PHASE ONE
DraFt EnvironmEntal StatEmEnt Community Forum Area Report 21 | Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford HS2 London-West Midlands May 2013
ENGINE FOR GROWTH DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT Community Forum Area Report ENGINE FOR GROWTH 21 I Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2nd Floor, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU
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Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre. CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents Contents
Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 5 Part A: Introduction 6 1 Introduction 7 1.1 Introduction to HS2 7 1.2 Purpose of this report 7 1.3 Structure of this report 9 Part B: Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford – overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme 10 2 Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford 11 2.1 Overview of the area 11 2.2 Description of the Proposed Scheme 14 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme 17 2.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme 26 2.5 Community forum engagement 27 2.6 Route section main alternatives 28 2.7 Proposals for further consideration 28 Part C: Environmental topic assessments 30 3 Agriculture, forestry and soils 31 3.1 Introduction 31 3.2 Policy framework 31 3.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 31 3.4 Environmental baseline 31 3.5 Construction 34 3.6 Operation 37
1 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents
4 Air quality 38 4.1 Introduction 38 4.2 Policy framework 38 4.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 38 4.4 Environmental baseline 38 4.5 Construction 40 4.6 Operation 41 5 Community 42 5.1 Introduction 42 5.2 Policy framework 42 5.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 42 5.4 Environmental baseline 42 5.5 Construction 44 5.6 Operation 47 6 Cultural heritage 48 6.1 Introduction 48 6.2 Policy framework 48 6.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 48 6.4 Environmental baseline 49 6.5 Construction 50 6.6 Operation 52 7 Ecology 54 7.1 Introduction 54 7.2 Policy framework 54 7.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 54 7.4 Environmental baseline 55 7.5 Construction 58 7.6 Operation 61 8 Land quality 63 8.1 Introduction 63 8.2 Policy framework 63 8.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 63 8.4 Environmental baseline 64 8.5 Construction 66 8.6 Operation 67
2 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents
9 Landscape and visual assessment 69 9.1 Introduction 69 9.2 Policy framework 69 9.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 70 9.4 Environmental baseline 70 9.5 Construction 71 9.6 Operation 80 10 Socio-economics 87 10.1 Introduction 87 10.2 Policy framework 87 10.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 87 10.4 Environmental baseline 87 10.5 Construction 88 10.6 Operation 89 11 Sound, noise and vibration 90 11.1 Introduction 90 11.2 Policy framework 90 11.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 90 11.4 Environmental baseline 90 11.5 Construction 90 11.6 Operation 91 12 Traffic and transport 93 12.1 Introduction 93 12.2 Policy framework 93 12.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 93 12.4 Environmental baseline 94 12.5 Construction 96 12.6 Operation 99 13 Water resources and flood risk assessment 100 13.1 Introduction 100 13.2 Policy framework 100 13.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 100 13.4 Environmental baseline 101 13.5 Construction 103 13.6 Operation 104 14 References 106
2 3 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents
List of figures
Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas 8 Figure 2: Area context map 12 Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area 26 Figure 4: Business Sector Composition in Lichfield District and West Midlands 88
List of tables
Table 1: Location of construction site compounds 19 Table 2: Demolition works 21 Table 3: Watercourse diversions 21 Table 4: Highway and road diversions 22 Table 5: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions 23 Table 6: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges 24 Table 7: Holdings affected by the Proposed Scheme 33 Table 8: Preliminary evaluation of likely value of protected and/or notable species occurring within this section of the route 57 Table 9: Significant residual construction effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route 60 Table 10: Significant residual operational effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route 62 Table 11: Significant landscape effects during construction 72 Table 12: Significant visual effects during construction 73 Table 13: Significant landscape effects during operation year 1 (2026) 81 Table 14: Significant visual effects during operation year 1 (2026) 82 Table 15: Satellite compound by size, number, workforce number, average duration of use and daily trips 97
4 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents Draft Volume 2: Community Forum Area Report Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 Structure of the HS2 draft Environmental Statement The draft ES documentation for the purpose of this consultation comprises: • A non-technical summary (NTS) – providing a summary of the Proposed Scheme, the likely significant effects of the Proposed Scheme, both beneficial and adverse, and the means to avoid or reduce the adverse effects; and • A main report – consisting of two volumes: ȃȃ Volume 1: Introduction to the Environmental Statement and Proposed Scheme which provides an introduction to HS2, an overview of the hybrid bill process and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodology, an introduction to consultation and engagement, the main strategic and route-wide alternatives considered; and ȃȃ Volume 2: Includes 26 Community Forum Area (CFA) reports, each with a separate corresponding set of drawings, which together provide the assessment of local environmental effects. An assessment of the effects of the Proposed Scheme on a route-wide basis is presented in Report 27.
HS2 Ltd set up 26 community forums along the line of route of the Proposed Scheme, as a regular way of engaging with local communities1. Volume 2 of this draft ES supports this engagement strategy by providing a draft ES report for each CFA. This is a report for the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area, CFA 21.
The draft ES has been written in a clear and accessible manner; however, on occasion it has been necessary to use technical terms. Given this, a glossary of terms and list of abbreviations for all draft ES documentation is provided.
1 Details of these community forums are provided on the HS2 Ltd website at http://www.hs2.org.uk/have-your-say/forums/community-forums. Accessed 26 April 2013
5 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Contents Part A: Introduction
6 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Introduction 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction to HS2 1.1.1 HS2 is planned to be a Y-shaped rail network with stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, linked by high speed trains running at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour (kph) (225 miles per hour (mph)).
1.1.2 HS2 is proposed to be built in two phases. Phase One (the Proposed Scheme), the subject of this draft ES, would involve the construction of a new railway line of approximately 230km (143 miles) between London and Birmingham that would become operational by 2026; with a connection to the West Coast Main Line (WCML) near Lichfield and to the existing HS1 line in London. The Phase One route and the 26 CFAs are shown in Figure 1.
1.1.3 On opening, Phase One would run up to 14 trains per hour (tph). HS2 trains would be up to 400 metres (m) long with 1,100 seats during peak hours. Beyond the dedicated high speed track, these high speed trains would connect with and run on the existing WCML to serve passengers beyond the HS2 network. A connection to HS1 would also allow some services to run to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
1.1.4 Phase Two would involve the construction of lines from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester; with construction commencing around 2027, and planned to be operational by 2033. After Phase Two opens, it is expected that the frequency of train services on some parts of the Phase One route could increase up to 18tph.
1.1.5 The Government believes that the HS2 network should link to Heathrow and its preferred option is for this to be built as part of Phase Two. However, the Government has since taken the decision to pause work on the Heathrow link until after 2015 when it expects the Airports Commission to publish its final report on recommended options for maintaining the country’s status as an international aviation hub. 1.2 Purpose of this report 1.2.1 This report presents the likely significant environmental effects as a result of the construction and operation of Phase One of HS2 (the Proposed Scheme) that have been identified to date within the area of Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford (CFA 21). It provides a summary of the likely environmental issues and proposed mitigation measures that are being addressed during the design development process within the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area.
1.2.2 The final details of the Proposed Scheme and assessment of its environmental impacts and effects will be presented in the formal ES submitted in accordance with the requirements of Parliamentary Standing Order 27A (SO27A)2.
2 Standing Order 27A of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons relating to private business (environmental assessment), House of Commons.
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Figure 1: HS2 Phase One route and community forum areas
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1.3 Structure of this report 1.3.1 This report is divided into three parts: • Part A – an introduction to HS2 and the purpose of this report; • Part B – overview of the area, description of the Proposed Scheme within Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford and its construction, community forum engagement, and a description of the main local alternatives; and • Part C – environmental topic assessments – overview of the policy framework, the environmental baseline within the area, an assessment of construction and operational effects, the proposed mitigation measures, and significant residual effects for the following environmental topics: ȃȃ Agriculture, forestry and soils; ȃȃ Air quality; ȃȃ Community; ȃȃ Cultural heritage; ȃȃ Ecology; ȃȃ Land quality; ȃȃ Landscape and visual assessment; ȃȃ Socio-economics; ȃȃ Sound, noise and vibration; ȃȃ Traffic and transport; and ȃȃ Water resources and flood risk.
1.3.2 The maps relevant to Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford are provided in a separate corresponding document entitled Volume 2: CFA 21 Map Book, which should be read in conjunction with this report.
1.3.3 In addition to the environmental topics covered in Part C of this report, Report 27 also addresses climate, electromagnetic interference and waste and material resources on a route‑wide basis.
9 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Introduction Part B: Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford – overview of the area and description of the Proposed Scheme
10 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford 2 Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford 2.1 Overview of the area 2.1.1 The Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford CFA covers a 9.1km section of the Proposed Scheme in the District of Lichfield, Staffordshire, where it passes through the countryside between Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth. The city of Lichfield is situated to the north-west of the area. The study area follows the route from the boundary between Warwickshire and Staffordshire in the south to its crossing of the A51 Tamworth Road at Whittington Heath in the north and includes land within the parishes of Drayton Bassett, Hints, Canwell, Weeford, Swinfen and Packington.
2.1.2 As shown in Figure 2, the area sits between the neighbouring CFAs of Curdworth to Middleton (CFA 20) to the south and Whittington to Handsacre (CFA 22) to the north. Settlement, land use and topography
2.1.3 The area is predominantly rural in character, with only three small villages and a scattering of isolated farmsteads and dwellings. Drayton Bassett is the largest of the three villages in the south-east of the area. The small villages of Hints and Weeford are situated in the centre of the area, just south of both the A5 and Rock Hill (also known as Watling Street, a Roman Road). There is a small hamlet comprising approximately 20 dwellings along Flats Lane at Packington Moor, focused on the intersection with Knox’s Grave Lane. The villages have limited day-to-day facilities and the nearby urban areas of Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth and Lichfield exert a strong influence across their surrounding rural hinterlands in the area.
2.1.4 Agriculture and forestry form the predominant land uses within the study area, together with some areas of sand and gravel workings. Arable farming is the principal activity in both the north and south, whilst in the centre of the area the steeper hillsides are used for grazing and the more gently sweeping slopes for market gardening.
2.1.5 The southern part of the area is crossed by Gallows Brook, which flows into the extensive network of lakes associated with former gravel workings at Dosthill Quarry, to the east of Drayton Bassett. The Black-Bourne Brook flows west-east through the study area, passing south of Weeford and Hints, feeding into the River Tame at Tamworth to the east.
2.1.6 The landform of the area generally rises from low ground around Drayton Bassett up to an elevated plateau at Packington Heath. Around the course of the Black-Bourne Brook, at Hints and Weeford, the relatively level and gently undulating ground gives way to a series of steeply sided rolling hills and interlocking valleys, creating a sense of remoteness, tranquillity and enclosure punctuated by a series of prominent hill tops. Further north at Packington Moor, wide sweeping slopes and gently undulating hills offer panoramic views across the landscape.
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Figure 2: Area context map
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2.1.7 There are numerous small copses and parcels of woodland within the study area, particularly in the folds of the hills to the south of Hints and Weeford. There are also notable areas of trees and woodland associated with manor estates and parklands, primarily in the north of the area around Swinfen Hall and Freeford Manor (map CT‑01-61, C3). Two areas of ancient woodland, the Rookery and Roundhill Wood, are located within the study area. Key transport infrastructure
2.1.8 The A5 and the B5404 Rock Hill (Watling Street) are the key routes connecting Hints and Weeford with Lichfield and Shenstone in the west and with Tamworth in the east. The A453 Sutton Road, which runs from Tamworth to Sutton Coldfield, passes through the southern part of the study area. The A51 Tamworth Road runs through the northern part of the area, also connecting Lichfield with Tamworth. Flats Lane runs north from Weeford to connect with Whittington and the south-east part of Lichfield. In the undulating hills south of Hints and Weeford, only narrow private farm and estate roads exist, which provide access to a scattering of farmsteads and isolated dwellings. Drayton Lane in the south connects Drayton Bassett with routes to the west and towards the A446 and the M6 Toll.
2.1.9 The M6 Toll and the A38 dual carriageway run to the west, with a major intersection connecting the A38, the M6 Toll and the A5 being located just over 1km west of Weeford village. There are no existing railways within the study area.
2.1.10 A well-developed network of public rights of way (PRoW) exists in the area, particularly around Weeford and Hints. The Heart of England Way is the most notable route and meanders northwards, from Drayton Bassett, passing between Hints and Weeford and crossing Packington Moor to head towards Lichfield. Much of the Heart of EnglandWay north of Weeford and Hints is also classified as a bridleway and there are well connected bridleway routes that link the villages to Whittington Heath in the north and Hopwas Hays Wood to the east. These routes are used by Weeford Stables and Riding Centre for trekking. In total the Proposed Scheme crosses five bridleways and eight public footpaths in the area. Demographic profile
2.1.11 Population forecasts for the Lichfield District suggest an increase of 15% between 2013 and 2035 which is lower than the forecasts for the West Midlands (18%) and England as a whole (16%). The district had a higher than average proportion of older residents in 2011, with people aged 60 and over accounting for 28% of the population compared to 23% across the West Midlands and 22% across England as a whole3.
2.1.12 The district also has low levels of deprivation with no areas ranked in the 10% most deprived in England. In terms of income deprivation, the district had no areas in the 5% most deprived in England, 2% in the 10% most deprived and 5% in the 20% most deprived4.
2.1.13 The district has higher than average levels of home ownership with approximately 76% of dwellings being privately owned compared to 65% regionally and 63% nationally. Levels of overcrowding were also lower than average in 2011 with less than 3% of households in the district being overcrowded compared to approximately 5% regionally and nationally. Notable community facilities
2.1.14 Drayton Bassett, the largest of the three villages, has a primary school, church, and recreation ground and community halls. There is also a day care nursery located approximately 1km to the west of the village at Drayton Lane. Given the proximity of the village to the southern edge of Tamworth, residents look to the larger town for many of their basic services. Hints and
3 Office for National Statistics (2012), Census 2011. 4 Department for Communities and Local Government, (2010). Indices of Deprivation.
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Weeford both have a church and a village hall and Weeford also has a restaurant, but neither village benefits from a primary school or any other facilities. esidentsR of these villages are dependent upon travelling to other nearby centres to access basic day-to-day services.
2.1.15 There are no convenience shopping facilities within the three villages of Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford with the only retail provision being linked to visitor/craft centres at Swinfen Hall and Buzzard Valley Vineyard at Shirrall Drive, together with the farm shop at Packington Moor, to the north of Weeford. The farm shop has a butcher, bakery, delicatessen and grocery. Recreation, leisure and open space
2.1.16 There are few recreational facilities within the area. There is a village club at Drayton Bassett and a restaurant at Weeford. There is a café at the Packington Moor Farm and the Buzzard Valley Vineyard at Shirrall Drive also has a restaurant and a number of fishing lakes open to the public. Weeford Stables is located to the south-west of the village and offers a variety of riding lessons and trekking holidays. The Drayton Manor theme park is a major visitor destination in the area and is situated on the southern edge of Tamworth, just north of Drayton Bassett. Packington Moor Farm is used as a venue for weddings and events, with some limited on-site visitor accommodation. Planning context and key designations
2.1.17 Volume 1 sets out the national policies under which HS2 has been developed. Given that the Proposed Scheme has been developed on a national basis and to meet a national need it is not included or referred to in many local plans. Nevertheless, in seeking to consider the Proposed Scheme in the local context, relevant local plan documents and policies have been taken into account in relation to environmental topics.
2.1.18 The development plan for Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford comprises the saved policies of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan (1996-2011)5; and the saved policies of the Lichfield District Local Plan (1998)6. Emerging planning policy is contained in the Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy (July 2012) which Lichfield District Council submitted to the Secretary of State for examination on 22 March 2013 with a schedule of proposed modifications7.
2.1.19 Relevant policies from these documents have been taken into account in relation to the technical assessments reported in Sections 3 to 13.
2.1.20 With regards to planning designations, most of the countryside within the study area is designated as green belt. Hints is designated as a conservation area. There are several locally designated sites within the area, e.g. local wildlife sites (LWS) and local nature reserves (LNR). Two LNRs, Tameside Nature Reserve and Dosthill Park, and 41 LWSs are within 5km of the Proposed Scheme. There are a number of listed buildings, many of which are located within the historic village centres of Hints and Weeford, or are groups of farm buildings outside the area of permanent land take associated with the Proposed Scheme. 2.2 Description of the Proposed Scheme 2.2.1 The general design of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume 1.The following section describes the main features of the Proposed Scheme in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area, including environmental mitigation measures. For information on noise barriers within this CFA please refer to Section 11 of this report and the SV-01 map series.
5 StaffordshireCounty Council (2007) Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan, “Saved” Policies Extended Beyond 28 September 2007. 6 Lichfield District Council (1998), Lichfield District Local Plan, 1998. 7 Lichfield District Council (2012), Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy, July 2012 (Proposed Submission) and Schedule of Proposed Modifications to the Local Plan: Strategy Proposed Submission March 2013.
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Overview
2.2.2 The Proposed Scheme through this area is 9.1km in length and would commence approximately where it crosses Gallows Brook to the north of Middleton. The route would then proceed north-westwards to the west of Drayton Bassett, passing over the Gallows Brook floodplain, under Shirrall Drive, Sutton Road, Drayton Bassett footpath 11 and Waggoner’s Lane.
2.2.3 The route would then enter a right-hand curve, crossing over Hints footpaths 8 and 9, under footpaths 13 and 14, then over Rookery Lane as it passes to the west of Hints. Continuing on the right-hand curve, the route would cross over the Black-Bourne Brook floodplain, then under Rock Hill (Watling Street) and the A5 to the west of Weeford.
2.2.4 Passing under Flats Lane, the route would straighten and head in a northerly direction, crossing under Horsley Brook Farm Track. The northern boundary of the area is where the route would cross under the A51 Tamworth Road adjacent to the Whittington Arms public house.
2.2.5 Since the January 2012 scheme was announced by the Secretary of State, route development work has continued, and the Proposed Scheme now differs in some respects. These changes are discussed in more detail in Section 2.6.
2.2.6 The principal design change in this area is the raising of the alignment by a maximum of 8m between Watling Street and the A51, Tamworth Road. In conjunction, it is proposed to amend the vertical and horizontal alignment of the A5 dual carriageway. Proposed Scheme – Section by section
2.2.7 The route would enter the area in the south (map CT‑06-116). Key features of this section would include: • A 630m embankment (from map CT‑06-116, G5; to CT‑06-116, D6), with a maximum height of approximately 7.5m where the route crosses a minor watercourse. Landscape earthworks would be provided up to where the rail line crosses Gallows Brook for a second time. Raised earthworks and landscape planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line. In addition, an ecological mitigation area would be provided to the west of the route; and • For 248m on the approach to the southern abutment of the Drayton Bassett viaduct over Gallows Brook, engineering embankment slopes would be used.
2.2.8 The key features of the next section of the route (from map CT‑06-116, D5; to CT‑06-117, H5) would include: • A 250m long viaduct over the Gallows Brook floodplain (the length of the viaduct may change following further flood risk assessment modelling); and • An embankment with a maximum height of approximately 4.5m. Landscape earthworks with raised earthworks and landscape planting would be provided either side of the route.
2.2.9 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-116, a drainage pond and auto-transformer station would be provided on the east side of the route, approximately 100m to the south of Oak Dairy Farm.
2.2.10 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-117, H5; to CT‑06-118, D5) would include the following key features: • A cutting starting adjacent to Oak Dairy Farm, for a length of 2.2km, with a maximum depth of approximately 16.5m; and
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• Overbridges for Drayton Lane, Sutton Road, footpath 11 and Waggoner’s Lane.
2.2.11 In addition, as shown on map CT‑06-117, a new permanent road diversion would be constructed for Drayton Lane from Stone House on the east side of the route, to Sutton Road on the west side of the route. Shirrall Drive would also be diverted to form a junction with Drayton Lane. The new overbridge crossing for Sutton Road would be provided over the route on the line of the existing road. An overbridge would be provided slightly to the south of the existing alignment of Waggoner’s Lane. A drainage pond would be provided on the east side of the route just to the south of Waggoner’s Lane. Planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line.
2.2.12 The key features of the next section of the route (from map CT‑06-118, D5; to CT‑06-118, B5) would include: • A 520m embankment beginning approximately 150m north of Mill House, reaching a maximum height of approximately 3.5m. Landscaping earthworks with raised earthworks and landscape planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line; and • An underpass for Hints footpaths 8 and 9.
2.2.13 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-118, B5; to CT‑06-120, E4) would include the following key features: • A cutting for a length of 770m with a maximum depth of approximately 15m, commencing at the southern boundary of Roundhill Wood. Landscape planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line; and • An overbridge for Hints footpaths 13 and 14.
2.2.14 In addition, Hints footpath 13 would be diverted along the east side of the route from Rookery Lane to the new overbridge.
2.2.15 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-120, E4; to CT‑06-121, I5) would include the following key features: • An embankment 1.7km long beginning just to the south of Rookery Lane, reaching a maximum height of approximately 7m. Landscaping earthworks with a raised earthworks would be provided on the east side of the route. Landscape planting would be provided on both sides of the rail line; • An underpass for Rookery Lane, which would have a headroom of 2.4m; and • Viaduct over Black-Bourne Brook approximately 140m long (the length of the viaduct may change following further flood risk assessment modelling).
2.2.16 As shown on map CT‑06-120, Rookery Lane would pass under the route on its existing horizontal and vertical alignment. The underpass would also take the new permanent diversion of Hints footpath 11 under the rail line. A new permanent diversion for Hints footpath 11 would be provided along the west side of the route to connect from Rookery Lane to the existing footpath approximately 500m to the north of Rookery Lane. Hints footpath 19 would be permanently diverted under Black Brook viaduct. This replaces the existing footpath which crosses the route approximately 80m further north. Planting and hedgerow improvements to the west of the rail line would be provided to connect existing woodland areas.
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2.2.17 The next section of the route (from map CT‑06-121, I5; to CT‑06-123, E6) commences after Black Brook viaduct and includes the following key features: • A cutting for a length of 3.9km, with a maximum depth of approximately 15m as the rail line approaches Horsley Brook Farm. Landscape planting would be provided along the top of the cutting on both sides of the route; • Overbridge for Rock Hill (Watling Street); • Overbridge for the A5; • Overbridge for Flats Lane; and • Overbridge for the A51 Tamworth Road.
2.2.18 As shown on map CT‑06-121, the overbridge for Rock Hill (Watling Street) would be provided on the line of the existing road, while the A5 would be constructed slightly to the south of its existing alignment. New drainage ponds would be located south of Rock Hill (Watling Street) and adjacent to Black-Bourne Brook. An auto-transformer station would be provided on the west side of the rail line to the north of the A5.
2.2.19 Flats Lane would be realigned to the east of the route and reconnect with the existing road to the west of the rail line; junctions with Knox’s Grave Lane would be provided on both the east and west side of the route.
2.2.20 As shown on map CT‑06-123, a new permanent diversion of the A51 Tamworth Road would be provided to the south of its existing alignment. A new diversion would be provided to the east of the route for Swinfen and Packington footpath and bridleway 8 (Heart of England Way) up to the new alignment of the A51. To the west of the rail line, access to Freeford Home Farm, Horsley Brook Farm and Ingleyhill Farm would be provided from the A51. In addition, a length of the existing A51 would be retained to maintain access to the Whittington Arms and South Lodge, from a junction off the new A51 diversion.
2.2.21 An ecological mitigation area would be provided between the rail line and existing A51 to the east of the route to replace heathland and other habitats lost to the Proposed Scheme.
2.2.22 The route would leave the area in the north at approximately 5m below ground level. Land required for the Proposed Scheme
2.2.23 The Proposed Scheme would require land on both a permanent and temporary basis. These areas are shown on the construction phase and permanent features maps (CT‑05 and CT‑06). These areas will be subject to review as the engineering design and formal ES is prepared. 2.3 Construction of the Proposed Scheme 2.3.1 This section sets out the key construction activities that are envisaged to build the Proposed Scheme in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area and the control measures that are proposed to manage the works. General descriptions of construction works that are relevant to the whole of the Proposed Scheme are provided in Volume 1. Environmental management and Code of Construction Practice
2.3.2 All contractors would be required to comply with the environmental management regime for the Proposed Scheme, which would include: • Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)8; and • Local environmental management plans (LEMPs), which would apply within the study area.
8 Arup/URS (2013) Phase One: Draft Code of Construction Practice. HS2 Ltd, London.
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2.3.3 The CoCP, in conjunction with associated LEMPs, would be the means of controlling the construction works associated with the Proposed Scheme, with the objective of ensuring that the effects of the works upon people and the natural environment are eptk to a practicable minimum. The CoCP will contain generic control measures and standards to be implemented throughout the construction process.
2.3.4 A draft CoCP has been prepared and is published alongside this document. It will be kept under review as the design of the Proposed Scheme develops and further engagement with stakeholders is undertaken. Construction site operation Working hours
2.3.5 Core working hours would be from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. While there would not normally be any construction activity on Sundays, some activities (e.g. weekend possessions, tunnelling and ventilation and intervention shafts (vent shafts) construction) would be undertaken. Site specific variations to core hours and/or additional hours likely to be required would be included within LEMPs following consultation with the relevant LPA. To maximise productivity within the core hours, HS2 Ltd’s contractors would require a period of up to one hour before and up to one hour after the core working hours for start-up and close down of activities. These activities would be subject to controls set out in the CoCP.
2.3.6 Work within existing stations, track laying activities and work requiring possession of major transport infrastructure (e.g. highways) may be undertaken during night-time, Saturday afternoon, Sunday and/or bank holidays for reasons of safety or operational necessity and would often involve consecutive nights work, including over weekend possessions. Construction site compounds
2.3.7 Main site compounds (none in this area) would be used for core project management (engineering, planning and construction delivery), commercial and administrative staff.
2.3.8 Satellite site compounds would generally be smaller in size, providing office commodationac for limited numbers of staff. The satellite site compound would provide local storage for plant and materials and limited car parking would be provided for staff and site operatives. Limited welfare facilities would be provided at each site.
2.3.9 The location of all site compounds along with their duration of use and a broad current estimate of the number of workers likely to work at the construction sites is set out in Table 1 and shown in maps CT‑05-116 through CT‑05-123. Construction site details and arrangements are continuing to be refined and will be confirmed in the formal ES.All construction staff would be required to comply with codes of behaviour set out by the CoCP.
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Compound Location Typical use Estimated Estimated number of type duration of use9 workers
Average Peak period work day work day
Satellite site Drayton Bassett Construction of floodplain and 12 months 15 25 viaduct watercourse viaduct. (map CT‑05-116, B5)
Satellite site Drayton Lane/Shirrall Offline road re-alignments. 12 months 40 60 Drive (map CT‑05-117, F5)
Satellite site Sutton Road Online road re-alignment and 12 months 15 25 overbridge construction of road overbridge. (map CT‑05-11, C5)
Satellite site Waggoner’s Lane Offline road re-alignment and 24 months 15 25 overbridge construction of road overbridge. (map CT‑05-118, F5)
Satellite site Roundhill Wood Construction of PRoW underpass. 9 months 15 25 underpass (map CT‑05-118, D5)
Satellite site Rookery footbridge Construction of PRoW footbridge. 8 months 15 25 (map CT‑05-120, H4)
Satellite site Rookery Lane Construction of online road 12 months 15 25 underbridge underbridge. (map CT‑05-120, E4)
Satellite site Black Brook viaduct Construction of floodplain viaduct. 24 months 40 60 (map CT‑05-120, A6)
Satellite site A5 overbridge (east) Offline road re-alignment. 24 months 40 60 (map CT‑05-121, I9)
Satellite site A5 overbridge (west) Offline road re-alignment and 24 months 15 25 (map CT‑05-121, E2) construction of road overbridge.
