DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
Land at the existing Valero Refinery, Rhoscrowther
August 2019
T: 029 2073 2652 T: 01792 480535 T: 01454 203599
Cardiff Swansea Bristol
F: 029 2073 2670 E: [email protected] W: www.asbriplanning.co.uk PROJECT SUMMARY LAND AT THE EXISTING VALERO REFINERY, RHOSCROWTHER
Description of development: Full planning application for the development of a laboratory building, workshop building and associated works
Location: Land at the existing Valero Refinery, Rhoscrowther, Pembroke, SA71 5SJ
Date: August 2019
Asbri Project ref: 19.145
Client: Valero Energy Ltd.
STATEMENT
A C CE S S
& DE S I G N
Asbri Planning Ltd Prepared by Approved by Unit 9 Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive Liam Griffiths, Dylan Green Cardiff Gate Business Park Name Cardiff Graduate Planner Senior Planner CF23 8RS
T: 029 2073 2652 Date August 2019 August 2019 E: [email protected] W: asbriplanning.co.uk Revision
AUGUST2 0 1 9 2 CONTENTS LAND AT THE EXISTING VALERO REFINERY, RHOSCROWTHER
Section 1 Introduction 5
Section 2 Site Context and analysis 7
Section 3 Interpretation 11
Section 4 Design evolution 13
Section 5 Planning Policy 15
Section 6 The proposal 17
STATEMENT Section 7 Conclusion 21
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SITE IN REGIONAL CONTEXT
STATEMENT
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INTRODUCTION
Introduction 1.6 The brief is to provide a new state-of-the-art laboratory 1.1 The purpose of a Design & Access Statement (DAS) is to and workshop for employees at the existing Valero Oil Refinery provide a clear and logical document to demonstrate and Site. The existing wider facility contains a laboratory and explain the various facets of design and access in relation to workshop although these are located within a blast zone. As the site and to appraise the proposed development against such the proposal will relocate the two buildings outside of the relevant planning policies. It also presents the details of a blast zone providing a safer and contemporary facility. planning application in a way that can be read both by professionals and the public. 1.7 The vision is to provide two contemporary buildings that reflects recent developments elsewhere within the refinery site 1.2 The diagram below, extracted from Chapter 3 of whilst also providing more efficient working space.
Planning Policy Wales, summarises the five objectives of good design that should be taken into account when preparing a DAS. The circular nature of the diagram represents the equal weightings that need to be given to each of the 5 Objectives of Good Design: Access; Movement; Character; Environmental Sustainability and Community
Safety. STATEMENT
1.3 The submitted Design and Access Statement adheres to guidance embodied in the Welsh Government publication,
Design and Access Statements in Wales, published in April A C CE S S
2017. &
1.4 The statement is subdivided into 8 sections, commencing with an outline of the brief and vision for the project in
section 2. Section 3 provides an overview of the site context DE S I G N and analysis. Section 4 interprets and applies the context of the brief and vision for the site, whilst section 5 summarises how the design has evolved. Section 6 provides a brief overview of the relevant planning policy with section 7 setting out the proposal, explores the relevant design and access facets associated with the application and provides a response to planning policy. The document then concludes, under section 8.
The Brief and Vision 1.5 The proposal includes the development of a new laboratory building and workshop building located at the existing Valero Refinery site located within Rhoscrowther, Pembrokeshire. The wider refinery site occupies a position on the south bank of the Milford Haven Waterway. AUGUST2 0 1 9 5
LAND AT THE EXISTING VALERO REFINERY, RHOSCROWTHER
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SITE IN LOCAL CONTEXT
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SITE CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS
General Location Access 2.1 The site is a rectangular shaped parcel of land located 2.7 Vehicular access to the site is via an internal highway that within the existing Valero Refinery site, Rhoscrowther, Pem- follows from the unclassified highway to the east of the site. brokeshire. The site is centred on grid coordinates E: 191519, This also acts as the pedestrian access to the site. Given the N: 202102. use of the wider site, access is prohibited to the public with a double gate at the main entrance point. 2.2 The wider refinery site occupies a position on the south bank of the Milford Haven Waterway and it is noted that a 2.8 There are no cycle routes within close proximity to the site section of the wider site is located within the Pembrokeshire with the nearest located within Pembroke. There are no bus Coast National Park. Rhoscrowther is located on the penin- stops located within close proximity to the site.
