PLANNING STATEMENT

Land to West Of Barton Locks, Off Liverpool Road, Eccles,

Proposed outfall structure into the and associated works including retaining wall, shaft, temporary access route and temporary construction compound

October 2017

1. SITE SETTING AND DESCRIPTION

1.1 General Location

The location of the proposed outfall structure (NGR 374643 396517) is on the north bank of the Manchester Ship Canal (MSC). Eccles Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) is located approximately 1.1km away to the north east. The site is located directly to the west of Barton Locks and the A J Bell Rugby Stadium is approximately 700m to the northeast. Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works is located approximately 250m to the south east of the site on the opposite side of the Manchester Ship Canal.

1.2 Application Site

The outfall will discharge into the MSC at the location shown in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1021. The combined surface area of the outfall structure, retaining wall and shaft is 292 m².

Construction access will be gained via a temporary track from the roundabout on Stadium Way to the south west of the A J Bell Rugby Stadium as shown in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1022. The proposed access has been altered from that approved in United Utilities' previous permission (14/64512/FUL). That previously consented access route, although matching a track currently present on the ground, is through land now proposed for a warehouse as part of the development.

A temporary construction compound is proposed to the northeast of the outfall structure on land adjoining the temporary access track. The location of the compound has been altered from that approved in United Utilities' previous permission (14/64512/FUL).

1.3 Planning History

Planning permission (13/63513/FUL) was first granted on 28 November 2013 for a new outfall structure into the MSC in a slightly different location to that now proposed. The outfall location approved in that permission was to the west of Salteye Brook and within the channel of the MSC. The temporary construction access proposed was the same as that included within permission 14/64512/FUL (see below). Pre-commencement conditions were subsequently discharged (14/65089/DISCON) to allow implementation of the development. The development was then implemented through alterations to the temporary construction access.

Following further discussions with the Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited, United Utilities subsequently submitted a second application for construction of a new outfall structure into the MSC and related temporary construction access. This was granted on the 11th September 2014 (14/64512/FUL), however this permission has now expired.

1.4 EIA Screening Although the development proposed in 14/64512/FUL did not exceed the threshold criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 and is not located in a ‘sensitive area’ the Local Planning Authority screened the development proposed in 14/64512/FUL in accordance with Regulation 7 to the 2011 Regulations. The Local Planning Authority’s opinion was that the development did not constitute 'EIA development', taking account of the criteria set out in Schedule 3 to the 2011 Regulations.

United Utilities' development was also included in a screening direction request made to the Secretary of State on the 16th January 2013. The development subject to the screening direction included the construction of:

 a new Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Chamber on land adjacent to the northbound slip road off Junction 11 of the M60;  650m of below ground tunnel from the new CSO to Eccles WwTW;  mechanical screens at Eccles WwTW Inlet Works CSO;  1250m of new outfall tunnel and associated shafts from Eccles WwTW to the proposed outfall to the MSC;  landscaping within Eccles WwTW;  a below ground pumping station with control kiosk, hardstanding and associated below ground works to resolve localised flooding on Peel Green Road.

The Secretary of State’s direction, taking into account the selection criteria in Schedule 3 to the 2011 Regulations, was that the development was not likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location.

Significant elements of the development proposed in this application are the same as that proposed in 14/64512/FUL, including in particular the outfall, shaft and retaining wall. The proposed route of the temporary construction access and the location of part of the construction compound are different, as noted above. The proposed temporary access will be routed where practicable to avoid trees and their root protection areas. A group of trees (G150) to the north of Barton Locks is identified in the 2012 tree survey, which was submitted in support of application 14/64512/FUL. The location of these trees would have impeded the route of the temporary construction access, however, the trees were removed to facilitate a water main diversion project implemented in accordance with permitted development rights in Part 13 Class A (a) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

In certain limited areas where the planning boundary is narrow, to minimise land take and disruption to the stadium, it may not be possible to completely avoid the removal of some immature trees and bushes installed as part of the landscaping works for the stadium in circa 2011. Where removal of a very limited number of trees and bushes in this area is unavoidable, these will be replaced where possible, following removal of the temporary access road upon completion of the proposed development. Both the construction compound and the temporary access route will be located within an area of species-poor modified neutral grassland with some scattered scrub and an area of tall ruderal species present. There are no features of biodiversity interest present. Topsoil will be stripped from the development site, stored during construction and used to reinstate the site on completion of the development. A Construction Management Plan detailing environmental control measures to be employed throughout the project will be produced prior to the commencement of the development, and then implemented.