Satellite site Flats Lane and Knox’s Offline road re-alignment and 12 months 15 25 Grave Lane re- construction of road overbridge. alignment (map CT‑05-121, C4)
Satellite site A51 Tamworth Road Offline road re-alignment and 18 months 40 60 overbridge construction of road overbridge. (map CT‑05-123, F3)
Table 1: Location of construction site compounds
2.3.10 All main site compounds would contain space for the storage of bulk materials (aggregates, structural steel, steel reinforcement), an area for the fabrication of temporary works equipment and finished goods, fuel storage, plant and equipment storage and necessary operational parking. Buildings would be generally temporary modular units and layout would maximise construction space and limit land required. Hard standing areas would be installed at all site compounds.
2.3.11 The adjacent areas would be used for the temporary storage of any topsoil stripped as part of the works.
9 The duration for each site compound is currently based on a draft programme, which will be refined for the formal ES.
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Fencing and lighting
2.3.12 Security fencing would be provided on the perimeter of each site compound. Individual site compounds for offices, welfare and storage would generally be demarcated and secured with fences and gates. Fence type and construction would be appropriate to the level of security required, likelihood of intruders, level of danger, and visual impact to the environment.
2.3.13 Lighting of site compounds during hours of darkness would seek to reduce light pollution to the surrounding area, in accordance with the requirements of the CoCP. Temporary worker accommodation sites
2.3.14 There would be no accommodation sites in this area. Construction traffic and access
2.3.15 The following lorry routes are currently proposed to access each of the site compounds: • The proposed lorry route for Drayton Bassett viaduct and Drayton Lane/Shirrall Drive construction site is Drayton Lane, continuing onto A453; • The proposed lorry route for A453 Sutton Road Bridge construction site is A453; • The proposed lorry route for Waggoner’s Lane overbridge construction site is Waggoner’s Lane/Bangley Lane, continuing onto A453; • The proposed lorry route for Black Brook viaduct and A5 overbridge construction site is Rock Hill (Watling Street), continuing onto A5, A38; • The proposed lorry route for Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane re-alignment construction site is Flats Lane/Rock Hill (Watling Street), continuing onto A5, A38; and • The proposed lorry route for A51 Tamworth Road bridge construction site is A51 Tarmworth Road.
2.3.16 The above construction routes for the satellite compounds are currently indicative; this information will be completed and updated in the formal ES. Preparatory and enabling works Demolition works
2.3.17 It is anticipated that the Proposed Scheme would require the demolition of 66 buildings in the area. These works are outlined in Table 2.
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Description of structure Location
Barn Cottage, Boarding Kennels and Cattery at Drayton Lane. One dwelling lost Drayton Lane (map CT‑05-117, E4) within this group (total buildings – 3)
Lone Oak, residential property and associated outbuilding (total buildings – 2) Approximately 200m south of Sutton Road (map CT‑05-117, D4)
Cranebrook, farm building, one residential property and associated Approximately 100m to 150m south of Sutton outbuildings (total buildings – 5) Road (map CT‑05-117, D4)
White House Farm, Waggoner’s Lane. One dwelling within this group of farm Approximately 50m south of Sutton Road buildings (total buildings – 4) (map CT-05-118, F4)
Bucks Head Farm, one dwelling within this group of farm buildings (total Roundhill Wood (map CT‑05-121, G4) buildings – 12)
4 dwellings (Nos 16, 17, 12, 13) and associated outbuildings (total buildings – 11) Flats Lane (map CT‑05-121, B5)
8 dwellings and associated outbuildings: Nos. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, 2 and the Knox’s Grave Lane (map CT‑05-121, B6) annex to No. 2 at Knox’s Grave Lane (total buildings – 12)
Packington Moor Farm. One dwelling within this group of farm buildings (total Approximately 750m north of proposed Flats buildings – 15) Lane overbridge (map CT‑05-122, E6)
Ruttle Plant Ltd, Tamworth Road, Whittington Heath (total buildings – 2) Whittington Heath (map CT‑05-123, E6)
Table 2: Demolition works Drainage and culverts
2.3.18 It is anticipated that drainage ponds would be required for both railway track and highway drainage. Indicative locations are shown on maps CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-122. Watercourse diversions
2.3.19 The route of the Proposed Scheme and associated highway works require four diversions of watercourses, as detailed in Table 3.
Location Watercourse (status) Reason for diversion Diversion length and map reference
Drayton Bassett Gallows Brook (ordinary) To realign Gallows Brook to new culvert. 155m Map CT‑05-116
Shirrall Drive junction with Unnamed watercourse To realign unnamed watercourse to new culvert. 80m Drayton Lane (ordinary) Map CT‑05-117
North of Waggoner’s Lane Unnamed watercourse To realign unnamed watercourse to new culvert. 105m (ordinary) Map CT‑05-118
Roundhill Wood Unnamed watercourse To realign unnamed watercourse to new culvert. 140m (ordinary) Map CT‑05-118
Table 3: Watercourse diversions Utility diversions
2.3.20 There are a number of major items of utility infrastructure in proximity to the Proposed Scheme, including: high pressure gas mains; large diameter water mains; large diameter sewers; fibre optic/signal cabling; and high and low voltage electricity lines. In summary, the main proposed utility diversions required in the area would be the diversion of major electricity and gas works. This is primarily to address those locations where overhead electricity clearance cannot be amended to accommodate the height of the Proposed Scheme works and/or where connection to gas infrastructure, for example, could be compromised.
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2.3.21 The utility construction zones are included on maps CT‑05-119 to CT‑05-123 to provide an initial consideration of these diversions. Proposed diversions and an assessment of the effects of the major utility diversions will be provided in the formal ES.
2.3.22 Discussions with utility providers are underway to confirm whether plant and/or apparatus would need to be realigned away from the area of work; protected from the works by means of a concrete slab or similar; or have sufficient clearance from the work that they would not be affected.
2.3.23 Wherever practicable, temporary connections for construction site compounds would be made to local existing utility services. Highway and road diversions
2.3.24 Proposed highway and road diversions are shown on map CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-123 and in Table 4. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes would be kept to as short a duration as possible. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES.
Name Location Diversion route Approximate Duration length of diversions
Shirrall Drive Map CT‑06-117, G5 Permanent realignment. 325m Permanent
Drayton Lane Map CT‑06-117, F5 New offline overbridge. Permanent 820m Permanent realignment.
Sutton Road Map CT‑06-117, C4 Temporary diversion (slight offline). New online 400m 12 months overbridge.
Waggoner’s Lane Map CT‑06-118, F5 New overbridge. Permanent realignment. 200m Permanent
Rookery Lane Map CT‑06-120, F4 Road closure. New online pedestrian 50m Permanent underpass.
Rock Hill (Watling Map CT‑06-121, H5 Temporary diversion (slight offline). New online 790m 12 months Street) overbridge.
A5 overbridge Map CT‑06-121, G5 New offline overbridge. Permanent 1,190m Permanent realignment.
Flats Lane Map CT‑06-121, B6 New offline overbridge. Permanent 780m Permanent realignment.
A51 Tamworth Map CT‑06-123, E6 New offline overbridge. Permanent 940m Permanent realignment.
Table 4: Highway and road diversions Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions
2.3.25 Proposed footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions are shown on maps CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-123 and in Table 5. The total duration of works does not necessarily indicate periods of actual closure. The closure of routes would be kept to as short a duration as possible. Diversions show indicative alternative routes available to maintain general access, which will be subject to change as part of the development of the design and will be detailed in the formal ES.
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Name Location Diversion route Approximate Duration length of diversions
Drayton Bassett Map CT‑06-117 Permanent diversion over Drayton Lane 600m Permanent bridleway 10 PRoW overbridge.
Heart of England Way Map CT‑06-117 Permanent diversion over Drayton Lane 660m Permanent overbridge.
Drayton Bassett Map CT‑06-118 New overbridge. 390m Permanent bridleway 11 PRoW
Waggoner’s Lane and Map CT‑06-118 Combine with Waggoner’s Lane overbridge. 425m Permanent Hints footpath 20 PRoW
Hints footpath 9 Map CT‑06-118 New underpass. Temporary closure possible while 270m Permanent PRoW underpass is constructed.
Hints footpath 8 Map CT‑06-118 Closure. Divert to Hints footpath 8 and 9 PRoW 760m Permanent PRoW underpass.
Hints footpath 14 Map CT‑06-120 New overbridge. 260m Permanent PRoW
Hints footpath 13 Map CT‑06-120 Closure. Divert to Hints footpath 13 and 14 PRoW 640m Permanent PRoW overbridge.
Hints footpath 11 Map CT‑06-120 Divert to Rookery Lane underpass. 800m Permanent PRoW
Hints footpath 19 Map CT‑06-121 Divert under Black Brook viaduct. Minor rerouting 280m Permanent PRoW may be required through viaduct construction.
Hints footpath 0.377. Map-CT‑06-121 Rock Hill (Watling Street) overbridge with Hints 275m Permanent PRoW footpath 19.
Weeford bridleway 4 Map CT‑06-121 Divert to Rock Hill (Watling Street) overbridge via 490m Permanent PRoW new underpass at the A5.
Weeford bridleway 5 Map CT‑06-121 Combine with Flats Lane overbridge. 510m Permanent and 7 PRoW
Swinfen and Map CT‑06-121 Divert to and combine with A51 Tamworth Road 1.53km Permanent Packington bridleway overbridge and divert offline parallel to the P8 PRoW Proposed Scheme.
Table 5: Footpath, cycleway and bridleway diversions Restricted accesses
2.3.26 There would be no restricted accesses in the local area. Main construction works – Earthworks Earthworks
2.3.27 Major earthworks in the area would include: • Swinfen Hall cutting; • Cranebrook cutting; • Hints cutting; and • Drayton Lane cutting.
2.3.28 Works would be carried out in a sequence, taking due consideration of the impacts of road and footpath closures, flows within watercourses and vehicle movements by road.
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2.3.29 During design development consideration has been given to the movement of materials. Wherever possible, excavated material would be moved directly from the area of excavation to areas of the works where fill material is required. Some processing and temporary stockpiling of fill material may be necessary if direct placement into the permanent works is not possible. Some material may require crushing and/or screening to render it acceptable for use elsewhere.
2.3.30 If a shortfall of fill material arises in this section of the ProposedScheme, where possible, materials would be imported from surpluses generated on other sections of the Proposed Scheme. Where this is not possible due to the material being unsuitable, or the benefits of importing material are outweighed by the impacts of transportation, local sources of material would be identified. Main construction works – Structures
2.3.31 The construction methodology for all structures is subject to further design and development, and will therefore be finalised nearer to the time construction would commence. However, based on the current design detail, simplified construction sequences for the various structures in Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford are described below. Bridges and viaducts
2.3.32 Viaducts and road bridges under and over the route of the Proposed Scheme would generally be of concrete construction. Structures over the railway would provide a minimum clearance of 7.15m. Structures under the railway would allow for the clearances required by other modes (e.g. typically 5.7m for highways).
2.3.33 A simplified construction sequence for a typical viaduct is provided inVolume 1.
2.3.34 Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges are detailed in Table 6.
Location Element description Length (m)
Drayton Basset (Gallows Brook) Viaduct 250m (map CT‑05-116, C4)
Drayton Lane Overbridge 25m (map CT‑05-117, F5)
Sutton Road Overbridge 80m (map CT‑05-117, C4)
Drayton Basset Overbridge 55m (map CT‑05-118, H4)
Waggoner’s Lane Overbridge 20m (map CT‑05-118, F5)
Hints footpath 8 and 9 Underbridge 35m (map CT‑05-118, D5)
Hints footpath 13 and 14 Overbridge 60m (map CT‑05-120, H4)
Rookery Lane Underbridge 25m (map CT‑05-120, F5)
Black-Bourne Brook Viaduct 140m (map CT‑05-120, B5)
Rock Hill (Watling Street) Overbridge 80m (map CT‑05-121, H5)
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Location Element description Length (m)
A5 underpass Underbridge 35m (map CT‑05-121, G6)
A5 Overbridge 80m (map CT‑05-121, G5)
Swinfen Hall aqueduct Overbridge 80m (map CT‑05-121, D5)
Flats Lane Overbridge 60m (map CT‑05-121, B6)
Flats Lane siphon Underbridge 40m (map CT‑05-121, A5)
A51 Tamworth Road Overbridge 20m (map CT‑05-123, E6)
Table 6: Viaducts, underbridges and overbridges Rail infrastructure fit out
2.3.35 The principal elements of rail infrastructure to be constructed are track, overhead line equipment, communications equipment and power supply. The installation of track in open areas would be of standard ballasted track configuration, comprising principally of ballast, rail and sleepers. Further details are set out in Volume 1. Power supply
2.3.36 HS2 trains would draw power from overhead line equipment, requiring feeder stations and connections to the 400kV National Grid network. There are no feeder stations within the local area. Smaller auto-transformer stations would be required at more frequent intervals. The anticipated locations of proposed auto-transformer stations are: • To the east of the route, south of Oak Dairy Farm (map CT‑06-116, B5); and • On the west side of the route, north of the A5 (map CT‑06-121, E5). Landscaping and permanent fencing
2.3.37 Landscaping (i.e. earthworks and seeding and planting) would be provided to address visual and noise impacts, as well as to provide screening for intrinsically important ecological habitats and heritage features. Where appropriate, the engineering embankments and/or cuttings would be reshaped to integrate the alignment sympathetically into the character of the surrounding landscape. The planting would reflect tree and shrub species native to the local landscape. Opportunities for ecological habitat creation will be considered.
2.3.38 Permanent fencing would be erected and will be shown on plans to accompany the formal ES. Construction programme
2.3.39 A construction programme that illustrates indicative periods for each core construction activity in this area is provided in Figure 3.
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Figure 3: Indicative construction programme for the area Commissioning
2.3.40 Commissioning is the process of testing the infrastructure to ensure that it operates as expected. This would take place in the year prior to opening. Further details are provided in Volume 1. 2.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme 2.4.1 The operation of the Proposed Scheme is described in Volume 1.
2.4.2 Up to 11 trains per hour (tph) would travel in each direction in this area during operation of the Proposed Scheme. Should Phase Two also become fully operational, the number of trains that would pass in each direction would increase up to a potential maximum of 12tph.
2.4.3 In this area, HS2 trains would run at speeds up to 360kph.
2.4.4 The trains would be either 200m (one-unit train) or 400m (two-unit trains) long. They would run between the hours of 05:00 and 24:00 (Monday to Saturday) and between 08:00 and 24:00 (Sunday). When required, maintenance would be conducted outside those operating hours.
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2.5 Community forum engagement 2.5.1 HS2 Ltd’s approach to engagement on the Proposed Scheme is set out in Volume 1.
2.5.2 A series of community forum meetings and discussions with individual landowners, organisations and action groups were undertaken. Community forum meetings were held at Hints Village Hall on: • 4 April 2012; • 19 June 2012; • 4 September 2012; • 20 November 2012; and • 21 February 2013.
2.5.3 In addition to HS2 representatives, attendees at these community forum meetings typically included local residents (and residents’ groups); public representatives; representatives of local authorities and parish and district councils; action groups; affected landowners and other interested stakeholders.
2.5.4 The main themes to emerge from these meetings were: • Flats Lane is a small community of only 12 families that would be dissected and not all included inside the safeguarding zone, tunnel option; • Removal of agricultural land; • Potential adverse impacts on the village of Hints, compensation, conservation area status, high visual quality; • Hints Village Hall as a cultural resource; • Mitigation for visual impacts and noise for properties on Watling Street; • Community benefits; • Construction site security, use of local roadways during construction, short and long term impacts due to road adjustments, maintenance of access roads, crime, duration of works, continuity of bridle and pedestrian paths, auto-transformer station, haul routes, CoCP, balancing ponds; • Tree removal/replacement, landscaping; • Height of viaduct over floodplain; • Future contamination of soil; • Catalyst of Proposed Scheme for future development; • Noise/vibration effects; • Light pollution; • Utility diversions; • Impacts of alteration of existing roads and volumes; • Impacts on high pressure gas mains; • Desire for rolling stock depot not to be located in Drayton Bassett; • Connection to the WCML; • Lowering of the watercourse and flood information; and
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• Natural conservation area, ancient woodlands, environmental sites, bat foraging habitat area. 2.6 Route section main alternatives 2.6.1 The main strategic alternatives to the Proposed Scheme are presented in Volume 1. The main local alternatives considered for the Proposed Scheme within the local area are set out within this section.
2.6.2 Since April 2012, a series of alternatives for each main design feature has been reviewed as part of the design development process comprising workshops attended by engineering, planning and environmental specialists. During these multi-disciplinary workshops, the likely significant environmental effects of the design options have been viewed.re The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the Proposed Scheme draws the right balance between engineering requirements, cost and potential environmental impacts. Highway alterations have been developed in line with scheme refinements and are shown on maps CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-123. Line raise between A5 and A51
2.6.3 The January 2012 announced route from the Bourne Valley to Whittington Heath Golf Course would run in a 3.8km long cutting with an average depth over 12m. A low point in the alignment near to the crossing of the A5 would require a pumping station for drainage. The January 2012 announced route is noted as Option A and the baseline for assessing options against. The following option was considered for the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford section of the route: • Option B would raise the route by a maximum of about 8m, leaving an average cutting depth of about 8m, in conjunction with raising the alignment of the A5 in its existing cutting between Flats Lane overbridge and the Hints Quarry underbridge. Between Rookery Lane and Rock Hill (Watling Street) the route will be approximately 1m lower. The realignment avoids the need for a pumping station.
2.6.4 Option B has a lower capital cost, provides a reduced construction impact, lower operational cost, has less land take, and maintains a broadly similar overall environmental impact during operation as the January 2012 announced route.
2.6.5 Therefore Option B was taken forward for further development within the Proposed Scheme for the Bourne Valley to Whittington Golf Course section of route. Alternatives to increase line speed and mitigate impacts on commercial developments around Lichfield
2.6.6 A number of alternatives have been considered for the Proposed Scheme alignment between Curdworth and Lichfield. Options passing through this area have been discounted.
2.6.7 Details relating to these discounted alternative alignments can be found within Part B, Section 2.6 of the Whittington to Handsacre Report (CFA 22). 2.7 Proposals for further consideration 2.7.1 The following proposals are to be considered for inclusion within the Proposed Scheme, pending further assessment prior to the formal ES.
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Further engineering options
2.7.2 Further engineering options to the Proposed Scheme are being investigated including: • Further consideration of the following road crossings: Rock Hill (Watling Street), the A5, Flats Lane and the A51 Tamworth Road. Further proposals from community forums
2.7.3 Six proposals resulting from stakeholder engagement are to be considered further within the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford section of the route: • A lowered alignment and green tunnel from the crossing of Drayton Lane/Shirral Drive to Rookery Lane; • ‘Underground’ construction of the route from Rock Hill (Watling Street) to the A51 Tamworth Road; • A tunnel combined with a horizontal realignment through the hamlet at the intersection of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane; • A lowered alignment and tunnel through the escarpment opposite Hints; • A lowered alignment between Middleton and Shirral Drive in conjunction with enhanced landform to the east of the route; and • A lowered alignment in open cut north of Shirral Drive in conjunction with enhanced landforms and short tunnels.
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30 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Agriculture, forestry and soils 3 Agriculture, forestry and soils 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 This section provides a summary of the impacts and the likely significant effects to agriculture, soils and forestry arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. The section covers soils, agricultural land quality, farm enterprises, forestry and agri-environment schemes. 3.2 Policy framework 3.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to agriculture are set out below.
3.2.2 The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan includes a number of policies related to agriculture. Policy D6 (Conserving Agricultural Land) reinforces the presumption in favour of protecting the best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land, also included in Policy D1, establishing a sequential process for considering proposals that would result in the loss of such land. Policy D4 relates more generally to the management of change in rural areas. The policy emphasises the need for diversification of the local economy, designed to underpin services and community facilities, provided that there is sufficient infrastructure in place to sustain the community.
3.2.3 The adopted Lichfield District Local Plan policies comprise both general considerations and site specific policies, but none relate directly to agriculture.The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy does not contain any policies specifically related to agriculture, but introduces some relevant policy themes. Core Policy 3 (Delivering Sustainable Development) indicates that development should be directed to previously developed (brownfield) land in the most sustainable locations. Policy NR1 (Countryside Management) states that the countryside is valued as an asset in its own right and would be protected. Emerging policy provisions include assisting the delivery of diverse and sustainable farming enterprises and Policy NR4 (Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows) stresses the importance of conserving these landscape features. 3.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 3.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the farm impacts and agricultural land quality assessments are set out in Volume 1.
3.3.2 There are no additional topic specific assumptions or limitations in this area. 3.4 Environmental baseline 3.4.1 The Proposed Scheme extends from Gallows Brook and the county boundary in the south, rising from 80m above Ordnance Datum (AOD) to 110m AOD at Cranebrook Hill. The route continues on the flank of the deeply dissected Pebble Beds Hills south-west of Hints at 90m t0 110m AOD as far as the A5, and then runs north along a low watershed with undulating topography between 90m and 110m AOD, as far as the A51 at Whittington Heath.
3.4.2 South of the A5, drainage is provided by several brooks, the largest of which are Bourne Brook and Gallows Brook, rising on the outskirts of Sutton Coldfield in the west and flowing towards the lower River Tame. North of the A5 there is a stream flowing eastwards and then northwards past Freeford Manor (map CT‑01-61, C3) towards the lower Tame.
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3.4.3 The southern third of the study area is underlain by Triassic red mudstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group. The deeply weathered mudstones give rise to slowly permeable clayey subsoils. One kilometre south of Hints there are pebbly sandstones of Carboniferous and Permian age with bands of siltstone and mudstone that give rise to locally variable light and medium loamy soil materials. North of Bourne Brook, to the boundary of the study area, are younger pebbly sandstones of Triassic age giving rise to mainly sandy soils.
3.4.4 Superficial drift deposits of clayey and loamy glacial material occur on high ground west of Drayton Bassett. The narrow floodplains of the brooks have loamy alluvium with gravelly or peaty substrates.
3.4.5 The National Soil Map shows eight principal groups, or associations of soil types within the study area, and more detailed published information is also available for part of the study area10,11:
• The Bromsgrove association is mapped south of Hints between Canwell Hall and the Bourne Brook. The principal soil types are permeable, free-draining reddish light loams over sandstone, deep in places. There are also some light and medium loams with slowly permeable subsoils of siltstone and sandstone that experience slight seasonal waterlogging; • The Bridgnorth association has well-drained sandy and light loamy soils over soft, pebbly sandstones, deep in places. It occurs northwards to the boundary of the study area from where the route crosses the A5 between Hints and Weeford; • Whimple 3 association is mapped on land overlying reddish mudstones to the north of Gallows Brook in the south of the study area. The soils experience slight seasonal waterlogging on upper slopes, but on lower slopes and in hollows soils are seasonally waterlogged; • Land each side of the Bourne Brook at Hints has soils of the Goldstone association of light, free-draining, very stony, acid soils over conglomerate and sandstone; • Land north of the A453 Sutton Road, as far as White House Farm, has soils of the Brockhurst 1 association developed on mudstones with thin superficial drift. Topsoils and upper subsoils are loamy or silty, but the slowly permeable clayey lower subsoils cause the dominant soils to be seasonally waterlogged; • A tract of land south of the A453 has soils of the Clifton association in deep, reddish light and medium loamy drift. Subsoils are slowly permeable, so that most soils are seasonally waterlogged. Similar soils that experience only slight seasonal waterlogging occur on sites with natural run-off; • Soils in parts of the Bourne Brook valley are mapped as the Wigton Moor association in deep loamy drift deposits and sandy and gravelly alluvial soils that are variably affected by groundwater; and • A small valley head around Moor Covert, south of Packington Moor, has the Isleham association of deep permeable sandy and peaty soils affected by groundwater.
3.4.6 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has produced predictive assessments of the occurrence of BMV agricultural land (Grades 1 – 3a). These show that there is a high (greater than 60%) likelihood of there being BMV land within the study area.
3.4.7 The assessment of agricultural land quality in the study area indicates that there is no Grade 1 and the BMV land is dominated by Subgrade 3a (61%), with a smaller proportion of Grade 2
10 CranfieldUniversity, (2001). The National Soil Map of England and Wales 1:250,000 scale. Cranfield University: National Soil Resources Institute. 11 Hollis, John (2001), Soils in Staffordshire IV Sheet SK00/10 (Lichfield); Rothamsted Experimental Station.
32 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
(27%). Grade 2 land is most widespread on the lighter, sandier land around the A453, Hints and north of the A5 (Bromsgrove and Bridgnorth associations). This is consistent with the predictive mapping prepared by Defra, which shows this local area has a high proportion of higher quality land. Given there is a high likelihood of BMV land for this local area, the loss of such land is considered to be of low sensitivity.
3.4.8 Lower quality Subgrade 3b is largely confined to the clayey land to the south of the A453 (Clifton Association).
3.4.9 Agricultural land use in the study area is mainly dominated by arable crops, such as winter wheat, barley and oil seed rape. These types of arable crops are common on heavy land of good to moderate quality in the Midlands. Spring-sown arable crops, field-scale vegetables and potatoes are often included in the rotations on lighter soils, such as Bromsgrove and Bridgnorth associations. Grassland for stock rearing (principally sheep and cattle) is also widespread and many farms are mixed arable and livestock enterprises.
3.4.10 Stands of woodland are common, particularly on the steeper slopes with thin, very acid soils, such as Job’s Hill (map CT‑01-60, E4), Rookery Farm (map CT‑01-60, F4) and Roundhill Wood between Hints and Weeford.
3.4.11 The agricultural surveys to date have identified 15 holdings that could be affected in the study area, as set out in Table 7. Two produce mainly arable crops (such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape), three are general cropping (including cereals, field-scale vegetables and potatoes), eight are mixed arable and livestock (including one organic dairy herd at Freeford Manor), one holding specialises in livestock (mainly beef cattle and sheep) and there is one mainly equestrian business. The average size of farm is approximately 80ha, within the size range of between 30ha and 170ha. Arable farms are the largest. Many farms contain diversified enterprises including a livery, a farm shop and a marquee business.
