Fisher German LLP Severn Trent Water Limited

Rainworth Operation Sewage Works

Planning, Design & Access Statement

on behalf of: Severn Trent Water Limited by: Alan Hardwick BSc(Hons) MSc MRTPI 01530 567471 date: September 2013 revision: 001

Severn Trent Water

Severn Trent Water Limited (STWL) is a regulated business with statutory responsibilities for the provision of water and sewerage services to over eight million people in an area of 21,000 square kilometres stretching from the Bristol Channel to the Humber, and from mid-Wales to the East Midlands.

Severn Trent Water is currently implementing its Asset Management Plan for AMP5 (April 2010 to March 2015), which is the mechanism by which the regulator OFWAT defines in a five year capital expenditure programme for all water companies. Investment during the AMP5 period is in response to a number of key drivers. These drivers include providing a continuous supply of quality water, dealing effectively with waste water, and promoting an effective regulatory regime.

Scope of Project / Background

This planning statement has been prepared for STWL to support a planning application for the installation of five Kiosks to house a new motor control centre, electrical switch gear and distribution boards at Rainworth Sewage Treatment Works (STW).

Rainworth STW serves a current Population Equivalent (PE) of 26,907 however Rainworth is identified within the Core Strategy Options Report as having the potential to accommodate between 500 - 950 new houses by 2026. The STW will have limited capacity to cope with this increased load unless elements of the works are updated. The proposal is to install five kiosks to house a new motor control centre, electrical switch gear and distribution boards within the existing operational site to facilitate this increased load and ensure the likely future increases in demand up to 2026 can be met.

This planning application seeks permission for:  The erection of 1 Inlet Kiosk (6.00m by 3.00m by 3.925m high)  The erection of 1 MCC Kiosk (12.00m by 3.00m by 3.275m high)  The erection of 1 Metering Kiosk (3.00m by 6.00m by 3.925m high)  The erection of 2 Washwater Booster Pump Kiosk (2.75m by 2.75m by 2.75m high x2)

The following development is also proposed but does not comprise part of this planning application as it is considered to fall under the permitted development rights afforded to sewerage undertakers (Part 16, Class A, Part e) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

 Relocation of Sludge Decant Liquor Pipework  Replace existing Meva Step screens with rotating fine screens  New Humus desludge actuators  Increase current Tertiary treatment capacity  Improvements to the site’s wash water system

STWL / External Driver

The sewage treatment works requires upgrading due to on-going required capital maintenance and replacement of apparatus nearing end-of-life and to facilitate future growth.

Site Location / Description

Rainworth Sewage Treatment Works is located south east of the town of Mansfield and north of the settlement of Rainworth at OS Grid ref SK 598 310592. The site is accessed via Colliery Lane, a single track road off the A617 which bypasses Rainworth. The site address is Colliery Lane, Rufford, Newark, NG21 0HR. ______

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The Rainworth Water, a watercourse that is a tributary of the River Maun runs close to the eastern boundary of the STW site. A railway line runs to the eastern boundary of the site. Land surrounding the site is largely agricultural with the settlements of Rainworth to the south and Bilsthorpe to the east. There are also some large pockets of wooded land directly to the north of the site. The nearest residential properties are those located approximately 351 metres to the south west of the proposed kiosk.

Existing Use

The site is located within the existing operational area of Rainworth STW.

Planning History

The site has previously had planning permission granted for a new monitoring kiosk in December 2011 (Ref. 11/01723/CMA).

Proposed Development / Amount

The proposal comprises The erection of 5 No. kiosks, comprising 1 Inlet Kiosk (6.00m by 3.00m by 3.925m high), 1 Metering Kiosk (3.00m by 6.00m by 3.925m high), 1 MCC Kiosk (12.00m by 3.00m by 3.275m high)and 2 Washwater Booster Pump Kiosk (2.75m by 2.75m by 2.75m high). The kiosks are to be positioned on a small concrete plinth.

