute to potential “heave” effects as the ground swells. The liner of the canal is predominantly clay which will reduce the risk of “heave” although ground conditions along certain sections will need to be evaluated in more detail at the Level 2 assessment stage, where slope stability has been highlighted.

5.5.2.5 Operational Adaptation Issues – Heat Island Effects The additional water reinstated into the canal along the currently infilled or narrowed sections will have a positive impact in helping to reduce temperature and heat island effects in the local area.

5.5.2.6 Operational Adaptation Issues – Biodiversity The management of the canal following the Conservation Management Plan should help ensure that the canal provides resilient aquatic habitats into the future. Currently the majority of the canal is either dry, infilled or with little water; restoration will result in a permanent water course and a continuous green corridor in an area of intensive farming. Overall, in terms of operational adaptation issues, the canal is judged to have a moderate beneficial impact.

5.6 Mitigation Measures

5.6.1 Construction Phase There may be opportunities to use lower impact materials. For example, concrete with a higher percentage of cement replacement (e.g. Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS) or Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) has a lower carbon content that traditional concrete. Sourcing materials locally will also reduce embodied carbon emissions associated with the project.

Many of the heritage structures were built using lime mortar and will be restored using the same. The production of lime mortar produces significantly less carbon emissions compared with cement.

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Some of the emissions arising from the use of labour on the project could be reduced through the use of local labour and the use of local labour agreement should be encouraged.

Scope may exist to minimise emissions by effective work planning in relation to the movement of materials to and from the restoration works. Contractors will be encouraged to include this consideration within the construction method and programming.

5.6.2 Operational Phase

5.6.2.1 Operational Emissions At a scheme specific level, there will be opportunities to plan to reduce car travel to the canal, thus reducing carbon emissions. There is also potential to carry out initiatives to reduce the carbon impact of boat transport (e.g. through campaigns to switch off whilst idling, not carry excess loads, etc.).

A significant energy use in the operational phase is pumping in order to keep the canal full and to provide water needed to operate the locks. In order to reduce the operational carbon footprint of the canal, opportunities have been explored to generate sustainable energy at the whole project wide level. The first such initiative came into operation in June 2013 when the Dudbridge Locks Hydro Scheme started generating power. This is expected to produce over 100 MWh per year.

The new reservoirs proposed for capturing excessive water in wetter periods to supply the canal may also offer the opportunity to install floating solar arrays. These would serve the dual purpose of preventing the risk of bird strikes at the Fairford Air Base otherwise caused by the open water as well as generating considerably more power than would be required to operate the canal.

5.6.2.2 Operational Adaptation Issues – Flood Risk The detail of mitigation measures will be designed and assessed within the consideration of the appropriate Level 2 schemes. This will make reference to the FRA currently being produced.

5.7 Residual Effects There will still be a base level of carbon emissions associated with both the construction and operation of the canal. Further analysis could be done at a scheme specific stage. There will be a minor beneficial impact of reducing temperatures and heat island effects through the reinstatement of a deeper continuous water filled canal.

5.8 Summary This chapter describes the restoration of the Cotswold Canals project in the context of climate change. The assessment of the relative benefits and adverse effects associated with the project has identified both carbon emissions and

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climate change adaptation issues. Some opportunities may exist to mitigate the effects of the restoration project in both the construction and operational phases.

The impact of transport as an emitter of greenhouse gases is a consistent factor across both phases. During construction, the selection of routes that minimise the distance that needs to be covered to transport materials will help reduce emissions, alongside the use of local labour who will not be obliged to commute great distances.

During operation, assessment at a scheme specific stage will better determine the outcomes both in terms of the key issues of travel to the site and flood risk. The project will offer an alternative to more carbon intensive forms of travel and recreation by creating a local facility and towpath for visitors. It will also provide benefits in terms of adapting to climate change by providing a resilient system for managing ecology, and water to reduce heat island effects.

Overall, the project is considered to have a minor adverse effect on climate change.

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6 Ecology and Nature Conservation

6.1 Introduction This chapter assesses the predicted cumulative ecological impacts that are associated with the proposed restoration works to the Cotswold Canals between the Spine Road Bridge and Inglesham.

The objectives of the ecological impact assessment were to:

• Identify the ecological features present within and in the immediate vicinity of the proposed works;

• Determine the value of the ecological features present;

• Determine cumulative significant effects to valued ecological features;

• Propose mitigation measures in respect of significant effects and to identify further measures that would be implemented for the positive benefit of ecological features; and,

• Identify any residual effects on ecological features, following the implementation of the proposals and mitigation measures.

The proposed works will be designed, where possible, to avoid and minimise ecological impacts. The impacts on valued habitats and species that may be affected by the project are described. Proposed mitigation measures to reduce ecological impacts and opportunities to deliver benefits for biodiversity are described.

6.2 Legislation, Planning and Biodiversity Guidance

6.2.1 Legislation Provisions of the following Statutory Instruments and Acts of Parliament have been considered in this assessment:

• National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949;

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended);

• Protection of Badgers Act 1992;

• The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994;

• Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000; and,

• Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

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6.2.2 Planning National planning guidance is supported primarily by Planning Policy Statements and guidance , in particular regard to ecology and nature conservation, “Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9)”.

PPS9 sets out planning policies on the protection of biodiversity (particularly legally protected species and habitats, and species listed as priorities on the UK BAP and the LBAP) and through the planning system. It seeks to promote sustainable development through the enhancement of biodiversity as part of economic, social and environmental development in England. The aim of plan policies and planning decisions should be to maintain, enhance, create or add to biodiversity conservation interests. PPS9 is implemented at the local level by the provisions of the Cotswold District Council and Wiltshire County Council local plans.

Under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, local planning authorities and other decision makers have a duty to conserve biodiversity (particularly those habitats and species listed by the Secretary of State in the UK BAP) in accordance with PPS9.

6.2.3 Biodiversity Action Plans Signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit placed an obligation on the UK Government to produce a Biodiversity Action Plan (the UK BAP). The UK BAP describes actions that need to be undertaken by which the conservation status of a targeted list of habitats and species can be maintained or enhanced.

The UK BAP objectives and targeted actions to protect, maintain and enhance listed habitats and species are implemented at the regional and local levels by the South West Regional Biodiversity Action Plan and Gloucestershire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) respectively.

6.2.4 Birds of Conservation Concern Bird species that have undergone a population decline in the UK over the last 25 years are included in the Red and Amber Lists of conservation concern (RSPB, 2009):

• Red List species that are globally threatened, whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years, those whose populations have declined historically and not exhibited any signs of recovery. Species that have experienced a population decline of >50%; and,

• Amber List species with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe, whose populations have declined moderately in recent years, species that show a historical decline but whose populations have shown a substantial increase, species that are rare breeders and those species with internationally or localised populations. Species that have experienced a population decline of 25% to 49%.

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6.3 Method of Assessment

6.3.1 Approach and Methodology This assessment has been conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management [IEEM], 200612). An ecological impact is determined as being significant if it affects the favourable conservation status of a valued feature or is contrary to conservation policy. The significance can be positive, if the effect supports or promotes favourable conservation status, or negative, if it contradicts or decreases the ability of the feature to maintain its conservation status. Wherever possible, conservation status has been determined by reference to literature (e.g. Local Biodiversity Action Plan objectives and targets), and by professional judgement in the absence of clear guidance. The geographic scale at which a significant effect matters is indicated by the feature’s value.

Reference is also made to the following parameters:

• Magnitude; • Extent; • Duration; • Reversibility; and • Timing and frequency.

The confidence in predictions follows a four-point scale:

• certain - with a probability estimated at 95% chance or higher; • probable - with a probability estimated above 50% but below 95%; • unlikely - with a probability estimated above 5% but less than 50% • extremely unlikely - with a probability estimated at less than 5%. The method that has been used to evaluate features of ecological importance is provided, as are the biophysical changes that are predicted to occur that may give rise to ecological impacts. Only those features of more than parish value have been considered in this assessment as significant effect on features of parish or lower value are not considered material to the decision to proceed with this scheme.

6.3.2 Consultation Consultation with various organisations has been undertaken during the preparation of the draft Cotswold Canals Restoration Project Environmental Statement (British Waterways, 2007) responses that relate to ecology have been received from Gloucestershire County Council and the Environment Agency.

The following organisations will be consulted during the work to complete this statement:

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• Cotswold District Council • Cotswold Water Park Trust • Natural England • The Co-Operative Group • Moreton C. Cullimore Ltd • Wiltshire County Council • Environment Agency

6.3.3 Desk Study Information about designated wildlife and nature conservation sites, protected and otherwise notable species were obtained through web-based searches using the Magic Mapping System.

6.3.4 Field Study Various studies have been carried out over the years including one covering the whole of the Phase 2 length carried out by Halcrow in 1991 and further surveys were undertaken by British Waterways about 10 years ago.

Other surveys have taken place, often prior to specific restoration works. Recent ones include a water vole survey at Inglesham Roundhouse, a badger sett survey between the Spine Road and Oatlands Bridge and an EIA to support the planning application for the rebuilding of Weymoor Bridge at Latton.

6.3.5 Valuing Ecological Features The habitats and species recorded during this assessment have been valued in accordance with the criteria presented in Table 6.1 below. The value is assigned using a geographic form of reference i.e. international value being most important, then national, regional, county etc.

Level of Value Ecological Features International A habitat or species cited as a reason for the designation or proposed designation of a World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, Biogenetic Reserve, Ramsar Site, Special Protection Area (SPA) or Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A large extent of habitat that is listed as a Priority Habitat Type in Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive in good condition with typical species diversity. A large and viable population of a regularly occurring species that is rare within an international context. National A habitat or species cited as a reason for the designation or proposed designation of a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Marine Nature Reserve (MNR), National Park, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

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Any area of habitat listed as a Priority Habitat Type in Annex 1 of the EC Habitats Directive that has potential to support typical species diversity. A large extent of habitat listed as a Priority Habitat in the UK BAP in good condition that supports an abundance of typical species. A large and viable population of a regularly occurring species that is scarce within an international context. A very large and viable population of a regularly occurring species that is listed as a Priority Species in the UK BAP. A large and viable population of a regularly occurring rare species that occurs in 15 or fewer 10 km squares of the National Grid (e.g. a species that is listed in UK Red Data Books). A bird species with a British breeding population of <1,000 pairs. Regional A large extent of habitat listed as a Priority Habitat in the UK BAP that has potential to support typical species diversity. A large and viable population of a regularly occurring species that is listed as a Priority Species in the UK BAP. A large and viable population of a regularly occurring plant species that is known to occur in 16 to 100 10 km squares of National Grid (Stewart, Preston and Pearman 1994). A large and viable population of a regularly occurring insect species (Nationally Notable categories Na and Nb that is known to occur in 16 to 100 10 km squares of the National Grid [Ball, 1986]). A bird species with a British breeding population of 1,000 to 10,000 pairs. County A habitat or species cited as a reason for the designation or proposed designation of a Local Site (known locally as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS), Site of Biological Importance (SBI), Biological Heritage Site (BHS), Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Ecology Database Site (EDS) etc.), a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), a Nature Reserve (owned or managed by: The Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust or equivalent body etc) or an Ancient Woodland in good condition with a typical plant community. A habitat listed as a Priority Habitat in the UK BAP which is large in extent and supports typical species diversity. A medium and viable population of a regularly occurring species that is listed as a Priority Species in the UK BAP. A viable population of a regularly occurring species listed in a County Red Data Book, County Flora or found in less than 10% of 1 km squares of the National Grid within the count. A small and viable population of a plant species that is known to occur in 16 to 100 10 km squares of National Grid. A small and viable population of an insect species (Nationally Notable categories Na and Nb) that is known to occur in 16 to 100 10 km squares of the National Grid). A bird species with a British breeding population of 10,000 to 100,000 pairs. District A habitat or species cited as a reason for the designation or proposed designation of a Local Site (known locally as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS), Site of Biological Importance (SBI), Biological

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Heritage Site (BHS), Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Ecology Database Site (EDS) etc.), a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), a Nature Reserve (owned or managed by: The Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust or equivalent body etc) or an Ancient Woodland in an unfavourable condition. A habitat listed as a Priority Habitat in the UK BAP which is large in extent with potential to support typical species diversity OR a large extent of semi-natural habitat that is listed in the UK BAP or LBAP with potential to support typical species diversity. A small and viable population of a species that is listed in the UK BAP or LBAP. A bird species with a British breeding population of 100,000 to 500,000 pairs. Parish A habitat or species cited as a reason for the designation or proposed designation of a site which is officially listed e.g. on a Parish Register. A semi-natural habitat that is listed in the UK BAP or LBAP, which is either small in extent and/or is in an unfavourable condition. A species which occurs occasionally that is listed in the UK BAP or LBAP. A bird species with a British breeding population of >500,000 pairs. Low An artificial habitat or habitat that has readily established e.g. amenity grassland. A species which is common and not listed on the UK BAP or LBAP e.g. Badger. Within An invasive or deleterious species, affecting an ecological merit e.g. Immediate the removal Japanese knotweed to enable native plants to flourish. Zone of Influence Source: Based Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) 2006.

Table 6.1 Criteria for evaluation of ecological features

6.3.6 Predicted Impacts This section describes the activities that will occur during construction of the tow path and restoration of the canal and also when the canal is fully operational. It also identifies the valued ecological features that may be affected by the activities.

• Land take – temporary works (e.g. storage compounds) and permanent works (e.g. restoration of the tow path) will result in habitat loss. In order to facilitate access for canal construction works, some trees and shrubs will be felled or branches lopped. This could affect trees which may be used by roosting bats species. Disturbance from construction activities, site personnel and vehicle movements could affect breeding success or may result in the displacement of bird territories near the works area.

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• Water pollution – sediment disruption from canal dredging and excavation of infill could increase suspended solid concentrations, increased turbidity, reduction in light penetration and production of dissolved oxygen for aquatic plant and fish species of nature conservation importance.

• Dust deposition – dust predominantly generated from on-site soils and materials during construction activities could smoother vegetation affecting plant photosynthesis of notable plants such as wild clary.

• Dredging – during the construction phase dredging will take place to remove vegetation and silt from the canal channel. Periodic dredging of the restored canal will take place infrequently and there is a potential to disturb breeding water birds and amphibians. Silt if deposited on adjacent banks may also smoother plant communities of some significance and consequently enrich the soil fertility influencing the types of plant communities that have become established since the canal fell into disuse.

• Re-excavation of canal infill – during construction sections of canal that have been infilled possibly with waste such as at Eisey, will require examination and careful handling. The excavation of the infill could release contaminants and pollute nearby and connected watercourses. This could also affect wildlife populations. Re-wetting of the canal channel which has been dry for many years will flood low lying badger holes of setts which are numerous along this section of canal.

• Lock, weir and bridge restoration – during construction lock chambers and gates, weirs and bridges will need to be restored, which will affect badger’s social groups which have excavated setts into the abutments of bridges and could affect roosting bats and nesting birds.

• Aqueduct works – aqueducts will be constructed at two locations where two watercourses cross the canal channel. These are Ampney Brook near Eysey Manor and Meysey Brook near Kempsford. Both watercourses run into the Thames nearby so are important green corridors providing free movement of wildlife to the wider countryside.

• Habitat removal – Removal of large mature willow from the canal channel could affect roosting bats and nesting birds

• Removal of wetland marginal plants, trees and scrub along the canal channel will affect nest sites for birds.

• Boat traffic – when Phase 2 of the canal is restored the canal could be used by between 250 (year 0) and 525 (year 5) boats and canoes per year, which could affect breeding water birds and some notable wetland plant species within the canal channel. This figure could increase to perhaps 2500 boat movements per year once the whole of the canal is restored as a through route. The wash from boats may also disturb nests constructed in marginal plant margins and cause erosion of the banks.

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6.3.7 Assumptions and Limitations This ecological impact assessment has been based on an initial survey carried out during mid-winter of 2012/13 at a prolonged period of cold weather, following very wet weather slowing the emergence of spring plants and usual wildlife activity. Further surveys are planned in the coming months as weather conditions improve to observe the plants and wildlife along the canal channel and surrounding landscape.

The determination of conservation status is based on policy as published at the time of the assessment: no allowance has been made for unforeseen policy changes that may occur in the future.

6.4 Baseline Conditions

6.4.1 Designated Nature Conservation Sites In total there are 7 designated nature conservation sites within 2 km of the canal between The Spine Road and Inglesham Round House as shown on the map in Appendix C.

All are statutory sites of national value:

• North Meadow SSSI National Nature Reserve • Upper Waterhay Meadow SSSI • Elmlea Meadows SSSI • Wildmoor Meadows SSSI • Cotswold Water Park SSSI (135Ha) • Pike Corner SSSI • Stoke Common Meadows SSSI

Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats

• Cotswold Water Park Marl Pits • Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area • Hannington Bridge East Floodplain Grazing Marsh • Roundhouse Farm Floodplain Grazing Marsh.

6.4.2 A summary of the key nature conservation objectives for the Thames and Avon Vales

6.4.2.1 Grassland Grasslands of neutral and slightly calcareous soils figure highly in this landscape and are the most important nature conservation feature in the national context. The agriculturally unimproved grassland communities are usually hay meadows (National Vegetation Classification [NVC] MG4 & MG5:) except where subject to frequent or prolonged flooding when swamp or inundation communities are more common. Many of the meadows have ridge and furrow topography. The MG4 meadow foxtail-greater burnet flood meadow grasslands are particularly

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important as this area is now one of the remaining strongholds of this nationally rare community. This grassland type has a very restricted distribution as it is confined to lowland floodplains with calcareous alluvium where there has been a long history of traditional hay meadow management. MG4 grassland is also considered to be exceptionally rare in the European context and is listed as a priority habitat in the EC Habitats Directive.

Distribution – During the middle part of this century much of the traditionally managed grassland was lost due to widespread conversion to arable cultivation and the adoption of more intensive agricultural grassland management practices, especially drainage, use of fertilisers and herbicides. Only scattered remnants remain, though a few large blocks or concentrations still exist, notably around Oxford, on Otmoor and at Chimney Meadows in Oxfordshire and at Clattinger Farm and North Meadow in Wiltshire.

Plant Communities – There are a number of plants that can be regarded as characteristic or notable species of these grasslands. In the alluvial flood meadows (MG4 grassland) these include adders tongue fern, meadow rue, snake's head fritillary and greater burnet. In the MG5 crested dogstail knapweed grassland green-winged orchid, narrow-leaved water-dropwort, meadow thistle and downy-fruited sedge are among the characteristic species. Creeping marshwort occurs at its only British site in the inundation grassland (NVC MG13) on Port Meadow in Oxford. MG4 Meadow foxtail/greater burnet flood meadow.

Proportion of national resource: 10% (one of two centres of national distribution)

Distribution: Along the Thames valley and Ray basin.