Holding Primary farming activities
Brook Farm (adjacent to Gallows Brook) Mixed arable and livestock
Oak Dairy Farm Mixed arable and livestock (no longer dairy)
Wiggins Hill Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Cranebrook Mainly livestock
Drayton Lane End Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Brook Farm (adjacent to Waggoner’s Lane) Mainly arable
Canwell Park Mainly arable
Holding 98 Brockenhurst Lane Mixed arable and livestock
Home Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Buck’s Head Farm General cropping (cereal and potatoes)
Streethay Farm General cropping (cereals and potatoes)
Packington Moor General cropping (cereals and potatoes) and livestock
Horsley Brook Farm Equestrian (commercial)
Freeford Manor Mixed arable and livestock (organic dairy)
Orchard Farm Mixed arable and livestock
Table 7: Holdings affected by the Proposed Scheme
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3.4.12 Much of the land along the Proposed Scheme has been voluntarily entered into Entry Level Stewardship Schemes. Brook Farm, adjacent to Waggoner’s Lane, is also participating in a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and Freeford Manor is within an Organic Entry Level Stewardship Scheme. The Entry Level Stewardship scheme is principally concerned with field corner and hedgerow management and the creation of buffer strips and uncultivated field margins. The Higher Level Stewardship scheme aims to provide more intensive environmental management, such as hedgerow planting and the creation of floristically rich field margins.
3.4.13 The whole area is a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, where nitrate pollution is a potential problem and measures have been introduced to reduce nitrogen losses from agricultural sources to water.
3.4.14 In assessing the impact of the Proposed Scheme on farms it is important to recognise that the ability of the farms to adapt to change depends, in part, upon the size of the holding, its layout and fragmentation (both before and after the Proposed Scheme) and the enterprises operated. The more intensive enterprises, such as dairy farms and those with irrigation, which are dependent upon the spatial relationship between land and key infrastructure, generally have less ability to change. In the study area, four holdings are presently assessed as being more sensitive to change than others; the organic dairy farm at Freeford Manor and three holdings which are irrigated, at Brook Farm (adjacent to Gallows Brook), Streethay Farm and Packington Moor. 3.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
3.5.1 HS2 Ltd would require all of its contractors to comply with the CoCP, which would include the following measures: • Measures to maintain farm access and avoid traffic over land which is used temporarily during construction; • Ensuring that each affected farm holding would receive specific and relevant liaison regarding the construction activities that would affect the holding; • Ensuring that agricultural land and corresponding soil quality can be reinstated post‑construction where this is the agreed end use; • Ensuring that the impacts on infrastructure and livestock for individual farm holdings would be reduced; • Ensuring that there is appropriate access provided to areas of severed land during and post-construction; and • Ensuring the appropriate handling and conservation of soil stockpiles to allow them to be reused without any substantive reduction in long term productive capability.
3.5.2 Soil resources would be stripped at the outset of the construction phase and stored. Where land is required temporarily for construction of the Proposed Scheme, stored soils would be used to reinstate those sites to a pre-construction agricultural condition. Soils removed from the area of permanent works would be utilised, where reasonably practicable, in the construction of the Proposed Scheme. The soil associations affected most extensively by temporary works are Bromsgrove, Bridgnorth, Whimple 3 and Brockhurst 1, although they differ in their sensitivity to disturbance and would require separate handling and storage. In particular, the clayey Brockhurst and silty Whimple soils would require more careful handling in wet seasons.
34 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.5.3 Aspects of the Proposed Scheme that would assist to reduce effects on agricultural resources include: • Overbridges at Drayton Lane, the A453 Sutton Road, Waggoner’s Lane, Rock Hill (Watling Street), the A5, Flats Lane, and the A51 Tamworth Road; • Viaducts at Drayton Bassett and Black-Bourne Brook; and • An underpass at Rookery Lane.
3.5.4 Agricultural land would be acquired temporarily during the construction phase to provide access and working areas. Any loss of this BMV land during construction is considered to be significant but temporary in nature, until such time that the soil and land returned to the land owner has been restored fully to its former quality.
3.5.5 The Proposed Scheme would also result in the permanent loss of some agricultural and wooded land from the affected holdings. Approximately 88% of the total agricultural land lost would be of BMV quality, especially on the lighter land around the A453, Hints and north of the A5 (Bromsgrove and Bridgnorth associations). As Defra predicts that there is a high likelihood of encountering BMV land in this area, the sensitivity of this resource is low. Due to the scale of land take, the permanent loss of a high proportion of BMV land along the Proposed Scheme in the study area is, however, considered to be significant.
3.5.6 The amount of agricultural land required for the Proposed Scheme is not only an effect on the land resource, but also on the farming interests utilising that resource. Of the 15 holdings that could be affected in the study area, 12 would be affected significantly on a temporary basis during the construction phase. Eleven would experience a significant loss of land and/or severance, as follows: • Oak Dairy Farm; • Wiggins Hill Farm; • Cranebrook; • Drayton Lane End Farm; • Brook Farm (adjacent to Wagoner’s Lane); • Home Farm; • Bucks Head Farm; • Streethay Farm; • Packington Moor; • Horsely Brook Farm; and • Freeford Manor.
3.5.7 The holding below would mainly experience a significant temporary loss of land: • Brook Farm (adjacent to Gallows Brook).
3.5.8 Holdings at Brook Farm (adjacent to Waggoner’s Lane), Cranebrook, Bucks Head Farm and Packington Moor would also suffer from the loss of farm buildings.
3.5.9 Three holdings have irrigation systems that would be significantly disrupted by the Proposed Scheme and would require relocation and reconnection to the water supply, namely Brook Farm (adjacent to Gallows Brook), Streethay and Packington Moor.
3.5.10 Many fields along the route contain drains. Drainage systems significantly affected during construction would be diverted or restored, where reasonably practicable.
35 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Agriculture, forestry and soils
3.5.11 Some diversified farm enterprises, including a farm shop, would be lost as part of the demolition of farm buildings at Packington Moor.
3.5.12 Of the 15 holdings which could be affected, only the organic dairy at Freeford Manor is considered to be sensitive to dust, noise and vibration during construction. As part of the Proposed Scheme, the emission of dust, noise and vibration during the construction phase would be controlled by implementing best practice set out in the draft CoCP.
3.5.13 Loss of forestry land at Job’s Hill, Rookery and Roundhill would be compensated by replanting in nearby locations. Such locations would include areas of agricultural land that are not accessible as a result of severance. The loss of forestry land would remain a significant effect during the construction phase, but would not be significant once planting matures.
3.5.14 Forestry soils and resources that could be affected in the study area would be required by both the temporary and permanent works necessary to implement the Proposed Scheme. The loss and disruption of these soils is considered to be a significant effect.
3.5.15 The construction process could lead to transportation of weed seeds and plants along the route. Since the land affected is largely in agricultural use there is the potential for the spread of existing weeds; particularly invasive and damaging weeds as listed in the Weeds Act 1959 and Defra has powers to require occupiers of land on which they are growing to take action to prevent their spreading12. Application of control measures within the CoCP would regulate this potential effect. Likely residual significant effects
3.5.16 The main residual impact would be the permanent loss of agricultural and wooded land. As Defra predicts there is a high likelihood of encountering BMV in this area, the sensitivity of this resource is low. Due to the scale of land take, the permanent loss of a high proportion of BMV land along the Proposed Scheme in the study area is considered to be significant.
3.5.17 The mitigation outlined above would reduce the effects of severance, and land not required for the permanent alignment would be restored back to agriculture following construction. However, at present there would be residual impacts for the 12 holdings below. This is due to the area of permanent land take and/or some residual severance effects: • Brook Farm (adjacent to Gallows Brook); • Oak Dairy Farm; • Wiggins Hill Farm; • Cranebrook; • Drayton Lane End Farm; • Brook Farm (adjacent to Waggoner’s Lane); • Home Farm; • Bucks Head Farm; • Streethay Farm; • Packington Moor; • Horseley Brook Farm; and • Freeford Manor.
12 Weeds Act 1959 (7 & 8 Eliz II c. 54). London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
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Further mitigation
3.5.18 No further mitigation is currently proposed. 3.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
3.6.1 All run-off from the operational area would be captured in designated drainage arrangements capable of control prior to discharge to watercourses.
3.6.2 Issues of noise could relate to the startle effect on livestock and to a deterioration of amenity conditions for some diversified activities including a livery. However, this is considered to be not significant.
3.6.3 Dust generation would be controlled by measures set out in the draft CoCP and is unlikely to be of a sufficient intensity as to lead to significant levels of deposition on neighbouring farmland, including irrigated land.
3.6.4 Comparison with other railway and highway land indicates that all corridors of transport infrastructure have the potential to support weed growth which may prejudice agricultural interests where weeds can spread to adjoining land.
3.6.5 The potential for the establishment and spread of weeds from the operational area is capable of being effectively addressed through the adoption of an appropriate land management regime by the network operator which identifies and remedies areas of weed growth which might threaten adjoining agricultural interests. Likely residual significant effects
3.6.6 There are not considered to be any significant residual effects associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme.
37 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Air quality 4 Air quality 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 This section of the report provides an assessment of the impacts and likely significant effects on air quality arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme, covering nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and dust13. Emissions of these pollutants are typically associated with construction activities and equipment and road traffic. 4.2 Policy framework 4.2.1 The adopted Lichfield District Local Plan does not contain a policy that directly addresses air quality; however the policies within the plan generally seek to resist development that could result in adverse effects on the natural and historic environment.The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy does not include policy specific to air quality. However some more general policies contain relevant provisions, particularly Core Policy 3: Delivering Sustainable Development, which highlights several issues that all new development should address in order to deliver sustainable development. Of particular relevance to air quality, the policy states that all development should protect the amenity of local residents, and reduce levels of pollution or contamination to air, land, soil or water. The council also commits to the monitoring and maintenance of air quality below National Air Quality Strategy objectives across the Lichfield District14. 4.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 4.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the air quality assessment are set out in Volume 1. 4.4 Environmental baseline 4.4.1 The environmental baseline reported in this section represents the environmental conditions identified within the study area. The main source of existing air pollutants in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area is traffic on the major roads, which include the A5, the A38, the A453 and the M6 Toll motorway. The area is predominantly rural with a few small towns, including Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford.
4.4.2 Estimates of background air quality have been obtained from Defra for 2011 and future years (2017 and 2026). These data are estimated for 1km grid squares for nitrogen oxides (NOx), NO2, PM10 and PM2.5. All average pollutant concentrations are less than the relevant national air quality objectives.
4.4.3 There are currently no permanent continuous air quality monitoring stations in operation within the Lichfield District and therefore none within the Drayton Bassett, Hints andW eeford area. Continuous monitoring has however been carried out by Lichfield District Council for two periods, nine months in 2007 and eight months in 2009, at Muckley Corner approximately 6.6km west of the Proposed Scheme. NO2 and PM10 concentrations were monitored. The reported annual NO2 concentration was above the national objective value in 2007 but decreased to below the national objective value in 2009. PM10 concentrations were below the national objective values. This site is representative of concentrations at the roadside of the A5 where it crosses the Proposed Scheme.
13 PM10 is any particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10µm. Particulate matter of this size is respirable. PM2.5 is any particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5µm. This size fraction of particulate matter is respirable and has been linked to adverse effects on human health. 14 Defra, (2007); The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Volume 1)
38 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Air quality
4.4.4 Lichfield District Council measures annual mean NO2 concentrations using passive diffusion tubes at 22 locations across its administrative area. Five diffusion tube monitoring sites are located within the study area. All these sites are roadside to the A38, four are located near Canwell, approximately 2.2km west of the route and one is located close to Swinfen Hall to the south of Lichfield, approximately 1.8km west of the route. These locations are representative of concentrations in the vicinity of where the route passes the A38/A453/A5 junction at Hints. The reported NO2 concentrations exceeded the national objective values between 2007 and 2011 at three of the five roadside sites. Additionally, diffusion tube monitoring is undertaken at two urban background monitoring sites within the Lichfield District. These sites are not within the study area but are more representative of the mostly rural setting of the Proposed Scheme within the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area. The reported annual NO2 concentrations were below the national objective value between 2007 and 2011.
4.4.5 Lichfield District Council has declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) at Muckley Corner, which is approximately 6.6km west of the Proposed Scheme and outside the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area. The AQMA includes a roundabout on the A5 and some of the surrounding properties. An Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) has been developed by Lichfield District Council to address and improve local air quality in and around the designated AQMA, mostly through transport related policies and measures15.
4.4.6 Several locations have been identified in the study area which are considered to be susceptible to changes in air quality and would be close to construction activities, or roads that would be subject to realignments or used by construction traffic. These are: • Properties along Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett, owing to proximity to dust generation from earthworks and construction, and permanent road realignment of Drayton Lane associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Drayton Lane End Farm, Sutton Road, Tamworth, owing to proximity to dust generation from demolition, earthworks, construction and from dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas and temporary road realignment of Sutton Road associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Properties along Bangley Lane, Hints, owing to proximity to dust generation from dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Properties along Rock Hill (Watling Street), Weeford, owing to proximity to dust generation from demolition, earthworks, construction and dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas and permanent road realignment of the A5 associated with the Proposed Scheme; • Properties along Flats Lane, Lichfield, owing to proximity to dust generation from demolition, earthworks, construction and dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas and permanent road realignment of Flats Lane associated with the Proposed Scheme; and • Properties along Tamworth Road, Lichfield, owing to proximity to dust generation from demolition, earthworks, construction and dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas and permanent road realignment of the A51 Tamworth Road associated with the Proposed Scheme.
4.4.7 No statutory designated ecological receptors have been identified within the study area.
15 Lichfield District Council (2010), Local Air Quality Management 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide Further Assessment and Air Quality Action Plan for Muckley Corner.
39 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Air quality
4.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
4.5.1 Impacts from the construction of the Proposed Scheme could arise from dust generating activities and emissions from construction traffic. As such, the assessment of construction impacts has been undertaken for human receptors sensitive to dust and exposure to NO2 and PM10, as well as ecological receptors sensitive to dust and nitrogen deposition.
4.5.2 Air quality would be controlled and managed during construction through the route-wide implementation of the CoCP, where appropriate. Specific measures would include: • Contractors being required to control dust, air pollution, odour and exhaust emissions during construction works; • Inspecting and monitoring undertaken after consultation with Lichfield District Council to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken to prevent dust and air pollutant emissions; • Cleaning (including watering) of haul routes and designated vehicle waiting areas to suppress dust; • Keeping soil stockpiles away from sensitive receptors (including historical features), watercourses and surface drains where reasonably practicable, also taking into account the prevailing wind direction relative to sensitive receptors; • Using enclosures to contain dust emitted from construction activities; and • Undertaking soil spreading, seeding and planting of completed earthworks following completion of earthworks.
4.5.3 In the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area, potential dust generating activities would comprise the demolition of buildings around the junction of Drayton Lane and Sutton Road; at Waggoner’s Lane; at Watling Street; around the junction of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane; at Packington Moor and at Tamworth Road, and the construction of new structures and earthworks, as well as dust and mud from vehicles deposited on to public highways when departing from construction areas.
4.5.4 A construction dust assessment was undertaken for sensitive receptors at the six locations identified in the study area which are considered to be susceptible to changes where human receptors are present, owing to their close proximity to dust generating activities. These included residential properties on Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett; at Drayton Lane End Farm, Sutton Road, Tamworth; on Bangley Lane, Hints; on Watling Street, Weeford; on Flats Lane, Lichfield; and on Tamworth Road, Lichfield.
4.5.5 Based on the application of the measures contained within the draft CoCP, the construction dust assessment determined that of the six identified in the study area which are considered to be susceptible to changes where residential properties were present, the impact at Drayton Lane End Farm, Sutton Road, Tamworth; Watling Street, Weeford; Flats Lane, Lichfield and Tamworth Road, Lichfield would be slight adverse owing to the presence of residential properties within 20m of the dust generating construction activities. The impact would be negligible at the other two identified locations. Overall, the construction dust assessment determined that the air quality effects at the six sensitive locations identified would not be significant.
4.5.6 Traffic data for the study area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment and to confirm the likely effect of the change in emissions from vehicles using those roads during the construction phase. In addition, the locations of temporary road
40 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Air quality
realignments for the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment owing to alignment changes.
4.5.7 One location was identified as requiring further assessment owing to temporary road realignments – Sutton Road in Tamworth. Changes in concentrations were determined at human receptors at this location. No locations were identified as requiring further assessment owing to changes in traffic flows.
4.5.8 The assessment of construction traffic emissions determined that annual mean concentrations of both NO2 and PM10 would be below the relevant national air quality objectives for all identified human receptors. There would be a negligible change in concentrations of NO2 and PM10 at all the identified human receptors and the air quality effects would not be significant.
4.5.9 Construction of the Proposed Scheme is not expected to have an effect on the AQMA or the implementation of the actions listed in the AQAP. Likely residual significant effects
4.5.10 The methods outlined within the draft CoCP to control and manage potential air quality effects are considered effective in this location. Hence, no significant residual effects are considered likely. 4.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
4.6.1 Impacts from the operation of the Proposed Scheme relate mainly to changes in the nature of traffic. There are no direct atmospheric emissions from the operation of trains that would cause an impact on air quality; these have therefore not been assessed.
4.6.2 Traffic data in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area have been screened to identify roads that required further assessment and to confirm the likely effect of the change in emissions from vehicles using those roads in 2026. In the study area, four roads were identified as requiring further assessment, these were: Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett;A5, Weeford; Flats Lane, Lichfield and A51 Tamworth Road, Lichfield.
4.6.3 Changes in concentrations owing to the permanent realignment of Drayton Lane, A5, Flats Lane and A51 Tamworth Road were determined at human receptors adjacent to these roads. The assessment found that annual mean concentrations of both NO2 and PM10 would be below the relevant national air quality objectives for identified human receptors in these locations. There would be a negligible change in concentrations of NO2 and PM10 at all the identified human receptors and therefore the effects at these receptors would not be significant.
4.6.4 Operation of the Proposed Scheme is not expected to have an effect on the AQMA or the implementation of the actions listed in the AQAP. Likely residual significant effects
4.6.5 No significant residual effects would be anticipated for air quality in this area during operation of the Proposed Scheme.
41 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Community 5 Community 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 This section of the report presents a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects on local communities that could result from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. 5.2 Policy framework 5.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to community are set out below.
5.2.2 Saved policies in the adopted Lichfield District Local Plan generally seek to resist the loss of existing community facilities, open space and formal sports and recreation provision except where they are shown to be surplus to requirements and/or would be replaced to at least equivalent quality and quantity as part of development proposals.
5.2.3 A key policy theme in the adopted Lichfield District Local Plan relates to the presumption against inappropriate development in the designated green belt (Policy E.4), which covers the entire area, including the settlements of Hints and Weeford but excluding the defined village envelope of Drayton Bassett (Policy E.6). Whittington Barracks, which lies adjacent to this area, is defined as a ”Major Developed Site in the Green Belt” (Policy EMP.5) where some limited infilling and redevelopment is allowed.
5.2.4 Policy themes carry through into the emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy, including the extent of the green belt. There are also new policy themes which relate to the promotion of limited development at Fazeley on the edge of Tamworth (Policies FAZ2 and FAZ3), chiefly within the existing built-up area; and the protection of the existing retail function of Mile Oak (also on the edge of Tamworth). 5.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 5.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the community assessment are set out in Volume 1. 5.4 Environmental baseline 5.4.1 The study area includes the area of land within the construction boundary (comprising of the temporary and permanent land take), as well as a suitable additional area as relevant to inform the respective environmental topics upon which the assessment is based.
5.4.2 The baseline study area and baseline data will be further refined in light of ongoing assessment work as part of the formal ES process.
5.4.3 The study area is predominantly rural, with the villages of Hints and Weeford and the small hamlet of Packington Moor being the only settlements close to the route of the Proposed Scheme. Drayton Bassett is more than 1.5km away from the Proposed Scheme and is situated in the south of the study area. Drayton Bassett
5.4.4 The village of Drayton Bassett lies about 1.6km east of the Proposed Scheme. The village has a modest range of facilities including a primary school, church, recreation ground and community halls. The catchment for the primary school covers much of the southern part of the study area. It includes the scattered rural properties along the entire length of Drayton
42 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Community
Lane, at Shirrall Drive, on parts of Sutton Road and Cranebrook Hill and properties along Bangley Lane and Waggoner’s Lane. There is a children’s day care nursery located about 1km to the west of Drayton Bassett at Oak Farm.
5.4.5 There are few public open spaces outside of Drayton Bassett. The fishing lakes at Buzzard Valley Vineyard, Shirrall Drive lie to the west of the Proposed Scheme and the Heart of England Way runs along Drayton Lane before crossing the A453 Sutton Road and heading north towards Hints. The Heart of England Way is a long distance walking route which runs from the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire in the south to Cannock Chase in Staffordshire to the north. It also forms part of a European network of long distance paths, established by the European Ramblers Association (route number E2) which runs for over 4,800km from Stranraer in Scotland, through England, the Netherlands and Belgium ending in the south of France. The Proposed Scheme crosses Drayton Lane and the Heart of England Way/European E2 walking route just east of the junction with the A453 Sutton Road. Hints
5.4.6 The small village of Hints lies approximately 400m north and east of the route of the Proposed Scheme. The village has a church and a village hall but no other community facilities. The village lies within the catchment area for primary schools at Whittington and Shenstone and for secondary schools at Lichfield. The nearest General Practice surgeries are at Tamworth, Shenstone and the branch surgery at Whittington.
5.4.7 The village of Hints has no public open space, other than the church yard associated with St Bartholomew’s Church. There is a well established network of PRoW around the village which are likely to be valued by the community as local walking routes. The Heart of England Way passes between the villages of Hints and Weeford, crossing Rock Hill (Watling Street) and the A5 at Bucks Head Farm. The Proposed Scheme would cross the route of the Heart of England Way again, just north of Bucks Head Farm. Weeford
5.4.8 The small village of Weeford lies approximately 750m west of the route of the Proposed Scheme. The village has a few community facilities, notably a village hall, a church and a restaurant. The village has no school or General Practice (GP) surgery. Like Hints, it falls within the catchment for primary schools at Whittington and Shenstone and for secondary schools at Lichfield. The nearest GP surgeries are at Shenstone and the branch surgery at Whittington. Weeford has no public open space, with the exception of the churchyard at St Mary’s Church. There are a few PRoW around the village which offer local walking routes for residents wishing to enjoy the surrounding countryside. There is a riding stable located at Weeford which offers lessons and trekking via local bridleway routes in the area, some of which are likely to be crossed by the Proposed Scheme. Packington Moor
5.4.9 The small residential hamlet of Packington Moor is centred on the junction of Knox’s Grave Lane and Flats Lane, with a scattering of properties along Flats Lane between the junction and the A5. The route for the Proposed Scheme crosses directly through the centre of this small hamlet. There are no community facilities in Packington Moor, which falls within the catchment for the primary school and GP branch surgery at Whittington and secondary schools at Lichfield. Packington Moor Farm lies to the north, also directly on the line of the route of the Proposed Scheme. The farm has a popular café and farm shop and some of the buildings are used to host wedding receptions and ceremonies.
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5.4.10 Further north there are a number of scattered dwellings which lie to the west of the A51 Tamworth Road, together with the Whittington Arms public house which is just off the A51 and is situated on the very northern boundary of the study area. There are no public open spaces in this area, but the Heart of England Way passes through Packington Moor and would be crossed again by the Proposed Scheme just north of Packington Moor Farm. 5.5 Construction 5.5.1 The draft CoCP includes a range of scheme wide provisions which would help mitigate community effects associated with construction, including: appointment of community relations personnel; a Community Helpline to handle enquiries from the public, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week; sensitive layout of construction sites to reduce nuisance and avoid site accommodation overlooking residential property; and, maintenance of public roads, cycle ways and PRoW around construction sites to avoid their deterioration due to construction traffic. Specific measures in relation to air quality and noise would serve to reduce amenity impacts on the neighbouring communities Assessment of impacts and mitigation Residential property
5.5.2 A total of 18 residential properties would need to be demolished for the construction of the route through the area. Six of these properties would be situated in rural locations along the line of the route, notably: • Three dwellings at Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett; namely Barn Cottage, Lone Oak and Cranebrook. The associated kennels and cattery business at Barn Cottage would also need to be demolished; • One dwelling at Bangley Lane – the White House; • The dwelling at Bucks Head Farm, Rock Hill, Weeford; and • The dwelling at Packington Moor Farm (Garden Cottage), Packington Moor.
5.5.3 Given the small number involved, the demolition of these six properties along the line of the route would not have a significant effect on the wider community of this rural area.
5.5.4 At Packington Moor, the Proposed Scheme would require the demolition of 12 dwellings at Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane, namely Nos. 12, 13, 16 and 17 Flats Lane and Nos. 1, 2 (including annex), 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 Knox’s Grave Lane. These properties represent the majority of the small hamlet focused on the intersection of the two roads and their loss would, therefore, have a significant adverse effect on the local community in that area.
5.5.5 Elsewhere in the area, two residential properties would lie partly within the temporary land take for the Proposed Scheme, namely the Mill House at Bangley Lane and The Lodge at Rock Hill, Hints. Given their proximity to substantial engineering works, it is assumed that the occupiers of these properties may need to be re-housed temporarily for the duration of construction activities likely to cause noise and disturbance, but could then return to their homes upon completion of the works. Given the very small number of properties affected, the effects on the overall community associated with these two temporary displacements would not be significant.
5.5.6 Works to realign the A453 Sutton Road, west of Drayton Bassett could also require very slight temporary loss of land from the curtilage of the dwelling at Drayton Lane End Farm along its boundary with the highway. As a single property, the effects on the overall community are assessed as not significant.
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5.5.7 Works to modify local roads in the area to construct bridges over the new railway would cause disruption to some residents accessing services. Generally, construction works would be phased in such a way as to enable roads to remain open for most of the time during the works or provision would be made for a temporary diversion route alongside the existing highway. Accordingly, in most cases, disruption to communities would not be significant.
5.5.8 However, the community of Hints is likely to be affected more significantly. Works to Rock Hill (Watling Street), Rookery Lane and Flats Lane would affect journeys to primary schools at Whittington and Shenstone and to secondary schools at Lichfield. Although no road closures are anticipated, given the duration of the road works in the area, lasting in the order of about 18-24 months in total, and the lack of alternative routes to Shenstone and Lichfield which avoid the road works, the potential for significant effects on the community of Hints is recognised. The implications for access to community facilities due to work to local roads are being considered further. The assessment will be updated in the light of ongoing transport studies and will be reported fully in the formal ES. Community infrastructure
5.5.9 The Proposed Scheme would require the demolition of most of the buildings at Packington Moor Farm. Two of the barns and adjacent buildings, which are laid out in a courtyard arrangement at the farm, are currently used for wedding ceremonies and receptions with associated guest accommodation. The farm is promoted and valued as a countryside setting for weddings, using converted historic buildings with attractive gardens and fields as a backdrop for photographs. Whilst the design of the Proposed Scheme has sought to minimise the loss of buildings at the farm, part of the group of buildings on the west side of the courtyard is likely to be lost. As the wedding venue is dependent upon having the full range of buildings and facilities, a loss of part of this group of buildings and the change in the setting of the farm is likely to preclude continued operation of the wedding business. Whilst there are likely to be other high quality rural wedding venues available within the wider area, the loss of this distinctive venue would nevertheless have a significant adverse effect on the community.