Consultation

No formal pre-application advice was requested given the scale of the development proposed and its location with the existing operational area of the STW.

Layout

The layout of the proposed scheme is identified on the plans as submitted in support of this planning application. The proposed MCC kiosk and one washwater booster pump kiosk will be positioned close to the northern site boundary close to the existing primary and secondary humus tanks located beside the proposed deep bed tertiary filter plant. The proposed metering kiosk is close to the north western site boundary close to the existing primary and secondary humus tanks. The proposed second washwater booster pump kiosk and proposed inlet works kiosk are located to the south of the site. They are in reasonable proximity to the sludge drying beds and two digesters.

The kiosks will be located adjacent to other structures within the STW and will be viewed against this existing context.

Scale

The size of the operational site at Rainworth STW is approximately 8.1ha. The proposed kiosk developments will measure a total of 87.13 sq m in area, and are of the smallest dimensions to accommodate the required apparatus.

Landscaping

Given the extent of existing landscaping to the site, and the location of the kiosk away from the highway and adjacent to existing buildings, no additional landscaping is proposed. It should however be noted that no trees or vegetation are proposed to be removed as part of the scheme. ______

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Appearance

The proposed washwater booster pump kiosks will be coloured Holly Green (BS4800-14-C39), consistent with the existing structures on the site, to help the new structures blend in with its surroundings. They will be constructed from glass reinforced plastic and will have a double door on the front elevation.

The proposed inlet works and metering kiosk will also be coloured Holly Green (BS4800-14- C39), consistent with the existing structures on the site, to help the new structures blend in with its surroundings. They will be constructed from glass reinforced plastic and will have a double door on the side elevation and a single door on the front elevation.

The MCC Kiosk will be coloured Holly Green (BS4800-14-C39), consistent with the existing structures on the site, to help the new structure blend in with its surroundings. It will be constructed from glass reinforced plastic and will have a double door on the front elevation and a single door on the side elevation.

Further details of this can be viewed on the elevation plans.

The size of the proposed kiosk has been kept to a minimum to ensure that it does not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape.

Planning Policy

Development proposals are required to comply with relevant development plan policies unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The following policies are considered pertinent to this proposal:

National Planning Policy

National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012) The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012 and outlines the Government’s planning policies for England. It identifies sustainable development as the key principle underpinning planning and highlights that there are three dimensions to sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. The document also outlines 12 ‘core planning principles’ including securing high quality design; supporting a low carbon future, including the consideration of flood risk; taking account of the different roles and characters of different areas; and encouraging the effective use of land.

In terms of flood risk, the NPPF states that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk. The sequential test should be adopted when considering locations at risk of flooding for development and further information on this is outlined in Technical Guidance to the NPPF.

The site is adjacent to Rainworth Heath, and thus paragraph 118 of the NPPF is relevant. It states that local planning authorities should aim to conserve and enhance biodiversity by ensuring that development on land within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest likely to have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (either individually or in combination with other developments)should not normally be permitted. Where an adverse effect on the site’s notified special interest features is likely, an exception should only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site, clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Paragraph 132 identifies that the significance of a heritage asset can be harmed or lost through development within its setting. However paragraph 137 confirms that new developments within the setting of heritage assets that preserve those elements of the setting

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that make a positive contribution to the significance of the asset should be treated favourably.

Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework (March 2012) Technical Guidance to the NPPF was published in March 2012 to provide additional guidance in relation to development in areas at risk of flooding and mineral extraction. In areas with a probability of flooding and as such, only water compatible and less vulnerable uses of land are considered appropriate in this zone. The guidance goes on to identify sewage transmission infrastructure and pumping stations as water compatible development.

Since the development proposed is within the existing operational area of Rainworth STW, remote from the SSSI designation, it is considered not to have a significantly adverse impact on the setting of nearby SSSI.

In terms of flood risk, mitigation is proposed in the form of 12 cubic metres of floodplain compensation storage. The development is therefore considered to accord with all relevant national policy.