Key sites: North Meadow NNR, Clattinger Farm SSSI, Cassington Meadow SSSI, Pixy and Yarnton Meadows SSSI .

Associated rare species: Snakeshead fritillary – A large proportion of the British population is present in this Natural Area. Nationally Scarce.

Local character species: Greater burnet; Meadow brome; Pepper saxifrage.

6.4.2.2 River Engineering Parts of the Thames have suffered from significant loss and deterioration of the aquatic habitat as a result of river engineering works. The deepening and straightening of rivers destroys most of the special features which give that river its distinctive character and can profoundly diminish habitat diversity. Opportunities to improve the aquatic habitat by reversing the effects of past engineering should be considered in the preparation and review of Local Environment Agency Plans.

6.4.2.3 Priority objectives for rivers, canals and ditches Primary aim: To restore a more natural character to the rivers and their floodplains and to increase their biodiversity.

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• Ensure that the most important parts of the river systems for nature conservation are protected from unsuitable development through liaison with the Environment Agency and local authorities, and through the adoption of appropriate policies in Local Plans and Local Environment Agency Plans. • Ensure that the stretches of high nature conservation importance of the Kennet & Avon, Grand Union and Oxford canals are managed sympathetically and protected from excessive recreational use. • Promote wildlife-friendly management of all watercourses in accordance with best practice Guidelines produced by the National Rivers Authority (now Environment Agency) and Department of the Environment. • Encourage further improvement of river water quality and problems associated with low flows attributable to abstraction, with particular emphasis on the Rivers Ray and Cherwell. • Reverse the effects of past river engineering through the restoration of backwaters off the main rivers, recreation of marginal wetland habitat, installation of fish passes and in-channel habitat enhancements. • Seek opportunities to relax flood control measures in rural areas where this will have greatest benefit for wildlife and where this might reduce flooding in other areas. • Promote river habitat enhancements which will encourage self-sustaining native fish populations

6.4.3 Key issues of nature conservation concern - rivers, canals and ditches.

6.4.3.1 Poor water quality The quality of the river water is generally good in most of the larger rivers of the Natural Area, but parts of the Rivers Cherwell and Ray suffer from poor quality water. Poor water quality results both from domestic and light industrial outfalls and the run-off from agricultural land.

Deterioration has been exacerbated by the reduction of flow in many of the rivers through widening and deepening, flood prevention operations and as a result of abstraction. There has been a general improvement in water quality in recent years, but nitrate levels in some stretches are still of concern and will have a significant impact on the communities of the rivers themselves as well as on those in the adjacent flood plain. Flooding with polluted water can reduce the diversity and species composition of unimproved grasslands as a result of nutrient input. This can lead to an increase in grass growth to the detriment of the associated broadleaved plants. Fish farms can also affect water quality.

6.4.3.2 Flood control Over the past century there has been a huge reduction in the area of land regularly flooded and the duration of flooding as a result of river engineering and flood control measures. These have had very serious impacts upon the biodiversity of the aquatic environment. The availability of wet grassland and temporary pools is crucial for the survival of wading birds, amphibians and a host of wetland invertebrates. It is also critically important for the maintenance

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of flood meadow grassland and floodplain woodland. Allowing rural floodplains to flood naturally has wider benefits including holding back water which might otherwise flood built-up areas.

6.4.3.3 Flooded gravel pits and other water bodies The Thames valley has extensive gravel deposits. Some of these have been excavated and continue to be worked as the area is of considerable importance to the minerals industry. The pits have frequently been left as lakes after excavation rather than being filled and restored to agriculture, creating a series of wetlands of high nature conservation value.

The water is often highly alkaline and of high quality so that a number of the pits are developing into marl lakes containing a diverse range of aquatic plants, marginal plants and invertebrates. Marl lakes are a scarce habitat nationally and they support distinctive aquatic plant communities, particularly rich in pondweeds and stoneworts. The Cotswold Water Park is the most extensive marl lake system in Britain.

6.4.3.4 Marl Pits Unpolluted marl lakes are rare in Britain. Although principally noted for their bird interest, they are also of considerable value in supporting a high diversity of aquatic plants and animals. The pits in the Cotswold Water Park have been well studied but few of the other pits have been surveyed to identify the most important sites for nature conservation so that this can be taken into account in planning their after-use.

6.4.3.5 Rarity of Reed Beds Reed beds are amongst the most important habitats for birds in England. Many of England’s rarest birds are associated with reed beds including the bittern, reed bunting and marsh warbler, and they can be important for other scarce animals such as the harvest mouse and a host of invertebrates. However, the habitat has suffered a tremendous decline in extent throughout England as a result of land drainage, river engineering and clearance for agriculture.

Recent changes in agricultural policy and flood defence planning have provided opportunities for the creation of new reed beds. The Biodiversity Action Plan set a target for the creation of 1200 ha of new reed bed on land currently of low conservation value by the year 2010, and the Thames and Avon Vales have been identified by the RSPB as a priority area for new reed bed creation.

6.4.3.6 Priority objectives for gravel pits and other water bodies Primary aim: To maximise the value of the gravel pits for wildlife.

• Ensure that the most important gravel pits for nature conservation are identified and protected from unsuitable development and recreational use, particularly in the Cotswold Water Park. • Ensure that all water bodies of high nature conservation interest are managed appropriately. • Encourage the restoration and, where appropriate, the creation of aquatic and wetland communities.

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• Particular emphasis should be placed upon the creation of reed beds, and the expansion and enhancement of existing areas of wetland. • Promote the development of mineral extraction and after-use strategies that will provide an overview of the various issues affecting important gravel winning areas. (The Cotswold Water Park already has such a document). • Promote the development and implementation of policies and management which strike a balance between the sometimes conflicting needs of the minerals industry, sport/recreation, agriculture and nature conservation.

Recreational use The increase in boat use, particularly along the Thames, has destroyed many of the marginal habitats. Boat wash erodes the soft banks and prevents the establishment of emergent vegetation, important for the survival of insects such as dragonflies. Water turbidity caused by boating also has a detrimental effect on aquatic life. These effects are compounded by waterside development and protection measures associated with the high recreational use of the larger waterways. The canal systems are heavily used by boat traffic and generally have low biodiversity. However, some sections are of significant wildlife value, particularly parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Decline of native crayfish Small, very localised populations of the native crayfish persist in some rivers but it has undergone a massive decline in recent years as a result of the crayfish plague carried by non-native species. These non-native species have now taken over most stretches of river. It is important that this decline is halted and, if possible, reversed.

Poor diversity of fish communities The presence of numerous weirs has impoverished the rivers of migratory fish such as salmon, river lamprey and eels. In addition, river engineering has significantly altered the character of the rivers in many places by removing many of the natural features needed by NA 63

6.4.3.7 Thames and Avon Vales Nineteen different types of fish at various stages in their life cycle, inhabit these rivers in riffles, shallows and backwaters. The restoration of naturally diverse fish communities capable of sustaining a rich ecosystem including animals such as otter would be a powerful indicator of success in improving the overall quality of the river habitat.

6.4.3.8 Loss of Otters Otters were formerly widespread and relatively common throughout the area but were driven to near extinction by hunting, river engineering, habitat loss, poor water quality and the widespread use of organo-chlorine pesticides in agriculture. Natural re-colonisation is being encouraged as a priority by the Environment Agency in partnership with the local wildlife trusts. This has involved a range of initiatives including habitat enhancement, survey,

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management advice to river owners and liaison with fishery groups concerned about impacts upon fish stocks.

6.4.3.9 Maintain / enhance the biodiversity of the unimproved grasslands • To increase the area of damp grassland and reed beds of value for birds. • To maintain and, where appropriate, restore the ancient, and other wildlife-rich woodlands and their associated fauna, with particular emphasis on improving habitat conditions for woodland butterflies. • To enhance the biodiversity of the rivers and their floodplains by restoring and sympathetically managing the aquatic, marginal and adjacent wetland habitats. • To develop a sustainable minerals strategy that will maintain an economic gravel excavation programme whilst maintaining a balance of after-use that will take full account of potential benefits for nature conservation and integrate it with the sometimes conflicting demands of recreation and agriculture. • To increase biodiversity through the maintenance and restoration of the semi-natural features of the countryside and urban areas, and where appropriate, re-creating wildlife-rich habitats to increase the natural populations of species and reduce the isolation of wildlife habitats. • To significantly increase the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape through more wildlife-friendly farmland management whilst maintaining a sustainable rural economy. • To maintain access to important geological sites, and to promote greater awareness and use of the resource for study and education. • To maintain and, where appropriate, increase the populations of nationally and regionally rare and scarce species.

6.4.3.10 Summary Descriptions of the NVC types mentioned in the text of the rest of section 6.4.3 MG4: Greater Burnet/Meadow Foxtail flood meadow. A very distinctive grassland type associated with calcareous alluvial meadows subject to seasonal flooding and traditional hay making. Meadow foxtail, crested dog's-tail, meadowsweet and greater burnet are usually very common in a species-rich sward, often with primrose, adders tongue fern, red clover, meadow buttercup and sorrel. Snake's head fritillary is strongly associated with this grassland type, but is not always present.

MG5 Common Knapweed/Crested Dog's-tail meadow and pasture. This is the characteristic grassland of most unimproved pastures and hay meadows on free draining, clay-rich neutral soils in lowland England. It includes a range of sward types with many characteristic species including brown bent, sweet vernal grass, common knapweed, crested dog's-tail, cock's-foot, red fescue, Yorkshire fog, bird's-foot trefoil and red clover. Other common species are meadow buttercup, bulbous buttercup, sorrel, yarrow, selfheal autumn hawkbit, ribwort plantain, smooth meadow-grass and daisy. Perennial rye-grass is sometimes present but rarely abundant. Though still widespread nationally, the community has undergone a massive decline due to agricultural change and most remaining sites are in nature reserves.

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MG13 Creeping Bent/Marsh Foxtail inundation grassland. This grassland type is characterised by the dominance of the grasses creeping bent and marsh foxtail. It is found on alluvial or silty, more or less neutral soils that are kept moist and, at times, waterlogged by periodic flooding with fresh water. Other species often found in this habitat include creeping buttercup, Yorkshire fog, rough-stalked meadow-grass, curled dock, floating sweet-grass and soft rush.

W10 Pedunculate Oak/Bracken/Bramble woodland. This is a very variable woodland community of neutral clay soils. In central- southern England it is usually dominated by pedunculate oak and birch. Where there has been a history of coppicing, hazel is the dominant component of the under storey. In places, ash and sycamore are also common trees. A feature of these woodlands is that they are not particularly rich in ground layer plants. Bracken, bramble, bluebell and honeysuckle are often abundant with smaller amounts of wood anemone, ivy, male fern and wood sorrel.

6.4.3.11 Gloucestershire • Cotswold Water Park Marl lakes, wintering wildfowl SSSI • Elmlea Meadows MG4 grassland • Whelford Meadows M23 rush pasture • Wildmoorway Meadows MG5 grassland

6.4.3.12 Wiltshire • North Meadow (National Nature Reserve) MG4 grassland • Picket & Clanger Wood Woodland butterflies • Pike Corner MG5 grassland.

It is not thought at this time that any of the above areas are directly affected by the canal restoration. The nearest designated site to the canal is North Meadow, however the canal will be routed away from the site via a new section of canal which is to run north eastward after Weymoor Bridge. It will pass under the A419 and adjacent road to Latton continuing east, north of Cricklade and under the C124 Kempsford road.

However, the effect of the route of the new length of canal east of the A419 may have the capacity to affect ground water levels beyond its immediate location. The same is true of the probable future gravel extraction in the same area. Ground water issues will need to be carefully considered, particularly at the canal's closest points to North Meadow, at the design stage and mitigated appropriately.

6.4.3.13 Invasive Non-native Plants The only invasive species which has been recorded so far is Himalayan balsam, Impatiens grandiflura is well established on the canal bank and in the main channel at Inglesham Roundhouse and to a lesser extent at other locations. Further survey may confirm the presence of other invasive species. The conservation policy is to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam and to eradicate these species from the canal and adjacent land wherever possible.

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6.4.3.14 White-clawed Crayfish There are past records of this species from some of the upstream tributaries in the area i.e. Ampney Brook.

6.4.3.15 Fish Much of this canal section is dry or has only temporary standing water, so it is unlikely that fish populations are able to be sustained in these isolated and temporary wet habitats. Brown trout and European eel are UK BAP priority species. These may occur in the brooks and meadows crossing the canal channel. Mitigation to protect the fish populations here will be implemented.

6.4.3.16 Amphibians Great crested newt Triturus cristatus is distributed widely in Gloucestershire, and there are medium sized and viable populations that are of county value. The Great crested newt is a UK BAP and priority species.

The conservation policy is to protect and maintain ponds that support viable populations of smooth newt and palmate newt. These populations are of low value because these are common and widespread species.

Viable populations of common frog Rana temporaria exist within the wider canal corridor. These populations are of low value because these are a common and widespread species.

Where a viable population of common toad Bufo bufo occurs, this is of district value. Common toad is a UK BAP priority species and conservation policy is to protect and maintain ponds that support common toad.

6.4.3.17 Reptiles Three native species of reptile occur within the wider canal corridor grass snake Natrix natrix, slow-worm Anguis fragilis and common lizard Lacerta vivipara, which are UK BAP priority species. The conservation policy is to protect and maintain sites that support viable populations of the afore mentioned species. The small and viable populations of the aforementioned reptile species are of district value.

6.4.3.18 Breeding Birds More than 30 bird species were observed within the canal during the past 2 years and it is likely that a good proportion can be considered to be breeding, including some Red and Amber List species (RSPB, 2009). Land access issues currently prevent a thorough study and site surveys will be conducted as work progresses and land access improves.

The recorded breeding species are associated with four main types of habitat: slow-flowing open water, fast-flowing watercourses, hedgerows and scrub and buildings. The slow-flowing open water within the canal was found to support breeding mallard Anas platyrhynchos, moorhen Gallinula chloropus and mute swan Cygnus olor. Mute swan is also an Amber List species and is of county value because these species regularly breed within the canal corridor and have a

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British population between 10,000 and 100,000 breeding pairs. The more common species such as mallard and moorhen are of district value because these species regularly breed within the canal corridor and have a British population of between 100,000 and 500,000 breeding pairs.

Grey wagtail is an Amber List species, which is of county value this species regularly breeds within the canal corridor and has a British population between 10,000 and 100,000 breeding pairs. The conservation policy is to prevent the national decline of this species.

The hedgerows and scrub within the canal corridor were found to support breeding song thrush Turdus philomelos and bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Bullfinch is Amber List and UK BAP priority species of district value because this species regularly breeds within the canal corridor and has a British population between 100,000 and 500,000 breeding pairs. Song thrush is Red List and UK BAP priority species of parish value because this species regularly breeds within the canal corridor and has a British population of >500,000 breeding pairs. The conservation policy is to prevent the national decline of the aforementioned farmland birds by sympathetic land management, including minimal use of pesticides and fertilizers to protect their foraging resource.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris and house sparrow Passer domesticus, which are both Red List and UK BAP priority species. Starling is of district value because this species regularly breeds within the canal corridor and has a British population of between 100,000 to 500,000 breeding pairs. House sparrow is of parish value because this species regularly breeds within the canal corridor and has a British population of >500,000 breeding pairs. The conservation policy is to prevent the national decline of the aforementioned birds.

6.4.3.19 Bats Some of the trees and built structures within the canal corridor have potential to support bat roosts. There is also a substantial amount of suitable bat foraging habitat within the wider canal corridor, particularly woodland edge, hedgerows, marginal vegetation and waterways which are likely to provide the most abundant source of insect prey. There are past records of Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii, common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus, noctule Nyctalus noctula and brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus within the canal corridor. The aforementioned species are of district value because they are locally abundant and regularly occur within the wider canal corridor.

Pipistrelles are also UK BAP and LBAP Priority Species. The conservation policy is to protect roosts and to enhance linear features to provide foraging routes for bats.

6.4.3.20 Water Vole Water vole Arvicola terrestris has been recorded at Inglesham Roundhouse works area and is known to populate the River Churn adjacent to the canal in the Latton area. Water vole is a UK BAP priority species. The conservation policy is to enhance habitats along watercourses for water voles.

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6.4.3.21 Badger Badger Meles meles is of low value because there is a high density of clans throughout the wider canal corridor. Badgers are legally protected for welfare reasons and will be affected by the loss of access to foraging areas due to the canal being filled with deep water splitting existing territories and established feeding areas. This threat is likely to be increased over coming years by the loss of adjacent forage areas through recent and planned gravel extraction in this area.

6.4.3.22 Otter Otter Lutra lutra is a UK BAP priority species and conservation policy is to enhance habitats for this species and to provide artificial holts where appropriate. Otter is of county value because a viable population of this UK BAP priority species occurs within the canal corridor.

6.4.3.23 Dormouse No records of dormice have been found so far. Opportunities to enhance woodland habitat where possible will be explored by the re-introduction of coppice management.

6.5 Assessment of Impacts This section provides an assessment of the significance of predicted impacts of the proposed works (see section 6.3.6) on valued ecological features (e.g. habitats and species) (see section 6.3.5). The characterisation of the impacts on ecological features and significance of effects are described in the absence of mitigation. The impacts and effects are described according to whether they will occur during the construction phase or during operation.

6.5.1 Construction

6.5.1.1 Broad-leaved Semi-natural Woodland and Trees Along the canal corridor there is a need for selective tree felling and branch lopping. At this stage it is not possible to accurately quantify the number of trees affected by the proposed works. Channel excavation and construction would result in the loss of some trees and shrubs. It is not possible to quantify the magnitude of this impact until the exact tree has been determined.

Some large mature trees trunks as well as smaller stems should be retained as dead wood habitat along the length of the canal corridor.

The loss of a small number of broad-leaved trees and shrubs within the works area would have a negative effect on conservation status, which is potentially significant at parish level.

6.5.1.2 Invasive Non-native Plants Construction of the towpath, channel excavation and other ground-works could cause Himalayan balsam to spread along the canal and suppress native plants.

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The same risk exists if Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed were to be found to be present.

The spread of invasive non-native plant species would have a negative effect, which is certain to be significant within the immediate zone of influence.

6.5.1.3 Marginal Vegetation and Wetland Plants Approximately a quarter of the canal from the Spine Road to Inglesham will require dredging with consequential damage to marginal vegetation. However, this will be offset by the reinstatement of the remaining three quarters much of which has been levelled and in some instances infilled with waste. Overall, the effects on marginal vegetation is considered to be more or less in balance.

Sediment disruption from canal dredging and re-excavation of infill could increase suspended solid concentrations, increased turbidity and reduction in light penetration which could impact the ability of submergent, emergent and floating plants to survive. This will be transitory and ultimately this is considered not significant.

