Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report

Home , Bartley Water, Butser Hill, Mottisfont Bats, Portsdown, River Wallington, Southampton Water

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Hampshire

April 2017

Ref: R.J R.J504897.01/EIA/170214/V2 Document Control

Document Information

Document Identification R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V2 Document Name Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report Strategic Environmental Risk Assessment, Hampshire Flood Project Name Risk Management Strategy Client Hampshire County Council Document Author Wendy Phillips Document Version V2 Document Status Final Date Released March 2017

Document Edit History

Version Date Additions/Modifications Prepared/Revised by 1 February 2017 Wendy Phillips

2 April 2017 Wendy Phillips

Document Peer Review History

Date Name Job Title Comments

Report prepared by: Hampshire County Council EIA Team (Part of Hampshire Services)

QE II Court West The Castle Winchester Hants SO23 8UJ Tel: 01962 832264 Email: [email protected] Contents

CONTENTS ...... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1

1.1 WHY IS THIS STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED?...... 1 1.2 WHAT IS THE SCOPING STAGE? ...... 1

2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 3

2.1 OVERVIEW OF HAMPSHIRE’S LOCAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN...... 3 2.2 THE PLAN AREA ...... 4 2.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE LFRMS...... 6 2.4 INTEGRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 6 2.5 MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SEA DIRECTIVE ...... 7 2.6 LIMITATIONS ...... 8 2.7 CONSULTATION QUESTIONS AND HOW TO COMMENT ON THIS REPORT...... 9

3.0 POLICY CONTEXT...... 10

3.1 RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL POLICIES PLANS AND PROGRAMS...... 10

4.0 BASELINE INFORMATION ...... 20

4.1 ESTABLISHING THE BASELINE ...... 20 4.2 MAIN MESSAGES FROM THE BASELINE ...... 26 4.2.1 Population and Human Health...... 26 4.2.2 Material Assets ...... 26 4.2.3 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna...... 26 4.2.4 Soil Geology and Geomorphology...... 27 4.2.5 Water ...... 27 4.2.6 Climatic Factors...... 28 4.2.7 Cultural, architectural and archaeological heritage ...... 28 4.2.8 Landscape Visual Amenity...... 28

5.0 DEVELOPING THE SEA FRAMEWORK ...... 30

5.1 DRAFT OBJECTIVES ...... 30 5.2 COMPATIBILITY OF SEA OBJECTIVES...... 30 5.3 REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES...... 31 5.4 ASSESSMENT APPROACH ...... 31 6.0 REMAINING SEA STAGES...... 33

6.1 REMAINING STAGES AND TASKS ...... 33 6.2 PROPOSED STRUCTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT...... 33

Appendix A: Baseline Information 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Why is this Strategic Environmental Assessment Required?

When preparing a flood management plan, it is a statutory requirement to conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)1 in accordance with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive2, (The Directive) and the SEA Regulations (The Regulations)3. Article 3 (2) of the SEA Directive makes SEA mandatory for plans and programs which are preferred for agriculture, forestry, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use, and which set the framework for future development consent for projects listed in Annex I and II of the environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC and 2011/92/EU)4; and which in view of the likely effects on sites, have been determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)5.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for Hampshire produced a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy which was adopted in 2013 (2013 LFRMS). A Flood Management Strategy is considered ‘a preferred plan’ for which an SEA is mandatory, therefore an SEA was undertaken. HCC are updating their Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and the scale of the modification is such that the effects may be significant and as such it is considered appropriate to update the SEA.

The purpose of the SEA is to ‘provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development6.’ The SEA:

 Identifies, describes and evaluates the significant environmental effects of implementing the LFRMS;  Identifies actions to prevent, reduce or as fully as possible offset any adverse effects;  Allows the environmental effects of alternative flood risk management approaches and mitigation measures to be considered;  Provides an early and effective opportunity to engage in preparation of the LFRMS through consultation; and  Monitors the implementation of the plan to identify any unforeseen environmental effects take remedial action where necessary.

A SEA is the systematic appraisal of the potential environmental impacts of policies, plans, strategies and programmes before they are approved. Ensuring that implications for the environment are fully and transparently considered.

1.2 What is the scoping stage?

A SEA is an on-going and iterative process. This scoping report forms the first part (Stage A) of the SEA process. Figure 1 provides a summary of the stages.

1 Commonly referred to as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). 2 European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’. 3 Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004 4 Directive 2011/902/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment 5 Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 6 SEA Directive , STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) AND EX-ANTE EVALUATION FOR THE EMFF OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES (OP) Annex

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 1 Figure 1.1: The SEA Process. Stage A Setting the context, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope (scoping report)

Stage B Developing and refining options assessing effects

Stage C Preparing the Environmental Report

Stage D Consulting on the draft plan

Stage E Monitoring significant effects of implementing the plan

Scoping (Stage A) sets the context and objectives of the SEA, establishes the baseline and decides on the scope of the appraisal. It informs the plan preparation, the development of policy options as well as outlining further work required for the SEA report (Stage C).

The scoping stage involves the gathering and compilation of the background data, and determines what issues and information can be scoped in and out. It defines the sustainability objectives needed for the SEA in order to focus the effort of the SEA onto the main issues ensuring attention is focused on the most significant impacts. This fulfils the requirements of Regulation 12 (2) of the SEA Regulations that ‘significant’ environmental effects will be considered in the compilation of the environment report.

The appraisal process (Stage B) helps to refine the issues and decisions into a set of realistic, preferred options that have been assessed thoroughly.

The Scoping Report is also the mechanism for developing a sound and robust sustainability appraisal Framework and appraisal methodology. Hence the Scoping Report forms the basis for the appraisal and the production of the Environmental Report (Stage C).

The scoping stage has been presented in this format to facilitate communication of third parties. Authorities which are likely to be concerned by the effect of implanting the plan will be consulted on the scope and level to be included in the environmental report. Sending this scoping report to consultees ensures compliance with SEA Regulation 12(5) (further details regarding consultation are provided in Section 2.7).2010

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 2 2.0 Methodology

2.1 Overview of Hampshire’s Local Flood Management Plan

The Flood & Water Management Act 2010 requires the Environment Agency to develop, maintain and apply a National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. Similarly, the LLFA7 is required to develop a LFRMS for its area. The LLFA’s strategy must specify:

 Risk management authorities within that area;  Flood and coastal erosion risk management functions and objectives for managing flood risk;  Measures proposed to achieve those objectives;  How and when the measures are expected to be implemented;  Costs, benefits and funding sources;  Assessment of local flood risk;  How and when the strategy is to be reviewed; and  How the strategy contributes to the wider environmental objectives.

HCC’s existing LFRMS was adopted on the 23 July 2013 and comprises the following documents:

 Hampshire Local Flood Risk Management Summary (the Summary);  Hampshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, July 2013 (main strategy);  Hampshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Document 3 – Action Plan, May 2013 (Action Plan); and  Strategic Environmental Assessment Report (SEA).

HCC are currently updating the LFRMS. The updated LFRMS will replace the 2013 strategy. The seven overall steps towards flood risk management that Hampshire will be taking have been illustrated in Figure 2.1.

7 Hampshire County Council is the LLFA for Hampshire

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 3 Figure 2.1: Steps to Flood Risk Management in Hampshire

HCC, as LLFA, aims to effectively manage flood risk within Hampshire by:

 Undertaking its responsibilities as LLFA according to the policies included in this document;  Working effectively with all other Flood Risk Management Authorities across relevant catchment areas; and  Prioritising work on a catchment basis and directing resources to its highest priority areas.

The proposed update will principally change how the LFMRS is structured. The ‘Action Plan’ currently sets out proposed flood risk management plans on a Ward-by-Ward basis. Since becoming LLFA, HCC has collated and assessed significant historic data on surface water flood events across each district and used Defra and Environment Agency (EA) mapping data for each region. This process highlighted that mapping flood risk by district margins caused several issues, as water does not respect administrative boundaries. Therefore, as HCC are best placed to make local decisions on flood risk management which benefit the maximum number of Hampshire residents, they have decided to manage flood risk based upon the river catchment areas in Hampshire. The catchment area within which a community lies is its most significant factor in determining the amount or likelihood of flooding. Catchment topography and shape determine the time taken for rain to reach the river, while catchment size, soil type, and development determine the amount of water to reach the river.

The new strategy will be published in 2018.

2.2 The Plan Area

The study area for this LFRMS is the area within the administrative boundary of HCC. Hampshire is made up of 11 District and Borough authorities; Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham,

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 4 Gosport, Hart, Havant, New Forest, Rushmoor, Test Valley, and Winchester8. Although the geographic county of Hampshire includes the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, these districts are unitary authorities and LLFAs in their own right, as is the Isle of Wight Council. Therefore this LFRMS does not cover these areas.

The map below indicates the administrative areas of Hampshire County Council that are covered by the LFRMS for Hampshire. The catchment areas within HCC are depicted in Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.2: Administrative Boundaries of Hampshire County Council (Area covered by Hampshire LFRMS)

8 In addition, the National Park Authority is responsible for all planning in the South Downs National Park.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 5 Figure 2.3: Hampshire River Catchments

2.3 Objective of the LFRMS

The LLFA has responsibility for managing local flooding from surface runoff, ordinary watercourses and groundwater, but does not include flooding from main rivers and the sea9.

The updated LFRMS will identify the extent of flood risk in Hampshire, how it will be managed in partnership with others and outline HCC’s approach to local flood risk management in the county on a catchment basis, ultimately forming a policy document. ‘The aim of this Strategy is to produce a plan to reduce and manage flood risk in a way that will benefit people, property and the environment.’

The updated LFRMS has and will continue to include significant engagement and partnership working with interested parties and will contain a set of high-level objectives that have been formulated to facilitate the implementation of the strategy.

2.4 Integration of Environmental Considerations

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (See Table 3.1) aims to improve the sustainability of flood risk management. The Act includes a duty for local authorities, highways authorities, and internal drainage boards to contribute to sustainable development10 in discharging their flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) functions. The Act also provides environmental powers for works that (a) have a net beneficial impact, (b) are consistent with the national FCERM Strategy and, (c) are deemed by the

9 The Environment Agency has responsibility for flooding from main rivers, reservoirs, estuaries and the sea. 10 Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 6 relevant authority to be desirable for the natural environment, the historic environment, landscape, or have amenity or leisure benefits. The LFRMS should therefore, have a positive impact on the environment. It can also influence and complement existing spatial planning policy and inform decisions on where development should` and should not occur.

The SEA will be fully integrated into the development of the LFRMS to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account and, in the Environmental Report, show how the SEA has influenced the LFRMS process. Where possible, the SEA will identify opportunities for environmental enhancement as well as mitigating any potentially adverse effects of the LFRMS. It will also propose a monitoring framework that is fit for purpose for a strategy of this nature.

2.5 Meeting the Requirements of the SEA Directive

This update SEA scoping report is structured as follows:

 Section 1 introduces the concepts of sustainable development and provides the legislative context to this scoping report.  Section 2 provides the appraisal methodology and details of the LFRMS.  Section 3 identifies relevant plans, policies, strategies and programs.  Appendix A identifies the baseline and environmental problems.  Section 5 outlines the framework of the SEA.  Section 6 provides a summary of the contents of the SEA report.

Table 3.1 provides a summary of the key tasks required for Environmental Reports (in the Directive) and highlights where the tasks are addressed within this scoping report. It is of note that the Directive does not specifically prescribe that a scoping report be prepared, where a task is not required for scoping but is required in the Environmental Report ‘N/A’ has been inserted, however these tasks will be included in the environment report, the proposed contents list for which is provided in Section 6.

Table 2.1: SEA Roadmap Task Where covered in this report (a) an outline of the contents; the main objectives of the plan or Section 6 program; and the relationship with other relevant plans and Section 2.3 programmes. Section 3 (Tables 1 and 2) b) the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and Section 4.1-4.10 likely evolution thereafter without implementation of the plan or program. c) the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly Section 4 partially addresses affected. this, further details will be provided in the Environment report. d) any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the Section 4.2 and Appendix A, plan or program including, in particular, those relating to any areas of Baseline Information a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC (The Birds Directive) and 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive). (e) the environmental protection objectives, established at Section 5 international community or member state level which are relevant to the plan or program and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation. (f) the likely significant effects on the environment, including on Partly covered in Appendix A, issues such as: further details will be  Biodiversity; provided in the Environmental  Population; Report  Human health;

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 7  Fauna, flora;  Soil;  Water;  Air;  Climate factors;  Material assets;  Cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape; and  The interrelationship between the above factors.11 (g) the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce, and as fully as N/A possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or program. (h) an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, N/A and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know how) encountered in complying the required information. (i) a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring in N/A accordance with Article10. (j) a non technical summary of the information provided under the N/A above headings. Notes N/A - To be included the Environmental Report In addition to the SEA a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening assessment is required to assess the potential for the plans to affect European nature conservation sites and ensure the LFRMS will not affect them significantly.

2.6 Limitations

It should be noted that there is a plethora of environmental information available. However, the information presented in this review has been selected on the basis that it may be of direct influence or directly affected by the LFRMS. Effort has been made to avoid including baseline information or plans and programmes which are not of direct relevance to the LFRMS or are replicated elsewhere.

The information presented in this report is the result of a desk-based review of HCC’s records and publically available data from government and other public bodies’ websites. No formal requests for records have been made. It may be necessary to collect further data against which to assess the potential environmental effects of the LFRMS with regard to specific LFRMS measures, as they develop, and also post-construction monitoring requirements. Wherever possible we have aimed to utilise the most up to date information.

The SEA will not address any impacts likely to result during the implementation of any built solution, for example construction impacts that might arise during the building or raising of flood defences. These issues are more appropriately considered during project level Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) undertaken for specific schemes. However, if environmental opportunities or constraints of built solutions are broadly identifiable they will be highlighted in the SEA in order to avoid adverse effects and facilitate positive environmental opportunities at an early stage of planning.