On this basis it is considered the proposed construction access and compound will not be likely, by virtue of their nature, size or location, to have significant effects on the environment.

2. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Requirement for Development

There is a need to improve the water quality in Salteye Brook. It was designated under the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (EC FFD) in December 2003.

Unsatisfactory Intermittent Discharges (UID) from Eccles WwTW and SAL0018 combined sewer overflow on land adjacent to the northbound slip road off Junction 11 of the M60 currently discharge into Salteye Brook, which in turn drains into the Manchester Ship Canal. The proposed development will achieve compliance with the EC FFD by removing all discharges to Salteye Brook for storm events with a return period of 1 in 5 years or less, and is a scheme which United Utilities is required to deliver by the Environment Agency.

2.2 General Scheme Overview

2.2.1 Development for which planning permission is sought

The following items of development are included in the planning application:

2.2.1.1 Outfall structure

The proposed outfall structure will be 17.7m long x 10.2m wide x 0.5m high above ground level. The structure will be constructed from concrete. Further details are provided in Drawing Number 7570/80023696/00/97/1012 B.

2.2.1.2 Retaining wall

The proposed retaining wall will be 57m long x 0.5m wide x 6.10m high above ground level. The wall will be constructed from either concrete or steel. Further details are provided in Drawing Number 7570/80023696/00/97/1021 A.

2.2.1.3 Temporary construction access

Construction access will be gained by using the existing road from the A57 to the roundabout on Stadium Way, and then via a temporary track to the south west of the A J Bell Rugby Stadium as shown in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1022. The proposed access has been altered from that approved in the 14/64512/FUL permission in order to avoid use of an existing track where a warehouse is now proposed to be built.

2.2.1.4 Construction compound

The temporary construction compound will be located to the northeast of the outfall structure on land adjoining the temporary access track as shown in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1021. The location of the compound has been altered from that approved in United Utilities' previous permission (14/64512/FUL) following the alteration of the access track route (as noted above). The construction compound will contain welfare cabins, parking, spoil storage areas and materials laydown areas. Precise details regarding the layout of the area will be provided in a Construction Management Plan which will be prepared and adopted prior to the commencement of the development.

2.2.1.5 Outfall pipeline shaft

The outfall pipeline shaft will be partially located within an area of sloping ground forming the eastern bank of Salteye Brook. The ground within the footprint of the shaft varies between circa 14.0m AOD and 20.0m AOD. In order to create a level area for the construction of the shaft, a new retaining wall, as referred to above, will be constructed with the area to the rear of the retaining wall filled to a finished level of 20.10m AOD as shown in Drawing Number 7570/80023696/00/97/1021. The cover level of the shaft will be set at 20.10m AOD in order to be flush with the understood proposed finished level of the Port Salford development in this location.

The internal diameter of the shaft is 10.3m and the shaft walls, base and roof slab will be constructed in reinforced concrete. The vast majority of the structure will not be visible above the engineered ground level, with only the access covers being visible at ground level. The shaft walls, roof slab and access cover will be designed to withstand the advised design loadings for the Port Salford development.

2.2.2 Development to be carried out using permitted development rights

2.2.2.1 Outfall pipeline

The proposed outfall pipeline from Eccles WwTW to the outfall structure into the MSC will be laid by means of tunnelling below ground level and as such is considered to benefit from permitted development rights set out in Part 13 Class B (a) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Ecology

The Environment Partnership (TEP) were commissioned to undertake an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey of the development site in June 2012. Details of the survey can be found in report ref. TEP 3168.005 UU Eccles WwTW Ecological Assessment.

Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam were found to be present along the west bank of Salteye Brook. A pre-commencement survey shall be undertaken to map the extent of the infestation. Effective control measures will be employed during implementation of the development to prevent the spread of these species.

The survey area was also found to offer potential breeding bird habitat. Wherever possible all vegetation clearance works will be undertaken outside of the breeding bird season (March to August inclusive). Any vegetation works undertaken during the breeding bird season will be supervised by a suitably competent ecologist and if any active nests are identified all works in the vicinity will cease until the ecologist has confirmed that all chicks have fledged and left the nest.

In addition a water vole survey of Salteye Brook was carried out in August 2012. Both banks of the brook were searched from the channel using a boat for signs of water vole, such as burrowing, feeding remains, prints and latrines. No signs of water vole were recorded during the survey. This section of Salteye Brook is considered sub-optimal to support water voles. To ensure conditions haven’t changed a pre-commencement survey will be undertaken by a suitably competent ecologist. Should any signs of activity be identified further advice will be sought from Natural and a Protected Species Licence sought if necessary.

There are no ponds suitable to support Great Crested Newts within 250m of the development site.

Greater Manchester Ecology Unit were consulted on application 14/64512/FUL and raised no objections to the development subject to the implementation of measures to control the spread of invasive species and to protect breeding birds.

3.2 Trees

As noted in Section 1.4, the proposed temporary access will be routed where practicable to avoid trees and their root protection areas. A group of trees (G150) to the north of Barton Locks is identified in the 2012 tree survey, which was submitted in support of application 14/64512/FUL. The location of these trees would have impeded the route of the temporary construction access, however, the trees were removed to facilitate a water main diversion project implemented in accordance with permitted development rights in Part 13 Class A (a) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

In certain limited areas where the planning boundary narrows, to minimise land take and disruption to the stadium, it may not be possible to completely avoid the removal of some immature trees and bushes installed as part of the landscaping works for the stadium in circa 2011. Where removal of a very limited number of trees and bushes in this area is unavoidable, these will be replaced where possible, subject to the agreement of the landowner, following removal of the temporary access road upon completion of the proposed development.

3.3 Flood Risk

The development site is located within flood risk zones 1, 2 and 3. A flood risk assessment has been prepared and is enclosed in support of the application.

The flood risk assessment concludes that the development will not lead to an increased risk of flooding on site or elsewhere downstream.

3.4 Highway Safety

3.4.1 Construction

Construction access will be gained via a temporary track from the roundabout on Stadium Way to the south west of the A J Bell Rugby Stadium as shown in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1022.

The proposed drop kerb will be formed from pcc drop kerbs with either a concrete or tarmac drop crossing of the footpath. The section of temporary construction access road from the new drop crossing to a point approximately 30m west of the stadium training pitches, will be constructed from crushed stone with tarmac surfacing in order to limit the potential for dust from construction vehicle movements affecting the training pitches. To the west of this point the temporary access will be formed from stone. It is anticipated that the temporary access road will be between 5.0m to 7.5m wide (to allow for passing places or two-way traffic) and will extend from the proposed drop kerb to the working areas to the west of Salteye Brook.

Appropriate measures will be implemented to manage vehicle movements on and off the temporary access and to manage pedestrian movements in this area to ensure their safety. These measures will be detailed in a Construction Management Plan which will be produced and adopted prior to the commencement of the development.

United Utilities (UU) has previously consulted with the Stadium manager in June 2016 regarding the use of Stadium Way as the temporary construction access. It was agreed that UU and the Stadium Management Team would liaise to ensure disruption to stadium activities was minimised on match days, or other large public events at the stadium.

Temporary, lockable access gates will be installed to the rear of the drop kerb crossing to prevent unauthorised entry to the access road during non- working periods. During construction working hours access to the track will be controlled by a barrier operated by a gatekeeper stationed at the access point.