6.5.1.4 Fish Sediment disruption from canal dredging and re-excavation of infill could increase suspended solid concentrations and increased turbidity within the water column. The re- suspension of silt has the potential to suffocate fish present in the water, through both physical smothering of the gill surfaces and/or the resultant drop in dissolved oxygen.

However, very little of the canal in its current derelict state is permanently in water so this is considered not significant.

6.5.1.5 Amphibians Dredging of the canal could result in the temporary displacement of common toad and other amphibian species. However, this impact is certain to be reversible after dredging has taken place.

Since it is expected that most amphibians would be able to survive in suitable adjoining wetland habitats and other ponds near the canal it is considered to be not significant.

6.5.1.6 Breeding Birds Dredging and excavation of channel infill would result in the loss of nesting habitat for birds.

Since it would be expected that most birds would breed successfully in suitable areas adjacent to the works and their population status will not be affected, the effect is considered to be not significant.

6.5.1.7 Bats Construction of the tow path, channel excavation and construction of aqueducts, bridge and lock restoration, building demolition/refurbishment and tree felling/branch lopping could have a negative impact on bats and their roosts.

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Given that no signs to indicate the presence of roosting bats were recorded despite the presence of cavities within trees and built structures, it is considered possible that a small number of common bat species could be disturbed by construction activities.

Disturbance to roosting common bat species would have a negative effect because it is contrary to conservation policy, which is probable to be significant at district level.

6.5.1.8 Badger Construction of the tow path and channel excavation could have a negative impact on badgers and their setts up to 30m of where works are proposed.

Disturbance to badgers would not affect their population status. Therefore this effect is considered not significant.

6.5.1.9 Otter Construction of the tow path and channel excavation could have a negative impact on otters and their places of shelter near where works are proposed.

Signs of otter presence such as spraints and footprints have been recorded, but no holts or laying-up sites have been confirmed despite the presence of suitable habitat adjacent to the canal. It is considered possible that Otter could be disturbed by construction activities.

Disturbance to otters and their places of shelter would have a negative effect because it is contrary to conservation policy, which is probable to be significant at county level.

6.5.2 Operation

6.5.2.1 Wetland Plants The predicted boat traffic movements and associated backwash would have a negative impact on existing wetland pants since they would be displaced from the main canal channel. It is not possible to quantify the magnitude of this impact, but it would probably be irreversible without intervention. This could be in the form of suitable bank protection that helps anchor the plants.

The loss of wetland plants, in those lengths where they currently exist, due to the creation of an open navigable channel would have a negative effect. However the re-watering of long lengths of currently almost dry canal bed and the re-excavation of substantial lengths of infilled canal is likely to offset this.

6.5.2.2 Breeding Birds The predicted boat traffic movements would have a negative impact on existing water bird nesting sites, since a proportion of the existing population would be displaced to the canal margins or to adjacent wetland. However, the lack of open water within much of the canal channel in its current condition significantly

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limits its attractiveness to waterfowl. Removal/changes of the currently undisturbed habitat where birds are currently nesting will be a loss.

Since it would be expected that most water birds would breed successfully in suitable areas adjacent to the works area and their population status will not be affected, the effect is considered to be not significant.

6.5.2.3 Adjacent Grassland Deposition of silt and organic material will have a negative impact on the flora enriching the soil and changing the nutrient levels in the soil.

6.6 Mitigation Measures This section describes the proposed mitigation and compensation measures to minimise the adverse effects on valued ecological features and also those species subject to the provisions of Statutory Instruments and Acts of Parliament. The proposed works, including the associated mitigation and compensation measures, will be advanced progressively during the construction and operational phases of the project.

6.6.1 Invasive Non-native Plants Measures will be taken to eradicate Himalayan balsam, and Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed if found, by appropriate treatment and disposal. As treatment can take several years to eradicate the plants, temporary fencing will be erected to prevent the spread of plants and soil containing rhizomes to adjacent land during construction activities.

The path verges will be managed to enhance their floristic diversity. This will be achieved by introduction of a sympathetic mowing and treatment of invasive non-native plants to facilitate the dispersal of native flora along the canal corridor.

6.6.2 Marginal Vegetation and Wetland Plants The canal dredging and re-excavation of infill will be undertaken in accordance with Environment Agency pollution prevention guidance to minimise detrimental change in water quality and the ability of wetland plants to survive.

If and where it is found to be present, a thorough survey will be undertaken and a translocation programme will be designed and implemented to ensure that whorled water-milfoil, frogbit, mare’s-tail, whorl-grass and grass-wrack pondweed are not removed during dredging of the canal. The survey and programme will be overseen by an experienced ecologist as part of the individual scheme Level 2 ESs.

Natural England will be contacted to agree methods for translocating the wetland plants to a new receptor site, such as flashes (on-line embayments) and backwater channels adjacent to the canal which will be considered during the design of the individual schemes.

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It is likely that a grapnel will be used to collect the aforementioned species within the canal at the end of the growing season (September). The translocated plants will be pegged to the channel substrate at an appropriate depth at the receptor site. Any remaining growing plants will be removed during water draw-down and translocated to the receptor site.

This will be achieved by installing coir rolls, or suitable alternative, in front of the canal bank and back-filling with earth to facilitate the colonisation of emergent and floating wetland plants.

Damage caused by wash from boats is mainly caused by boats exceeding the 4 mph speed limit and reminders and enforcement of the limit will minimise this. Where damage is caused, marginal vegetation can be re-established through suitable bank restoration works that allows natural regeneration to take place.

6.6.3 Fish Where fish are present, a watching brief by an experienced ecologist will be undertaken during water draw-down prior to canal dredging where sections have been waterlogged over previous years.

Where fish are observed in distress, a local fish rescue may be required; however this is expected to be unnecessary unless particularly anoxic conditions are temporarily created. In which case fish will be caught and transferred into aerated tanks out of direct sunlight. Any fish that are caught will then be released as soon as reasonably possible at suitable receptor to be agreed with the Environment Agency.

Further assessment and design within the appropriate Level 2 assessments. Other in-channel mitigation such as provision of refuges/shelters will be considered.

6.6.4 Reptiles Prior to work commencing, any debris such as large stones, logs and general rubbish will be removed from the working area. If any slow worms or other reptiles are found under these, they will be given time to move away from the area and seek alternative refuge.

If the appropriate Level 2 assessments call for a translocation programme, the Wiltshire or Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Natural England will be contacted to agree methods and selection of receptor sites. The reptiles will be translocated between March to June or September to October. The receptor sites will include suitable habitat adjacent to the donor sites that will not be disturbed by construction activities.

The marginal vegetation, path verges and adjacent woody vegetation will be managed to enhance their value to reptiles. This will be achieved by introduction of a sympathetic management regime to provide basking and foraging habitat along the canal corridor. Reptile hibernacula will also be constructed at suitable locations.

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6.6.5 Amphibians Common toad and other amphibian species are known to use sections of the canal.

Any specific measures will be identified within the appropriate Level 2 assessments will be undertaken.

But in any event, if the presence of Great Crested Newts is found within or immediately adjacent to the works site, work will stop and advice will be sought from an experienced ecologist. Otherwise any amphibians found during construction or operational activities will be carefully relocated away from the immediate working area into similar habitat.

6.6.6 Breeding Birds A range of breeding birds nest within the canal corridor. Therefore to ensure legal compliance cutting of trees will be confined to between 1st October and end of February, outside the breeding season (which is normally between March and July inclusive).

If any tree work is absolutely necessary outside of this period a suitably experienced ecologist will search for bird nests and provide advice about if and when vegetation clearance and other construction activities can commence.

The restoration of the canal has been designed to retain fringes of marginal vegetation along the canal. This will be achieved by installing coir rolls or appropriate alternative in front of the canal bank and back-filling with earth to facilitate the colonisation of emergent and floating wetland plants. The bank side margins will be managed to provide breeding habitat for water birds.

The hedgerows along the canal corridor will be managed to enhance their value as nest sites for birds. Native trees and shrubs, particularly berry-bearing species for foraging animals, will be planted at selected sites within the canal corridor, as part of the landscape proposals, which will provide nest sites and foraging habitat for birds. Nest boxes will be installed in suitable locations on trees and bridges. Wildflowers will be encouraged on nutrient poor soils. Large amounts of deadwood of native tree species will be retained along the canal corridor both standing and fallen where safe to do so.

6.6.7 Bats Although there are records of common bat species from the canal corridor, no roost site has been confirmed. However, it is probable that bat roost sites occur near where works are proposed. Therefore to ensure legal compliance, an experienced ecologist will search for bat roosts in trees and built structures where works with the potential to disturb bats are proposed. Should a bat roost be found, a licence will need to be obtained from Natural England and appropriate mitigation implemented prior to the commencement of construction activities.

The sterile habitat of large arable fields with few hedgerows or trees at the eastern end of the canal corridor could be greatly enhanced by re-establishing landscape features along the canal corridor and connecting them to the wider

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landscape, particularly along the Ampney and Meysey Brooks and connecting to the Thames corridor

The hedgerows along the canal corridor will be managed to enhance their value as a navigable foraging habitat for bats. This will be achieved by planting large gaps with native shrubs. Groups of two and four Schwegler FF1 bat boxes will be erected on suitable retained trees within the canal corridor.

Where practicable, bat roosting areas will be built into restored bridges and standing tree stems with cavities will be retained.

6.6.8 Badger Badger setts are widespread along the canal corridor.

The re-watering of the canal will impact on established badger setts along the edge of the canal and will prevent access to foraging areas on both sides of the dry canal that has been available to the population. Assessments will be undertaken to identify to what extent green overpasses are needed to maintain wildlife connectivity to the surrounding habitat on either side of the canal. Some badger setts are in the foundations of bridges and crossing points which are to be restored, so alternative setts will need to be constructed.

As there are no alternative sites of raised ground available in the area, which has a high water table, there is a high probability that the badgers will return after the bridges have been restored and re-excavate into the abutments under the roadways, causing significant damage.

Therefore to ensure legal compliance, an experienced ecologist will search for badger setts within 30m of where works are proposed prior to the start of construction activities. Should a badger sett be found and is likely to be affected by the proposed works, a licence will need to be obtained from Natural England and appropriate mitigation implemented prior to the commencement of construction activities. Licences normally permit activities that cause disturbance to badger setts during the period July to November inclusive, which is outside of their breeding season. In the event that the works will directly affect a main badger sett, the need for an artificial sett construction will be considered.

6.6.9 Otter Although signs of otter presence have been recorded at various sites along the canal, no place of shelter or holt has been confirmed. However, it is probable that otter places of shelter occur near where some works are proposed. Therefore to ensure legal compliance, an experienced ecologist will search for otter holts and other places of shelter within a distance to be agreed with Natural England prior to the start of construction activities of a type with the potential to affect otters. Should an otter place of shelter be found, a licence will need to be obtained from Natural England and appropriate mitigation implemented prior to the commencement of construction activities.

The restoration of the canal has been designed to increase the amount of suitable foraging habitat for otters. This will be achieved by providing a

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continuous stretch of open water from the Spine Road to Inglesham connecting to Ampney and Meysey Brooks and the River Thames.

As part of the mitigation for the individual schemes, log pile holts could be created for otters at suitable secluded sites within the canal corridor. This will be considered further within the Level 2 assessments.

6.6.10 Water vole Natural banks and marginal vegetation will be retained or created close to where existing populations are thriving. Cutting times of vegetation will be monitored.

Water Vole burrows can cause breaches in canals by causing the escape of water through the banks. In particularly vulnerable locations, hard bank protection may be needed to avoid future problems. However, some new sections of canal have been designed to be tolerant to water vole activity and will incorporate extended marginal vegetation.

6.6.11 Water quality If water to supply the canal was supplemented with the use of treated sewage, the water quality and filtration systems would have to be sustainable, of very high quality and robust to ensure no risk to the eco system could occur by accidental pollution from failing plant or human error. Dissolved salts in the water will affect the natural eco system of the water column and marginal plant growth. At present this water is entirely discharged into the local natural river system and the canal could have a role in improving river water quality through taking some of this water.

6.7 Residual Effects This section describes the residual significance of predicted ecological impacts with the implementation of mitigation measures described in section 6.6.

6.7.1 Invasive Non-native Plants Measures will be implemented to eradicate Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam in areas affected by the scheme.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will be a positive effect on native plants and significant within the immediate zone of influence.

6.7.2 Marginal Vegetation and Wetland Plants The canal dredging and re-excavation of infill will be undertaken in accordance with Environment Agency pollution prevention guidance to minimise detrimental change in water quality and the ability of wetland plants to survive.

Measures will be implemented to translocate valued wetland plants; including whorled water-milfoil, frogbit, mare’s-tail, whorl-grass and grass-wrack pondweed from sections of the canal where found prior to dredging. These will be moved to a suitable receptor site, such as flashes (on-line embayments) and backwater channels adjacent to the canal.

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The restoration of the canal will be designed to include fringes of marginal vegetation along the canal between the Spine Road and Inglesham. This can be achieved by maintaining or constructing a wide and shallow vegetated margin with clay base or by installing coir rolls or suitable alternatives in front of the steeper canal banks or pilings and back-filling with earth to facilitate the colonisation of emergent and floating wetland plants.

The predicted boat traffic movements and associated backwash would have a negative impact on wetland plants since they would be displaced from the main canal channel. It is not possible to quantify the magnitude of this impact, but it can be minimised by ensuring boats adhere to the 4 mph speed limit.

The loss of wetland plants due to creation of an open navigable channel would have a negative effect, but this is expected to be offset by the lengths of re- watered or new channel that restoring the canal will create. Some of the lengths replacing long infilled missing sections have been designed to provide a wider overall channel width with shallower sides thereby greatly increasing the size of the margins for colonisation.

6.7.3 Fish Measures will be implemented to ensure the safe transfer fish of any distressed fish to a suitable receptor site agreed with the Environment Agency during water draw-down and prior to dredging where fish may be present.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is certain that there will not be a negative effect on the conservation status of fish and therefore the effect is considered to be not significant.

6.7.4 Reptiles When necessary, measures will be implemented to translocate grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard from sites along the canal corridor prior to construction activities commencing to a suitable receptor sites.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will not be a negative effect on reptiles and therefore the effect is considered not significant.

6.7.5 Breeding Birds Where the nature and timing of the work requires it , a search for bird nests will be carried out by an experienced ecologist prior to works commencing. If an occupied bird nest is found, an experienced ecologist will provide advice as to when construction activities can commence.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will not be a negative effect in the conservation status of breeding birds and therefore the effect is considered to be not significant.

6.7.6 Bats Where the nature of the work requires it, a search for bat roosts will be carried out by an experienced ecologist prior to works commencing. If a bat roost is

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found, an experienced ecologist will obtain a licence from Natural England and appropriate mitigation implemented.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will not be a negative effect on bats and therefore the effect is considered not significant.

6.7.7 Badger A search for badger setts within 30m of the proposed works will be carried out by an experienced ecologist prior to works commencing. If a badger sett is found, an experienced ecologist will decide if the works are likely to require a licence from Natural England. If so, one will be obtained and appropriate mitigation will be implemented.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will not be a negative effect on badgers and therefore the effect is considered not significant.

6.7.8 Otter A search for otter places of shelter will be carried out by an experienced ecologist prior to works commencing where such works could disturb otters. If an otter place of shelter is found, an experienced ecologist will obtain a licence from Natural England and appropriate mitigation will be implemented.

Through implementation of the aforementioned mitigation, it is probable that there will not be a negative effect on otter and therefore the effect is considered not significant.

6.8 Conclusions Where possible, impacts to valued ecological features will be avoided and appropriate mitigation and/or compensation measures implemented. When the towpath and canal are operational, they will be managed in accordance with the Cotswold Canals Conservation Management Plan (CMP).

The continuous stretch of open water along the canals with connections to the Ampney and Meysey Brooks will benefit aquatic species, particularly fish and otter. The marginal vegetation, path verges and hedgerows will be sympathetically managed to increase their biodiversity value and facilitate the dispersal of plants and animals throughout the canal corridor. Where infilled lengths of canal are to be re-excavated through, or adjacent to, mineral quarry sites, the plan is to make the canal wider than the original with shallower sloped sides. This will provide a greater width of habitat for wetland plants, dragonflies and small fish.

Native trees and shrubs and wild flowers will be encouraged to regenerate naturally where possible or the use of saplings and seed from local certified origin.

Bird and bat boxes will also be erected. The proposed habitat creation and enhancements will contribute to LBAP targeted action for a range of species and

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the scheme is therefore in accordance with policy and will help to deliver biodiversity benefits.

Where the opportunity arises in the vicinity of the A419, raised banks will be planted with native trees and shrubs to buffer the canal from road noise. Such banks would only be possible where they can be located without compromising floodplain constraints.

The eradication of Japanese knotweed and other non-native invasive plant species is certain to have a residual positive effect on the colonisation of native plants, which is significant within the zone of influence.

The retention of healthy (and not so healthy) broadleaf trees including standard mature hawthorn will maintain and enhance the habitat along the canal as will the retention of large sections of deadwood from native trees that are removed as part of the restoration works. These will be particularly valuable for saproxylic insects on the edge of grassland and meadows and in woodland. Pollarding and coppicing tree management will further broaden the biodiversity of these valuable features.

Assuming the water quality that is used in the canal can be assured in future and after the implementation of appropriate compensation and mitigation measures, it is probable that there will be no significant negative effect to, reptiles, breeding birds, bats, badger and water voles, otter populations.

Protected species licences will be obtained where necessary and mitigation implemented prior to works commencing.

There will be residual negative effects associated with increased boat activity and the displacement of wetland plants from canal channel, which is significant at county level but this will be substantially offset by long lengths of new and rewatered canal that currently support few or no such plants. When operational, the restored canal will contribute to LBAP habitat and species objectives, although it is predicted that there will be a residual negative effect to wetland plants because of boat traffic and water clarity.

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7 Socio-economic and Community

7.1 Introduction This chapter provides an assessment of the socio-economic effects of Phase 2 of the Cotswold Canals restoration. It sets out the baseline conditions of the area surrounding the canal corridor, based on publicly accessible data, and assesses the impacts on the following broad areas:

• Economics and employment; • Tourism and leisure; • Population and housing; • Community cohesion and social capital; • Health and wellbeing; and • Crime and safety.

7.1.1 Methodology Existing policy and guidance was reviewed to understand the context of the development, and any external pressures on it.

Economics & Employment – Baseline conditions were assessed at District level, looking at levels of unemployment and industries of employment. Data was taken from the 2001 census and the 2011 census when available. Both direct and indirect potential new employment creation was assessed; potential sites for development and the additional impact of the canal restoration on these sites were assessed.

Tourism & Leisure – Baseline conditions were assessed at District and County level, as this was the best available data. The baseline data from ECOTEC Economic Impact Assessment is also used.