This strategy does not cover any emergency planning activities as a response to flooding or clean-up operations. The County Council is directly responsible for investigating flooding from surface water and groundwater and not for main river flooding or sewer flooding which are covered by other agencies in partnership, as is the deployment of non-fixed flood defences. In the event of flooding, the Hampshire

11 This list serves as a starting point from which issues have been scoped out of, or into, the SEA, depending on whether or not they are considered likely to effect or be affected by the LFRMS.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 8 Resilience Forum implement their Adverse Weather Plan under the Civil Contingencies Act 20041 duties of Category 1 responders.

2.7 Consultation questions and how to comment on this report

This report provides an opportunity for Statutory Consultees12 and other interested parties to express their views and on the scope of the SEA for the update LFRMS. Following consultation, the responses will be considered and a revised SEA scoping report will be completed and made available on the http://www3.hants.gov.uk/flooding.htm website.

Comments on any aspect of this report are welcome, although you may prefer to respond to the following questions:

 Are you aware of any additional baseline evidence, which could help to inform the SEA process?  Do you agree with the proposed SEA objectives and criteria?  Do you agree with the decisions regarding which criteria which have been scoped out?  Are you happy with the proposed structure of the future SEA report?  Do you have any further comments?

The consultation is a five week period, the closing date is 9th May 2017. If you require any information about the Scoping Report, please contact Vicki Westall, Flood and Water Management Co-ordinator, [email protected], 01962 845490.

FWM team, Strategic Planning, WPE, ETE Hampshire County Council The Castle Winchester SO23 8UD Tel: 01962 845490 Email: [email protected] Website: wwwhttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/flooding.htm

12 Statutory Consultees: Environment Agency (EA), Natural England (NE), and Historic England (HE).

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 9 3.0 Policy Context

The first stage of the SEA process is to identify policies, plans and programmes relevant to the LFRMS. This is an important part of the process as it ensures the work is consistent with up-to-date policy, is informed by sound information and also helps in the process of identifying environmental and sustainability issues. This draws on the requirements set out under the SEA Directive to take into account the environmental protection objectives established at international, national, regional and local level.

For the purpose of this review HCC has included the review of those polices, plan and programs which directly impact the plan only. With respect to those regulations and plans which have various international, national and local levels we have reviewed the most local plan which has the most direct impact and will encompass the international and national policies (refer Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1: Example of level of policy/plan review (indicated by dotted line)

Convention on Biological International/European Diversity

European Biodiversity Strategy International/European

UK Biodiversity Action Plan National

Biodiversity Strategy for England National

Hampshire Biodiversity Action County Plan

Biodiversity Action Plans (Basingstoke and Deane, Eastleigh, East Hampshire, Local Fareham, Rushmoor, Southampton, Test Valley, Winchester).

3.1 Relevant International Policies Plans and Programs

Table 3.1 provides a summary of relevant international legislation and its implication for this SEA. Table 3.2 provides a summary of directly relevant local and regional plans and polices.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 10 Table 3.1: Directly Applicable National Legislation, Plans and Policies Legislation, Plan, Polices Summary Implications for the SEA Flood and Water Management Act The Act aims to provide better, more sustainable management of flood risk for people, homes HCC is the LLFA. 2010 and businesses, help safeguard community groups from unaffordable rises in surface water drainage charges and protect water supplies to the consumer. The Act had several drivers , The LFRMS satisfies HCC including Sir Michael Pitt’s review in 2007, and was meant to address the requirement to responsibilities under the Act. transpose the EU Floods Directive in to law in England & Wales. However, as the deadline for transposition was not going to be met, this was achieved through The Flood Risk Regulations It will have due regard to the 2009. PFRA and flood hazard and flood risk maps. The Act imparts significant new roles and responsibilities on local authorities. County or unitary authorities are now classed as lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) who have responsibilities for managing local flood risk. The responsibilities of a LLFA include:  prepare and maintain a strategy for local flood risk management in their areas, coordinating views and activity with other local bodies and communities through public consultation and scrutiny, and delivery planning.  maintain a register of assets – these are physical features that have a significant effect on flooding in their area.  investigate significant local flooding incidents and publish the results of such investigations.  issue consents for altering, removing or replacing certain structures or features on ordinary watercourses.  play a lead role in emergency planning and recovery after a flood event.

Under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 the Environment Agency and LLFAs had to prepare preliminary flood risk assessments (PFRA) by December 2011. These PRFAs are published by the Environment Agency. National Flood and Coastal Erosion The strategy describes what needs to be done by all organisations involved in flood and coastal The LFRMS will satisfy the Risk Management Strategy for erosion risk management (FCERM). These include local authorities. responsibilities outlined in the England 2011 This strategy builds on existing approaches to flood and coastal risk management and strategy. promotes the use of a wide range of measures to manage risk. Risk should be managed in a coordinated way within catchments and along the coast and balance the needs of communities, The LFRMS will update the the economy and the environment. existing strategy from geographical ward boundaries to This includes the development of local flood risk management strategies by LLFAs, as well as managing flooding in a

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 11 Legislation, Plan, Polices Summary Implications for the SEA the EA’s strategic overview of all sources of flooding and coastal erosion. coordinated way within catchments. Water Relevantly the Water Framework requires Member States to: The LFRMS fulfils the relevant Framework Directive (WFD)  Define groundwater bodies within river basin districts to be designated and reported obligations of the WFD. to the European Commission by Member States. They must classify them by analysing Specifically the update will assess the pressures and impacts of human activity on the quality of groundwater with a flooding on the basis of river view to identifying groundwater bodies presenting a risk of not achieving WFD basin catchments. environmental objectives. Member States were obliged to carry out this classification between 2004 and 2005 and report the results back to the European Commission.  Establish registers of protected areas within each river basin districts for those groundwater areas or habitats and species directly dependent on water. The registers must include all bodies of water used for the extraction of drinking water and all protected areas covered under the following directives: the Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC, the vulnerable zones under the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC and the sensitive areas under the Urban Wastewater Directive 91/271/EEC, as well as areas designated for the protection of habitats and species including relevant Natura 2000 sites designated under Directives 92/43/EEC and 79/409/EEC. Registers shall be reviewed under the River Basin Management Plan updates.  Set up a river basin management plan (RBMP) for each river basin district which must include a summary of pressures and impacts of human activity on groundwater status, a presentation in map form of monitoring results, a summary of the economic analysis of water use, a summary of protection programmes, control or remediation measures etc. The updated RBMPs were due by the end of 2015 and their review is expected every six years thereafter.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 12 Table 3.2 Directly Applicable Local and Regional, Plans and Policies Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs Hampshire Groundwater Groundwater Management Plan specifically addresses groundwater flooding across the entire Relevant information regarding Management Plan 2013 county, with a focus in groundwater flooding in the central Hampshire chalk catchments. groundwater flooding will be included in the baseline assessment. Hampshire Surface Water SWMP are being prepared for each of the 11 Districts of Hampshire. To date the SWMP for Relevant information regarding the Management Plan (SWMP) Eastleigh and Rushmoor have been finalised. geology and the catchment plans will 2013 be included in the baseline Eastleigh SWMP The SWMPs describe the topography, geology and hydrology of the boroughs and describes other assessment. Rushmoor SWMP significant features which can impact on surface water flood risk. It collates and assesses historic data on surface water flood events and uses Defra / Environment Agency mapping data and projections to determine likely future flood risk taking into account the impacts of climate change. Biodiversity Action Plan for The Local Biodiversity Action Plan aims to ensure that national targets are translated into effective The LFRMS should take account of Hampshire (reviewed action at the local level, and that important local features are also fully included in strategies for practices which threaten species and 2010) and Local action. habitats listed in the Biodiversity Biodiversity Action Plans Action Plan. (Basingstoke and Deane, This Plan provides a strategy for action in two volumes: Volume 1, the strategic framework and Eastleigh, East Hants, main courses of action for biodiversity within the county. Volume 2, the detailed action plans This will include Special Protected Fareham, Rushmoor, required for priority habitats and species of priority concern in the county. Together with specific Areas, Special Areas of Conservation , Southampton, Test Valley, topics which influence biodiversity conservation, such as water management, education and Ramsar sites and Sites of Special Winchester). awareness. Scientific Interest in the Plan area this is related to biodiversity and flora and Now known as Habitats It provides a platform for the Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership (formed to advance the fauna issues. and Species of Priority conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Hampshire) to take action from. The Partnership Importance) which embraces a wide range of organisations all working together for nature conservation, plays a vital role in stimulating and co-ordinating action, monitoring progress and reviewing priorities.

Many Hampshire Authorities have also developed their own action plans these include: Basingstoke and Deane, Eastleigh, East Hants, Fareham, Rushmoor, Southampton, Test Valley, Winchester. Areas of Outstanding The aim of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area’. The LFRMS should ensure that future Natural Beauty (ANOB) In general terms the objectives of these management plans are to conserve and enhance the LFRMS scheme development proposals Management Plans (North landscape character, habitats, species and tranquillity of the AONB, to support tourism and public that could affect the AONB are only West Downs Area, East access and to support the rural economy in ways that are sustainable. permitted for cases of overriding

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 13 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs Hampshire Area, South national need.

New Forest National Park New Forest National Park Management Plan (2010-2015) sets out the overall vision and approach The LFRMS should aim to complement Management Plan (2010- for the area, seeking to tackle the major issues that affect the Park now, or are likely to influence it the objectives of the National Park 2015) in the future. Above all it focuses attention on maintaining the New Forest as a special, distinctive Management Plan. and unique place for present and future generations. The two National Park purposes are: This forms part of the baseline for the  To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National issues relating to landscape, cultural Park; and heritage, biodiversity, flora and fauna.  To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public. The Hampshire, The Plan is based upon the principle of delivering sustainable minerals and waste development in The LFRMS should complement the Portsmouth and Hampshire up to 2030. This means ensuring the right developments to maintain a reliable supply objectives of the plan. The location of Southampton Minerals & of minerals and excellent management of our waste, at the right time, whilst protecting the existing and proposed waste and Waste Local Plan 2013 environment and our communities. minerals sites will be considered as part of the material assets within the baseline. Hampshire Local Transport Hampshire County Council’s new Local Transport Plan (LTP) was formally approved 24 February The LFRMS will consider how flooding Plan (2011-2031) and 2011. The Plan looks to make improvements to the transport system which will benefit people may impact transport routes. Transport Statements living and working in Hampshire. Access to and along these routes is The Plan sets out three main transport priorities: critical for population health (for  Priority 1: To support economic growth by ensuring the safety, soundness and efficiency example, access to hospitals) as well as of the transport network in Hampshire. the economy as part of material assets  Priority 2: Provide a safe, well-maintained, and more resilient road network in Hampshire within the baseline. as the basic transport infrastructure of the county on which all forms of transport directly or indirectly depend, and the key to continued casualty reduction.  Priority 3: Manage traffic to maximise the efficiency of existing network capacity, improving journey time reliability and reducing emissions, thereby supporting the efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods.

Transport statements have been produced for all of the 11 District and boroughs. Hampshire Integrated The plan identifies Landscape Character Areas which are geographically unique areas of the The HCA will be used in the baseline

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 14 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs Character Assessment County. They are areas where a combination of factors such as topography, vegetation pattern, assessment and to assess how flood (HCA) - Landscape, land use and cultural associations combine to create an area with a distinct, recognisable management may impact these areas Townscape and Seascape character. After the area is described, it is evaluated to draw out the key things affecting the under the issue of landscape and Character Assessment for landscape now and in the future and the effect of these ‘forces for change’ on its most important cultural heritage. Hampshire 2015 qualities. 23 of the larger settlements in Hampshire have been subject to Townscape Assessments, comprising Townscape Character Areas and Townscape Types. Basingstoke and Deane, The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) provides an overview of all sources of flood risk (such Relevant information will be included Strategic Flood Risk as from rivers, surface water and ground water) throughout the Borough and also took into in the LFRMS and the flood maps will Assessment (updated account the impact of climate change. be included in the baseline 2012) It informed the preparation of the Local Plan (2011-2029) and is also used in the determination of assessment. planning applications to ensure that development is located in areas at lowest risk of flooding. SFRA makes the following summarised recommendations:  Locate development in the areas of lowest flood risk  Ensure the vulnerability of the land use is compatible with the level of risk.  Where an Exception Test is required, undertake a Level 2 SFRA which is more detailed.  Require FRAs and/or drainage information for development within and upstream of locally defined Critical Drainage Areas.  FRAs and Level 2 SFRAs should pay attention to the risk of groundwater flooding.  Apply measures to control and mitigate flood risk and where possible reduce flood risk.  Apply sustainable drainage techniques which should be designed to mimic natural systems that control runoff. The plan includes various flood risk maps including historical flooding, surface water flood risk, risk from watercourses, percentage run off maps. East Hants Strategic Flood The objective of the SFRA is to inform the plan-making process of the Local Development All elements of LFRMS will need to Risk Assessment 2008 and Framework. In addition, the SFRA will allow the District Council to: take account of flood risk polices and Proposed Submission Site  prepare appropriate policies for the management of flood risk within the Local review the allocated sites. Allocation Plan 2014 Development Documents;  inform the sustainability appraisal so that flood risk is taken account of when considering options, and in the preparation of strategic land use policies;  identify the level of detail required for site-specific Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) in particular locations; and  determine the acceptability of flood risk in relation to emergency planning capability. It provides policy recommendations and guidance for the application of the Sequential Test; the

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 15 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs preparation of flood risk assessments and the use of sustainable drainage systems within the District Council’s administrative boundary.