Stadium Way is accessed from the newly formed, and now operational, signalised junction of the re-aligned A57 (re-aligned as part of the WGIS Road scheme). Stadium Way is the sole vehicular access to the Stadium and is used on a day-to-day basis by cars and vans accessing the stadium for work and to use the gym. At weekends and on other match days, larger vehicles such as coaches and articulated TV production vehicles access the Stadium via Stadium Way.

In addition, Stadium Way has for several years been used as the access to the main WGIS road construction compound and access to the working areas for the WGIS road. In this period, Stadium Way has experienced significant amounts of construction traffic including plant and materials deliveries, tipper wagon movements and mobile crane movements.

Similar type and quantities of vehicle movements would be expected along Stadium Way for the proposed development. Typically construction vehicle type and movements are anticipated to be:

 Light vehicles (i.e. cars and vans) - multiple movements on a daily basis;  Materials deliveries, plant deliveries, tipper wagons (fixed chassis) – potentially up to circa 50 movements per day with limited occasions when this will be exceeded during site establishment/removal and during large concrete pours;  Materials deliveries, plant deliveries, tipper wagons (articulated low loaders or flat-bed trailers) – occasional movements which could be potentially be circa 20-40 movements per week with limited occasions when this will be exceeded during site establishment/removal and key operations (e.g. installation of a tunnelling boring machine);  Mobile cranes – very occasional movements.

These estimates are subject to confirmation by the contractor appointed to undertake the works and will be confirmed in the Construction Management Plan.

The Highways Authority were consulted on application 14/64512/FUL and commented that heavy goods vehicle movements at the site should be limited to a certain number of movements per day at certain periods. Their suggestion was that 100 two-way movements (50 in and 50 out per day) outside the highway network peak hours would be acceptable. This restriction was based on the proposed use of the access directly from the A57 as detailed in planning permissions 14/64512/FUL and 13/63513/FUL. Although access to the site is now proposed from the existing roundabout on Stadium Way as detailed in Drawing Numbers 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 and 1022, HGV movements to and from site associated with the construction of the outfall will be limited to 100 each day as per the existing restriction. This is in-line with the estimated vehicles movements detailed above.

It is anticipated that construction vehicle movements will generally be limited to normal daytime working hours. However, if the tunnel is constructed from the shaft adjacent to the outfall structure then 24 hour access will be required for staff and operative vans and cars as tunnelling is normally undertaken on a 24hr basis (2 no. 12 hour shifts).

It is anticipated that all material excavated for the outfall, shaft and associated works will be removed from the site. It is estimated that the volume of material to be removed from site will range between circa 3500m3 and 14,000m3. The upper value will apply if the proposed tunnel is constructed from the shaft adjacent to the outfall as opposed to from the shaft within Eccles WwTW. The location for tunnel construction will be governed by the contractor appointed to undertake the tunnelling works and constraints imposed by Highways England.

It is anticipated that construction vehicles will utilise the temporary access on a daily basis for a 2 to 3 year period. The duration will be dependent on whether the tunnel is constructed from the shaft adjacent to the outfall.

3.4.2 Operation

There is no requirement for ongoing regular maintenance of the outfall structure, shaft or retaining wall as there are no moving parts associated with these aspects. Access to the site for periodic visual inspections will be gained on foot.

It is anticipated that access to the site by heavy vehicles would be required on a very infrequent basis (circa every 10 years) and would be a planned event. In the event that access is required it would be taken off the roundabout at the southern end of Stadium Way. The route would be along the same line as the temporary construction access defined in Drawing Number 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 to the existing metalled access road to Barton Locks that runs along the north bank of the MSC. Access would continue along the existing road and then follow the road that passes through the operational area of Barton Locks to the area around the pipeline shaft.

Prior to using the permanent maintenance access route, UU would liaise with Manchester Ship Canal Company, the stadium management team and the Port Salford management team to notify them of the intention to use the access and to discuss the potential for use of the route to result in disruption to planned activities at Barton Locks, Port Salford or the stadium.

3.5 Ground Conditions

Condition 3 of planning permission 13/63513/FUL required the production of a preliminary risk assessment to assess land contamination at the site.