The predicted additional visitors and related income is assessed using data from the 2003 ECOTEC Economic Impact Assessment, breaking figures down to look at the canal restoration now proposed, rather than the full 58 km restoration (with links to the Thames and Severn) previously assessed.

Population & Housing – Baseline conditions at District level, using 2011 Census data. Both direct and indirect impacts of the canal restoration are considered.

Community Cohesion & Social Capital – Baseline data is considered at District level, using data from the England Place Survey. Impacts are assessed qualitatively.

Health & Wellbeing – Baseline data is considered at District level, using data from the England Place Survey. Impacts are assessed qualitatively.

Crime & Safety – Baseline data is considered at District level, using data from the England Place Survey. Impacts are assessed qualitatively.

Limitations and Assumptions – It is assumed that all previous impact assessments undertaken were thorough and produced accurate results.

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7.2 Legislation, Policy and Guidance

7.2.1 Overview A detailed planning statement setting put a full policy justification has been submitted in support of this planning application; therefore this section provides a summary of the policies in relation to the assessment of socio-economic effects that would arise from the proposed development.

7.2.2 National NPPF Section 7 Sustainable development can be summarised as having three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number of roles:

• economic – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;

• social – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being;

• environmental – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy.

7.2.3 NPPF sections 73, 74 and 75 These sections seek to ensure that;

• New open spaces are created for sport and recreation through the use of the planning system

• That open spaces for sport and recreation are not lost through the use of the planning system or if lost alternatives are provided

• That public rights of way and access are protected and enhanced by use of the planning system

7.2.4 DCLG, Good Practice Guide on Planning for Tourism This guidance sets out how the planning system can work to encourage economic and social benefits from tourism. It sets out how tourist attractions should be:

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 Physically accessible, including to people with impaired mobility and to people with other disabilities such as impaired sight or hearing;

 Socially inclusive, facilitating use by all sectors of the community;

 A positive contribution to the host community;

 Safe and healthy; and

 Attractive

7.2.5 Duty to Cooperate Although the RSSs have been abolished, the need for strategic planning has not gone away. To ensure that sensible planning for issues which extend beyond a local authority boundary still happens, the Localism Bill and NPPF introduced a duty to cooperate on strategic planning issues.

The duty to cooperate applies to all local planning authorities, including counties and national park authorities. It means working with neighbouring authorities and other bodies, including Local Enterprise Partnerships, on strategic priorities. It also means collaborating on the evidence critical to understanding the needs of the area, and the wider economic and housing market areas, including through the preparation of a strategic housing market assessment.

Growth needs in a strategic cross-boundary context must be included in the local plan. Authorities will need to demonstrate that they have successfully cooperated with other bodies on cross-boundary issues. The Planning Inspectorate see the duty to cooperate as an essential test as to whether the plan is deliverable.

Leadership from the corporate team as well as councillors will be essential to ensure that successful cooperation is achieved between neighbouring authorities. If this isn’t sorted out, there is a risk of the local plan being found unsound, with all the consequences of the presumption in favour of development.

Policy DP3 of the Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016, proposes that most new development should take place in Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge. However, appropriate opportunities are also needed for the growth of local employment and services in other towns and villages to help reduce the need to travel to more distant locations and further assist in diversifying the rural economy.

The Wiltshire Structure Plan 2016 states that, in order to promote sustainable development outside the Principle Urban Area and Strategic Service Centres and reduce the need to travel by car, housing should be restricted to towns and villages that have access to: employment opportunities; public transport; and services and facilities. Small towns and villages where limited additional housing development may be appropriate, as a minimum, should possess or have good access to a range of services and facilities, including most of the following:

• Primary school, church, hall where community activities can take place, • Food shop, post office, pub, and

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• Recreation field.

7.2.6 The North Wiltshire Economic Partnership Strategy This strategy has been developed by NWEP to provide a framework for the delivery of economic development activities over the next five years. It has taken into consideration national and regional policies and strategies, the emerging Local Development Framework, previous district council economic development strategies and the Local Area Agreement Targets agreed with Central Government. Wiltshire Council has made a commitment for its economic development work to be directly business lead, this strategy therefore also sets out the work of the North Wiltshire Economic Development Team.

Strategy review – The strategy will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it is meeting the needs of local businesses and organisations and is taking into consideration changes in the economy and local and national priorities and policies. This will be carried out annually by the Economic Partnership Board in conjunction with the Economic Partnership Manager, the Team Leader for the area economic development team and other partners and stakeholders. The vision – To develop a strong vibrant and sustainable economy in North Wiltshire with the right infrastructure and services to support business growth and innovation, to attract investment and visitors and to encourage skills development. This vision is translated into the strategic objectives outlined below. The objectives are underpinned by a range of activities and actions, against which progress will be assessed. Objectives overview – The following objectives have been identified for the North Wiltshire area; they are not listed in any order of priority. 1) Provision of a high quality support and information service for inward investment and indigenous businesses, promoting and developing North Wiltshire as a business location and facilitating investment and innovation by:  Developing the image and identity of north Wiltshire as a location to attract and retain private investment and public sector employment.  Establishing and broadening relations with businesses, developers, investment institutions, agents, schools and other stakeholders and raising the profile of the partnership.  Working with and promoting the work of business support agencies.  Providing support and information to businesses considering relocation, expansion or development.  Promoting the Wiltshire New Business Competition and other opportunities for business support, funding, promotion and development.  Promoting innovative business development and practices.  Engaging with the WSEP Innovation Strategy and identify actions going forward to further develop the innovation agenda in north Wiltshire.

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2) To improve the vitality and economic sustainability of North Wiltshire’s market towns and rural areas by:  Improving the sustainability and attractiveness of the main towns and settlements.  Improving the vitality and sustainability of Chippenham as the strategic hub through implementation of the Chippenham Vision.  Encouraging diversification of the rural economy and opportunities for rural development.  Encouraging businesses to put measures in place to reduce their carbon footprint. 3) Ensuring strategic and infrastructure needs are addressed to meet the requirements of the partnership area by:  Ensuring the appropriate provision and retention of sites and premises for retail, employment use and sustainable economic development.  Ensuring provision of an appropriate and sustainable mix of new housing to meet business requirements  Ensure improvement of the transport structure and car parking in North Wiltshire to meet the needs of business.  Ensuring improvement of ICT & Broadband for businesses in North Wiltshire to improve competitiveness. 4) Raise skills and employment levels and opportunities in North Wiltshire by exploring and addressing the skills and employment agenda in North Wiltshire. 5) Maximise the opportunities for economic development from the Military presence in North Wiltshire by establishing joint-working on projects under the Military and Civilian Integration Project. 6) Development of a high quality tourism economy by working with Visit Wiltshire on the strategic development of tourism as a key sector of the economy

7.2.7 Wiltshire Sustainable Community Strategy & Local Area Agreement The Vision: “Strong and Sustainable Communities in Wiltshire”. Such communities will be better able to rise to the future challenges and pressures facing the County, and will have the following features:

 Communities where people want to live and work. People are there by choice, and take pride in the distinctiveness of their towns and villages.

 Communities which are inclusive. People of different backgrounds, ages and beliefs feel a valued part of the community, not separate, marginalised or disadvantaged by, amongst other things, a lack of transport or affordable housing.

 Communities which are lively, busy places. People get together to tackle local concerns, to organise cultural events, and to socialise. People readily volunteer and feel encouraged to do so. There are many social ‘networks’

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between individuals and families, which allow people to live active, varied and independent lives.

 Communities where people feel safe, and are treated with respect.

 Communities which possess the skills and businesses to remain competitive, and generate enough jobs to meet local employment needs.

 Communities where children and young people enjoy life, and achieve their potential in and out of school.

 Communities which have effective political processes, characterised by trust and openness, high political participation, and effective working relations between public, voluntary and business sectors.

 Communities which actively promote the health of residents, and seek to reduce local health inequalities.

These features are sometimes brought together in the term ‘social capital’. Communities with social capital are stronger. They thrive. Strong and sustainable communities are also communities where current life styles do not threaten future ones. Such communities are informed about environmental issues, and are active in creating local solutions. In those communities, people and businesses will:

 Actively minimise their household and commercial waste

 Make travel decisions which minimise CO2 emissions, and the need to travel

 Make purchasing decisions that reflect the actual human and environmental costs of producing, using, and eventually disposing of goods and products, including purchasing local goods and services where this makes sense

 Adopt sustainable construction standards for new buildings , and seek to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings

 Protect and enhance land that has a high environmental or wildlife value use water, and energy, wisely and sparingly

There is an increasing awareness and concern that current lifestyles in the UK and other countries are not sustainable. One way of expressing this is to assess the impact on the world’s resources, the ‘ecological footprint’. Currently, Wiltshire’s communities are consuming three times their ‘share’ of the world’s natural resources, i.e. if everyone in the world lived like we do, then there would need to be 3 Earths to meet those needs. To reduce Wiltshire’s ‘footprint’ requires action by Councils and other public bodies, by voluntary organisations, business, and individuals and households.

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Strong communities, rich in social capital, are well placed to respond to the challenge of becoming sustainable communities, by having the organisational skills and will to change and adapt lifestyles and behaviour.

Local Transport Plan 2 (2011-2026) – Wiltshire’s Local Transport Plan has a vision to “To develop a transport system which helps support economic growth across Wiltshire’s communities, giving choice and opportunity for people to safely access essential services. Transport solutions will be sensitive to the built and natural environment, with particular emphasis on the need to reduce carbon emissions”.

The plan sets out strategies for walking and cycling as key parts of this vision.

Table 7.1 below sets out the indicators from the Local Area Agreement where Wiltshire County Council is identified as one of the contributing partners, and where the restoration of the canal and associated development could have a positive impact.

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Issues identified by the Relevant outcomes to be delivered by the Local Sustainable Community Area Agreement Strategy Vulnerability of low skilled More robust and competitive businesses within the manufacturing to national and food and farming sector international re-location and competition. This particularly affects the North and West Wiltshire district areas Tourism is not currently More competitive tourism businesses balancing the fulfilling its potential to environment, communities, industry and visitor contribute to a wide range of satisfaction while realising long term economic and aspects of Wiltshire life social benefit for Wiltshire Ongoing breaking up of Improved the condition of County Wildlife wildlife habitats into smaller, Sites Number of landscape scale projects isolated areas. Robust and competitive businesses within the food and farming sector Improving activities and Halt rising trend of obesity in population (increase facilities for teenagers physical activity)

Local people involved in influencing design and delivery of public and voluntary services that address their local priority and support community cohesion

A developed sense of place. Community cohesion built through bringing people together to address environmental issues

A range of community groups established to deliver sport and physical activity projects in each local authority area

Extended services in and around schools

A robust volunteering sector which promotes a wide range of opportunities is in place Table 7.1

7.2.8 Local Vision The vision for Wiltshire is to create stronger, more resilient communities.

There are a number of key principles which underpin the strategy to help build more resilient communities, as follows:

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 Providing for the most sustainable pattern of development that minimises the need to travel and maximises the potential to use sustainable transport.

 Creating the right environment to deliver economic growth, delivering the jobs Wiltshire’s population needs locally, and taking a flexible and responsive approach to employment land delivery.

 Managing development to ensure that jobs and the right infrastructure are delivered at the right time to ensure that out commuting, in particular to areas outside of Wiltshire, is not increased and development does not have a detrimental impact on infrastructure.

 Working towards lowering Wiltshire’s carbon footprint through the appropriate location of development, and through renewable energy and sustainable construction.

 Protecting and planning for the enhancement of the natural, historic and built environments, including maintaining, enhancing and expanding Wiltshire’s network of green infrastructure to support the health and wellbeing of communities.

 Providing high quality, well designed development, and ensuring full local community involvement in planning for significant new proposals.

 Providing the framework to deliver appropriate community-led planning policy documents, including neighbourhood plans. Within this Vision are five underlying Aims expressing, at a local level, the objectives for sustainable development set out at National, Regional and County level.

Wiltshire canals Specifically regarding the canals - restoration of the canals is supported in principle in Core Policy 53 as described earlier in section 4.6.2.

7.3 Baseline Conditions Data does not exist at ward level in this area therefore baseline data has been collected for the whole of the North Wiltshire District.

7.3.1 Economics & Employment The area of North Wiltshire that the canal runs through is rural with Cricklade being the only urban centre in the vicinity. Therefore the canal corridor passes through an entirely rural setting with the only area of employment being a small industrial estate in Cricklade, the temporary areas of employment at various mineral workings, farms and the Cotswold Water Park. It has a healthy, diverse and strong economic base. The workforce for this area stands at 3377 people with skill levels far above the national average. The unemployment rate remains below the national average, standing at 2.5% at the time of the 2011 census against the County average of 2.9% and national average of 4.4%.

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Historically, agriculture formed the base of the economy. However, this sector saw significant decline in the last century to the point where 48 people are now employed in agriculture. Despite this, agricultural land use still has a major impact on the District. The majority of the area is in agricultural use. Retention of a healthy rural economy, aided by farm diversification, remains important to the well-being of the District’s economy and character.

Table 7.2 below sets out the composition of the North Wiltshire economy relative to the regional and national averages.

Wiltshire Wiltshire South Variable Measure (Unitary England 001 West Authority) All Usual Residents Aged 16 to Count 3,377 239,216 2,560,384 25,162,721 74 in Employment (Persons) A Agriculture, Forestry and Count 48 4,105 42,090 203,789 Fishing (Persons) B Mining and Quarrying Count 12 245 5,347 43,302 (Persons) C Manufacturing (Persons) Count 284 21,693 231,776 2,226,247 C10-12 Manufacturing; Food, Count 15 2,512 30,717 307,520 Beverages and Tobacco (Persons) C13-15 Manufacturing; Textiles, Wearing Apparel and Leather and Count 11 553 8,674 102,956 Related Products (Persons) C16,17 Manufacturing; Wood, Paper and Paper Products Count 3 588 6,839 65,687 (Persons) C19-22 Manufacturing; Chemicals, Chemical Products, Count 30 3,484 21,336 264,421 Rubber and Plastic (Persons) C23-25 Manufacturing; Low Tech Count 38 2,632 32,072 375,445 (Persons) C26-30 Manufacturing; High Tech Count 116 5,966 79,144 586,741 (Persons) C18, 31, 32 Manufacturing; Count 71 5,958 52,994 523,477 Other (Persons) D Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Count 35 951 14,705 140,148 Conditioning Supply (Persons) E Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Count 38 1,685 19,801 175,214 Remediation Activities (Persons) F Construction (Persons) Count 252 17,274 205,121 1,931,936 G Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Count 540 35,563 413,749 4,007,570 Motor Cycles (Persons) H Transport and Storage Count 166 8,512 103,301 1,260,094 (Persons) I Accommodation and Food Count 168 12,266 161,098 1,399,931 Service Activities (Persons) J Information and Count 202 10,236 84,169 1,024,352 Communication (Persons) K Financial and Insurance Count 162 7,601 95,621 1,103,858 Activities (Persons) L Real Estate Activities (Persons) Count 58 3,401 36,246 367,459

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Wiltshire Wiltshire South Variable Measure (Unitary England 001 West Authority) M Professional, Scientific and Count 254 16,091 151,096 1,687,127 Technical Activities (Persons) N Administrative and Support Count 165 10,678 113,233 1,239,422 Service Activities (Persons) O Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Count 148 29,723 180,911 1,483,450 Security (Persons) P Education (Persons) Count 349 22,352 248,166 2,490,199 Q Human Health and Social Work Count 302 25,598 330,496 3,121,238 Activities (Persons) R,S Arts, Entertainment and Recreation; Other Service Count 191 10,657 119,666 1,206,021 Activities (Persons) T Activities of Households as Employers; Undifferentiated Goods - and Services - Producing Count 3 502 3,088 30,356 Activities of Households for Own Use (Persons) U Activities of Extraterritorial Organisations and Bodies Count 0 83 704 21,008 (Persons) Table 7.2 Last Updated: 30 January 2013 - Source: Office for National Statistics

The population of Wiltshire is forecast to grow at 3.2% p.a. until 2026, one of the highest growth rates in the country. Employment in the service sector is expected to be the fastest growing area, and the high proportion of self- employed people is expected to continue to increase.

7.3.2 Tourism & Leisure It is likely that one of the major impacts of the canal restoration will be an increase in tourism and visitor numbers to the District. Tourism is defined as all trips away from home, whether day trips or overnight trips, for business, pleasure or visiting friends and family. Tourism plays an important role in the local economy of North Wiltshire. About 10% of employment in the District is sustained in full or part by tourism.

In 2008 it is estimated that visitors to North Wiltshire spent £159 million (Value of Tourism 2008 by South West Tourism) The following baseline assumptions on recreational usage of the Cotswold Canals are taken from the 2003 appraisal of economic impacts undertaken for British Waterways by ECOTEC for the total reinstatement of both the Stroudwater Navigation and Thames & Severn Canal:

 Private Boats. Current levels of private boating activity on the Cotswold Canals are negligible. No private boats are based on the canals and, although previous British Waterways research assumed use by a very limited number of trail boats, we believe any such use also to be negligible;

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 Trip and Hire Boats. No trip boats, hotel or restaurant boats use the canals and there are no day or holiday hire boats;

 Canoeing. Previous British Waterways' research assumed a limited level of canoeing of 3,000 visits per year based on the experience of other non- navigable rural waterways. However, our observation and assumption is that any such usage is negligible due to the lack of water in most of the Phase 2 length of canal;

 Angling. ECOTEC assumed 3,000 visits per year over the total canal length 58 km. Unlike substantial lengths at the western end, currently virtually none of the canal in Phase 2 is suitable for angling so the usage is negligible.

 Informal Users. The towpath is accessible and useable for only 5 km of the 16 km stretch between Spine Road and Inglesham. Public access to the easternmost 11 km has been lost.

7.3.3 Demographics The North Wiltshire area had a population of 6744 (2011 ONS census). The canal corridor has above average levels of in senior level employment, as shown in Table 7.5 below. North Wiltshire also has an older population than the national average, with the median age being 45, compared to the national average of 39.

