Land at Kemble Airfield Flood Risk and Drainage Preliminary Appraisal
Proposed Development
Figure 3d: EA Flood Zone Plan showing 1 in 100 & 1 in 1,000 year floodplains
Flooding from rivers without defences – 1 in 100 year (1%) event (Zone 3) Extent of extreme flood – 1 in 1,000 year (0.1%) event (Zone 2)
Flood defences Areas benefiting from flood defences
Coastal Flooding 3.23 The site lies a significant distance from the nearest tidal watercourse and the coast. As such there is no measureable risk of tidal or coastal flooding at this location.
Surface Water Flooding 3.24 Overflow mechanisms result from the inability of unpaved ground to infiltrate rainfall or due to inadequacies of drainage systems in paved areas to accommodate flow directed to gullies, drainage downpipes or similar. In minor cases, local ponding may occur. In more extreme events, flows accumulate and may be conveyed across land following the topography.
3.25 The Environment Agency has recently produced a series of predicted surface water flooding maps for many parts of the UK. The plan containing the proposed site is reprinted as Figure 3e below:
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Proposed Development
Figure 3e: Environment Agency Surface Water Mapping.
High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk
3.26 The mapping provided by the EA does not identify any surface water flooding within the site boundary. As such, the risk of same is considered low.
3.27 Recognising the risk of overland flow mechanisms, published guidance in the form of Sewers for Adoption 7th Edition and the Environment Agency document Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings: Flood Resilient Construction et al advocate the design of developments that implement infrastructure routes through the development that will safely convey flood waters resulting from sewer flooding or overland flows away from buildings and along defined corridors. Further to protect the proposed development, current good practice measures defined by guidance should be incorporated.
3.28 Given the baseline site characteristics and further mitigating measures to be implemented residual flood risk from an overland flow mechanism is considered to be of a low probability.
Ground Water 3.29 Ground water related flooding is fortunately quite rare, although where flooding is present, persistent issues can arise that are problematic to resolve. Such mechanisms often develop due to construction activities that may have an unforeseen effect on the local geology or hydrogeology.
3.30 Whilst no detailed site investigations have been completed, information from the Level 1 and 2 SFRA has confirmed that no incidents of groundwater related flooding have been recorded within the site or surrounding area. Furthermore, published boreholes adjacent to the site show the ground water to lie a significant distance below the ground level. As such the risk of ground water flooding in the present day conditions is considered to be a low probability.
3.31 Positive drainage systems incorporated into the proposed development will further reduce the risk as a result of permeable pipe bedding materials and filter drains incorporated within elements of the built development.
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3.32 Given the baseline site characteristics and further mitigating measures to be implemented, residual flood risk from a ground water mechanism is considered to be of a low probability.
Sewerage Systems 3.33 Whilst detailed modelling with Thames Water is not yet completed, initial investigations provide no evidence of present or historic sewer flooding at the site.
3.34 Positive drainage measures incorporated on site, coupled with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) will ensure that no increase in surface water will result from the site. Flood risk associated with sewer flooding is therefore considered to be a low probability.
Artificial Water Bodies - Reservoirs & Canals 3.35 No artificial sources are identified within an influencing distance of the site boundary.
3.36 It may therefore be concluded that there is a low risk of flooding associated with artificial water bodies at the proposed development.
4 Storm Drainage
Background 4.1 Initial site inspections identify a number of drainage channels within the site boundary which are believed to receive stormwater discharges from the existing development.
Drainage Options 1 4.2 Current guidance requires that new developments implement means of storm water control, known as SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems), to maintain flow rates discharged to the surface water receptor at the pre-development ‘baseline conditions’ and improve the quality of water discharged from the land.
4.3 Both the Cotswold District Council and North Wiltshire District Council SFRA documents underpin national guidance on the provision of storm water drainage, encouraging the use of sustainable means of drainage at new developments.
4.4 When appraising suitable storm water discharge options for a development site, Part H of the Building Regulations 2002 (and associated guidance) provides the following search sequence for identification of the most appropriate drainage methodology.
"Rainwater from a system provided pursuant to sub-paragraphs (1) or (2) shall discharge to one of the following, listed in order of priority -
(a) an adequate soakaway or some other adequate infiltration system; or where that is not reasonably practicable,
(b) a watercourse; or where that is not reasonably practicable,
(c) a sewer. "
4.5 Dealing with the search order in sequence:
1 NPPF, CIRIA C522, C609, C697 et al.
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(a) Source control systems treat water close to the point of collection, in features such as soakaways, porous pavements, infiltration trenches and basins. The use of these can have the benefit of discharging surface water back to ground rather than just temporarily attenuating peak flows before discharging it to a receiving watercourse or sewer.
Source control measures generally rely upon the infiltration of surface water to ground, so it is important that the underlying strata are permeable.
(b) If infiltration is not possible, it is necessary to discharge to a watercourse or suitable receiving water body. Where coupled with appropriate upstream attenuation measures, this means of discharge can provide a sustainable drainage scheme that ensures that peak discharges and flood risk in the receiving water body are not increased.
The existing ditches, Kemble to the north and Flagham to the south, convey water in an easterly direction towards the River Isis and have the potential to receive flows from the proposed development once restricted to the pre-existing ‘greenfield’ rates of run-off.
(c) If neither option is possible, it will be necessary to discharge to a sewer. This is the least preferable scheme as it relies on ‘engineered’ methods to convey large volumes of water from development areas, has a higher likelihood of flooding due to blockage and provides less intrinsic treatment to the water.
4.6 The search sequence outlined above indicates that the surrounding watercourses are the most appropriate receptors of storm water from the proposed development, having the potential to employ source control measures and detention features to control peak discharges to no greater than the baseline conditions.
4.7 Given the site characteristics it is likely that the development could utilise a standard SuDS strategy with a number of detention basins at the low points of the site, linked by open channels and discharging to the Kemble Ditch and Flagham Brook which would convey flows towards the River Isis in Kemble. A potential sketch option illustrating how this could be achieved has been included in the Appendix.
4.8 Coupled with the storm water control benefits, the use of SuDS can also provide an improvement on water quality. National guidance in the form of CIRIA 609 outlines that by implementing SuDS, storm water from the site can be polished to an improved standard thus ensuring the development proposals have no adverse effects on the wider hydrology.
4.9 The following paragraphs outline the potential SuDS features appropriate for use on site and their place within a multi- tiered system.
Primary Drainage Systems (source control) 4.10 At the head of the drainage network, across the site, source control measures will be implemented to reduce the amount of run-off being conveyed directly to piped drainage systems.
4.11 Through work on other similar strategically sized projects, BCL has shown that peak discharges of circa 15% in residential areas can readily be achieved using source control measures without unacceptable impacts on net developable land or prohibitive financial implications.
Permeable Paving 4.12 Permeable Paving is approved by many Local Authorities for implementation on the development road network and can act as a receptor for surface water run-off from nearby house roofs. However, the system is perhaps best suited to
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managed parking areas and shared surfaces where block paving is typically used as the surface treatment and ongoing maintenance can be ensured by way of a management company or the like.
4.13 There is little need for underground pipes or gullies, and the attenuation afforded within the sub-base layer helps to reduce the volume of storage required elsewhere.
Figure 4a: Permeable paving
Filter Strips 4.14 Filter strips have been used in the drainage of highways for many years. The absence of traditional pipe work in such a system frees the drainage design to employ shallow gradients on both channels and drains, which in turn also act as a means of passive treatment to improve water quality.
4.15 Highways within the development could potentially incorporate filter drains. Alternatively, filter strips can be used to collect flows from areas such as a group of houses. Figure 4b below shows an example of a filter strip in a road corridor.
Figure 4b: Filter Strip along highway
Ditches 4.16 Ditches may be used along highways and in common areas to infiltrate, attenuate and convey flows from hard surfaces across the development before being discharged in to the secondary system. Linear features, such as ditches and filter strips provide an efficient means of improving water quality.
Swales 4.17 While swales implemented at development parcel level can be very land hungry, costly to maintain and provide difficulties with frontage access, the opportunity potentially exists to implement a swale on the western boundary of the
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site, through the development. Green space being incorporated along the highways could be designed to allow ‘over the edge’ flows to be directed into the swale for infiltration, attenuation and conveyance. A typical highway swale is show in Figure 4c below:
Figure 4c: Swale along road corridor
Attenuation Drainage Systems 4.18 Attenuation drainage systems collect partially treated excess water from the primary source control systems at a local level, thereafter providing both flow and water quality attenuation and flow conveyance through the site towards the main outfall.
4.19 It is anticipated that a basin will be utilised and designed to primarily be dry with permanently wet low flow channels to convey run-off in periods of low rainfall, which will in turn provide the passive treatment benefits offered within the remainder of the surface water management network.
4.20 The primary aims of the basin will therefore be:
Final flow and water quality conditioning Provide landscaping, amenity and ecological benefits
Figure 4d: Storage Basin 5 Foul Drainage
Treatment Capacity
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5.1 The existing drainage network surrounding the site is owned and operated by Thames Water. The nearest sewage treatment works is the Cirencester Sewage Treatment Works, which is approximately 7km east of the site. This is shown on Figure 5a below
5.2 The Cirencester STW discharges its effluent to the Cerny Wick Brook.
5.3 In 2012 a planning application was approved for the upgrading of Cirencester Sewage Treatment Works, the planning application stated that the purpose of the upgrading was:
“Cirencester Sewage Treatment Works (STW) is being upgraded to increase the capacity of the works to treat the additional sewage that will be generated by predicted population growth in the catchment. This will enable the STW to comply with consents set by the Environment Agency, which regulate the quality of effluent that can be discharged to the environment.”
5.4 It is therefore likely that capacity currently exists within the Cirencester Sewage Treatment Works to accommodate the proposed site at Kemble Airfield.
Figure 5a: Cirencester Sewage Treatment Works
Network Requirements 5.5 Thames Water have identified three potential outcomes from their further investigations:
1. Upon completion of the further investigations it may be determined that no reinforcement/upgrading will be required to accommodate the additional flows and as such no additional works will be required.
2. Should further investigations determine that the network has insufficient capacity to accommodate additional flows; reinforcements to the network will take place to provide sufficient capacity.
3. Should further investigations determine that the network has insufficient capacity to accommodate additional flows and reinforcements are not viable, attenuation storage will be provided in the form of on-site storage. This would be determined at detailed design.
5.6 Once the further investigations have been finalised and any necessary improvements or provision of additional storage completed as set out above, the network will have the ability to accept the total site flows from the proposed
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development. The development can be serviced by foul networks in a viable manner, although the final scheme needs to be confirmed.
6 Summary
Flood Risk 6.1 In terms of fluvial and tidal flood risk, the proposed development can be seen to lie within Flood Zone 1 and hence has a low probability of flooding from this mechanism.
6.2 Assessment of other potential flooding mechanisms shows the land to have a low probability of flooding from overland flow, ground water and sewer flooding.
6.3 Accordingly, the proposed development land is in a preferable location for residential development when appraised in accordance with the NPPF Sequential Test. The site should be considered preferable to other potential developments that may lie wholly or partially within Flood Zone 2 or Flood Zone 3.
Storm Drainage 6.4 Drainage to existing watercourses to the north and south of the site coupled with detention storage appears to be the most appropriate mechanism to discharge storm water drainage from any development at Kemble Airfield.
6.5 A number of potential options are available for attenuation and disposal of stormwater from the site utilising SuDS to control peak discharges to no greater than the baseline rate.
Foul Drainage 6.6 Thames Water will identify the capacity of the foul drainage network in the immediate vicinity of the site to determine what, if any, upgrading works are required to accommodate the foul flows from the development proposals. The Cirencester STW is thought the most likely to accommodate foul flows from the proposed development.
7 Limitations
7.1 The conclusions and recommendations contained herein are limited to those given the general availability of background information and the planned usage of the site.
7.2 Third party information has been used in the preparation of this report, which Brookbanks Consulting Ltd, by necessity assumes is correct at the time of writing. While all reasonable checks have been made on data sources and the accuracy of data, Brookbanks Consulting Ltd accepts no liability for same.
7.3 The benefits of this report are provided solely to Commercial Estates Group for the proposed development land at Kemble Airfield only.