sula extending to the west of Pembroke which is located approximately 7.44km to the east of the site. Local Land Uses 2.9 As previously highlighted the site is located within the Site Features existing Valero Refinery site, as such, the predominant uses 2.3 Given that the site is located within the Valero Refinery surrounding the site are related. The primary use of the wider grounds, the predominant use surrounding the site is associ- site is to make products including gasoline, diesel fuel, kero-
ated with the refinery. At present this is predominantly use sene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petrochemical feed- STATEMENT for informal car parking. The site is bounded to the north by stocks. Further uses surrounding the site includes Pembroke an internal road, to the east by an existing car park, to the Power Station approximately 1.30km to the north east of the west by an existing fire hall (pictured, left) and to the south site;
by a grass verge separating the site and the unclassified A C CE S S
highway. Pembroke Power Station is approximately 1.45km 2.10 The nearest town with significant facilities is Pembroke & to the north east of the site. located approximately 10km to the east of the site. Facilities includes Pembroke train station; shops; post office; bank; and 2.4 As the site consists of hardstanding, there are minimal a doctor’s surgery. existing natural features on the site itself. Vegetaiton adja- cent to the site comprises of a strip of young trees and over- Planning History DE S I G N grown vegetation which runs along the southern boundary 2.11 There is no planning history relevant to the site although adjoining the agricultural land. the accompanying Planning Statement provides further detail on applications which relate to the wider refinery site. 2.5 A review of the TAN 15 flood maps produced by NRW identifies the site is located within Zone A as such is consid- ered to be at little or no risk of fluvial or coastal/tidal flood- ing.
2.6 A review of the historic wales maps identifies there are no listed buildings or structures within the site boundaries. The nearest listed building is approximately 800m to the north east of the site and is Grade II listed ‘Stone Building’.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS PLAN
OPPORTUNITIES
AND STATEMENT CONSTRAINTS
PLAN
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INTERPRETATION
Interpretation Design 3.1 The concept for the development of the site has derived Recent construction within the refinery site has established a from the following; material palette considered to be acceptable in terms of its relationship with the wider context. • Full site analysis including a full desktop study of the site and its surroundings; Constraints Existing Tree Line – the existing mature tree line to the south • A site visit and a general visual assessment of the of the site has ecological and amenity value, as such, is surrounding area including the built form and also how favoured to be retained. residents and visitors interact with the area; and
• Discussions with the client and a full understanding of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – the Pembrokeshire the brief and vision of the project. Coast National Park is located approximately 1km to the east of the site. Consideration must be given to this allocation in 3.2 The above steps have presented the key opportunities the design of the buildings. and constraints for the site, which are outlined below; Sustainable Transport - Given the location of the proposal Opportunities there is limited transport options available other than the car. STATEMENT Brownfield land – the site, as existing, comprises of Notwithstanding, the development will not generate any brownfield land where there is a presumption in favour of additional pedestrian movement. development. This has been agreed during pre-application
discussions with the local planning authority. A C CE S S
Existing Use (Refinery) - The proposal relates to the & ongoing operations associated with the existing wider refinery site. The facilities will eventually replace existing, older facilities elsewhere within the site. As such, this
provides an opportunity to progressively expand. DE S I G N
Site Allocation - The Valero Refinery is allocated as an employment site under ref no. EMP/000/00002 - Valero Refinery and is identified in the adopted Local Development Plan as a new waste management facility. The site is also allocated as a Port and Energy Related Development.
Site Layout - The site can easily be developed to ensure there is no detrimental impact to the surrounding area in terms of privacy and amenity.
Access - The site benefits from an existing access point that offers sufficient visibility in each direction.