The following reports have previously been submitted to, and approved by, the Local Planning Authority in support of application to discharge condition 3 of Planning Permission 12/62462/FUL (Eccles WwTW), Conditions 3 and 4 of 12/62518/FUL (Land off Peel Green Road) and Condition 5 of 12/62500/FUL (Land to The West And East Of Junction 11 Of The M60):

 Initial Conceptual Site Model;  Land Condition and Generic Risk Assessment Report;  Outline Remediation Strategy;  Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment – Controlled Waters report, 2013 (DQRA).

The Initial Conceptual Site Model Report (2012) provided the initial assessment to comply with Condition 3 of planning permission 13/63513/FUL. The Conceptual Site Model Report was based on the outfall location proposed in 13/63513/FUL which was to the west of Salteye Brook, however it also included the proposed outfall tunnel which runs through the current proposed location of the outfall structure, shaft and retaining wall.

No significant risks were identified associated with Permission 13/63513/FUL. The proposed outfall structure will not require man-entry other than for potential 10 year maintenance shutdowns which would be undertaken with appropriate personal protective equipment such as breathing apparatus. No additional permanent gas protection measures are therefore required with respect to this structure.

All materials affected by contamination which are excavated as part of the works are to be removed from site. There is no intention to re-use excavated materials other than clean natural soils as backfill, thus no potential to cause significant harm to human health or the environment as a result of the proposed works.

Details submitted for the purposes of complying with condition 3 were assessed by the Local Planning Authority, following consultation with the Environment Agency, and the condition was discharged on 1st October 2014.

There are no additional contamination risks posed by the development proposed in this application over and above those that have previously been assessed in 13/63513/FUL and 14/65089/DISCON.

A verification report shall be prepared and submitted to the Local Planning Authority following completion of the works.

4. PLANNING POLICY

In developing the proposed solution United Utilities has taken into account the relevant national policies, as well as the local planning policies and other material planning considerations. The following is a summary of the main relevant policies.

4.1 National Planning Policy

The relevant national planning policy is the National Planning Policy Framework (the NPPF). The NPPF has a number of core planning principles and states that planning should, among other principles, proactively drive and support sustainable economic development to deliver the homes, business and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places that the country needs.

Paragraph 21 considers that planning policy should recognise and seek to address potential barriers to investment including poor environment or any lack of infrastructure. The purpose of the development is to improve the local environment through the provision of improved sewerage infrastructure leading to better water quality.

The proposed development also takes account of the need to use resources wisely and reduce carbon emissions, for instance the main component of the overall scheme is a gravity pipeline, and to avoid or improve flooding situations (see for instance NPPF paragraphs 17, 99-100, 109-110).

4.2 Local Planning Policy

The Development Plan currently in place in Salford comprises:

 Saved policies in the Unitary Development Plan 2004 to 2016 (UDP);  Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document, April 2012;  Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Plan, April 2013

4.2.1 Saved policies in the City of Salford Unitary Development Plan 2004 to 2016 (UDP)

The development has been assessed against the relevant saved policies of the adopted UDP and found to be in compliance with it. In addition the UDP was the key Development Plan document in September 2014 at the time planning permission 14/64512/FUL was granted and thus significant elements of the development, such as the outfall structure and retaining wall, have already been assessed against, and found to be compliant with, the UDP. Listed below are the main relevant policies.

Policy DES1 - Respecting Context

Policy DES7 - Amenity of Users and Neighbours

Policy EN8 - Nature Conservation of Local Importance

Policy EN9 - Wildlife Corridors

Policy EN12 - Important Landscape Features

Policy EN17 - Pollution Control

Policy EN19 - Flood Risk and Surface Water

Policy DEV6 - Incremental Development

Policy A2 - Cyclists, Pedestrians and the Disabled

Policy A8 - Impact of Development on Highway Network

The Planning Officer’s Report to the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel, in support of the determination of application 14/64512/FUL, considered that:

 the proposal is part of a significant environmental improvement scheme which will improve water quality to the Salteye Brook and the Manchester Ship Canal, and the siting represents the most suitable position for the outlet into the Ship Canal;  the works would not be out of context in the locality which comprises a major, navigable inland waterway;  there were no residential properties within the vicinity of the site and thus that no significant disturbance would arise for adjoining occupiers as a result of the scheme;  based on previous consultations with the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, the development will not in itself significantly affect the ecology of the locality or the functioning of the Ship Canal wildlife corridor subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions;  due to its nature the development would not be at risk to flood and not would increase flood risk elsewhere;  subject to conditions limiting heavy goods vehicle movements at the site (100 per day) and requesting the provision of a considerate contractors scheme, the development would be acceptable.