7.4 Brookbanks Consulting Ltd excludes third party rights for the information contained in the report.
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Appendix
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Illustrative Surface Water Drainage Option
Existing Watercourse Potential SuDS Storage Potential SuDS Channel
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Kemble Airfield Ecological Appraisal
ii
Document data
Client Commercial Estates Group
Reference Kemble Airfield
Report title Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
File reference 482 rep 03 KC.docx
Team leader Kelly Clark
Contact details [email protected]
Issue date 25 February 2015
Revision tracking
Name Position Date
Author Kelly Clark Principal Ecologist 17 October 2014
Reviewed Rich Hall Senior Ecologist 20 October 2014
Revised Kelly Clark Principal Ecologist 16 February 2015
Revised Kelly Clark Principal Ecologist 25 February 2015
Baker Consultants Ltd. Cromford Station Cromford Bridge Matlock Derbyshire DE4 5JJ [email protected] http://www.bakerconsultants.co.uk 01629 593958 Company No. 6702156
© Baker Consultants 2011
Disclosure and Limitation: Baker Consultants has prepared this document for the sole use of the commissioning client in accordance with the agreed scope of works and Terms and Conditions under which our services were performed. The evidence and opinion provided is true and has been prepared in accordance with the guidance of our professional institution’s Code of Professional Conduct. No other warranty is made as to the professional advice included in this document or any other services provided by us. This document may not be relied upon by any third party without the prior and express written agreement of Baker Consultants.
Unless otherwise stated in this document, the assessments made assume that the site referred to will continue to be used for its current purpose without significant change. The assessment, recommendations and conclusions contained in this document may be based upon information provided by third parties and upon the assumption that the information is relevant, correct and complete. There has been no independent verification of information obtained from third parties, unless otherwise stated in the report.
Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to the agreed scope of works and carried out to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the services. Natural habitats and species distributions may change over time and further data should be sought following any significant delay from the publication of this document.
iv Report Contents
1 Key Issues 1
2 Methodology 3
3 Results 6
4 Assessment 16
5 Recommendations 25
6 References 28
Appendix 1: Data Trawl 29
Appendix 2. Target Notes 31
Appendix 3: Photographs of buildings found on site. 33
Appendix 4. Phase 1 Habitat Plan 34
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
1 Key Issues
1.1 The Proposed Development 1.1.1 Commercial Estates Group is promoting land at Kemble Airfield for a sustainable and deliverable development as part of the emerging Cotswolds Local Plan. The re-development of Kemble Airfield will positively contribute towards local housing and employment whilst providing environmental and social benefits.
1.1.2 This report details the results of our preliminary ecological assessment of the site and describes features of ecological value found to be present. It highlights potential biodiversity to be present on site and makes recommendations for further survey, mitigation measures and opportunities for enhancement to enrich existing wildlife across the site.
1.2 Ecological Receptors 1.2.1 The ecological assessment, set out in detail below, has found a generally low level of nature conservation interest on the site. As the site is an operational airfield, there is little habitat diversity and most of the site is mown grassland and hardstanding with associated buildings. Habitats of note are blocks of planted broadleaved woodland and scrub. The Fosse Way runs through the site and there is structured linear habitat associated with this outside the site boundary, although not present within the site itself.
1.2.2 The buildings on site are of different ages and structures and could have potential to support a range of bat species. There are also areas along the site boundary that could support reptiles and dormice where grassland habitat and scrub is managed less intensively.
1.2.3 No water bodies are present within the site, although there are four ponds within 270m of the site, one of which is immediately to the north.
1.3 Required Actions 1.3.1 Further survey is recommended for bats, great crested newts, reptiles, breeding birds and barn owls, botany, dormice, and invertebrates. These surveys will provide baseline data to determine the full ecological impacts of future development.
1 Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
1.4 Conclusions 1.4.1 Overall, the conclusion of this report is that there could be a potential for a net gain in biodiversity resulting from the development, with clear opportunities for enhancing wildlife habitat from its currently limited extent.
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2 Methodology
2.1 Site Description 2.1.1 Kemble Airfield is located at NGR ST 958 965 (approximate centre of the site). The northern part of the site is within the Gloucestershire County Council area, and a large section to the south is within Wiltshire County Council control. The site is largely surrounded by agricultural land, with the Village of Kemble to the east and the village of Rodmarton to the north. The site is bounded by the A433 trunk road to the north, and the A429 lies to the southeast. The site itself is flat and sits upon a raised plateau.
2.1.2 Kemble Airfield is an operational airfield and comprises regularly mown semi-improved grassland, hardstanding, and a variety of buildings. Other habitats are limited but include plantation broadleaved woodland, scrub, and tall ruderal vegetation (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Site Location
2.2 Study Scope 2.2.1 Baker Consultants was commissioned by the client to undertake the following works in relation to the Site:
1. Desk-based study including written consultation with consultees and interrogation of online databases to identify statutory and non-statutory
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designated sites of nature conservation importance and records of protected and/or notable species; 2. Phase 1 Habitat survey to record the nature and extent of vegetation and habitats within and adjacent to the Site; and 3. Appraisals for protected and or notable flora and fauna.
2.3 Desk Study 2.3.1 A data search was undertaken for records of protected and priority species in the UK, locally important species of conservation concern and statutory and non-statutory designated sites of nature conservation interest. Data was obtained through the sources listed in Table 1 below:
Table 1. Desk Study Data Sources. Organisation/source Data sought Search area Multi-Agency Geographic Information Statutory designated sites of nature 5km for the Countryside (website) conservation importance. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Statutory designated sites for bats 10km Local Biological Records Centres: Non-statutory designated sites of 5km for sites Gloucestershire Centre for nature conservation and records of 3km for Environmental Records (GCER); protected/notable species. species Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC)
2.4 Field Survey
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2.4.1 A Phase 1 Habitat Survey was carried out by Kelly Clark MCIEEM and Anton Kattan MCIEEM on the 4th April 2014. The vegetation types and habitats present were described and mapped during a walkover of the site, using the standard published guidelines for Phase 1 Habitat survey (JNCC, 2010) (see Appendix 4). Features of particular interest were recorded as Target Notes (TNs) (see Appendix 2).
2.4.2 In addition, the habitats within the site and surrounding land were appraised for their suitability to support protected or notable species, or assemblages that could be sensitive to the development proposals, in accordance with ‘Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment’ (IEA, 1995).
2.4.3 The protected and notable habitats and species referred to above include those listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010; and Species and Habitats of Principal Importance in England/Wales, listed under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.
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2.4.4 During the survey consideration was given to features such as potential breeding bird habitat, bat roosting locations, badger sett locations, reptile habitat and the suitability of water features for amphibians and riparian mammals.
2.4.5 Exotic and invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica and giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, were noted by the surveyor if present. These species can have implications for development activity and human health respectively.
2.4.6 Weather conditions during the survey were 11OC, with a light breeze and occasional light shower.
2.4.7 The survey approach taken is designed to identify broad habitat types at a site and the potential of these habitats to support notable/protected species, and to assist in providing an overview of the ecological interest at a site. It is the most widely used and professionally recognised method for initial ecological site appraisal.
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3 Results
3.1 Study Limitations 3.1.1 It is important to note that, even where data is returned for a desk study, a lack of records for a defined geographical area does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of ecological interest since the area may simply be under- recorded. Equally, due to the level of recording, some species should be considered more frequent than indicated by the records provided within a desk study.
3.1.2 Whilst every effort was made in the field survey to provide a comprehensive description of the site, no investigation can ensure the complete characterisation and prediction of the natural environment. Also, natural and semi-natural habitats are subject to change, species may colonise the site after surveys have taken place and results included in this report may become less reliable over time.
3.1.3 As the site is an operational airfield, not all of the site could be walked over during the survey. However, the whole site could be viewed from the periphery and was within clear visual range, as it was largely open in aspect.
3.2 Designated Sites 3.2.1 The desk study provided information on the designated sites listed below in Table 1.
Table 2. Designated Sites Name Status Location / distance* Reason for designation Kemble Railway SSSI ST973974 / 390m NE Geological interest Cuttings Cotwolds Water SSSI SU006949 / 4.2km SE A series of lakes has been selected to cover Park the range of variation of the plant communities associated with these nationally scarce marl waters. These lakes also contribute to the importance of the Cotswold Water Park for wintering and breeding birds. North Meadow and SSSI/ SU006935 / 4.8km SE Lowland hay meadow. A series of Clattinger Farm SAC meadows and pastures, which display a wide range of unimproved grassland types and an outstanding meadow flora. It constitutes the only lowland farm in Britain known to have received absolutely no
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Name Status Location / distance* Reason for designation agricultural chemical treatment. Kemble Wood KWS ST99001 / 90m SE Ancient semi-natural broad-leaved woodland site larger than 2 ha Chapman’s Cross KWS S090044 / 4.3km N Plant interest Cirencester Park KWS S090011 / 3.2km N Ancient semi-natural broad-leaved Woods woodland site larger than 2 ha * Distance from nearest point to the red line boundary SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest (National designation) SAC – Special Area of Conservation (European designation) KWS – Key Wildlife Site (County importance)
3.3 Habitats 3.3.1 Scientific names are given after the first mention of a species, thereafter, common names only are used. Nomenclature follows Stace (1997) for vascular plant species.
Habitats Overview 3.3.2 The habitat types recorded on site during the Phase 1 Habitat survey are described below.
Grassland 3.3.3 The site is predominantly regularly mown semi-improved grassland (Photograph 1). This habitat was surveyed from airside fenced boundaries. The sward is kept short and even across the airfield. Species include red fescue Festuca rubra, perennial rye-grass Lolium perenne, meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, daisy Bellis perennis, smooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, dandelion Taraxacum agg, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, white clover Trifolium repens and cock’s foot Dactylis glomerata.
3.3.4 Amenity grassland is also present close to buildings on the site. Species consist of 50% perennial rye-grass and commonly occurring forbs such as creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, white clover and daisy.
3.3.5 To the east of the site at TN34 there is a section of unmown semi-improved grassland which has a rough grassland character dominated by false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius.
3.3.6 There is a small section of neutral grassland located at TN3 (Photograph 3). This grassland is situated along the west of the woodland at TN2 and has a different species composition to other areas in the vicinity. It is dominated by red fescue, and occasionally occurring common bent Agrostis capillaris and Yorkshire fog. Ancient woodland indicator species are also present within the
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sward including primrose Primula vulgaris, bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, early dog violet Viola reichenbachiana, and lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria.
Photograph 1. Typical view of the airfield Photograph 2. Grassland at TN3 showing woodland indicator species
Woodland and Scrub 3.3.7 There are blocks of secondary plantation broadleaved woodland to the north of the site. These are shown at TN2, 6, 9 and 16. The woodland has a poor structure with, apart from the occasional elder Sambucus nigra, very little understory present. However, the ground flora shows signs of ancient woodland indicators suggesting that woodland has been present within this area for a considerable length of time before being re-planted (see Photograph 3). The woodland supports semi-mature trees dominated by sycamore Acer psuedoplatanus, with horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, pedunculate oak Quercus robur, and ash Fraxinus excelsior occasionally occurring. Ground flora includes wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, lesser celandine, bluebell, lords and ladies Arum maculatum, primrose, and early dog violet.
3.3.8 Ubiquitous weeds are also present, particularly in TN9, such as common nettle Urtica dioica, ground ivy Glechoma hederacea, bramble Rubus fruticosus, broadleaved dock Rumex obtusifolium, cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, cleavers Galium aparine, cock’s foot, and common hogweed Heracleum sphondylium.
3.3.9 In TN9, there are signs of elm Ulmus sp. regeneration, which could suggest elm were once present within these woodlands. At TN6 there is linear hawthorn Crataegus monogyna scrub present along the southeast boundary of the wood which could be a remnant of an old field boundary.
3.3.10 To the west of the site there is an established secondary woodland (TN 16, Photograph 4). Unlike the woodland described above, this woodland has a
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good structure including an understorey and ground layer. Species include ash and beech Fagus sylvatica, box Buxus sempervirens, sycamore, and honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum.
3.3.11 The Fosse Way runs through the airfield. Immediately outside the site boundary, to the north-east at TN11 (Photograph 5) and to the south-west at TN28, the habitats along the Fosse Way consist of mature scrub, trees and associated ground flora. There are also remnants of these habitats along the Fosse Way just within the site boundary at TN27, where established linear scrub and ground flora is present. Species include ash, hawthorn and elder with common nettle, false oat-grass, common dog violet Viola riviniana, lords and ladies, cowslip, bluebell, and lesser celandine being present.
3.3.12 There are also linear scrub habitats present. These are at TN20, 30, 31 and 32. Only TN31 and 32 are old hedges, with other scrub habitat being newly planted to form screening at site boundaries.
3.3.13 Outside of the site there is a disused railway, which could be incorporated into the proposed development in the future. Habitat along this stretch is a linear line of dense scrub and mature trees (TN 25 and TN 26, Photograph 6).