5.5.10 One of the buildings on the eastern side of Packington Moor Farm is also used as a café and farm shop. This is a popular and well-used facility, which is open daily throughout the year and, like the wedding venue, is likely to be valued for its rural setting. Whilst the Proposed Scheme would not require the demolition of the building itself, the assessment nevertheless assumes that this use would be displaced as a result of the Proposed Scheme. The shop and café are an integral part of the farm business, which would be lost to the Proposed Scheme, and it is unlikely that they could continue to operate in isolation. The loss of this facility would therefore have a significant adverse effect on the community. Public rights of way and open space
5.5.11 The route would cross the Heart of England Way long distance trail (also part of the European E2 long distance route) at three separate locations in the area, namely at: • Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett; • Bucks Head Farm, Rock Hill, Hints; and • Just north of Packington Moor Farm, to the west of Whittington Heath.
5.5.12 At Drayton Lane, the Heart of England Way follows the existing public highway and as no road closures are anticipated during construction, the route would be maintained throughout the works, albeit diverted slightly to the south of its current alignment. On this basis, there would be no significant loss of use effects on the community and users of the route.
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5.5.13 Further north, at Bucks Head Farm and at Packington Moor, some temporary closures are likely to be necessary during the construction period. At Bucks Head Farm, the Proposed Scheme makes provision to divert the Heart of England permanently to the east of the farm, and crossing beneath the realigned A5 carriageway via a new underpass. During the construction period, the entire area of the farm would be taken as a temporary working site, precluding continued use of the existing Heart of England Way crossing over the A5. Rock Hill (Watling Street) would also be diverted temporarily through part of the farm land and a complex and lengthy construction operation would be required to manage traffic on theA5 whilst diverting the carriageway to the south. These works are likely to limit scope for accommodating a temporary diversion route throughout the construction programme. During this time, the assessment therefore assumes that the route at Bucks Head Farm would be closed and users would need to cross the A5 approximately 600m further east, via the bridleway which runs along the access road to Hints Quarry. Given the high usage of the Heart of England Way at Bucks Head Farm and its value as a link to bridleways to the north, the temporary closure would have a significant adverse effect on users during the construction period.
5.5.14 The Proposed Scheme crosses the route of the Heart of England Way again just north of Packington Moor Farm. It makes provision to divert the Heart of England Way along the east side of the new rail line and to cross via a new bridge over the realigned A51 Tamworth Road, reconnecting back to the original bridleway route at Freeford Home Farm. Further consideration is being given to the phasing of construction works in this area and the scope for advance completion of the permanent Heart of England Way diversion and the effects will be reassessed and reported in the formal ES. At this stage, it is assumed that temporary closure of the route could be necessary at some point in the construction process. Although any closure is likely to be of limited duration, this would nevertheless have a significant impact on users of the route for that period of time. The route is well used and is the only connection to the PRoW network to the north at Whittington. Amenity
5.5.15 The incidence of significant effects, including in-combination effects, on community amenity will be assessed for the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
5.5.16 The significant residual effects of the Proposed Scheme during construction would be as follows: • The adverse effects on the community of Packington Moor due to the demolition of 12 dwellings at Flats Lane/Knox’s Grave Lane and the loss of buildings at Packington Moor Farm; and • The adverse effects on people using the Heart of England Way at Bucks Head Farm, Hints and at Packington Moor to the north, due to the temporary closure of these sections of the route during the construction of the Proposed Scheme.
5.5.17 Multiple (in-combination) community effects will be considered and, where significant, reported in the formal ES. Further mitigation
5.5.18 No further mitigation has been identified at this stage.
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5.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
5.6.1 Within this study area, effects on the community resulting from the operation of the Proposed Scheme could potentially arise from changes to amenity.
5.6.2 The formal ES will report on the incidence of significant effects, including in-combination effects on community amenity.
5.6.3 The assessment will draw upon other technical disciplines (e.g. air quality, noise and vibration, visual, electromagnetic interference, transport and traffic) findings to inform the amenity assessment. The presence of in-combination impacts from these other disciplines could result in significant amenity effects on a number of community facilities and resources in the area. This will be reported in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
5.6.4 Multiple (in-combination) community effects will be considered, and where significant reported in the formal ES. Further mitigation
5.6.5 The development of specific mitigation measures where required, which could include improvement or provision of community resources as appropriate, will be reported in the formal ES.
5.6.6 No further mitigation has been identified at this stage.
47 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Cultural heritage 6 Cultural heritage 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 This section presents a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects on heritage assets and the historic environment as a result of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. Heritage assets comprise: • Archaeological and palaeo-environmental remains; • Historic landscapes; and • Historic buildings and the built environment. 6.2 Policy framework 6.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to cultural heritage are set out below.
6.2.2 Objective 3 of the West Midlands Sustainable Development Framework encourages local authorities in their plan making to “value, protect, enhance and restore the region’s environmental assets, including the natural, built and historic environment and landscape”16.
6.2.3 The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan seeks to protect and conserve the countryside (Policy NC1); landscape character, including historic elements (Policy NC2); trees, hedgerows and woodlands (Policy NC13); registered historic battlefields (Policy NC16); historic parks and gardens (Policy NC17A); listed buildings (Policy NC18) and Conservation Areas (Policy NC19). Two policies address sites of archaeological importance in the context of development, which includes the requirement for provision for excavation and recording of remains not sufficiently import to warrant preservation and that velopmentde which would adversely affect assets of national importance would be allowed in the most exceptional circumstances (Policies NC14 and NC15).
6.2.4 The adopted Lichfield District Local Plan contains policies regarding protection of listed buildings (Policy C1), conservation areas (Policies C2 and C3); and sites of recognised importance (Policy DC14). Policy DC15 requires an archaeological assessment to be provided prior to consideration of planning applications. Policy DC17 requires the integration of existing trees and hedgerows within new development. The adopted Local Plan also includes a supplementary planning document on the historic environment and was published in draft in February 2013, with a target adoption date of July 2013.
6.2.5 The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy proposes Strategic Priorities 14: Built Environment and 15: High Quality Development, which include the aim to protect the district’s heritage assets and character. Core Policy 14: Our Built and Historic Environment contains special regard to local distinctiveness and the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment, significant heritage assets and their settings, supported by olicyP BE1: High Quality Development, which reinforces the need for development to have a positive impact on the historic environment. 6.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 6.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the cultural heritage assessment are set out in Volume 1.
16 West Midlands Regional Assembly (2006), A Sustainable Future for the West Midlands: Regional Sustainable Development Framework (Version 2).
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6.4 Environmental baseline 6.4.1 The landscape of this area is dominated by arable and pasture fields on the free-draining soils, with a number of water sources and gently sloping topography (except around the Drayton Bassett Hints hills). The historic character is predominantly of the 18th century which is particularly distinctive around the Hints hills and Bourne Brook. It is a dispersed settlement pattern, the main villages being Hints and Weeford.
6.4.2 Known Prehistoric and Romano-British remains within the study area, including cropmarks of pit alignments, enclosures and linear features, are clustered to the north of Hints. The old A5 road, Rock Hill (Watling Street), follows the line of the Watling Street Roman Road. There is no evidence of the early medieval period in the study area but from the 13th century onwards, occupation and activity are visible in the archaeological record. However, post-medieval cultural heritage assets and features are the most common, comprising the remains of field boundaries and land management of the 17th Century onward, as well as historic buildings of this period.
6.4.3 Within the area of study only the following designated and non-designated assets are recorded. Designated assets
6.4.4 A cross south of St John’s Church, a Scheduled Monument, lies within the draft Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). One listed building, the Grade II Bucks Head Farmhouse complex, is located within the area of temporary and permanent land take. Hints Conservation Area is located 152m from the Proposed Scheme, on the edge of the area of temporary and permanent land take.
6.4.5 Two areas of ancient woodland – the Rookery and Roundhill Wood – are partially located within the area of temporary and permanent land take.
6.4.6 Seven lengths of important hedgerow (as defined by criteria 1-5 of Schedule One, Part II of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997) lie within the area of temporary and permanent land take17. They comprise; the boundary of Shirrall Deer Park; the boundary of the Shirrall and Drayton Deer Park boundary; the Weeford parish boundary; the Middleton Estate boundary; the Shirrall, Drayton and Bangley Deer Park boundary; and Knox’s Grave Lane. Non‐designated assets
6.4.7 There are 20 non-designated archaeological assets located within the study area. Most are of negligible heritage value. Four are of moderate value. They comprise the Roman Watling Street and two prehistoric pit alignment cropmark features and a relict Roman field system with unidentified features.
6.4.8 There are six buildings of local historic interest within the area of permanent or temporary land take. All are of low heritage value. Only one, Packington Moor Farm, is of moderate heritage value.
6.4.9 The sites of Hints Hall Park, Drayton Deer Park, Shirrall Deer Park and Bangley Deer Park are located within the area of temporary and permanent land take.
17 The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (1997 No.1160). London, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
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6.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
6.5.1 The construction works have the potential to affect heritage assets. Impacts would occur to assets within the construction boundary, as well as the settings of heritage assets within the ZTV.
6.5.2 The draft CoCP sets out the provisions that would be adopted to control effects on cultural heritage assets. The provisions include: • Management measures to control damage to assets that are to be retained within the area of temporary land take and the preparation of project wide principles, standards and techniques for works affecting heritage assets; • A programme of archaeological investigation and recording to be undertaken prior to construction works affecting the assets; and • A programme of historic building investigation and recording to be undertaken prior to modification or demolition of the assets.
6.5.3 In addition the following measures have been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme and to avoid or reduce impacts on heritage assets: • Cuttings and associated landscape earthworks to west of Hints would substantially reduce the impact of the Proposed Scheme on setting of Hints and associated listed buildings; • The alignment of the Proposed Scheme retains the listed building at Bucks Head Farm; • Planting blocks would reduce the impact of the Proposed Scheme on the setting of listed buildings at Ingely Hill Farm and Horsley Brook Farm; and • The landscape earthworks and planting would reduce impacts on the setting of designated assets within the ZTV.
6.5.4 Assets that would experience a significant physical effect in this area are: • Parts of ancient woodland at the Rookery (map CT‑01-60,F4) and Roundhill Wood (CT‑01- 60, G5/6), assets of high heritage value, would be recorded and removed; • Parts of seven lengths of protected hedgerow (maps CT‑01-59, F5; CT‑01-59, F5; CT‑01-61, 15; CT‑01-59, H5, L5, and J5; CT‑01-59, H5, L5, and J5; CT‑01-59, E5; CT‑01-59, C4/5; and CT‑01-61, H5), assets of moderate heritage value, would be recorded and removed; • Archaeological deposits likely to be evidence of prehistoric or Roman activity at three sites: a Roman field system (map CT‑01-60, B5) and a prehistoric pit alignment north of the current A5 (map CT‑01-60, C6), and a pit alignment and enclosure near Flats Lane (map CT‑01-60, A5), all assets of moderate heritage value, would be recorded and removed; • Archaeological deposits at five sites: crop marks at Gallows Brook (map CT‑01-59, J5), a relict field system immediately west of Hints (map CT‑01-60, J5); slitting mill and ponds (map CT‑01-60, D4); linear features and pits north of Knox’s Grave Lane (map CT‑01-61, G5); and an enclosure at Roundhill Wood (map CT‑01-60, H5), all assets of low heritage value, would be recorded and removed; • Non-designated outbuilding, an asset of moderate heritage value (but associated with the designated Bucks Head Farm) (map CT‑01-60, C4), would be demolished; • Packington Moor Farm (map CT‑01-61, F5), an asset of moderate heritage value, would be recorded and demolished; and
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• Barn Cottage, Drayton Lane End Farm outbuildings, and Moor Cottages (maps CT‑01-59, F5; CT‑01-59, E4; and CT‑01-61, H5, respectively), all assets of low heritage value, would be recorded and demolished.
6.5.5 The settings of the following specific heritage assets would experience significant effects: • Ingley Hill Farm (map CT‑01-61, D3/4), an asset of moderate heritage value, which would be affected by the construction of the cutting for the Proposed Scheme which would be 250m from the asset, and would be severed from its historic access; • Horsley Brook Farm (map CT‑01-61, D4), an asset of moderate heritage value, which would be severed from its historic access and would be 100m from the cutting for the Proposed Scheme; • Stone House (map CT‑01-59, G5), an asset of moderate heritage value which is currently surrounded by farmland, would have this setting and views altered by the embankment of the Proposed Scheme which would be 100m from the asset; • Bourne House (map CT‑01-60, C4), an asset of moderate heritage value, would have the current tranquil setting and views in the Black-Bourne Brook Valley altered by the proposed Black Brook viaduct which would be 200m from the asset; • The Lodge (map CT‑01-60, C4/5), an asset of low heritage value, would have its current setting within open fields on all sides altered by the proposed ockR Hill overbridge, a road diversion and scheme landscaping within 50m of the asset; • South Lodge and Whittington Arms public house, assets of low heritage value, would have their historic access from the old Tamworth Road and their open views to the south and west altered by the proposed A51 diversion which would be less than 100m away, and the proposed access road for the golf course; and • Bourne Cottage (map CT‑01-60, C4), an asset of low heritage value, would have its current tranquil wooded setting altered by a new access road and the Proposed Scheme, which would be 200m from the asset.
6.5.6 The construction of the Proposed Scheme would not have an impact on any other identified heritage asset within the permanent and temporary land take and would not have an impact on the setting of any other designated asset identified with theZTV . Likely residual significant effects
6.5.7 The impacts of the construction phase on the heritage assets through setting changes are temporary, and therefore not considered to result in residual significant effects.
6.5.8 Although a programme of archaeological and historic building investigation and recording contributes to knowledge gain, such works would not fully mitigate the effect or reduce the impact on heritage assets. The following effects would therefore remain: • Parts of ancient woodland at the Rookery and Roundhill Wood: a medium impact rating on an asset of high heritage value gives rise to a major effect; • Parts of seven lengths of protected hedgerow: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Archaeological deposits likely to be evidence of prehistoric or Roman activity at three sites: a Roman field system features; a prehistoric pit alignment north of the current A5; and a pit alignment and enclosure near Flats Lane. A high impact rating on an asset of a moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect;
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• Archaeological deposits at five sites: crop marks at Gallows Brook relict field system immediately west of Hints; slitting mill and ponds; linear features and pits north of Knox’s Grave Lane; and an enclosure at Roundhill Wood. A high impact rating on assets of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Bucks Head Farm non-designated outbuildings: a high impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a major effect; • Packington Moor Farm: a high impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value, gives rise to a major effect; and • Barn Cottage: Drayton Lane End Farm outbuildings, and Moor Cottages, a high impact rating on assets of low value gives rise to a moderate effect.
6.5.9 The settings of the following specific heritage assets would experience significant effects: • Ingley Hill Farm: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Horsley Brook Farm: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Stone House: a high impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a major effect; • Bourne House: a high impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a major effect; • The Lodge: a high impact rating on an asset of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • South Lodge and the Whittington Arms public house: a high impact rating on an asset of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; and • Bourne Cottage: a high impact rating on an asset of low heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect. Further mitigation
6.5.10 No further mitigation measures have been identified at this time. 6.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
6.6.1 There would be no effects on buried archaeological remains arising from operation.
6.6.2 The introduction of the Proposed Scheme has the potential to introduce impacts on the setting of heritage assets. The specific assets that would be significantly affected are: • Ancient woodland at the Rookery and Roundhill Wood, assets of high heritage value; • Hill Farm House; Ingley Hall Farm; Horsley Brook Farm, assets of moderate value, through slight visibility of Proposed Scheme from the assets during operation; • Stone House, an asset of moderate heritage value, through the alteration of its setting by the proximity of the Proposed Scheme which would be less than 100m from the asset; • Bourne House, an asset of moderate heritage value, which would have its setting altered by the close proximity of the proposed Black Brook viaduct; and • The Whittington Arms public house, an asset of low heritage value, through the close proximity of the A51 diversion which would be adjacent to the asset.
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6.6.3 The provision of earthworks and planting as part of the Proposed Scheme design provides an effective means of mitigation to reduce the effects of the ProposedScheme on the historic landscape and specific heritage assets within it. However, mitigation would not be fully effective until planting has matured. Likely residual significant effects
6.6.4 Despite the implementation of the mitigation measures, the following specific heritage assets would experience significant effects through changes to their setting: • Ancient woodland at the Rookery and Roundhill Wood: a low impact rating on assets of high heritage value gives rise to moderate effect; • Hill Farm House; Ingley Hall Farm; and Horsley Brook Farm: a medium impact rating on assets of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Stone House: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; • Bourne House: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect; and • The Whittington Arms public house: a medium impact rating on an asset of moderate heritage value gives rise to a moderate effect.
6.6.5 There are no other significant residual effects associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme. Further mitigation
6.6.6 No further mitigation measures have been identified at this time.
53 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Ecology 7 Ecology 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 This section provides a summary of the predicted impacts and significant effects upon species and habitats as a consequence of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. This includes effects upon sites recognised or designated on the basis of their importance for nature conservation. 7.2 Policy framework 7.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to ecology are set out below.
7.2.2 The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 6 contains three policies that are relevant to ecology: • Policy E.18A – controls and restricts development affecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); • Policy E.18B – no development should adversely affect Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Grade 1 County Site of Biological Importance (SBI), or important habitats, unless there are overwhelming reasons to do so; and • Policy E.3 – promotes the preservation and management of trees, woodland and hedgerows in the interests of nature conservation, biodiversity and visual amenity.
7.2.3 The Lichfield District Local Plan 1998 contains three policies that are relevant to ecology: • Policy E.18A – controls and restricts development affecting Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); • Policy E.18B – no development should adversely affect Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Grade 1 County Site of Biological Importance (SBI), or important habitats, unless there are overwhelming reasons to do so; and • Policy E.3 – promotes the preservation and management of trees, woodland and hedgerows in the interests of nature conservation, biodiversity and visual amenity. 7.2.4 The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan generally follows the policy direction of the adopted Local Plan in terms of environmental protection, maintaining the requirement for mitigation where development would have unavoidable adverse effects on ecologically valuable sites. Core Policy 13 emphasises nature conservation management in accordance with the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan.
7.2.5 In addition, the following local and regional guidance is relevant to the assessment: • Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP); and • SBAP associated Ecosystem Action Plans (EAP). 7.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 7.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the ecological assessment are set out in Volume 1.
7.3.2 The current assessment draws on existing information gathered from national organisations and from regional and local sources including Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT), the Environment Agency (Central Area Office) and Staffordshire County Council (Staffordshire Ecological Records Centre).
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7.3.3 Field surveys undertaken to date have been limited to locations where landowner permission has been obtained or areas accessible to the public. They include (but are not limited to): initial botanical survey in Roundhill Wood SBI and Moor Covert and Pool SBI, bat roost assessments of buildings and trees, detailed amphibian surveys on four ponds; plus otter and water vole surveys on the Black-Bourne Brook, Gallows Brook and two small tributaries. A small number of sites were subject to hazel dormouse, terrestrial invertebrate and white-clawed crayfish survey.
7.3.4 There have been no deviations from standard ecological survey methodologies.
7.3.5 Surveys will continue during 2013 and will include (but are not limited to) the following, subject to access: • Botanical surveys at Loddy Wood, Rookery/Rookery Lane, Black-Bourne Brook Meadows and Snake’s Hill; • Bat roost surveys at Barn Cottage, Bucks Head Farm and Packington Moor and activity surveys along adjacent hedgerows within land surrounding Job’s Hill, Rookery and Roundhill Wood; • Otter, water vole and white-clawed crayfish on Black-Bourne Brook and Gallows Brook; and • Amphibian surveys of approximately 50 ponds and 15 ditches. 7.4 Environmental baseline 7.4.1 This section presents the environmental baseline that is relevant to the consideration of impacts and effects reported in Sections 7.5 and 7.6.
7.4.2 The majority of land-use within or adjacent to the Proposed Scheme is arable agriculture with hedgerows and tree lines. Much of the remainder is improved and amenity grassland, whilst there are a limited number of blocks of broad leaved semi-natural woodland and coniferous plantation.
7.4.3 Statutory and non-statutory designated sites are shown on maps CT‑01-59 to CT‑01-61 and CT‑02-22.
7.4.4 There are no statutory designated sites located within 500m of the Proposed Scheme.
7.4.5 Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) in Staffordshire are either Sites of Biological Importance (SBI) or Biodiversity Alert Sites (BAS); both are considered to be of county/metropolitan value. Those which are located within the extent of or adjacent to the Proposed Scheme or are considered potentially subject to significant effects are relevant to the assessment. There are five SBIs and two BASs which meet these criteria: • Rookery SBI lies within the Proposed Scheme and consists of ancient and semi-natural woodland. It consists of young birch/oak wood with a shrub layer dominated by rhododendron; • Waggoner’s Lane (Hedge 1) SBI lies within the Proposed Scheme and is an ancient semi- natural hedgerow dominated by ash; • Roundhill Wood SBI, lies within the Proposed Scheme and contains ancient and semi- natural woodland supporting a relatively even-aged sycamore canopy, with remnant original native canopy of oak/birch/ash wood; • Black-Bourne Brook Corridor: B.B. Bridge to Heart of England Way BAS, the eastern boundary of which lies adjacent to the Proposed Scheme. This is a large area comprising a mix of many habitat types along the Black-Bourne Brook;
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• Snake’s Hill and River Oxbow, Black-Bourne Brook SBI lies adjacent to the Proposed Scheme and forms a mix of river, woodland and grassland/marsh habitats comprising four sub sites; • Ford (Oxbow Woodland) to Botley House, Black-Bourne Brook Corridor BAS is adjacent to the Proposed Scheme and immediately downstream of Snake’s Hill and River Oxbow, Black-Bourne Brook SBI. It is predominantly semi-improved grassland with areas of wetland species; and • Moor Covert and Pool SBI contains a mature mixed deciduous/conifer plantation with an adjacent pool lying just outside the Proposed Scheme. However, the feeder stream to the pool originates from within the Proposed Scheme.
7.4.6 Other habitats located outside of the designated sites identified above and which are relevant to the assessment include the following: • Watercourses – In addition to Black-Bourne Brook Corridor LWS (see above), Gallows Brook and Langley Brook (tributaries of the River Tame) and two Black-Bourne Brook minor tributaries are all crossed by the Proposed Scheme. Gallows Brook and Langley Brook are considered unlikely to be of greater value than district/borough; • Water bodies – There are 13 ponds and five ditches within the Proposed Scheme. The water bodies within the Proposed Scheme are considered unlikely to be of greater than district/ borough value; • Woodland – Job’s Plantation lies within the extent of the Proposed Scheme and is plantation woodland (thought to be approximately 20-30 years in age) that is predominately coniferous, but has small proportion of broadleaf trees. It is situated on higher ground above the Black-Bourne Brook and is considered to be no more than district/ borough value; • Hedgerows – Much of the area is managed arable agricultural land with hedgerows which tend to be species poor and influenced by agricultural chemicals. However, they act as green corridors for wildlife movement and as such are considered to be of local/parish value; and • Grassland – The majority of grassland within or adjacent to the Proposed Scheme are improved or semi-improved and as such are considered to be of no more than local/parish value.
7.4.7 A summary of the likely value of species covered by the assessment (excluding any features of species interest for which the sites described above are designated) is provided in Table 8.
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Resource/Receptor Value Rationale
Leisler’s bat Up to county/metropolitan Limited data. Leisler’s bats have been recorded during activity surveys. The species’ status in Staffordshire is unknown, but is rare in neighbouring Warwickshire.
Hazel dormouse Up to county/metropolitan Rare in Staffordshire (not recorded for 3 years) and restricted to suitable habitat types (such as broad-leaved woodland). Has yet to be identified in the vicinity of the route but suitable habitat is present.
Water vole Up to county/metropolitan Limited extent of remaining populations, restricted to suitable watercourses and vulnerable to a range of factors, scarce in the county. Possible evidence from survey of Black-Bourne Brook, together with some desk study records for the watercourse from 2001 and one record from 2008.
Grey partridge and tree Up to county/metropolitan No surveys undertaken during 2012. However, winter surveys suggest sparrow resident populations of grey partridge and tree sparrow which may be of county/metropolitan value based on desk study information.
Amphibians Up to county/metropolitan Limited surveys and only two small populations of smooth newt found to date. There are 13 ponds and five ditches within the Proposed Scheme, of these two were surveyed for amphibians in 2012 and were found to support small populations of common amphibians (smooth newt) but no great crested newt.
White clawed crayfish Up to county/metropolitan No records from field survey and no records from desk study for last two years. Declining presence in the county and considered unlikely to be present.
Bats (other species) Up to district/borough Field surveys have confirmed five species. There are a total of three confirmed building roosts. All are summer/non-breeding roosts for pipistrelle and/or brown long-eared bats.
Otter Up to district/borough Species with large home range. Restricted to certain habitat types but which have increasing populations in the UK and in the county. No evidence found to date although habitat identified as suitable.
Fish Unlikely to be more than Existing Environment Agency data indicate the Black-Bourne Brook district/borough contains a mixed fishery with species of conservation importance (bullhead) and brown trout which is considered to be uncommon within watercourses within the district. Awaiting survey data for other watercourses.
Terrestrial invertebrates Up to district/borough Assemblage using Roundhill Wood SBI, including nationally scare hoverfly. Majority of suitable habitat within the Proposed Scheme is of negligible value for invertebrates.
Breeding birds Up to local/parish The majority of the land within the Proposed Scheme is arable (excluding tree sparrow and grass farmland; this is considered to be widespread in the and grey partridge) surrounding area.
Wintering birds Up to local/parish Wintering bird surveys show limited habitats for wintering birds and (excluding tree sparrow no large populations. and grey partridge)
Badger Unlikely to be more than Common and widespread in the UK. local/parish
Reptiles Unlikely to be more than No surveys undertaken and only common reptile species are likely to local/parish be present in low numbers; limited habitat suitability.
Aquatic macro- Unlikely to be more than Existing Environment Agency data, 2km upstream of the Proposed invertebrates local/parish Scheme, indicate a species poor community of “low” conservation importance as assessed by Community Conservation Index (CCI). Lack of data available for other watercourses.
Table 8: Preliminary evaluation of likely value of protected and/or notable species occurring within this section of the route
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7.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
7.5.1 The following section considers the impacts and effects on ecological receptors as a consequence of construction of the Proposed Scheme. All assessments made are provisional, based on the preliminary assessment of baseline value as presented in Section 7.4 of this report.