Elements of the proposed development differing to that approved in 14/64512/FUL, such as the proposed access route and adjoining working areas, are temporary in nature and thus would not have a lasting impact on the context of the site. In addition the proposed temporary construction access from Stadium Way is further away from any residential properties than the access shown in 14/64512/FUL and will not lead to any impacts on the highway network, ecology or flood risk for the reasons set out in Section 3. United Utilities has made every effort to ensure that the proposed development is compatible with the Local Plan and the major proposals for the strategic development of Barton (the port and related proposals within the vicinity of the site).

4.2.2 Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document, April 2012

The Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document was prepared collaboratively between the ten Greater Manchester authorities, and it identifies how Greater Manchester will deliver the spatial vision for waste development to 2027.

The document sets out policies to guide future waste development and identifies sites and areas suitable for the location of waste uses across Greater Manchester. The document does not reference the discharge of treated wastewater or storm water flows. On this basis the development does not conflict with any of the policies set out in the Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document.

4.2.3 Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Plan, April 2013

The Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Plan was prepared jointly between the ten Greater Manchester authorities, and it identifies how Greater Manchester will deliver the spatial vision for minerals development to 2027.

The minerals plan covers land-use planning matters in relation to minerals development across the ten Greater Manchester districts and includes detailed criteria based policies, as well as policies covering areas of search and mineral safeguarding areas.

The development does not conflict with any of the policies set out in the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Plan.

4.3 Other Local Planning Policies

Salford City Council has produced a range of other documents that support the implementation of the development plan and which may be material considerations in determining planning applications. A summary of the documents that are of relevance to the proposed development is provided below.

4.3.1 West Salford Strategic Regeneration Framework and Action Plan 2008 – 2028

The Framework and Action Plan contains the following development policies which apply to the development site:

(a) Policy EL12 City of Salford Stadium and leisure hub at Barton;

(b) Policy BL2: Barton Strategic Site: "is subject to proposals for a very large scale industrial and distribution development with multi-modal road, rail and water access. Planning permission has been granted for a new stadium (Salford Reds Club) and ancillary retail development. The UDP states that a mix of light and general industry, offices and ancillary uses may also be appropriate. It provides the biggest opportunity for job creation in Salford West";

(c) Policy BL5: Establish new employment locations; and

(d) Policy BL8: Developing a workforce to drive the economy.

The development will improve the environmental context of the Barton Strategic Site. The development also provides new and improved sewerage infrastructure.

4.3.2 Liverpool Road Corridor 10 Year Strategy 2010 – 2017 (LRC)

The strategy and action plans for Liverpool Road are linked to, and informed by, the wider strategic and policy context of the Salford Unitary Development Plan and the West Salford Strategic Regeneration and Framework Action Plan. The LRC strategy's aim is that "By 2017, the image and functions of Liverpool Road will be transformed into a high quality, economically sustainable corridor into Salford, benefiting the communities of Eccles, Irlam and Cadishead, the companies that do business there, and the visitors to the area".

The Barton section of the LRC runs northeast from the Irlam Gyratory to the roundabout at Junction 11 of the M60 motorway, for approximately 3 kilometres, lying between Eccles and Irlam and north of the Canal. Barton contains one of only twenty five designated North West Regional Strategic Sites, which is the focus of major change including the AJ Bell Stadium and planning permissions for retail and commercial development at Port Salford, which together represents a significant investment in the local economy.

The development will effect both environmental and infrastructure improvements which will benefit the effective drainage of the surrounding area.