3.3.14 Other woodland at or near the site includes a small newly planted ash woodland to the northeast of the site at TN33, and a new young conifer plantation outside the northern boundary of the site.
Photograph 3. Planted broadleaved woodland to Photograph 4. Secondary woodland at TN18 to the north (TN6) the west of the site
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Photograph 5. Fosse Way outside the north-east Photograph 6. Woodland and scrub along the boundary at TN11 disused railway at TN26
Open Water 3.3.15 There are no ponds or other open water bodies within the site boundary. Four ponds are within 270m of the site boundary. Three ponds are located over 200m to the northwest, with the other immediately along the northern boundary to the east at TN12. TN12 is approximately 12m by 18m in size situated in a garden habitat surrounded by a stone wall and scrub (see Photograph 7).
Tall Ruderal Habitat and Scrub habitat 3.3.16 There is an area of land at TN7 that has rubble piles and other debris present. Here there are scrub species and tall ruderal and ephemeral vegetation present (see Photograph 8).
Photograph 7. Pond to the north of the site at Photograph 8. Tall ruderal and scrub habitat to TN12. the northwest at TN7.
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Buildings 3.3.17 There are a number of built structures within the site. These include four hangars that are listed buildings (TN 5, 8, and two at TN 19; bunkers and pill boxes (at TN 1, 19, 21 and 29); and a variety of brick buildings such as offices and outbuildings (TN 4,10, 13, 14, 15 22, 23, and 35). Photographs of buildings can be found in Appendix 3.
3.4 Species
Species Overview 3.4.1 The notable species recorded on or near the site by desk study or field survey are summarised in Table 7 below and described in more detail in the following sections. Further details of the desk study results are also provided in Appendix 1.
Table 3. Summary of Species Recorded Species/Group Desk Study Habitat Potential Field Survey Badger ✓ ✗ ✗ Bats ✓ ✓ ✗ Otter ✗ ✗ ✗
Water vole ✗ ✗ ✗ Amphibians ✓ ✓ ✗ Reptiles ✓ ✓ ✗ Birds ✓ ✓ ✓ Invertebrates ✓ ✓ ✗ Plants ✓ ✓ ✓ Invasive species ✗ ✗ ✗
3.4.2 No open water bodies are present within the site and therefore otter and water vole are not considered any further within this report.
Badgers 3.4.3 There are six records of Eurasian Badger Meles meles between the dates of 1981 and 1998. The records were located in Wiltshire, 1.26 – 2.40km from the site.
3.4.4 No confirmed signs of badgers were located within the site. Although the woodlands on site could provide suitable habitat for this species, their presence is considered to be unlikely due to the perimeter security fence to the airfield. A large mammal hole was located along the western boundary at TN20, but with no other associated signs such as paths, footprints or latrines.
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Bats 3.4.5 Two common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus were sighted in 2009 at a distance of 2.16km from the site. A further unidentified bat record was provided within the village of Rodmarten, which is approximately 1.5km north of the site.
3.4.6 There are a variety of built structures on site that could provide suitable roosting sites for a number of bat species. The buildings were not subjected to a full bat roost assessment during the survey, but some features were noted, such as the bunkers at TN1 and 21 and the brick buildings that have potential access points to roof spaces and other crevices.
3.4.7 The trees within the woodland were largely semi-mature, although roosting opportunities could be present. A mature ash tree at TN17, to the west of the site, appeared to provide high roosting potential for bats.
3.4.8 The majority of the airfield provides limited foraging opportunities due to the flat and open landscape. However, the habitats along the site boundaries and close to buildings may provide some foraging habitat, including the woodland and scrub. In addition, the Fosse Way and the nearby disused railway may provide commuting landscape and flight lines for bat species into the wider landscape.
Dormouse 3.4.9 No records for dormice were returned within the desk study
3.4.10 There is no suitable habitat within the site boundary for dormice. Woodland just outside the site boundary at TN18 could provide potential dormice habitat.
Other notable mammals 3.4.11 A brown hare Lepus europaeus was recorded at Kemble Airfield in 2006 to the south east of the site. Another brown hare was recorded in 2009, 2.15km from the site.
3.4.12 Two records of polecats Mustela putorius were returned in the desk study. A dead polecat on the A433, 220m north of the site, was recorded by the Vincent Wildlife Trust in 1993. The second record is of a live polecat eating a rabbit at the side of a road (A429), 1.2km south of the site in 1999.
3.4.13 There is single record of a hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus at Nr Tetbury, 2.2km from the site. The record dates from 2010 and was part of the Hedgehog Survey.
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3.4.14 The woodland and site boundary habitats could provide foraging and resting places for species such as hedgehogs and polecats. Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus activity was noted across the site within woodland and linear scrub/defunct hedgerow. A brown hare was observed to the south of the airfield.
Amphibians 3.4.15 There is one record of a great crested newt Triturus cristatus dated 2008, within 1.7km of the site.
3.4.16 The site largely provides sub-optimal terrestrial habitat for amphibians. However, woodland, tall ruderal and scrub habitat present along the site boundaries could provide terrestrial habitat for amphibian species such as newts and toads.
3.4.17 There is no habitat suitable for breeding within the site itself, although a pond (TN12) lies immediately to the north of the site. There are also three ponds to the northwest of the site close to the disused railway, located 200m to 270m from the site boundary.
Reptiles 3.4.18 There is one record of a slow worm Anguis fragilis 1.3km to the west in Kemble. No further reptile records were provided.
3.4.19 The tall ruderal vegetation and rubble piles noted at TN7 could provide suitable habitat for reptile species such as slow worm. Further habitat noted as having suitability for reptiles on site includes rough grassland at TN32 and 34. The disused railway (TN25 along to TN26) could also provide suitable habitat for reptiles.
Birds 3.4.20 There is a single record, dated from 1999, for a barn owl Tyto Alba seen flying across the A429 towards the south east of the site at ST965961.
3.4.21 There are four records for grey partridge Perdix perdix, dating between 1990 and 2012, within 2km of the site. One of these records was an observation at the edge of the airfield.
3.4.22 There are four records for corn buntings Emberiza calandra between 1993 and 1996, sighted by county bird recorders within 1km of the site. Two Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus records were sighted 1km south east of the site in 1992 and 1993.
3.4.23 Due to the majority of the site currently being an operational airfield, it is considered highly likely that the site will undergo regular bird control to
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prevent flocks of birds on to site. However, the habitats towards the site boundary could provide suitable nesting habitat for passerines. The grassland on site may also attract raptors and owls searching for prey.
3.4.24 During the survey, buzzard Buteo buteo, great tit Parus major, chaffinch Fringilla coelebs and skylarks Alauda arvensis were recorded.
Invertebrates 3.4.25 Notable butterfly and moth records were provided within the desk study. These are summarised below in Table 3.
Table 4. Invertebrate records Species Number of records Date Lcoation/ Distance from site Small heath Four 1995 – 2006 Kemble airfield Coenonympha pamphilus White letter hairstreak Three 1995 Kemble airfield Satyrium w-album Wall Lasiommata megera One 2006 2km south-west at Fosse Gate Dingy Skipper Erynnis One 1988 300m north tages Small blue Cupido Two 1987 - 1988 300m north minimus Small heath Two 1988 - 1996 300m north Coenonympha pamphilus Cinnabar Tyria One 2006 Within 1km to the jacobaeae north
3.4.26 The tall ruderal vegetation at TN7, the grassland at TN3 and TN34 and habitats at the Fosse Way may provide suitable conditions for invertebrates, but these are limited and fragmented. The disused railway to the north could also provide suitable habitat.
Plants 3.4.27 Eight species of plant were returned within the desk study including bluebell, box, wild daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp. pseudonarcissus, dwarf spurge Euphorbia exigua, meadow saffron and wormwood within a 2km search radius. The nearest records are bluebell recorded at Kemble Wood.
3.4.28 The site itself has some botanical interest within the woodland to the north of the site and to the west at TN 2, 6, 9, and 18.
3.4.29 The grassland on the larger part of the site was not surveyed, and although it is managed for airfield operations there may be notable plant species and mycorrhizal interest present.
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Invasive Species 3.4.30 No records for invasive species were returned within the desk study and no species were found during the survey.
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4 Assessment
4.1 Legislation and Policy 4.1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is intended to help deliver sustainable development, with environmental issues being one of the three dimensions within this. It includes a range of statements and policies relating to biodiversity and nature conservation, with the aim of ‘moving from a net loss of biodiversity to achieving net gains for nature’ (Paragraph 9). Key sections of the NPPF are highlighted below:
Paragraph 109 ‘The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by --- minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’ commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity’ Paragraph 118 Local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity when determining planning applications by ensuring that: significant harm is avoided, mitigated or compensated (especially for irreplaceable habitats); impacts on designated sites are prevented and; biodiversity is incorporated in and around developments. Paragraph 165 To allow the appropriate consideration of ecological issues within applications, planning decisions, ‘should be based on up-to-date information about the natural environment – this should include an assessment of existing and potential components of ecological networks’.
4.1.2 Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 places a duty on every public authority to have regard to conserving biodiversity. Section 41 of the same Act requires that the Secretary of State must publish a list of the living organisms and types of habitats that are of ‘Principal Importance’ for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. The Secretary of State must take steps, as appear reasonably practicable, to further the conservation of those living organisms and habitats in any list published under this section. The list of species and habitats of principal importance currently includes 943 species and 56 habitats.
4.2 Impacts on Designated Sites 4.2.1 The closest designated site to the study area is Kemble Wood KWS, which is located approximately 90m to the southeast of the site. The site is important as it is recognised as ancient woodland.
4.2.2 Kemble Railway Cutting SSSI is also present 380m to the north east of the site, but this is designated for geological interest rather than biological.
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4.2.3 North Meadow and Clattinger Farm SAC/SSSI is located 4.8km south east of the site. The primary reason for selection of this site is that it supports Lowland hay meadows (Annex I habitat).
4.2.4 The details of the development footprint are not known at this stage and the magnitude and duration of ecological impacts will depend on these. However, it is considered unlikely that the nearby Kemble Wood KWS will be directly impacted. Indirect impacts are also not anticipated due to the busy A429 between the KWS and the airfield providing a significant barrier. The KWS is also on private land with no public footpath close to the woods.
4.2.5 North Meadow and Clattinger Farm SAC is approximately 4.8km from the site and, although no direct impacts are anticipated, as the SAC is also a Wiltshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve with public access, further consultation with the trust and Wiltshire Council is recommended to establish if there may be any potential indirect impacts due to increase in local population as a result of the proposed development. Kemble Airfield will offer open green space and recreational activities as part of the development and it is considered likely at this stage, that recreational impacts towards the SAC would be minimal. However, any impact identified would be mitigated or compensated for as part of the development proposals.
4.3 Impacts on Habitats
Habitats Overview 4.3.1 Although the development footprint is not confirmed at this stage, each habitat receptor has been considered with reference to the Initial Development Framework Plan produced by Define. The sections below provide an evaluation, description of potential impacts and assessment of ecological effects for each habitat type relevant to the study area.
Grassland 4.3.2 The grassland habitat on much of the site was not surveyed thoroughly due to no access airside permitted on the day of the survey. However, due to the flat landscape of the site and with reference to aerial photography, it is considered likely that the site is semi-improved grassland. Due to the management of the site as an operational airfield, it is considered unlikely to attract many other species groups such as ground nesting birds or reptiles.
4.3.3 There are, however, smaller sections of grassland that have a more diverse species composition, such as that at TN3 and the rough grassland at TN33. It is also likely that these areas will provide habitat for invertebrates, small mammals and ground nesting birds (TN33).
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4.3.4 The large area of grassland habitat will be lost as a result of the proposed development, although there is potential to incorporate TN3 into the masterplan. However, areas of grassland to be incorporated into green spaces as part of the development could be managed for wildlife, increasing the value of what currently exists.
4.3.5 A full species list for the grassland is recommended to assist in producing appropriate mitigation measures, and to ensure no rare plant species are lost as a result of the proposed development.
Woodland and scrub 4.3.6 Deciduous woodland is a UK BAP Priority Habitat. The woodland to the north of the site at TN 2, 6 and 9 forms part of Culkerton Down Wood and it is considered highly likely that it has been established for a considerable length of time. This is apparent due to the ancient woodland indicator species that are present.
4.3.7 The proposed development will incorporate this woodland into the masterplan and therefore no direct impacts are anticipated. Through careful mitigation measures and design, indirect impacts could also be significantly reduced.
Open Water 4.3.8 There are no ponds within the site. No impacts to the ponds outside the site boundary are anticipated.
4.3.9 Ponds are to be created as part of the development, increasing aquatic habitat in the area. These are to be managed for wildlife and will have a positive ecological impact.