The purpose of the Proposed Submission Site Allocation Plan is to demonstrate that sites to be allocated for development in areas of flood risk are appropriate in the context of the Sequential and Exception Tests. Eastleigh Flood Risk Provides a flood risk overview including the sources of flood risk and vulnerability to climate Relevant information will be included Assessment Guidance change. It comprises various flooding maps. in the LFRMS and the flood maps will Document 2016 be included in the baseline assessment. Fareham Strategic Flood Provides a flood risk overview including the sources of flood risk and vulnerability to climate Relevant information will be included Risk Assessment Guidance change. It comprises various flooding maps. in the LFRMS and the flood maps will Document be included in the baseline assessment. Blackwater Valley Strategic Provides a strategy that provides a framework for the consistent consideration of flood risk in Relevant information will be included Flood Risk Assessment seeking to accommodate current practice and best available data for the lifetime of the planning in the LFRMS and the flood maps will 2008 process. It covers the Blackwater Valley and includes flood maps. be included in the baseline assessment. Test Valley Borough Ensure flood risk is taken into account at all stages in the planning process, to avoid inappropriate Relevant information will be included Council Strategic Flood Risk development in area at risk of flooding. It includes flood zones and flood maps. in the LFRMS and the flood maps will Assessment for Local be included in the baseline Development Framework assessment. 2007 Southampton Local Flood The objectives of the Strategy are to: Since water knows no boundaries, and Risk Strategy 2014  Improve the knowledge and understanding of all sources of flood risk across the city. activities upstream of a watercourse  Work in partnership with other authorities and stakeholders who have a role in flood risk could impact Southampton the LFRMS management, including across administrative boundaries. must consider how it impacts  Identify ways to increase public awareness of flood risk across the city. Southampton.  Identify ways of improving support for people at direct risk to promote appropriate and community level planning and action.  Ensure that planning decisions are properly informed by flooding issues, so future development assists with reducing and mitigating flood risk.  Identify appropriate measures which reduce the likelihood of harm to people, damage to

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 16 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs the economy and the environment, and assign a lead organisation to facilitate delivery.  Maintain, and improve where necessary, affordable and sustainable flood risk management infrastructure and systems to reduce flood risk.  Identify all available funding mechanisms to enable delivery of flood risk management interventions. Partnership for Urban In 2007, an SFRA was commissioned by PUSH13. It was reviewed in 2012 and updated in 2016. The The LFRMS should take account of any South Hampshire (PUSH) primary objective of the update is to inform and provide an evidence base for the: identified flood risk areas at all steps Strategic Flood Risk  preparation and evidence for the evolving PUSH South Hampshire Strategy to 2036. of the SEA process. Assessment (SFRA) Update  emerging Local Plans in respect of the development and of policies for the allocation of Report 2016 (including land for future development. updated mapping)  Review of policies related to flood risk management for all Risk Management Authorities.

It identifies flood risk from:  Flood Risk Zones 3 and 2 of flooding from rivers and the sea (from the Environment Agency flood map).  Identification of locations of flood risk from other local sources (including ordinary watercourses, surface water groundwater, sewers and reservoirs);  Consideration of the impact of climate change upon flood risk within the PUSH area and mapping of these impacts where available;  Identification of existing flood risk management assets and the areas benefiting from a level of protection provided by such assets and potential consequences should they fail.

The SFRA also provides guidance for developers when undertaking a requisite site specific Flood Risk assessment and guidance to each of the local authorities in the partnership. Test and Itchen CFMPs consider all types of inland flooding, from rivers, groundwater, surface water and tidal The LFRMS and SEA will need to Catchment Flood flooding, but not flooding directly from the sea, (coastal flooding), which is covered in Shoreline consider the CFMPs in terms of Management Plan (CFMP) Management Plans. They also take into account the likely impacts of climate change, the effects of cumulative flood risk impacts (e.g. 2009 use and management of the land, and how areas could be developed to meet present day needs fluvial and surface water flooding

13 PUSH (Partnership for Urban South Hampshire) is a partnership dedicated to delivering sustainable, economic-led growth and regeneration to create a more prosperous, attractive South Hampshire & Isle of Wight offering a better quality of life for everyone who lives, works and spends their leisure time here.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 17 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. water combined). This CFMP gives an overview of the flood risk in the Test and Itchen catchment and sets out preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years. The CFMP divides the Test and Itchen catchment into nine distinct sub-areas which have similar physical characteristics, sources of flooding and level of risk. The most appropriate approach to managing flood risk for each of the sub-areas is then identified and allocated a flood risk management policy. The selection of the appropriate policy, considers how social, economic and environmental objectives are affected by flood risk management activities. South East CFMP2009 This CFMP gives an overview of the flood risk in the South East Hampshire catchment and sets out The LFRMS and SEA will need to preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years. consider the CFMPs in terms of The CFMP divides the South East Hampshire catchment into seven distinct sub-areas which have cumulative flood risk impacts (e.g. similar physical characteristics, sources of flooding and level of risk. The most appropriate fluvial and surface water flooding approach to managing flood risk for each of the sub-areas is then identified and allocated a flood water combined). risk management policy. To selection of the appropriate policy, considers how social, economic and environmental objectives are affected by flood risk management activities. New Forest CFMP 2009 This CFMP gives an overview of the flood risk in the New Forest catchment and sets out our The LFRMS and SEA will need to preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years. consider the CFMPs in terms of The CFMP divides the New Forest catchment into seven distinct sub-areas which have similar cumulative flood risk impacts (e.g. physical characteristics, sources of flooding and level of risk. The most appropriate approach to fluvial and surface water flooding managing flood risk for each of the sub-areas is then identified and allocated a flood risk water combined). management policy. To selection of the appropriate policy, considers how social, economic and environmental objectives are affected by flood risk management activities. Itchen to Hamble Coastal The Coastal Defence Strategy was commissioned by a partnership with Southampton City Council, Objectives will be taken on board by Defence Strategy 2011 Eastleigh Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council, for the sustainable management of the LFRMS. LFRMS and SEA to consider coastal defences. The study frontage includes the east bank of the River Itchen as far upstream as potential cumulative flood risk Woodmill, the Weston, Netley and Hamble Le Rice frontage, and both banks of the River Hamble impacts. as far upstream as the Bursledon railway bridge. The strategy has been accepted by the Environment Agency. River Hamble to The objective of this report is to provide an overview of coastal processes along the frontage Objectives will consider the areas Portchester Castle Coastal between Portchester castle in Portsmouth Harbour to Burridge. On the east bank of the River identified.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 18 Plan, Policies and Relevance / Summary Implications of SEA Programs Flood and Erosion Hamble, lower lying parts of the frontage are at risk of tidal flooding and/or wave overtopping, and Management Strategy parts of the open coast between Gosport and Hook Spit are potentially at threat of coastal erosion. 2014 Porchester to Emsworth The strategy area includes the mainland frontage from Portchester Castle to Emsworth in Objectives will consider the areas Draft Costal Flood and Hampshire. The strategy makes recommendations to manage coastal flood and identified. Erosions Management erosion risk in the: Strategy (emerging)  short term (0 – 20 years);  medium term (20 – 50 years); and  long term (50 – 100 years). The strategy does not propose detailed schemes or guarantee funding. It is of note that no final decision have been made on this strategy. North Solent Shoreline The North Solent Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is the first revision to the Western Solent and Objectives will be taken on board by Management Plan 2010 Southampton Water SMP and the East Solent and Harbours SMP. The coastline covered by the the LFRMS. LFRMS and SEA to consider Plan extends between Selsey Bill, in the east, and Hurst Spit, in the west, and includes Portsmouth, potential cumulative flood risk Langstone and Chichester Harbours. SMPs aim to balance the management of coastal flooding and impacts. erosion risks, with natural processes, and the consequences of climate change. Southampton Flood & A non-statutory document focusing on the long term management of a 22km stretch of the city’s The LFRMS should take account of the Erosion Risk Management coastline spanning from Woodmill to Redbridge. overarching aims of the strategy. Strategy 2013 The strategy appraises a range of coastal defence options to determine the most beneficial and cost effective methods for managing risks such as flooding, erosion and sea level rise. Options identified range from major engineering projects which construct new, or improve existing defence structures, to minor works on individual properties to make them more resistant to flooding. Catchment Abstraction Sets out the licensing decision framework for water abstraction and discharges, and seeks to The LFRMS should take account of the Management Strategies improve river quality and flow, and groundwater resources. overarching aims of the strategies and Test and Itchen (2013), aim to protect water resources in the East Hampshire (2013), region. Avon (2005)

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 19 4.0 Baseline Information

4.1 Establishing the Baseline

The initial stage of the SEA involves researching collating and describing the sustainability baseline for the plan area.

The baseline data includes existing environmental and sustainability information from a range of sources which is quantitative and qualitative. The information provides the basis for assessing the potential impact of the plan’s policies, objectives and options and will assist in the development of appropriate mitigation measures and sets the baseline for future monitoring. The baseline information profile will include baseline data pertaining to the following:

 The latest available data and comparison nationally;  Future trends and / or predictions and the likely future trends without implementation of the LFRMS;  Limitations, uncertainties and gaps in the data set; and  Existing environmental and sustainability problems.

Once the proposed location of the LFRMS measures is identified it will be easier to predict impacts on hydrology and other direct and indirect impacts on specific areas. This will be included in the environmental report.

The SEA Regulations identify environmental receptors that must be initially considered for all SEAs. These include:

 Population and human health;  Material assets;  Biodiversity, flora and fauna;  Soil;  Water;  Air;  Climatic factors;  Cultural, architectural and archaeological heritage; and  Landscape.

This list serves as a starting point from which issues have been scoped out of, or into, the SEA, depending on whether or not they are considered likely to affect or be affected by the LFRMS.

Table 4.1 provides a summary of the preliminary scoping and provides a justification as to why certain issues have been scoped out.

The baseline environmental information is provided in Appendix A.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 20 Table 4.1: Rationale for Scoping Receptor/Issues Scope and Justification Scoped out Scoped In Population and Population and properties at Actions arising from the LFRMS will affect the population and Human Health risk from flooding properties within flood risk areas. Baseline information will include population statistics. Quality of life/social Quality of life is affected by flooding; more socially deprived deprivation communities are likely to be more significantly affected by the impact of flooding. Baseline information on social deprivation will be provided. Noise The LFRMS will not have a significant effect on noise. The effects of any local flood risk management activities on noise e.g. activities relating to the construction of new flood infrastructure would be considered further at project EIA stage. Tourism and recreation of Actions arising from the LFRMS could affect important tourist, national and regional recreational and amenity resources and could present opportunities importance to deliver recreational benefits. Baseline information will include details of important tourism sites. Material Assets Infrastructure Actions arising from the LFRMS have the potential to affect key transport routes, and waste and mineral sites within County. Baseline information will include information on critical infrastructure (roads, rail and, air). Biodiversity, Flora International nature An HRA will be undertaken separately, the Basic data collection on internationally designated sites for the HRA and Fauna conservation sites (e.g. results of which will be incorporated into the will be included in the SEA to avoid duplication. The SEA, HRA and Special Areas of Conservation SEA Environmental Report. LFRMS will be integrated processes and the SEA and HRA will be able (SAC, Special Protection Areas to influence the development of the LFRMS. Specific details regarding SPA, Ramsar site) and known the habitats and species covered in the SPAs and SACs will be included supporting sites in the HRA and not duplicated in the baseline.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 21 Receptor/Issues Scope and Justification Scoped out Scoped In National nature conservation Actions arising from the LFRMS could have direct or indirect effects on sites (e.g. National Nature the features of nationally designated sites. The SEA will focus on those Reserves (NNRs), Sites of sites potentially affected (positively or negatively) by current or future Special Scientific Interest flooding. The LFRMS has the potential to contribute to achieving (SSSIs) favourable condition status of a SSSI. Baseline information will include details of the national sites. Local nature conservation Locally designated sites of nature conservation importance may be sites (e.g. Local Nature affected (positively or negatively) by current or future flooding. Reserves (LNR)s, Sites of Where data is made available on these sites they will be included. Importance for Nature Baseline information will include details of the local sites. Conservation (SINCs) and RSPB Reserves) UK priority habitats and Flooding could potentially change the nature of habitats. There is duty species (informed by local to have regard to this list (NERC 2006). Baseline information will Biodiversity Action Plan). include details of the habitats of principle importance. Soil, Geology and Soils LFRMS measures could alter the extent or duration of flooding and Geomorphology therefore have implications for soil quality. Impacts on soil quality could subsequently affect other environmental receptors that fall under other SEA topics, such as Biodiversity, Water (water quality), agricultural resources, Population and Human Health. Baseline information will include the soils maps. Designated earth heritage LFRMS measures could have direct impacts on designated geological sites (e.g. geological SSSIs) sites by changes in flooding or erosion or sedimentation. Baseline information will include the earth heritage sites.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 22 Receptor/Issues Scope and Justification Scoped out Scoped In Geology The LFRMS will not have a significant effect on geology. The interactions between flood risk and erosion management and geology would be considered further at project EIA stage.

Water resource issues linked to geology will be considered as part of the Water receptor where relevant. Geomorphology is considered under the sub-criteria of SEA objective 6: ‘Minimise adverse effects on water hydromorphology and natural processes.’ Basic geological information will be included in the baseline for information purposes. Contaminated land Changes in water management could result in improved protection for areas of known contaminated land or landfill sites, or could negatively affect these sites, by flooding or erosion, which may cause pollution of water bodies. Baseline information will include priority sites. Land Use and Land Land use Strategic LFRM measures could be affected by, and have direct or Management indirect effects on, land use. Water Water quality LFRM measures could have direct and indirect effects on surface and groundwater quality Water Framework Directive Although the LFRMS could have direct and The SEA objectives will incorporate the basic requirements of the WFD indirect effects on water resources (surface in their underlying assessment criteria. The LFRMS will need to and ground) this SEA does not have the scope consider whether any flood risk management measures will lead to for a detailed WFD Assessment, which may adverse impacts on the water bodies within the strategy area and need to be undertaken separately, depending whether the LFRMS can contribute to delivering some of the on the findings of the SEA. mitigation measures.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 23 Receptor/Issues Scope and Justification Scoped out Scoped In Flood Risk It is a basic assumption that the strategy and measures will manage and mitigate flood risk. Information regarding the areas of flood risk and future trends in Hampshire will be included in the baseline. Water resources Water resource issues linked to local geology (e.g. groundwater levels) will be considered where relevant. Overall water resources also need to be considered. Catchment Sensitive Farming Strategic LFRM measures provide opportunities to link with CSF (CSF) initiatives to protect water bodies and the environment. Air and Climate Air quality The chemical of predominant concern for all Air Quality Management Areas in Hampshire is nitrogen dioxide, which is associated with traffic emissions. The LFRMS strategy and associated measures will not be affected by or have a significant effect on air quality. Climatic factors LFRMS has the potential to enhance resilience to climate change, through reducing flood risk or environmental enhancement measures. Opportunities to improve climate change adaptation will be explored in the SEA. The Historic Historic Landscape Character LFRMS measures could potentially affect the character of the historic Environment landscape and also directly affect statutory and non-statutory historic buildings and archaeological features. Impacts on historic landscape will be considered within the SEA. Scheduled Monuments LFRMS measures could potentially affect Scheduled Monuments. Direct impact could result from the development or enhancement of defences. The impact on the setting of Scheduled Monuments should also be considered. Indirect impacts may be caused by flooding, although the significance of the effect will differ depending on the nature of the monument. Registered Parks and Gardens LFRMS measures may affect the physical attributes, character and setting of Registered Parks and Gardens. The SEA will only consider those sites within the study area.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 24 Receptor/Issues Scope and Justification Scoped out Scoped In Listed Buildings LFRMS measures may directly affect Listed Buildings or indirectly affect views and setting. Conservation Areas LFRMS measures may affect the character and setting of Conservation Areas. Other known and unknown Non-designated sites and Heritage Environmental Record sites of features of archaeological national importance, which may be particularly vulnerable to flooding and/or heritage interest or may offer opportunities for flood mitigation.. Clusters of sites that aren’t individually of national importance but are cumulatively important will also be considered.