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DESIGN EVOLUTION
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DESIGN EVOLUTION
Pre-application Enquiry accompany the planning submission and also include a 4.1 A Pre-Application Enquiry (Ref: PR/0066/19) was section including the adjacent Fire Hall to show submitted to Pembrokeshire Council on behalf of Valero relationship; Energy Ltd in May 2019. The pre-application enquiry related • It was confirmed that the laboratory and workshop will to the entire site and demonstrated that the site was capable replace existing buildings within the refinery site of providing two bespoke facilities along with an adequate • Asbri Planning should discuss Dyfed Archaeological Trust’s highway layout, parking and soft landscaping. The layout response relating to the need for an Archaeological plan submitted to accompany the pre-application enquiry Evaluation with the council’s Archaeological officer; was largely similar to the plans submitted alongside this full planning application. • A Lighting Plan should be prepared to accompany the submission
4.2 An office meeting was arranged with the case officer, • A CEMP and CTMP to be prepared should be prepared to Mike Simmons, and the design team to consider the site and accompany the submission its context and to ensure that all development management • It was advised that a Material Schedule is submitted with matters were fully considered. It was agreed at this meeting, the submission and confirmed in the subsequent written response, that the • Asbri Planning to include a section on Noise in the
principle of development would be acceptable on the site. STATEMENT Planning Statement clearly identifying the activities that will happen within the buildings and how these will be 4.3 In terms of the impact of character, the case officer mitigated through design advised that the application site is of a scale capable of
accommodating the number of buildings proposed without • Asbri Planning to formally submit the EIA Screening letter A C CE S S leading to overdevelopment of the plot. The proposed to Mike Simmons Lighting Plan to be prepared layout was agreed to form an appropriate design, given the & shape of the plot and the relationship it has with Design Evolution neighbouring properties. Accordingly, a scheme which 4.5 Following the above meeting and as shown on the plan to carefully considers the finishing materials and the the left the scheme was revised so that the area that the total relationship with the adjacent buildings would be acceptable, site area was decreased thus reducing the impact that the DE S I G N in principle. development has overall and the locations of the two storey laboratory building and single storey workshop were replaced, 4.4 The following advice was also provided during the in line with the pre-application discussions. This is due to the meeting: land on the west of the site being at a lower level than the land to the east.
• It was agreed that the laboratory building should be two-
storeys and located on the lower plateau; and the workshop to be located on higher plateau i.e. swapping the footprints of the two buildings; • It was advised that any bunding along the boundary would be acceptable; • Sections through the two buildings would be required to
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LDP PROPOSALS MAP
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PLANNING POLICY
Introduction development plan, unless material considerations indicate 5.1 The planning policy framework for the determination of otherwise. In this instance, the statutory development plan for this application is provided by the content and scope of this application site is provided in the Pembrokeshire CC local National Planning Policy, which is contained within the tenth Development Plan (up to 2021). Relevant planning policies are edition of Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and its associated contained in the table provided to the left. Technical Advice Notes (TANs), together with the Local Planning Policy and its supplementary planning guidance. 5.7 The LDP proposals map identifies the Valero Refinery sits within the defined settlement boundary and is allocated as an Policy Relating to 5.2 The planning policy context for this application is employment site under ref no. EMP/000/00002 - Valero reference provided in detail in the Planning Statement that Refinery and is identified in the adopted Local Development Plan Strategy
accompanies this application. For a full review of pertinent Plan as a new waste management facility. policies please refer to the Planning Statement. SP 1 Sustainable Development Supplementary Planning Guidance SP 2 Port and Energy Related Development Planning Policy Wales 5.8 The following SPG’s are considered relevant to this 5.3 National planning policy is contained within the tenth proposal: SP10 Transport Infrastructure and Accessibility edition of Planning Policy Wales (PPW), published by the
SP11 Waste Welsh Government in December 2018. PPW is supported by • Planning Obligations SPG (September 2016); STATEMENT 21 topic-based Technical Advice Notes (TANs), which are • Biodiversity SP 12 The Settlement Hierarchy also relevant. PPW is the Welsh Government’s principal • Renewable Energy; and SP 13 Settlement Boundaries planning policy document, setting out the context for • Parking Standards SPG (June 2013)
sustainable land use planning policy, within which A C CE S S
General Policies Development Plans are prepared and development. &
GN.1 General Development Policy 5.4 Section 3.17 of PPW relates to design and access statements (DAS) discussing that a DAS should communicate GN.2 Sustainable Design what development is proposed, demonstrate the design GN.3 Infrastructure and New Development process that has been undertaken and explains how the DE S I G N Resource Efficiency and Renewable and Low- objectives of good design and placemaking have been GN.4 carbon Energy Proposals considered from the outset of the development process.