Tall ruderal and ephemeral vegetation 4.3.10 Habitat at TN7 is likely to be retained as green space as part of the proposed development. Due to the debris piles present, this area will undergo some level of management to create a usable space. This habitat at present is considered to have value no greater than at site level, although does provide suitable habitat for other species groups.
4.3.11 Although this habitat is likely to be lost, due to the fact that the area is to remain as open space, there will be opportunities to enhance it into habitat of greater ecological function. Measures will need to be put in place to reduce impacts on other species groups that could be present in this area, such as ground nesting birds and reptiles.
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Buildings 4.3.12 The buildings on site could provide roosting potential for bats and nesting birds. Further survey is required to establish the presence/ absence of bat species.
4.4 Impacts on Species
Species Overview 4.4.1 The sections below provide an evaluation, description of potential impacts and assessment of ecological effects for each species or species group relevant to the study area, with reference to the ‘Vision Document’.
Badger 4.4.2 Badgers are protected under the Badgers Act 1992. This makes it an offence to willfully kill, injure, take, possess or cruelly ill-treat a badger, or to attempt to do so; or to intentionally or recklessly interfere with a sett. Sett interference includes disturbing badgers whilst they are occupying a sett, as well as damaging or destroying a sett or obstructing access to it.
4.4.3 Four historic badger records were returned from WSBRC, although not since 1988 and all more than 1km from the site. A large mammal hole was located at TN20 on the western boundary of the site, but no other signs of use were present at the time of the survey.
4.4.4 The site offers some potential areas for foraging badgers, although due to the site security fence, entrance to the site is likely to be difficult.
4.4.5 No other sign of badger was located and it is considered unlikely that badger will be impacted upon by the development. However, due to badgers being a mobile species, it is recommended that the hole found at TN20 and the woodland at TN18 be checked for other signs to confirm the absence of this species and fully discount any potential impacts.
Bats 4.4.6 Bats and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000), and by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Taken together, these make it an offence to:
a) Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat;
b) Deliberately disturb any bat, in particular any disturbance which is likely to (i) impair their ability to survive, breed, reproduce or to rear or nurture their young; or in the case of hibernating or migratory species, to
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hibernate or migrate; or (ii) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong.
c) To be in possession or control of any live or dead bat or any part of, or anything derived from a bat;
d) Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a bat;
e) Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any place that bat uses for shelter or protection;
f) Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection.
4.4.7 A bat roost may be any structure a bat uses for breeding, resting, shelter or protection. It is important to note that since bats tend to re-use the same roost sites, current legal opinion is that a bat roost is protected whether or not the bats are present at the time.
4.4.8 Seven bat species are listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and are listed as Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006.
4.4.9 The site itself offers a range of buildings that could provide opportunities for roosting bats. There are also linear habitats along the site boundary leading to the wider landscape that may provide flight lines for commuting bats and some localised foraging habitat.
4.4.10 There is potential for local bat populations to be affected by the development through loss of potential bat roosts and changes to the landscape.
4.4.11 Further survey is required to establish the status of bat populations on site and to allow an impact assessment to be made to inform any future planning proposal.
Dormouse 4.4.12 Dormouse and their habitats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000), and under Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. In summary, these make it an offence to damage, destroy or obstruct any place used by dormice for breeding and shelter, disturb an otter, or kill, injure or take any dormouse. In addition, dormice are a UK BAP species and are listed as an SPI Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006.
4.4.13 No habitat is considered suitable for dormice within the site itself. Habitat at woodland at TN18 could provide suitable conditions for this species. In addition, should the disused railway to the north of the site be included as
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part of the proposed development (Tetbury Track), then the linear scrub habitat between TN25 and TN26 may also provide further opportunities for this species. Should this area be affected by the proposed development, further survey would be required.
Other Mammals 4.4.14 Rabbits and foxes, while not covered under specific legislation, are covered generally under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996. This makes it an offence to mutilate, kick, beat, nail or otherwise impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drown, drag or asphyxiate any wild mammal with the intent to inflict unnecessary suffering.
4.4.15 Mammal records returned on the desk study such as brown hare, hedgehog, and polecats are listed as a Priority species on the UK BAP and are a Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act.
4.4.16 To avoid a possible offence, due care and attention should be taken when carrying out works (for example operations near burrows or nests) with the potential to affect any wild mammal in this way, regardless of whether they are legally protected through other conservation legislation or not.
Amphibians 4.4.17 Great crested newts and their habitats in water and on land are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000) and under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Taken together, these make it an offence to:
a) Deliberately capture, injure or kill a great crested newt;
b) Deliberately disturb any great crested newt, in particular any disturbance which is likely to (i) impair their ability to survive, breed, reproduce or to rear or nurture their young; or in the case of hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate; or (ii) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of the species to which they belong.
c) To be in possession or control of any live or dead great crested newt or any part of, or anything derived from a great crested newt;
d) Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of a great crested newt;
e) Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any place that a great crested newt uses for shelter or protection;
f) Intentionally or recklessly disturb a great crested newt while it is occupying a structure or place that it uses for shelter or protection.
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4.4.18 In addition, great crested newt is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and is listed as a Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006.
4.4.19 There are no open water habitats present on site, although four ponds are within 270m of the site, with one being located just to the north at TN12. Suitable terrestrial habitat for amphibians is also present along the site boundaries of the site such as blocks of woodland, scrub, the tall ruderal vegetation at TN7, and longer grassland such as that at TN 34, as well as by buildings.
4.4.20 Should great crested newts be present within the pond at TN12 it is probable that they could be present within the site itself. Further targeted survey for this species will be required to establish its presence/ absence and assess the full impact upon this species.
Reptiles 4.4.21 All British reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the CRoW Act 2000). Grass snake, slow worm, common lizard and adder are protected against intentional killing or injury and against sale. In addition, all British reptiles are UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and are listed as Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006.
4.4.22 The desk study returned a single record for slow worm within the vicinity of the site. There are areas within the site boundary that could provide suitable conditions for reptile species.
4.4.23 Should suitable reptile habitat be affected and reptiles are present then this will have an adverse impact towards the local populations. Further survey is required to establish the presence/ absence of reptiles to allow a full impact assessment.
Birds 4.4.24 All nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird or take, damage or destroy its nest whilst in use or being built, or take or destroy its eggs. In addition to this, for some rarer species (listed on Schedule 1 of the Act), it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them while they are nest building or at or near a nest with eggs or young, or to disturb the dependent young of such a bird.
4.4.25 In addition, a number of bird species are UK BAP Priority species and also included as SPI under the provisions of the NERC Act 2006.
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4.4.26 The Birds of Conservation Concern initiative publishes lists of Red and Amber species. Birds on the Red list are of high conservation concern within the UK, while those on the Amber list are of medium conservation concern.
4.4.27 The desk study returned four species of notable birds. However, the lack of records does not mean there is little bird activity within the vicinity of the site. There are habitats present outside the airfield that could provide potential bird nesting habitat, although habitat airside is likely to be managed to prevent flocks of birds congregating. However, it is possible that barn owl and raptors may use the airfield for foraging purposes. Skylark (Red list/UK BAP/S41 species) was also recorded in two places on the airfield.
4.4.28 Site clearance or construction works, if undertaken during the bird breeding season, could potentially damage active nests and result in an offence under the legislation.
4.4.29 The design plan of the proposed development should retain, as far as possible, those habitats that support biodiversity by the provision of garden areas and greenspace within the development. Features within the landscape such as hedges and treelines provide links through this site to other habitats in the broader landscape. The significance of the potential impacts will be highly dependent on the development and the design of new habitat and landscape features.
4.4.30 Further surveys during the bird breeding season are required to establish what the potential impacts towards the local bird population will be as a result of the proposed development. Targeted barn owl surveys are also recommended to establish whether the species uses the grassland on the airfield for foraging.
Invertebrates 4.4.31 It is thought that a number of spiders, bees, wasps, moths, butterflies and other taxa could make use of the grassland and bare ground within the proposed development site. Loss of these habitats could potentially have an impact on any such species present in the area, some of which may be listed under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and Species of Principal Importance under the provisions of Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006.
4.4.32 Further survey may be required to establish the importance of the grassland for invertebrate species.
4.5 Constraints and Opportunities Summary 4.5.1 The proposed development is likely to result in a loss of grassland habitat within the site. Buildings are also to be lost (apart from the listed hangars). Without targeted surveys, these losses may result in the loss of botanical
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interest and potential bat roosts. The results from these targeted surveys will inform the opportunities for ecological enhancement that the proposed development could offer.
4.5.2 With reference to the Kemble Vision Document, habitat highlighted as having ecological value is largely to be retained, with further opportunities to enhance existing biodiversity within the site. This will be achieved through strengthening green infrastructure across the site and beyond. For example, the enhancement of Public Rights of Ways (PRoWs) such as reinstating the Fosse Way and the creation of the ‘Tetbury Track’, reinstating historic hedgerow patterns creating a network of greenways, and by creating parks and tree lined boulevards with integrated swales along existing runways. The ecological benefit of this green infrastructure will allow the movement of local wildlife, particularly into areas of the site that is currently overly managed and provide little ecological value.
4.5.3 Habitat to be retained and created as part of the proposed development includes woodland (Culkerton Down Woods and newly planted woodland), and reinstating ‘common land’ such as the Ecology Park east of Culkerton Down Woods through informal recreational management. Further habitat creation within this area could include the use of green roofs on listed hangars and nearby wildflower mounds. Sustainable drainage solutions will also be incorporated into the development, which will link to newly created ponds managed to benefit wildlife such as providing aquatic habitat and wildflower rich grassland.
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5 Recommendations
5.1 Further Survey 5.1.1 This Phase 1 survey has provided a baseline of ecological information to describe the main characteristics of the proposed development site. To fully assess the potential ecological impacts of the proposed development, further survey is recommended for the following habitats and species:
• More detailed data trawl for specific groups • Phase 2 surveys of areas of botanical interest • Bats • Great crested newts • Reptiles • Breeding birds • Invertebrates • Dormice • Badgers
5.1.2 The methods entailed in surveying these habitats and species are outlined below.
Vegetation 5.1.3 Areas of potential botanical interest would be surveyed during the summer months to develop a complete species list. Where appropriate, they could then be assessed using the appropriate habitat-type methodology from the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system.
Bats 5.1.4 The buildings within the site would be assessed thoroughly for their potential to support bat roosts. Buildings with potential roosting features will then be surveyed for roosting bats. These surveys should be carried out between May and August.
5.1.5 Bat activity within the proposed development area would be recorded in the period between April and September by walking transects with bat detectors, as described in the Bat Survey Guidelines. These methods would provide evidence of feeding areas and important flight routes within the study area.
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Badger 5.1.6 There may well be potential impacts on this species if they are present in the woodland at TN18, or use the large hole at TN20. For this reason a dedicated badger survey should be conducted in order to identify any setts or individual holes with signs of recent use. This type of survey is best conducted when vegetation has died back and signs are more visible, usually between November and mid March.
Dormouse 5.1.7 The woodland at TN18, and the lines of scrub at TN25 and 26 contain habitat suitable for this species. A survey is recommended to establish if dormice are present, and thereby properly assess potential impacts. This type of survey requires the placement of dormouse tubes at regular intervals in suitable habitat, with monthly checks carried out between April and October in order to observe if individuals are using the tubes and are therefore present in the wider habitat.
Great Crested Newts 5.1.8 It is recommended that a great crested newt survey be undertaken of the waterbodies close to the site, in particular within 250m. Targeted surveys should be carried out for amphibians using recognised methodologies as described in the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual, and the Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. This would initially involve four evening and morning visits in the mid-March to mid-June period. If great crested newts were found in the ponds surveyed, then a further two visits would need to be undertaken in order to assess population size.
Reptiles 5.1.9 A reptile survey is recommended within areas highlighted as supporting potential, in order to identify if any species of reptile are present and (if found) estimate population size. These surveys should use recognised methodologies as described in the Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual and the Reptile Mitigation Guidelines, and would require the placement of artificial refugia around site, which would then be checked on a number of occasions at the appropriate time of year.
Birds 5.1.10 To provide data for an assessment of the bird community using the development area, the Common Bird Census technique should be used to produce an estimate of breeding pair numbers within an agreed survey boundary. As the mapping of individual territory boundaries is not required for this level of assessment, three should be undertaken (one each in April, May and June), instead of the prescribed ten.
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5.1.11 A barn owl dusk watch could also be carried out to assess whether barn owls use the grassland habitat within the airfield for foraging purposes. It is recommended that this survey be carried out on three separate occasions from June onwards, when the species increases foraging activity when feeding young.