Area: Wiltshire 001 (Middle Layer Super Output Area)

Wiltshire Wiltshire South Variable Measure (Unitary England 001 West Authority) All Usual Residents Aged 16 to 74 Count 4,893 339,595 3,856,715 38,881,374 (Persons) 1. Higher Managerial, Administrative and Professional Count 768 42,469 394,860 4,045,823 Occupations (Persons) 1. Higher Managerial, Administrative and Professional % 15.7 12.5 10.2 10.4 Occupations (Persons)

1.1 Large Employers and Higher Managerial and Administrative Count 206 12,498 93,294 926,352 Occupations (Persons) 1.1 Large Employers and Higher Managerial and Administrative % 4.2 3.7 2.4 2.4 Occupations (Persons) 1.2 Higher Professional Count 562 29,971 301,566 3,119,471 Occupations (Persons) 1.2 Higher Professional % 11.5 8.8 7.8 8.0 Occupations (Persons) 2. Lower Managerial, Administrative and Professional Count 1,200 80,793 834,208 8,132,107 Occupations (Persons)

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2. Lower Managerial, Administrative and Professional % 24.5 23.8 21.6 20.9 Occupations (Persons) 3. Intermediate Occupations Count 673 46,337 492,794 4,972,044 (Persons) 3. Intermediate Occupations % 13.8 13.6 12.8 12.8 (Persons) 4. Small Employers and Own Count 552 36,001 435,470 3,662,611 Account Workers (Persons) 4. Small Employers and Own % 11.3 10.6 11.3 9.4 Account Workers (Persons) 5. Lower Supervisory and Count 300 24,762 281,682 2,676,118 Technical Occupations (Persons) 5. Lower Supervisory and % 6.1 7.3 7.3 6.9 Technical Occupations (Persons) 6. Semi-Routine Occupations Count 599 46,224 571,727 5,430,863 (Persons) 6. Semi-Routine Occupations % 12.2 13.6 14.8 14.0 (Persons) 7. Routine Occupations (Persons) Count 437 34,202 407,663 4,277,483 7. Routine Occupations (Persons) % 8.9 10.1 10.6 11.0 8. Never Worked and Long-Term Count 106 9,491 131,735 2,180,026 Unemployed (Persons) 8. Never Worked and Long-Term % 2.2 2.8 3.4 5.6 Unemployed (Persons) L14.1 Never Worked (Persons) Count 71 5,825 85,176 1,511,530 L14.1 Never Worked (Persons) % 1.5 1.7 2.2 3.9 L14.2 Long-Term Unemployed Count 35 3,666 46,559 668,496 (Persons) L14.2 Long-Term Unemployed % 0.7 1.1 1.2 1.7 (Persons) Not Classified (Persons) Count 258 19,316 306,576 3,504,299 Not Classified (Persons) % 5.3 5.7 7.9 9.0 L15 Full-Time Students (Persons) Count 258 19,316 306,576 3,504,299 L15 Full-Time Students (Persons) % 5.3 5.7 7.9 9.0 L17 Not Classifiable for Other Count 0 0 0 0 Reasons (Persons) L17 Not Classifiable for Other % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Reasons (Persons)

Table 7.5 Last Updated: 30 January 2013 Source: Office for National Statistics

7.3.4 Community Cohesion & Social Capital How well a community interacts, and how much people feel that they belong and can contribute to their local community is vitally important, but incredibly difficult to measure. Responses to the national Place Survey give us some indication of satisfaction that Wiltshire residents have with their neighbourhood and local community. Table 7.6 below outlines the Wiltshire district’s high scoring in relevant indicators in relation to regional and national benchmarks.

Wiltshire South West England

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Wiltshire South West England % who agree that their local 83 69.3 34 area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together (NI 1) % who feel they belong to their 63.1 62.3 27.4 Immediate neighbourhood (NI 2) % who agree that they can influence 31.9 58.7 28.9 decisions in their local area (NI 4) Source: Place Survey: England - Headline Results 2008

Table 7.6: Results from community cohesion indicators in England’s Place Survey

7.3.5 Health & Well-being Walking and cycling have considerable benefits to an individual’s health and well- being and the reinstatement of tow-paths along the Cotswold Canals will increase the ability to walk and cycle for the local community.

The Household Survey for Wiltshire reveals that in 2005:

• 2.4% of all journeys were made by cycle, and 20% were made by foot. • 5% of all journeys to work were by cycle compared with 3% nationally. • 9% of journeys to work were by foot, which represents a fairly typical proportion over the last 5 years. • 37% of all journeys to work are less than 2 km and 24% of all journeys to work are between 2 and 5 km.

In a 2011 School survey in Wiltshire it was shown that 48% of pupils walk to school and 7% of Wiltshire school pupils reported cycling to school on the day of the survey.

Sustrans have identified the canal from Cricklade to Inglesham as a new route to be developed.

7.3.6 Crime and safety As a local example, Table 7.8 below sets out Stroud District’s performance in relation to regional and national benchmarks for crime and safety indicators. It shows that whilst residents in the District believe that anti-social behaviour, drunk and rowdy behaviour and drug use and dealing are less of a problem than the national average, they have less confidence in the police and other public services tackling these problems.

Wiltshire South West England % who think that anti-social 12.5 15.3 20 behaviour is a problem in their local area (NI 17)

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Wiltshire South West England % who agree that the police and 28 27.9 26.3 other local public services are successfully dealing with anti- social behaviour and crime in their local area (NI 21) % who think that drunk and 21.2 26.1 29 rowdy behaviour is a problem in their local area (NI 41) % who think that drug use or 19.7 25.9 30.5 drug dealing is a problem in their local area (NI 42) Source: Place Survey: England - Headline Results 2008

Table 7.8: Results from crime and safety indicators in England’s Place Survey

7.4 Assessment of Impacts

7.4.1 Economics & Employment 7.4.1.1 Construction Phase The construction phase will create jobs in the construction sector and is likely to provide opportunities in the sector in North Wiltshire, the wider county and potentially further afield for more specialist aspects of the restoration.

Estimation of the total number of construction employees supported by the regeneration of Phase 2 of the Cotswold Canals is based on the total capital cost of the Phase 2 project relative to gross value added (GVA) per construction job. GVA per construction job is estimated by dividing the GVA for the construction sector by the total employment in the sector. The latest output estimate for general South West construction jobs is £36k per worker.

Dividing the total capital cost by the GVA per construction worker provides gives the total number of ‘construction job years’. The general rule of thumb is that 10 construction job years equates to one full time equivalent (FTE) position. The construction job years were thus divided by 10 to arrive at the gross direct FTE jobs that would arise during construction of Phase 2 of the canal restoration.

The capital budget for Phase 2 currently stands at an estimated £17 million, therefore the total construction FTE jobs stands at 46.4 over the course of the construction period. The labour required will largely be unskilled and semi- skilled including machine operatives, form workers and ground workers. Local procurement with the construction sector in County is anticipated, which presents a significant opportunity to retain the economic benefits in the area.

During the construction phase there is the potential for localised disruption along the length of the canals restoration. This could be particularly related to the re- provision of bridges and in some locations the canal alignment itself. Where possible, alternative temporary access will be provided, using existing highway

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alternatives. If no alternative access exists, then temporary bridge access will be constructed.

The schemes where access will possibly be affected are as follows:

• Cerney Wick Bridge. This will require a road closure with a diversion through the village.

• A419 Service road Culvert near Latton. This will require a temporary roadway in the field alongside.

• Ermin Way Culvert in Latton. This will need to be constructed in two sections, with a narrowing of the road or a diversion into the adjacent field and a speed limit applied.

• Eysey Bridge. A temporary causeway across the canal bed would provide an alternative access.

• Crooked and Blackgore Bridges. These will require a road closure with a diversion over each bridge in turn. It is unlikely a temporary bridge at the level 2 stage will be required.

• Kempsford Road Bridge. This is likely to require a road closure. A diversion through the village would be difficult to implement as there is no alternative route,

The cumulative effects of access disruption will be mitigated through the development of specific alternative access arrangements for each scheme, which again will be specified in the Level 2 Environmental Assessments.

Overall, the impact on employment and economy during the construction period is judged to be minor beneficial, assuming resolution of the access and relocation issues at the Level 2 stage. The pursuance of local procurement and local labour agreements during the construction stage, coupled with maximising the opportunities for local volunteering, has the potential to increase this to a moderate beneficial impact.

7.4.1.2 Operation Direct Impacts – Given the rural nature of this section of canal and that it only passes through the one settlement of Kempsford, the potential for direct impact is limited. A small number of marinas adjacent to the restored canal are likely to create a number of local jobs in the vicinity of Latton and Kempsford. Apart from providing a place for boats to moor when not in use, these may support a chandlery, boat sales activity, boat building and/or repair facilities, boat hire facilities and possibly a waterside pub or restaurant.

These marinas are expected to make a financial contribution to the upkeep of the canal. Although much of the work involved in this is expected to be carried out by volunteers, it is expected that at least one full time job will be created to manage the canal and service its users.

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Indirect Impacts – It is hoped that the restoration will enable Kempsford to achieve a footpath scheme that is currently being investigated to give circular walks around the village. Some properties will also become 'waterside' in locations where the canal is just a distant memory which will increase property values.

The additional presence of boating and other visitors is expected to have a positive knock on effect for local pubs and shops along the route.

A study carried out by Newcastle University in 1993 suggested that canal side residential properties can command a premium of around 19 per cent when developed in a pristine waterway environment. It also indicated that properties not actually beside the water, but in a waterside development, generate premiums of around 8 per cent.

Overall, the impact on employment and economics during operation is judged to be moderate beneficial.

7.4.2 Tourism & Leisure 7.4.2.1 Construction phase The extent to which the existing canal towpath is utilised has not been surveyed, but anecdotal evidence suggests that where the towpaths currently exist they are relatively well used. For site safety reasons there may be periods of restricted access in specific locations where bridge replacement or lock reinstatement necessitates temporary closures, but this will be kept to a minimum and agreed in advance with the County Council. This is judged to have a moderate adverse impact, although this could be reduced to a minor adverse impact if the closures are sensitively phased, temporary viewing areas or platforms introduced and contractors are encouraged to consider these issues in the contract process.

7.4.2.2 Operation An increase in visitor numbers will result in an increase in associated revenue to the local area. The ECOTEC report identifies the following activities:

• Moored boats. It is assumed that there will be no permanent berths.

• Trail Boats. ECOTEC suggest that there will be 150 trail boats p.a.

• Hire Boats. It is assumed that no holiday or day hire boats operate on the canal in the first year, but this will rise to 175 boating days p.a. by year 5

• Trip Boats. ECOTEC assumed a new trip boat operating an intensified service; with 3000 passenger days in year 0, rising to 6000 in year 5

• Canoeing. ECOTEC assume initial levels of usage will be half that of the Kennet and Avon canal (which has a similar population density around it), which is 1800 visitor days p.a. It is expected to rise to the same level as the Kennet and Avon in year 5; 3600 visitor days p.a.

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• Angling. Activity is initially assumed to be half of that on the Kennet and Avon (1600 visitor days), doubling by year 5.

• Cycling. ECOTEC assume that an additional 50 cyclists per day will use the multi-user path in year 0, rising by 1% each year.

• Informal Visits. British Waterways assumed that this section of the canal would have 67% usage of the Kennet and Avon, which equates to 240,000 visitor days per year. This is expected to rise by 2.5% p.a. It is assumed that 10% of these visitors would be overnight visitors.

Table 7.10 below sets out the average expenditure by user type. These figures have been used to generate the estimated overall economic impact related to tourism. (Data has been inflation adjusted were appropriate)

Visitor Type Expenditure Expend- Source/Rationale Category iture Moored Boats Boat Boat running costs £927.91 Private Boating Price – Related Expenditure (excl. Licence fee & Demand Study, 1997 moorings) per annum (BW/EA), Inflated Mooring fees per £1500- Private Boating Price – annum £2200 Demand Study, 1997 (BW/EA), Inflated Moored Boats: Non- Non-cruising visits £11.74 BW Log Book Survey, cruising Visits spend per visit 1993, Inflated Moored Boats: Mean spend per £10.06 BW Log Book Survey, Cruising Trips person/day - Private 1993, Inflated Visiting Boats: Mean spend per £14.19 Hire Boat Survey, 1991 Cruising Trips person/day - Hire inflated Hire Boats Av. Cost/hire (£s) £811.64 Shoulder rates for 7-day hire of 4 berth boat Cruising spend per £14.19 Hire Boat Survey, 1991 person per day inflated Trip Boats Average cost per trip £5.31 Average cost based on BW System Day Boats Boat Hire cost per day £55.90 Based on Day boat operations on BW System Cruising spend per £11.73 UKDVS 2002/3 ‘water person per day with boats’ category Canoeing Visitor spend per visit £3.41 BW owners of Unpowered Boats Survey 1995, Inflated Angling Visitor spend per trip £6.93 BW Survey of Individual (incl. travel/permits) Anglers, 1996 inflated Cycling Visitor spend per trip £7.47 BW K&A Towpath Survey (incl. travel/permits) 2005

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Visitor Type Expenditure Expend- Source/Rationale Category iture Informal Visitors Visitor spend per trip £4.87 BW Day Visit Survey 2004 Overnight (Holiday) Visitor spend per day £58.63 UK Tourism Survey 2004 Visitors (incl. travel/ accommodation) UK Tourism Survey 2004 Source: British Waterways/ECOTEC/Atkins

Table 7.10: Summary of Expenditure by user type

Using these figures, the total visitor spend in year 0 is estimated to be £2,515,120, rising to £3,028,597 in year 5. Not all of this spend will be additional or local. The local economic impacts on the study area depend on four issues:

1) The extent to which the expenditure is incurred within the North Wiltshire/Cotswold District area. This clearly depends on a range of factors including, of course, the capacity of the local economy to supply the goods and services concerned. The assumptions made in the ECOTEC report are that:  Even by Year 5 only 10 per cent of expenditure on boat purchase will be focussed within the study area; but 90 per cent of the remaining expenditure will be incurred within the area.

2) Again, the ECOTEC report makes the assumption that all of the boat purchase expenditure is additional and:

 An average of 70 per cent of all other expenditure – except that by informal recreational users – is additional;  30 per cent of the expenditure by both local informal recreational users and staying visitors is additional.

3) The scale of the activity which is generated by the additional spend. This in turn depends on a variety of factors :

 The pattern of spend by category; 1 direct job will be supported per £32,000 of visitor spend,  The extent of the various ‘spin-off’ downstream effects which will be created as a consequence. The ECOTEC’s assumption was that is these can be captured through a multiplier of 1.230; 4) The extent to which other local activity is displaced as a result. ECOTEC’s assumption was that as most of the activity involved will be in sectors such as hotels and catering which tend to be relatively low paid, most of the additional employees will tend to be marginal labour market participants – such as teenagers or others who would not otherwise have been in the labour market, rather than employees drawn from other firms. Accordingly, we have not made any quantitative allowance for this effect, though note it as a potential issue.

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The total additional local spend is estimated to be £1,205,496, which represents approximately 1.06% of the baseline visitor spend in the District. This equates 251,127 additional visitors and 38 additional jobs.

Four ‘gateway sites’ have been identified as key access points for visitors following the canal restoration.

• Gateway Centre by the Spine Road Bridge – Primary Site • Kempsford – Secondary Site • Cricklade – Secondary Site • Latton marina* – Secondary site

* It seems likely that a marina will be created near Latton where there are good links with the A419 which would create a new visitor access point.

No analysis has been undertaken to estimate how many visitors might arrive at each location, or what associated transport infrastructure might be required to accommodate the growth in visitors at these gateway locations. It is likely that increased public car parking provision should be made at these areas, along with improved access to these sites by cycling, walking and public transport. Whilst there are clearly positive impacts in terms of increased economic benefits to the local economy, these could be outweighed by the adverse transport impacts of unplanned, increased visitor numbers.

The overall impact is judged to be negligible, although this could be improved to be moderate beneficial if visitor transport to the gateway sites is properly modelled and managed as part of the individual scheme assessments.

7.4.3 Population & Housing 7.4.3.1 Construction phase There will be localised disruption to residential communities during the construction phase. However, this is judged to have a negligible impact beyond the sum of its parts; any significant impacts will be identified in site-specific level 2 Environmental Statements.

7.4.3.2 Operation Given the rural nature of this section of canal, it is only in Latton and Kempsford that there is the possibility of additional housing as a result of the restoration.

This is judged to have a negligible impact, although it could have a minor beneficial impact if the development is appropriately phased and the local population is properly catered for.

7.4.4 Community Cohesion & Social Capital 7.4.4.1 Construction phase

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The Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) was set up in 1972 (as the Stroudwater Canal Society), and now has a membership of over 7500. Through the CCT, the restoration will provide wide-ranging volunteering opportunities for the local community both during construction and operation.

There are also opportunities for individuals to receive training as part of their volunteering tasks. Examples of training courses include archaeology, ecology, coppicing, hurdle making, masonry and volunteer management. Training needs will be linked to local colleges such as the Royal Agricultural University and Cirencester College to assist with their recruitment and supply of courses.

The extent of outreach initiatives is fully documented in the CCT’s Community Participation Strategy and Volunteering Strategy. Regular volunteering numbers are approximately 20% of Trust membership which continues to grow.

7.4.4.2 Operation The canal has the potential to act as a significant focal point for social interaction in the local area. In order to make best use of this, places to stop and talk need to be built into the scheme. This may include benches, play areas or places to eat and drink.

As mentioned above, there will be ongoing volunteering opportunities after construction. This will include organising community events, which would in themselves have a positive impact on community cohesion.

The baseline evidence (section 7.3.4) shows that Wiltshire already benefits from a stronger than average community spirit. This may result in the community being more active in community development initiatives and therefore more willing to participate in volunteering opportunities and community events related to the canal.

Overall, the restoration is judged to have a moderate beneficial impact both during construction and operation.

7.4.5 Health & Wellbeing 7.4.5.1 Construction phase During construction there will be some loss of access to the towpath, which serves as a walking and cycling amenity for many people. There may also be some minor health impacts related to air quality during construction. These will be evaluated in specific scheme assessments where appropriate.

This is judged to have a minor adverse impact if the works are sensitively phased and contractors are encouraged to consider these issues in the contract process, as alternative walking and cycling routes are available.

7.4.5.2 Operation The project will result in 16 km of fully accessible multi user trail. This will provide a significant facility to improve the health and well-being of local people and visitors to the canal.

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The restored canal will also provide opportunities for other recreational activities, including angling and boating. Having local recreational facilities is likely to provide opportunities to improve the well-being of many local people.

The restoration will also provide beauty and tranquillity, also important for well- being. Overall, this is judged to have a moderate beneficial impact.

7.4.6 Crime & Safety Construction phase Often construction sites are magnets for vandalism and criminal activity. Safety will also be a major consideration. Best practice guidance (see section 8.6 – Water chapter for details) will be followed in order to manage these risks. This is judged to be a minor adverse impact.

Operation As stated in 7.4.2, the restoration will lead to an increase in visitor numbers. It is generally accepted that a busier environment is one where the fear of crime is reduced. There will be further options to provide appropriate safety lighting, particularly at gateway sites, whilst not having adverse impacts in terms of energy use and light pollution. Overall, the project is considered to have minor beneficial effects.

7.5 Mitigation Measures

7.5.1 Economics and employment A local labour agreement will enhance the positive impact to the local economy during the construction phase of development.

7.5.2 Tourism and leisure Transport modelling and improved access at gateway sites, to be identified at a scheme specific level, will help to mitigate against the potential adverse impacts of excess traffic to the area.