It is not practicable to determine the effects of the LFRMS measures on every known feature of heritage interest and therefore the SEA will not consider non-designated sites of local or regional importance. The effects on these features would be considered further at project EIA stage. The effects of local flood risk management on as yet unidentified heritage resources will be considered at project level assessment. Landscape and Designated landscapes The SEA will address impacts of the LFRMS measures on the Areas of Visual Amenity Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and county landscape character assessments, as appropriate. Assessment of impacts on landscape will help to guide and influence the choice of strategy and LFRMS measures. Wider countryside The SEA will address the impacts of the LFRMS on the wider countryside of Hampshire not covered by designation. It will make use of landscape character assessments for Hampshire and for the AONBs and National Parks to assess impacts.

Inter-relationship e.g. Water quality and Inter-relationships will be included where relevant i.e., where LFRMS measures give rise to the potential for secondary between the biodiversity; Land Use change or cumulative impacts. The WFD has been considered as an ‘inter-relationship’ between the SEA topics, as compliance above factors and landscape; Quality of life with the WFD is influenced by impacts to ecology, water quality and hydromorphology and recreation/biodiversity

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 25 4.2 Main Messages from the Baseline

The baseline provides a basis for understanding the environment and sustainability issues in Hampshire. It helps to identify any environmental problems and ways to potentially resolve them. It is an important stage of the SEA and ensures the process is based on sound evidence and assists in predicting and monitoring the likely effects of the plan.

The main messages from the baseline report are summarised as follows:

4.2.1 Population and Human Health

Hampshire is one of the largest counties in England. It is predominantly rural and the population is widely distributed. Over a third of the county’s area is within National Parks or AONB. The LFRMS will need to consider the distribution of the population as it potentially increases the complexities associated with prioritisation of flood management. The rural nature of the county provides opportunities for the LFRMS, by means of green infrastructure and flood alleviation areas.

Population and life expectancy are increasing and there are a number of significant planned residential developments which will have a significant affect on population numbers across Hampshire. Consideration of demographic projections is important when considering flood management. Areas of high population density create greater competition for suitable housing sites and puts pressure on sites which may be at risk of flooding.

In addition to considering population density, social deprivation will be considered. Although Hampshire has one of the lowest levels of social deprivation a significant proportion of these are located in one area (Havant). It is recognised that people in deprived neighbourhoods are disproportionately at risk from flooding, and are likely to be particularly hit hard from the social impacts. Areas with high deprivation will be considered in the plan owing to the increased vulnerability of the population in these areas.

4.2.2 Material Assets

Hampshire has excellent road, rail and sea transport links, although some areas are prone to congestion, transport is an essential part of the infrastructure underpinning population, economic stability and growth across Hampshire.

Should flooding impact essential transport links, not only does this impact the economy, it can also affect access to hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shops. Substations are also at risk and consequentially there is a risk of power cuts to homes and essential services. Waste Management facilities are at risk and need to be safeguarded and protected from flooding and risk of polluted runoff. Flood water has the possibility of contaminating water supply (reservoirs). There is a need to ensure these sites are protected as part of the LFRMS.

4.2.3 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

Hampshire has the greatest diversity of species of any county in England, with a varied landscape and a great diversity of habitats from ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, to heathlands and chalk streams, to river valleys and coastal habitats. It also includes the New Forest which is the greatest area of semi wilderness left in lowland England.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 26 Some habitats are very sensitive to water flow regimes and changes in water quality, flooding can impact on habitats and species, some benefit from regular flooding, whereas others may be damaged by flood sediment and increases in pollution from flood water, such as highways pollution.

There is increasing pressure on wetlands and fragmentation of semi-natural habitats from the pressures of increases in population density. Other risks to biodiversity comprise:  Nutrient enrichment affecting river and coastal water quality;  Habitats and species may be damaged by sediment or pollutants in flood water or by the actions of flood water; and  Changing climate.

As well as considering the impacts of the LFRMS on biodiversity the potential to improve biodiversity, through creating new areas, restoring areas or progressing Biodiversity Opportunity Areas will be considered.

4.2.4 Soil Geology and Geomorphology

Hampshire has five distinct geological blocks that define the land character and use of the County these comprise:  A central block of chalk with carrying degrees of clay with flint surface;  North of the central chalk block, an area of tertiary sands and clays;  To the east, the western end of the Weald, consisting of Upper Greensand, Gault Clay and Lower Greensand;  To the south of the chalk, a broad band of tertiary sands and clays (forming the underlying strata of the New Forest); and  A small area of chalk, representing part of the eastern edge of Cranborne Chase.

Soils perform an important function and are a finite resource. Soil erosion is an increasing problem in Hampshire and throughout the UK through inappropriate land management or agricultural practices. Floodwater can also remove soil from areas, for example through surface water flash flooding. Hampshire soils are also under threat from development. The LFRMS will seek to minimise flood risk whilst protecting the natural environment.

4.2.5 Water

Hampshire has an outstanding freshwater environment, with more riverine and wetland sites of national importance for wildlife than any other county in England. Water resources in Hampshire depend on groundwater stored in the chalk aquifer of the Hampshire Downs. The River Test and Itchen also provide large quantities of water for the public by abstraction directly from the river or from groundwater. Water supply in Hampshire is usually of high quality.

In the UK every person uses approximately 150 litres of water a day. According to south east water the average person in the south east uses 160 litres per day (domestic) which is greater than the national average.

Significant pressures identified in the LFRMS area include abstraction and artificial flow regulation, diffuse and point pollution (from nitrates, organic pollution, pesticides and phosphates), commercial fisheries, non-native species, physical modification to the structure of water bodies, sediment and urban/transport pollution.

The potential for increasing water supply in Hampshire is limited: for example, the amount of water abstracted from rivers in South Hampshire must be reduced in accordance with the EU Habitats Directive Review of Consents in order to protect species and their habitats, it is considered unlikely that the environment can provide more water for abstraction.

The LFRMS will ensure that, by improving drainage and reducing flood risk in the county, the requirements of the Water Framework Directive are considered at all stages in the strategy, and that

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 27 there are no adverse impacts on water quality or the hydrological regime of aquatic habitats. It also needs to ensure that drinking water quality, groundwater and human health are protected.

4.2.6 Climatic Factors

The UK Climate Impacts Programme projections confirm that the UK is likely to experience:  hotter/ drier summers;  warmer/wetter winters;  sea level rises; and  more weather extremes.

The County’s local commitments are set out in the ‘HCC Climate Local Commitments 2015/2016’ and comprise the following:  By 2025 reduce carbon emissions from our estate and business by 40% from the 2010 baseline (131,800 tonnes);  Increase the resilience of the County Council and the wider community to risks around energy security and affordability, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the creation of a sustainable and low carbon economy in Hampshire;  Take action to ensure that HCC buildings, infrastructure and services are resilient to the impacts of a changing climate; and  Work with partners to build resilience across Hampshire to the impacts of a changing climate.

The LFRMS will consider the climate change projections and the County’s local commitments to ensure increased resilience to climate change.

4.2.7 Cultural, architectural and archaeological heritage

Hampshire has a rich and diverse historic environment formed by the physical evidence of all aspects of human activity from earliest prehistory to the late twentieth century. It includes archaeological sites, historic buildings, historic landscape and townscape, historic parks and gardens, and battlefields.

The LFRMS will consider the following aspects associated with Hampshire’s cultural heritage:  Flooding on heritage assets – damage to structures and archaeological sites;  Role of historic structures within water and flood management – management of historic structures and their role on flood control;  Impact of historic structures on water management – degree of potential constraints of an historic structure on water management/structure maintenance; and  Impact of flood prevention and mitigation on the historic environment – physical impact of structures and construction on cultural heritage.

4.2.8 Landscape Visual Amenity

The landscape of Hampshire can be characterised by four broad zones:  Hampshire Weald to the east;  Hampshire Basin to the south;  Wide band of Chalk across the centre; and  Thames basin to the north.

Approximately half of Hampshire is covered by national landscape designations. There are two National Parks:  New Forest – covers 14% of Hampshire. The New Forest is a diverse and complex landscape comprising unenclosed ancient woodland, enclosures, open heaths and lawns, mires and ponds, back-up grazing land, coastal plain landscapes and scattered villages and dwellings.  South Downs – covers 15% of Hampshire and combines diverse landscape pf heritage coast, nature reserves, historic monuments and conservation areas with bustling market towns, villages and small farms.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 28 The LFRMS will consider how flooding, coastal erosion and development have the potential to affect the landscape and visual aspects of Hampshire and alter water levels.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 29 5.0 Developing the SEA Framework

An SEA is fundamentally based on an objective qualitative approach, whereby potential impacts of this plan are assessed in relation to a series of objectives for appropriate sustainable development. It must provide a methodology to assess the effects of the plan.

5.1 Draft Objectives

The objectives have been developed by drawing on the environmental problems and sustainability issues identified in the Baseline Report in Appendix A, Section 4.10.

1) To conserve and enhance the biodiversity, flora and fauna of Hampshire including natural habitat and protected species

2) To maintain and improve ground and surface water quality in Hampshire

3) Protect and enhance landscape character, local distinctiveness and historic built heritage of Hampshire

4) Limit vulnerability to potential predicted flooding of climate change by adapting new and existing development to the impacts of climate change

5) To maintain and protect soil quality

6) To improve the health and well being of the population

7) Minimise adverse impacts of local flood risk on key infrastructure, land assets and properties

8) Protect and enhance open spaces, recreational areas and rights of way and improve accessibility for everyone

9) Reduce and manage the risk of flooding and resulting detriment to public well-being, the economy and the environment

10) Minimise adverse effects on water hydromorphology, natural processes and aquatic environment

11) Minimise adverse effects on water resource availability

12) Engage with local communities, improve and support community level flood response and recovery, by improving the understanding, preparedness and response of the local community to flooding.

5.2 Compatibility of SEA Objectives

It is noted that the objectives will not be given any rating or ranking although it is acknowledged that some will have a more direct influence. For example the LFRMS will have a more direct impact on water quality and hydromorphology than on soils and geology due to the expected nature of LFRMS measures. Effects on soils would be considered to be more indirect, for example, changes in soil quality as a result of changes in water quality.

Although each objective is directly linked to the issues as outlined in the Directive each objective may have indirect or subtle influence on the other issues. For example, if the LFRMS were to reduce flood risk to

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 30 material assets, such as housing or infrastructure this may have indirectly have a beneficial impact from there being less direct physical risk to people from flooding and less potential for standing water and sewerage pollution caused by flooding. This would reduce the spread of waterborne diseases near population centres and improve access to emergency services positively impacting human health and population (See Table 5.1).

It has been assumed that inherently the LFRMS would likely lead to better climate change adaptation and resilience, through reduced flood risk. In general, none of the draft objectives have been deemed to be in direct conflict with one another.

Table 5.1: SEA Directive Issues in Relation to the Objectives

SEA Directive Topic Direct Impact Indirect / Subtle Biodiversity 1 2, 5, 8, 10 Population 6 4, 7, 8, 9, 12 Human Health 6 4, 7, 9, 12 Fauna 1 2, 5, 8, 10 Flora 1 2, 5, 8, 10 Soil 5 Water 2, 10, 11 Air/Noise Scoped Out Climatic Factors 4 Material Assets 7 Cultural Heritage 3 Landscape 3 Interrelationships 9

5.3 Reasonable Alternatives

The SEA Directive requires an assessment of the plan and its “reasonable alternatives.” In order to assess reasonable alternatives, different strategy options for delivering the LFRMS will be developed and assessed at a strategic level against the established SEA objectives and environmental baseline. The results of this assessment will be used to inform the decision making process in choosing a preferred way of delivering the LFRMS.

In deciding what constitutes a “reasonable alternative” the predicted funding envelope and existing legislation and Government policy will be considered. Options which go against existing national policy or are financially unachievable will not be considered “reasonable.” The LFRMS objectives and measures (in SEA terms called ‘alternative options’) are not sufficiently developed to include in this scoping report. However, they will be assessed at a later stage and included in the draft Environmental Report.

The SEA will also consider a ‘without plan’ scenario. This will represent what would occur if no further plans were put in place beyond existing projects, government policies and statutory obligations. A description of the “Without Plan” scenario and assumptions used in its formulation will be developed prior to assessment. 5.4 Assessment Approach

The objective of this SEA is to assess the impacts in order to inform and influence the plan and facilitate discussions regarding alternative approaches which will be evaluated in light of their potential impacts including cumulative, synergistic and indirect environmental effects on the different SEA topics. For this reason each issue will not be given a ranking, rated or numerical score.

The assessment of these environmental effects will be qualitative and informed by professional judgement and experience with other flood risk related SEAs, as well as an assessment of national, regional and local trends. In some cases, the assessment will draw upon mapping data to identify areas of potential pressure, for example due to flood risk or presence of environmental designations.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 31 For all LFRM measures / alternative approaches, the table will be used to evaluate how the environment would be affected, positively or negatively, from the implementation of the LFRMS in relation to the objectives and indicators that comprise the environmental baseline. All LFRMS measures will be assessed based on their likely impact. Effects of the LFRMS will be described in terms of their Nature. Table 5.2 provides a summary of the criteria.