4.3.3 Salford Infrastructure Delivery Plan, April 2012 (IDP)

The IDP states that "the main standards in relation to waste water relate to the quality of the treated water when it is discharged to watercourses. The strict quality standards established by the Water Framework Directive will necessarily impact on the standards Waste Water Treatment Works will be required to meet. This will relate to tightening regulation of the levels of specific elements within the treated discharge, and to undertaking measures to minimise unsatisfactory intermittent discharges from sewers which typically occur during periods of heavy rainfall" (paragraph 2.7 of Water Body Quality and Waste Water chapter). These are precisely the issues which the development and related works will resolve in the Eccles area.

The IDP notes the assessments in the North West River Basin Management Plan (December 2009), including that Salteye Brook had a "moderate" overall status, and that issues with ammonia levels mean "good" status is not reached. It similarly notes that the pressure on Salteye Brook's ecological status is from organic pollutants and that improvements to intermittent discharges, screening and other measures (i.e. the proposed development and wider scheme) are planned actions to resolve issues.

The proposed development supports elements of Policy WA3 (Water Quality) relating to " … Securing further investment in Salford's wastewater treatment works, particularly to reduce unauthorised intermittent discharges, enhance pollutant removal ... " and "Minimising the discharge of surface water to the foul sewer".

4.3.4 Emerging Local Planning Policy

Two other documents are currently being produced which will form part of Salford’s development plan once they are adopted by Salford City Council:

 Draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), October 2016;  Salford City Council Draft Local Plan (SCCDLP), November 2016.

The DGMSF and SCCDLP are currently in draft format for consultation and thus are still to be subject to an independent examination. On this basis both the DGMSF and SCCDLP should carry only limited weight during the planning application decision making process.

Draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (DGMSF), October 2016

The DGMSF identifies a number of nationally significant major development opportunities to be brought forward within the ‘Western Gateway’, extending westwards from Salford Quays along the Manchester Ship Canal and the M62 motorway. Port Salford, including a potential subsequent extension to the north of the existing site, is listed as one such opportunity. The DGMSF acknowledges that development of the site will need to “…have regard to the potential for surface water and groundwater flood risk, protect the quality of watercourses through and around the site, and not adversely affect the hydrology of surrounding areas of peat/mossland”.

The proposed development will result in both environmental and infrastructure improvements which will benefit the effective drainage of the surrounding area and aid the sustainable delivery of future strategic projects in the vicinity.

Salford City Council Draft Local Plan (SCCDLP), November 2016

The SCCDLP states acknowledges that “The EU Water Framework Directive sets challenging targets for the ecological and chemical status of surface waters. Working towards them will take a combination of measures, including minimising pollution from developments, investing in wastewater treatment, and delivering individual water quality improvement projects.

The proposed development is in accordance with draft Policy WA3 (Water Quality) which states that "The water quality of Salford’s water bodies will be protected and enhanced, including through the following measures…Securing further investment in Salford’s wastewater treatment works, particularly to reduce the frequency of intermittent discharges of storm sewage and accommodate the scale of development proposed in the Local Plan”.

4.4 Other Relevant Policy

Water for Life, DEFRA White Paper, December 2011:-

(a) In relation to Wastewater and Drainage (paragraph 4.24 onwards) Water for Life notes the need for investment in sewerage infrastructure, as "failures of the sewerage network can result in significant environmental impacts and sewer flooding of properties. In 2010, over 60 per cent of serious pollution incidents were caused by the failure of the sewerage network".

(b) It also acknowledges that "not all of our drainage networks are currently able to cope with extreme rainfall."

4.5 Conclusion

The proposed development has been fully assessed against, and is in accordance with, national and local planning policy, and there are no material considerations indicating that planning permission should be refused.

5. PLANS

Plans submitted in support of this application are:  Site Location Plan - 7570/80023696/00/97/1020 B  Site Plan - 7570/80023696/00/97/1021 B  Site Plan - 7570/80023696/00/97/1022 B  Outfall structure - 7570/80023696/00/97/1012 B