Invertebrates 5.1.12 An invertebrate survey should be undertaken, focusing on the habitats of particular value within the study area. To gather baseline data, an initial survey should be undertaken by an invertebrate specialist in the May to September period, following appropriate guidelines.
5.2 Mitigation Measures 5.2.1 To avoid committing an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act it will be necessary to programme all construction works that might directly impact upon breeding birds to the September-February period outside the bird breeding season.
5.2.2 At present it is not possible to comprehensively gauge impacts or developed detailed mitigation strategies. However, possible measures for ecological mitigation could include the following (as stated above within constraints and opportunities summary and with reference to the Vision Document)
• Retention of habitats of nature conservation value wherever possible. • Enhancement of existing poor quality habitat to improve their value. • Creation of new habitats within the development. • Conservation of protected and notable species. • Implementation of a biodiversity management and monitoring plan.
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6 References
Bat Conservation Trust (2007) Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
Harris, S, Cresswell, P & Jeffries, D. (1989) Surveying Badgers. An occasional publication of the mammal society – No 9. Mammal Society, London.
Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological Assessment. Institute of Environmental Assessment, London.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2007) Handbook for Phase I Habitat Survey: A Technique for Environmental Audit. JNCC, Peterborough.
Marchant, J.H. (1983) Common Bird Census Instructions. British Trust for Ornithology, Tring.
Mitchell-Jones, A.J. & McLeish, A.P. (Eds.). (1999) The Bat Workers Manual, 2nd Edition. JNCC, Peterborough.
Stace, C. (2012) New Flora of the British Isles (3rd edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
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Appendix 1: Data Trawl
28 A MAP OF THE AREAS RECOGNISED BY GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST AS KEY WILDLIFE SITES WITHIN THE SEARCH AREA
Map scale 1:59947
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO.© Crown Copyright and database right [2007]. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100046783. Boundary and additional information copyright Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Boundary version v.4 GCER 18.05.2012 Date printed 14/04/2014 Location Name: Job No.482 Grid Ref: ST958 965 Search Area: 5km
Sites of conservation importance recorded within, or overlapping, the area of search SAC, SPA, Ramsar None present SSSIs
Site name Distance from grid (m) Kemble Railway Cuttings 1770
Key Wildlife Sites Distance from Site name File Code Reasons for selection grid (m)
Ancient semi-natural broad-leaved woodland Kemble Wood KWS ST99/001 site larger than 2 ha 1295 Chapman's Cross KWS SO90/044 Plant interest 4890
Ancient semi-natural broad-leaved woodland Cirencester Park Woods KWS SO90/011 site larger than 2 ha 3775
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 1 of 3 National Nature Reserve, GWT Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve None present Conservation Road Verge
Site name File Code Distance from grid (m) Poole Keynes CRV080 4465 Thames Head Inn, A433 CRV075 2915 Old Mill Farm, Poole Keynes CRV076 4625
Unconfirmed Sites Distance from Site name Location Type grid (m) Semi-natural woodland with conifer Severall's Copse U ST997981 plantations. 3935 Conifer plantation with scattered broadleaved Hullasey Grove U ST973992 trees 2985 Bat Roost (long-eared & Hullasey Barn, Tarlton U ST971991 pipistrelle) 2855
Rough grassland, desnse scrub/young secondary woodland and recently created pond by Thames & Severn Canal Coates Scrub U SO971000 and railway line. 3710
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 2 of 3 Bledisloe South U SO984005 Secondary Woodland 4650 Broad-leaved plantation Ashwell Pool U SO98780042 and pond 4845 Broad-leaved plantation Smerrill Dairy U ST991990 woodland 4115 Mature beech wood Thatched Barn U ST96659962 with shrubby areas 3175 Ash secondary Mountpleasant U ST956981 woodland 1375 Beech woodland with young broadleaved/conifer Mountpleasant "North" U ST960987 woodland and scrub. 2110 Broad-leaved woodland Tarlton Canal Cutting U SO967004 along canal 3850
Canal edge with dense hawthorn/blackthorn scrub with improved Tarlton Canal Copse East U SO968002 grassland clearing 3785 Broad-leaved plantation Water Tower Plantation U ST95829937 woodland 2830
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 3 of 3 Location Name: Job No.482 Grid Ref: ST958 965 Search Area: 3km
Rare and protected species records Grid Year last Scientific name Common Name Reference recorded Status Site Location Survey Name Comments UK Priority Species 2007, Bern-A3, England Forge Cottage, Nr Tetbury Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog ST931951 2010 NERC S.41 gl8 8st Hedgehog survey 2011 Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp. County Plant Recorders Small patch by stile in pseudonarcissus Daffodil ST93719807 2003 Key Glos Species Hazleton Fox Covert. records field hedge UK Priority Species 2007, Bern-A2, England NERC S.41, HabDir-A2*, HabDir-A4, HabReg- Sch2, WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, WACA- Sch5_sect9.5a, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b, WACA- Triturus cristatus Great Crested Newt ST938950 2008 Sch5Sect9.4c Ashley Males singing. Lane Culkerton, Newbarn between Culkerton & Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ST9395 1996 Bird-Red CovertST9395 County Bird Recorder Fosse Way UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, BirdsDir- County Bird Recorders Perdix perdix Grey Partridge ST9395 1990 A2.1, England NERC S.41 CulkertonST9395 Records UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, BirdsDir- County Bird Recorders Perdix perdix Grey Partridge ST941976 2012 A2.1, England NERC S.41 Rodmarton Records BTO Code: H UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, White Letter Endangered, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, WACA- Guy Meredith Butterfly Satyrium w-album Hairstreak ST942976 1995 Sch5_sect9.5b Survey Males singing on road Culkerton, Newbarn between Culkerton and Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ST9495 1995 Bird-Red CovertST9495 County Bird Recorder Oaksey UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, BirdsDir- In field by road to Perdix perdix Grey Partridge ST9495 1996 A2.1, England NERC S.41 CulkertonST9495 County Bird Recorder Oaksey. County Plant Recorders Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge ST9497 1993 RedList_Near Threatened Rodmarton records
Droppings. Batline Bat Chiroptera Bats ST9498 2002 HabDir-A4 Malt House, Rodmarton roost visit report form.
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 1 of 3 Grid Year last Scientific name Common Name Reference recorded Status Site Location Survey Name Comments UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, White Letter Endangered, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, WACA- Guy Meredith Butterfly Satyrium w-album Hairstreak ST955972 1995 Sch5_sect9.5b Survey Hyacinthoides non- scripta Bluebell ST956981 2002 WACA-Sch8 MOUNTPLEASANT UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, Near Threatened, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, Guy Meredith Butterfly Cupido minimus Small Blue ST958973 1987 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b Survey Coenonympha UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, Guy Meredith Butterfly pamphilus Small Heath ST958974 1996 Near Threatened Survey UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, Near Threatened, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, Guy Meredith Butterfly Cupido minimus Small Blue ST958974 1988 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b Survey UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, Guy Meredith Butterfly Erynnis tages Dingy Skipper ST958974 1988 Vulnerable Survey County Bird Recorders Riparia riparia Sand Martin ST9596 2012 Bern-A2, Bird-Amber Jackaments Bottom Records Flyovers | BTO Code: M County Bird Recorders Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush ST9596 2012 Bird-Amber, BirdsDir-A2.2 Jackaments Bottom Records Singing | BTO Code: S Simon Plantation/Violet County Plant Recorders Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge ST9597 1999 RedList_Near Threatened Plantation records Dead on road. Polecat UK Priority Species 2007, Bern-A3, England record from The Vincent Mustela putorius Polecat ST959973 1993 NERC S.41, HabDir-A5, HabReg-Sch4 Kemble Wildlife Trust UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, White Letter Endangered, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, WACA- Guy Meredith Butterfly Satyrium w-album Hairstreak ST960974 1995 Sch5_sect9.5b Survey
Buxus sempervirens Box ST960987 2002 Nationally Rare MOUNTPLEASANT 'NORTH'
Lepus europaeus Brown Hare ST962963 2006 UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41 Kemble Airfield Coenonympha UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41, Guy Meredith Butterfly pamphilus Small Heath ST964975 1988 Near Threatened Survey County Plant Recorders Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar ST9698 2006 UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41 Field Barn records Caterpillar 1 on roof Athene noctua Little Owl ST971991 2009 Bern-A2 Hullasey Barn, Tarlton 1 walked in front of barn Lepus europaeus Brown Hare ST971991 2009 UK Priority Species 2007, England NERC S.41 Hullasey Barn, Tarlton U
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 2 of 3 Grid Year last Scientific name Common Name Reference recorded Status Site Location Survey Name Comments
1 flew from open- fronted cowshed, 1 feeding in Bern-A2, Bern-A3, HabDir-A4, HabReg-Sch2, front of WACA-Sch5_sect9.4b, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, grain storage barn. Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle ST971991 2009 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b, WACA-Sch5Sect9.4c Hullasey Barn, Tarlton U Hyacinthoides non- scripta Bluebell ST973964 1986 WACA-Sch8 KEMBLE WOOD KWS
Singing from perch near Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ST9796 1993 Bird-Red Kemble AirfieldST9796 County Bird Recorder Kemble Wood ST972961
UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, BirdsDir- County Bird Recorders Seen feeding in a field Perdix perdix Grey Partridge ST9796 2003 A2.1, England NERC S.41 Kemble AirfieldST9796 Records on edge of the airfield. UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, England Field Barn, possibly Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow ST9797 1992 NERC S.41 Kemble AirfieldST9797 County Bird Recorder nesting UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, England Flying near Rendalls Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow ST979962 1993 NERC S.41 Kemble AirfieldST979962 County Bird Recorder Barn. ST979962
UK Priority Species 2007, Bern-A3, England ST985909752 NERC S.41, WACA-Sch5_sect9.1(kill/injuring), Gloucestershire Wildlife Under old plastic Anguis fragilis Slow-worm 2 2012 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b Kemble Trust Staff tabletop. ST985909752 Bern-A3, HabDir-A5, WACA-Sch5_sect9.5a, Gloucestershire Wildlife Rana temporaria Common Frog 2 2012 WACA-Sch5_sect9.5b Kemble Trust Staff Common Grasshopper UK Priority Species 2007, Bird-Red, England County Bird Recorders Locustella naevia Warbler ST9895 1988 NERC S.41 Kemble WickST9895 Records Heard and seen Reeling Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ST9897 1996 Bird-Red KembleST9897 County Bird Recorder In farm gateway.
14/04/2014 Produced using data held at the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records 3 of 3 Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
Appendix 2. Target Notes
No Description 1 Bunker type building. No access on survey but potential for bat hibernation. Close to woodland providing nearby flight lines and foraging. 2 Planted secondary woodland with ancient woodland indicators such as wood anemone, dog’s mercury, lesser celandine, bluebell, lords & ladies, primrose, ground ivy, common nettle and early dog violet. Trees include sycamore, elder, horse chestnut. Piles of rubble have been dumped in areas. Rabbit population evident. 3 Neutral grassland on woodland edge dominated by red fescue. Other species include ancient woodland indicators throughout grassland such as primrose, blue bell, dog violet, lesser celandine, moss, creeping buttercup, common bent, Yorkshire fog. 4 Building supporting some gaps in roof providing bat roosting potential. Needs further survey 5 Listed hangar. No access during the survey. Needs survey to establish bat potential 6 Planted woodland (secondary). As TN2. Same ground flora with fewer rubble piles. Bramble scrub is locally frequent in places. Oak also present. To the south west edge, old hawthorn scrub which may once have been field boundary. 7 Scrub wasteland. Inaccessible during survey. Rubbish and debris piles in large fenced off area with scrub and ephemeral vegetation. Providing potential for reptile species. 8 Listed hangar, same as TN5. No access during the survey. Needs survey to establish bat potential. 9 Planted woodland (Secondary). Ancient woodland flora as before in TN2 and5. Although more ubiquitous plants evident and frequent such as common nettle, dock species, cow parsley, cleavers, cocks foot and hogweed and bramble. Elm regenerated saplings also present suggesting previous elm wood. Trees species include ash, sycamore and horse chestnut. 10 Small brick building and Water tower. Potential for roosting bats. Needs further survey 11 Fosse Way (north-east) Old Fosse Way where it ends before entering the site. Linear scrub and woodland. No access from site. Birds and bats. Ash and hawthorn were recorded from the site. 12 Pond situated in garden habitat with scrub planting. Potential for great crested newts (breeding and terrestrial habitat) 13 Tall brick tower in disuse. Requires bat survey 14 Brick building, requires check for bats 15 Small pitched roof building with some potential. Bat survey required. 16 Small wooded area. Much smaller in size than TN2, 5 and 9. Similar ground flora and wooded sp. dogs mercury and bramble dominant with some occurring lords and ladies. Sycamore is dominant canopy species although beech trees also present. 17 Mature ash covered in ivy; from the ground it appears to have high bat potential. On north-west site boundary. 18 Established secondary woodland with good structure, immediately outside the site boundary to the north-west with a small section within the redline. Trees include ash and beech. Understorey includes box, sycamore and honeysuckle. Ground flora includes bluebell, ivy and lord and ladies. Provides potential for bats and dormice.