Table 5.2: Criteria

Symbol Explanation of the Effect + Positive: will result in positive impact on the objective 0 Neutral: Neutral or negligible effect on the objective - Negative: Option will result on a negative impact on the objective ? Unknown: The relationship is unknown, or there is not enough information to make an assessment

A proforma will be used which will have space for commentary as to the reasoning for the effect; this will include information on the significance, uncertainty, duration, magnitude and reversibility of the effect. The proforma will also provide possible mitigation of negative effects and where applicable enhancement of positive effects (refer Table 5.3).

Table 5.3: Example of Proforma

Plan x Objective Score Effects Mitigation/ Potential Improvements 1 2 x Cumulative effects

Cumulative impacts will be assessed to ensure the full impact of the LFRMS is understood. Table 5.4 will be used to document cumulative effects.

Table 5.4: Example of Cumulative Effects

Objective Impact of Plan X of Impact of other plans, Cumulative Impacts the LFRMS projects, trends 1 2 3 x

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 32 6.0 Remaining SEA Stages

6.1 Remaining Stages and Tasks

This scoping report satisfies Stage A and will be subject to a five week consultation period following which the remaining stages will be undertaken:

Stage B: Developing and refining options assessing effects; Stage C: Preparing the Environmental Report; Stage D: Consulting on the draft plan; and Stage E: Monitoring significant effects of implementing the plan.

6.2 Proposed Structure of the Environmental Report

The proposed draft structure of the Environmental Report shall comprise the following.

1) Introduction, Purpose; 2) Review of Policies, Plans and Programmes; 3) Environmental Context; 4) Problems and Issues; 5) Framework and Objectives; 6) Reasonable Alternatives; 7) Preferred Approach (explanation / mitigation); 8) Assessment of the draft plan against objectives; 9) Monitoring Envisaged; 10) Cumulative, Indirect, Synergistic, Long Term Effects; and 11) Non Technical Summary.

The Environmental Report will be clearly signposted to the requirements of the SEA Directive and will clearly identify how the responses from the consultation have been integrated. Particular attention will be given to the clear assessment of reasonable alternatives.

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 33 Appendix A: Baseline Information

R.J R.J504897.01 /170214/V1 34 Establishing the Baseline The initial stages of Strategic Environmental Appraisal involve researching, collating and describing the sustainability baseline for Hampshire. Baseline data considers a range of environmental and community considerations.

The baseline data includes existing environmental and sustainability information from a range of sources which is quantitative and qualitative. The information provides the basis for assessing the potential impact of the plan’s policies, objectives and options and will assist in the development of appropriate mitigation measures and sets the baseline for future monitoring. The baseline information profile includes baseline data pertaining to the following:

The data has been obtained from information held within Hampshire County Council records along with any other publically available information. Where possible every effort has been made to obtain the most current data available. It is noted that there is a plethora of environmental information available however the information presented in this baseline has been selected on the basis that it may be of direct influence or affected by the LFRMS. Effort has been made to avoid including baseline information which is not of direct relevance to the LFRMS.

For the purpose of this baseline report, the information has been split into the following topic areas:

 Population and Human Health  Material Assets  Biodiversity Flora and fauna  Soil Geology and Geomorphology  Water  Climate Change  Historic Environment  Landscape and Visual Amenity

It is recognised that some of the topics are not necessarily exclusive to the sections that they have been placed within and some areas may be relevant to other sections. The sections have been split to follow the themes within the LFRMS. Further details are provided on the contents page.

1 Contents

ESTABLISHING THE BASELINE ...... 1

CONTENTS...... 2

1.0 POPULATION AND HUMAN HEALTH...... 1

1.1 POPULATION ...... 1 1.2 POPULATION AT RISK OF FLOODING ...... 3 1.3 SOCIAL DEPRIVATION ...... 4 1.4 HEALTH ...... 5 1.5 RECREATION AND TOURISM...... 6 1.6 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF POPULATION AND HEALTH WITHOUT THE PLAN ...... 6 1.7 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH POLLUTION AND HUMAN HEALTH...... 7

2.0 MATERIAL ASSETS ...... 8

2.1 CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 8 2.1.1 TRANSPORT NETWORKS...... 8 2.1.2 WATER SUPPLIES...... 9 2.1.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE...... 10 2.1.4 ENERGY SUPPLIES ...... 11 2.1.5 HOSPITALS ...... 11 2.1.6 EDUCATION...... 11 2.2 ECONOMY...... 12 2.2.1 ECONOMIC SECTORS ...... 12 2.2.2 GROWTH RATES...... 12 2.2.3 EMPLOYMENT...... 12 2.3 AGRICULTURE AND LANDUSE ...... 12 2.4 MINERAL RESOURCES...... 13 2.5 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF MATERIAL ASSETS WITHOUT THE PLAN ...... 14 2.6 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MATERIAL ASSETS ...... 15

3.0 BIODIVERSITY (FLORA AND FAUNA) ...... 16

3.1 DESIGNATED SITES...... 16 3.1.1 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNATIONS...... 16 3.1.2 NATIONAL DESIGNATIONS ...... 17 3.1.3 LOCAL DESIGNATIONS ...... 18 3.2 PRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES...... 19 3.3 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF BIODIVERSITY WITHOUT THE PLAN...... 20 3.4 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BIODIVERSITY (FLORA AND FAUNA)...... 20

4.0 SOIL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY...... 21

4.1 SOILS 21 4.2 GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY ...... 21 4.3 LIKELY EVOLUTION WITHOUT THE PLAN...... 23 4.4 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ...... 23

5.0 WATER ...... 24

5.1 GROUNDWATER ...... 24

2 5.2 SURFACE WATER...... 25 5.2.1 CATCHMENT SENSITIVE FARMING ...... 26 5.2.2 COASTAL WATERS ...... 27 5.3 LIKELY EVOLUTION WITHOUT THE PLAN...... 27 5.4 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ...... 27

6.0 CLIMATE CHANGE...... 29

6.1 THE UK CLIMATE IMPACTS PROGRAMME (UKCIP)...... 29 6.2 CLIMATE LOCAL...... 29 6.3 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE WITHOUT THE PLAN...... 30 6.4 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE...... 30

7.0 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 31

7.1 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 31 7.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSETS ...... 31 7.3 HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS...... 32 7.4 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE WITHOUT THE PLAN...... 33 7.5 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CULTURAL HERITAGE...... 33

8.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY ...... 34

8.1 LANDSCAPE ZONES...... 34 8.2 NATIONAL CHARACTER AREAS...... 34 8.3 LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS: AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) AND NATIONAL PARKS ...... 36 8.4 LIKELY EVOLUTION OF LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY WITHOUT THE PLAN ...... 37 8.5 ISSUES AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY ...... 37

3 1.0 Population and Human Health

1.1 Population

Hampshire is one of the largest Counties in England with an estimated population of 1,345,600 in 2015 (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton). Including Southampton and Portsmouth the total population in 2015 was 1,799,260. Population in Hampshire is expected to rise by 6.9% between 2015 and 2022. In 2015 there were 3.6 people per hectare living in Hampshire with 21.8% of the population living in rural areas. Source: Hampshire County Council Environment Department’s 2015 based Small Area Population Forecasts for 2016. Figure 1.1 depicts the population density across Hampshire.

The predicted population increase in Hampshire is in line with UK projections (according to the office of national statistics). The UK population is projected to increase by 4.4 million over the next decade, rising from 64.6 million in 2014 to 69.0 million at mid-2024. This increase, of 6.9% of the 2014 population, is equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 0.7% each year over the decade (National Population Projections: 2014-based Statistical Bulletin).

Figure 1.1 Hampshire Population Density (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

In terms of increase in the number and proportion of older people in the UK population, the population aged 65 and over has grown by 47% since mid-1974 to make up nearly 18% of the total population in mid-2014 while the number of people aged 75 and over has increased by 89% over the period and now makes up 8% of the population. The UK and Hampshire population pyramid is

1 provided as Figure 1.2. The population pyramid for the Hampshire Local Authorities depicts a similar pattern to that of UK it is noted that there is spike in the 20 age range on the Winchester suggesting an influx due perhaps to the educational facilities.

Figure 1.2 UK and Hampshire Population Pyramid (source: ONS)

Population Pyramid 2014 Hampshire (Source: ONS)

2 There are a number of planned developments which will have a significant affect on population numbers across Hampshire. The most notable being the Whitehill Bordon Regeneration which includes 4000 houses, 55,000 new jobs and 320,000m2 of retail space (East Hampshire Local District plan: Joint Core Strategy). In addition, there are 6,000 dwellings planned in the Fareham District (Fareham Core Strategy), 3829 as part of the Aldershot Urban Extension (Rushmoor Draft Local Plan) and 3500 dwellings in North Whiteley (Winchester City Council Local Plan Part 1- Joint Core Strategy Adopted 2013).

Table 1.1 provides a summary of all proposals for new developments of over 500 new houses currently in place throughout Hampshire. Please note that the status of some of these development sites maybe subject to change. The table does not include Southampton and Portsmouth.

Table 1.1: Development Proposals for New Development over 500 dwellings (excluding Portsmouth and Hampshire) (Source: R&I 19.12.16 Hampshire County Council’s Land Availability Monitoring System) District Site Town Estimated Number of new Residential Dwellings Basingstoke Land North of Park Prewett Basingstoke 585 and Deane Basingstoke Land at Chapel Hill Basingstoke 578 and Deane Basingstoke Land North of Popley Basingstoke 567 and Deane East Hampshire Whitehill and Bordon Bordon 4000 East Hampshire Development Land East of Horndean Waterlooville 813 East Hampshire Lord Mayor Treloar hospital Alton 529 Eastleigh Land North & East of Boorley Farm Botley 1400 Eastleigh North Stoneham Park Eastleigh 1100 Fareham Welborne Fareham 6000 Gosport Gosport Waterfront Gosport 700 Rushmoor Aldershot Urban Extension Aldershot 3829 Test Valley Land East of Andover 1635 Test Valley Whitenap Romsey 1300 Test Valley Land at Picket Piece Andover 675 Test Valley Land at Andover 657 Winchester North Whiteley Whiteley 3500 Winchester Barton Farm Winchester 2000 Winchester Grainger Development Site Waterlooville 1975

1.2 Population at Risk of Flooding

The Environment Agency carried out an initial assessment of the consequences of future flooding using the Flood Map for Surface Water (1:200) to identify the areas that could be at risk of flooding to a depth in excess of 300mm. Clusters were created based upon:  1km grid squares and a property count of all properties at risk along with identification of any critical infrastructure within each square;  Identification of each square considered to have significant harmful consequences, based on the criteria below; and  Combining squares in close proximity (multiples of five touching squares within a 3x3 grid) to create the clusters. Source: Hampshire County Council. Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment 2011 – 2017 (PFRA April 2011))

Table 1.2 outlines the cluster locations and the number of people at risk which has been calculated for Hampshire up to 2017.

Table 1.2: Cluster Location and Number of People at Risk Cluster location No of people potentially at risk

3 Camberley/Farnborough 11955 Basingstoke 9021 Aldershot (including parts of Surrey) 8429 Horndean 4296 Fleet 3980 Winchester 3477 Andover 2279 Alton 2104 Source: Hampshire County Council, PFRA 2011 to 2017.

The PFRA identified over 45,000 people potentially at risk with over 25% located in the North East of Hampshire.

1.3 Social Deprivation

Indices of Deprivation are produced by Communities and Local Government (CLG) for the whole of England, including Hampshire, these are ‘measures of deprivation for every Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) and local authority area in England. Separate Indices at LSOA level are provided for each of the seven domains of deprivation. This allows all 32,844 LSOAs to be ranked according to how deprived they are relative to each other. This information is then brought together into one overall Index of Multiple Deprivation’)Source: https://census.ukdataservice.ac.uk/get-data/related/deprivation 05.01.17).

There are nine LSOAs in Hampshire which fall within 10% of the most multiple deprived areas in England. These are mostly located in the Leigh Park Estate in Havant. 23 LSOAs are within 11% to 20% of the most multiple deprived areas in England and 32 fall within the 20% bracket. Figure 1.3 depicts the location and distribution of areas of multiple deprivation across Hampshire.

Figure 1.3: Indices of Deprivation Hampshire (2015) (Source DCLG 2015)

4 1.4 Health

The largest NHS hospitals in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton) are the Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and the Royal Hampshire Hospital in Winchester, shown on Figure 1.4.

There are also a number of hospitals run by the Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) and private hospitals, as well as GP surgeries, nursing homes and dentists.

The latest life expectancy data for the UK reveals that overall we are living longer. Across Hampshire, average life expectancy for women is 83.7 and 80.2 for men, which is better than the national average. Figures from Public Health England have revealed the huge differences in life expectancy across the country and even the county. For example, according to the statistics, up to 2011, a woman who lives in Southampton all her life can expect to live on average 82.6 years compared to the Beggarwood area of Basingstoke, where the average life expectancy for women is 104.3, the second highest in the country. Life expectancy is expected to continue to rise.

Public Health England compiles Health Profiles for regions and districts across England. Hampshire is generally better than the England average and is one of the ‘20% least deprived counties/unitary authorities in England, yet approximately 11% (26,100) of children live in low income families’ and life expectancy is 6.5 years lower for men and 5.1 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Hampshire than in the least deprived areas. Source: Hampshire County Health Profile published 6 September 2016. http://fingertipsreports.phe.org.uk/health-profiles/2016/e10000014.pdf 5.1.17.

Figure 1.4: Hospitals and Medical Facilities (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

5 1.5 Recreation and Tourism

85% of Hampshire is defined as rural and over a third of the county’s area is within National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/factsandfigures/keyfactsandfigures/factsabouthampshire.htm 5/01/17). Access to greenspace is important for the health and wellbeing of the population. Hampshire contains a wide range of greenspace with a variety of landscapes, coastal areas, historical interest and two National Parks – The New Forest and South Downs. 60.6% of coastal areas are accessible (Source: Hampshire LFRMS SEA).