7.5.3 Population and housing Any new housing should be phased to meet RSS targets over time. New housing should reach the highest possible standards for sustainability, including reaching the Lifetime home standard to reflect the local ageing population.

7.5.4 Community cohesion and social capital An Eastern Canal Consultative Group involving local Parish Councils and stakeholders has been meeting for some years. Further consultation with local stakeholders will take place as the project develops to enable the local community to be part of the decision making process.

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7.5.5 Health and wellbeing Providing cycling and walking networks between the canal and key strategic locations, such as railway stations and schools, will encourage active travel and enhance the health benefits of the new multi-user path.

Phasing the project appropriately during construction and encouraging contractors to consider these issues in the contract process will help to reduce any negative health impacts at that stage.

7.5.6 Crime and safety Following best practice guidance during construction will help to mitigate against any potential issues at that stage. Ensuring appropriate lighting and open spaces to avoid dark corners will help to reduce the fear of crime during operation.

7.6 Residual Effects There will be a minor negative impact due to the closure of the towpath during construction, which will impact on health, well-being and community cohesion. There will also be no disruption to existing businesses in terms of access and relocation. There will be numerous positive residual effects, in terms of providing a community and visitor attraction, and an increase in revenue and jobs to the local economy, as set out in detail in section 7.4 above.

7.7 Conclusion This chapter gives an overview of the social and economic context of North Wiltshire and the canal corridor, and the likely impacts of canal restoration on the social and economic well-being of the local community.

During construction, there will be both negative and positive socio-economic impacts. Additional jobs in the construction sector will have local economic benefits, assuming local procurement takes place. The construction phase may cause disruption for businesses along the canal, however any disruption should be kept to a minimum through mitigation identified in Level 2 Environmental Assessments. There will be a temporary loss of access to the towpath, which is a community amenity – this impact can be minimised through sensitive phasing.

The completed restoration will provide an important local facility and an attraction for visitors. It is estimated that increased visitor levels will bring an additional £1.2 million to the area annually. Visitor numbers and travel will have to be carefully managed at a scheme specific level to ensure that disruption to local residents is minimised.

The volunteering opportunities that will present themselves both during the construction and operation will help to create a greater sense of community and provide important training for local people.

As discussed in part throughout, there are some impacts that cross some of the boundaries of the headings above. All of the impacts as they relate to the

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Performance Indicators set out in Wiltshire’s Local Area Agreement are set out in Table 7.11 below.

Priority Outcome Performance Indicators Impact of (Designated indicators are Canal marked *) Restoration Vulnerable children and young people NI 57 – Children & young Minor beneficial have improved life chances by people’s participation in high- maximising their own potential for quality PE & sport* safe, healthy, happy and successful lives Increase the number and quality of NI 151 – Overall employment Beneficial jobs rate (Working age)* To improve the supply of affordable NI 159 – Supply of ready to Minor beneficial housing develop housing sites* To contribute to the reduction of NI 8 – Adult participation in Minor beneficial obesity levels sport and active recreation* Supporting independence, health and NI 141 – Percentage of Negligible wellbeing for vulnerable people vulnerable people achieving independent living More resilient communities NI 186 – Per capita reduction Minor beneficial in CO2 emissions in the LA area* More Resilient Natural & Built NI 188 – Planning to adapt to Minor beneficial Environment climate change* Improved quality of life for people in NI 5 – Overall/general Minor beneficial the most disadvantaged satisfaction with local area* neighbourhoods People and communities will be NI 1 - % of people who Negligible treated with fairness and equality; believe people from different discrimination will be eliminated and backgrounds get on well diversity valued; communities will be together in their local area more cohesive and inclusive with a shared future for all Service providers more responsive to NI 4 - % of people who feel Negligible community needs resulting in they can influence decisions improved service delivery, by in their locality* empowering local people to have a greater choice & influence over local decision-making and in service delivery Reduce the harm caused by illegal NI 42 – Perceptions of drug Negligible drugs and by alcohol use or drug dealing as a problem Build respect in communities and NI 17 Perceptions of anti- Negligible

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Priority Outcome Performance Indicators Impact of (Designated indicators are Canal marked *) Restoration reduce anti-social behaviour social behaviour Build respect in communities and LI 25 – The number of Minor beneficial reduce anti-social behaviour incidents of anti-social behaviour To reduce crime and the fear of crime NI 20 – Assault with injury Negligible crime rate* To reduce crime and the fear of crime NI 111 – First time entrants Negligible to the Youth Justice System aged 10-17*

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8 Water Quality, Resources and Flood Risk

8.1 Purpose This chapter considers the existing conditions of surface and ground water resources in proximity to the proposed reconstruction of the Thames & Severn Canal, Phase 2, in relation to quantity, level and quality. It considers the sensitivity of baseline conditions and assesses the potential impacts from both construction and operational activities. Mitigation measures are identified and residual impacts are presented.

Section 8.2 The legislative context of the scheme; Section 8.3 Baseline conditions Section 8.4 Flooding impacts Section 8.5 Canal water supply Section 8.6 Water quality considerations Section 8.7 Restoration timetable Section 8.8 Summary assessment of construction impacts Section 8.9 Summary assessment of operational impacts

8.2 Legislative Context The water environment in the UK is protected by legal and planning instruments. This is to ensure that proposed and existing activities do not compromise water resources used for public water supply as well as the natural environment.

This section reviews the relevant planning and legislative context and illustrates the legal and policy instruments that have been used to guide this assessment.

8.2.1 European Legislation Directive 2000/60/EC (OJ:L327/1/2000) Establishing a Framework for Community Action in the Field of Water Policy This Directive is commonly referred to as the Water Framework Directive (WFD). It replaces existing Directives related to the water environment and makes EU water policy clear and consistent throughout the Member States. The WFD came into force with its publication in the Official Journal of the European Commission on December 22nd 2000.

The WFD imposes an obligation on each Member State to undertake activities that enable each surface and ground water body to attain at least ‘Good Ecological Status’ by 2015. This characterisation is dependent on ecological and chemical assessment procedures that are currently being developed. Artificial and heavily modified water bodies such as canals are required to achieve ‘Good Ecological Potential’ (GEP) by 2015, when assessed in the same way. Allowance is made for the past physical modifications that have been made.

The implementation procedure of the WFD is as follows:

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• Identify and characterise river basin districts. Within the WFD this is timetabled for 4 years after the entry into the Directive (2004);

• Establishment of environmental monitoring programmes to be implemented 6 years after entry into the Directive (2006); and

• Preparation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) for each river basin district 9 years after entry into the Directive (2009). These plans describe each river basin, the issues facing the river basin and a programme of measures designed to address the issues.

New physical modifications can be considered to water bodies that may cause failure to reach Good Ecological Status or GEP as long as all practicable mitigation is adopted; the reason for the modification is set out in the RBMP, where there is an overriding public interest, benefit to the environment and/or society associated with the modification.

Within this assessment the following aspects of the WFD are addressed:

• The characterisation of the surface and ground water bodies in the vicinity of the project; and

• Any failure to achieve good status or potential can be justified under Article 4.7 of the Directive.

Directive 2006/118/EC (OJ: L372/19/2006/) on the Protection of Groundwater Against Pollution and Deterioration

This Directive is commonly referred to as The Groundwater Directive. It is a ‘daughter’ directive of the WFD and focuses on achieving the goal of ‘good’ status for all groundwater and groundwater bodies.

The Directive prescribes concentrations of contaminants that should not be exceeded. However, good status can be attained when these values are exceeded if there is no significant environmental risk, the requirements of the WFD are being met or the ability of the groundwater to support human uses has not been significantly impaired.

The Groundwater Directive prescribes that after the status of a groundwater body has been established, measures have to be implemented in order to sustain good status, improve the status of groundwater with a lower status and to reverse trends of rising contamination within groundwater bodies that currently have good status. This Directive was fully implemented in 2009 and is due to be replaced by Environmental Permitting Regulations in December 2013.

Consideration of groundwater resources, during the design and construction of the canal, is strengthened by this Directive.

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8.2.2 National Legislation In England and Wales, the preservation of the natural water environment is supported by a comprehensive set of mutually compatible legislation. This legislation conveys a significant amount of power onto the EA and local authorities to regulate against inappropriate development, inputs and outputs from the water environment.

8.2.2.1 Environment Act 1995 The Environment Agency (EA) was established by Part 1 of the Environment Act (1995), which brought together Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution, the National Rivers Authority and the Waste Regulation Authorities, as a single body with the aim of achieving sustainable development and coordinating improvements in environmental protection.

Under this Act the EA has the following duties:

• Contribute to sustainable development;

• Responsible for matters related to flood defences, for rivers demarcated as ‘main’ and groundwater;

• Compile information related to pollution and follow developments in technology and techniques; and

• Implement procedures for the identification, investigation and remediation of contaminated land.

Although the EA is a member of the Cotswold Canals Partnership they still have to be satisfied that the canal restoration process is in accordance with their overall aims in terms of sustainability and environmental protection.

8.2.2.2 Water Resources Act 1991 Water resource management within the UK is underpinned by the Water Resources Act 1991. Under this act the EA have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

• To form and maintain water management schemes;

• To impose minimum acceptable flow, level or volume conditions on watercourses and water bodies;

• To monitor watercourses, restrict abstractions and impose drought orders;

• To consent discharges into inland freshwater, groundwater, estuaries and the sea;

• To identify the extent of flood plains, washlands and other land liable to flood;

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• To control and license works undertaken in, over or under any watercourse;

• To regulate fisheries; and

• To undertake works or action to remove, dispose or remediate polluting matter in order to restore the state of ecological and chemical status of a watercourse.

It is under the responsibilities of this Act that Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) have been undertaken. These characterise the water resources of each catchment throughout England and Wales and are used to decide on new abstraction applications within each catchment. Therefore the provision of water to the restored canal is subject to license.

It will have to be ensured that the construction and operation of the restored canal does not cause pollution of any water body.

In addition, a Section 109 agreement is required from the EA in order to undertake works, in accordance with this Act.

8.2.2.3 Land Drainage Act 1991 and 1994 This further restricts activities undertaken at watercourses. It allows the relevant authority to undertake or allow works on watercourses for the purposes of improving drainage and reducing flood risk, whilst preserving conservation and recreational value.

8.2.2.4 Water Act 2003 This Act amends the Water Resources and Water Industry Acts in order to improve the sustainability of water management in the UK.

Under this Act water abstraction licensing has become more comprehensive and as such a greater amount of the abstractions managed by organisations such as the former British Waterways will require formal licensing. In the past abstractions have been able to operate without the need for a formal licence due to the original Canal Enabling Acts and exemptions in the Water Resources Act 1963, however, new abstractions have always been discussed with the regulatory authority. The overall principles for supplying water for the restored canal have already been discussed and the constraints are understood.

8.2.2.5 Private Water Supplies Regulations 1992 The Private Water Supplies Regulations came into force on the 1st January 1992 and address the quality of water from private supplies in England and Wales for drinking, washing, cooking or food protection purposes. The Regulations supplement Chapter III of the Water Industry Act 1991. The responsibility for enforcing the Private Water Supplies Regulations lies with the Local Authorities.

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8.2.2.6 Planning Policy Context Local Authorities are required to compile Local Development Frameworks (LDF), to describe how planning policy is going to be delivered in a local area. The LDFs have to take account of flood risk and this is facilitated by commissioning Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRA). The results of this actually quantify the flood risk of the land within the local area. Flood risk from rivers is characterised using the EA flood zone criteria, whereby land determined to have a probability of flooding that is greater than 0.1% in any given year, otherwise referred to as the 0.1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) (equivalent to the 1 in 1000 year return period), is classified as flood Zone 1. Land calculated to have a probability of flooding between 0.1% AEP and 1% AEP (equivalent to the 1 in 100 year return period) is classified as Zone 2 and locations with a probability of flooding that is greater than the 1% AEP is classified Zone 3.

In December 2006 the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published PPS 25 - Development and Flood Risk - Practice Guide, in association with enactment of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act. This document requires development proposals in excess of 1 hectare, located within flood Zone 1 and all developments located in flood Zones 2 and 3 to be assessed in terms of a site specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). In the first instance PPS 2510 prescribes that the ‘Sequential Test’ is undertaken. To satisfy the sequential test it must be demonstrated that the site being considered for development is located in the lowest flood risk area available. If after consideration of different sites the proposed site is still located within flood Zones 2 or 3, the ‘Exception Test’ has to be applied. The exception test can be satisfied by:

• Demonstrating that the development can contribute wider sustainability objectives;

• The development is on developable, previously developed land or, if the land has not been previously developed no alternative sites exist; or

• The development will be safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere.

On certain land use, proposals can be considered in flood Zone 3. This flood zone is further categorised. The functional floodplain, referred to as 3b, defined as the area that actively conveys floodwaters, should only be considered for water compatible land uses and essential infrastructure. Land located with a 1% AEP of flooding but not thought to be within the functional floodplain can be considered for the land uses listed in Table D2 within PPS2510 after the sequential and exception tests have been satisfied.

Site specific FRAs (Flood Risk Analysis) will be undertaken at locations of high risk. These SFRA can then be used to satisfy the planning authority of the risk presented along the entire reach. At this time it is anticipated that FRAs will be required for the stretches of the canal located in the vicinity of :

• The new Latton Lock

• The new crossing of the A419

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• The new crossing of the C124 Kempsford road

• The reconstruction of the Ampney Brook aqueduct

• The reconstruction of the Meysey Brook aqueduct

• The reinstatement of the missing canal sections between Meysey Brook aqueduct and Kempsford

• The new canal through Kempsford

The specific FRAs will be carried out in conjunction with the detailed scheme designs are produced for each section.

Planning guidance produced in association with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act also exists in relation to pollution. The National Planning Policy Framework ensures that the risk of pollution from development is considered and prevented at the planning stage.

8.3 Baseline Conditions 8.3.1 Geographical Introduction Phase 2 of the Thames & Severn Canal lies entirely within the valley of the upper River Thames, from its source to Inglesham, and in parts within the valleys of its northern tributaries the Churn, Ampney Brook and Meysey Brook. The landscape here is flat, the canal itself falls 12.2m over a distance of 16 km within the length of Phase 2.

The upper Thames catchment, on the dip slope of the Cotswolds, is composed of Oolitic limestone, overlain in its lower reaches with clays and gravels deposited by retreating ice sheets. Many of these deposits are, or will be, worked commercially, and these workings leave behind an extensive series of shallow lakes (the Cotswold Water Park) now being used for recreation.

The canal itself roughly follows the boundary between the Kemble Forrest Marble and Burford Jurassic geologies. The canal runs to the north of, and more or less parallel to, the Thames. The land is generally flat, the Thames falling about 6.5m between Cricklade and Lechlade, a distance measured along the river of about 20 km

The Thames and its tributaries in this region have a flow dominated by exchange with ground waters. The Churn receives some flow from urban runoff from Cirencester. Peak flows follow extended periods or rain when the water table is at or only just below ground level, historically in late winter.

The landscape along the route of the canal is almost entirely rural with much of this being farmland. It passes three villages, Cerney Wick, Latton and Kempsford, and also many sites of existing and proposed gravel workings. The completed gravel workings are mostly left behind as lakes. The upper reaches of the Phase 2 canal lie in sub-catchment 29750, from the Spine Road bridge

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(Wildmoorway Lower Lock) down to the Meysey Brook aqueduct, and from there downstream to its junction with the Thames at Inglesham Lock, it lies within sub-catchment 22990. (see Appendix F, Figure 3)

The canal itself is in varying states of repair, as outlined in the rest of this paragraph, and in more detail in Section 8.3.2. From Wildmoorway Lower lock, past Cerney Wick lock to the site of the junction with the abandoned North Wilts Canal, and slightly beyond, it is merely overgrown. From here to just beyond the C124 Kempsford road turnoff from the A419 , the canal has been completely lost due to the re-alignment of the A419. Then there is an overgrown stretch past Eisey lock and Rucks Bridge as far as the (abandoned) Meysey aqueduct. From here to High (Green Lane) Bridge east of Kempsford the canal has been mostly filled in by agricultural improvement. The final stretch to Inglesham is badly overgrown but basically extant.

As mandated by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Environment Agency has characterised the water bodies of relevance to the canal as follows in Table 8.1:

Name Waterbody ID Type Class (prefix of GB1060390 omitted) Thames, Churn to 22990 River Natural Colne Meysey brook 23860 River Natural Churn, Baunton to 29750 River Natural Cricklade Ampney and 30300 River Natural Poulton brooks Thames & Severn Canal Untyped / not yet classified Table 8.1 - EA Waterbodies and the Canal

8.3.2 Reach-by-Reach Descriptions The following paragraphs describe the general setting and condition of the Thames & Severn Canal proposed under Phase 2, divided up into reaches which may be treated as a single concern either from flooding or water quality impacts. The reaches are numbered for reference within this report, and are summarised in Table 8.2 below. The descriptions should be read in conjunction with Figure 1 in Appendix D.

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Reach Reach Pound Upstream Reach Design Minimum Ref. Description Reference end Length, TWL, Design No. Name Chainage, m m AOD Top-of- m Bank Level, m AOD 1 Spine Road Bridge Cerney 16774 1462 83.55 84.05 (Wildmoorway Wick Lower lock) to Cerney Wick Lock 2 Cerney Wick lock Latton 15312 1680 81.72 82.22 to Latton Lock 3 Latton Lock to Eysey 13632 1215 78.87 79.37 C124 Bridge 4 C124 Bridge to Eysey 12417 1056 78.87 79.37 Ampney Brook Aqueduct 5 Ampney Brook Eysey 11361 1445 78.87 79.37 Aqueduct to Eisey Lock 6 Eisey Lock to Dudgrove 9916 1222 76.74 77.14 Meysey Brook Aqueduct 7 Meysey Brook Dudgrove 8694 3508 76.74 77.14 Aqueduct to Kempsford 8 Kempsford to Dudgrove 5186 4248 76.74 77.14 Dudgrove Double Lock 9 Dudgrove Double Inglesham 938 938 73.23 73.73 Lock to Inglesham Lock 10 Inglesham Lock to Thames 0 50 71.35 71.85 the Thames Table 8.2 - Canal Reaches:

Notes: i. Chainages and distances assume the replacement canal from Latton Lock to the Kempsford Road Bridge is constructed according to the British Waterways proposals.

ii. Chainages are elsewhere measured along the centreline of the original canal, even though it has now disappeared in some places and may well be reconstructed on an altered alignment.

iii. Chainages to locks are measured to the lower set of gates.

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8.3.2.1 Spine Road Bridge (Wildmoorway Lower lock) to Cerney Wick Lock (1.46 km) The canal is still extant over this section, although not full of water, and overgrown in places. The towpath and offside banks have settled in places and are lower than their original levels and by so much that the canal could not be refilled to its original level.