Further, the proposal provides for essential sewerage infrastructure to support the growth of the adjoining catchment and ensure adequate treatment to ensure no resultant detrimental impact on the environment.

Local Planning Policy

Newark and Sherwood Local Plan (Saved policies, adopted 1999) Policy NE10 - Sherwood Forest Heritage Area Planning permission will not be granted for development in the Sherwood Forest Heritage Area, defined on the proposals map, where it would have an adverse effect on its ecology or environment.

Policy NE1 - Development in the Countryside Planning permission will not be granted for development in the countryside. Exceptions, which will be assessed against the provisions of Policies DD1-6 may be made for development including ‘Utility installations requiring a rural location’.

Policy NE23 – Greenwood Community Forest Prior to granting planning permission for development within the Greenwood Community Forest Area, defined on the proposals map, the District Council will negotiate with developers to secure new tree or woodland planting as part of the development.

Policy PU6 - Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Planning permission will not be granted for development which fails to make adequate provision for sewerage and sewage treatment. Where there is a reasonable prospect that infrastructure improvements necessitated by development can be satisfactorily implemented, planning permission will be granted subject to a condition that the development shall not commence until those infrastructure works have been completed in accordance with details first submitted to and approved by the District Council.

Newark and Sherwood Core Strategy (adopted 2011) Spatial Policy 3 - Rural Areas Development away from the main built-up areas of villages, in the open countryside, will be strictly controlled and restricted to uses which require a rural setting such as Agriculture and Forestry. Consideration will also be given to the re-use of rural buildings of architectural merit. The Allocations & Development Management DPD will set out policies to deal with such applications.

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Core Policy 9 - Sustainable Design The District Council will expect new development proposals to demonstrate a high standard of sustainable design that both protects and enhances the natural environment and contributes to and sustains the rich local distinctiveness of the District. Therefore all new development should:  Achieve a high standard of sustainable design and layout that is capable of being accessible to all and of an appropriate form and scale to its context complementing the existing built and landscape environments;  Through its design, pro-actively manage surface water including, where feasible, the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems;  Minimise the production of waste and maximise its re-use and recycling;  Demonstrate an effective and efficient use of land that, where appropriate, promotes the re-use of previously developed land and that optimises site potential at a level suitable to local character;  Contribute to a compatible mix of uses, particularly in the town and village centres;  Provide for development that proves to be resilient in the long-term. Taking into account the potential impacts of climate change and the varying needs of the community, including where appropriate and viable, developing to Lifetime Home standards; and  Take account of the need to reduce the opportunities for crime and the fear of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, and promote safe living environments.

Core Policy 10 - Climate Change Be located in order to avoid both present and future flood risk. Therefore in considering site allocations and in determining development proposals the District Council will, informed by national guidance and the District’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, apply a sequential approach to future development; and will work with partners to secure strategic flood mitigation measures as part of new development.

Core Policy 13 - Landscape Character The LDF will introduce a comprehensive landscape assessment of Newark and Sherwood which will identify the landscape character condition and sensitivity of each Landscape Policy Zone. Landscape Policy Zones will be categorised as one of the following types of areas which require an action to:

When allocating land within the Core Strategy and the Allocations & Development Management DPD, the District Council will need to demonstrate that the allocations impact on the Landscape Policy Zone and its Conservation and Enhancement actions have been appropriately addressed. The District Council will expect development proposals to positively address the implications of the Landscape Policy Zones in which the proposals lie and demonstrate that such development would contribute towards meeting Landscape Conservation and Enhancement Aims for the area.

MFAP 1 - Mansfield Fringe Area The Core Strategy seeks to promote the Service Centres of Rainworth and Clipstone and the Principal Village of Blidworth as sustainable settlements for their residents, promoting new housing and employment opportunities and the provision of new community infrastructure appropriate to their size. Improved public transport links into Mansfield, to access the facilities of the Sub-Regional Centre will also be sought. The District Council will seek the redevelopment of key regeneration sites in the Mansfield Fringe Area to aid the development of the area. The District Council will work in partnership with Mansfield District Council and relevant infrastructure providers to ensure the timely delivery of new infrastructure in the Fringe area.