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
No Description 19 Listed Bunker. Requires further survey. Although was heavily used by plant machinery during survey and may be unsuitable due to disturbance. 20 Scrub field boundary mammal hole. More likely fox entrance but large hole for larger mammal. No other badger or fox signs found 21 Bunker/air raid shelter. Concrete lined bunker. 2m in height and 2.5m wide. It is open on both ends increasing airflow. Not suitable for hibernation but may provide low summer roosting potential for bats such as lesser horseshoes. The bunker is within trees providing adjacent flight lines. 22 Brick building with pitched roof. Requires further bat survey 23 Brick building with pitched roof. Requires further bat survey 24 Pond 250m west of the site. 8x8 round pond shaded (90%) by scrub. Covered in algae. Low GCN potential and at large distance. Arable field in between pond and site. 25 Disused railway – western point. Scrub habitat along disused railway providing potential for other species groups such as flight line for bats, breeding birds, and reptiles 26 Disused railway – western point. Scrub habitat along disused railway providing potential for other species groups such as flight line for bats, breeding birds, and reptiles 27 Linear scrub. 3m wide and 3m high hawthorn and elder scrub likely to be remnant of the Fosse way within the site. Other species present include black thorn, clematis and bramble. Ground flora includes common nettle, common dog-violet, lords and ladies, cowslip, bluebell, and lesser celandine. Bare ground was 50% ground cover due to ground vegetation being depleted by rabbits. 28 Fosse way (south-west). ‘Green corridor’ outside the site boundary. Rough grassland dominated by false oat-grass with a double mature hedge boundary. 29 Pill boxes/bunkers. Hibernation potential for bats. Further survey required. Surrounding habitat here is amenity grassland and scattered trees (firs and broadleaved), these are then connected to the Fosse Way, providing potential flight lines. 30 Hawthorn boundary hedge. Planting along fence line. 31 Old species poor hawthorn dominated hedge with frequently occurring hazel. The hedge is 1.5m – 2m in height and with an approximate width of 1.5m. Ground flora includes lords and ladies, cleavers, common nettle, dogs mercury, cow parsley, greater stitchwort, plus neutral grass species including cock’s foot grass. 32 Defunct hedge and wall. Stone wall providing suitable shelter conditions for reptile species, adjacent to grassland habitat. 33 Broadleaved planted woodland supporting young ash trees. A modern open barn is also present here (no bat potential). 34 Rough grassland dominated by false oat-grass. There is a stone wall present providing potential for reptiles and ground nesting birds. 35 Small building with a pitch roof. Further bat survey needed.
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
Appendix 3: Photographs of buildings found on site.
Bunker (at TN1) Listed Hangar (at TN19)
Brick tower to the north of the site (TN13) Office brick building (TN22)
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
Air raid shelter (TN21) Brick building and water tower in woodland (TN10)
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
Appendix 4. Phase 1 Habitat Plan
Legend
Approximate site boundary
A Arable LEGEND I Improved grassland Site boundary 139.3ha SI Species-poor semi-Improved grassland
SI A Amenity grassland
Tall ruderal vegetation 11 A A 26 Broadleaved woodland 1 A A A I 10 A A 12 33 9 A Plantation broadleaved woodland 7 I 1 A A 8 14 34 Plantation coniferous woodland A A 13 SI 6 2 A A SI Dense scrub 25 A A A 15 32 SI 3 4 17 SI 16 5 Scattered scrub 18 SI 31 A 22 AA 23 Species-poor hedgerow A A 19 A 21 A A SI SI 20 Species-poor with trees
A 30 Species-poor defunct hedgerow 24 SI A Hard standing SI27 SI SI SI 29 Open water
29 Fence
Building 28 32 Target notes
N Rev DE146_001 Drg No Commercial Estates Group Client Kemble Airfield Project SCALE 1:7,500 50 200 Red Line Plan Title 1::7,500 @ A3 Scale 0m 100 300 400
Project Name & No. 482 Kemble Airfield Phase 1 Survey Production Date N 13 October 2014 Project Owner KC Baker Consultants W E West Platform, Cromford Station Kemble Airfield: Phase 1 Plan Cromford Bridge, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 5JJ
S Telephone 01629 60 2969 Email [email protected]
Kemble Airfield: Preliminary Ecological Assessment Commercial Estates Group
1
Land at Kemble Airfield
Services and Infrastructure Appraisal
Brookbanks
Document Control Sheet
Document Title: Services and Infrastructure Appraisal
Document Ref: 10279-TN-04
Project Name: Land at Kemble Airfield
Project Number: 10279
Client: Commercial Estates Group
Document Status
Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Checked / Date Approved / Date
0 Draft CA 10.03.14 DW 11.03.14 PAB 12.03.14
1 Draft AA 16.02.15 LW 16.02.15 PAB 16.02.15
2 Final AA 25.02.15 LW 25.02.15 PAB 25.02.15
Issue Record
Name / Date & Revision 12.03.14 16.02.15 25.02.15
Mr Matthew Tunley – Commercial Estates Group 0 1 2
© Copyright Brookbanks Consulting Ltd 2015 This document may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means whether electronic, mechanical, photographic, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system of any nature without the written permission of Brookbanks Consulting Limited. No part of this work may be modified without the written permission of Brookbanks Consulting Ltd. No part of this work may be exposed to public view in any form or by any means, without identifying the creator as Brookbanks Consulting Ltd
Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Background Information 1
3 Water 2
4 Electricity 3
5 Gas 3
6 Telecommunications 4
7 Summary 5
8 Limitations 5
Appendix
Existing Services Location Plan 10279-SU-01
M:\30195\06-Reports\Vision Doc\Final Technical Appendix\10279TN04 Rv2 - Services & Infratructure.docx Brookbanks
Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
1 Introduction
1.1 Brookbanks Consulting Ltd is appointed by Commercial Estates Group to complete a Services and Infrastructure Appraisal for the proposed development on Land at Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire.
1.2 This report summarises the findings of the study and specifically addresses the following issues:
• Existing network apparatus • Supply requirements for the new development • Consultations with the incumbent supply network operators.
2 Background Information
Location & Details 2.1 The Site is an operational general aviation airport which is located on land falling between two Local Planning Authority boundaries – Cotswold District Council (north) and Wiltshire Council (south). The nearest settlement is the village of Kemble, approximately 1.2km to the east and Cirencester is located approximately 6km to the north east.
2.2 The approximate site location is shown on Figure 2a below:
Proposed Development
Figure 2a: Site Location
Development Criteria 2.3 The initial concepts for how the site could be comprehensively redeveloped to create a sustainable and vibrant new village are set out and explained within the Vision Document. The initial concept plan shows how the redevelopment could deliver around 2,000 homes with associated community facilities, new business and local employment opportunities.
Sources of Information 2.4 The following undertakers have been consulted while completing the review of existing network capacity:
• Thames Water - Water supplies • Wessex Water - Water supplies
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Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
• Western Power Distribution - Electricity supplies • Scottish & Southern Energy - Electricity supplies • Wales & West Utilities - Gas supplies • British Telecommunications - Communications
3 Water Supply
Existing Conditions 3.1 The proposed development area lies close to the operational boundaries of both Thames Water and Wessex Water. As a result, both companies have been consulted regarding the location and capacity of their existing network within the vicinity of the site.
3.2 Both suppliers have confirmed that they do not own apparatus within the site boundary, however both have existing infrastructure located in the nearby Kemble and surrounding locality.
3.3 Coupled with the above, a private water supply reservoir and a private water tower are both identified on the southern boundary of the site adjacent to the A429. There is potential for these to supply the site and it is believed from initial discussions that they are controlled by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Supply Loading 3.2 Water supply assessments predict a flow of 12l/s being required for the site. Figure 3a shows the load profile as the proposed development is built out.
Figure 3a: Predicted Water Supply Loading
Network Requirements 3.3 On consultation with both parties, it has been established that there are potential options for foul water and water supply to be connected into the site.
3.4 To validate the options for supply, detailed investigations and site drainage surveys will be completed accurately to determine the nature and location of the water supply network within the site boundary and the catchment within which it lies. These detailed investigations will be supplied as supporting information within any future Planning Application.
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Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
4 Electricity Supply
Existing Conditions 4.1 Western Power Distribution and Scottish and Southern Energy have been consulted regarding their existing network locations and capacities. Both network operators identify apparatus within the boundary of the site.
4.2 An 11kV underground network owned by Western Power Distribution enters the site at two points in the north, one from the A433 to the north east of the development and one from the northern agricultural land. These routes continue from the north to the hanger in the south western corner of the site, adjacent to the site boundary.
4.3 Additionally, Scottish and Southern Energy operate an overhead 33kV line to the south of the development, which supplies the existing site via both overhead and underground 11kV routes via a Kemble 33kV / 11kV primary substation located at on the southern boundary of the site within the existing commercial area. The location of this apparatus has been identified in drawing 10279-SU-01 which contained in the Appendix.
Supply Loading 4.4 Supply assessments predict an electrical demand of circa 4,000kW being required for the site. Figure 4a shows the load profile as the development is built out.
Figure 4a: Predicted Electricity Supply Loading
Network Requirements 4.5 Consultation has derived that the high voltage 11 kV underground cable crossing the airfield is considered to be a suitable point of connection (POC). Western Power Distribution has suggested that this network can be extended and amended as necessary to incorporate a series of distribution substations to supply future development. A detailed capacity study will need to be completed along with an assessment of potential reinforcements. Alternatively, Scottish and Southern Energy are also able to provide supply options.
5 Gas Supply
Existing Conditions 5.1 The local incumbent gas network operator, Wales and West has been consulted regarding the location and capacity of their existing network in the vicinity of the site.
5.2 The Wales and West existing network plans do not identify any apparatus within the boundary of the site. The nearest network of low and medium pressure mains are located north east of the development within Cirencester.
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Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
Supply Loading 5.3 Supply assessments predict a peak gas load of circa 4,200m3/hr will be required for the site.
Figure 5a: Predicted Gas Supply Loading
Network Requirements 5.4 Initial investigations have confirmed that it will be possible and non-prohibitive to bring a direct connection from the existing gas network within Cirencester.
6 Telecommunications
Existing Conditions 6.1 The incumbent telecommunications provider is British Telecom and their nearest exchange is located within Kemble, meaning apparatus is anticipated within the Kemble area to the east of the proposed development.
Supply Requirements 6.2 A development of this nature will require a suite of communication services, typically being:
Analogue Lines: Analogue services traditionally is required for applications such as voice communications, fax machines & dial-up internet access, to enable visitors secure internet access, teleconferencing, links to banking facilities and the like.
ADSL / SDSL: Broadband services will be required for all internet applications such as e-mail, web access and to enable the transmittal of large amounts of data, particularly between businesses.
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) is a digital service offered by many telephone companies to provide data access up to 128 Kbps for residence and small office applications. ISDN services may be required for applications such as frame relays, intruder alarms, & remote CCTV monitoring.
Cable Television: Cable television services are ideally required as an option for the proposed domestic dwellings.
High-Speed Fibre: High-speed fibre networks are currently being implemented throughout the UK, providing a high speed data connection to residential and commercial properties. BT Openreach is currently investing heavily into a high-speed fibre network, 21st Century Networks. It is anticipated that it will cover two thirds of UK premises by 2015, achieving theoretical
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connection speeds of up to 24Mbs. Third party operators such as Independent Fibre Networks provide fibre to the home services that routinely provide line speeds up to 100Mbs and can go higher.
Network Requirements 6.3 As BT has network infrastructure running within the nearby existing highways within Kemble, it will be a straight forward task of providing on-site communication ducts distributing services into the development from the existing infrastructure. Other operators may wish to provide network services although they are likely to connect to a nearby alternative point of presence (POP).
6.4 As outlined above, availability of broadband ADSL / SDSL is now an important consideration of residential purchasers. The development will look to incorporate a high speed fibre network on-site to provide superior connection speeds.
6.5 An initial investigation for the Kemble exchange suggests ADSL Max is available with a minimum 1.5Mbps speed for connection. The exchange currently serves 780 residential properties and 46 non-residential premises. Measured against normal expectations, 1.5Mbs represents a low bandwidth and is not practically compatible with the requirements for a new settlement, which needs to promote high speed communications.