In addition to the tourism associated with Hampshire’s urban centres and key tourist hotspots such as the New Forest, Hampshire has 16 Country Parks and Nature Reserves, along with over 400 registered commons (Figure 1.4). There are many other sites with no formal designation which are used for recreation, including woodlands, playing fields, parks, allotments and rivers. Hampshire County Countryside Service protects and maintains over 4,500 km of footpaths, bridleways and byways which enable people to walk and explore the county. Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/countryside-service.htm 5/1/1. Figure 1.4: Location and Distribution of Recreation Sites (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

1.6 Likely Evolution of Population and Health Without the Plan

With people living longer and an increase in population it is inevitable that there will be increasing strain on public services, housing, natural resources and waste production. Population in the UK is increasing and it is predicted that the Hampshire population will increase by 6.9% between 2016 and 2022, in the absence of an appropriate LFRMS it is considered likely that a greater number of people would be considered to be potentially at risk from flooding.

Climate change and rising sea levels and changing coastal processes will have an impact on population and have implications for the management of coastal areas in Hampshire, particularly for balancing the costs and benefits of flood defence

6 1.7 Issues and Problems Associated with Pollution and Human Health

Hampshire is one of the largest counties in England. It is predominantly rural and the population is widely distributed. This poses problems associated with access to health services (people may have to travel extended distances to access essentials services) and people may not have access to major transport routes. Consideration of demographic projections is important when considering flood management. Areas of high population density create greater competition for suitable housing sites and put pressure on sites which may be at risk of flooding. The distribution of the population potentially increases the complexities associated with prioritisation of flood management.

Although Hampshire has one of the lowest levels of social deprivation, a significant proportion of these are located in one area (Havant). It is recognised that people in deprived neighbourhoods are disproportionately at risk from flooding, and are likely to be hit particularly hard by social impacts (www.gov.uk).

Predicted population increases means that a supply of safe housing which is free from or resilient to flooding risk is needed to support growth and reduce social and economic exclusion.

Over a third of Hampshire is within National Parks or AONB, which provide opportunities for the LFRMS, by means of green infrastructure and flood alleviation areas.

7 2.0 Material Assets

The term ‘material assets’ is not defined within the SEA Directive. For the purpose of the LFRMS SEA, the term material asset is used to describe the buildings and infrastructure in the County that could potentially be at risk of flooding. Material Assets have been split into (a) Critical Infrastructure, (b) housing, (c) economy, (d) agriculture and landuse, and (e) mineral resources.

2.1 Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure includes transport networks, water supplies and waste management infrastructure, energy supplies, schools and hospitals. A risk of flooding to any of these could potentially cause widespread disruption and damage the economy. There are many sites of critical infrastructure across the County that could be at risk, or may be at risk in the future, therefore there is a need to ensure these sites are protected. Hampshire has a significant amount of infrastructure critical to health, safety and accessibility of the population. Figure 2.1 below provides an overview of infrastructure types and locations (Hospital locations and waste infrastructure are shown in Figures 1.3 and 2.3 respectively.

Figure 2.1 Infrastructure Types and Locations (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

2.1.1 Transport Networks

The development of a well-functioning, reliable transport network plays a crucial role in supporting wider economic prosperity and competiveness, enabling healthy social interaction and reducing carbon emissions. Flooding of transport links can cause significant disruption, as well as potential pollution of the natural environment for example, from highway runoff containing pollutants such as fuel and salt, into nearby watercourses.

8 The principal routes through Hampshire include the M3/A3, M27/A27, A31, A303, A339, A33, A331, A34 and the A272. Hampshire’s major transport routes are depicted in Figure 2.2. Access to and along these routes is crucial for population health and economy, and although Portsmouth and Southampton have not been considered within this assessment, transport networks provide access to the Port of Southampton which is a global gateway for the United Kingdom in terms of shipping, for containerised goods and leisure cruises. Also to Portsmouth Harbour; home to the naval dockyard and commercial port (Source: Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan 2013 adopted). There are also mainline railway routes linking Hampshire to London and other parts of southern England and Wales.

Figure 2.2: Transport Network for Hampshire (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

2.1.2 Water Supplies

Southern Water and Portsmouth Water currently provide water to Hampshire. Southern Water’s 711,000 customers in Hampshire, including in Southampton, Winchester, Romsey and Eastleigh as well as the Isle of Wight use an average of 90 million litres of water every day. Approximately 60% of that water comes currently from the River Test and the River Itchen, with the remaining 40% coming from underground aquifers associated with the River Itchen. (Source https://www.southernwater.co.uk/ 15.02.17) Portsmouth Water has no large raw water storage reservoirs. It relies almost entirely upon groundwater reserves in the chalk aquifers of the South Downs and abstracts its raw water from wells, boreholes and springs. It has one river abstraction at Gaters Mill on the River Itchen, a chalk river with a groundwater baseflow (Source: https://www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/news/annual-water-supply-review/ 15.02.17).

Fresh water supplies and adequate sewage treatment are vital to the health of the wider population. Hampshire’s major waste water treatment sites are located at: Budds Farm, Havant, Peel Common, Fareham, Basingstoke, Chineham; Millbrook, Southampton and Slowhill, Marchwood as well as other minor sites across

9 the county. These works could pose a contamination risk should they become flooded. (Source:http://documents.hants.gov.uk/planning-strategic/faq/FAQ- liquidwasteandwastewatertreatmentinHampshire.pdf 19.01.17).

2.1.3 Waste Management Infrastructure

As the designated Waste Disposal Authority (WDA), Hampshire County Council (HCC) has the following statutory obligations:  Managing the reuse, recycling and treatment of Hampshire’s household waste economically, efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way.  Providing Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) where householders can dispose of their bulky waste, and overseeing their management by appointed contractors.  Managing the responsibilities and liabilities resulting from the historic disposal of domestic waste by land-filling, including pollution legacy and restoration of former landfill site Source: Hampshire Strategic Infrastructure Statement Version 1 (February 2011).

Hampshire County collected 605,769.5 tonnes of Household Waste in 2014/15 of which 94.76% was diverted from landfill (Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/factsabouthampshire.htm#waste_management 09/02/17). 41% of Hampshire household waste was recycled (Source: https://www.hants.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/whattodowithwaste/wastefacts 15.02.17) The majority of non-recyclable household waste goes to Energy from Waste (EfW) for disposal at one of Hampshire’s 11 sites, the main ones are at Chineham, Portsmouth and Marchwood (Source: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/planning-strategic/faq/FAQ- EnergyrecoveryfromwasteinHampshire.pdf 15.02.17).

The County also uses three landfill sites for non hazardous waste as follows:  Blue Haze (Ringwood Forest);  Squabb Wood (near Romsey); and  Pound Bottom (Redlynch).

It also has a reserve site Purple Haze (Ringwood Forest) (Source: Policy 32 Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan 2013 Adopted).

Construction, Demolition and Excavation Wastes consist of a range of materials and can be used in a variety of ways, from recovery on development sites, restoration schemes, but most are co-located with other mineral or waste management facilities such as quarries, landfills or waste transfer stations.

Hampshire has a number of hazardous waste recycling and recovery. Significantly, the Fawley Thermal Treatment Centre which although located within Southampton and not in HCC boundary plays a national role in the disposal of many hazardous waste materials through incineration while the non-hazardous landfill at Pound Bottom provides disposal capacity for asbestos only. (Source: http://documents.hants.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste/HampshireMineralsWastePlanADOPTED.pdf 15.02.17).

There is also an integrated network of materials recovery facilities, Hazardous Waste Recycling Centres and composting facilities which manage and recover household wastes.

Figure 2.3 Shows the location of waste infrastructure, including current and historic landfills in Hampshire. The LFRMS will need to consider existing waste facilities along with any proposed changes and proposed new

10 facilities. Flooding of landfills could potentially release and spread contaminants into the surrounding environment.

Figure 2.3 Waste Infrastructure in Hampshire (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

2.1.4 Energy Supplies

There are numerous electricity sub-stations located across the County (as shown in Figure 2.1). The Fawley (currently being decommissioned) and Marchwood Power Station although not located within Hampshire County Council boundary should be considered. Marchwood natural gas fired combined cycle station generates approximately 895MW of electricity for the National grid (Source: http://www.marchwoodpower.com/16.02.17). Damage to these sites through flooding would cause disruption to the supply of electricity to a significant number of households and could be potentially costly to repair. Excluding Portsmouth and Southampton, Hampshire has one energy recovery facility located in Chineham, Basingstoke.

2.1.5 Hospitals

There are three main hospitals in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton) refer to Section 1.4, Figure 1.3. These sites are critical to the health of the County’s residents and are sites where there are many vulnerable people.

2.1.6 Education

There are a considerable number of primary and secondary schools in the County, as well as, 18 colleges and sixth form schools and several providing specialist education. Access to higher education is via Winchester

11 University and Sparsholt College. Sites of education require protection from the risk of flooding to keep disruption to education and well being of young people to a minimum.

2.2 Economy

Hampshire’s economy is worth approximately £35.4 billion with 65,000 business and approximately 870,000 workers (including self employed, part-time and working from home) (Source http://www3.hants.gov.uk/factsabouthampshire.htm 09/02/17). The impact on the County’s economy will be assessed through an assessment of flood risk to critical infrastructure and places of employment. Impacts to tourism, recreational areas will also be considered.

2.2.1 Economic Sectors

Hampshire’s key economic sectors are:  Business & Financial Services;  Distribution, Hotels & Restaurants;  Public Administration, Education & Health;  Engineering; and  Transport and Communications. (Source: Hampshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2031)

2.2.2 Growth Rates

The projected annual growth rates in GVA and GVA/Employment are provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Projected Annual Growth Rates (Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/future_prospects.pdf 16.02.17)

2001-2006 2006-2016 2016-2026 2006-2026 GVA UK National data 2.8% 1.4% 2.4% 1.9% South East Regional Data 2.1% 1.7% 2.8% 2.2% Hampshire Economic Area 2.5% 1.6% 2.7% 2.2% GVA/Employment (Productivity) UK National data 1.8% 1.5% 2.1% 1.8% South East Regional Data 1.6% 1.5% 2.2% 1.9% Hampshire Economic Area 1.7% 1.3% 2.0% 1.7%

2.2.3 Employment

The nearest equivalent International Labour Office (ILO) employment rate for the 12 months to September 2016 is 79.5% in the Hampshire County area. The ILO unemployment rate is 3.6%, with unemployment rate for 16-24 year olds for the 12 months to September 2016, at 11.3%.The nearest equivalent ILO Economic Inactivity rate for the Hampshire CC area for the 12 months to September 2016 is 17.0%. (Source http://documents.hants.gov.uk/Economy/HampshireLMBDecember2016.pdf 16.02.17)

2.3 Agriculture and Landuse

The Agricultural Land Classification system classifies land into five grades with grade 3 subdivided into Sub- grades 3a and 3b. The best and most versatile land is defined as Grades 1, 2 and 3a by policy guidance (Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework). This is land which is most flexible, productive and efficient in response to inputs. The classification is based on long term physical limitations of land for agricultural use. Factors affecting the grades include climate and soil characteristics. Post 1988 survey classification has also been included (Natural England TIN049).

12 Most of Hampshire’s soil resources are associated with agricultural land and almost 60% of graded agricultural land in Hampshire is considered to be ‘best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land’ Source: Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan - October 2013 (Adopted). Figure 2.4 shows the ALC for Hampshire and includes the post 1988 classification. The majority of Hampshire is classed as grade 3 with urban areas predominantly along the south coast and across the north. The county has one green belt, Policy 6 the South West Hampshire Green Belt. Source: Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan - October 2013 (Adopted). The LFRMS may change the suitability of land for certain uses, by for example affecting its versatility, productivity, soil quality and mineral resource.

Figure 2.4 Agricultural Land Classification (Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

2.4 Mineral Resources

The county possesses a wide variety of mineral resources, but the following list represents the principal resources in Hampshire (Source: Hampshire LFRMS SEA Scoping Report 2012 and Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan - October 2013 (Adopted):

 Sand and gravel. These resources are found as superficial or ‘drift’ deposits (e.g. river terrace deposits) from the Quaternary period or bedrock deposits from the Palaeogene period. The most important gravel deposits are in the Avon Valley.  Brick clay. This is predominantly extracted, in small quantities, from the London Clay Formation at Rowlands Castle and from the Palaeogene Headon and Osbourne Beds at Lymington, for use in landfill containment.  Chalk. Extracted in small quantities from Monk Sherborne in the north of the county and Somborne Lime quarry in the west.  Building stone. Historically flint, chalk and sandstone were extracted for building purposes, with flint still extracted.  Hydrocarbons. Hampshire has been extensively explored for oil and gas since the 1960s. The presence of the Mesozoic Weald basin in the north and centre of the county and the Mesozoic Wessex basin in the south and south-west has led to both of these areas being explored and extracted from. The oilfields still producing are at Humbly Grove, Horndean and Stockbridge.

13 Hampshire does not contain hard rock or other specialist aggregates or minerals and these are primarily imported by sea or rail, for example limestone imported by rail from Somerset. The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (2012) lists various aggregate wharves and rail depots, principally in Southampton, but also in Fareham, Marchwood, Eastleigh, Botley and Havant.

Mineral Safeguarded areas identified for safeguarding through Policy 15 (Safeguarding - mineral Resources in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan 2013 Adopted) lists the following areas (Table 2.2) in Hampshire:

Table 2.2 Minerals Safeguarding Areas in Hampshire

District or Borough Council Site Name Grid Policy Area Reference Basingstoke and Deane Basingstoke Sidings 4627 1524 Rail depot - Policy 19 Borough Council New Forest District Council Bleak Hill Quarry extension 4130 1113 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 Hart Borough Council Bramshill Quarry extension 4805 1585 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 Test Valley Borough Council Cutty Brow 4413 1445 Sand & gravel extraction- Policy 20 New Forest District Council Forest Lodge Home Farm 4428 1057 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 Eastleigh Borough Council Hamble Airfield 4477 1078 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 Winchester City Council Micheldever Sidings 4518 1433 Rail depot - Policy 19 Test Valley Borough Council Michelmersh Brickworks 4340 1258 Brick-making clay extraction - Policy 22 New Forest District Council Purple Haze 4115 1069 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 and reserve landfill - Policy 32 New Forest District Council Roeshot 4187 9484 Sand & gravel extraction - Policy 20 East Hampshire District Council Selborne Brickworks 4765 1343 Brick-making clay extraction - Policy 22 Test Valley Borough Council Squabb Wood Landfill 4330 1214 Landfill - Policy 32 East Hampshire District Council Mineral Safeguarding Area - 4790 1360 Safeguarding of mineral Whitehill & Bordon resources - Policy 15)

The LFRMS will need to consider the flood risks to Mineral Safeguarding Areas and the associated transport networks, including the restoration of mineral sites once they reach the end of their working use.