Planning Policy Summary

The proposed development is in accordance with the policies contained within the Newark ______

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and Sherwood Local Plan (1999) and the adopted Newark and Sherwood Core Strategy (2011).

The layout is the minimum required for operational purposes and is located within the operational site, in an orientation so as to have as minimal visual impact on the landscape as possible. This approach has been taken in order to minimise impact as much as possible and to ensure that the overall scheme will not have an adverse effect on the character or appearance of the locality, the adjacent SSSI or nearby heritage assets. Mitigation against flooding is proposed by floodplain compensation storage It is therefore considered to be in accordance with the national, regional and local policies identified above.

Access / Accessibility

Vehicular access to Rainworth STW is achieved via the existing site access off Colliery Lane. The kiosk will be accessed via an existing road within the STW.

There is adequate space within the site for vehicles to access the proposed location of the kiosk and to turn and exit the site. There are no proposed alterations to the existing internal or external site accesses / roads.

Flood Risk

Further to liaison with the Environment Agency, a scheme of flood compensation has been provided. This has been based on the 12 cubic metres located within the one in one hundred year flood plain, provided through the reprofiling of a small area of land within the operational site. Further detail is contained within the submitted ‘Proposal to the Environment Agency’. Ecology

The ecological desk study identified two nature conservation sites with statutory protection and eleven nature conservation sites with non-statutory protection within a 1 km radius of the survey area. It is not considered that the proposed works would directly or indirectly impact upon these sites.

The desk study further identified records of a number of notable and protected species, including bats, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds. This survey also identified the presence of amenity grassland; buildings and structures; scrub; ephemeral / short perennial vegetation (on hardstanding); hardstanding; improved grassland; plantation woodland; scattered trees; and standing water.

The key ecological features on site in relation to the works proposed are the close proximity of protected sites, standing water and the potential presence of great crested newts (GCN). As a result a GCN survey was carried out. Three ponds within 500 m of the proposed works were able to be fully surveyed for great crested newts, the remaining ponds within this radius were recorded as dry throughout the survey period. Amphibians recorded within the surveyed ponds included common toad and low numbers of smooth newt. No great crested newts were identified within any of the ponds.

Both reports are submitted in support of the planning application.

Heritage

On further investigation of the site and the surrounding area there are no heritage properties in close proximity to the site and the proposed development.

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Given the small scale of the proposed development within a large existing operational site and the absence of surrounding heritage properties in the area it is not considered that the proposal will have an adverse impact.

Further Information

Please refer to the following drawings and reports when reading this statement:  Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey (October 2012)  Great Crested Newt Survey (June 2013)  Flood Risk Proposal to Environment Agency (September 2013)  Planning application drawings: o A5S10261-PA02601 Rev.A Existing Site Layout o A5S10261-PA02600 Rev.B Site Location Plan o A5S10261-PA02602 Rev.B Proposed Site Layout o A5S10261-PA02607 Rev.B Proposed Washwater Booster Pump Kiosk o A5S10261-PA02604 Rev.B Proposed Inlet Works & Metering Kiosk (note two kiosks of the same dimensions and design) o A5S10261-PA02603 Rev.B Proposed MCC Kiosk o A5S10261-PA02608 Rev.B Elevations on Proposed Tertiary Filter

Summary

The proposed kiosk at Rainworth Sewage Treatment Works is an essential part of the upgrades which are required to allow for capital maintenance and future growth in the catchment area to including the improvement of apparatus located on site to produce a more efficient service.

The proposed works have been designed and scaled to the minimum for operational requirements and as such will have minimal impact on the character of the surrounding area. Servicing will utilise the existing access and turning areas within the site. As such the proposed development is considered to fully accord with the relevant national, regional and local planning policy, and will ensure the continued use of an essential waste infrastructure facility.

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