6.6 Currently BT is the only communication provider (CP) available at the Kemble Exchange. Further investigations also confirm that BT is currently rolling out Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) services in certain areas around Kemble.
6.7 However, an investigation of other communication infrastructure shows the site has an opportunity to provide an ultrafast Fibre to the Home broadband network, which would readily provide at least 100-200Mbs to all dwellings. Importantly, this would deliver broadband speeds that are at least three times faster than the maximum BT is planning to deliver through their 21st Century Network, when this is eventually delivered.
6.8 An ultrafast 100 – 200MBs network will therefore ensure the site is an ideal location to enhance homeworking and help attract the highly skilled professions that will be necessary for this location. Fibre directly into the home will be provided and allow all television services to be delivered (via a system known as an IRS), live or on-demand, through the communication network, avoiding the need for unsightly aerials and satellite dishes.
7 Summary
7.1 This Services & Infrastructure Statement has demonstrated that the proposed development at Kemble Airfield is unlikely to require prohibitive reinforcements to the existing networks.
7.2 Some localised, non-prohibitive reinforcements may be necessary together with protections or diversions where existing plant is affected by the proposals.
8 Limitations
8.1 The conclusions and recommendations contained herein are limited to those given the general availability of background information and the planned usage of the site.
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Land at Kemble Airfield Services & Infrastructure Appraisal
8.2 Third party information has been used in the preparation of this report, which Brookbanks Consulting Ltd, by necessity assumes is correct at the time of writing. While all reasonable checks have been made on data sources and the accuracy of data, Brookbanks Consulting Ltd accepts no liability for same.
8.3 The benefits of this report are provided solely to Commercial Estates Group for the proposed development at Kemble Airfield only.
8.4 Brookbanks Consulting Ltd excludes third party rights for the information contained in the report.
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Land at Kemble Airfield
Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
Brookbanks
Document Control Sheet
Document Title: Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
Document Ref: 10279-TN-03
Project Name: Land at Kemble Airfield
Project Number: 10279
Client: Commercial Estates Group
Document Status
Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Checked / Date Approved / Date
0 Draft AE 14.03.14 DW 14.03.14 PAB 12.03.14
1 Draft AE 27.03.14 PAB 27.03.14 PAB 27.03.14
2 Final AE 27.03.14 PAB 01.04.14 PAB 01.04.14
3 Final AE 16.02.15 LW 16.02.15 LW 16.02.15
4 Final AE 25.02.15 LW 25.02.15 LW 25.02.15
Issue Record
Name / Date & Revision .02.15 12.03.14 27.03.14 01.04.14 16.02.15 25
Mr Matthew Tunley – Commercial Estates Group 0 1 2 3 4
© Copyright Brookbanks Consulting Ltd 2014 This document may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means whether electronic, mechanical, photographic, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system of any nature without the written permission of Brookbanks Consulting Limited. No part of this work may be modified without the written permission of Brookbanks Consulting Ltd. No part of this work may be exposed to public view in any form or by any means, without identifying the creator as Brookbanks Consulting Ltd
Land at Kemble Airfield Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Existing Transport Review 1
3 Development Strategy: The Opportunities 6
4 Summary 13
C:\Users\veaseyd\Downloads\10279TN03 Rv5 - Highways Transport.doc Brookbanks
Land at Kemble Airfield Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
1 Introduction
1.1 Brookbanks Consultants (BCL) is commissioned by Commercial Estates Group (CEG) to complete a preliminary Highways and Transportation Appraisal for a potential development on Land at Kemble Airfield.
1.2 This document, which results from a high level review, is structured to firstly reviewing the existing site environs before identifying the opportunities that are present to bring forward proposals to deliver a sustainable development at Kemble Airfield.
2 Existing Transport Review
Site Setting
2.1 The Site is an operational airport which is located some 2km southwest of Kemble village centre. Kemble is located 6km to the southwest of Cirencester and 28km to the northwest of Swindon.
2.2 The approximate site location is shown on Figure 2a below.
Proposed Development
Figure 2a: Site Location
2.3 It is proposed to develop the site for residential use with the final quantum and details of development yet to be finalised.
2.4 At this stage, it has been assumed that the development could potentially deliver circa 2,000 dwellings, ancillary development and associated 9.75 ha of new employment land.
Walking and cycling
2.5 The site is currently in use as an airport together with some employment land uses. The site does not generate significant pedestrian or cyclist demand. No footways or Public Rights of Way penetrate the site. There is intermittent pedestrian footway, circa 1.0m in width, along the A429.
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Land at Kemble Airfield Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
2.6 In relation to off-site links, the long distance strategic footpath named ‘Monarchs Way’ is situated to the north of the site linking the A433 to Tarlton, Rodmarton, Culkerton and Ashley. A bridleway to the south east of the site also connects the site to the village of Chelworth.
2.7 No cycle facilities have been identified with cycling trips completed on carriageway.
Public Transport Network
2.8 The bus services that serve Kemble are identified in Figure 2b and 2c, with three routes being identified. The identified routes are 50, 855, and 881 which are operated by NextBuses. These serve Kemble village, the train station and travels along the A429 close to the site.
Service Destination Frequency 881 Cirencester - Kemble – Tetbury Monday to Saturday Operator: NextBuses Three routes Sunday No service 50 Cirencester – Ashton Keynes – Crickdale Monday to Saturday Operator: NextBuses 30 minutes Sunday No service 855 Kemble - Cirencester - Moreton-in-Marsh Monday – Friday Operator: NextBuses Three routes Saturday - Sunday No service
3 Figure 2b: Key Bus Routes close to Kemble Airfield area
Cirencester
Kemble
Airfield
4 Figure 2c: Key Bus Routes close to Kemble Airfield area
2.9 Kemble train station is located to the east of the site and is the only train station in the Cotswold district and Cirencester area, circa 2km east of the site. The train station serves Gloucester via an hourly service (journey time 36 minutes), Swindon hourly (17 minutes), Cheltenham hourly (50 minute) to London Paddington (80 minutes). The train station has the Kemble train station is located to the east of the site and is the only train station in the Cotswold district and Cirencester area, circa 2km east of the site. The train station has the following facilities:
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220 space car park 12 cycle stands Ticket office Ticket machine Collection of pre-purchased tickets Pay phone Post box Toilets Refreshments
2.10 The car park at Kemble Station is at capacity and access roads to the station are typically narrow and residential in nature with several characterised by traffic calming. It is noted that First Great Western have received funding recently to expand the car park, but access issues are yet to be resolved in full.
Accessibility
2.11 The accessibility of the development is achieved through successfully forming transport links from the development to the external transport routes, so a permeable layout is delivered. This allows future site occupiers to access local facilities and amenities by different modes of travel. A qualitative review of the accessibility implications of the proposed development has been conducted.
2.12 There is a limited range of local amenities provided by Kemble. Present day local amenities are indicated in Figure 2d, with Kemble offers a range of local facilities, including;
Primary School Train Station GP surgery Post Office Public house Garage
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Education
Medical
Train Station
Village Centre
Post Office
Shopping
Figure 2d: Local facilities
Sustainable modes of travel
2.13 The site is located in the ward boundary of Thames Head, which in turn is within the district of Cotswold. An interrogation of the 2011 Census travel to work statistics is indicated in Figure 2e which indicates the modal share for travel to work journeys.
Mode of Travel Thames Head Cotswold Work Mainly at or From Home 13.3% 11.3% Train 4.5% 1.7% Bus, Minibus or Coach 1.1% 1.2% Taxi 0.0% 0.2% Motorcycle, Scooter or Moped 0.8% 0.7% Driving a Car or Van 68.3% 63.5% Passenger in a Car or Van 3.7% 4.4% Bicycle 0.8% 2.1% On Foot 6.4% 13.8% Other Method of Travel to Work 0.7% 0.8% Figure 2e: Travel to work statistics
2.14 This indicates that walking and cycling accounts for 7.2% of journeys to work generated within the Thames Head ward, and it is noted that this figure is lower than 15.9% from the wider district area. There is a limited employment opportunities in the Kemble area that is within walking and cycling distance. It should also be noted that 4.5% of trips are carried out by train, which is higher than the district area. This reflects the location of the train station in relation to the wider area.
2.15 In relation to car based journeys, the mode share is 68.3% for the ward, rising from 63.5% for the district.
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Land at Kemble Airfield Highways and Transport Preliminary Appraisal
Road Network
2.16 Figure 2f below identifies the proposed development in context with the principal local highway network.
Gloucester
A417 A429
Cirencester
Kemble A419
A429 A433
Swindon
Figure 2f: Highway network
2.17 The site is bound to the north by the A433, Haresdown Hill, and provides for existing access junction into the site. The A433 is primarily a singled carriageway road and connects Cirencester in the northeast to the M4 motorway at Junction 18 to the southwest. This would form the primary route into Bristol.
2.18 From Kemble the A433 continues to the north and forms a junction with the A429. From the junction with the A433, the A429 heads in a southerly direction towards the M4, linking at Junction 17. This route is a potential route towards Swindon. The A429 continues through Cirencester to Warwick and Coventry in the north.
2.19 The A429 connects to the A419 to the south east of Cirencester. The A419 forms a roundabout with the A417 before continuing in a south-easterly direction to connect with Swindon. The A417 heads in a northerly direction to connect with Gloucester.
2.20 Through discussions with the Highway Authority and a review of available transport documents, this identifies that the A417 / A419 to the east and the A417 / A433 to the west are corridors will need to be considered in detail as there are several critical nodes in the network.
2.21 Census travel to work statistics for a Cirencester ward have been reviewed, the results are indicated below.
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Gloucester
1.1% 6.7% 2.2%
3.2% Cirencester 3.2% 42.2%
Kemble 1.1%
28.3% 4.6% 3.4%
Swindon 4.1%
Figure 2g: Travel to work statistics
2.22 This indicates that in relation to work trips, Cirencester is a significant destination, followed by the southeast towards Swindon.
2.23 The latest consultation on the Cotswold District Council Local Plan identified a strategic housing site to the south of Cirencester, development proposed at Chesterton. Based on the likely work destinations this would invariably increase traffic along the A419 through the town centre and increase delay and congestion.
2.24 Local highway network capacity in Cirencester is already largely utilised on the primary transport links and a concentration of growth into this area from a development to the south of Cirencester will no doubt lead to challenges in delivering significant improvements to an already engineered and relatively hard working network.
3 Development Strategy: The Opportunities
3.1 For developments to be successful, it is essential the proposals maximise opportunities to use local amenities, access local employment opportunities and to use sustainable transport.
3.2 To deliver the site from a sustainable standpoint, a comprehensive strategy can be delivered which will minimise the need to travel and will consider how future residents will travel from the site by all modes of travel.
3.3 The following paragraphs respond to the site environs identified above, to then identify opopportunities in order to provide a sustainable development.
Opportunity 1: Walking and Cycling Networks
3.4 The site is currently not supported by a significant walking and cycling network. The development can deliver both on-site and off-site enhancements.
3.5 The masterplan for the site should include a comprehensive network of walking and cycling routes that will connect the housing blocks with the local facilities proposed within the development. The network should be inclusive to all potential users on site and cater for employment, retail, education and leisure based trips.
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3.6 The on-site walking and cycling network should include strong links into the existing off-site networks such that walking and cycling is a viable alternative to the motorcar to access the off-site facilities.
3.7 Published good practice identifies five main requirements for pedestrian routes, and wherever possible these should be adhered to when planning for pedestrians within the proposed development:
Convenience – follow desire lines without any undue deviation from route, Connectivity – link multiple origin and destinations, Conviviality – be pleasant to use, Coherence – be made legible through paving and/or signage, Conspicuousness – promote security and safety allowing pedestrians to see and be seen by others
3.8 The ‘Guidance for Cycle Audit and Cycle Review’ (The Institution of Highways and Transportation, 1998) determines five main requirements for cycle routes. It is highly crucial that these requirements are recognised if the promotion of cycling to the site as a viable and attractive alternative to car use is to be successful:
Coherence – continuous and to a consistent standard, Directness – closely follow desire lines as much as possible, Attractiveness – in aesthetic as well as objective terms Safety – designed to minimise risks for cyclists and others; and Comfort – well maintained smooth dry surfaces, flush kerbs and gentle gradients
3.9 Overall consideration should be given towards the former Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) principles of inclusive design, as highlighted below:
Inclusive: so everyone can use it safely, easily and with dignity. Responsive: taking account of what people say they need and want. Flexible: so different people can use them in different ways. Convenient: so everyone can use them without too much effort or separation. Accommodating: for all people, regardless of their age, gender, mobility, ethnicity or circumstances. Welcoming: with no disabling barriers that night exclude some people. Realistic: offering more than one solution to help balance everyone’s needs and recognising that one solution may not work for all
3.10 The off site network should include a high quality links into the neighbouring areas of Kemble and the associated train station. The train station represents a significant opportunity for sustainable travels and there will be a clear distinctive desire line from the site. As such a high quality route needs to be delivered to encourage the safe movement of both pedestrian and cyclists.