7.5.2 The following measures have been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme and avoid or reduce impacts on features of ecological value: • Raising the vertical alignment of the Proposed Scheme through Hints, thus reducing land take within Job’s Hill Plantation; • Changes to alignment north of the A5/A51 have reduced land take and the number of building demolitions (some of which have the potential to support roosting bats) within Packington Moor; • Areas have been identified to mitigate the direct impact on Rookery SBI and Roundhill Wood SBI. Measures being considered within these areas include: ȃȃ Translocation of woodland soil and associated seed bank to new woodland creation areas along with suitable coppice stools to allow natural regeneration of woodland habitat; ȃȃ Additional planting on existing soils adjacent to retained areas of woodland to increase the size of woodland blocks and reduce edge effects; ȃȃ Collection of seeds from existing woodland to ensure local provenance and trialling of seed material; and ȃȃ Long-term management for newly created woodland;
• Translocation of hedgerow from Waggoner’s Lane (Hedge 1) SBI; • Provision of approximately 4ha of species rich grassland provision/improvements to the east of the Proposed Scheme within Hints as replacement for direct loss within Ford (Oxbow Woodland) to Botley House, Black-Bourne Brook Corridor BAS and adjacent species-rich undesignated grassland; and • Heathland/acid grassland creation area of approximately 19ha near the A51 to replace and translocate habitat otherwise lost within Whittington Heath Golf Club LWS (which is located within Whittington to Handsacre CFA (CFA 22)). This would include translocation of turf and/or topsoil of affected heathland and grassland. Habitat creation in the form of ponds and habitat features as a receptor site for amphibians and reptiles would also be provided within the same area as well as features beneficial to terrestrial invertebrates.
7.5.3 The assessment also assumes implementation of the measures set out in the draft CoCP, which includes translocation of protected species where appropriate. The following measures are considered of particular relevance to proposed works in this section of the route: minimisation of vehicle movements and adherence to designated vehicle routes would be necessary to limit adverse effects on Rookery and Roundhill Wood SBIs; control of run-off from construction works and material stockpiles will also be important to reduce the effects on Black-Bourne Brook and its associated designated areas and also to protect the water source for the pool within Moor Covert and Pool SBI.
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7.5.4 The Proposed Scheme would result in the permanent loss of approximately 0.76ha of ancient semi-natural woodland within Roundhill Wood SBI, which is approximately 19% of the 4.1ha SBI. The Proposed Scheme would result in the permanent loss of approximately 1.25ha of ancient woodland within the Rookery SBI or almost 17% of the total SBI area of 7.5ha. Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and this loss, as well as edge effects on the retained woodland, would result in a permanent adverse effect on site integrity at bothSBIs, which would in each case be significant at the county/metropolitan level.
7.5.5 The loss of ponds and associated terrestrial habitat could have an adverse effect on the conservation status of amphibian populations. The current survey information on amphibian populations is limited and as such it is not certain that mitigation included within the Proposed Scheme is sufficient to mitigate effects on amphibian populations.Consequently , significant effects could be encountered up to county/metropolitan value. Depending on the results of amphibian surveys in 2013, further mitigation could be required, but which could also benefit some amphibian populations which are in poorly managed ponds within arable habitats.
7.5.6 There will be a loss of secondary woodland such as at Job’s Plantation. Due to loss of woodland habitats in the years immediately after construction (no less than 20 years), there would be a temporary adverse effect on the conservation status of woodlands, which would be significant at up to the district/borough level. However, mitigation planting, as described above, would include a diverse mix of woodland and scrub habitats and new woodland creation areas would be located adjacent to retained woodlands (including the retained parts of Roundhill SBI and Rookery SBI) to try to avoid reduction in the size of woodland blocks and to try and reduce edge effects. Eventually these mitigation measures could have a permanent beneficial effect on secondary woodland habitats up to a district/borough vel.le
7.5.7 Waggoner’s Lane (Hedge1) SBI is an ancient hedgerow, with over 50% of the length of the hedgerow within the extent of the Proposed Scheme. To avoid a loss of this botanically important feature, which would adversely affect the conservation status of theSBI and would be significant at a county/metropolitan level, the proposed translocation of the hedgerow to an adjacent plot should aid mitigation of the effects of construction.Although the success of the translocation cannot be guaranteed, suitable management of the re-sited hedge could conserve its important species composition, such that the effects on its existing nature conservation value should be no greater than district/borough.
7.5.8 The main construction impact on bats in this section of the route is anticipated to include: • Loss of several roosts used by common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats at the Barn Cottage complex; • Severance of commuting and foraging routes and reduced connectivity between fragments of broad-leaved woodland in the Hints area around Job’s Hill, Rookery SBI and Roundhill Wood SBI; and • Displacement due to disturbance and habitat disruption.
7.5.9 Future assessment will be based upon the results of further surveys in 2013. Pending results from those surveys, there is the potential for a permanent adverse effect on the conservation status of Leisler’s bats which could be significant at up to the county/metropolitan level, due to its relative rarity. Impacts on other bat species could result in a permanent adverse effect on conservation of the species concerned which would be significant at up to the district/borough level.
7.5.10 The culverting of the Gallows Brook has the potential to result in the loss of natural channel and bank side habitats. This would be considered a permanent adverse effect on the riverine habitat that is significant up to the district/borough level.
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7.5.11 There are ponds and ditches within the Proposed Scheme which are considered to be of value at up to a district/borough level. Loss of these water bodies could adversely affect the conservation status of these habitats. However, there is currently provision for replacement of some ponds within the Proposed Scheme (mentioned above for amphibians) and the residual effect is therefore considered unlikely to be significant at more than the local/parish level.
7.5.12 A viaduct or bridge is proposed over the Black-Bourne Brook Corridor: B.B. Bridge to Heart of England Way BAS. Disturbance may dissuade animals, such as otters, from using the corridor during construction activities. However, this negative impact would be temporary and would not impact the integrity of the SBI and no significant effect is anticipated. However, there may be permanent shading impacts of vegetation within the brook as a result of the new structure. This could result in localised reductions in plant productivity but is unlikely to affect the integrity of the site or the use of the brook as a wildlife corridor so no significant effect is anticipated.
7.5.13 Hazel dormouse, water vole and white clawed crayfish have not yet been recorded within the study area and it is considered unlikely that they would be present, therefore no effects on these species are anticipated.
7.5.14 A summary of likely residual significant effects is provided in Table 9. Local/parish effects, which in combination may be significant, will be described in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
7.5.15 Taking into account mitigation included in the design of the Proposed Scheme, anticipated significant residual ecological effects during construction are detailed inT able 9.
Resource/Receptor Residual effect Level of significance
Rookery SBI Permanent adverse effect on site integrity due to loss of County/metropolitan 1.25ha of ancient semi-natural woodland.
Roundhill Wood SBI Permanent adverse effect on site integrity due to loss of County/metropolitan 0.76ha of ancient semi-natural woodland.
Amphibians Potential permanent adverse effect due to loss of ponds Up to county/metropolitan potentially suitable for amphibians and associated terrestrial habitat.
Waggoner’s Lane (Hedgerow Permanent adverse effect on site integrity. Level at which Up to district/borough 1) SBI effect is significant would be limited by translocation of hedgerow to an adjacent plot and suitable management.
Leisler’s bat Potential permanent adverse effect on conservation status Up to county/metropolitan due to loss of roosts, disturbance of roosting bats and loss or severance of commuting/foraging habitats.
Undesignated secondary Permanent beneficial effect following establishment of Up to district/borough woodland woodland mitigation planting (at least 20 years).
Gallows Brook Permanent adverse effect due to direct loss of habitat and Up to district/borough severance of wildlife corridor.
Bat (all other species) Potential permanent adverse effect on conservation status Up to district/borough due to loss of roosts, disturbance of roosting bats and loss or severance of commuting/foraging habitats.
Table 9: Significant residual construction effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route
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Further mitigation
7.5.16 Further measures currently being considered but which are not yet part of the design include: • Creation of woodland and hedgerow links to reduce the effects of habitat severance; • Provision of measures to facilitate the passage of species across the route where significant foraging or commuting routes would be disturbed; • The provision of alternative sites for roosting bats in suitable locations, as required based on further survey results; • Watercourse enhancement adjacent to culvert and viaduct crossing points to address loss of natural bank habitat and effects from shading; • Reducing impacts on aquatic invertebrate and fish communities through appropriate culvert design, in part to allow fish passage by maintaining adequate flow depth and velocity; • Provision of additional replacement ponds at suitable locations, as required based on further survey results; and • Creation of species-rich grassland on the cutting and embankment slopes of the Proposed Scheme, which could benefit reptiles and invertebrates by providing foraging and basking habitat. 7.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
7.6.1 The following section considers the potential effects on ecological receptors during operation of the Proposed Scheme. Assessments made are provisional, based on the preliminary assessments of baseline value presented in Section 7.4 of this report.
7.6.2 No specific mitigation measures have been included as part of the design of the Proposed Scheme which avoid or reduce impacts on features of ecological value in this section of the route.
7.6.3 Bats could be subject to impacts such as train strike, the risks of which could be increased by air turbulence from passing trains, disturbance from noise, vibration, lighting and visual cues. The potential risk to bats of train strike is likely to be higher where the route passes through woodland habitat or linear features such as hedgerows which bats could use as commuting or foraging habitat. Disturbance could also lead to displacement (i.e. animals avoiding the area which receives high levels of disturbance and possibly abandoning roosts).
7.6.4 Potential impacts on Leisler’s bats could result in a permanent adverse effect on the conservation status of the species, which would be significant at up to the county/ metropolitan level. Potential permanent adverse effects on the conservation status of other bat species could be significant at up to the district/borough level.
7.6.5 Further work will be carried out for the formal ES to assess the impacts of the Proposed Scheme on bats.
7.6.6 A summary of likely residual significant effects is provided in Table 10. Local/parish effects, which in combination may be significant, will be described in the formal ES.
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Likely residual significant effects
7.6.7 Taking into account mitigation included as part of the Proposed Scheme design, the anticipated significant residual ecological effects during operation are detailed inT able 10.
Resource/Receptor Residual effect Level of significance
Leisler’s bat Potential permanent adverse effect on Up to county/metropolitan conservation status due to mortality through train strike and disturbance.
Bats (all other species) Potential permanent adverse effect on Up to district/borough conservation status due to mortality through train strike and disturbance.
Table 10: Significant residual operational effects on ecological receptors within this section of the route Further mitigation
7.6.8 Further measures currently being considered but which are not yet part of the design include: • A programme of monitoring the movement of bats and birds would be considered further to monitor the operational effect of the Proposed Scheme; and • Provision of measures to facilitate the passage of species across the route where significant foraging or commuting routes would be disturbed.
62 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Land quality 8 Land quality 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects to land quality and geology, as a result of the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme. Consideration is given to land that contains contamination and land that has special geological significance, either from a scientific, mining or mineral resources point of view, including: geological SSSI, local geological sites (LGS), areas of current underground or opencast mining, and areas of designated mineral resources.
8.1.2 Areas of land have been identified, both within and adjacent to construction areas, that could affect or be affected by the construction of the route because they are contaminated (for example, contaminated soils may need to be removed or the construction may alter existing contamination pathways). Each of these areas has been studied in order to determine the scale of any potential impacts caused by existing contamination and what needs to be done to avoid significant consequences to people and the wider environment. In addition, a review has been undertaken to establish whether the operation of the Proposed Scheme would lead to contamination of its surroundings and what needs to be done to prevent such contamination. This process is known as a contamination risk assessment. 8.2 Policy framework 8.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to land quality are set out below.
8.2.2 The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan contains policies that encourage the efficient use and conservation of mineral resources (Policies MW3, MW4), the management of important semi-natural habitats and sites of national nature conservation, including sites of geological value (Policy NC6). Policy NC7B states that development likely to have an adverse effect on such resources will only be permitted where the reasons for development outweigh the conservation value. The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Minerals Local Plan 1994-2006 contains policies that seek to safeguard mineral resources against sterilisation from development.
8.2.3 At a local level, relevant policies of the adopted Lichfield District Local Plan include Policy E.17 which relates to the need for remediation measures when developing contaminated land and Policies E.18A and E.18B which address development affecting nature conservation sites. The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy contains Core Policy 3 which requires developers to remediate contamination and avoid the sterilisation of mineral resources. Policy NR3 and Policy NR5 aim to protect and enhance geo-diversity and natural and historic landscapes. 8.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 8.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the land quality assessment are set out in Volume 1.
8.3.2 The study area for the land quality assessment is defined as the permanent and temporary land take area, plus the area 250m from the edge of construction activities.
8.3.3 Engagement is being undertaken with Lichfield District Council regarding contaminated land and Staffordshire County Council regarding mineral resources.
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8.4 Environmental baseline Geology
8.4.1 Areas of made ground are shown on the geological mapping within the study area. These relate to infilled marl pits located to the east of Upper House Farm (map CT‑01-59, I2). There are likely to be other areas of unmapped made ground associated with existing infrastructure such as highways.
8.4.2 Superficial Deposits above the bedrock are sparse. Two areas of River Alluvium and two areas of Glacial Till would be intersected by the Proposed Scheme. The River Alluvium surrounds an unnamed stream between Shirrall Hall Farm (map CT‑01-59, G2) and Oak Farm (map CT‑01- 59, H7) and the Black-Bourne Brook located between Hints and Weeford. Glacial Till is present between Drayton Lane and the A453 to the east of Drayton Lane End Farm and in an isolated pocket to the south of Whittington Heath Golf Club.
8.4.3 Mudstones and siltstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group underlie the Proposed Scheme almost as far north as Roundhill Wood. Sandstones, mudstones and siltstones of the Enville Member form the bedrock as far as the Black-Bourne Brook. North of the Black-Bourne Brook to the end of the study area, the bedrock comprises sandstones and conglomerate of the Kidderminster Formation and pebbly sandstones of the Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation. Groundwater and surface water
8.4.4 There are four categories of aquifer identified within the study area.The Kidderminster Formation and Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation are classified as Principal Aquifers18. The Enville Member and the River Alluvium are classified as Secondary A Aquifers and the Mercia Mudstone Group is classified as a Secondary B Aquifer19,20. The Glacial Till is classified as Unproductive Strata.
8.4.5 A total catchment groundwater Source Protection Zone (SPZ) 3 encompasses the Proposed Scheme from Black-Bourne Brook as far north as the A51 Tamworth Road. This SPZ relates to a public water supply borehole located between Lichfield and Streethay which abstracts from the Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation.
8.4.6 There is one licensed groundwater abstraction within the study area, relating to use in general agriculture. A further four licensed groundwater abstractions are located within 1km of the Proposed Scheme.
8.4.7 The Proposed Scheme would intersect several tributaries of both Langley Brook and Black- Bourne Brook and Black-Bourne Brook itself at a point roughly equidistant between Hints in the east and Weeford in the west. The Proposed Scheme would be constructed on viaduct or embankment in these locations. Numerous ponds are present in the study area.
8.4.8 Groundwater and surface water resources are discussed in more detail in Section 13 – Water resources and flood risk assessment.
18 Layers of rock or drift deposits that have high intergranular and/or fracture permeability – meaning they usually provide a high level of water storage. They may support water supply and/or river base flow on a strategic scale. 19 Permeable layers capable of supporting water supplies at a local rather than strategic scale, and in some cases forming an important source of base flow to rivers. 20 Predominantly lower permeability layers which may store and yield limited amounts of groundwater due to localised features such as fissures, thin permeable horizons and weathering.
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Current and historic land use
8.4.9 The principal historical land uses with the potential to have caused contamination are a number of former tanks located within the study area which could have been used to store fuels and oils and a former barracks garage, now a plant hire depot. Historical maps indicate the presence of tanks at Drayton Lane End Farm (map CT‑03-59, E4) and White House Farm (map CT‑03-59, B4), and the barracks garage was located off the A51 Tamworth Road, adjacent to Whittington Heath Golf Club (map CT‑03-61, A5). If the garage was used for the maintenance and repair of military vehicles, potential contaminants could include fuels, oils, solvents and paints.
8.4.10 Other historical land uses identified within the study area with the potential to have caused contamination include infilled pits, infilled ponds and infilled domestic water wells and former sheep dips. The pits, ponds and domestic water wells may have been manually infilled with a variety of waste materials and are a potential source of landfill gas. otentialP contaminants from sheep dips include insecticides and fungicides.
8.4.11 Current potentially contaminative land uses include a number of farmsteads located within the study area. Farmsteads have been included as a potential source of contamination because they may store and use fuels, oils, and pesticides.
8.4.12 The higher risk sites (both historic and current land uses) identified by the assessment comprise Bucks Head Farm (map CT‑03-60, C4/5) between Hints in the east and Weeford in the west and Packington Moor (map CT‑03-61, F5), off Jerry’s Lane21. Both of these farmsteads would be intersected by the Proposed Scheme in cutting. Mining/mineral resources
8.4.13 The study area encroaches on Hints Quarry, an active sand and gravel quarry extending to the south-west of the village of Hopwas. However, the area of extraction lies outside of the study area, with only the quarry access road lying adjacent to the permanent and temporary land take.
8.4.14 There are no Areas of Search or Preferred Areas in relation to mineral resources in the study area22.
8.4.15 Two sand and gravel Mineral Consultation Areas (MCA) related to the Kidderminster Formation would be crossed by the Proposed Scheme. One is located immediately north of the Black-Bourne Brook and the other is located between Horsley Farm and the A51. The MCAs are shown on maps CT‑03-60 and CT‑03-61. Geo-conservation resources
8.4.16 There are no geological conservation resources identified within the study area. Receptors
8.4.17 Contaminated land can affect people living or working on or adjacent to the route of the Proposed Scheme, surface and groundwater in the vicinity, the nearby farmland or ecological receptors and the built environment.
21 The definition of ‘higher risk’ sites in this instance relates to the contamination potential of the source, the type of construction works that are proposed close to or at that location (e.g. tunnel, cutting or embankment) and the proximity of receptors e.g. people, groundwater bodies etc. 22 Areas where mineral deposits are known to exist and where the County Council considers there would be least planning objection to mineral extraction taking place.
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8.5 Construction Land contamination Assessment of impacts and mitigation
8.5.1 This section of the route is set in a rural area to the west of Tamworth and to the north-east of Sutton Coldfield. Construction of the Proposed Scheme through this section of the route would mostly require cut below existing ground levels. However, there are three areas of embankment or viaduct spanning surface watercourses in this route section. Works would include earthworks, utility diversions, highways diversions and other activities.
8.5.2 The draft CoCP sets out the measures and standards of work that would be applied to the construction of the Proposed Scheme. Its requirements would ensure the effective management and control of contaminated land issues by contractors including: • Methods to control waste, dust and vapours; • Methods to control spillage and prevent contamination of adjacent areas; and • Management of unexpected contamination through identification, disposal methods or potential for reuse.
8.5.3 The draft CoCP requires that a programme of ground investigation would take place prior to construction in order to confirm areas of contamination and a risk assessment undertaken to determine what, if any, site-specific remediation measures would be required to allow the Proposed Scheme to be constructed safely and to prevent harmful future migration of contaminants. Any remediation scheme would be discussed with the regulatory authorities.
8.5.4 The Proposed Scheme would pass through Bucks Head Farm and Packington Moor in cutting. Localised mobilisation of contaminants during construction may increase the potential for migration of contaminants to groundwater.
8.5.5 The probability of the remobilised contamination reaching the groundwater is considered higher during construction but although the groundwater is classified as a PrincipalAquifer , the consequence would be minor because of the nature and localised scale of potential contamination anticipated. The effect of mobilisation of potential contamination is assessed as not significant.
8.5.6 Contaminated soils excavated from the site, wherever feasible, will be treated as necessary to remove or render any contamination inactive, and reused within the Proposed Scheme where needed and suitable for use. Techniques are likely to include stabilisation methods, soil washing and bio-remediation to remove oil contaminants. Contaminated soil disposed of off‑site would be taken to a soil treatment facility, another construction site (for treatment, as necessary, and reuse) or an appropriately permitted landfill site.
8.5.7 Site compounds would be located at various locations along the Proposed Scheme. The compounds would include staff welfare facilities, maintenance facilities for plant and machinery and fuel storage in bunded tanks. The locations and uses of construction compounds in the route section are listed in Table 1, Section 2.3.
8.5.8 Whilst the construction compounds would store and use potentially contaminative materials such as fuels, oils and solvents, they would be managed in accordance with the CoCP, thus minimising the impacts of contamination from these sources.
8.5.9 It is considered unlikely that additional remediation works would be required over and above the mitigation measures contained as standard within the draft CoCP.
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Likely residual significant effects
8.5.10 There would be a local beneficial impact after construction should contaminated soils be excavated or treated at Bucks Head Farm and Packington Moor. However, these effects are not considered to be significant because only localised sources of contamination have been identified in these areas and widespread contamination is not expected.
8.5.11 No residual adverse significant effects are anticipated. Further mitigation
8.5.12 As no significant residual effects have been identified, no further mitigation is currently proposed. Mining/mineral resources Assessment of impacts and mitigation
8.5.13 There are considered to be no adverse impacts on Hints Quarry in relation to the Proposed Scheme.
8.5.14 Construction of the Proposed Scheme would affect existing mineral reserves within the MCAs. Potential minor adverse impacts are anticipated at the two sand and gravel MCAs. The effect is assessed as not significant because there would only be slight sterilisation or severance of a large local reserve. It is possible that mineral extraction could be undertaken in advance of, or during, construction of the Proposed Scheme through the MCAs.
8.5.15 A plan would be discussed in advance of the construction works with the land owner and Staffordshire County Council, with the aim of establishing effective management of minerals in these locations. Extraction of all or part of the resources would reduce the impact. Likely residual significant effects
8.5.16 Residual effects are not considered to be significant. Geo-conservation resources Assessment of impacts and mitigation
8.5.17 There are no geo-conservation areas such as geological SSSI or LGS in the study area. Residual effects
8.5.18 No residual effects have been identified at this time. 8.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
8.6.1 Maintenance and operation of the railway would be in accordance with environmental legislation and best practice. Spillage and pollution response procedures similar to those outlined in the draft CoCP would be established for all high risk activities and employees would be trained in responding to such incidents.
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8.6.2 The Proposed Scheme would include the siting of two auto-transformer stations within this route section. The Middleton auto-transformer station would be located to the east of the Proposed Scheme and to the south of Oak Dairy Farm. The Rookery Lane auto-transformer station would be located to the west of the Proposed Scheme, roughly equidistant between the A5 dual carriageway and Tamworth Lane. An auto-transformer station can, in principle, be a source of contamination through accidental discharge or leaks of coolants. However, the proposed auto-transformer station, in common with other modern substations, would use secondary containment appropriate to the level of risk.
8.6.3 There exists the potential of minor leakage of hydraulic or lubricating oils from the trains. However, such leakage or spillage is expected to be very small and would not lead to any significant contamination. Likely residual significant effects
8.6.4 Residual pollution associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme is not considered to be significant.
68 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Landscape and visual assessment 9 Landscape and visual assessment 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 This section of the report presents the assessment of the likely significant landscape and visual effects. It starts by describing the current conditions found within and around the route of the Proposed Scheme, the nature and pattern of buildings, streets, open space and vegetation and their relationships within the environment. A summary of the significant effects that would arise from construction and operation on landscape character areas and visual receptors is provided. 9.2 Policy framework 9.2.1 The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan Policy D2 seeks high quality design in all development, including an appropriate response to surrounding context and integration of existing landscape features. Structure Plan Policy NC1 Protection of the Countryside: General Considerations applies strict controls to safeguard the countryside for its own sake. The policy also includes a requirement for mitigation of adverse effects arising from development, supplemented by the specific provisions of Policies NC6, NC7, NC7A and NC7B in relation to particular habitats and sites designated for their nature conservation value.
9.2.2 Policy NC13 seeks to improve the management and conservation of existing woodlands and important trees and hedgerows, particularly where they contribute to landscape character and quality; and Policies QE5 and QE6 require development proposals to respect local landscape character and distinctiveness. Policy QE3: Creating a High Quality Built Environment for All sets out a series of criteria including: the promotion of public art in design; assessing and minimising the impacts of light pollution; and creating safe environments that discourage crime. Land within the green belt is protected from development that would adversely affect the purpose of the designation (Policy D5A) or be considered inappropriate (Policy D5B) – the railway does not fall into the categories of development that would normally be considered within the green belt.
9.2.3 The adopted Lichfield District Local Plan policies most relevant for this assessment include: • The presumption against inappropriate development in the designated green belt (Policy E.4), which covers the entire area, including the settlements of Hints and Weeford but excluding the defined village envelope of Drayton Bassett (Policy E.6); • High quality design in new development (Policy DC.1), including the retention of important landscape, archaeological features and areas of nature conservation interest within proposals; • The preservation of listed buildings (Policy C.1) and the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area in Hints (Policies C.2 and C.3); and • The preservation and management of trees, woodlands and hedgerows in the interests of nature conservation, biodiversity and visual amenity (Policies E.3, DC.17 and DC.18).
9.2.4 The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy, generally follows the policy direction of the adopted Lichfield District Local Plan, particularly in terms of environmental protection and promoting a high quality of design for the built environment. It maintains the requirement for suitable mitigation to be provided where development would have unavoidable adverse effects on sites of ecological, natural and historic interest draft( Core Policy 13, Policy NR1, Policy NR2, Policy NR3, Policy NR5 and Policy NR6), to develop multifunctional green infrastructure across the district (Policy NR6) and to compensate for
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any loss of trees. In the case of ancient woodland, draft Policy NR4: Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows introduces the statement that any loss of veteran trees would also be resisted.
9.2.5 Core Policy 13: Our Natural Resources particularly emphasises the importance of the district’s ecological networks and promotes restoration and creation of new habitats, veteran trees, tree and woodland planting and local nature reserves as part of development proposals. Policy BE.1 promotes high quality development across the district and includes reference to protecting and enhancing the character and distinctiveness of the district and its settlements, using natural resources prudently and maximising opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity, geodiversity and green infrastructure.
9.2.6 There are also new policy themes which relate to the promotion of limited development at Fazeley on the edge of Tamworth (Policies FAZ2 and FAZ3), chiefly within the existing built-up area; and the protection of the existing retail function of Mile Oak (also on the edge of Tamworth), which is located approximately 2km north of the route. Existing tourist attractions, including the Central Rivers Initiative (which is crossed by the HS2 route) and Drayton Manor Park continue to be supported and promoted by draft Core Policy 9: Tourism. 9.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 9.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the landscape and visual assessment are set out in Volume 1. The extent of the landscape and visual study area, the distribution of visual receptors viewpoints and the location of verifiable photomontages have been discussed with Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and Tamworth Borough Council. Landscape characterisation for the study area has been discussed with Natural England. Field surveys were undertaken from March 2012 to April 2013, including photographic studies of LCAs and visual assessment of viewpoints. Further surveys will be undertaken during 2013 and reported in the formal ES. 9.4 Environmental baseline 9.4.1 The following section sets out the baseline conditions for the landscape and visual assessment in the study area. Maps LV-11-58 to LV-11-61 show the location of landscape character areas and visual receptor viewpoints. Photomontages have been produced for viewpoints 338-3-003 (figure LV-12-61), 339-3-002 (figure LV-12-62) and 341-4-007 (figure LV-12-63) as representative of the area.