2.5 Likely Evolution of Material Assets Without the Plan

Hampshire’s critical infrastructure could potentially be at risk from flooding without proper management. Surface water flooding could have an impact on local transport links, affecting commuting, industry, rail and sea networks and population health. Impacting on essential transport links can affect access to hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shops. Substations, power stations and water pumping stations are also at risk and consequentially there is a risk of power cuts to homes and essential services. Waste Management facilities are at risk and need to be safeguarded and protected from flooding and risk of polluted runoff. Flood water has the possibility of contaminating water supply (reservoirs) and also affecting economic wellbeing.

14 2.6 Issues and Problems Associated with Material Assets

The transport network in Hampshire provides a gateway to the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, to Southampton airport and also provides a route to London. Transport is an essential part of the infrastructure underpinning population, economic stability and growth across Hampshire. As economic growth recovers in the period to 2031, traffic congestion is forecast to increase substantially, beyond the official peak capacity of busy Hampshire road corridors such as the M3 or M27 (Source: Hampshire Local Transport Plan – Part A, A long term strategy (2011-2031).

Other material assets include mineral resources and agriculture land use. With an increase in population there will be an increase pressure for development in areas not subject to flooding and this may put a strain on agricultural land.

The county has a network of utility infrastructure – gas distribution and storage facilities, electricity generation (including coastal sites eg. Marchwood) and distribution networks and water supply and wastewater treatment / removal infrastructure. There is also the increasing pressure of new development on water and sewage capacity and road network. Sewer pipes and highway drains have often become combined with culverted non-main rivers over time and the precise role and function of such watercourses may not always be readily understood, making management strategies complicated.

15 3.0 Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) cover 14.5% of the county, about twice the national average. A further 9.1% of Hampshire is covered by Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). Outside these specially recognised areas much of Hampshire's rural landscape, and many urban areas, are also rich in biodiversity. (Source:http://www3.hants.gov.uk/landscape-and-heritage/biodiversity/hampshire.htm 10.01.17).

Hampshire is rich in bird life, and large areas of the county are designated as internationally important for birds:  Heaths support important populations of species such as Dartford Warbler and Nightjar; and  Mudflats, saltmarshes and other coastal habitats, provide summer breeding areas for various terns and gulls and important winter feeding grounds for brent geese, waders and wildfowl.

There are twelve native species of amphibian and reptiles found in Hampshire, and whilst the nationally important populations of smooth snake and sand lizard found on Hampshire’s heaths appear stable, the loss of ponds and drying of wetlands in the rural landscape is having an adverse affect on amphibians (Source: State of Hampshire’s Biodiversity, October 2006 10.01.17).

The LFRMS will need to consider flow levels to water and water quality also and the potential impacts to designated sites. Water quality is further discussed in Sections 5.1 and 5.2.

As well as considering the impacts of the LFRMS there is the potential to improve biodiversity, through creating new areas, restoring areas or progressing Biodiversity Opportunity Areas via the use of natural flood processes.

3.1 Designated Sites

3.1.1 International Designations

There are 20 sites of international importance covering three designation types within Hampshire as shown in Figure 3.1. The sites include the following:

 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): Butser Hill, East Hampshire Hangers, Emer Bog, Mottisfont Bats, River Itchen, Shortheath Common, Solent and Isle of Wight Lagoons, Solent Maritime, the New Forest and Woolmer Forest. Dorset Heathlands, River Avon and Salisbury Plain SACs also lay partly within Hampshire and partly in neighbouring counties. SAC’s cover 32,222 hectares of the County (Source: HCC GIS data catalogue 11.01.17).

 Special Protection Areas (SPA) and RAMSAR Sites: Avon Valley, Chichester and Langstone Harbours, Dorset Heathlands, New Forest, Portsmouth Harbour, Solent and Southampton Water have both designations. Porton Down, Salisbury plain, Thames Basin Heaths and Wealden Heaths Phase II have only an SPA designation. SPA and Ramsar sites cover 35,526 hectares and 30,726 hectares of the county respectively (Source: HCC GIS data catalogue 11.01.17).

16 Figure 3.1 Locations of Internationally Designated Sites in Hampshire (Source: Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) (SI No. 2010/490) there is a legal requirement to assess whether there are any likely significant effects of plans and/ or programmes on Natura 2000 (SACs and SPAs) and Ramsar Sites. This will be undertaken as part of the LFRMS Habitat Risk Assessment.

3.1.2 National Designations

There are over 130 nationally designated sites across Hampshire (Source: HCC GIS Data Catalogue) shown in Figure 3.2. These sites re protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

 Ten National Nature Reserves: (Ashford Hangers, Ashford Hill, Beacon Hill, Butser Hill, Castle Bottom, Kingston Great Common, Martin Down, North Solent, Old Winchester Hill, Titchfield Haven). NNRs cover 1747 hectares of the county; and  127 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) shown in Figure 3.2 cover 43,466 hectares of Hampshire.

17 Figure 3.2 Locations of Nationally Designated Sites (Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

3.1.3 Local Designations

Over 4000 sites have been locally designated as either Local Nature Reserves (LNR) or Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) – locations are shown in Figure 3.3 below. 65 LNR’s cover 1,752 hectares and over 4000 SINC’s cover 35,195 hectares. Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 LNRs may be declared by local authorities after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency. LNRs are declared and managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature (Source: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1527 16.02.17).

There are three RSPB Reserves: Hazeley Heath, Langstone Harbour and Pilsey Island (Source: RSPB.org.uk 11.01.17).

18 Figure 3.3 Locations of Locally Designated Sites (Hampshire GIS Data Catalogue)

3.2 Priority Habitats and Species

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Hampshire identifies 23 of the UK’s 37 broad habitat types are found in Hampshire. There are 18 key habitats of UK conservation concern and an additional 3 habitats of local concern.

The UK Biodiversity Programme identified 1,288 species of national conservation concern, and of these, 489 priority species require urgent conservation action. Of the 489 national priority species, 196 are found in Hampshire, and the audit has identified an additional 248 priority species which are particularly important in the local context. Action for most of the priority species in Hampshire will be covered by relevant habitat action plans.

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) identifies a number of priority habitats within Hampshire. These are shown in Table 3.1 below.

Table 3.1 Priority Habitats Hampshire (Source: http://www.hampshirebiodiversity.org.uk/pdf/vol1/Biodiversitypages64-78.pdf 11.01.17)

Priority Habitats Ancient semi-natural woodland Marine Lowland pasture woodland/parkland Canals Ancient hedgerows Maritime cliffs Arable field margins Shingle Unimproved neutral grassland/fen Saltmarsh Calcareous grassland Coastal grazing marsh Floodplain grazing marsh Sand dunes

19 Priority Habitats Lowland heath/bog/acid grassland Mudflats and eelgrass beds Fen/carr/marsh/swamp/reedbed Saline lagoons Standing open water Road verges Chalk rivers Urban General/all habitats

3.3 Likely Evolution of Biodiversity Without the Plan

Some habitats are very sensitive to water flow regimes and changes in water quality, flooding can impact on habitats and species, some benefit from regular flooding, whereas others may be damaged by flood sediment and increases in pollution from flood water, such as highways pollution. In the absence of a LFRMS there is a potential risk of increased pollution of sensitive and vulnerable areas.

3.4 Issues and Problems Associated with Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna)

20 4.0 Soil Geology and Geomorphology

4.1 Soils

The type of soil and underlying geology influence the likelihood of surface and groundwater flooding in an area and the difference soil structures affects the soils vulnerability to erosion.

Soil erosion, caused by inappropriate land management or agricultural practices, is an increasing problem throughout the UK.. Floodwater can also remove soil from areas, for example through surface water flash flooding. Compaction, sealing, nutrient enrichment and pollution can also affect soils. The most productive agricultural land and urbanised or non-agricultural land is shown in the Agricultural Land Classification map (Figure 2.4).

4.2 Geology and Geomorphology

The geology of Hampshire influences the nature and extent of flood risk in the county. Geological structure, catchment shape, valley topography, land use, soil and drift cover can all influence the rate and magnitude of groundwater response. Hampshire has five distinct geological blocks that define the land character and use of the County (source http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hcc_historic_landscape_1-4.pdf 11.01.17) these comprise:  A central block of chalk with carrying degrees of clay with flint surface;  North of the central chalk block, an area of tertiary sands and clays;  To the east, the western end of the Weald, consisting of Upper Greensand, Gault Clay and Lower Greensand;  To the south of the chalk, a broad band of tertiary sands and clays (forming the underlying strata of the New Forest); and  A small area of chalk, representing part of the eastern edge of Cranborne Chase.

Figures 4.1 and 4.2 show the bedrock and superficial geology in Hampshire respectively.

Currently, no Regional Important Geological Sites have been identified in Hampshire (Source: Guidance on Biodiversity Policies for Local Development Framework Documents in Hampshire May 2008 - http://www.hampshirebiodiversity.org.uk/pdf/Other%20reports/Bio%20policies%20for%20LDF.pdf 11.01.17).

21 Figure 4.1 Bedrock Geology (Source: Hampshire County Council GIS Data Catalogue)

Figure 4.2 Superficial Geology (Source: Hampshire County Council GIS Data Catalogue)

22 4.3 Likely Evolution Without the Plan

There is a range of pressures on Hampshire’s soils such as soil erosion, compaction, nutrient loss and pressures caused by developments. Climate change is likely to increase pressure on soil. An increase in soil erosion is likely to be due to increased wind speeds, rising sea levels and increased flooding events. With increasing development in the South East region and Hampshire, it is likely that threats to soil will increase as a result of soil compaction and soil sealing with impermeable construction materials such as tarmac and asphalt. This will prevent water filtrating into the soil, increase surface run-off and promote soil erosion and the likelihood of flooding.

4.4 Issues and Problems

The LFRMS seeks to minimise flood risk whilst protecting the natural environment. There is unlikely to be any major significant negative impacts on the soil, geology or geomorphology of Hampshire. However, increases in development will mean use of previously undeveloped land and increased pressure on agricultural resources.

23 5.0 Water

Hampshire has an outstanding freshwater environment, with more riverine and wetland sites of national importance for wildlife than any other county in England, and is host to 317 water meadows and approximately 200 water mills.

5.1 Groundwater

Water resources in Hampshire depend on groundwater stored in the chalk aquifer of the Hampshire Downs. The rain water is replenished by winter rainfall which infiltrates the soil and percolates down to the water table. It then drains out of the aquifer via rivers such as the Test, Itchen and Meon, or is pumped out of wells and boreholes to supply water to communities and industry. Water supply in Hampshire is usually of high quality, needing little treatment for public supply.

Figure 5.1 depicts the aquifer types and Figure 5.2 Depicts the Groundwater Source Protection Zones in Hampshire.

Figure 5.1 Groundwater Aquifers Hampshire (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

24 Figure 5.2 Groundwater Source Protection Zones (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

5.2 Surface Water

The River Test and Itchen also provide large quantities of water for the public by abstraction directly from the river or from groundwater in the valley. They are also used for growing watercress, farming fish, recreation, wastewater disposal and for draining storm water from roads and urban areas. Figure 5.3 shows the river catchments in Hampshire.

25 Figure 5.3 Hampshire River Catchments (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

The following water bodies are located in the LFRMS area:  New Forest catchment - 30 river water bodies and 2 lakes; of which 14 are artificial or heavily modified;  Test and Itchen catchment – 6 groundwater bodies, 52 river water bodies and 3 lakes; of which 18 rivers and 2 lakes are heavily modified;  East Hampshire catchment – 5 groundwater bodies, 28 river water bodies and 1 lake, of which 10 rivers are heavily modified;  Hampshire Avon catchment – 39 river water bodies;  Coastal water bodies: Southampton Water, Solent and Dorset/Hampshire coastal water.

The water quality of the catchments within the LFRMS area, are classified as follows:  New Forest catchment – 44% of rivers and lakes currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential, including the Avon Water, Bartley Water and Danes Stream. 69% of rivers assessed for biology are at good or high biological status, with only 8% at poor biological status, and no assessed waters at bad status;  Test and Itchen catchment – 38% of rivers and lakes currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential. 46% assessed for biology are at good or high biological status. This includes the River Test (Middle), River Blackwater and Old Alresford Pond;  East Hampshire catchment – 17% of rivers and lakes currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential. 42% of waters assessed are at good or high biological status. This includes the River Meon, River Wallington and Warnford Lake;  Hampshire Avon catchment – Currently, 30% of surface waters achieve good or better ecological status/potential. Waters at good status include the Upper Avon, the Till and the Nadder.

5.2.1 Catchment Sensitive Farming

The European Commission Nitrates Directive requires areas of land that drain into waters polluted by nitrates to be designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). Farmers with land in NVZs have to follow mandatory rules to tackle nitrate loss from agriculture. Hampshire’s NVZ are depicted on Figure 5.4.

26 Figure 5.4 Hampshire’s Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (2017-2020 Eutrophic Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Source: Environment Agency web page WIYBY))

5.2.2 Coastal Waters

More than half of Hampshire’s coast is defended, the undefended coast is characterised by mudflats and sandy cliffs which are soft and prone to erosion. A large number of existing defences are coming to the end of their residual life and decisions with regard to their upgrade or replacement will need to be made over the next few years (Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/climatechange_commission_of_inquiry_booklet.pdf 2007 accessed 20.02.17)

5.3 Likely Evolution Without the Plan

Increase in flood risk could result in loss of service or contamination of supply and there is the potential that water quality will deteriorate.

5.4 Issues and Problems

In the UK every person uses approximately 150 litres of water a day (waterwise.org.uk). According to south east water the average person in the south east uses 160 litres per day (domestic) which is greater than the national average (southeastwater.co.uk). There has been an upward trend in water consumption per head due to changes in social habits e.g. increased use of dishwashers, and an increase in the number of smaller households (generally water consumption per person is higher when someone lives on their own than when they share facilities with others). The governments target is to reduce water consumption to 130 litres per person per day by 2030.