3.11 There are several desire lines for pedestrian and cyclists generated by the development. These are highlighted below:
Towards Kemble to access the amenities and facilities Access to the PRoW network for leisure purposes
3.12 To access Kemble key route will be along the A429, which connects with the village of Kemble. This route should provide a safe and direct route for both pedestrians and cyclists. The route should be constructed to a high quality and should be a minimum of 2m wide.
3.13 In additional to the A429, to the north of the site lies an abandoned rail line which provides the opportunity to deliver a direct route from the site into the train station and Kemble. The development of the rail line would be highly attractive to
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the future users. This route would initially link to Culkerton, the new village and Kemble/Kemble railway station, with the possibility to extend the route in the future.
3.14 This route could deliver a safe, traffic free route for both pedestrians / cyclists that would attract those wishing to access Kemble. As highlighted, Kemble train station is circa 2km from the site, which is within walking and cycling distance.
3.15 The off site leisure networks should be improved to ensure the full integration of the potential development into the hinterland.
3.16 Key local pedestrians and cycling links are shown below in Figure 3a.
3.17 These routes will provide a comprehensive walking and cycling network that will maximise the opportunities for modal shift.
Kemble
Airfield site
Figure 3a: Key Walking and Cycling routes
OPPORTUNITY 1 – IMPACT ON WALKING AND CYCLING NETWORKS
Provide a comprehensive on site pedestrian and cycle network.
Provide good links to the existing residential area of Kemble.
Opportunity 2: Public Transport Networks
3.18 Together with walking and cycling, a fast reliable road based public transport system is able to provide a viable alternative to the motorcar and a shift toward this mode of travel is essential for the development to be considered sustainable. The proposed development, subject to phasing, has sufficient quantum to be able to deliver dedicated public transport coverage that will have the frequency and reliability to attract patronage to secure long term viability. Furthermore, viability for these services will be of good benefit to the local economy.
3.19 To consider the potential routes it is important to understand both the inbound and outbound trips that are likely. The key destinations will be:
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Kemble Cirencester Gloucester Swindon
3.20 To establish the public transport, it is important to consider both rail and road based trips. It is likely that a combination of both should be fully utilised to ensure access is provided to the above identified destinations. It is therefore important to identify a strategy to maximise connectivity to the most strategically important areas.
3.21 It is considered that the rail services operating through Kemble that link into Swindon provide adequate coverage. Therefore the road based strategy should consider routes into the train station and onward towards Cirencester. Kemble train station clearly represents an attractive alternative to the motorcar. The rail station has the potential to create a mode shift from the private motorcar should the successful accessibility to the train station be in place. The public transport route identified above would provide a high quality, high frequency route.
3.22 Current information obtained from Cotswold District Council in relation to their ‘Infrastructure Delivery Plan’ 2013 indicates that the Swindon to Kemble Rail line is being re-doubled. This is a Network Rail RUS project which will provide improved capacity and performance of the Gloucester-Swindon route via Swindon-Kemble redoubling.
3.23 It is therefore envisaged that this Swindon to Kemble Rail project will be of particular benefit to the proposed development at Kemble Airfield from improved rail services via the station at Kemble, as well as proposed improvements to linking bus services to Cirencester. The proposed Kemble Airfield development is located approximately three minutes from the station by car and eight minutes by cycle.
3.24 In relation to road based public transport trips, the existing timetables indicate that the journey time between Cirencester and Kemble is circa 10 minutes. It is considered that a similar journey time could be achieved to the site which would provide an attractive alternative to the motorcar if supported by the use of high quality vehicles that operate at a high frequency during peak times. The timings of the buses should be tailored to coincide with traditional working hours to maximise the attractiveness of the public transport routes.
3.25 To maximise the attractiveness of the identified public transport route it is envisaged that any route will be a direct service between Cirencester, Kemble Rail Station and the potential development site to minimise stoppages and delay.
3.26 To maximise the attractiveness of public transport it is important that the routes operate at high frequency times of peak demand. Therefore it is envisaged that during the morning and evening peak the routes will operate at a 15 minute frequency reducing to half hourly / hourly during off peak, evenings and weekends. Any facilities that are to be provided, bus shelters etc., should be high quality and consideration should be given to the provision of Real Time Passenger Information.
3.27 Furthermore, it is also worth noting that Kemble Railway Station car park which is currently at capacity has received funding by First Great Western for expansion. Whilst access issues are yet to be resolved in full, it is vital that the development at Kemble Airfield can take advantage of this opportunity.
3.28 The previous paragraphs discuss the options for delivering a comprehensive integrated public transport strategy. It is noted that Cirencester does not have a train station and currently existing residents of travel by the motorcar to access the train facilities. In total, the train station would attract trips a number of journey types, viz:
Journeys from the existing Kemble area Trips from the new development Trips originating within Cirencester Trips travelling through Cirencester
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3.29 The proposed road based strategy will deliver a rapid high quality route between the site, the train station and Cirencester. Therefore the road based routes has the potential to attract both existing and additional train users from Cirencester. This potential could be further exploited by the provision of a car park within Cirencester. Through road based connectivity this could provide the opportunity to deliver a park and ride type facility. This would provide several benefits, namely:
Improved viability to both road and rail public transport routes Improved linkage to Swindon Improved rail access for Cirencester residents Increased modal shift away from the private motorcar Reduced car trips between Cirencester and Swindon / Kemble Reduce the demand for car parking places at the train station
3.30 The figure below highlights the overall public transport strategy.
Proposed site
Rail link
Bus link
Figure 3b: New public transport linkages
OPPORTUNITY 2 – IMPACT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORKS
Provide bus services to connect strategically important conurbation of Cirencester.
Provide the bus service to operate at 15 minutes during the peak, supported by high quality infrastructure.
Provide high frequency route into Kemble train station with the potential of a park and ride.
Opportunity 3: Accessibility
3.31 The masterplan should aim to deliver a mixed used sustainable development that will deliver a comprehensive range of local facilities and amenities. The masterplan considers establishing new local employment based land uses to broaden the range of careers available. This will reduce the need to travel outside the local area for employment based trips reduce demand on the road infrastructure.
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3.32 Multi-purpose or linked trips will promote more sustainable patterns of travel. As well as employment based trips, there are a range of non-employment trips that need to be considered and will be contained in a new village centre. The masterplan will carefully consider the land use mix proposed and provide a mixed range which will potentially include:
Leisure facilities Food retail Non-food retail Educational facilities Health care provision Hotel Local employment opportunities Open space Restaurants / public houses
3.33 By delivering a comprehensive mix of local facilities and amenities this will reduce the need to travel outside the site boundary, increasing trip internalisation which will reduce the impact on the wider road network.
3.34 The development should aim to deliver a self-sufficient community supported by a range of housing type and tenure to attract the established family units together with the future next generation.
OPPORTUNITY 3 – ACCESSIBILITY
Provide a masterplan that carefully considers the land use mix proposed and provide a mixed range to include Leisure facilities food retail non-food retail educational facilities health care provision
hotel
local employment opportunities
open space
restaurants / public houses
Opportunity 4: Sustainable modes of travel
3.35 To promote the use of modes other than the private motor car, a comprehensive travel plan should be implemented.
3.36 The purpose of a Travel Plan for a new settlement is to minimise the adverse environmental effects of development related travel from the outset. A holistic approach to the development proposals will result in a successful travel plan, where the need to travel is reduced inherently by design.
3.37 Any targets set within a Travel Plan should encourage the use of alternative and sustainable modes of travel, and in so doing, reduce the number of vehicle journeys to, from and within the development.
3.38 This can be achieved by:
Reducing the need to travel Providing realistic alternatives to the car Making alternatives to driving alone more attractive Managing car parking provision
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3.39 Benefits of Travel Plans include:
Improving health, fitness and wellbeing Improving access Reducing congestion in the local area Travel plans can be prepared to inform the master plan process and to assist with the development of a new settlement that makes the best use of sustainable modes.
3.40 The Travel Plan endeavours to promote environmentally sustainable travel choices for residents and visitors to the area. This will seek to encourage visitors and employees to use alternative modes to the single occupancy car and to emphasise the health benefits of more sustainable modes of travel.
3.41 The travel plan will include specific measures to maximise sustainable forms of travel, including car share databases, car clubs and offer discounted vouchers for public transport trips.
OPPORTUNITY 4 – SUSTAINABLE MODES OF TRAVEL
Provide a travel plan to identify the strategy to discourage the reliance on the private motorcar and to build upon the sustainable infrastructure improvements.
Opportunity 5: Road Network
3.42 The masterplan for the site should be based on a clear hierarchy that encourages the safe movement of all the future residents, irrespective of the manner in which they travel. A broad hierarchy is described below:
Primary route: A spine road through the site connecting to the possible external access points designed to cater for public transport vehicles and includes a segregated walking and cycling path.
Secondary Route: Secondary routes are designed to penetrate the individual development blocks and cater for vehicles at reduced speeds, which will be reflected in the design and appearance of these roads.
The primary and route can be designed to cater for public transport vehicles and will include bus stop facilities, such that the majority of the site will be within 400m of a bus stop. These routes will form a public transport route through the development.
Tertiary Route: These will be designed to penetrate individual housing clusters and will be designed to encourage lower vehicle speeds and could incorporate shared spaces between motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
3.43 In relation to the access strategy, it is reasonable to assume that the initial access points would be delivered from the public highway fronting the site, namely the A433 and the A429. The development could deliver circa 2,000 dwellings and would be constructed over a number years. It is likely that as individual parcels are delivered, the access strategy would be delivered in the same fashion.
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OPPORTUNITY FIVE – ROAD NETWORK
Provide a comprehensive road hierarchy on site, supported by walking/cycling/public transport enhancements.
Provide where appropriate, improved specific off-site junctions.
Provide a dispersal strategy to reduce traffic volumes on critical links.
Site Opportunities
3.44 To deliver a sustainable development and to improve the area of Kemble, the development should consider the need to:
Deliver a comprehensive walking and cycling access strategy that will improve connectivity with the hinterland of the site Deliver a comprehensive public transport strategy that will enhance connectivity with the site and neighbouring conurbations Reduce the need to travel Enhance the existing road network in and around the site Deliver an access strategy that will effectively and efficiently penetrate the whole of the site
3.45 With the above in mind, there are numerous interventions that can be delivered that will greatly benefit the wider road and transport networks and assists in the delivery of a sustainable development. The identified opportunities are indicated below.
Opportunity Description
OPPORTUNITY ONE Masterplan to include walking and cycling network on site Walking and Cycling Well designed connections into the existing off site networks Networks Improved routes into the hinterland to include links to JLR / Aston Martin
OPPORTUNITY TWO Enhanced public transport network connecting the site to Warwick Parkway
Public Transport Networks High quality facilities Operating at 15 minutes during peak times OPPORTUNITY THREE Provide a range of local amenities and facilities Accessibility Improve quality of life for future and existing residents OPPORTUNITY FOUR Reduce the need travel outside the development through the delivery of complementary Sustainable travel land uses
Integration with existing employment opportunities Creation of new / varied employment Comprehensive travel planning to further reduce traffic generation OPPORTUNITY FIVE Improvements to off site junctions where appropriate Road network
Figure 3g: Key Site Opportunities
4 Summary
4.1 The site has been reviewed to determine opportunities to deliver a sustainable residential development on land at Kemble Airfield.
4.2 With the introduction of appropriate measures, a sustainable development can be supported. Recommended measures are:
Provide a comprehensive on-site pedestrian and cycle network
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Provide good links to the existing residential area of Kemble
Provide bus services to serve strategically important conurbation of Cirencester
Provide the bus service to operate at 15 minutes during the peak, supported by high quality infrastructure
Provide or enhance a public transport route to access the Kemble train station, from the development
Provide a masterplan that carefully considers the land-use mix proposed and provide a mixed range
Provide a travel plan to identify the strategy to discourage the reliance on the private motorcar and to build upon the sustainable infrastructure improvements
Provide a comprehensive road hierarchy on the site, supported by walking/cycling/public transport enhancements
Provide where appropriate, improved specific off-site junctions
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