It runs here in the flood plain of, and parallel with, the River Churn which has shown a marked improvement in its water quality in recent years.

The Churn also provides a gravity flow to the canal at times of high flow via a channel alongside Wildmoorway lane.

The Cerney Wick pound is supplied by a small stream (the Wildmoorway Feeder) which is culverted under the Spine Road adjacent to the canal bridge on the north side.

The level in this pound is regulated by a weir half way along its length which discharges to a minor parallel channel that then flows into the river Churn and by the lock bypass weir. The latter needs to be modified to be more like the original design as it has inadequate capacity at present.

8.3.2.2 Reach 2 - Cerney Wick lock to Latton Lock (1.68 km) The canal is still extant over this section but overgrown. The towpath and offside banks are in a poor state, with a number of low points and some leaks. The canal and the river Churn run close to one another near Latton Junction, and are at approximately the same level, although the Churn rarely reaches a level high enough to over top the bank separating the canal and the river..

A new lock with a bypass weir will be built near Latton to drop the canal beneath the A419.

8.3.2.3 Reach 3 - Latton Lock to C124 Bridge (1.22 km) The canal has disappeared over this length. The A419 was built over the infilled canal. The old Latton lock has been filled in and its site is on the wrong side of the modern A419. The restored canal will cross under the A419 using an existing bridge, provided when the road was built, traverse farmland to the east of the old Ermin Way and then cross under the C124 east of its junction with the A419. The canal will here be in cutting, being lowered to pass under the A419 at its upstream end. At the C124 another new bridge will be required; fortunately the road is at a high level here.

This section of the canal runs for a short length in the flood plain of the Churn, and then, after crossing under the A419, in the flood plain of the Ampney brook.

8.3.2.4 Reach 4 - C124 Bridge to Ampney Brook Aqueduct (1.06 km) A new length of canal will connect the C124 bridge crossing to the surviving original canal. Except for short a levelled section, the canal is extant over this

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stretch, but dilapidated and badly overgrown. The aqueduct has been removed and will need to be rebuilt to a suitable design.

The canal here runs through part of the flood plain of the Ampney Brook

8.3.2.5 Reach 5 - Ampney Brook Aqueduct to Eisey Lock (1.45 km) The canal here runs initially through the flood plain of the Ampney brook and then of the Meysey brook. In both cases flooding is also likely by backflow from the Thames. The northern bank of the canal forms a boundary to the predicted flooding of these streams east of the aqueduct over the Ampney brook.

The canal is mostly extant over this stretch, but dilapidated and badly overgrown.

8.3.2.6 Reach 6 - Eisey Lock to Meysey Brook Aqueduct (1.22 km) The canal here is largely extant but overgrown and was in water, until recent gravel extraction in the area. This stretch is part of the 5 mile long Dudgrove Pound, the longest pound in Phase 2. The original Meysey brook aqueduct is gone.

The canal here runs through the flood plain of the Meysey brook and the Thames.

8.3.2.7 Reach 7 - Meysey Brook Aqueduct to Kempsford (3.51 km) The canal has more or less disappeared over this stretch and was levelled for agricultural use many years ago. Two bridges on minor roads north of Castle Eaton have been demolished. At Kempsford village the canal is visible past housing, but has been filled in at the eastern end, and the bridge under the Hannington road has gone.

This stretch is in the flood plain of the river Thames. At Kempsford the canal line runs for 1 km within 100m of the river.

8.3.2.8 Kempsford to Dudgrove Double Lock (4.25 km) A significant proportion of the canal is extant over this stretch, but dilapidated and badly overgrown. The remainder has been levelled and/or filled in.

This stretch is mostly north of the flood plain of the Thames.

8.3.2.9 Dudgrove Double Lock to Inglesham Lock (0.94 km) The canal is extant over this stretch, but dilapidated and overgrown but is blocked by two recent farm crossings.

This stretch is within the flood plain of the rivers Coln and Thames

8.3.2.10 Inglesham Lock to the Thames (about 50m) This short stretch of the canal is contiguous with the Thames. It is in reasonable condition but a new boat landing stage will be needed to allow boat crews to

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disembark to operate the lock on arrival or to embark having locked down .This will be on the north side so as to avoid the residential property on the south side.

8.4 Flooding Impacts 8.4.1 Surface Water Impacts The general situation with respect to flooding of the area around Phase 2 of the canal is shown in Figure 2 (Appendix E). Flood levels at six locations were provided by the Environment Agency, and these are shown in the following Table 8.3 for comparison with the design water levels in the restored canal. It should be noted that the flood levels quoted here are based on modelling exercises carried out by the EA, and should only be taken as indicative.

Flood Data OS Grid Modelled 1 Adjacent Canal Canal Point Reference in 100 year Canal Pound Pound flood Pound Top-of- Working levels, m Bank, m TWL, m AOD AOD AOD 1 SU 075 967 81.4 Cerney Wick 84.05 83.55 2 SU 090 952 80.2 Latton 82.22 81.72 3 SU 107 945 78.92 Eysey 79.37 78.87 4 SU 133 964 76.24 Dudgrove 77.14 76.74 5 SU 173 967 74.33 Dudgrove 77.14 76.74 6 SU 203 984 73.34 Inglesham 73.73 73.23 Table 8.3 - Flood Levels and Embankment Heights

In preparing the above table, it has been assumed that all pounds will be restored with a bank top height at least equal to the working canal TWL plus 0.5m. If the Cotswold Canals water transfer scheme proposed in Thames Water's dWRMP 2015-40 does go ahead, then bank levels will need to be reconsidered.

The impact on, and of, the individual reaches is discussed in the following paragraphs:

8.4.1.1 Spine Road Bridge (Wildmoorway Lock) to Cerney Wick Lock (1.46 km) The existing canal requires only minor restoration here, so the revised flooding impact will be minimal. The south western bank of the canal, the towpath side, already defines the north eastern extent of the flood plain of the river Churn at this point. It is about 2.5 m above the predicted flood level at Flood Data Point 1 (see Figure 2) and 3.8 m above flood level at Flood Data Point 2.

No adverse impact is expected from restoration

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8.4.1.2 Cerney Wick Lock to Latton Lock (1.68 km) The banks along this stretch are in poor condition in places, and rebuilding them to their original height will bring their top elevation above the predicted 1 in 100 year flood level. As for the section above, the canal already forms the north eastern boundary of the flood plain, and this bounding action will be even better defined once the banks are restored. No adverse impact is expected from restoration

8.4.1.3 Latton Lock to C124 Bridge (1.22 km) The future Latton Lock will have to built on the south western side of the A419 to lower the canal water level sufficiently to pass beneath the A419 (through a culvert installed when the road was built). This will make the canal water level about 1.4m below the predicted flood level to the south west of the A419, and it will therefore be necessary to continue the towpath and offside banks at a higher level than normal from Latton Lock to the A419. This will also prevent the culvert from contributing flood water via the canal to the agricultural land on the north eastern side of the A419.

Once the canal has passed below the A419, it traverses an area where the current ground level is more or less outside the 1 in 100 year flood zone, up to the point where it passes under the C124 Kempsford road, again via a future bridge.

Restoration will have a manageable impact and is likely to result in a modest increase in flood plain storage.

8.4.1.4 C124 Bridge to Ampney Brook Aqueduct (1.06 km) This section of the canal is all within the 1 in 100 year flood zone, subject to flooding from both the Ampney Brook and the River Thames. Restoration of the canal may divide up the existing flood plain to a greater extent than it does already, and a more detailed study will be required of the actual impact. The design level of the canal banks will provide at least 0.4m freeboard above the flood level, and depending upon the source of flood water, either the Thames or the Ampney Brook, they will tend to confine flooding to the south or north of the canal respectively.

The restoration of the Ampney Brook aqueduct will also have to take into account the likely volume of flood water brought down that stream. Impacts of restoration will need detailed study including the effect of any flood water entering the canal propagating down it.

8.4.1.5 Ampney Brook Aqueduct to Eisey Lock (1.45 km) The northern bank of the canal currently appears to form the southern boundary to the flood plain between the Ampney and Meysey Brooks. The restored canal along this stretch will have a finished bank level at least 0.4m above the highest 1 in 100 year flood, at the western end of this stretch. No adverse impact is expected from the restoration.

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8.4.1.6 Eisey Lock to Meysey Brook Aqueduct (1.22 km) For the first 900m of this stretch, the canal continues to form the southern boundary of the flood plain between the Ampney and Meysey Brooks. The remainder of this stretch, 320m, is shown on the EA flood map as being within the 1 in 100 year flood zone, and the restored bank level is expected to be about 0.3m higher than flood level. No adverse impact is expected from the restoration, but care will be needed to ensure that the canal does not become a conduit for flood waters.

The restoration of the Meysey Brook aqueduct will also have to take into account the likely volume of flood water brought down by this brook.

8.4.1.7 Meysey brook Aqueduct to Kempsford (3.51 km) From the aqueduct to Oatlands bridge, a distance of 2.14 km, the course of the original canal lies within the 1 in 100 year flood zone, flooding being mostly due to the Thames. The canal has almost completely disappeared here, being filled in level with, or sometimes slightly higher than, the adjacent agricultural land. Restoration of the canal and its banks will potentially reduce the extent of the available flood plain and interrupt the spread of flood waters. It may be possible to mitigate the loss of flood plain area by installing aqueducts beneath the canal if positions can be found that allow for maintenance. Further studies will be needed here before restoration begins.

From Oatlands Bridge to Kempsford, a distance of 1.37 km, the canal forms the northern boundary of the Thames flood plain.

At the design stage, care will be needed to ensure that any opportunity for flood water to enter the canal and propagate eastwards to cause potential flooding problems in the Kempsford area is avoided.

8.4.1.8 Kempsford to Dudgrove Double Lock (4.25 km) Here the canal either forms the northern boundary of, or lies outside, the 1 in 100 year flood zone of the Thames. No adverse impact is expected from the restoration.

8.4.1.9 Dudgrove Double Lock to Inglesham Lock (0.94 km) This stretch lies entirely within the 1 in 100 year flood zone. The canal is extant over this length although its banks have suffered some erosion.

Currently, the banks are about at the predicted 1 in 100 year flood level. Following restoration they will be about 300mm above this flood level, and a further study will be required to demonstrate that flood flows are not impeded.

8.4.1.10 Inglesham Lock to the Thames (~50 m) Restoring the canal here will not change the current situation.

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8.4.2 Groundwater Impacts By their nature canals are maintained reasonably water-tight as keeping them full is a major operational consideration. The Phase 2 length of the Cotswold Canals was not, historically, a difficult canal to keep watered as is evidenced by the surviving locks still being 90ft long, having not been shortened to save water unlike those nearer the summit

Low levels of groundwater are not particularly problematic for a well-sealed canal, but levels higher than the normal canal top water level can be very detrimental. When routed through permeable ground, canals are usually waterproofed by being clay lined. This lining can be disrupted by the reverse pressure gradient that occurs when the ground water table is above the canal water level.

The canal top water level in Phase 2 of the restoration is generally at original ground level, because the canal construction was 'material neutral', i.e. the material excavated from the cut was piled up to form the banks. It is also generally the case that the canal on a slight embankment upstream of locks, and in cutting downstream of them. There is noticeable cutting works east of Kempsford at Brazen Church Hill.

The re-alignment at Latton will necessitate putting the canal in a cutting east of, and parallel to, the A419 over a distance of about 1 km. The canal water level will be below the surrounding ground with the greatest difference being at the Latton end. Further studies of the water table and ground permeability will be required in this area, and appropriate engineering mitigation measures may be required. These may involve under-drainage of the lined canal, or an artificially heavy lining able to withstand the back pressure. There is the potential for assisting Natural England in the management of ground waters on the North Meadow SSSI by providing a point of drainage at a lower level than the meadow. It is understood that high ground water levels, which seem to have tended to rise over the years as a result of gravel extraction upstream, could damage some of the rare flora for which the meadow is famous.

8.5 Canal Water Supply 8.5.1 General An important environmental impact of the reconstructed canal will be on the demand for water to keep it full. The upper Thames catchment groundwater demand is already overstressed, and we have assumed that groundwater is not an available all year round source. The surface water sources are also under pressure, particularly in the summer months. These constraints point to the use of reservoirs, topped up at times when rivers exceed the hands-off-flow requirements of the relevant abstraction licence (usually in the winter months).

Leakage dominates the water usage of all canals in dry areas and, providing the source of the water is downstream of the length in question, this is potentially a non-consumptive usage. The Phase 2 length of canal either passes over clay or through gravel with a very deep basin of underlying clay under the floor of the

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valley. This hydrogeology means that the water re-enters the same groundwater system that feeds the local rivers.

8.5.2 Historical Position Historically, the summit of the Thames & Severn Canal was always short of water. Its elevation (110m AOD for the summit pound) and the nature of its supporting geology, limestone made it a constant battle to keep it full. There are few streams at an elevation higher than the canal which could be used as feeders.

The Phase 2 length did not have a reputation for water shortages but the springs and feeders that used to provide the water supply are largely gone or are unreliable in dryer periods.

The original feeders on Phase 2, as far as may be determined, are shown in Table 4 below ordered from west to east. Alternative names are given in brackets. Of the original feeders, the Coln Whelford Feeder would be difficult to restore as would the abandoned Ampney Brook Feeder. The remainder should be able to remain available as a sources of water but are all seasonal.:

Feeder Chainage Flow Notes Notes Name Wildmoorway 16645 Can be Seasonal – usually November - May substantial Cerney Wick Can be Underground culvert - Flows in Lock substantial wetter periods. Eysey 9910 Flow unknown - Regulators need to be far more has recently careful to prevent major failed in dry environmental damage being periods caused by poor design of gravel coinciding with workings. nearby gravel quarrying. Ampney This seems to have been Brook Feeder abandoned as a feeder before the (entered near canal closed. Meysey Brook) Whelford 5300 Flow unknown. Historic take-off from the River Feeder Coln near Whelford.

Sources: Recent surveys, inspection of old maps, and “Canal Feed Diagram - Historic”

Table 8.4 - Original Canal Feeders

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8.5.3 Water Requirement for Restored Canal Canals require a continuous supply of water to make up losses due to leakage and evaporation, and to replace the water needed to allow boats to navigate locks, referred to here as 'lockage'.

Estimation of losses is difficult, even on operational canals and predicting the future losses in the restored canal is doubly so, depending as it does so critically on the method of the reinstatement. There will be balances to be struck between the amount of leakage tolerated versus the cost of relining/leakage prevention and the desire to minimise the impact to the existing ecology.

There are few published estimates of leakage. The Technical Restoration Handbook: Water Management on Inland Waterways quotes an average leakage rate of 2.6 Ml/km.week, while the Water Resources Development Strategy Study for the Wilts & Berks Canal suggests a figure of 1.75 Ml/km.week. It is not clear whether the figure in the Restoration Handbook includes evaporation or not, the Development Strategy Study claims that the figure of 1.75 Ml/km.week does include evaporation. Also the Wilts & Berks Canal has a significantly smaller cross section and crosses different geology. We have adopted 2 Ml/km.week as a starting point, equivalent to 24mm/day, and allowed for evaporation in addition to this. This is similar to the figures assumed by Halcrow for the supply needed for the Phase 1A section being restored near Stroud.

The allowance for lockage is based on the formula:

‘Lockfulls used per day’ = 0.4733 x ‘Boat movements per day’ + 1.266 given in the Technical Restoration Handbook: Water Management on Inland Waterways (para 49) based on 10 to 40 boat movements per day (total of both directions) on broad canals in the north west of England. We have assumed that the yearly boat movements will be 5500, spread over 300 days, giving about 18 boat movements on average per day although clearly the highest usage will peak during the summer. This figure applies to the level of use when the whole canal is restored; significantly lower figures will apply prior to this.

Based on the following dimensions:

Item Units Canal overall length in Phase 2 16.7 km Canal average depth 1.25 m Bottom width 8 m Locks 6 (2 together number at Dudgrove) Lock dimensions 30 x 4 x 2.7 m x m x m

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And with the following assumptions:

Item Units Leakage - average of 2.6 Ml/km.week 2.6 Ml/km.week (Sutton, p.9 based on a study of 14 canals) Evaporation 500 mm/year Boat movements 5000 number

The calculated water requirements are:

Water for: Unit Leakage 1750 Ml/year Lockage 1000 Ml/year Evaporation 100 Ml/year Total 2850 Ml/year

The Cerney Wick pound is currently fed by a small feeder which enters at Spine Road Bridge (the Wildmoorway feeder). This feeder would be able to keep the pound full at times of higher rainfall, although the pound is known to be leaky. The flow regime of this feeder is known to be unreliable in the summer or during dry periods.

If the whole of the estimated annual water requirement of 2850 Ml were to come from storage, then a reservoir would need to cover 57 hectares if it had a usable depth of 5m. Back pumping of the water used to operate the locks could effectively reduce the lockage component to zero and can also be used to help offset leakage through lock gates.

The preferred reservoir location would be in the Latton area where the average annual rainfall is about 750mm, and the estimated annual evaporation from an open water surface is around 600mm per year. The whole volume of water stored in the reservoir would need to be obtained from surface water sources: The current feeders, possibly by licensed abstraction from the River Churn at times of high flow, and later on by back-pumping from the Thames - again subject to a hands-off flow requirement. Which supplies are used, and when, will be governed by licensing requirements, the need to minimise energy usage and state of the reservoirs.

Additional work is needed to establish the quantities of water available for the various sources and the times at which it will be available, together with some scenario modelling of the water usage of the canal.

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8.5.4 Water Supply Strategy for Phase 2 The preferred method of supplying water to the restored canal is from reservoirs. These will be refilled from the Rivers Churn, Ampney Brook, the Thames and/or the bottom of the Coln (for water quality reasons if necessary) at times of higher flows using the canal itself to transfer water from the sources to the reservoirs by gravity or by pumping if necessary. The reservoir(s) are likely to be sited in ex-gravel workings and will therefore need to be lined, probably with clay being the most economical method.

The actual number and location of these reservoirs is the subject of on-going discussion between the Cotswold Canals Trust and the landowners and operators of gravel extraction pits in the area. It is also desirable to restore the canal in phases, even within the overall designation of Phase 2, so that:

• further deterioration of the canal is halted

• the canal is seen to function as a recreational facility

In the earliest years and when short sections are isolated, it is hoped to reach agreement to abstract from adjacent lakes on a temporary basis. As no water will be lost to lockage downstream and leakage will replenish the source of the water, this ought to be acceptable.

Reservoirs will be brought on line as they become available, but a sustained supply from the Thames end will not be possible for several years.