Significant pressures identified in the LFRMS area include abstraction and artificial flow regulation, diffuse and point pollution (from nitrates, organic pollution, pesticides and phosphate), commercial fisheries, non-native species, physical modification to the structure of water bodies, sediment and urban/transport pollution.

27 The potential for increasing water supply in Hampshire is limited: for example, the amount of water abstracted from rivers in South Hampshire must be reduced in accordance with the EU Habitats Directive Review of Consents in order to protect species and their habitats, it is considered unlikely that the environment can provide more water for abstraction.

The LFRMS needs to ensure that, by improving drainage and reducing flood risk in the county, (including reducing surface water flows from new developments) the requirements of the Water Framework Directive are considered at all stages in the strategy, and that there are no adverse impacts on water quality or the hydrological regime of aquatic habitats. It also needs to ensure that drinking water quality, groundwater and human health are protected.

Figure 5.5 Flood Zone 2&3 relative to catchment areas in Hampshire

28 6.0 Climate Change

6.1 The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)

UKCIP has carried out modelling that shows detailed climate probability for each 25km2 of land in the UK. Table 6.1 below presents the key findings for the South East England, using medium emissions and a 90% probability. The latest (UKCP09) projections confirm that the UK is likely to experience:

 Hotter/ drier summers;  Warmer/wetter winters;  Sea level rises; and  More weather extremes.

Table 6.1 Climate Probability South East England (http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/23672 18.01.17)

Variable Time period Change at 90% probability 2020s 2.2 Mean Winter temperature (ºC) 2050s 3.4 2080s 4.7 2020s 2.7 Mean Summer temperature (ºC) 2050s 4.6 2080s 6.5 Mean Winter precipitation (mm) and change (at 2020s 19 90% probability) 2050s 36 2080s 51 Mean Summer precipitation (mm) and change (at 2020s 14 90% probability) 2050s 7 2080s 7

6.2 Climate Local

Hampshire County Council has signed up to the 'Climate Local' Commitment, launched by the Local Government Association. Climate Local encourages councils to commit to local action to reduce carbon emissions, and improve their ability to protect people and services from the anticipated effects of climate change (http://www3.hants.gov.uk/energyandsustainability/environment-climate_change-climate_local.htm 18.01.17).

The County’s local commitments are set out in the ‘HCC Climate Local Commitments 2015/2016’ and comprise the following:

 By 2025 reduce carbon emissions from our estate and business by 40% from the 2010 baseline (131,800 tonnes);  Increase the resilience of the County Council and the wider community to risks around energy security and affordability, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the creation of a sustainable and low carbon economy in Hampshire;  Take action to ensure that HCC buildings, infrastructure and services are resilient to the impacts of a changing climate; and

29  Work with partners to build resilience across Hampshire to the impacts of a changing climate.

In the longer term it is likely that there will also be changes to where and how people live and work, and changes to the way we care for the elderly and children. The opportunities for tourism and for growing different crops in the county are likely to increase.

6.3 Likely Evolution of Climate Change Without the Plan

In the absence of a LFRMS climate change may have major impacts on the built infrastructure of Hampshire, such as roads, sewers, railways and buildings, and could cause damage to trees, plants and crops from drought and heavy rainfall intervals. Shorter, more intense rainfall could also have an impact on flooding and recharging aquifers in Hampshire. Whilst the extent of the changes and speed of progress remain unclear, current predictions indicate that sea level on the Hampshire Coast could rise by between 37cm and 108cm (Source: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/climatechange_commission_of_inquiry_booklet.pdf 2007 accessed 20.02.17) and average temperatures in the South East could go up by between 4.7 and 6.5 ºC by 2080. Source: http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/21708?projections=23829 Medium Emissions 90% probability of change winter and summer mean temperatures 20.02.17).

6.4 Issues and Problems Associated with Climate Change

Climate change and increased CO2 emissions can lead to increased precipitation which in turn will increase the risk of inland surface water flooding. Hampshire’s coastline could experience increased coastal flooding with sea level rise, extreme weather and tidal surges. Table 6.2 shows carbon dioxide emissions from Hampshire, the south east region and the UK in 2014. The 2012-13 figures for Hampshire have also been included. The table shows an overall decrease in Emissions in Hampshire from 6.8 – 5.9 (t)

Table 6.2 Carbon Dioxide in Emissions in Hampshire, the south east and the UK (kt CO2 per area) (Source:

2005-2014 UK Local and regional CO2 Emissions Tables https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk- local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide-emissions-national-statistics-2005-2014 07.02.17)) *LULUCF = Land use. Land use change and forestry Industry & Domestic Road LULUCF* Total Per Capita Commercial Transport Emissions (t) UK 178,200 112,000 123,500 -9,710 403,800 6.3 South East 15,734 15,313 19,208 -305 49,951 5.6 Region Hampshire 2,318 2,314 3,343 -39 7,935 5.9 2014 Hampshire 2,827 2,749 3,289 -24 8,840 6.6 2013 Hampshire 2,922 2,830 3,322 -22 9,051 6.8 2012

30 7.0 Historic Environment

7.1 Historic Environment

Figure 7.1 shows the distribution and location of Hampshire’s heritage assets. Some of the assets are protected by designations including, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and gardens, Protected Wrecks, Registered Battlefields and Conservation Areas. There are over 600 archaeological sites which have scheduled status from over 20,000 sites recorded on the Hampshire Historic Environment Record (Source: HCC Data catalogue 12.16).

Figure 7.1 Cultural Heritage Sites in Hampshire (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

7.2 Cultural Heritage Assets

The LFRMS will need to consider the following aspects associated with Hampshire’s cultural heritage:  Flooding on heritage assets – damage to structures and archaeological sites;  Role of historic structures within water and flood management – management of historic structures and their role on flood control;

31  Impact of historic structures on water management – degree of potential constraints of an historic structure on water management/structure maintenance; and  Impact of flood prevention and mitigation on the historic environment – physical impact of structures and construction on cultural heritage.

Table 7.1 outlines the number of designated assets within Hampshire County.

Table 7.1 Number of Designated Assets in Hampshire

Designated Assets Total in Hampshire Registered Battlefields 1 (Battle of Cheriton 1644) Scheduled Ancient Monuments 618 Listed Buildings (all) 17 096 Grade I 580 Grade II* 1184 Grade II 15 332 Protected Wrecks (inland water) 1 (Holigost, Hamble) Conservation Areas 318 English Heritage Parks and Gardens 57

7.3 Historic Landscape Character Areas

Historic landscape character is the degree to which any place reflects within its character the historic processes that have lead it to the present state. In particular, the patterns of roads, tracks, paths, property boundaries, woods, and field boundaries will together reflect a history of that place. For example the regulated and ruled landscapes of parliamentary enclosure; the wooded and hedged small scale irregular landscape of medieval asset; the structured catch work of water meadows. Figure 7.2 shows the types and locations of historic landscape within the Hampshire boundary.

32 Figure 7.2 Hampshire Historic Landscape Types (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

The LFRMS may be able to utilise aspects of the historic environment in relation to flood control, in particular identifying areas of the landscape that have historically been used to receive flood water. The LFRMS may be able to reflect historic landscape character as an influence on scheme design, for example utilising orientation and patterns of existing drainage, or reflecting or mimicking local landscape character traits.

7.4 Likely Evolution of Cultural Heritage Without the Plan

Increases in flood risk due to climate change could have detrimental impacts on heritage assets (listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, historic parks and undesignated assets, including archaeological remains). These assets could be at greater risk in the future without an appropriate management strategy.

7.5 Issues and Problems Associated with Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage includes a number of different types of assets from buildings to monuments and underground assets. Current pressures to cultural heritage can include flooding and sea level rise, construction activities (including vibration), air pollution, land use changes or alterations leading to adverse effects on historic sites and their settings. The visual appeal of buildings is also a consideration.

Construction options could lead to the loss of undiscovered artefacts and items of historic value. Alterations that impact nearby hydrological regimes can also cause damage to sites of Cultural and Archaeological Heritage by shifting flood patterns and increasing flood risk.

33 8.0 Landscape and Visual Amenity

8.1 Landscape Zones

8.2 National Character Areas

Within these broad zones there is a degree of variation which has been defined by Natural England as National Character Areas (NCAs). Figure 8.1 below shows the distribution of NCAs across Hampshire and Table 8.1 provides a description of the relevant Hampshire NCAs.

Figure 8.1 Distribution of National Character Areas Across Hampshire (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

34 Table 8.1: Hampshire NCA Descriptions Dorset Downs and Cretaceous Chalk outcrop, mainly rural and agricultural, characterised by large, open fields of Cranborne Chase pasture and arable, punctuated by blocks of woodland all draped over the undulating chalk topography. Dorset Heaths The area contains some of the best lowland heath left in England, much of it managed as nature reserves by a variety of organisations and designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar site. Specialised species include Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, sand lizard, smooth snake, ladybird spider, Purbeck mason wasp, southern damselfly, marsh gentian and Dorset heath Hampshire Downs The Hampshire Downs are part of the broad belt of chalk downland which runs through central/southern England. The belt extends east to the South Downs, north to the Berkshire and Marlborough Downs, and west to the South Wessex Downs. The northern boundary of the Hampshire Downs forms a ridge rising to over 290m and forming a dramatic escarpment overlooking the Thames Basin. To the east the chalk forms an escarpment at the western edge of the Weald. Through this the Test and Itchen Rivers have cut distinctive, deep, generally north-east/south-west parallel valleys. New Forest The New Forest is at the heart of a broad and shallow syncline (geological basin) known as the Hampshire Basin which broadly delineates the catchment of rivers draining in to the Solent and Christchurch Bay. Sedimentary features such as shingle spits, beaches and saltmarshes and eroding coastlines, along the New Forest shore, provide classic examples of these features and opportunities to study modern coastal processes. The landscape and habitat types of the NCA are diverse and complex, including open heath and grazed wood pastures. Within the open Forest, the complex of heathland, mire and pasture woodland do not occur anywhere else on so large a scale and nowhere else do they occur in this combination. It is designated as a National Park. Salisbury Plain and Mainly agricultural area with rolling chalk downland, forming part of the sweep of Cretaceous West Wiltshire Downs Chalk running from the Dorset coast and across the Chilterns to north of the Wash. The Plain is an SPA and SAC notably for the populations of stone curlew and hen harrier, and for the chalk grassland habitat. Much of the natural environment is also protected through its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its populations of rare bumblebee species, and many rare birds, plants and invertebrates. South Coast Plain Landform is dominated by the low relief of Tertiary sands, silts and clays that overlie the chalk. The east-west fold of chalk known as the Littlehampton anticline forms an isolated ridge to the north of Portsmouth known as Portsdown Hill. This rises from near sea level to over 100m and creates a dramatic backdrop to Portsmouth Harbour. South Downs The South Downs consist of a gentle but broad rolling dip-slope inclined to the south and a steep, narrow and mostly northerly-facing scarp that is broken by the Meon, Arun, Adur, Ouse and Cuckmere river valleys. Processes of erosion and deposition during the Ice Ages contributed significantly to the formation of the present landscape. South Hampshire The Hampshire Lowlands occupies the low lying land between the chalk outcrops of the South Lowlands Downs and Hampshire Downs and the coast of the Solent and English Channel. The highest point within the NCA is 123m above sea level. Thames Basin Heaths West of the greenbelt, 20th-century development has given rise to large conurbations including Camberley. Among these conurbations, gardens amount to a significant area of greenspace, with rhododendron being a particular feature, and a major road network incorporates the M25 and M3. This densely settled area can be a significant source of pollution and rapid run-off. In the west, there is a mix of dispersed hamlets, farmsteads and houses interspersed with villages, many of medieval origin. Vestiges of the historic royal hunting forests like Eversley and Pamber comprise parkland, ancient woodland, and small to medium- sized fields of semi-natural grassland. Features include ancient hedgerows and veteran trees, and there are parklands at The Vyne. Thames Basin Lowlands A very small section of Thames Basin Lowlands crosses into the Hampshire boundary. Low- lying plain within the London Basin the underlying geology is predominantly London Clay with

35 small outcrops of Bracklesham and Barton Group sand, silt and clay between Esher and Cobham. Wealden Greensand The highest point within the Wealden Greensand NCA is 294 m above sea level. The lowest point is 0.20 m below sea level. The greensand ridge is highest in the West, becoming lower with a gentler slope towards the east. Leith Hill in Surrey is the highest point in south east England.

8.3 Landscape Designations: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks

Approximately half of Hampshire is covered by national landscape designations. Figure 8.2 shows the location and size of the AONB, National Parks and Country Parks within the county boundary. There are two National Parks:

 New Forest – covers 14% of Hampshire (calculated from HCC GIS 16.01.17). The New Forest is a diverse and complex landscape comprising unenclosed ancient woodland, enclosures, open heaths and lawns, mires and ponds, back-up grazing land, coastal plain landscapes and scattered villages and dwellings; and  South Downs – covers 15% of Hampshire (calculated from HCC GIS 16.01.17)and combines diverse landscape pf heritage coast, nature reserves, historic monuments and conservation areas with bustling market towns, villages and small farms.

The county also have the following AONB:  Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs;  North Wessex Downs; and  Chichester Harbour.

There are 16 Country Parks located within Hampshire County boundary of which Queen Elizabeth, Staunton, Yateley Common and Itchen Valley are the largest.

36 Figure 8.2 Landscape Designations (Source HCC GIS Catalogue)

8.4 Likely Evolution of Landscape and Visual Amenity Without the Plan

Flooding, coastal erosion and development have the potential to affect the landscape and visual aspects of Hampshire and alter water levels if not properly managed.

8.5 Issues and Problems Associated with Landscape and Visual Amenity

Landscapes are dynamic and change throughout the centuries, landscape considerations include:  land form;  land use and land cover, including water, woodlands and agriculture;  field pattern and boundaries; especially cumulative impacts on these features  buildings and structures in the landscape;  urban landscape; and  visual aspects, openness, sound, solitude and naturalness.

Development and designs will be influenced by the need to reduce carbon emissions and consider landscape, visual aspects and ecosystem services.