9.4.2 This area is located across landform gently rising to an elevated plateau close to Whittington Barracks, with some small scale valleys. Land use is predominantly arable and pasture, with some areas of agricultural diversification and significant quarrying.The area is typified by small villages, hamlets and isolated properties, but is also close to major settlements such as Lichfield and Tamworth. Principal historic landscape elements include a concentration of scheduled monuments to the south-east of Fradley. The landscape around Lichfield provides an important part of the setting for Lichfield Cathedral with its three spires. The M6 Toll and the A38 form a single transport corridor in the area, with the A4091 and the A453 providing links to Tamworth and Fazeley. The A5, Rock Hill (Watling Street) and the A51 are located further north within the study area. Landscape character assessment
9.4.3 Landscape character areas (LCAs) are defined as areas with broadly homogenous characteristics and are influenced by national and district published character assessments. The Proposed Scheme in this area is located within national character area (NCA) 67: Cannock Chase and Cank Woodlands, and NCA 69: Trent Valley Washlands, as defined by the Character
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of England mapping and Natural England23. For the purposes of this assessment, the study area has been subdivided into three discrete LCAs.
9.4.4 Sandstone Hills and Heaths LCA, an undulating agricultural farmland deeply cut by stream valleys, has a high sensitivity to change. The Lowland Village Farmlands LCA, a rolling lowland landscape of large nucleated villages set amongst mixed agriculture and Sandstone Estatelands LCA, a rolling lowland landscape of woodlands, parklands and heathlands, have a medium sensitivity to change. Visual baseline
9.4.5 Viewpoints, spilt into residential, recreational and transport have been selected in liaison with Staffordshire County Council and Lichfield District Council to represent groups of receptors within the study area. There are no known protected views within the area.
9.4.6 Residential receptors (i.e. residents) have a high sensitivity to change and are located at Flats Lane, Tamworth Lane, Rock Hill (Watling Street), Hints and the edges of Drayton Bassett, as well as scattered isolated properties such as farmhouses and cottages. Recreational receptors also have a high sensitivity to change, and are concentrated along PRoW throughout the area, including several locations along the Heart of England Way. People staying in hotels and healthcare institutions have a medium sensitivity to change. Swinfen Hall Hotel, adjacent to Her Majesty’s Youth Custody Centre, is located in this area. Transport receptors (i.e. users of public or private transport) on scenic roads have a medium sensitivity. Employment and active sports receptors have low sensitivity to change. 9.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
9.5.1 Due to the scale of the construction activities, works would be highly visible in many locations and would have the potential to give rise to significant effects which cannot be mitigated.This is commonplace with construction of major infrastructure projects, but it should be noted that these effects are temporary in nature and relate to the peak construction phase. Effects during other phases of works are likely to be reduced due to less construction equipment being required at the time and a lower intensity of construction activity.
9.5.2 Measures that have been incorporated into the draft CoCP to avoid or reduce landscape and visual effects during construction include: • Maximising the retention and protection of existing trees and vegetation, where reasonably practicable; • Use of well-maintained hoardings and fencing; • Replacement of any trees intended to be retained which may be accidentally felled or die as a consequence of construction works; • Early implementation of planting and other landscape measures where there is no conflict with construction activities or other requirements of the Proposed Scheme; and • Appropriate maintenance of planting and seeding works and implementation of management measures, to continue through the construction period as landscape works are completed.
9.5.3 These measures have been taken account of in the assessment of the construction effects in this section.
23 Natural England (1996), The Character of England 1996, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx. Accessed: 8 January 2013.
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Landscape assessment
9.5.4 The key changes to the landscape character, as a result of the construction activities, would relate to the presence of construction plant including cranes, construction activity, development of worksites and compounds, temporary construction features such as road and utility diversions and stockpiles, construction of embankments, excavation work for cuttings and balancing ponds, and the removal of existing landscape elements.
9.5.5 Changes would be most notable along the realigned transport routes of the A5, Waggoner’s Lane, the A453 Sutton Road/Cranebrook Lane, Shirrall Drive and Drayton Lane, and the emerging construction including Drayton Bassett embankment, cutting and viaduct, Black Brook viaduct, the Middleton auto-transformer station, Sutton Road overbridge and Drayton Bassett footbridge. The presence of the construction plant, construction of the viaducts and cuttings and the removal of vegetation would result in changes to the landscape character during construction. The topography in certain locations and the retention of intervening hedgerows and trees would partially screen low level construction activity.
9.5.6 Table 11 summarises the LCAs that would be significantly affected during construction of the Proposed Scheme.
LCA Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of LCA of change to LCA
Lowland Village Farmlands LCA Medium High Major adverse Presence of construction activities; losses of field ponds; permanent loss of trees and hedgerows; changes to patterns of settlement.
Sandstone Hills and Heaths LCA High High Major adverse Presence of construction activities; losses of characteristic linear belts of trees and other watercourse vegetation; permanent loss of trees and hedgerows; impact on setting of Hints.
Sandstone Estatelands LCA Medium Medium Moderate Presence of construction activities; permanent loss of trees and hedgerows. adverse
Table 11: Significant landscape effects during construction Visual assessment
9.5.7 The most apparent changes to views during construction would relate to the presence of construction plant including cranes, construction activity, development of worksites and compounds, temporary construction features such as road and utility diversions and stockpiles, construction of embankments, excavation work for cuttings and balancing ponds and the removal of existing landscape elements.
9.5.8 Changes would be most notable along the realigned transport routes of the A5, Waggoner’s Lane, the A453 Sutton Road/Cranebrook Lane, Shirrall Drive and Drayton Lane and the emerging construction, including Drayton Bassett embankment, cutting and viaduct, the Middleton auto-transformer station, the A453 Sutton Road overbridge and Drayton Bassett footbridge. The height of the construction plant and the viaducts and the close proximity of construction activities to viewpoints, coupled with the absence of intervening screening (apart from the site hoardings) would result in significant visual effects during construction. The topography in certain locations and the retention of intervening hedgerows and trees would partially screen low-level construction activity.
9.5.9 An assessment of effects arising from lighting during construction where( required) will be prepared and included as part of the formal ES.
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9.5.10 Table 12 summarises the views which would be significantly affected by the construction of the Proposed Scheme. The numbers in brackets identify the viewpoint locations which are shown on maps LV-11-58 through LV-11-61. The assessed level of effect is considered to be the maximum level at the height of construction activity in the view at each location. The duration of this effect would in most instances be less than the entire construction period and will be considered in the formal ES. An indicative construction programme is set out in Section 2.3 of this report.
Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
Residential receptors
View south-west from The Pump House at Brook Farm (330.2.003) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of construction activities, including construction of Gallows Brook viaduct and Middleton auto-transformer station.
View south-west from residential edge of Drayton Bassett (330.2.005) High Low Moderate Visibility of construction activities and plant. adverse
View south-west from Drayton Lane opposite junction to Church Close, High Low Moderate Drayton Bassett (330.2.006) adverse Visibility of construction activities and worksite, partly screened by trees around Brook Farm and along Gallows Brook viaduct.
View east from Shirrall Hall Farm and Pool Farm (331.2.002) High Low Moderate Visibility of construction activities, including permanent diversion of Shirrall adverse Drive and Drayton Bassett footpath 10 and Drayton Lane overbridge; construction of Drayton Bassett viaduct in the middle and background views.
View south-west from properties located on Drayton Lane north-west of High Low Moderate Drayton Bassett (332.2.001) adverse Visibility of construction of Trickley Coppice embankment and Drayton Bassett viaduct in background.
View south-west from Heathley Farm (332.2.003) High Low Moderate Visibility of construction of Trickley Coppice embankment and Drayton Bassett adverse viaduct; partial views of plant and construction works associated with Drayton Lane overbridge and Drayton Lane/Shirrall Drive permanent diversion and Middleton auto-transformer station.
View to the south from Oak Farm, Drayton Lane/The Heart of England Way High Medium Major adverse (332.2.005) Visibility of construction of Gallows Brook Viaduct and noise mitigation; direct views of construction of extensive earthworks, Middleton auto-transformer station, and large balancing pond to east of route.
View to the north-east from Drayton Lane End Farm, taken from Sutton High High Major adverse Road (333.2.002) Visibility of construction of road junction realignment between Shirrall Drive and Sutton Road; loss of roadside trees both sides of A453; views of A453 Sutton road overbridge construction and changes to alignment/junction between Drayton lane and A453 Sutton Road.
View south-west adjacent to Hill Farm and Bourne Croft (334.2.002) High Low Moderate Visibility of construction works in the middle ground and background; view of adverse earthworks for cutting and embankments and worksite for permanent diversion of Drayton Lane.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View from Hints Farm complex (Hints Farm House, Flaad House, Hallsdean High High Major adverse and The Hayloft) (335.2.002) Visibility of construction earthworks associated with embankment between Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood; clear and direct view of major faces of open cutting face past Roundhill Wood; partial views of demolitions and construction of Waggoner’s Lane overbridge.
View north-east from Brockhurst Farm (335.2.004) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of construction, particularly foregoing views of excavation works associated with cutting slopes at Roundhill Wood; potential view of worksite for pedestrian overbridge at Hints footpath 13 and 14 diversions; reduction in woodland cover.
View north-east from White House Farm (335.2.006) High High Major adverse Direct views of construction works associated with cutting, including demolition on agricultural buildings; views of construction of Waggoner’s Lane highway overbridge.
View south-west from Orchard Farm, Waggoner’s Lane (336.2.001) High High Major adverse Direct views towards worksite of the Waggoner’s Lane overbridge, construction of balancing pond and access road with road alignment changes; oblique views to worksite for Hints footpath 8 and 9 underpass; extensive clearance of vegetation in foreground and earthworks for raised earthworks and mitigation.
View south-west from Lower Bangley on Bangley Lane (336.2.002) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of extensive earthworks for raised earthworks and mitigation between A453 Sutton Road and Waggoner’s Lane, Drayton Bassett footpath 11 diversion and footbridge; possible views towards Waggoner’s Lane overbridge worksite, partially screened by other buildings and landform; balancing pond and access road, changes to road alignment; extensive clearance of vegetation in middle ground and background and losses to hedgerow network.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints 20) footpath near Fordway Farm High Medium Major adverse (336.2.003) Visibility of embankment earthworks between Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood, worksite for Waggoner’s Lane overbridge, Hints footpath 8 and 9 underpass worksite; partial views to construction of balancing pond and access road; losses of hedgerows, trees and woodland.
View south-west from PRoW (footpath 3) near New House Farm (336.2.004) High Medium Moderate Visibility of extensive earthworks for raised earthworks and mitigation, Drayton adverse Bassett footpath 11 diversion and footbridge; possible views towards worksite for Waggoner’s Lane overbridge; extensive clearance of vegetation; possible distant views to worksite for Sutton Road overbridge.
View south-west from Holt Farm/The Old Barn (336.2.006) High High Major adverse Visibility of embankment earthworks between Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood, Waggoner’s Lane overbridge, Hints footpath 8 and 9 underpass, balancing pond and access road construction; loss of hedgerows, trees and woodland.
View east from Rookery Lane, adjacent to Rookery Farm (337.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of excavation of large cutting at Roundhill Wood, construction of Hints footpath 13 and 14 footbridge worksite; tree and woodland clearance.
View south-west from the edge of Hints (338.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of extensive earthworks for embankment and mitigation, Rookery Lane underpass worksite, Hints footpath 13 and 14 footbridge worksite.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View south-west from Bangley Lodge Farm (338.2.004) High Low Moderate Visibility of excavation of cutting between Waggoner’s Lane behind Roundhill adverse Wood and before Rookery Wood, worksite for diversion of Waggoner’s Lane and Hints footpath 20 and Waggoner’s Lane highway overbridge, extensive mitigation earthworks between Sutton Road and Roundhill Wood; probably views towards Hints footpath 8 diversion worksite.
View south-west from property on Watling Street, Hints (338.2.005) High Medium Moderate Visibility of excavation of Waggoner’s Lane cutting behind Roundhill Wood; adverse probable views toward worksites for diversion of Waggoner’s Lane, Hints footpath 20, Waggoner’s Lane highway overbridge, and Hints footpath 8 diversion; views of extensive mitigation earthworks between Sutton Road and Roundhill Wood.
View south-west from Watling Street (340.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of extensive earthworks through Black-Bourne Brook Valley; major change to landform; vegetation clearance and views of excavation; partial views of worksites.
View south-west from The Lodge (340.2.003) High High Major adverse Visibility of construction works associated with Black Brook viaduct, raised earthworks and mitigation, hillside cutting approaching Rock Hill (Watling Street), and large-scale balancing ponds and associated access roads.
View north-east from properties on Watling Street (23 Watling Street) High High Major adverse (341.2.001) Visibility of excavation works for major cutting, demolition of Bucks Head Farm, worksite for Rock Hill (Watling Street) overbridge, the A5 realignment and overbridge worksite, and partial views beyond the A5 of Flats Lane auto- transformer station construction and overbridges.
View north-east from residential property on Flats Lane (341.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of excavation works for major cutting, demolition of Bucks Head Farm, partial and oblique views of worksite for Rock Hill (Watling Street) overbridge, the A5 realignment and overbridge, and Flats Lane auto-transformer station.
View north-east from Hungry Lane, Weeford (341.2.006) High Negligible Moderate Some visibility of demolition of Bucks Head Farm; partial views of worksite for adverse realignment of the A5.
View north-east from residential property on Flats Lane (341.2.008) High High Major adverse Visibility of excavation works for major cutting, worksite for the A5 realignment and overbridge; partial views of Flats Lane auto-transformer station construction and demolition of Bucks Head Farm, as well as realignment of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane including demolition of properties.
View north-west from Buck’s Head Cottages (342.2.001) High High Major adverse Visibility of construction work and excavation; distant views of Flats Lane auto- transformer station construction and worksite for the A5 realignment; partial views of Flats Lane/Knox’s Grave Lane realignment and demolitions worksite.
View west from Broadfields (Packington House) on Jerry’s Lane (346.2.001) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of construction during excavation of cutting and construction; partial views of demolitions at Packington Moor; loss of vegetation, mature hedgerow and hedgerow trees along ridgeline; potential oblique views to worksite for the A51 Tamworth Road realignment.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View west from residential properties at Levett Road and Jerry’s Lane High Medium Moderate (346.2.002) adverse Visibility (limited/partial) of excavation and cutting; partial views to worksite for the A51 Tamworth Road realignment and overbridge; clearance of tree and woodland blocks on horizon; view of changes to healthland vegetation, arable cropping and grazing.
Recreational receptors
View west from PRoW ( footpath 13) between Drayton Bassett and High High Major adverse Middleton (330.3.002) Visibility of embankment and viaduct construction at Gallows Brook; loss of vegetation seen in middle ground; oblique views of worksite for footpath T15 overbridge.
View east from PRoW (footpath 10) close to Shirrall Hall Farm (331.3.001) High Low Moderate Limited views of construction operations in background; probably views adverse of taller plant for embankments and earthworks around Trickley Coppice embankment and North Warwickshire.
View north-east from the PRoW (footpath 0.349) near Shirrall Hall Farm High High Major adverse (331.3.003) Visibility of excavation and earthworks between Gallows Brook and Drayton Lane, demolition of properties along Drayton Lane, worksite for diversion of Drayton Lane and Middleton auto-transformer station; minor losses of hedgerows and vegetation.
View from south-west from the Heart of England Way (on Drayton Lane) High Medium Major adverse (332.3.002) Visibility of worksite for Gallows Brook viaduct and embankment from Warwickshire into Staffordshire, worksite for diversion of Drayton Lane and Middleton auto-transformer station.
View to the south from the PRoW (footpath 2) between Heathley Farm and High Low Moderate Hill Farm (332.3.004) adverse Visibility of construction of Gallows Book viaduct, Middleton auto-transformer station, balancing pond, access road from rear of Oak Dairy Farm, worksite for Drayton Lane realignment and overbridge; changes to skyline and woodland structure due to tree loss.
View north from PRoW (footpath 0.349) at Loddy Wood, north of Shirrall High High Major adverse Hall Farm (333.3.001) Visibility of construction of northern end of Gallows Brook viaduct, excavation works for cutting between Gallows Brook and Drayton Lane, and Gallows Brook and the A453, worksite for diversion of Drayton Lane, Middleton auto- transformer station, worksite for realignment of the A453 and Sutton Road overbridge; demolition of properties along Drayton Lane; minor losses of hedgerow and vegetation.
View from the Heart of England Way on Bangley Lane (close to Great High High Major adverse Bangley Farm) (333.3.004) Visibility of cutting, the A453 realignment and Sutton Road overbridge, earthworks and raised earthworks between the A453 Sutton Road and Waggoner’s Lane, construction of the Drayton Bassett footpath 11 footbridge, associated demolitions for the Waggoner’s Lane overbridge (oblique views).
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View to the east from the PRoW (footpath 11) near Great Bangley Farm High High Major adverse (333.3.005) Visibility of cutting, environmental earthworks and raised earthworks between the A453 Sutton Road and Waggoner’s Lane and associated loss of hedgerows and vegetation; potential views of the worksite for the A453 realignment and Sutton Road overbridge; oblique views to worksite for Waggoner’s Lane overbridge and demolitions.
View to the north-east from Drayton Lane (on the Heart of England Way) High High Major adverse near Barn Cottage (333.3.006) Visibility of earthworks between Gallows Brook and the A453, demolition of properties, and worksites at Drayton Lane and Sutton Road.
View north-east from PRoW (Drayton Bassett footpath 0.349) close to Lone High High Major adverse Oak and Cranebrook off Drayton Lane (333.3.007) Visibility of earthworks between Gallows Brook and the A453 Sutton Road, demolition of properties along Drayton Lane, worksite for diversion of Drayton Lane, Middleton auto-transformer station construction, worksite for the realignment of the A453 and Sutton Road overbridge (oblique and partial views); loss of hedgerows and vegetation.
View north-west from Drayton Lane (part of the Heart of England Way) High High Major adverse (334.3.001) Visibility of earthworks between Gallows Brook and Drayton Lane, demolition of properties along Drayton Lane, worksite for diversion of Drayton Lane, early stages of Middleton auto-transformer station construction; worksite for realignment of the A453 and Sutton Road overbridge (oblique and partial views); loss of hedgerows and vegetation.
View west from PRoW (footpath 11) off Sutton Road, close to the property High Medium Major adverse Oakleigh (334.3.003) Visibility of construction works in middle ground and background, excavation for cutting, worksite for the A453 Sutton Road overbridge, and raised earthworks and mitigation earthworks between the A453 and Waggoner’s Lane.
View north-east from PRoW Hints footpath 20, also designated as part of High Medium Major adverse the Heart of England Way, Waggoner’s Lane (335.3.001) Visibility of earthworks between Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood; clear and direct views of major faces of open cutting passing Roundhill Wood; view of demolitions at Mill House and White House Farm; partial views to worksites for Waggoner’s Lane overbridge and PRoW Hints footpath 8 and 9.
View east from the Heart of England Way (335.3.003) High High Major adverse Visibility of cutting, environmental earthworks and raised earthworks between the A453 Sutton Road and Waggoner’s Lane, worksites for construction of Hints footpath 8 and 9 underpass and Waggoner’s Lane overbridge; potential oblique views of the worksite for the A453 realignment and Sutton Road overbridge.
View east from PRoW (Fazeley footpath 1) close to Mile Oak (336.3.007) High Low Moderate Distant views of construction between Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood. adverse
View east from the Heart of England Way (337.3.001) High Low Minor adverse Visibility of large scale excavation; partial views of worksite for Rookery lane underpass; distant background views of construction and excavation across Packington Moor.
View south-west from PRoW (junction of Hints footpath 11 and Hints High High Major adverse footpath 13) on Rookery Lane, Hints (338.3.001) Visibility of large scale earthworks and raised earthworks; partial views of worksite for construction of Rookery Lane underpass; tree and woodland losses.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 6) near Home Farm (338.3.003) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of extensive earthworks through the Black-Bourne Brook Valley; major changes to landform; vegetation clearance at Roundhill Wood; partial views of worksites for Rookery Lane underpass and Hints footpath 13 and 14 footbridge (limited due to scale and distance).
View to the east from the Heart of England Way near Bourne House High High Major adverse (339.3.001) Clear direct view of construction works for Black-Bourne Brook viaduct and large scale balancing ponds to the north; vegetation clearance along Black- Bourne Brook; partial views to realignment of access roads.
View to the east from the Heart of England Way near Rookery Farm High High Major adverse (339.3.002) Clear direct view of construction works for Black Brook viaduct and large scale balancing ponds; partial views of realignment of access roads; views of phased extraction for cutting; partial views of demolitions at Bucks Head Farm and Rock Hill (Watling Street) realignment and overbridge (in background).
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath N0.378) near Black-Bourne High High Major adverse Brook in Hints (340.3.001) Visibility of construction of Black Brook viaduct (partial views), earthworks for embankments and raised earthworks; partial views to vegetation loss on woodland edges in background.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 1(a)) to rear of properties at High High Major adverse Rock Hill, Hints (340.3.005) Visibility of extensive earthworks through Black-Bourne Brook Valley; major changes to landform; vegetation clearance and visibility of excavation for cutting at Roundhill Wood; partial views of worksites for Rookery Lane underpass and Hints footpath 13 and 14 footbridge (limited due to scale and distance).
View to the north-west from the Heart of England Way (Hints footpath 4) High High Major adverse near Bucks Head Farm (342.3.002) Visibility of excavation for cutting and partial views to demolition of Bucks Head Farm, the worksites for the A5 overbridge and Flats Lane auto-transformer station access road; limited losses of hedgerows (already fragmented).
View east from Tamworth Lane (343.3.001) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of excavation for cutting and significant earthworks; partial and oblique views of worksite for Flats Lane/Knox’s Grave Lane realignment; tree and woodland losses affecting horizon.
View south-east from PRoW (Swinfen and Packington footpath 5) Swinfen High Medium Major adverse Lane (343.3.005) Visibility of demolition and tree clearance at Packington Moore in the middle ground and background; visibility of excavation works for major cutting and substantial area of excavation and earthworks.
View west from the junction of PRoW (footpath 6) with the Heart of England High High Major adverse Way on Knox’s Grave Lane (344.3.001) Visibility of demolition and tree clearance at Packington Moor in the middle ground and background; views of excavation for major cutting and substantial area of excavation and earthworks; partial views of worksite for realignment and overbridge of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane, including demolitions.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View north-west from the Heart of England Way near Packington Moor High Medium Moderate (344.3.002) adverse Visibility of excavation works for major cutting and substantial area of excavation and earthworks; demolition and tree clearance at Packington Moor seen in middle ground and background; partial views of worksite for realignment and overbridge of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane, including demolitions and vegetation clearance.
View north-east from the Heart of England Way near Horsley Brook Farm High High Major adverse (345.3.001) Direct and foreground views towards excavation for cutting; partial/oblique views to the A51 Tamworth Road realignment worksite.
View east from the Heart of England Way near Ingleyhill Farm (345.3.002) High High Major adverse Direct and foreground views towards excavation for cutting; partial/oblique views to the A51 Tamworth Road realignment worksite.
View south-east from the Heart of England Way (345.3.004) High High Major adverse Direct and foreground views towards excavation for cutting; partial/oblique views to the A51 Tamworth Road realignment worksite; view of demolitions at Whittington Golf Club.
View south-east from the Heart of England Way (adjacent to Freeford Home High High Major adverse Farm) (347.3.001) Direct and foreground views toward excavation associated with cutting; direct views to the worksite for the A51 Tamworth Road realignment and overbridge; views of demolitions at Whittington Golf Club.
Transport receptors
View north-east from Flats Lane at overbridge across the A5 (341.4.007) Medium High Moderate Visibility of worksite for the A5 realignment and overbridge as well as adverse excavation for cutting and construction of the Flats Lane auto-transformer station and associated access road.
View west from the junction of Jerry’s Lane with the access track leading to Medium High Major adverse Packington Farm (344.4.003) Visibility of demolition and tree clearance at Packington Moor in middle ground, excavation works for major cutting in substantial area of excavation and earthworks; direct views of realignment and overbridge of Flats Lane and Knox’s Grave Lane, including demolitions and vegetation clearance.
Employment receptors
View south-west Whittington Barracks and Museum (346.6.003) Low High Moderate Direct and foreground views toward excavation for cutting; oblique views to adverse worksite for the A51 Tamworth Road realignment and overbridge.
Table 12: Significant visual effects during construction Likely residual significant effects
9.5.11 Due to the highly visible nature of the construction activities along the route of the Proposed Scheme there would be significant residual effects, as described inT ables 11 and 12, although they would be temporary and reversible in nature, lasting only for the duration of the construction works. Residual effects would generally arise from the foreground visibility of construction activity, demolitions and excavations for viaducts, embankments and cuttings from residential and recreational receptors and PRoW.
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9.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
9.6.1 The operational assessment of impacts and mitigation measures is based on the first year of opening of the Proposed Scheme (2026). A process of iterative design and assessment has been employed to avoid or reduce adverse effects during the operation of the Proposed Scheme. Measures that have been incorporated into the design of the Proposed Scheme include: • Reinstatement of severed lengths of hedge/enclosure of fields; • Replacement of lost vegetation/woodland; • Introduction of screening through new planting where this fits into the existing landscape pattern; • Integration of embankment landforms into the natural topography; • Creation of raised embankments on both sides of the route to screen the Proposed Scheme; and • Placement of noise barriers close to the track within cuttings, avoiding the top of the cut slope.
9.6.2 These measures have been taken account of in the assessment of the operational effects. Landscape assessment
9.6.3 The potential significant effects on the landscape in 2026 (i.e. the assumed year of opening) occur within the same LCAs experiencing effects during construction. Effects on LCAs would arise from new engineered landforms cutting across the existing landscape; the introduction of overhead line equipment; the introduction of new rail track and track bed with associated infrastructure; new earthworks including Drayton Bassett embankment; Drayton Bassett cutting and extensive cutting at Roundhill Wood; new structures, including Black Brook and Drayton Bassett viaducts and the overbridge at the A453 Sutton Road; realignment of existing transport routes including the A5, Waggoner’s Lane, the A453 Sutton Road/Cranebrook Lane, Shirrall Drive and Drayton Lane; vegetation removal including woodland at Job’s Hill, Rookery Wood and Roundhill Wood; loss of property; permanent severance of land; culverting of watercourses; PRoW realignment including the network around Hints and the introduction of regular high speed trains, resulting in noticeable alteration to tranquillity.
9.6.4 As it becomes established, proposed new planting would assist in screening and integrating the Proposed Scheme in the landscape. However, this would not be effective in year one.
9.6.5 Table 13 summarises the LCAs that would be significantly affected by the Proposed Scheme in year one of operation (2026).
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LCA Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of LCA of change to LCA24
Lowland Village Farmlands LCA Medium Medium Moderate Presence of the Proposed Scheme, including new linear transport corridor, adverse viaducts, embankments, cuttings, balancing ponds, auto-transformer substation, highway realignments and structures, and reduced mature vegetation; direct loss of properties.
Sandstone Hills and Heaths LCA High High Major adverse Presence of the Proposed Scheme, including new linear transport corridor, viaducts, embankments, cuttings, balancing ponds, auto-transformer station, highway realignments and structures, drainages; and reduced mature vegetation.