The pounds making up Phase 2 are shown in Table 8.5 below:

Pound Upstream Length, Design Pound Volume, Ml Reference End m TWL, Name Chainage, m AOD M Cerney Wick 16774 1462 83.55 22 Latton 15312 1680 81.72 33 Eysey 13632 3716 78.87 45 Dudgrove 9916 8978 76.74 114 Inglesham 938 938 73.23 10 Thames 0 50 71.35 N/A Table 8.5 - Canal Pounds in Phase 2

Note: The notes on chainage measurement following Table 8.2 apply also to this table.

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8.6 Water Quality 8.6.1 Existing Surface Waters Phase 2 of the Thames & Severn Canal interfaces with four sub-catchments of the Upper Thames Catchment area, as shown in Figure 3 (Appendix F). The current state of the waterbodies affected are listed below in Table 8.6 with data abstracted from the current draft Upper Thames Catchment Management Plan:

Name Waterbody ID Ecological Classification (prefix of Classification driver GB1060390 omitted) Baseline in For info. only 2009 in 2011 Thames, 22990 Poor Poor Fish Churn to Coln Meysey 23860 Good Good Invertebrates Brook1 Churn, 29750 Bad Good Fish Baunton to Cricklade Ampney and 30300 Bad Bad Fish Poulton Brooks Thames & Severn Untyped Canal / not yet classified Table 8.6 - Sub-Catchment Quality

Note 1: Although it is apparent from the EA mapping that the canal has only a marginal interaction with the strict definition of sub-catchment 23860 - see Figure 3, we have included it here for completeness, as the canal will have to cross this stream by an aqueduct.

8.6.2 CCT Investigations The Cotswold Canals Trust has carried out some water quality determinations on the existing canal and its feeders, at the places shown in Figure 4 (Appendix G) with the results shown in the following tables 8.7 and 8.8:

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Sample Site Nitrates Phosphates Conductivity pH TDS Suspended Number Location mg/l mg/l µS ppm Sediments ppm 1 Eysey North 19.20 0.23 896 7.4 296 0.12 Feeder 2 Eisey Lock 8.00 0.00 867 7.3 291 6.83 100 m downstream 3 Feeder 2.80 0.23 932 7.5 325 3.88

4 Rucks Bridge 10.80 0.10 873 7.4 306 3.47

5 Cerney Wick 14.80 0.33 555 7.9 183 4.64 Bridge 6 Cerney Wick 6.40 0.10 616 7.5 219 7.23 100m downstream 7 Wildmoorway 0.00 0.00 491 7.6 168 15.62 Feeder 8 Spine Road 0.00 0.00 492 7.5 177 6.45 Bridge 9 County 16.80 0.00 788 7.7 278 9.90 Brook Feeder 10 100 m 7.20 0.00 617 7.7 224 10.64 downstream 11 North More 14.00 1.60 651 7.7 232 5.01 Lane 12 100 m 10.80 1.60 661 7.7 238 11.09 downstream 13 Pipe 7.20 0.23 742 7.5 260 9.78

14 Below Field 0.00 1.20 519 7.4 186 1.94 drain/Spring 15 Above Field 2.40 0.00 580 7.6 210 14.89 drain/Spring 16 Field No drain/Spring sample Table 8.7 - Water Quality - Existing Canal and Feeders - Date of Survey: 21 June 2012

Survey to look at sources of sediments and nutrients entering the canal - See Figure 4 for the location of these sampling points

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Site Sample D.O. D.O. Temp°C pH Ammonia Nitrates Phos- Conduct- TDS

No. Site % ppm as NH3 mg/l phates ivity, µS sat. mg/l mg/l 1 Churn at 98.4 10.4 13.4 7.8 0 23.6 0 426 218 Siddington 2 Northmoor 47.8 4.7 16.0 7.9 0.072 12.8 0.64 537 273 Lane 3 Lake 97 125.1 11.7 19.7 8.5 0 0.0 0 451 230

4 Coln 98.6 10.3 14.6 8.4 0 24.8 0 448 228

5 Thames 71.9 7.2 17.1 8.0 0 12.4 0 491 250 Table 8.8 - Water Quality - Potential Feeders - Date of Survey: 19 July 2012

Survey to look at potential supplies to the canal - See Figure 4 for the location of these sampling points

8.6.3 Surface Water Quality Impacts The canal influences the surrounding surface water quality:

1. at overflow weirs 2. at its junction with the Thames

The canal water is itself influenced by:

3. diffuse pollution from surrounding land 4. the quality of the feeder streams 5. the quality of water in reservoirs supplying the canal 6. the quality of pumped supplies

These points are discussed below.

8.6.3.1 Overflow Weirs Overflow weirs are necessary to limit the top water level in pounds, and prevent overtopping of the canal banks which would likely lead to disastrous erosion. Weirs may discharge either to a lower pound of the canal, or to an adjacent watercourse. It is desirable to operate the canal in such a way that overflow weirs discharging to watercourses only come into action when flood waters affect the canal - since this kind of overflow loses valuable water resources from the canal system.

Original/existing overflow weirs discharging to watercourses are shown in the following table 8.9

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Pound Chainage Receiving Notes Watercourse Cerney Wick 16+120 Churn

Latton 13.75 Churn

Meysey 8.80 Meysey Brook Brook Inglesham 0+040 Small ditch → R. Colne → R. Thames Table 8.9 – Original/Existing Overflow Weirs

Overflow weirs have the potential to contribute water of lower quality to other surface waters. This pollution may come from:

• Dissolved solids

• Suspended solids

As noted in the section above on Groundwater interactions, we do not expect that diffuse pollution will cause a significant impact on the levels of dissolved solids (nitrates and phosphates) since the canal is more or less everywhere above the level of its surroundings. However, the impact of the canal feeders will require more investigation.

There may be an impact from suspended solids, but it should be noted that the overflow weirs would normally only discharge to surface watercourses at times of general flooding, as noted above. The likely level of suspended solids is dependent on the way the canal is operated. Maintaining the design water level in the canal is important to prevent boat movements from stirring up bottom sediments.

8.6.3.2 Junction with the River Thames The junction of the Thames & Severn Canal with the River Thames at Inglesham has the potential for being an important polluting input to the river. The Kennet & Avon canal has a similar situation where the discharge from Copse Lock on that canal into the River Kennet has caused some concern. To obviate this problem on the Thames & Severn, we propose to operate this lock by back- pumping from within the lock chamber. In this way, we will minimise release of water to the Thames and conserve precious water within the canal system. Just upstream of Inglesham Lock the canal widens into a small basin which will assist with settling out solids, although a full characterisation of this will require further study.

8.6.3.3 Diffuse Pollution from Surrounding Land As noted in the section above on Groundwater interactions, we do not expect that diffuse pollution will cause a significant impact on the levels of dissolved solids (nitrates and phosphates) since the canal is more or less everywhere above the level of its surroundings.

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8.6.3.4 Quality of Canal Feeders The CCT has carried out some quality determinations on existing and proposed feeders to the canal, with the results reported in Section 8.6.2 above.

8.6.3.5 Quality of Stored Water The Cotswold Canals Trust was fortunate to be able to work with the University of Gloucestershire to provide the subject for a student dissertation on lake water quality. This was carried out in the early part of 2013 on Lake 97 in the Cotswold Water Park. This is the lake between the A419 and the Crown Inn at Cerney Wick. It is not likely that it will actually be used as a reservoir for the canal, but it is representative of the type of lake that may be used for this purpose.

This is a lake with an average depth of 3.4m and an area of about 11.3 ha. It was surveyed in February 2013, both for its topography and water chemistry. The key findings are presented in Table 8.10 below; it may be noted that there was no evidence of stratification, Dissolved Oxygen levels were high, and the N/P ratio was about 140:1 which makes eutrophication unlikely.

Variable Average Unit Document Reference Value Dissolved Oxygen 11.47 ppm Fig 7, p 24

Temperature 9.3 °C Fig 6, p 24

Conductivity (equivalent at 419 µS/cm Appendix VII 25°C) Chlorophyll a 24.2 µg/l Table 4, p 34

Chlorophyll a - Pheophytin a 10.7 µg/l p 34

Nitrate as NO3 12.47 mg/l p 34

Nitrogen (converted from 2.83 mg/l p 34 above)

Phosphate as PO4 0.07 mg/l p 34 Phosphorous (converted from 0.02 mg/l p 34 above) Ammonia < 1.1 mg/l Appendix VI pH 7.56 Appendix VI Table 8.10 - Lake 97 Key Findings

The results of this study are, broadly, that the lake studied, Lake 97, is of good quality with a low potential for eutrophication.

8.6.3.6 Quality of Pumped Supplies In the long term, the major source of water for the fully-restored canal are likely to be the River Churn and River Thames, pumped at times of higher flow in the

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river. It is expected that the present 'bad' ecological condition of this river (sub- catchment 22990) will improve in the coming years. The situation with respect to the Thames needs to be kept under review, and further studies made of the likely changes in quality as the water is transferred back along the canal and stored in reservoirs. If the quality of the water in the Thames at Inglesham proves inadequate, water could be taken from the bottom end of the Coln which has its confluence with the Thames by the canal junction at Inglesham.

8.6.3.7 Effects of Back pumping and Leakage Due to the limited water supplies that are available and to minimise the mixing of canal water with those of the Thames at Inglesham, the water supply strategy envisages back pumping the water used by boats passing through the locks. This is a strategy that is used on many canals, particularly those running across watersheds.

At Inglesham, the lock itself will be emptied using pumps rather than discharging a lock full of water (200,000 litres approx.) into the Thames. Due to the short intervening pound, a similar real time pumping may also be required at Dudgrove Double Lock so as to prevent water escaping over the overflow weir at Inglesham. An alternative to this is a small balancing reservoir adjacent to the final pound which will capture overflow water to be back pumped overnight.

During the drier times of the year, the canal will tend to become almost a closed system with the reservoirs primarily being used to offset leakage, transpiration and evaporation.

A certain amount of leakage is probably desirable as it allows the water in the canal to constantly be refreshed from the reservoirs. As the reservoirs have captured water in times of plenty, the leakage and replenishment through the drier periods will usefully contribute to the rivers and streams that rely on the groundwater as a source.

8.6.4 Groundwater Impacts 8.6.4.1 Impact of Groundwaters on the Canal It is not anticipated that groundwaters around the canal will have an adverse impact on the canal water itself.

8.6.4.2 Impact of the Canal on Groundwaters If leakage from a canal is taken to exclude unintentional breaches of the canal embankment, and overflow from weirs designed to maintain the canal level, then all leakage from canals ends up re-charging the groundwater. This form of leakage is the main component of water usage on a canal, so it is necessary to consider the impact that the canal water quality may have.

Leakage from the canal would have an adverse impact on groundwaters if the water in the canal was itself polluted by

• Inorganic pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates

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• Organic pollutants such as biological waste and oils

The lie of Phase 2 of the Thames & Severn canal is almost entirely rural. Apart from the reach alongside the A419 south of Latton and the cutting east of Kempsford, the canal banks will usually be higher than the surrounding land. This prevents direct run-off from agricultural land, with its potentially higher levels of nitrates and phosphates, from affecting the canal water. However the canal will receive some water from seasonal feeders, for example at Wildmoorway and Eisey locks. These will need further study to characterise their quality.

There are no industrial discharges to the Phase 2 canal. The main source of organic pollutants would be the canal boat traffic which modern regulation seeks to minimise. All boat traffic is required to contain biological waste, and dispose of this only at designated pump-out stations and boats are forbidden to discharge waste oils.

There may be some licenced potable water abstractions adjacent to the canal; these will need to be investigated further. However, the canal should not be a source of contamination.

One potential impact of the restored canal is on the North Meadow SSSI and National Nature Reserve north of Cricklade. This is because the level of the canal top water surface could affect the water table in the area although not necessarily detrimentally. Further studies will be required before construction of the new Latton Lock and the new length of canal downstream.

8.7 Restoration Timetable The Timetable to full restoration of Phase 2 cannot presently be assigned actual dates, but a tentative order of works may be: • rehabilitation of the reach from Wildmoorway Lower Lock (Spine Road Bridge) to Cerney Wick Lock • rehabilitation of Inglesham Lock and pound • the reconstruction of the canal across Roundhouse Farm east of Meysey Brook • rehabilitation of the reach from Cerney Wick Lock to the site of the new Latton Lock • construction of the new section alongside the A419, including the crossing of that road and of the C124 Kempsford road • rehabilitation of the reaches from the C124 to the Meysey Brook aqueduct • construction of the new Meysey Brook aqueduct and canal through Kempsford • rehabilitation of the reach from Kempsford to Dudgrove Double Lock

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The exact order will depend upon many factors such as land acquisition, funding, the opportunity to secure work as a condition of gravel quarrying activity and the availability and location of reservoirs.

8.8 Summary assessment of construction impacts 8.8.1 Temporary impacts during reconstruction Rehabilitation of the existing sections, and reconstruction of the missing sections, will require site-specific Flood Risk Assessments for the civil works on each section. The impacts of these works will also be minimised by following good site practice in accordance with guidelines issued by the Environment Agency and CIRIA.

The reconstruction of the Ampney Brook and Meysey Brook aqueducts are particular cases where Flood Risk Assessments, and close liaison with the EA will be required.

Spoil disposal will present a challenge, particularly on the missing sections of the canal. We shall seek to minimise these impacts by limiting haul distances, and making use of sites where gravel workings have finished, and inert back-fill is required.

8.8.2 Permanent Impacts Following Reconstruction 8.8.2.1 Flood Plain Alterations The rebuilt aqueducts over the Ampney and Meysey Brooks will have an effect on the passage of flood waters along these streams. The impacts of this will require further study. It is quite possible that their reconstruction will also offer flood management benefits, and this will be explored with the EA.

East of the C124 Bridge the canal generally follows the boundary of the 1 in 100 year flood plain with occasional lengths within the plain. Reconstruction will have the effect of delineating the extent of flooding more precisely. The sections of the canal which actually cross the flood plain will require more detailed study to ensure that the presence of the canal does not adversely impede the flow of flood waters.

8.8.2.2 Flood Alleviation If reservoirs are developed at Latton to supply the canal, these have the potential to contribute to flood alleviation in the plain of the Churn and the Ampney Brook and would have a beneficial effect on all downstream watercourses.

8.8.2.3 Ground Water Impacts As noted above, the canal reach under and alongside the A419 has the potential to affect ground water levels. There is the potential for assisting Natural England in the management of flood waters on the North Meadow.

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In the section between Eisey Lock through to Kempsford, the gravel deposits are relatively shallow and it is likely that the base of the canal may be in contact with the underlying clay along certain lengths. As the canal lining may well exist, this may already have an effect on groundwater flows which would generally be flowing at right angles to the canal line.

The impact of gravel extraction followed by the infilling of the resultant pits with impermeable material also has the capacity to affect groundwater flows.

These effects will need to be understood when the canal is restored and where required, it may be necessary to create permeable ground water routes under the canal or create suitable surface drainage routes to prevent undesirably high levels of groundwater occurring.

8.9 Summary assessment of operational impacts

8.9.1 Water Demand Phase 2 of the completed canal, at 16 km long, could require up to 2000 Ml per annum to keep it watered (3000 Ml without back pumping), but his very much depends upon the standards of construction and maintenance adopted. This water would come from a combination of existing sources, the rivers Churn and Thames at times of sufficient flow in these rivers, and subject to appropriate abstraction licences. Reservoirs would be used to balance the supply to the canal throughout the year and these may also provide an additional benefit by capturing a certain amount of flood flows running down the canal and potentially the Churn and Ampney Brook if reservoirs are created at Latton.

8.9.2 Water Quality It is expected that River Churn will be at Good Ecological Standard by the time the canal reaches at the western end of Phase 2 become operational. The River Thames will have attained at least Good Ecological Potential when Inglesham Lock and pound become operational.

Our studies to date indicate that water quality in the canal and its storage reservoirs is likely to be satisfactory. There is not therefore, a foreseeable risk of contaminating groundwater by the leakage inevitable from any canal, in fact such leakage is generally likely to be beneficial to ground water levels.

The most important unknown quantity at present (because the canal is not operational) is the likely impact of sediment discharge to the Thames at Inglesham. This will be pro-actively minimised by back-pumping to operate the lock, rather than allowing the lock to empty into the Thames.

161 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix

Figures

162 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix A1

163 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix A2

164 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix A3 – sheet 1

2 30 1 28

3 26 29 27 4 12 11 10 23 25 24 13 22 5 6 14 9 15 7 21 20 8

16 17 18

19

Development Schemes

1 Spine Road Bridge 16 Tarmac Site Pound 2 Spine Road to Cerney Wick Pound 17 Tarmac Site to Ampney Brook Pound 3 Cerney Wick Lock 18 Ampney Brook Aqueduct 4 Cerney Wick Bridge 19 Eysey Bridge at Eysey Manor 5 Cerney Wick to Latton Pound 20 Eysey Bridge to Eisey Lock Pound 6 Latton Junction 21 Eisey Lock 7 Weymoor Bridge 22 Eisey Lock to Rucks Bridge Pound 8 Weymoor Bridge to Latton Lock 23 Rucks Bridge Eisey pound 9 Latton Lock 24 Rucks Bridge to Whetstone Farm Pound 10 Service Road Bridge 25 Whetstone Farm Pound 11 A419 Culvert 26 Meysey Brook Aqueduct 12 Ermin Street Bridge 27 Roundhouse Farm Pound 13 Ermin Street to Kempsford Road 28 Hill Mead or Crooked Bridge Bridge Pound 14 “Lertoll Well” Bridge 29 Blackburr Farm Pound 15 Kempsford Road Bridge 30 Blackburr or Blackgore Bridge

165 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix A3 – sheet 2

49

48

45

47 41 46 44 43 42 33 40 36 31 39 34 35 37 38 32 30

Development Schemes

30 Blackburr or Blackgore Bridge 40 Hamfield Bridge 31 Blackburr Bridge to Oatlands 41 Hamfield Bridge to Dudgrove Bridge Pound Swing Bridge Pound 32 Oatlands Bridge 42 Dudgrove Swing Bridge 33 Oatlands Bridge to Kempsford 43 Dudgrove Pound Swing Bridge Pound 34 Kempsford Swing Bridge 44 Dudgrove Bridge 35 Kempsford Pound 45 Dudgrove Bridge to Dudgrove Lock Pound 36 Kempsford Bridge 46 Dudgrove Lock Upper Chamber 37 Kempsford Bridge to High Bridge 47 Dudgrove Lock Lower Chamber Pound 38 High or Green Lane Bridge 48 Dudgrove Lock to Inglesham Lock Pound 39 High Bridge to Hamfield Bridge 49 Inglesham Lock and Entrance Pound Channel

166 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix C

167 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix D

168 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix E

169 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix F

170 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017

Appendix G

171 Environmental Impact Assessment – October 2017