GN.5 Employment Allocations Technical Advice Notes GN.6 Employment Proposals 5.5 This application has been prepared in deference to the latest version of TAN 12: Design, which was updated in Mixed-Use Allocations GN.7 October 2017, TAN 18 (Transport) and the suitability of the proposals in this design context are demonstrated in this GN.8 Protection of Employment Sites and Buildings Design and Access Statement. GN.9 Extensions to Employment Sites Transport Routes and Improvements Pembrokeshire County Council Local Development Plan GN.39 5.6 Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase GN.40 New Waste Management Facilities Act 2004 requires that planning application decision should be made in accordance with the authority’s adopted AUGUST2 0 1 9 13 LAND AT THE EXISTING VALERO REFINERY, RHOSCROWTHER
PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT
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THE PROPOSAL
Access and Movement 6.7 The scale is considered to be wholly appropriate to the 6.1 The proposed access into the site is via the western surrounding context as is wholly located within grounds boundary which adjoins the existing access point associated owner by Valero. To the north and west of the site is the with the firehall building. The access point serves both the wider developed Valero grounds comprising industrial scale laboratory and workshop buildings leading to respective buildings. To the south of the site is the boundary to the areas of car parking. A turning area is provided at the Valero site and beyond primarily agricultural grazing land. A eastern most end of the site to allow vehicles sufficient bund will be developed to the southern boundary providing space to turn and exit the site. screening to the site as such only a short section of the buildings will be visible beyond the southern boundary. 6.2 From a wider perspective the access adjoins an internal
spine road that serves the wider Valero site. The Valero site 6.8 The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is located is private and can only be accessed via a gated entry point approximately 1km to the west of the site. The proposal will to the south east. have a negligible impact to the national park as is screened by the topography of the land. 6.3 The workshop building will have 16 car parking spaces Feature Material and the laboratory building 6 dedicated parking spaces. This 6.9 Overall given that the buildings are associated with the
is reflective of the level of employees that will use each of existing Valero Oil Refinery the proposal is considered to be STATEMENT Walls External metal composite cladding the buildings. It is also noted that there is a large area of car wholly appropriate to the existing context. – dark grey & light grey; parking existing to the east of the site which can be Engineering brickwork plinth – accessed via a gate to the eastern fence line. Layout dark grey
6.10 As previously discussed the proposed layout locates the A C CE S S
Roof and Canopies Metal Standing seam roof with 6.4 The opportunity to provide carbon neutral modes of taller workshop building on lower ground to the east and barrel vaulted rooflights; & transport and public transport at the site is somewhat Bullnose eaves, soffits and copings shorted laboratory building on higher ground to the west. limited given the isolated nature of the oil refinery use. and flashings in powder coated The buildings are located in a linear development pattern Notwithstanding and as aforementioned, the proposed alongside the existing firehall to the west. Surrounding the
Windows and Curtain Insulated double glazed powder facilities will not generate any new traffic movement; areas of built development will be areas of landscaping. DE S I G N Walling coated aluminium glazing – dark existing employees will be re-distributed from other facilities within the refinery. 6.11 The layout will not result in any detrimental impacts to Doors Insulated double glazed powder surrounding third parties given that the land surrounding coated aluminium doors – dark Amount the site is within the ownership of Valero Energy. grey 6.5 The proposal includes a laboratory building, workshop Insulated powder coated steel building alongside access, parking and landscaping. The Appearance workshop building is 72m x 20m whilst the laboratory is 42m 6.12 The buildings are proposed to be reflective of the Rainwater Goods Powder coated aluminium down- x 29m. The workshop building has a gross external floor area existing firehall buildings, located immediately adjacent to of 1442m2 and the Laboratory building 1408m2. the site. The materials provide the buildings with a Trims and Flashings Powder coated aluminium – dark contemporary finish with neutral colouring. The materials grey & light grey to suit cladding Scale are described in the table, left. 6.6 The laboratory building is single storey and located on External Surfaces Generally tarmac surfaces with higher ground whilst the workshop building is two storeys 6.13 Overall the choice of materials will allow the proposal white lining demarcation for pe- located on lower ground. This ensures that the buildings to seamlessly blend in with the existing wider site context . appear a similar height including to the existing firehall. AUGUST2 0 1 9 15 LAND AT THE EXISTING VALERO REFINERY, RHOSCROWTHER
PROPOSED SECTIONS
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THE PROPOSAL
Landscaping and Biodiversity 6.14 The proposal will retain the existing treeline and vegetation located to the southern boundary where practicable. The ecology report recommends that no direct development lighting towards the southern boundary, maintaining it as a dark corridor for foraging and commuting bats. To avoid any disturbance to reptiles and birds using the site sensitive clearance is proposed during appropriate times of the year.