Sandstone Estatelands LCA Medium Medium Moderate Presence of the Proposed Scheme, including new linear transport corridor, adverse viaducts, embankments, cuttings, balancing ponds, auto-transformer station, highway realignments and structures, and reduced mature vegetation; extensive and deep cutting that would effectively divide the existing landscape.
Table 13: Significant landscape effects during operation year 1 (2026) Visual assessment
9.6.6 The potential significant effects on views in 2026 (i.e. the assumed year of opening) are applicable to fewer viewpoints than those considered to be affected during construction.
9.6.7 For residential and recreational receptors, changes to views would result from changes to landform and vegetation pattern, and the introduction of built components and rail traffic. These changes would occur in the middle to foreground of several views, including the enclosed and tranquil landscape at Hints, and in longer views across the agricultural landscape. Changes include vegetation loss as well as the introduction of extensive embankments and cuttings across the landscape, and the introduction of other engineering components.
9.6.8 Photomontages have been produced illustrating the view of the Proposed Scheme during year 1 of operation (2026) from viewpoints 338-3-003, from Home Farm (figure LV-12-61), 339- 3-002, from the Heart of England Way (figure LV-12-62) and 341-4-007, from Flats Lane (figure LV‑12‑63).
9.6.9 Table 14 summarises the visual receptors that would be significantly affected by the Proposed Scheme in year one of operation (2026). The numbers in brackets identify the viewpoint locations which are shown on maps LV-11-58 to LV-11-61.
9.6.10 Where planting has been proposed, effects in year 15 (2041) and 60 (2086) of operation would be reduced compared to year one (2026), due to the increased height and maturity of trees. An assessment of effects for these assessment years will be prepared and presented within the formal ES.
24 In year one of operation, any new planting along the Proposed Scheme would be immature and therefore not help to integrate the Proposed Scheme into the landscape. As the plants mature, screening of the Proposed Scheme would improve.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
Residential receptors
View south-west from The Pump House at Brook Farm (330.2.003) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, including Trickley Coppice embankment adverse, and Drayton Bassett viaduct in background; views of substantial mitigation reducing to earthworks. minor adverse in summer and at night
View to the south from Oak Farm, Drayton Lane/The Heart of England Way High Medium Moderate (332.2.005) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme on Gallows Brook viaduct; direct views of extensive earthworks and large balancing pond to the east of route, including Middleton auto-transformer station.
View to the north-east from Drayton Lane End Farm, taken from Sutton High Medium Major adverse, Road (333.2.002) reducing to Visibility of the Proposed Scheme between Shirrall Drive and Sutton Road; loss minor adverse of roadside trees both sides of A453; views of substantial cutting at the A453 during summer Sutton Road overbridge; property changes to overhead lines.
View south-west adjacent to Hill Farm and Bourne Croft (334.2.002) High Low Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, partially screened by linear woodland belt; adverse, distant views of the Proposed Scheme in the background close to Drayton reducing to Bassett footpath 11 overbridge and permanent diversion of Drayton Lane. minor adverse during summer and at night
View from Hints Farm complex (Hints Farm House, Flaad House, Hallsdean High High Major adverse and The Hayloft) (335.2.002) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme near Roundhill Wood.
View north-east from Brockhurst Farm (335.2.004) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme at Roundhill Wood and Hints footpath 14 adverse pedestrian overbridge; reduction in woodland cover and changes to landform.
View north-east from White House Farm (335.2.006) High High Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, including demolition to the north-east of the farmhouse; views of new Waggoner’s Lane overbridge.
View south-west from Orchard Farm, Waggoner’s Lane (336.2.001) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, including views of redundant highway adverse and proposed Waggoner’s Lane highway overbridge and Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting; loss of hedgerow in middle distance and changes to landform.
View south-west from Lower Bangley on Bangley Lane (336.2.002) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme at the Drayton Bassett footpath 11 diversion adverse and footbridge and Waggoner’s Lane highway overbridge; loss of buildings; loss of hedgerows.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 20) near Fordway Farm High Medium Moderate (336.2.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme on fill and at grade from cutting at Waggoner’s Lane into open countryside around Roundhill Wood with extensive earthworks; views of balancing pond and access road; loss of vegetation.
View south-west from Holt Farm/The Old Barn (336.2.006) High High Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in raised earthworks and extensive earthworks near Brock Hurst; loss of trees.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View east from Rookery Lane, adjacent to Rookery Farm (337.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, particularly the large and potentially open face of cutting slopes at Roundhill Wood; reduction in woodland cover and changes to landform; interruption of key vista around Hints in wider context of west Tamworth.
View south-east from the Heart of England Way near Rookery Farm High Medium Moderate (337.2.004) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, particularly the large and potentially open face of cutting slopes at Roundhill Wood; reduction in woodland cover and changes to landform; interruption of key vista around Hints in wider context of west Tamworth.
View south-west from the edge of Hints (338.2.002) High High Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme between Roundhill Wood and Rookery Wood with extensive earthworks visible from Cedar Tree Cottage, Hints Hall, Shenavall, Ladywalk and Hintsbrook.
View south-west from property on Watling Street, Hints (338.2.005) High Low Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in background as it passes across cutting, fill adverse and at grade broadly between the A453 Sutton Road and Waggoner’s Lane to Roundhill Wood with major earthworks.
View south-west from Watling Street (340.2.002) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme near Roundhill Wood and large raised adverse earthworks.
View south-west from The Lodge (340.2.003) High High Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, with clear direct view of the route crossing new Black Brook viaduct; loss of existing brook vegetation and start of major cutting; main and direct views down route on embankment looking south.
View north-east from properties on Watling Street (23 Watling Street) High High Major adverse (341.2.001) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in major cutting and views of auto- transformer station and access roads.
View north-east from residential property on Flats Lane (341.2.002) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with direct views of the A5 overbridge and route in substantial cutting; likely views of cutting slopes and changes to landform.
View north-east from residential property on Flats Lane (341.2.008) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, with likely views of cutting slopes and changes to landform to the north of the A5.
View north-west from Buck’s Head Cottages (342.2.001) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in significant cutting and limited proposed adverse planting; Flats Lane auto-transformer station and access road visible to west of route and at point of crossing Flats Lane/Knox’s Grave Lane.
View west from Broadfields (Packington House) on Jerry’s Lane (346.2.001) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in deep wide cutting; loss of vegetation adverse around Packington Moor and along Heart of England Way.
Recreational receptors
View west from PRoW (footpath 13) between Drayton Bassett and High Medium Major adverse Middleton (330.3.002) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme across the flat arable fields with substantial earthworks; mature vegetation would be lost.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View north-east from the PRoW (footpath 0.349) bridleway way near High Low Moderate Shirrall Hall Farm (331.3.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in large cutting; views of permanent roadway diversions.
View from south-west from the Heart of England Way (on Drayton Lane) High Medium Moderate (332.3.002) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme, specifically Trickley Coppice embankment and Drayton Bassett viaduct; views of substantial mitigation earthworks.
View from the Heart of England Way on Bangley Lane (close to Great High Medium Moderate Bangley Farm) (333.3.004) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme largely screened by existing foreground and middle ground vegetation and built form of Great Bangley Farm.
View to the east from the PRoW (footpath 11) near Great Bangley Farm High Medium Moderate (333.3.005) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in cutting and the Drayton Bassett footpath 11 footbridge.
View to the north-east from Drayton Lane (on the Heart of England Way) High High Major adverse near Barn Cottage (333.3.006) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in cutting.
View north-east from PRoW (footpath 0.349) close to Lone Oak and High Medium Moderate Cranebrook off Drayton Lane (333.3.007) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with permanent roadway diversion and scheme in cutting.
View north-west from Drayton Lane (part of the Heart of England Way) High High Major adverse (334.3.001) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with permanent diversion of Drayton Lane; loss of woodland block and substantial cutting in foreground.
View west from PRoW (Drayton Bassett footpath 11) off Sutton Road, close High Medium Moderate to the property Oakleigh (334.3.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in cutting in the middle ground and views of extensive earthworks.
View north-east from PRoW (Hints footpath 20) also designated as part of High Medium Moderate the Heart of England Way, Waggoner’s Lane (335.3.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with proposed PMA diversion to Mill House and White House Lane off Waggoner’s Lane; potential faces of open cutting face passing Roundhill Wood.
View east from the Heart of England Way (335.3.003) High Medium Major adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in cutting, including low embankments associated with permanent diversion of Waggoner’s Lane.
View south-west from PRoW (junction of Hints footpath 11 and Hints High High Major adverse footpath 13) on Rookery Lane, Hints (338.3.001) Visibility of the Proposed Screen at the Rookery lane underpass; woodland losses on northern edge of Rookery Wood.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 6) footpath near Home Farm High Medium Moderate (338.3.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in the middle ground of Rookery Wood view; partial views of open cutting faces and earthworks.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View to the east from the Heart of England Way near Bourne House High High Major adverse (339.3.001) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme as it crosses new Black Brook viaduct and balancing pond to the north of the existing book; loss of existing brook vegetation and start of major cutting.
View to the east from the Heart of England Way near Rookery Farm High Medium Major adverse (339.3.002) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme into substantial cutting and large scale balancing pond, as well as scheme on Black Brook viaduct; loss of trees along Black-Bourne Brook.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 0.378) footpath near Black- High Medium Moderate Bourne Brook in Hints (340.3.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed scheme with partial screening of views on low embankment and on viaduct crossing Black-Bourne Brook.
View south-west from PRoW (Hints footpath 1(a)) to rear of properties at High Medium Moderate Rock Hill, Hints (340.3.005) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with wide views of the scheme near Roundhill Wood in large raised earthworks.
View to the north-west from the Heart of England Way (PRoW Hints High Medium Major adverse footpath 4) near Bucks Head Farm (342.3.002) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting with balancing bond and new auto-transformer station; short linear belt of planting on far side would form partial screen.
View east from Tamworth Lane (343.3.001) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in cutting as major feature in landform near adverse and behind Moor Covert as it reaches Packington Moor.
View south-east from Public Right of Way (footpath 5) bridleway/Swinfen High Medium Moderate Lane (343.3.005) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in a wider landscape with effects over a longer distance, partly screened in the centre by Mascot Covert.
View west from the junction of PRoW (footpath 6) with the Heart of England High Medium Moderate Way on Knox’s Grave Lane (344.3.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting in the middle ground; some loss of field boundary hedgerow.
View north-west from the Heart of England Way near Packington Moor High Low Moderate (344.3.002) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting; some loss of field boundary hedgerow; views to loss of buildings at Packington Moor.
View north-east from the Heart of England Way near Horsley Brook Farm High High Major adverse (345.3.001) Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in large substantial cutting and substantial change in landform; loss of mature trees and vegetation from distinctive belt along ridge and Heart of England Way.
View east from the Heart of England Way near Ingleyhill Farm (345.3.002) High Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting and changes to adverse landform.
View south-east from the Heart of England Way (345.3.004) High Low Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in substantial cutting and changes to adverse landform.
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Viewpoint Sensitivity Magnitude Level of effect of visual of change to visual receptors receptors
View south-east from the Heart of England Way adjacent to Freeford Home High Medium Moderate Farm (347.3.001) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme in large and deep cutting; clear views of the proposed A51 overbridge in the middle ground.
Transport receptors
View north-east from Flats Lane at overbridge across the A5 (341.4.007) Medium Medium Moderate Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with direct views of the A5 realignment and adverse overbridge; route in substantial cutting and changes to landform north of the A5.
View west from the junction of Jerry’s Lane with the access track leading to Medium Medium Moderate Packington Farm (344.4.003) adverse Visibility of the Proposed Scheme with direct views of substantial cutting, loss of vegetation.
Table 14: Significant visual effects during operation year 1 (2026) Likely residual significant effects
9.6.11 Due to the highly sensitive nature of the landscape and visible nature of the Proposed Scheme, significant residual effects would remain as set out in Tables 13 and 14. The residual effects would arise from a local change in character in the vicinity of the ProposedScheme and the foreground visibility of the proposed structures from residential and recreational receptors. Further mitigation
9.6.12 No further mitigation is considered practicable during operation.
86 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Socio-economics 10 Socio-economics 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 This section provides a summary of the assessment, environmental baseline, and likely significant economic and employment effects during construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme.
10.1.2 The need generally for a socio-economic assessment results from the potential for the Proposed Scheme to affect: • Existing businesses and community organisations and thus the amount of local employment; • Local economies, including employment; and • Planned growth and development.
10.1.3 The beneficial and adverse socio-economic effects of the ProposedScheme are reported at two different levels; route-wide and CFA. Effects on levels of employment are reported on at a route-wide level within Report 27 (route-wide effects). Localised effects on businesses and observations on potential local economic effects are described within eachCF A report. 10.2 Policy framework 10.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to the area are described in Section 2.1. 10.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 10.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the socio-economic assessment are set out in Volume 1. 10.4 Environmental baseline 10.4.1 Section 2.1 provides a general overview of the area which includes data of specific relevance to socio-economics, notably demographic data and employment data. The following provides a brief overview in terms of employment rates, economic structure, labour market, and business premises available within the area.
10.4.2 The Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford CFA lies wholly within the area covered by Lichfield District Council.
10.4.3 In 2011, 41,000 people worked in Lichfield District25. The employment rate26 within the district in 2011 was 66% ;which is higher than that recorded for both the West Midlands (62%) and England (65%). As of September 2012 the unemployment rate for the district was 6% compared to the England average of 8%27. In 2011 28% of Lichfield residents aged 16 and over were qualified to National Vocational Qualification Level 4 (NVQ4), compared to 23% in West Midlands and 27% in England, while 22% of these residents had no qualifications, which is lower than that recorded both for West Midlands (27%) and England (23%).
10.4.4 The largest business sector in Lichfield District in 2011 was professional, scientific and technical services which accounts for a larger proportion (at 15%) of businesses than the West Midlands region average (12%) and English average (14%).The district also has a higher
25 Office for National Statistics (2012), Business Register and Employment Survey 2011. 26 The proportion of working age (16-74 years) residents that are in employment. 27 Office for National Statistics (2012), Annual Population Survey.
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proportion of construction sector businesses than is typical (at 12% compared to 10%) in the region. Conversely, Lichfield District had a lower than average proportion of retail businesses (9% compared to 12% across the West Midlands and 11% across England)28. This is shown in Figure 429.
Professional, scientific & technical
Construction
Retail
Production
Arts, entertainment, recreation and other services
Business administration and support services
Accommodation & food services
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
Health
Information & communication
Wholesale
Lichfield Other West Midlands 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%12% 14%16% 18%20%
Figure 4: Business Sector Composition in Lichfield District and West Midlands
Source: Office for National Statistics (2011), UK Business: Activity, Size and Location30
10.4.5 A 2012 employment land assessment found there to be 11,066m2 floorspace of vacant office properties, in addition to 201,148m2 of vacant industrial floorspace in Lichfield District31. Given the current state of the economy it is expected that net absorption of vacant office, industrial and warehousing floorspace by the market over coming years will be relatively slow. 10.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and effects
10.5.1 No significant direct effects on non-agricultural employment have been identified within the area.
10.5.2 It is estimated that the Proposed Scheme would result in the displacement, or possible loss, of approximately 25 jobs32 within this area. Taking into account the availability of alternative premises and total employed within the district (approximately 41,000) the displacement or possible loss of jobs is considered to be relatively modest compared to the scale of economic activity and opportunity in the area.
28 Office for National Statistics (2011), UK Business: Activity, Size and Location. 29 Figure 4 presents the proportion of businesses within each business sector in the district but not the proportion of employment by sector. 30 Other’ includes Motor Trades; Information and Communication; Finance and Insurance; Property; Public Administration and Defence; and Education sectors. 31 Lichfield District Council (2012), Employment Land Review. 32 Employment within businesses has been estimated through a combination of sources, for example, surveys of businesses, the Experian employment dataset, employment floor space and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Employment Density Guide (2010). The estimate is calculated using standard employment density ratios and estimates of floor areas and may vary significantly from actual employment at the sites.
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10.5.3 Construction compounds would consist of 12 satellite sites (See Table 1). This could result in the creation of up to 550 person years of construction employment33 that, depending on skill levels required and the skills of local people, are potentially accessible to residents in the locality and to others living further afield. It could also lead to opportunities for local businesses to supply the project or to benefit from expenditure of construction workers. Direct and wider construction employment effects are quantified at a route-wide velle (see Report 27 (Route-wide effects)).
10.5.4 It is intended that discretionary enhancement measures, such as business support, supply chain engagement and local construction skills development initiatives to enhance local business performance, will be included as appropriate in the formal ES. Likely residual significant effects
10.5.5 The likely residual significant socio-economic effects are currently being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES. 10.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
10.6.1 The Proposed Scheme will create direct and wider operational employment opportunities at locations along the route including stations, train crew facilities and infrastructure/ maintenance depots. Although no plans exist to locate these facilities within this area, it is considered possible that wider operational employment opportunities could be accessed by residents of the area. Operational effects are captured and assessed at a route-wide level (see Report 27 (Route-wide effects)). Likely residual significant effects
10.6.2 The likely residual significant socio-economic effects are currently being assessed and will be reported in the formal ES.
33 Construction labour is reported in construction person years, where one construction person year represents the work done by one person in a year composed of a standard number of working days.
89 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Sound, noise and vibration 11 Sound, noise and vibration 11.1 Introduction 11.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely noise and vibration significant effects associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme for the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford CFA. This section should be read in conjunction with Volume 1. 11.2 Policy framework 11.2.1 The policy framework for sound, noise and vibration is set out in Volume 1. 11.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 11.3.1 The approach to the assessment of sound, noise and vibration and the related key assumptions are set out in Volume 1, with local variations as described below. A summary of the operating assumptions is given in Section 2.4 of this report. Assumptions
11.3.2 In addition to those given in Volume 1 and Section 2.4 of this report, the following assumptions apply to the assessment of sound noise and vibration in this area: • 12 trains per hour in each direction have been assumed during the day between 07:00 and 21:00. 11.4 Environmental baseline 11.4.1 The baseline sound environment for this area is generally dominated by the A5, with other major roads including the A38 and M42 also contributing to high local sound levels during day and night. In the more rural parts and areas further from these roads, sound levels are lower during the daytime and reduce significantly at night.
11.4.2 It is likely that the majority of receptors adjacent to the line of route are not currently subject to appreciable vibration. For the draft ES, vibration at all receptors has been assessed using the absolute vibration criteria as described in Volume 1. 11.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
11.5.1 This initial assessment has considered the potential effects on community receptors within the study area, their occupants and their use (including annoyance and activity disturbance) arising from construction noise and/or vibration.
11.5.2 The mitigation measures specified within the draft CoCP have been included within the assessment of construction noise and vibration.
11.5.3 Potential construction noise or vibration effects could occur on the receptors closest to the construction areas in the following communities: • Flats Lane/Jerry’s Lane near Weeford arising from construction activities such as earthworks (refer to Section 2.2/2.3 and to maps CT‑05: Construction features); and • Bangley Lane, near Lower Bangley Lane and Drayton Lane and Sutton Road arising from construction activities such as earthworks (refer to Section 2.2/2.3 and to maps CT‑05 Construction features).
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11.5.4 Track laying, power system and signalling installation works along the line of route are unlikely to result in significant construction noise effects, given the short duration close to any communities and the presence of the permanent noise barriers. Likely residual significant effects
11.5.5 Further work is being undertaken to confirm significant construction noise and vibration effects, including any temporary effects from construction traffic. Non-residential receptors identified at this stage as potentially subject to construction noise or vibration effects will be further considered, where necessary, on a receptor-by-receptor basis. Any further assessment will be reported in the formal ES. Further mitigation
11.5.6 Further work is being undertaken to confirm the likely significant effects and identify any site specific mitigation considered necessary in addition to the general measures set out in the draft CoCP. Any site specific mitigation will be presented in the formal ES and will include an estimate of the number of properties that may qualify for noise insulation, or temporary re‑housing, under provisions set out in the draft CoCP. 11.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
11.6.1 This initial assessment has considered the potential effects on community receptors within the study area, their occupants and their use (including annoyance, activity and sleep disturbance) arising from operational noise and/or vibration. Further assessment will be undertaken for the formal ES.
11.6.2 The ongoing development of the scheme includes noise barriers in the form of landscape earthworks, noise (fence) barriers and/or low level barriers on viaducts. The envisaged noise barrier locations are shown on the Operational Sound Contour and Potential Significant Effect Maps SV-01.
11.6.3 The Operational Sound Contour and Potential Significant Effect Maps SV-01 indicate the likely long term daytime sound level (defined as the equivalent continuous sound level from 07:00 to
23:00 or LpAeq,day) from HS2 operations alone. The contours are shown in 5dB steps from 50dB to 70dB. With the train flows described in Volume 1, the night-time sound level (defined as the
equivalent continuous sound level from 23:00 to 07:00 or LpAeq,night) from the Proposed Scheme would be approximately 10dB lower than the daytime sound level. The 50dB contour therefore indicates the distance from the Proposed Scheme at which the night-time sound level would be 40dB. This contour represents where the lowest observed community noise effects would be expected to occur during the day (with respect to annoyance) and night (with respect to sleep disturbance). It is generally unlikely that there will be any adverse noise effects outside of this contour. With regard to sleep disturbance the assessment has also taken account of the maximum sound levels generated by each train pass-by.
11.6.4 Residential receptors within the daytime 65dB contour, and therefore the night-time 55dB contour, have been identified as being likely to experience a significant adverse effect from HS2 noise alone. This is in line with the daytime threshold for in the Noise Insulation Regulations 1996 and the Interim Target defined in the World Health Organization’s Night Noise Guidelines 34,35.
34 The Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations, 1996. London, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 35 World Health Organization (2009) Night Noise Guidelines for Europe.
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11.6.5 The potential for significant noise effects on communities in areas between the0dB 5 and 65dB daytime sound contours, or 40dB and 55dB night-time contours, will be dependent on the baseline in that area and the change in sound level brought about by the Proposed Scheme.
11.6.6 For the draft ES, the criteria used in assessing whether an effect is potentially significant includes factors such as the number and magnitude of impacts in a community, as well as the existing sound environment. The further significance criteria are set out in Volume 1, including the character of the existing sound environment. Any unique features of the Proposed Scheme’s sound or impacts, and the potential combined impacts of sound and vibration, will be taken into account in the formal ES.
11.6.7 This initial assessment has identified potential effects on the following quiet areas36: • Cannock Chase and Cank Woodlands National Character Area (NCA) which includes Snakes Hill, Heart of England Way, Coach and Horses Plantation, Rookery, Round Hill Wood and Weeford Park (identified by SV21-L01 on Maps SV-01).
11.6.8 Public rights of way (outside of the NCA identified in paragraph 11.6.7) are by their nature transitory routes, with users not staying in any one location for long periods. Train sound from the Proposed Scheme would be intermittent and its level would vary as the PRoW moves closer to and further from the Proposed Scheme. Noise effects would generally be reduced by the landscape earthworks envisaged to reduce visual impact of the scheme and envisaged noise mitigation to protect other receptors. No significant noise effects have therefore been identified on PRoW within this area.
11.6.9 A number of potential minor ground-borne noise and vibration impacts have been forecast at a small number of properties very close to the alignment. Taking account of the number and minor magnitude of the impacts, and the experience of HS1, no significant effects have been identified. Further assessment will be undertaken for the formal ES to confirm whether the impacts currently forecast are likely to occur. Vibration from the operation of the Proposed Scheme will present no risk of any building damage. Likely residual significant effects
11.6.10 Further assessment work is being undertaken to confirm operational sound and vibration significant effects, including those at non-residential receptors and quiet areas (as necessary on a receptor-by-receptor basis). These will be reported in the formal ES, which will present baseline levels, forecasts for the Proposed Scheme and the change in sound levels brought about by the Proposed Scheme both as impact plans and tables.
36 Environmental Noise Regulations England 2006. London, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
92 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Traffic and transport 12 Traffic and transport 12.1 Introduction 12.1.1 This section describes the likely impacts and effects arising from the construction and operation of the Proposed Scheme within the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area on all forms of transport. 12.2 Policy framework 12.2.1 Staffordshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan (2011) and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 ‘Supporting Growth and Regeneration’ refers to HS2. Box 1.3 states: “Whilst some considerable time in the future and with no new station proposed in Staffordshire, High Speed 2 is claimed to have potential medium to long term benefits to the county’s economy. It is claimed that High Speed 2 will free up capacity on the West Coast Main line, resulting in the opportunity to operate more frequent local rail services along the Trent Valley line through Tamworth and Lichfield to Stafford. On the other hand, there will undoubtedly be significant environmental impacts. At its meeting on 17 March 2011, the County Council resolved to oppose the High Speed 2 proposals”37.
12.2.2 Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy, Policy Whit1: Whittington Environment, states that “the route of the high speed rail link, High Speed 2, runs to the west of the village and measures will need to be supported which minimise the impacts of this upon the community and the environment”. HS2 will seek to minimise and mitigate against any negative impacts upon the community and the environment along its proposed route.
12.2.3 The Draft Lichfield District Transport Strategy 2011 states that “Phase 1 of the Government’s proposed High Speed Rail network passes through Lichfield District, close to Hints, Whittington and Streethay”. There is no further mention of HS238. 12.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 12.3.1 The scope and methodology of the traffic and transport assessment is set out inVolume 1.
12.3.2 The potential impacts of the Proposed Scheme in this area are limited to local diversions of existing highways and PRoW together with construction traffic.
12.3.3 It should be noted that the transport and passenger modelling of HS2 is continuing to be developed and therefore the assessment will be updated for the formal ES.
12.3.4 The impact of construction traffic has been assessed on the assumption that all excavated material from the worksites would be removed by road, although investigation will continue to establish the possibility of movement by rail. The construction traffic assessment will be updated for the formal ES.
12.3.5 There have been certain scheme design changes following the initial transport assessment work. The assessment that follows in this section will therefore change once the revised scheme has been assessed and this will be reported in the formal ES. These include: • Rookery Lane (Hints) to Whittington Common (Ch176-182) and raising A5 alignment; • Potentially revised main compound location; • Potentially revised satellite compound locations; and • Potentially revised construction routes.
37 Staffordshire County Council (2011) Staffordshire Local Transport Plan 2011. 38 Lichfield District Council (2011) Draft Lichfield District Integrated Transport Strategy 2011-2026.
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12.3.6 The scope of this assessment has been discussed and agreed with the relevant highway authority.
12.3.7 Although future traffic baseline scenario assessments have been made, as of yet no assessments of the future baseline with the Proposed Scheme have been undertaken. Therefore analyses of junction impacts during construction are not yet known. These will be assessed in the formal ES.
12.3.8 The following key limitations exist in the reporting of significant effects: • As yet only limited assessment has been made of the impacts on public transport, although at this stage it is not expected that demand generated by the operation of the Proposed Scheme would be sufficient to have a significant impact on existing public transport services in the area. • The following Volume 1 criteria for construction and operational scenarios have not yet been assessed at this stage: ȃȃ Public transport delay; ȃȃ Traffic flows and delays to vehicle occupants; and ȃȃ Vulnerable road user delay, amenity and ambience.
12.3.9 The following effects have not been assessed as there is no impact in this area as a result of the Proposed Scheme: • Parking and loading; and • Disruption at stations/interchanges.