6.15 The proposal is considered to overall be beneficial to the site in relation to landscaping as the existing site comprises areas of hardstanding.
Community Safety 6.16 TAN 12 suggests that community safety can be
achieved via design solutions that can aid crime prevention. STATEMENT These include providing natural surveillance, improving safety by reducing conflicts in uses, and promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. As the wider site is heavily
protected with security and fencing it is considered the A C CE S S proposal will have a negligible impact towards community safety. &
Environmental Sustainability 6.17 As identified within Technical Advice Note 12, the objectives that developers need to respond to in respect of DE S I G N Environmental Sustainability include that of achieving efficient use and protection of natural resources, enhancing biodiversity and designing for change. The proposal will provide the oil refinery with modern facility that are more efficient.
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CONCLUSION
Conclusion SP2, SP10, SP13, GN1, GN2, GN3, GN8, GN26 and GN40 7.1 This Design and Access Statement (DAS) has been which relate to the design principles and the location of new prepared on behalf of Valero Energy Ltd. to accompany and development. the full planning application for the development of a laboratory building, workshop building and associated works 7.6 As such it is respectfully requested that Pembrokeshire at Land at the existing Valero Refinery, Rhoscrowther, County Council grant full planning consent for the proposed Pembroke, SA71 5SJ. development at the former Valero Refinery.
7.2 In regards to the principle of development, the site is located within an area designated for Port and Energy
Related Development. The development proposed directly relates to the Valero Refinery site, as such, is a development relating to the existing facilities and infrastructure within the Port of Milford Haven. The site is brownfield land whereby there is a preference to be developed in place of greenfield land. Consequently, the principle of development is
considered to be acceptable. STATEMENT
7.3 The amount, scale, layout and appearance of the proposal have been discussed throughout this document
and are considered to be in keeping with the surrounding A C CE S S
context. The proposal is wholly located within the wider & Valero Refinery Site grounds, as such, the surrounding contact is primarily comprised of industrial buildings associated with the use. Furthermore, the adjacent Fire Hall building has recently been granted planning permission and the proposed development is similar in scale, layout and DE S I G N appearance. On this basis, the proposed design is considered to be acceptable.
7.4 In view of the above, it is considered that the proposed development has suitably addressed the key material considerations for this site and its approval would provide a quality development that would complement and enhance the existing Valero Refinery.
7.5 Consequently, it is considered that this Design and Access Statement clearly demonstrates that the scheme, as presented, complies with the relevant national and local planning policies including PPW10, TAN:12, TAN:18, SP1,
AUGUST2 0 1 9 19 DESIGN & ACCESS STATEMENT
Land at the existing Valero Refinery, Rhoscrowther
August 2019
T: 029 2073 2652 T: 01792 480535 T: 01454 203599
Cardiff Swansea Bristol
F: 029 2073 2670 E: [email protected] W: www.asbriplanning.co.uk