12.3.10 Future year traffic flows are based on an approach that does not etak account of wider effects, e.g. redistribution and reassignment of traffic, modal shift and peak spreading.As a consequence, local transport effects may be over-estimated.
12.3.11 The assessment is based on the Proposed Scheme construction and operation assumptions, as shown in Figure 3, with the following exceptions: • The current forecast construction traffic flows, temporary diversions, traffic management arrangements and phasing of construction interventions are indicative. They will be subject to revision and update in the formal ES; • Construction traffic volumes, assumptions for truck capacities and periods of movement of excavated materials, construction materials and staff numbers have been determined from earlier Proposed Scheme information. Further revisions to this information would inform the formal ES; and • The assessment assumes that construction traffic would use the routes to and from the worksites (as described in section 2.3 of this document).
12.3.12 Engineering and construction details associated with required service diversion works have still to be confirmed, and will be assessed in the formal ES. 12.4 Environmental baseline 12.4.1 Comprehensive traffic surveys were undertaken between 18 June 2012 and 12 July 2012 and additional sites were surveyed in November 2012. Traffic flow data have been collected through manual classified counts, automatic traffic counts and queue length surveys.
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12.4.2 There are no motorways which would intersect with the Proposed Scheme in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area; however, the following two A-roads would cross the proposed route: • The A453 Sutton Road would intersect with the proposed route near the Drayton Lane/ A453 junction; and • The A5 would cross the proposed route to the north-east of Weeford, near the Flats Lane Bridge leading over the A5.
12.4.3 None of the relevant roads that would be affected by the Proposed Scheme currently experience any noteworthy demand for on-street parking and/or loading.
12.4.4 The bus service currently operating along the A453 Sutton Road is in the vicinity of the Proposed Scheme.
12.4.5 No rail services would intersect with the Proposed Scheme in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area.
12.4.6 All PRoW which would be intersected by the proposed route have been surveyed in August and September 2012, taking account of the nature of the PRoW and their levels of utilisation. As appropriate, these covered weekday and weekend use. A total of 17 PRoW have been identified consisting of public footpaths, bridleways and cycleways.The surveys indicate that none of the roads, footpaths, bridleways and cycleways that would cross the proposed route, are used by more than 80 people per day walking, cycling or riding.
12.4.7 Accident data have been obtained from Staffordshire County Council for a three year period until 31 March 2012. Analyses shows that there were a total of 14 accidents over the three year period, of which 13 (93%) were recorded as slight and one (7%) as serious. No fatal accidents were recorded. The maximum number of accidents occurred on the A453 (Tamworth Road), with six during the three-year period.
12.4.8 There are two minor waterways, Gallows Brook and Black-Bourne Brook, situated within the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area. Both waterways would intersect with the Proposed Scheme. The impact on the usage of the waterways has not yet been assessed; this will be included in the formal ES.
12.4.9 The following 11 junctions have been assessed in terms of their capacity39 for the 2021, 2026 and 2041 baseline scenarios; these junctions are either close to the alignment of the Proposed Scheme or are likely to be affected by the scheme either by alignment or as a result of changes to traffic volumes: • A4091/Atherstone Street/Lichfield Street; • A4091/Portleys Lane; • A453/Drayton Lane; • M6 Toll/A38/A5; • A51 Tamworth Road/Whittington Common Road; • A51Tamworth Road/unclassified road connecting the A51 and Darnford Lane to the east of the A38; • A5/A435/Bonehill Road/B5404;
39 A junction operates with spare capacity when traffic demand is below the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any one point in time. A junction operates at capacity when traffic demand is equal to the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any one point in time before congestion is likely to occur. A junction operates over capacity when traffic demand exceeds the maximum volume of traffic this junction can accommodate at any point in time and thus congestion is likely to occur.
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• A5/Marlborough Way; • A38 London Road/A5148/A5206 London Road; • A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout north); and • A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout south).
12.4.10 The following list shows the junctions that would operate over capacity in the morning and in the evening peak hour in the 2041 baseline scenario: • Morning peak hour: ȃȃ A4091/Atherstone Street Lichfield Street; ȃȃ A5/A435/Bonehill Road/B5404; ȃȃ A38 London Road/A5148/A5206 London Road; ȃȃ A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout north); and ȃȃ A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout south).
• Evening peak hour: ȃȃ A4091/Atherstone Street/Lichfield Street; ȃȃ A453/Drayton Lane;* ȃȃ A5/A435/Bonehill Road/B5404; ȃȃ A38 London Road/A5148/A5206 London Road; ȃȃ A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout north);and ȃȃ A5127 Birmingham Road/A5/A5148 (Dumbbell roundabout south).
* It should be noted that the A453/Drayton Lane junction would only operate over capacity for a 15-minute period (17:15 to 17:30).
12.4.11 All other junctions tested in this area would operate with spare capacity or at capacity.
12.4.12 A number of additional junctions along the construction route between the A38 and M6 will be assessed for existing, baseline and baseline with construction scenarios. 12.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
12.5.1 The following section considers the impacts on traffic and transport and the consequential effects resulting from construction of the Proposed Scheme.
12.5.2 The draft CoCP has been followed throughout the engineering design of the Proposed Scheme to avoid or reduce impacts on travellers.
12.5.3 The number of satellite compounds in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area and their associated number of workers, average duration of use and trip generation is shown in Table 15.
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Number of Number of Average Likely vehicular compounds workers duration (year) two-way peak hour trips
Small satellite compound 8 240 1 250
Medium satellite compound 4 320 1.5 290
Large satellite compound 0 0 0 0
Main compound 0 0 0 0
Total 12 560 540
Table 15: Satellite compound by size, number, workforce number, average duration of use and daily trips40
12.5.4 It has been assumed that a maximum of a third of the satellite compounds will operate at their peak at any one time.
12.5.5 Assessment has not yet taken any detailed phasing implications or capacity assessments at individual junctions into account, as the construction strategy is still developing. These will be assessed in the formal ES.
12.5.6 Temporary road closures would be required, as shown on maps CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-118 and CT‑06-122 to CT‑06-123, to tie-in new highway diversions of the Proposed Scheme with the existing highways, as follows: • Shirrall Drive (half day/overnight closure); • Drayton Lane (half day/overnight closures); • A453 Sutton Road (half day/overnight closures); • Waggoner’s Lane (half day/overnight closures); • Rookery Lane (headroom is reduced, may require overnight closures for safety); • A5 (on-line diversion, traffic management single lane working); • Rock Hill (Watling Street) (half day/overnight closures); • Flats Lane (half day/overnight closures); and • A51 Tamworth Road (half day/overnight closures).
12.5.7 Due to the temporary and very short nature of these diversions, they are not deemed to be significant.
12.5.8 A number of access points to the construction sites would be required and so the construction vehicle movements would be spread over a number of roads. Access points are shown on maps CT‑06-116 to CT‑06-118 and CT‑06-122 to CT‑06-123 and will be reported in the formal ES.
12.5.9 The general principle that has been adopted in this area is that replacement road bridges and underbridges across the proposed route would be constructed early in the programme prior to construction of the haul road along the route to avoid conflict between construction traffic travelling along the haul road and traffic on public highways. It is also assumed that the majority of excavated material would be reused within the Proposed Scheme.
12.5.10 Transport related impacts of the Proposed Scheme during construction would arise from traffic generated by construction activities as well as temporary diversions of roads and PRoW.
40 Construction traffic volumes, assumptions for truck capacities and periods of movement of excavated materials, construction materials and staff numbers have been determined from earlier Proposed Scheme information. Further revisions to this information will inform the formal ES.
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12.5.11 Construction vehicle movements related to the building of the Proposed Scheme have been calculated based on the quantity of materials required to construct the Proposed Scheme with +10% for ancillary delivery vehicles.
12.5.12 The measures set out in the draft CoCP would seek to maximise consolidation of construction materials and equipment thus reducing construction lorry trip generation and reducing deliveries of construction materials and equipment during peak traffic periods.The levels of traffic and the access arrangements, together with the controls imposed by the CoCP, means that construction traffic would not be expected to have a significant impact on traffic levels on roads around the construction site.
12.5.13 The measures in the CoCP would include HGV management and control measures. A construction workforce travel plan would be put into operation with the aim of reducing workforce commuting by private car, especially sole occupancy car travel. The combined effect of the CoCP and the construction workforce travel plan is anticipated to reduce construction traffic generation by a minimum of 7% overall and 15% during the peak periods.
12.5.14 A total of 14 PRoW would either be permanently diverted or closed during the construction period (subject to consultation with Local Authority). The numbers of users has been identified during surveys undertaken in August and September 2012, as detailed above. Of the 14 PRoW, eight have been identified with user numbers below ten per day. The remaining five which are used more frequently are detailed below (it should be noted that Public Footpath Nos 19 and 0.377 have been surveyed at a single location, since they intersect each other): • 10 – Shirral Drive – Public Bridleway No. 10 Drayton Bassett Parish with two equestrian and 19 cycle users; • 11 – Link from Rookery Lane (North Bound) – Public Footpath No. 11 Hints Parish with 19 pedestrian users; • 19 and 0.377 – Link from Rook Hill – Public Footpaths Nos 19 and 0.377 Hints Parish with 17 pedestrian users; • 4 – Footbridge over A5 – Public Bridleway No. 4 Hints Parish with five pedestrian, 17 equestrian and 24 cycle users; and • 8 – Link from Jerry’s Lane (North Bound) – Public Bridleway No. 8 Swinfen and Packington Parish with 72 pedestrian users.
12.5.15 The length of the diversions will be kept to a minimum where reasonably practicable. The impact of all diversions is considered to be not significant or of minor significance because of the few people that would be affected (less than 80 people per day per PRoW).
12.5.16 The bus service 110 which runs along the A453 Sutton Road would be subject to a temporary diversion.
12.5.17 Details of bus diversion distances and durations will be included in the formal ES.
12.5.18 No other significant transport related impacts arising from the construction of the Proposed Scheme have been identified. Likely residual significant effects
12.5.19 Although the measures within the draft CoCP seeks to minimise construction lorry trips, the construction of the Proposed Scheme is anticipated to result in significant increases in traffic flows (i.e. more than 30% for HGV or all vehicles) on roads and junctions within this area.
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12.5.20 Since in the Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford area no roads or junctions have been identified which experienced a significant amount of accidents (nine and above in a three-year period ending 2011/12) it is not expected that the increase in traffic flows on major roads and through certain junctions is likely to increase accident risk.
12.5.21 Resultant residual effects are to be confirmed upon assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures and will be reported in the formal ES. 12.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
12.6.1 The assessments undertaken at this stage have indicated that for this area there are no significant transport related impacts during operation of the ProposedScheme that require mitigation. This is due to there being no stations or depots within this area; trips generated by the Proposed Scheme are deemed to be insignificant.
12.6.2 PRoW diversions as detailed below are not deemed to be significant as the maximum number affected is no more than 80 per day per PRoW: • Shirrall Drive – Public Bridleway No. 10 Drayton Bassett Parish (10) – minor effect; • Link between Bangley Lane/Sutton Road – Public Footpath No.11 Drayton Bassett Parish (11) – not significant; • Waggoner’s Lane – Public Bridleway No. 20 Hints Parish (20) – not significant; • Link from School Lane (South of Roundhill Wood) – Public Footpath No. 8 Hints Parish (8) – not significant; • Link between Bangley Lane/Hints Road – Public Footpath No. 9 Hints Parish (9) – not significant; • Link from Rookery Lane (South Bound) – Public Footpath No. 13 Hints Parish (13) – not significant; • Link from School Lane (North of Roundhill Wood) – Public Footpath No. 14 Hints Parish (14) – not significant; • Link from Rookery Lane (North Bound) – Public Footpath No. 11 Hints Parish (11) – minor effect; • Link from Rook Hill – Public Footpaths Nos 19 Hints Parish (19) – not significant; • Link from Rook Hill – Public Footpaths Nos 0.377 Hints Parish (0.377) – not significant; • Footbridge over A5 – Public Bridleway No. 4 Hints Parish (4) – minor effect; and • Link from Jerry’s Lane (North Bound) – Public Bridleway No. 8 Swinfen and Packington Parish (8) – minor effect. Likely residual significant effects
12.6.3 There are not considered to be any significant residual effects associated with the operation of the Proposed Scheme.
99 CFA Report – Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford/No 21 I Water resources and flood risk assessment 13 Water resources and flood risk assessment 13.1 Introduction 13.1.1 This section provides a summary of the likely impacts and significant effects on water resources and flood risk as a result of the construction and operation of the ProposedScheme. The assessment considers effects on surface water resources, groundwater resources and flooding risk. 13.2 Policy framework 13.2.1 The planning policy documents (and their status) applicable to this area are described in Section 2.1. Policies of relevance to water resources and flood risk assessment are set out below.
13.2.2 The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan includes two policies of particular relevance – Policy D1 Sustainable Development and Policy D2: The Design and Environmental Quality of Development, which promotes sustainable development, measures to protect the water environment, and management of flood risk. Policy D7: Conserving Energy and Water promotes the efficient use of water by encouraging the incorporation of rainwater collection systems and the recycling of grey water, whilst Policy NC9: Water Resources seeks to protect groundwater resources, standing water bodies and river systems.
13.2.3 The adopted Lichfield District Local Plan contains a number of relevant saved policies including: • Policy E15: Flood Protection, which would not support development in areas at risk of flooding, unless suitable preventative measures are undertaken; • Policy E17: Contaminated Land, which provides guidance on contaminated land to prevent, amongst other things, the contamination of any surface or groundwater; • Policy E14: Water Habitats states that development that may affect the water quality and quantity of river catchments, wetland areas, and aquatic habitats would not be permitted, unless it is demonstrated that suitable remediation would be carried out; and • Policy DC1: Amenity and Design Principles for Development requires adequate means of surface and foul water disposal to be available or provided.
13.2.4 The emerging Lichfield District Local Plan – Our Strategy contains the following policies of relevance to the water environment: • Core Policy 3: Delivering Sustainable Development which seeks to conserve water resources and promotes sustainable drainage techniques to manage run-off. The policy also directs development away from areas at risk of flooding and requires site-specific flood risk assessments to be undertaken; and • Policy NR9: Water Quality states that development would be permitted only where it does not negatively impact on water quality. 13.3 Assessment scope and key assumptions 13.3.1 The assessment scope and key assumptions for the water resources and flood risk assessment (FRA) are set out in Volume 1.
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13.3.2 The assessment of surface water resources and flood risk focuses on theGallows Brook, the Langley Brook, the Black-Bourne Brook and their associated tributaries, catchment areas and floodplains.
13.3.3 The groundwater resources assessment focuses on aquifers that are present within bedrock and overlying deposits, including a principal bedrock aquifer, located within the Sherwood Sandstone Group (Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation and Kidderminster Formation) and two Secondary Aquifers located within the bedrock within the Mercia Mudstone Group and Salop Formation (Enville Member). Effects on groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs) and groundwater users (both licensed abstractions and private users) are also considered. 13.4 Environmental baseline 13.4.1 The study area is predominantly rural. The topography along the route between Drayton Bassett and Whittington Heath shows little variation in elevation, with elevations ranging from 100m AOD in the highest areas to 80m AOD in the Black-Bourne Brook valley.
13.4.2 The route intersects water features seven times within the study area, including the Gallows Brook; several tributaries of the Langley Brook and Black-Bourne Brook; and the Black-Bourne Brook itself. The EA predicts Water Framework Directive (WFD) status of “poor” in 2015, the same as currently41.
13.4.3 The EA has indicated that there are seven licensed surface water abstractions within the study area; these are for agricultural purposes. There are 25 licensed discharges to surface water within the study area.
13.4.4 The Tame, Anker and Mease Abstraction Licensing Strategy provide detail on the implementation of the Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy relevant to the study area.
13.4.5 In terms of surface water, the route within the study area lies within the following sub catchments from south to north respectively: • East Lichfield catchment (tributary of the River Tame); • Black-Bourne Brook from source (confluence) to River Tame; and • Langley Brook from Middleton Hall to River Tame.
13.4.6 The Black-Bourne Brook and East Lichfield sub-catchments are designated as areas with no water available at low (Q95) flow (flow that occurs 95% of the time). Within the study area the Black-Bourne Brook has been assessed as “over abstracted”. This means that existing abstraction is already unsustainable. The rest of the study area to the south is designated as an area with restricted water available for licensing at Q95 flow.
13.4.7 The study area is underlain by one Principal Aquifer in the Sherwood Sandstone Group (Bromsgrove Sandstone and Kidderminster formations) and two bedrock Secondary aquifers in the Mercia Mudstone Group and the Salop Formation (Enville Member)42,43. Alluvium and river terrace deposit along the river valleys are also Secondary aquifers. The EA predicts the WFD status of the Tame Anker Mease – PT Sandstone Birmingham Lichfield groundwater body (which covers the northern part of the study area) as poor in 2015, the same as currently.
41 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 Establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.Strasbourg, European Parliament and European Council 42 Geological strata that exhibit high permeability and usually provide a high level of water storage capable of supporting water supply on a strategic scale. 43 A wide range of geological strata with a correspondingly wide range of permeability and storage capable of supporting small to moderate water supplies.
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The Tame Anker Mease – Secondary Combined groundwater body (which covers the southern part of the study area) is predicted to be of poor quality is 2015, the same as currently. There are several Source Protection Zones (SPZs) located in the study area (map CT‑04-22).
13.4.8 The majority of the route within the study area lies within the Tame Anker Mease – Shenstone Groundwater Monitoring Unit (GWMU) extending into the Lichfield GWMU in the north. The current groundwater availability status of the Shenstone and Lichfield GWMUs indicates that the units are over abstracted. In the Shenstone GWMU unit, no more licences can be considered due to low flow problems associated with the Black-Bourne Brook. The southern section of the study area lies within the Tame Anker Mease – Secondary Combined unit, which is designated as a secondary aquifer; however, it has not been classified in terms of groundwater availability by the EA.
13.4.9 No recent groundwater level data close to the route have been made available. However, it is considered that groundwater, especially in the superficial deposits, will be shallow and will flow towards local rivers and streams. Groundwater within the Sherwood Sandstone Aquifer is likely to be deeper and subject to the effects of pumping.
13.4.10 The EA has indicated that there are five licensed groundwater abstractions within the study area. The majority of the groundwater abstractions are for agricultural purposes. Lichfield District Council has confirmed that here are no unlicensed potable supplies within the study area44. There are 21 consented discharges to groundwater within the study area; these are all sewage effluent discharges. There are 23 springs, sinks or wells identified within the study area.
13.4.11 There are no nationally or internationally designated sites located within the study area. However, there are LWS which may be GWDTEs at Rockery Ancient Woodland, Black-Bourne Brook, Moor Covert and Pool, Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood.
13.4.12 The study area lies within the West Staffordshire policy unit of the River Trent Catchment Flood Management Plan. The overall flood risk, taking account of the defences in place in this policy unit, is considered to be low. The preferred policy for this policy unit recognises that flood risk is currently managed appropriately and is not expected to increase considerably in the future as a result of climate change and urban growth. Although the risk is currently being managed appropriately, there will be the need to take further actions to keep pace with climate change in the long term45.
13.4.13 Lichfield District Council’s Level 1 SFRA states that there have been no observed or recorded incidences of groundwater flooding. However, British Geological Survey (BGS) groundwater flood risk mapping suggests that the levels of groundwater flood risk vary within the study area with high to low risk pockets.
13.4.14 The EA’s extent of river flooding in a 1 in 100 annual probability event is shown on map CT‑04‑22. Floodplains are shown along the Black-Bourne Brook and extending up an un‑named stream from the River Tame, south of Drayton Bassett.
13.4.15 Surface water flood maps provided by the EA suggest that parts of the route within the study area are susceptible to flooding from surface water during the 1 in 002 annual probability event, the most vulnerable areas being: • West of Drayton Bassett; • South of Hints; • Hints; and
44 Environment Agency, (February 2013), Tame, Anker and Mease Abstraction Licensing Strategy. 45 Environment Agency, (December 2010), River Trent Catchment Flood Management Plan. Summary Report.
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• South-west of Whittington Heath.
13.4.16 The route crosses the sewer network at several locations within the study area. However due to the nature of the closed sewer system and the fact that there are no locations where the route crosses an inspection cover, the risk of flooding from this source is generally considered to be low. 13.5 Construction Assessment of impacts and mitigation
13.5.1 The draft CoCP sets out the measures and standards of work that would be applied to the construction of the Proposed Scheme. It would provide effective management and control of the impacts during the construction period including those required for construction of cuttings, embankments and viaducts.
13.5.2 The draft CoCP includes the following provisions: • Implementing, in consultation with the EA, a surface water and/or groundwater monitoring plan as required, particularly in relation to works which may affect groundwater sensitive areas; • Undertaking risk assessments associated with excavation work and impacts on surface water; groundwater; abstractions; aquifers and private water supplies; • Preparing site-specific flood risk management plans for those areas at risk of flooding; • Avoiding the use of contaminating materials through appropriate design, construction and equipment specification and wherever possible, using biodegradable substances; • Following the measures outlined for the provision of suitable site drainage, for the storage and control or oils and chemicals and to mitigate against accidental spillages; and • Undertaking, as required, further pre-construction monitoring to establish baseline water quality conditions for watercourses; groundwater and during construction works. This would enable the effectiveness of those mitigation measures introduced to limit pollution risk to be monitored and any pollution incidents to be identified.
13.5.3 Measures defined in the draft CoCP, including detailed method statements, the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) would ensure that there would be no significant effect on surface water quality or flows associated with construction.
13.5.4 Three culverts are proposed, one on the Gallows Brook and two on minor tributaries of the Black-Bourne Brook. These may require in-channel construction work although as much work as possible will be done offline. These works may have a local adverse effect on the water environment, although this is not considered to be significant.
13.5.5 The Proposed Scheme is in cutting throughout the study area except in the vicinity of Hints and the Black-Bourne Brook where viaducts and associated approach embankments are proposed. Swinfen Hall cutting is the deepest with a maximum depth of approximately 18m. Groundwater levels may need to be lowered in these locations and this has the potential to affect groundwater flows and affect groundwater quality by disturbing and mobilising existing ground or groundwater contamination.
13.5.6 The effects of disturbing and mobilising existing poor quality ground or groundwater and of creating or altering pathways on groundwater quality during construction would be mitigated by the following measures: • Avoid below ground construction in the saturated zone, if at all possible;
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• Create hydraulic barriers around excavations; and • Implement a regime of pre-construction monitoring of groundwater quality to establish baseline conditions.
13.5.7 Dewatering associated with the cuttings may impact Rookery Wood, Black-Bourne Brook, Moor Covert and Pool, Waggoner’s Lane and Roundhill Wood LWSs and potential GWDTEs. Subject to further assessment during detailed design and the use of recharge trenched and good water management it is likely that the effects of changes to the water environment on these areas will not be significant.
13.5.8 Two proposed temporary bridge crossings across the Black-Bourne Brook and a tributary of the River Tame are proposed within the study area. Bridges would be designed above the 1 in 100 annual probability flood level, including an allowance for climate change, to reduce the impact on flood risk. In addition, two proposed temporary bridge crossings and two proposed demolition sites are considered to be at possible risk from surface water flooding. Mitigation would ensure run-off from construction areas is restricted to the 1 in 100 annual probability greenfield rate, and more frequent events as appropriate, including an allowance for climate change, to address this risk. Any potential for increase in off-site flood risks would be managed by the measures defined in the draft CoCP and reported in the formal ES.
13.5.9 None of the effects likely to arise during the construction of the Proposed Scheme has been identified as being significant after mitigation. Likely residual significant effects
13.5.10 The potential residual effects of the Proposed Scheme during construction have been assessed as not significant. 13.6 Operation Assessment of impacts and mitigation
13.6.1 The Proposed Scheme has been designed to control impacts on the water environment through the following: • Drainage has been designed to reduce the rate and volume of run-off from the railway and prevent an increase in flood risk; • Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), where appropriate, have been included to encourage water to soak back into the ground; and where drainage or cuttings intercept groundwater flow; and • SuDS would also provide opportunities to reduce the effect of run-off on water quality by reducing potential contaminants through filtration, vegetation adsorption or settlement.
13.6.2 Best practice pollution control guidance will be adopted for maintenance of the Proposed Scheme.
13.6.3 Run-off and drainage from the Proposed Scheme has the potential to affect surface water quality and quantity. The ballast to be used on the tracks would encourage infiltration where ground conditions allow. In addition, balancing ponds proposed to attenuate run-off would be used to maintain natural flow regimes, aid infiltration and reduce the risk of flooding; these outlined measures would also provide opportunities to further improve water quality. Water would be discharged to ground, surface waters or sewers as appropriate for the location, in accordance with the principles of SuDS. The impact on surface water receptors is therefore not significant.
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13.6.4 Three culverts are proposed, one on the Gallows Brook and two on minor tributaries of the Black-Bourne Brook. As part of the culverting and realignment, opportunities would be taken to retain and if possible enhance the overall quality of the watercourses so that the overall impact is beneficial. The mitigation specifically for effects on the ecology of the watercourses is considered in Section 7 – Ecology.
13.6.5 Where road diversions are required, mitigation would be selected using the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and Construction Industry Research and Information Association guidance to reduce impacts on the water environment46,47.
13.6.6 In some locations active groundwater abstraction may need to be continuous to maintain a low water table, or manage passive drainage into cuttings. This could affect the quality or flow of groundwater bodies and groundwater dependant ecosystems within the study area. These impacts would be mitigated through the use of SuDS, reinjection of water and the incorporation of low permeable barriers below ground to control groundwater flow (known as cut off walls) into the ground works design. Further assessment of this impact and any additional mitigation will be detailed in the formal ES, but it is unlikely that the post- mitigation impact will be significant.
13.6.7 The design of the Proposed Scheme would ensure the track level is above the 1 in 1000 annual probability flood event. All watercourse crossings would be designed to convey the 1 in 100 annual probability event, including an allowance for climate change, without increasing flood risk. Appropriate storage mitigation would be provided at locations where required to mitigate any increase in flood risk to sensitive receptors.
13.6.8 Modelling has been undertaken to assess any post construction flood risk from rivers and has concluded that overall the Proposed Scheme would have minimal impact within this area. This will be reviewed within the formal ES once all modelling is complete.
13.6.9 Where design elements of the Proposed Scheme have been identified as at risk from surface water flooding, flows would be mitigated either by discharging run-off to a neighbouring watercourse after balancing, through storage or through the provision of infiltration ponds. Relevant locations include: • A proposed bridleway diversion at Whittington Barracks; and • Areas of proposed landscaping works west of Drayton Bassett, south-west of Bonehill, and adjacent to Black-Bourne Brook to the west of Hints.
13.6.10 The overall impact on flooding from all sources during operation is therefore not significant and the effect on property and the water environment is not significant. Likely residual significant effects
13.6.11 The river diversion would offer the opportunity for beneficial effects, should enhancements be identified. This would be reviewed and assessed in the formal ES. All other residual effects on the water environment, or flood risk, have been assessed as not significant.
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